John Calvin Commentary Philippians 1:23

"But I am in a strait betwixt the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ; for it is very far better:" — Philippians 1:23 (ASV)

For I am in a strait. Paul did not desire to live with any other object in view than that of promoting the glory of Christ and doing good to the brothers. Therefore, he does not consider that he has any other advantage from living than the welfare of the brothers.

But as far as he himself was personally concerned, he acknowledges it would be better for him to die soon, because he would be with Christ. By his choice, however, he shows what ardent love glowed in his breast. Nothing is said here regarding earthly advantages, but regarding spiritual benefit, which is justifiably and supremely desirable for the pious.

Paul, however, as if forgetful of himself, does not merely remain undecided, lest he be swayed by a concern for his own benefit rather than that of the Philippians, but finally concludes that concern for them weighs more heavily in his mind. And certainly, this is truly to live and die to Christ: when, with indifference to ourselves, we allow ourselves to be carried and borne away wherever Christ calls us.

Having a desire to be set free and to be with Christ. These two things must be read in connection. For death in itself will never be desired, because such a desire is contrary to natural feeling; rather, it is desired for a particular reason, or for some other purpose.

People in despair resort to death because they have become weary of life. Believers, on the other hand, willingly hasten toward it, because it is a deliverance from the bondage of sin and an introduction into the kingdom of heaven. What Paul now says is this: “I desire to die, because by this means I will come into immediate connection with Christ.”

Meanwhile, believers do not cease to regard death with horror, but when they turn their eyes to the life that follows death, they easily overcome all dread by means of that consolation. Undoubtedly, everyone who believes in Christ ought to be so courageous as to lift up his head when death is mentioned, delighted to have an indication of his redemption (Luke 21:28).

From this we see how many are Christians only in name, since most of them, on hearing death mentioned, are not merely alarmed but are rendered almost lifeless through fear, as if they had never heard a single word about Christ. Oh, the worth and value of a good conscience! Now, faith is the foundation of a good conscience; indeed, it is itself goodness of conscience.

To be set free. This form of expression should be noted. Ungodly people speak of death as the destruction of man, as if he perished completely. Paul here reminds us that death is the separation of the soul from the body. He expresses this more fully immediately afterward, explaining what condition awaits believers after death: that of dwelling with Christ.

We are with Christ even in this life, since the kingdom of God is within us (Luke 17:21), and Christ dwells in us by faith (Ephesians 3:17), and has promised that He will be with us even to the end of the world (Matthew 28:20). But that presence we enjoy only in hope.

Therefore, regarding our feeling, we are said to be at present at a distance from Him (see 2 Corinthians 5:6). This passage is useful for refuting the foolish notion of those who dream that souls sleep when separated from the body, for Paul openly declares that we enjoy Christ’s presence when set free from the body.