ACC ~ Philippians 1 v22a

HIS LABORS CONTINUE. MARIUS VICTORINUS: He said above “Christ is life for me,” but it was not clear then what life he meant, whether in the flesh or life after death. So now he adds these words pointing directly to this life in the flesh: “If it is to be life in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me.” “What is this fruit of my labor? My labor is the gospel I preach. Its fruit is to bring many to the hope of life and salvation as they in due course begin to have hope in Christ and put faith in the gospel.” PISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 1.22.

HE IS NOT BELITTLING THIS LIFE. CHRYSOSTOM: One must not suppose that he is demeaning this life. He is not saying that since there is nothing good for us here, we might as well do away with ourselves. Not at all. There can be profit even here, if we live not toward this life finally but toward that other. HOMILY ON PHILIPPIANS 4.1.22.

Phil