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.

Exhortation to Unity and Humility

Therefore, if you have any encouragement for me from your being in union with the Messiah, any comfort flowing from love, any fellowship with me in the Spirit, or any compassion and sympathy,

then complete my joy by having a common purpose and a common love, by being one in heart and mind.

Do nothing out of rivalry or vanity; but, in humility, regard each other as better than yourselves —

look out for each other’s interests and not just for your own.

The Example of Christ’s Humility and Exaltation

Let your attitude toward one another be governed by your being in union with the Messiah Yeshua:

Though he was in the form of God, he did not regard equality with God something to be possessed by force.

On the contrary, he emptied himself, in that he took the form of a slave by becoming like human beings are. And when he appeared as a human being,

he humbled himself still more by becoming obedient even to death — death on a stake as a criminal!

Therefore God raised him to the highest place and gave him the name above every name;

that in honor of the name given Yeshua, every knee will bow — in heaven, on earth and under the earth —

and every tongue will acknowledge that Yeshua the Messiah is Adonai — to the glory of God the Father.

Working Out Salvation with Obedience

So, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed when I was with you, it is even more important that you obey now when I am away from you: keep working out your deliverance with fear and trembling,

for God is the one working among you both the willing and the working for what pleases him.

Do everything without kvetching or arguing,

so that you may be blameless and pure children of God, without defect in the midst of a twisted and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the sky,

as you hold on to the Word of Life. If you do this, I will be able to boast, when the Day of the Messiah comes, that I did not run or toil for nothing.

Indeed, even if my lifeblood is poured out as a drink offering over the sacrifice and service of your faith, I will still be glad and rejoice with you all.

Likewise, you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Paul’s Plans: Timothy and Epaphroditus

But I hope in the Lord Yeshua to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I too may be cheered by knowing how you are doing.

I have no one who compares with him, who will care so sincerely for your welfare —

people all put their own interests ahead of the Messiah Yeshua’s.

But you know his character, that like a child with his father he slaved with me to advance the Good News.

So I hope to send him just as soon as I see how things will go with me,

and I am confident in the Lord that before long I myself will come too.

Also I considered it necessary to send you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, the emissary whom you sent to take care of my needs;

since he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard he was ill.

Indeed he was ill, close to death; but God had mercy on him — and not only on him, but also on me — otherwise I would have had sorrow piled on sorrow.

Therefore, I am all the more eager to send him, so that you may rejoice when you see him again; and I, for my part, may be less sad.

So give him a joyful welcome in the Lord; honor such people.

For he risked his life and nearly died working for the Messiah, in order to give me the help you were not in a position to give.

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

Philippians2

Exhortation to Unity and Humility

The Example of Christ’s Humility and Exaltation

Working Out Salvation with Obedience

Paul’s Plans: Timothy and Epaphroditus

Reading Style

Typeface

Font Size 19px

Options