Philippians 1:23-26

English Standard Version

²³^(A)I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is ^(B)to depart and ^(C)be with Christ, for that is far better. ²⁴But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. ²⁵^(D)Convinced of this, ^(E)I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your ^(F)progress and ^(G)joy in the faith, ²⁶so that in me ^(H)you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

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Philippians 1:23-26

New International Version

²³I am torn between the two: I desire to depart^(A) and be with Christ,^(B) which is better by far; ²⁴but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. ²⁵Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, ²⁶so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

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Philippians 1:23-26

The Message

^22-26As long as I’m alive in this body, there is good work for me to do. If I had to choose right now, I hardly know which I’d choose. Hard choice! The desire to break camp here and be with Christ is powerful. Some days I can think of nothing better. But most days, because of what you are going through, I am sure that it’s better for me to stick it out here. So I plan to be around awhile, companion to you as your growth and joy in this life of trusting God continues. You can start looking forward to a great reunion when I come visit you again. We’ll be praising Christ, enjoying each other.

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