Philippians 1
21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. 23But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; 24yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. 25Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, 26so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.
27Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
Paul says if he depart, absent, he desires to be with Christ. That its much better there. EVEN if he is "GONE" He would still remain and continue with you all for YOUR PROGRESS and Joy in the faith.
"conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ"
"so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit,"
How is he going to hear about anything if he is dead?