Note 19 at Phil. 1:25: The way Paul spoke in these verses indicates that he had the power to choose whether he lived or died. This has to be understood in light of the scripture that says, "It is appointed unto men once to die" (Heb. 9:27). No one lives forever unless he is among those who remain at the second coming of the Lord. However, through faith we can prolong our days on the earth or shorten them through unbelief.