Philippians 1:22
But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.
Philippians 1:22 (KJV)
Context
The book of Philippians was written by the Apostle Paul while he was in prison, most likely in Rome. The letter is addressed to the believers in Philippi, a city in Macedonia. Paul wrote this letter to express his gratitude for their support and to encourage them in their faith. In this passage, Paul is uncertain about the outcome of his trial, whether he will be released or executed, and he shares his personal dilemma between living and dying.
Meaning
“But if I live in the flesh”: Paul is referring to his physical existence, his continued life in the body. He acknowledges that he is currently alive in the flesh, which means he has the opportunity to continue his earthly ministry. This phrase does not mean living in sin or unregeneracy; it simply describes his present bodily life.
“This is the fruit of my labour”: Paul recognizes that his life and ministry have borne fruit. His labor has resulted in the spread of the Gospel and the growth of the Church. Continued life would mean more fruitful work for the Kingdom of God.
“Yet what I shall choose I wot not”: Here, Paul is torn between two choices. He is uncertain about whether he should continue living on Earth or depart from it. He expresses his genuine dilemma regarding what he should ultimately decide, since both options have value. His uncertainty is not about what is objectively better, being with Christ, but about his own preference, given the value of continued fruitful service.
Biblical connections
This verse is the middle of a three-verse reflection. Verse 21 states “to live is Christ, and to die is gain,” and verse 23 explains his desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better, while verse 24 acknowledges that remaining in the flesh is more needful for the Philippians. Paul’s labor is not merely activity but is directly tied to Christ, as he expresses in Galatians 2:20, where he says the life he lives in the flesh he lives by faith in the Son of God.
Application
Diligence in our service: We should strive to labor diligently in our service to God and the spread of the Gospel. Our efforts can bear fruit and have a positive impact on the lives of others.
Surrendering our plans to God: Like Paul, we may face situations where we are unsure about the best course of action. In such times, we should surrender our plans and decisions to God, seeking His guidance and trusting Him to direct our paths.
Longing for eternity with Christ: As believers, we should cultivate a longing for eternity and the presence of our Savior. This perspective can help us prioritize our values and live with an eternal mindset.
Reflection
Paul’s example shows that a believer’s earthly life can be used to good purpose, and that even in a difficult situation, one can profit spiritually. The verse encourages believers to see their present life as an opportunity for fruitful labor for the Gospel, even while longing for the greater blessing of being with Christ. Remember, studying the Bible involves not only understanding the meaning of the verses but also applying the teachings to our lives. May this study of Philippians 1:22 encourage you to labor diligently, surrender your plans to God, and long for eternity with Christ.
