Philippians 1:25

Philippians 1:25. And having this confidence: that it is needful for the Philippians that he should live on in the flesh.

I know. He uses this expression in the sense of ‘I feel certain,' of an inward persuasion or conviction, which we cannot doubt that he often felt brought into his mind through the promptings of the Holy Spirit. He is not speaking of any express revelation by which he has been informed of what is in store for him.

that I shall abide, i.e., tarry in life, spoken generally. He then proceeds to the specific language.

Yea, and abide with you all. No doubt his mind passes to the whole care of the churches which came upon him daily, and he sees not without some consolation the further prospect of spending and being spent for Christ's service.

for your progress and joy in the faith, i.e., for your advancement in the faith and consequent joy therein. For though the Christian's road may be a hard one to travel, and oft need help from those who have advanced farther in the faith, yet every advance is a new joy in the sense of darkness made light, temptations conquered, and a nearer view of God and Christ.