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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Philippians 2:14–18.
The apostle exhorts them in these verses to adorn their Christian profession by a suitable temper and behaviour, in several instances. 1. By a cheerful obedience to the commands of God (Phi 2:14): "Do all things, do your duty in every branch of it, without murmurings. Do it, and do not find fault with it. Mind your work, and do not quarrel with it." God's commands were given to be obeyed, not to be disputed. This greatly adorns our profession, and shows we serve a good Master, whose service is freedom and whose work is its own reward. 2. By peaceableness and love one to another. "Do all things without disputing, wrangling, and debating one another; because the light of truth and the life of religion are often lost in the heats and mists of disputation." 3. By a blameless conversation towards all men (Phi 2:15): "That you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke; that you be not injurious to any in word or deed, and give no just occasion of offence." We should endeavour not only to be harmless, but to be blameless; not only not to do hurt, but not to come under the just suspicion of it. Blameless and sincere; so some read it. Blameless before men, sincere towards God. The sons of God. It becomes those to be blameless and harmless who stand in such a relation, and are favoured with such a privilege. The children of God should differ from the sons of men. Without rebuke - Amōmēta. Momus was a carping deity among the Greeks, mentioned by Hesiod and Lucian, who did nothing himself, and found fault with every body and every thing. From him all carpers at other men, and rigid censurers of their works, were called Momi. The sense of the expression is, "Walk so circumspectly that Momus himself may have no occasion to cavil at you, that the severest censurer may find no fault with you." We should aim and endeavour, not only to get to heaven, but to get thither without a blot; and, like Demetrius, to have a good report of all men, and of the truth, Jo3 1:12. In the midst of a crooked and perverse generation; that is, among the heathens, and those who are without. Observe, Where there is no true religion, little is to be expected but crookedness and perverseness; and the more crooked and perverse others are among whom we live, and the more apt to cavil, the more careful we should be to keep ourselves blameless and harmless. Abraham and Lot must not strive, because the Canaanite and Perizzite dwelt in the land, Gen 13:7. Among whom you shine as lights in the world. Christ is the light of the world, and good Christians are lights in the world. When God raises up a good man in any place, he sets up a light in that place. Or it may be read imperatively: Among whom shine you as lights: compare Mat 5:16, Let your light so shine before men. Christians should endeavour not only to approve themselves to God, but to recommend themselves to others, that they may also glorify God. They must shine as well as be sincere. - Holding forth the word of life, Phi 2:16. The gospel is called the word of life because it reveals and proposes to us eternal life through Jesus Christ. Life and immortality are brought to light by the gospel, Ti2 1:10. It is our duty not only to hold fast, but to hold forth the word of life; not only to hold it fast for our own benefit, but to hold it forth for the benefit of others, to hold it forth as the candlestick holds forth the candle, which makes it appear to advantage all around, or as the luminaries of the heavens, which shed their influence far and wide. This Paul tells them would be his joy: "That I may rejoice in the day of Christ; not only rejoice in your stedfastness, but in your usefulness." He would have them think his pains well bestowed, and that he had not run in vain, nor laboured in vain. Observe, (1.) The work of the ministry requires the putting forth of the whole man: all that is within us is little enough to be employed in it; as in running and labouring. Running denotes vehemence and vigour, and continual pressing forward; labour denotes constancy and close application. (2.) It is a great joy to ministers when they perceive that they have not run in vain, nor laboured in vain; and it will be their rejoicing in the day of Christ, when their converts will be their crown. What is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For you are our glory and joy, Th1 2:19, Th1 2:20. The apostle not only ran and laboured for them with satisfaction, but shows that he was ready to suffer for their good (Phi 2:17): Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy and rejoice with you all. He could reckon himself happy if he could promote the honour of Christ, the edification of the church, and the welfare of the souls of men; though it were not only by hazarding, but by laying down, his life: he could willingly be a sacrifice at their altars, to serve the faith of God's elect. Could Paul think it worth while to shed his blood for the service of the church, and shall we think it much to take a little pains? Is not that worth our labour which he thought worth his life? If I be offered, or poured out as the wine of the drink-offerings, spendomai. Ti2 4:6, I am now ready to be offered. He could rejoice to seal his doctrine with his blood (Phi 2:18): For the same cause also do you joy and rejoice with me. It is the will of God that good Christians should be much in rejoicing; and those who are happy in good ministers have a great deal of reason to joy and rejoice with them. If the minister loves the people, and is willing to spend and be spent for their welfare, the people have reason to love the minister and to joy and rejoice with him.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
He means, “Being prepared to die for you, so long as I can serve you and strengthen your faith, I rejoice and am glad for all of you. So therefore you rejoice and be glad with me, so that we may show equal concern for one another and rejoice in each other in turn.”
