For Paul there is apparently (Philippians 1:20) no essential difference between living and dying. In a concise sentence in Philippians 1:21 he clarifies how this is possible. For him personally (for me
is emphatically placed first) to live is Christ. As broad as life is for Paul: making tents, travelling, preaching in freedom and in captivity, writing letters, praying for the congregations—it is always about Christ (see also Galatians 2:20, Christ lives in me
). Christ has become everything
for him. Christ is the purpose of his life. His life with and for Christ is not interrupted by death. On the contrary: to die is gain.
21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.