Philippians 1:25

“And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide, etc.] In the flesh, in the body, live a little longer in the world. These words must be understood either of a certain infallible knowledge, arising from a divine revelation, and a firm persuasion and confidence founded upon that which the apostle had, of his being delivered from his bonds, and spared a little longer for further usefulness among the churches; and accordingly some have thought that he was after this set at liberty, and travelled through several countries preaching the Gospel, and after that was committed to prison and suffered death; but of this there is no sufficient proof: or rather therefore of a conjectural knowledge…”

“Translate, "And being confident of this." I know, &c.--by prophetical intimations of the Spirit. He did not yet know the issue, as far as human appearances were concerned (Phi 2:23). He doubtless returned from his first captivity to Philippi (Heb 13:19; Plm 1:22). joy of faith--Greek, "joy in your faith."”

“And having this confidence - “Being persuaded of this, that my continuance on earth is desirable for your welfare, and that the Lord has a work for me to do, I confidently expect that I shall be permitted to live.” The “confidence” here referred to was, that his life was needful for them, and hence that God would spare him. A literal translation would be, “And being persuaded as to this, or of this” - τοῦτο πεποιθὼς touto pepoithōs - “I know,” etc. The foundation of his expectation that he should live does not appear to have been any revelation to that effect, as Doddridge supposes; or any intimation which he had from the palace of the intentions of the government, as some others suppose,…”

“I know - By a prophetic notice given him while he was writing this. That I shall continue some time longer with you - And doubtless he did see them after this confinement. Philippians 1:27”

“1:25 The well-being of the church is more important to Paul than his own desire to be with Christ. • experience the joy of your faith: Believers are encouraged to find joy even in the midst of suffering (see 4:4; John 15:11, 20; 16:20-24; 1 Thes 5:16).”

“confidence: Phi 2:24; Act 20:25 for: Luk 22:32; Joh 21:15-17; Act 11:23, Act 14:22; Rom 1:11, Rom 1:12, Rom 15:18, Rom 15:29; Co2 1:24; Eph 4:11-13 joy: Psa 60:6; Rom 5:2, Rom 15:13; Pe1 1:8 Philippians 1:26”