"And in the same manner do ye also joy and rejoice with me." Why dost thou rejoice with them? Seest thou that he shows that it is their duty to rejoice? On the one hand then, I rejoice in being made a libation; on the other, I rejoice with you, in having presented a sacrifice; "and in the same manner do ye also joy and rejoice with me," that I am offered up; "rejoice with me," "who rejoice in myself." So that the death of the just is no subject for tears, but for joy. If they rejoice, we should rejoice with them. For it is misplaced for us to weep, while they rejoice. "But," it is urged, "we long for our wonted intercourse." This is a mere pretext and excuse; and that it is so, mark what he enjoins: "Rejoice with me, and joy." Dost thou miss thy wonted intercourse? If thou wert thyself destined to remain here, there would be reason in what thou sayest; but if after a brief space thou wilt overtake him who has departed, what is that intercourse which thou dost seek? for it is only when he is forever severed from him that a man misses the society of another, but if he will go the same way that thou wilt go, what is the intercourse which thou longest for? Why do we not bewail all that are upon foreign travel? Do we not just a little, and cease after the first or the second day? If thou longest for thy wonted intercourse with him, weep so far only.
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Summary
Philippians 2:18 concludes Paul's exhortation for the Philippian believers to embody humility and unity, urging them to share in his joy despite his potential suffering or martyrdom. This verse underscores the deep spiritual bond between Paul and the Philippian church, inviting them to find common cause for rejoicing in the advancement of the Gospel, even when it entails personal sacrifice. It highlights a profound Christian paradox: joy can flourish not in the absence of hardship, but precisely within the context of shared commitment to Christ and His mission.
Context
Literary Context
Philippians 2:18 serves as the concluding exhortation to a powerful section (Philippians 2:1-18) that begins with a profound call to Christ-like humility and unity. Paul's appeal for the Philippians to "do nothing through strife or vainglory" but to "in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves" (Philippians 2:3) sets the stage for the ultimate example of Christ's self-emptying love (Philippians 2:5-8). Following this theological foundation, Paul transitions to practical applications, expressing his hope to send Timothy and Epaphroditus to them (Philippians 2:19-30). Immediately preceding this verse, in Philippians 2:17, Paul articulates his willingness to be poured out as a "drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith." This sacrificial imagery frames his call to joy in Philippians 2:18, transforming what might be a cause for sorrow into a shared spiritual triumph.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Apostle Paul wrote the Epistle to the Philippians while imprisoned, likely in Rome (c. AD 60-62). Philippi was a Roman colony, and its citizens were proud of their Roman status. The church in Philippi was one of Paul's most beloved and supportive congregations, having sent him financial aid multiple times (Philippians 4:15-16). The cultural context involved a blend of Roman civic pride and emerging Christian identity, often leading to tension with the dominant pagan society. Paul's imprisonment and potential martyrdom would have been a significant concern for the Philippians, who were deeply attached to him. His call for them to "rejoice with me" in this context is counter-cultural, challenging them to find joy not in worldly comfort or political stability, but in the spiritual reality of their shared faith and the advancement of the Gospel, even amidst suffering.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Philippians. It reinforces the theme of Christian unity and fellowship, emphasizing that believers are interconnected in their spiritual journey and shared mission. Paul's desire for them to "rejoice with me" underscores the concept of shared joy in suffering, a paradox central to Christian experience, where hardship for Christ's sake becomes a cause for spiritual triumph rather than despair. This aligns with Paul's broader message of finding joy "in the Lord" regardless of circumstances, a recurring motif throughout the letter, as seen in his repeated exhortations to "rejoice in the Lord alway" (Philippians 4:4). Furthermore, the verse highlights Paul's sacrificial leadership, presenting his willingness to suffer as an offering that should inspire shared spiritual elation, not lament, among the believers.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primary verb means "to be cheerful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off." It conveys a deep, abiding sense of gladness that is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in one's relationship with God. In this context, it is a command for the Philippians to experience this inner gladness.
Derived from syn (with) and chaírō (to rejoice), this verb specifically means "to sympathize in gladness, congratulate." The prefix syn- emphasizes the communal and empathetic nature of the joy Paul desires. It's not merely individual happiness, but a shared experience of spiritual elation, a call to participate in Paul's joy.
While autós primarily functions as a reflexive pronoun meaning "self" or "same," in this context, "for the same cause" (διὰ τὸ αὐτό) refers back to the reason Paul gave in the preceding verse—his willingness to be poured out as a sacrifice for their faith. Thus, the "same cause" is the advancement of the Gospel and the spiritual well-being of the Philippian believers, even if it means Paul's suffering.
