Monday, January 31, 2005

Philippians 1:22

Textus Receptus:
ει δε το ζην εν σαρκι τουτο μοι καρπος εργου και τι αιρησομαι ου γνωριζω

King James:
But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.

Comments:
live in the flesh...fruit of my labour: Paul is introducing the first cusp of the dilemma he mentioned in verse 20 and will complete in verses 23-24. It is important to realize that this cusp, living in the flesh, has nothing to do with living carnally or selfishly, but with producing fruit for Christ in this life. In other words, Paul will not be caught somewhere between himself (in this world) and Christ's will (through death), but between living in obedience to Christ in this world and living in eternity with Christ.

what I shall choose: Paul is not presuming to choose. He is simply acknowledging that there is so much good either way that he is not sure which to prefer. In fact, his torn desire is similar to the torn will of Jesus in His prayer in the garden in, for instance, Mark 14:36. Both desires are good. But God's purpose is specific.

Paraphrase:
So if I continue to live for Christ in this world, in this body, then I will continue to produce my fruit through that work. But the other realization of Christ's will for me is also appealing. In fact, I am not certain which I ought to prefer even if I had my own choice to make.