Now as to what it means, note the following: (1) In verses 12-19 the apostle speaks of his sufferings for Christ, and declares that instead of injuring the Gospel, they had fallen out for its furtherance, had really advanced its message. And therefore he concludes that whatever may happen to him,—whether life or death,—Christ shall be magnified in him; and he declares to his brethren, "For to me to live is Christ [it is for His glory in the souls I shall win], and to die is gain [to Christ's cause also]." Yet after all it were better for them that he should live. (2) Between these two the apostle can not choose, but he desires a third thing: "For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better." (3) The being with Christ will be when He comes. 1 Thess. 4:16-18. What Paul could not choose, between was life and death; what he desired was his Lord's return, and to be with Him. 2 Tim. 4:8.