Philippians 1:21-30 - Living Is Christ

²¹ and if I die, I gain. ²² whether it be an advantage to me or not still to lead this mortal life, what to chuse I cannot tell. ²³ I am doubly press'd between my desire to depart, in order to be with Christ, which is by far the best for ME; ²⁴ and my inclination to abide in this life, as being more advantageous for YOU: ²⁵ which consideration persuades me that I shall abide, and even continue some time with you all, to improve your advancement in the faith, and to promote your joy: ²⁶ that by my being present with you again, I may be the occasion of heightning your christian joy.

²⁷ only conduct yourselves in a manner becoming the gospel of Christ, that whether I come to see you, or else am absent, I may have this account of you, that you are stedfastly of the same resolution, and unanimously contend for the faith of the gospel, ²⁸ without being under any the least apprehension from your adversaries: this will be to them a sign of their ruin, and to you of salvation, by the divine appointment. ²⁹ for it is a favour bestowed upon you, that you not only believe on Christ, but suffer also for his sake, ³⁰ being engag'd in the same conflict, in which you saw I was formerly, and hear that I am at present engag'd.