Verse Breakdown
"For the same cause also do ye joy"
This clause directly links the Philippians' commanded joy to Paul's sacrificial attitude expressed in the previous verse. "The same cause" refers to Paul's willingness to be "offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith" (Philippians 2:17). Paul is not asking them to rejoice because he might suffer, but to find joy in the spiritual significance of his suffering for the sake of their faith and the Gospel. Their joy is to be rooted in the divine purpose being fulfilled through his life and potential death.
"and rejoice with me"
This second clause intensifies the first, specifying the communal nature of this joy. It's not a detached, individual happiness, but a shared spiritual experience. The Greek word synchaírō (rejoice with) implies empathy and solidarity. Paul calls them to enter into his perspective, to share in the spiritual triumph and purpose that transcends his physical predicament. It underscores the deep bond and mutual participation in the Gospel ministry between Paul and the Philippian church.
Literary Devices
Paul employs Repetition and Empathy in Philippians 2:18. The repetition of the concept of joy, first with "do ye joy" (χαίρετε - chaírete) and then "rejoice with me" (συγχαίρετέ - synchaírete), serves to emphasize the earnestness and importance of Paul's appeal. This is not a casual suggestion but a fervent exhortation. The use of "rejoice with me" specifically highlights Empathy, inviting the Philippians to share in Paul's emotional and spiritual state. It's a call for solidarity, for them to feel what he feels – a joy rooted in sacrificial service and the advancement of the Gospel, rather than sorrow over his potential suffering. This fosters a deep sense of communal identity and shared purpose within the body of Christ.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Philippians 2:18 profoundly illustrates the paradoxical nature of Christian joy, which is not contingent on comfortable circumstances but can flourish even amidst suffering and sacrifice. Paul's call for the Philippians to "rejoice with me" demonstrates the deep interconnectedness of believers within the body of Christ, where the spiritual well-being and sacrificial service of one member become a cause for shared joy among all. This verse underscores that true Christian fellowship involves not only sharing in joys but also in the spiritual significance of hardships endured for the Gospel, transforming potential sorrow into a collective celebration of God's redemptive work. It challenges believers to cultivate a perspective that sees divine purpose in all circumstances, fostering a resilient and Christ-centered joy.
Reflection and Application
Philippians 2:18 offers a powerful invitation for believers today to re-evaluate the sources and nature of their joy. In a world that often equates happiness with comfort and the absence of pain, Paul's example calls us to a deeper, more resilient joy rooted in shared purpose and sacrifice for Christ. We are challenged to cultivate empathy within our Christian communities, actively seeking to understand and participate in the spiritual significance of others' experiences, particularly when they involve hardship for the sake of the Gospel. This means moving beyond superficial expressions of sympathy to a genuine solidarity that finds joy in the advancement of God's kingdom, even when it comes at a personal cost to ourselves or those we love. It encourages us to shift our focus from fleeting circumstances to the eternal purposes of God, finding our deepest gladness in our shared identity and mission in Christ.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does Paul mean by "the same cause" in Philippians 2:18?
By "the same cause" (Greek: dia to auto), Paul is referring directly back to the reason he just articulated in Philippians 2:17. In that verse, he expresses his willingness to be "offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith," using the imagery of a drink offering poured out on a sacrifice. Therefore, "the same cause" is the spiritual advancement and well-being of the Philippian believers, for which Paul is willing to endure suffering or even martyrdom. He is inviting them to share in the joy of this divine purpose being fulfilled, rather than lamenting his personal predicament.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Philippians 2:18, with its call to shared joy in the context of Paul's potential sacrifice, finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul's willingness to be "poured out" as a sacrifice for the faith of the Philippians directly mirrors the ultimate self-giving of Christ, who "emptied himself, taking the form of a servant" (Philippians 2:7) and "became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:8). Jesus' suffering and death were not a cause for despair for His followers, but the very means by which salvation was accomplished, leading to the "joy" of redemption for all who believe (Hebrews 12:2). Just as Paul invites the Philippians to rejoice with him in his sacrificial service, so too are believers called to share in the joy of Christ's triumph over sin and death, a joy that flows from His ultimate sacrifice and resurrection (John 16:22). Our ability to find joy in suffering, or to rejoice with those who suffer for the Gospel, is a reflection of Christ's own example and the power of His Spirit within us, transforming sorrow into spiritual triumph and confirming our participation in His redemptive mission (Colossians 1:24).