“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”
We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord — Paul expresses preference for death and eschatological presence (ektopia pros ton kyrion), yet this is not escapism but longing. The confidence (tharrountes) recurs; it supports both persistence in embodied life and eagerness for heavenly communion.
Church Fathers on 2 Corinthians 5:8
“That while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord (for we walk by faith, not by sight); we are of good courage, I say, and are willing to be absent from the body, and to be at home with the Lord.” That which is greater than all he has put last, for to be with Christ is better, than receiving an incorruptible [body.] But what he means is this: 'He quenches not our life that wars against and kills us; be not afraid; be of good courage even when hewn in…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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