ANALYSIS OF PHILIPPIANS 1:21 – part 1

The next two posts will focus on the infamous passage in Philippians 1:21. The purpose of this paper was to consult major commentaries, provide an analysis of the verse, look at the context before and after the verse, and provide a personal preference to the verse based on the analysis. This post will focus on the introduction, commentary analysis, and the context before the verse. The next post will focus on the remaining topics.

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When does a sentence become more than just words on a page? When it comes from the inspired Word of God. While many passages of Scripture provide context, history, teachings, encouragements, or revelations about God, over the course of Christian history, some verses have stood out more than others. They have become the battle cry for a certain people or generation. They have inspired believers to take leaps of faith, to stand strong, to trust God in difficult times and know He is working in those situations. Some verses are quoted often and applied to one meaning, when in fact the original meaning was potentially something entirely different. How many times is Philippians 1:21 used at a funeral or at the side of a terminally ill person? Does this verse only apply to death or is there more to it? Philippians 1:21 offers something more than just a quote for a funeral; it provides inspiration for Christians to magnify Christ daily. This analysis will show that “to live is Christ” should be the central statement to every Christian’s life because believers are instructed to magnify Christ in their lives; and death is gain because death means more of Christ and Christ is better than anything in this life. In this brief analysis, Philippians 1:21 (“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain”) will be examined and analyzed to identify not only the context of this single verse, but also determine what major Christian commentators suggest this verse means. In addition, my personal viewpoint on this verse and how I believe it applies to a believer’s life will be discussed.

Philippians 1:21 Commentary

Most Christians focus on the second part of this verse, “to die is gain,” as they contemplate the joys to come. However, the first part of this verse cannot be overlooked as the importance of Paul’s phrase “to live is Christ” cannot be overstated. This short phrase is the essence of Paul’s teaching about doing everything to glorify God (1 Cor 10:31) and it is of utmost importance to believers of all generations. In this simple statement, “to live is Christ,” Paul is saying everything he has tried to be, everything he is, and everything he looks forward to is pointed to Christ. From the time of his conversion until his martyrdom, Paul’s singular aim was to bring glory to Jesus. Verses 21-24 reveal a deep inner struggle for Paul. These verses expose Paul’s serious contemplations between life and death and what each possibility meant.[1] While Paul knew that he did not have power over his destiny and it was in God’s hands, he contemplated the alternative situations in anticipation of what might come. Paul resolved the tension by the principle that guided his life, the glory of God. In order to see this principle of magnifying Christ, the whole verse and its context must be examined. This will be shown by analyzing several commentaries about the wording and motivation of Paul.

Commentary Analysis Before Verse 21

As mentioned, the theme of Paul’s life was to glorify God; the previous verse introduces this thought process of Paul’s and provide reason why Paul talks about life and death. Paul was not certain whether he would experience release from prison or martyrdom for his faith. He was certain of one thing though, that he wanted Christ to be exalted in his body either way (v.20, cf. “in the body,” v. 22, 24).[2] While Paul expected and hoped to exalt Christ, he knew that it would take courage to face death with the proper attitude.[3] The only way Paul could avoid shame and ensure exaltation of Christ was courage. The courageous living that exalts Christ is the only way Paul would have the internal strength to live for Christ or die for Christ.[4] The phrase “will be magnified” (NKJV, “be exalted” in NASB) was Paul committing himself to making Christ more visible in his own life than ever before. “He was not relying on himself to exalt Christ but looked to the Holy Spirit (v. 19) to magnify Christ in him (John 16:14; 2 Cor 3:18).”[5] Paul was concerned not with himself, but with what type of testimony would be left for Jesus. Release would allow him to continue preaching Christ, but martyrdom would also advance the cause of Christ.[6] For Paul, there was not a difference between life and death (v. 20), as long as that life or death magnified, glorified, and exalted Christ.[7] The glory of Christ leads him to the statement in verse 21.

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[1] Richard R. Melick, “Philippians, Colossians, Philemon,” in The New American Commentary, vol. 32 (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1991), 84.

[2] Robert P. Lightner, “Philippians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. John. F. Walvoord and Roy. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton: Victor Books, 1985), 651.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Max Anders, “Galatians-Colossians,” in Holman New Testament Commentary, vol. 8 (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1999), Philippians, sec., “Commentary: Our Joy in troubled times,” Logos Bible Software.

[5] Earl D. Radmacher, Ronald B. Allen, H. Wayne House, eds., Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary (Nashville: Nelson, 1999), 1548.

[6] Lightner, “Philippians,” 651.

[7] Radmacher, Allen, House, Commentary, 1548.