For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, (20) according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.  (21) For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.  (22) But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor:  yet what I shall choose I cannot tell.  (23) For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.  (24) Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.

(27) Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians.  The Jews in Jerusalem had accused Paul of treason against Rome and Paul was arrested as a result of these accusations and was ultimately sent to Rome for judgment.  While under house arrest in Rome Paul wrote to the Philippians to tell them how he was doing and in our verses today, Paul writes about his outlook for the future.

Paul had an uncertain future but he had certain joy.  Paul is joyful because he is certain of his deliverance – either deliverance in death or deliverance in release from prison so he can continue living  as Christ did here on earth – to experience what Christ did on earth.  Future gain of heavenly blessing is not  in our present life.  Paul was saying to live is Christ – to walk in his footsteps, to preach the gospel; suffer His persecution and rejection.  Paul’s message to the Philippians was that he was not guilty of wrongdoing and he was ready to defend himself:  God would deliver him.

So, to live is Christ and to die is gain.  To die would be to leave behind suffering and pain and gain the treasures of heaven