ACC ~ Philippians 1 v25

I SHALL CONTINUE. MARIUS VICTORINUS: Truly like a father, like a servant of God, he has renounced that one of his two desires which was to be more profitable to himself alone, namely, that he should now depart and be with Christ. … He says “I shall remain,” and he adds the stronger form “I shall continue.” This means: “I shall stay until the completion, that is, the completion of your progress, so that you may obtain grace. Thus when you present your faith, you may receive grace from God.” EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 1.25.

REMAINING WITH YOU. CHRYSOSTOM: He brings them into his confidence by explaining his reasoning: “It is absolutely necessary that I remain, and not only remain but remain with you. … If so, then I remain for your sake. But take care that you do not put my fidelity to shame.” OMILY ON PHILIPPIANS 4.1.24.

HIS PREDICTION CAME TRUE. THEODORET: In saying “I know that I shall remain and continue with you all” he means: “I know that I shall escape the present danger, so as to be once again a source of profit and encouragement to you. So you will have received what you desire.” This prediction indeed came true. For he escaped the anger of Nero on the first occasion, as he shows in his letters to the blessed Timothy…. From Rome he went to Spain and took the gospel to them also, then returned and was only later beheaded. EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 1.25.

Phil