Philippians 2:18

KJV

For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1161} the same cause {G846} also {G2532} do {G5463} ye {G5210} joy {G5463}, and {G2532} rejoice with {G4796} me {G3427}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

American Standard Version

and in the same manner do ye also joy, and rejoice with me.

Commentary

### 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](/philippians/2-3 "Philippians 2:3 - Humility and Unity")) sets the stage for the ultimate example of Christ's self-emptying love ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - The Kenosis Hymn")). Following this theological foundation, Paul transitions to practical applications, expressing his hope to send Timothy and Epaphroditus to them ([Philippians 2:19-30](/philippians/2-19-30 "Philippians 2:19-30 - Paul's Companions")). Immediately preceding this verse, in [Philippians 2:17](/philippians/2-17 "Philippians 2:17 - Paul's Sacrificial Service"), 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](/philippians/2-18 "Philippians 2:18 - Shared Joy"), 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](/philippians/4-15-16 "Philippians 4:15-16 - Philippians' Generosity")). 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](/philippians/4-4 "Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord")). 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
* **joy (Greek, _chaírō'_):** 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.
* **rejoice with (Greek, _synchaírō'_):** 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.
* **same cause (Greek, _autós'_):** 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](/philippians/2-17 "Philippians 2:17 - Paul's Sacrificial Service")). 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.

* [Romans 12:15](/romans/12-15 "Romans 12:15 - Rejoice with those who rejoice")
* [1 Corinthians 12:26](/1_corinthians/12-26 "1 Corinthians 12:26 - The Body of Christ")
* [Colossians 1:24](/colossians/1-24 "Colossians 1:24 - Paul's Suffering for the Church")

### 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
* **How does my understanding of joy compare to Paul's joy in Philippians 2:18, which is rooted in sacrifice and shared purpose?**
* **In what ways can I more intentionally "rejoice with" fellow believers, particularly when they are enduring hardship for Christ's sake?**
* **What personal sacrifices for the Gospel have I made, or am I willing to make, that could become a source of shared joy for others in the body of Christ?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "the same cause" in Philippians 2:18?**

Answer: By "the same cause" (Greek: _dia to auto_), Paul is referring directly back to the reason he just articulated in [Philippians 2:17](/philippians/2-17 "Philippians 2:17 - Paul's Sacrificial Offering"). 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](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")) and "became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). 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](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")). 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](/john/16-22 "John 16:22 - Your Joy No Man Taketh From You")). 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](/colossians/1-24 "Colossians 1:24 - Paul's Sufferings for Christ's Body")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

James 1:2

¶ My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

James 1:4

But let patience have [her] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice.

Philippians 3:1

¶ Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed [is] not grievous, but for you [it is] safe.

Ephesians 3:13

Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.