Philippians 1:23

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

So, I am in a dilemma between the two choices. [On the one hand] I have the desire to depart [from this life] and be with Christ [in heaven], which would be far better.

Cross References

2 Corinthians 5:8

We are encouraged, I say, and would rather be away from our body and at home with the Lord.

Revelation 14:13

Then I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write [this]: Those who are [now] dead, who died in [fellowship with] the Lord, are blessed from now on. Yes, says the Holy Spirit, they will rest from their work, for [the record of] their deeds will follow them [i.e., into the next life].”

Acts 7:59

So, they stoned Stephen [to death] as he called out to the Lord, saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit [as I die].”

Luke 23:43

Then Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise [Note: This is a place in God’s presence, referred to as “the third heaven” (II Cor. 12:2-4), and where overcomers will be able to eat from “the tree of life” (Rev. 2:7)]. ”

2 Timothy 4:6

For I am already being “poured out like a drink offering,” and the time for me to leave has come. [Note: Paul here likens the prospect of shedding his blood for the work of Christ to the pouring of wine and oil on an Old Testament sacrifice].

John 17:24

“Father, I want those you gave me [i.e., the apostles, see verse 6] to be with me where I am [going], so they will see my splendor [i.e., in heaven], which you have given me, for you loved me before the creation of the world.

John 12:26

If any person wants to serve me, he should become my follower; and wherever I am, my servant will be there also. If any person serves me, the Father will honor him.

1 Thessalonians 4:17

Then, we who [will still] be alive, that are left, will be caught up together with them into the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so [from then on] we will always be with the Lord.

John 14:3

And if I go to prepare a place for each of you, I will return to take all you to [be with] me, so that you also will be where I am.

Luke 12:50

But I have an immersion to experience [i.e., overwhelming suffering to undergo. See Mark 10:38-39], and what stress I am under until it happens!

1 Thessalonians 2:13

And because of this we also thank God continually that, when you people received the message of God, which you heard from us, you did not accept it as a message from [mere] human beings, but as it truly is, the message from God, which is at work in you believers.

John 13:1

Now it was before the Passover Festival [was to begin] and Jesus knew that the time had come for Him to leave this world and return to the Father. Those [living] in the world, whom He had loved, and who were His own [disciples], He continued to love [dearly] to the very end [i.e., of His life on earth].

Luke 8:38

But the man from whom the evil spirits had been driven out begged Jesus to allow him to travel with Him, but Jesus sent him away, saying,

1 Thessalonians 2:1

For you brothers [should] know that our coming to you was not a waste of time.

2 Corinthians 6:12

We are not holding back [our affections] from you, but you are holding back your affections [from us].

Philippians 1:24

Yet [on the other hand], to remain in my body is more necessary for your sakes.