5. As Paul awaited his trial before Nero Caesar, what was his attitude to the prospect being sentenced to death? Philippians 1:20-21.
NOTE: ‘The one who stands nearest to Christ will be he who on earth has drunk most deeply of the spirit of His self-sacrificing love, love that “vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, ... seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil” (1 Corinthians 13:4, 5), love that moves the disciple, as it moved our Lord, to give all, to live and labour and sacrifice, even unto death, for the saving of humanity. This spirit was made manifest in the life of Paul. He said, “For to me to live is Christ;” for his life revealed Christ to men; “and to die is gain,” gain to Christ; death itself would make manifest the power of His grace, and gather souls to Him. “Christ shall be magnified in my body,” he said, “whether it be by life or by death.” Philippians 1:21, 20.’ Desire of Ages, page 549.
6. How did Paul express his dilemma, whether it was better to continue living or to die? Philippians 1:22-23.
NOTE: ‘I have thought of Paul, the great minister who was sent to preach Christ and Him crucified to the Gentiles. On one occasion he was in a strait betwixt two. He was so weighed down with responsibilities that he knew not whether he would rather die or live, whether he would choose for the good of others to abide in the flesh or give up the conflict.’ The Southern Work, page 89.
Compiler’s note: “I am in a strait betwixt two.” Paul speaks here and elsewhere of bringing glory to God by whatever happens to him. He will give glory to God if he continues to live. He will also bring glory to God if he is called upon to die a martyr’s death. He can do more to help the new Christians if he lives on but he is tired and he is prepared to die.