Most people do not think much about dying until they get a little further along in years or receive the diagnosis of a disease that may be terminal. Those convicted of a capital offense and imprisoned would almost certainly think about their impending death.
The apostle Paul was imprisoned for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, and while in prison, probably in Rome, he thought about his possible execution. In his epistle to the Philippians, he indicated that his chains were in Christ (1:13) and expressed some uncertainty about the outcome of his incarceration. His chief concern seems to have been not whether he lived or died, but that Christ be magnified in his body whether by life or death. In this context he wrote, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (1:21). He defines the gain of death not in terms of “going to heaven” or the end of suffering, but of being with Christ! As he contemplated the options of living on in the flesh or dying, he wrote, “For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better” (1:23). Death would be better for him, but Paul also considered the Philippian believers. “Nevertheless, to remain in the flesh is more needful for you” (1:24). Paul in essence, practiced what he preached in verses 3 and 4 of chapter 2, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”
May we be like Paul for whom living was loving, worshipping, obeying, serving and making Christ known. Dying was even better for it meant departing this life and being with Christ!