Oh, that was in no way directed at you; I just quoted the verses Robertson pointed to illustrating the meaning of the word "gain". No personal slight was intended or implied. I'm sorry, I should have made that clearer.
Cordially,
Thanks. I guess I’m too touchy sometimes.
Anyway, I replied to soon. Forgot to include the following:
I know perfectly well what a tabernacle is and the imagery associated with it - it is a center of activity, just like the general’s tent usually was. Actually he was the only guy who had a tent way back then. When God sets up His tabernacle in the New Jerusalem, there will never be a KATALUW again.
You never mention the singular and plural grammatical aspects of Absent From the Body. Guess that wasn’t important to consider.
Again, Paul did indeed desire to depart and be with Christ. I also would have had that desire. But, the fact that he didn’t take advantage of that offer is certainly to his credit. Why? Because it was more needful for us that he didn’t take God up on His offer. Just like the commander of the vessel Adam Clarke talks about, it was more needful for him to stay put.