Philippians 1:24

Textus Receptus:
το δε επιμενειν εν τη σαρκι αναγκαιοτερον δι υμας

King James:
Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

Comments:
abide: This word is translated as "tarry" or "continue" in many passages such as Acts 10:48. In many of those contexts the use of the word matches perfectly the situation Paul describes here: a visiting apostle whose continued presence is an encouragement, challenge, or comfort to growing believers.

needful: While it sounds as if Paul is recognizing something significant about himself (as if to say, "I am so important that I need to remain here for you") he is not. The same word translated as "needful" here is translated as "necessary" in 1 Corinthians 12:22, where the point is that the things which would otherwise seem completely unimportant, even weak, are each and every one "necessary" in the body of Christ. Paul is not singling out his significance, but applying to himself what he has taught every believer about God's purpose for them in the body.

Paraphrase:
But I know I also have an obligation to continue here with you even though to do so I would have to remain in this body and without my greatest reward.