Philippians2

Paul exhorts the Philippian believers to unity, humility, and selfless love, mirroring the example of Christ Jesus. He describes Christ's profound self-abasement from divine form to death on a cross, followed by God's ultimate exaltation of Him. Paul then encourages them to live blamelessly, working out their salvation with diligence, and expresses his intent to send Timothy and Epaphroditus, commending their faithful service.
Listen to this chapter
0:00 0:00

Exhortation to Unity and Humility

1
Therefore if you have any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, ​
2
then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose. ​
3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. ​
4
Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

The Example of Christ’s Humility and Exaltation

5
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: ​
6
Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, ​
7
but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. ​
8
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross. ​
9
Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, ​
10
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ​
11
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. ​

Working Out Salvation with Obedience

12
Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. ​
13
For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose. ​
14
Do everything without complaining or arguing, ​
15
so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world ​
16
as you hold forth the word of life, in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. ​
17
But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. ​
18
So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Paul’s Plans: Timothy and Epaphroditus

19
Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I learn how you are doing. ​
20
I have nobody else like him who will genuinely care for your needs. ​
21
For all the others look after their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. ​
22
But you know Timothy’s proven worth, that as a child with his father he has served with me to advance the gospel. ​
23
So I hope to send him as soon as I see what happens with me.
24
And I trust in the Lord that I myself will come soon.
25
But I thought it necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my needs. ​
26
For he has been longing for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. ​
27
He was sick indeed, nearly unto death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. ​
28
Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less anxious.
29
Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, ​
30
because he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for your deficit of service to me. ​

Study Notes for Philippians 2

Verse 1

Paul bases his appeal for unity on the shared spiritual realities experienced by believers: comfort (encouragement) in Christ, love, and fellowship (koinonia) of the Spirit. The phrase 'bowels and mercies' refers to deep, heartfelt compassion and tender affections.

Verse 2

Paul's joy will be fulfilled if the Philippians achieve true unity. This unity is defined by shared love and a common purpose ('one accord, of one mind').

Verse 3

Humility (lowliness of mind) is presented as the antidote to division caused by 'strife or vainglory.' Practical humility requires actively esteeming others as superior to oneself, a radical shift in perspective.

Verse 5

This verse serves as the hinge, connecting the ethical demands of vv. 1–4 to the theological foundation of Christ’s self-emptying act (vv. 6–11). The 'mind' required of believers is Christ’s own selfless attitude.

Verse 6

Being in the 'form of God' (morphē theou) emphasizes Christ’s essential divine nature. He 'thought it not robbery' (or, did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped or exploited), willingly setting aside the privileges of deity.

Verse 7

Christ 'made himself of no reputation' (ekenōsen, 'emptied himself'). This kenosis is usually understood not as the loss of divinity, but the voluntary surrender of divine status, glory, and independent authority, taking on the form of a servant (slave).

Verse 8

The height of Christ’s humiliation was His obedient submission to death, specifically the death of the cross, which was considered the most shameful and cursed form of execution in the Roman world.

Verse 9

The exaltation (vv. 9–11) is God the Father’s response to Christ’s perfect obedience. God 'highly exalted him' (hyperypsōsen), giving Him a unique status above all creation.

Verse 10

This section anticipates the universal recognition of Christ’s sovereignty, drawing on imagery from Isaiah 45:23. The categories ('things in heaven, earth, and under the earth') signify all beings in creation.

Verse 11

The confession that Jesus Christ is 'Lord' (Kyrios) is a declaration of His divine authority and position as sovereign ruler, fulfilling God's ultimate plan for creation.

Verse 12

'Work out your own salvation' refers not to earning salvation, but to demonstrating and applying the reality of salvation through faithful, obedient living. This process is undertaken 'with fear and trembling,' emphasizing seriousness and dependence on God.

Verse 13

This verse presents the theological balance to verse 12: human effort is dependent on divine enablement. God is actively at work within the believer, providing both the desire ('to will') and the ability ('to do') according to His sovereign plan.

Verse 14

The immediate application of Christ’s example (vv. 5–11) is the cessation of internal division, characterized by 'murmurings and disputings' (complaining and arguing).

Verse 15

Believers are called to moral purity ('blameless and harmless') in contrast to the 'crooked and perverse nation' (likely referring to the Roman/pagan culture). They are to 'shine as lights' (phōstēres, celestial lights or beacons), exhibiting a distinctive moral radiance.

Verse 16

By faithfully proclaiming and embodying the 'word of life,' the Philippians validate Paul’s missionary work, ensuring that his labor has not been 'in vain.'

Verse 17

Paul uses sacrificial language (a libation poured over a sacrifice) to describe his potential martyrdom. He expresses joyful willingness to give his life if it contributes to the success of the Philippians' faith.

Verse 19

Paul often used trusted co-workers like Timothy as his emissaries to check on the spiritual state of churches and offer encouragement.

Verse 20

Timothy is praised as Paul’s most reliable colleague, having a genuinely 'likeminded' attitude (sharing Paul's selfless commitment to the gospel and the churches).

Verse 21

This verse offers a stark contrast to Timothy's character, highlighting the self-centeredness of many who prioritized their own security or interests over the needs of Christ's ministry.

Verse 22

Timothy’s proven character is likened to a faithful son serving his father, emphasizing his long-standing and dedicated service alongside Paul in the gospel ministry.

Verse 25

Epaphroditus is commended highly as Paul's 'brother, companion in labour, and fellowsoldier.' He was the Philippians' messenger, sent to minister to Paul's needs during his imprisonment.

Verse 26

Epaphroditus’s distress was due to the Philippians having heard of his illness, showing his deep concern for their worry rather than his own health.

Verse 27

Epaphroditus’s severe illness was nearly fatal. Paul saw his recovery as an act of mercy from God, sparing both Epaphroditus and Paul himself from 'sorrow upon sorrow' (the loss of a dear companion).

Verse 29

Paul instructs the Philippians to receive Epaphroditus with great honor and joy, recognizing the sacrifices he made in service.

Verse 30

Epaphroditus risked his life ('not regarding his life') to serve Paul, fulfilling the 'lack of service' the Philippians could not provide due to Paul’s distant imprisonment. This self-sacrificial service mirrors the attitude of Christ described earlier.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate
Settings

Reading Style

Typeface

Font Size 19px

Options