John Calvin on Philippians 1:21

21 For to me to live. Interpreters have hitherto, in my opinion, given a wrong rendering and exposition to this passage; for they make this distinction, that Christ was life to Paul, and death was gain. I, on the other hand, make Christ the subject of discourse in both clauses, so that he is declared to be gain in him both in life and in death; for it is customary with the Greeks to leave the word πρός to be understood. Besides that this meaning is less forced, it also corresponds better with the foregoing statement, and contains more complete doctrine. He declares that it is indifferent to him, and is all one, whether he lives or dies, because, having Christ, he reckons both to be gain. And assuredly it is Christ alone that makes us happy both in death and in life; otherwise, if death is miserable, life is in no degree happier; so that it is difficult to determine whether it is more advantageous to live or to die out of Christ. On the other hand, let Christ be with us, and he will bless our life as well as our death, so that both will be happy and desirable for us.

Philippians 1:22-26

22. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.

22. Quodsi vivere in carne operae pretium mihi est, etiam quid eligam ignoro. “Or encore que viure en chair me fust proufitable, ie ne scay lequel ie doy eslire, ou, Or si viure en chair me est proufitable, et que c’est qu’ie doy eslire, ie ne scay rien;” — “But although to live in the flesh would not be profitable to me, I know not what I ought to choose; or, But if to live in the flesh is profitable to me, and that it is what I ought to choose, I know not.”

23. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

23. Coarctor enim ex duobus cupiens dissolvi et esse cum Christo: multo enim hoc melius.

24. Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

24. Manere vero in carne, magis necessarium propter vos.

25. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;

25. Atque hoc confisus novi, quod manebo et permanebo cum omnibus vobis, in vestrum profectum et gaudium fidei,

26. That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.

26. Ut gloriatio vestra exsuperet in Christo Iesu de me, per meum rursus adventum ad vos.