Note 16 at Phil. 1:23: Paul was pulled in two directions-having a desire to leave this life and be with Christ or to remain alive for the sake of the saints. In verse 25 he reveals his choice. He chose to stay in this life so that others might progress in the furtherance and joy of their faith. Paul's staying caused many to glorify Christ for Paul's safety and his visit to them again.

Note 17 at Phil. 1:23: Paul's way of thinking here is not the most common way of viewing things, even among Christians, but this really is impeccable logic. If we seriously thought about what the scriptures teach us about our life with Christ after this physical life, we would all think like Paul. The things prepared for us (Jn. 14:2-3) are so wonderful that we can't totally comprehend them with this finite mind (1 Jn. 3:1). We need to value our eternal life more and our temporal life less. This would solve many problems and remove a lot of grief.