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Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith. (Philippians 1:25)

Paul had confidence that he would be released from this prison and see the Philippian believers again. In this, he felt certain that it would move forward the delight of their belief system and strengthen their convictions of what they had been instructed and be instructing others.^[1]

Convinced of this. Paul was confident that he would remain alive because Christ had much work yet for him to carry out. He gained this “confidence” because he realized his life was needed with the people, and therefore God would step in and spare his life from the Jewish leaders and the Roman government. The Greek verb (πείθω peithō) means to be persuaded or sure of the truthfulness or validity or certainty of something. Paul had not received any revelation from God that he would remain. He simply deduced that his life was more necessary with the people.

I know that I will remain. The word Greek verb (οἶδα oida) means to be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about, to know. However, (οιδα) is not to be pushed beyond Paul’s personal knowledge obtained by instinctive knowledge or belief, not denoting absolute certainty. It should be taken in its everyday use as there were grounds for hope that he could be better used in serving them.

And continue with you all. Paul would not only live, but he would get to enjoy their continued presence.

For your progress and joy in the faith. Paul will remain to help them increase their spiritual growth as they walk with God. He will help them find their joy once more, which is a result of the faith.

[1] Paul was released for a short time before he was imprisoned again, which ended in his martyrdom (thought to have been decapitation) in about 67-68 C.E.