to be referred to the verb to be, not to depart, whether we take it as a predicate, or rather understand it absolutely, by supplying ov, in this sense, since that is much better. For the comparative is cumulative ; comp. 2 Cor. vii. 13, note. To depart is better than to remain in the flesh ; to be with Christ is far far better. The Vulgate alone, so far as I know, has rightly, multo magis melius, much more better [preferable]. To depart was always a thing wished for by the saints, but to be with Christ is in accordance with the New Testament [a privilege peculiar to the New Tes tament] ; comp. Heb. xii. 24.
24. 'Eflv^m/i/, to abide longer) — avayKatortpov, more necessary) It appertains more to me [I feel it more desirable], he says, even with a view to the perception of my love [on your part] ; more than even the access to blessedness just now mentioned. The Philippians might have said, This man is necessary to us. Egotism has ceased in the mind of Paul ; he therefore acknow ledges that circumstance [the personal gain it would be to him to depart] ; comp. ch. ii. 25. He however adds this also : It is more important for me to be serviceable to you, than a little sooner to enjoy heaven. Heaven will not fail to be mine [at last, notwith standing the delay].
25. Ka/ rovro, and this) While he was writing these things, he had a prophetical suggestion in his mind concerning his conti nuance among them. — KevoiOus o/Sa, / confidently know) He knew by spiritual confidence ; he did not yet know from the report of men, ver. 17, ch. ii. 23. — /xsvw, that I shall continue) in life. — ffvpvapapivZ), remain with you) I shall remain for a considerable length of time with you. Ps. Ixxii. 5, the LXX., ffv^apa^svzT r& yXiw, He shall continue along with [as long as~] the sun. There is no doubt that Paul returned from his first captivity into that country, Philem. ver. 22 ; Heb. xiii. 19.
26. Tb xavxwa vpuv, your glorying [rejoicing]) concerning my restoration to you, who were praying for that very thing. It is correlative to the words, to my rejoicing \_glorying over you], ii. 16. Glory is joy, proceeding from virtue ; gloryingis the expres sion of joy, an affection full of joy : from virtue, either true or false ; whence glorying is also true or false ; comp. Is. Ivii. 1 2, where righteousness is called, though it is falsely so called, righteousness.
27. Movov, only) Make this one thing your care ; nothing else.