Philippians 1:24

Viewed from a different perspective it might be better if he lived. The Philippians would profit from Paul’s lengthened life and future ministry to them.

Paul did not mention that life was preferable because he could avoid the pain and suffering of death. He did not refer to separation from his loved ones or from what he had worked so hard to accumulate or accomplish either. These are reasons many people give for not wanting to die. His love for Jesus Christ and other people were the driving motives in Paul’s life, not selfishness (cf. Matthew 22:37-39).