Philippians 2:16

Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

Holding forth {G1907} the word {G3056} of life {G2222}; that {G1519} I {G1698} may rejoice {G2745} in {G1519} the day {G2250} of Christ {G5547}, that {G3754} I have {G5143} not {G3756} run {G5143} in {G1519} vain {G2756}, neither {G3761} laboured {G2872} in {G1519} vain {G2756}.

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.

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.

holding forth the word of life; that I may have whereof to glory in the day of Christ, that I did not run in vain neither labor in vain.

Commentary on Philippians 2:16 (KJV)

Philippians 2:16 is a powerful exhortation from the Apostle Paul, urging believers to live out their faith in a way that validates his apostolic ministry and brings glory to God. This verse continues Paul's appeal for unity, humility, and faithful service among the Philippian believers.

Context

This verse follows Paul's profound teachings on Christian humility, exemplified by Christ's self-emptying (Philippians 2:5-8), and the subsequent call for believers to "work out their own salvation" (Philippians 2:12). Paul encourages them to live "without murmurings and disputings," so they may be "blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation" (Philippians 2:14-15). In this context, "holding forth the word of life" is the practical outworking of being "lights in the world," shining brightly against the darkness of their surrounding culture, much like Jesus taught His disciples to let their light shine before men.

Key Themes

  • Proclamation of the Gospel: The phrase "holding forth the word of life" (Greek: epechō, meaning to hold out, offer, or present) emphasizes the active role of believers in presenting the gospel message to others. It is the divine message that offers spiritual and eternal life, echoing the "words of this life" spoken by the angel to the apostles.
  • Christian Witness: It implies not just verbal proclamation, but also a lifestyle that demonstrates the transforming power of the "word of life." Believers are to embody the truth they proclaim, making their lives a living testimony.
  • Paul's Apostolic Joy: Paul's deep desire is that his arduous ministry and personal sacrifices would not be fruitless. The faithfulness and spiritual growth of the Philippians would be his ultimate joy and vindication "in the day of Christ," when believers receive their rewards.
  • Perseverance and Purpose: The imagery of "run in vain" and "laboured in vain" reflects the intense effort and dedication Paul poured into his ministry. He compares his work to a runner in a race (see 1 Corinthians 9:24), emphasizing the importance of enduring to the end for the sake of the gospel.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "holding forth" (epechō - ἐπέχω) carries a dual meaning: to hold fast to something and to hold it out or offer it. In this context, it suggests both clinging to the truth of the gospel for oneself and actively presenting it to a lost world. The "word of life" (logos zōēs - λόγος ζωῆς) points to the gospel as the source of true, spiritual, and eternal life, in contrast to the fleeting existence offered by the world.

Practical Application

For believers today, Philippians 2:16 serves as a powerful reminder of our dual responsibility: to personally embrace and live by the truth of God's Word, and to actively share that life-giving message with those around us. Our consistent walk and verbal witness are vital for the advancement of the gospel. Furthermore, it encourages us to persevere in our faith and service, knowing that our efforts in the Lord are not in vain, and that our faithful endurance brings joy to those who have invested in our spiritual growth, and ultimately, to Christ Himself on the day of His return.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:26

    I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

  • Galatians 2:2

    And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.

  • 1 John 1:1

    ¶ That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

  • 2 Corinthians 1:14

    As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also [are] ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.

  • John 6:68

    Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

  • Luke 12:8

    Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:5

    For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

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