What kind of knowledge did Paul have?

Some interpret Paul to mean that he suddenly knows for sure that his life is not yet coming to an end: he will remain! Yet the question that then arises is how he can suddenly be so certain hereof. Did he perhaps receive a specific revelation or a prophetic vision?^1,2 Or is it simply a matter of limited human knowledge (I think I will remain)? Calvin opts for the latter because according to him, as for all other believers, Paul too can only be sure of one thing, namely, the forgiveness of sins; as for the rest of our knowledge, it can only ever be contingent.³ Greijdanus calls this a conditional knowledge in accordance with what the apostle has already shared in terms of his thoughts, reflections, and expectations in the preceding part of the letter.⁴ It could then be that this inner conviction that he will continue to live has also grown within him through his knowledge of the problems in the church at Philippi (see Philippians 2:1–4, Philippians 2:14; Philippians 4:2–3).

Still, the question remains whether we are on the right track when we assume that Paul is now certain of his remaining on earth. He says no more than that his remaining in the body will be useful for the Philippians’ progress; this is what he knows for sure! The emphasis in Philippians 1:25 is not on the certainty of his remaining, but on the certainty of the usefulness of his remaining. Paul is sure of one thing: to remain alive will mean ongoing fellowship with the Philippians, and that will be useful to them! Paul knows that his life on earth will never be in vain.⁵