22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell.
23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.
24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.
in the flesh (v.22) — here, in the human body
But if for me life in the flesh be my portion, this very thing (namely, life in the flesh) is that in which the fruit of my ministry will be involved, and is the condition of that fruit being brought forth. Then, what I shall prefer for myself, I do not make known. — Philippians in the Greek New Testament, by Kenneth S. Wuest, page 45.
hard-pressed (v.23) = pressure on both sides, making a decision difficult — strait
between the two (v.23) — life or death
desire (v.23) — here, good desire
depart (v.23) = lit. “to unloose and depart” — like a ship sailing off or pulling up tent stakes and departing — to die physically