“Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.”
King James Version (KJV)
1:22 Here he begins to treat of the former clause of the preceding verse. Of the latter he treats, #Php 2:17|. But if I am to live is the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour - This is the fruit of my living longer, that I can labour more. Glorious labour! desirable fruit! in this view, long life is indeed a blessing. And what I should choose I know not - That is, if it were left to my choice.
1:23 To depart - Out of bonds, flesh, the world. And to be with Christ - In a nearer and fuller union. It is better to depart; it is far better to be with Christ.
1:25 I know - By a prophetic notice given him while he was writing this. That I shall continue some time longer with you - And doubtless he did see them after this confinement.
Php 1:24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh [is] more needful for you. Though it is better to depart and dwell with Christ, the brethren need him "in the flesh". That is the reason why he is in the strait. See Php 1:23.