“Depart” as an understanding of Death: Philippians 1:21-24
“21) For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22) But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. 23) But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; 24) yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.” Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭21‬-‭24‬ ‭
These were not empty words for Paul. Life here meant more fruitful labor for the glory of God. Dying was a promotion to the heavenly presence of Christ. He was hard pressed and well content with either option.
It was in this context that he picked the word depart” to describe death for a Christian. In the process, he used a Greek word that captured the meaning of death more than any other text in the New Testament. Let me explain.
The word “depart” was a secular term commonly applied to four events. Each paints a word picture or analogy of Paul’s understanding of death for the Christian. Let’s briefly look at each secular usage.
First, the word “depart” was used of an oxen that had faithfully pulled the yoke for years for its master. When it became old and ready to retire, a unique ceremony sometimes happened. The owner would take the yoke off for the last time, and the oxen was free to “depart” to the open pasture never to bear a yoke again. Paul pictured death as removing the yoke.
Second, the word “depart” was used of a soldier on the front lines of war with many casualties and much suffering. When victory was finally won, the war torn soldier would role up his tent and supplies for the last time and put any booty in his pack. He was then free to “depart” from the war back to civilian life never to fight again. Paul pictured death as the war being over!
Third, the word “depart” was used of a prisoner who had served his sentence. His prison clothes were removed, he bathed and put on civilian cloths. When the prison door opened this time, he was free to “depart” bondage into a life of freedom. Paul pictured death as freedom from prison.
Finally, the word “depart” was used of a wooden cargo ship that had become storm torn and was no longer sea worthy. The cargo in a ship was called “the burden.” The cargo was unloaded for the last time, any useful gear was stripped off and the ship was taken out of port for the last time. The crew would hoist a sail and set the rudder. Then they abandoned the ship to the open sea. It was free to “depart” never to bear a burden again.
I often use this text and these four word pictures during a funeral service. They are positive pictures of amazing comfort. Death means the yoke is lifted, the war is over, the prison cell is opened and the burden is removed.
No wonder Paul was undecided between life and death. Either way he was a winner. To remain meant more fruitful labor for Christ. To die meant freedom, glory and great gain in the very presence of Jesus.
Ironically, Paul used the picture of taking down a storm torn tent in 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10 to describe death. The analogy fits the four word pictures mentioned above. The early Christians viewed death as a promotion with the woes, pains, suffering and burden of this life forever removed.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global

Sent from my iPhone