Dcontroversal , I am glad you study hard , I would like you to read Phil 1:23 and tell me what does it say,and what is the meaning of it ,
I hope your books can help,thanks,God bless
The context is the following...
Verse 12 Everything that had happened in Paul's life had led to an expansion of the Gospel being preached.
Verse 13 The Gospel had spread thru the "palace" and all "other places" while Paul was bound.
Verse 14 Many of the brethren were bold to preach in light of Paul's preaching while being bound
Verses 15-18 Some preach out of love (for God) some preach out of jealousy and pretense to add to Paul's affliction
Verse 19 Paul believes this will lead to his safety, deliverance and or rescue (word salvation) thru prayer
Verse 20 Paul expects to magnify Jesus both in life and in death and will not be ashamed of his witness and or Jesus
Verse 21 For Paul to live....it will result in the glorification of Jesus Christ and he will continue to preach Christ
And to die is gain....I.E. Paul would be with Christ...Paul had counted ALL things but DUNG if you remember right..
Verse 22 To live in the flesh and preach results in present situation which he views as the fruit of his labor....REMEMBER JESUS said....To suffer for and with Jesus leads to great gain.....
Verse 23 Paul was in a (pickle) He knew that to depart and be with Christ (die) was far better, but to abide in the flesh was for the brethren more useful (needful) for them (verse 24)...........
He had a desire and a longing to be with Jesus, but knew if he was allowed to live he could continue to assist the brothers and sisters in Christ through teaching, instruction, example, with etc.......