Information Related to "Paul's Desire to 'Depart and Be With Christ'"
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The apostle Paul dedicated his life to preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God (Acts 14:22; 19:8; 20:25; 28:23,31). In the process he was subjected to persecution, beatings and several periods of imprisonment. When he wrote his letter to the Philippians he was enduring a period of house arrest in Rome. Paul knew that the Roman government had authority to put prisoners to death. Paul knew what the future might hold for him, whether it be execution on the one hand or his release on the other.
In Philippians 1:23-24 he wrote of the two possible outcomes: "For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you."
Many have assumed from Paul's words here that he believed that at the moment of his death he would join Christ in heaven. However, this is not the case.
Paul knew that if he were executed he would go to the grave, and there his remains would lie until the time of his resurrection. Paul knew that, since the dead have no thought processes whatsoever, in his next waking moment he would be with the returning Messiah, Jesus, joining Him along with the other saints at the time of the resurrection.
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Table of Contents that includes "Paul's Desire to 'Depart and Be With Christ'"
Paul:
