Philippians 2:21

KJV

For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} all {G3956} seek {G2212} their own {G1438}, not {G3756} the things which are {G3588} Jesus {G2424} Christ's {G5547}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

For all the others look after their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

American Standard Version

For they all seek their own, not the things of Jesus Christ.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Philippians 2:21 presents a stark contrast between the self-serving motivations prevalent among many of Paul's contemporaries and the selfless, Christ-centered devotion exemplified by individuals like Timothy. Paul laments that while many pursue their own interests, few genuinely prioritize the concerns and purposes of Jesus Christ, highlighting a critical distinction in the nature of true Christian commitment and service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's heartfelt letter to the Philippian church, written during his imprisonment. Chapter 2 is a powerful exhortation to unity, humility, and selflessness within the Christian community, with the supreme example being Jesus Christ Himself, as beautifully articulated in the Christ Hymn ([Philippians 2:5-11](/philippians/2-5-11 "Philippians 2:5-11 - The Humility and Exaltation of Christ")). Paul has just expressed his desire to send Timothy to them, commending Timothy's genuine concern for their welfare in [Philippians 2:19-20](/philippians/2-19-20 "Philippians 2:19-20 - Paul's Plan to Send Timothy"). Verse 21 then serves as the explanatory "for" (Greek: *gar*), providing the reason *why* Timothy is so uniquely valuable and trustworthy: unlike many others, Timothy does not seek his own interests but those of Christ. This sets Timothy apart as a true example of the selfless spirit Paul has been advocating.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's letter was penned from a Roman prison, likely during his first imprisonment (c. AD 60-62). The Philippian church was a beloved congregation, known for its generosity and partnership in the gospel. In the broader Greco-Roman world, the pursuit of personal honor, status, and advantage (often termed *philautia*, or self-love) was a common societal norm. Against this backdrop, Paul's commendation of Timothy's selflessness would have been particularly striking. His lament in [Philippians 2:21](/philippians/2-21 "Philippians 2:21 - The Selfishness of Many") may also reflect the challenges Paul faced in finding reliable co-workers who were truly committed to the gospel's advance rather than their own comfort or gain, a common struggle for leaders throughout history.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Philippians and Pauline theology. It underscores the theme of **Selfishness vs. Selflessness**, contrasting the pervasive human tendency to prioritize personal desires with the radical call to live for Christ. This directly relates to the theme of **Christ-Centered Living**, where the interests of God's kingdom and the welfare of others, particularly the church, take precedence over individual ambition. Paul's commendation of Timothy highlights **Authentic Discipleship**, presenting Timothy as a model whose priorities are rightly ordered, echoing Jesus' teaching to [seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom"). This verse serves as a practical application of the humility exemplified by Christ Himself in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Example of Humility"), showing what it means to "have the same mindset as Christ Jesus."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **all (Greek, _pâs_):** This word, meaning "all, any, every, the whole," indicates a sweeping generalization. While Paul likely isn't suggesting literally *every single person* he encountered was self-seeking (Timothy being the immediate counter-example), it conveys his deep frustration with the widespread lack of genuine, selfless commitment among those who should have been partners in ministry. It emphasizes the rarity of Timothy's dedication.
* **seek (Greek, _zētéō_):** This verb means "to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by Hebraism) to worship (God), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)." In this context, it denotes a deliberate pursuit, a focus of one's energy, attention, and ambition. It's not merely a passive inclination but an active orientation of life towards certain objectives.
* **their own (Greek, _heautoû_):** This reflexive pronoun refers to oneself, emphasizing personal interests, affairs, advantages, or comfort. When combined with "seek," it paints a picture of preoccupation with self, where personal gain, reputation, or ease are the primary drivers of action.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For all seek their own,"**: Paul introduces this statement with "For" (*gar*), indicating it's an explanation for Timothy's unique value. This clause describes a pervasive problem: people are generally motivated by self-interest. Their pursuits, whether consciously or unconsciously, revolve around what benefits them personally—their comfort, reputation, wealth, or agenda—rather than the broader purposes of God or the needs of others. This highlights a fundamental human inclination that stands in opposition to the spirit of Christ.
* **"not the things which are Jesus Christ's."**: This phrase provides the stark contrast to the preceding clause. "The things which are Jesus Christ's" refers to His interests, His kingdom, His glory, His will, the advancement of His gospel, and the welfare of His church. The negative "not" underscores the absence of this Christ-centered focus in the lives of many. It's a lament that few are truly dedicated to prioritizing God's agenda above their own, revealing a spiritual deficit in the broader Christian community Paul observed.

#### Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device in [Philippians 2:21](/philippians/2-21 "Philippians 2:21 - The Contrast of Selflessness and Selfishness") is **Contrast**. Paul masterfully juxtaposes "their own" with "the things which are Jesus Christ's," creating a sharp dichotomy that highlights the fundamental difference between self-centered and Christ-centered living. This contrast serves to emphasize the exceptional nature of Timothy's character and commitment. Additionally, Paul employs **Hyperbole** when he states "all seek their own." While he immediately provides Timothy as an exception, the use of "all" (Greek: *pâs*) underscores the widespread nature of this problem in Paul's experience, making his commendation of Timothy even more potent by presenting him as a rare and valuable exception to a general rule.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Philippians 2:21 is a profound theological statement on the nature of true discipleship and the Kingdom of God. It underscores that genuine Christian living is characterized by a radical reorientation of priorities from self to Christ. This is not merely about avoiding overt sin, but about the very core of one's motivation and ambition. The "things of Jesus Christ" encompass His mission to redeem humanity, build His church, and establish His reign, and pursuing these requires a cruciform life that mirrors Christ's own self-emptying love ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")). This verse challenges believers to examine whether their lives are truly aligned with God's purposes or if they are subtly, or overtly, driven by personal gain, comfort, or recognition. It calls for a sacrificial love that prioritizes the spiritual good of others and the glory of God above all else.

* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")
* [Romans 14:7-8](/romans/14-7-8 "Romans 14:7-8 - Living and Dying for the Lord")
* [1 Corinthians 10:24](/1_corinthians/10-24 "1 Corinthians 10:24 - Seek the Good of Others")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Philippians 2:21 serves as a powerful mirror for every believer, prompting us to honestly assess the true north of our lives. In a world that constantly encourages self-actualization, personal branding, and the pursuit of individual happiness, Paul's words cut through the noise, challenging us to ask: What truly motivates my decisions, my time, my resources, and my aspirations? Are we building our own kingdoms, or are we genuinely investing in "the things which are Jesus Christ's"? This verse calls us to a radical re-evaluation of our priorities, urging us to cultivate a heart that genuinely seeks God's glory and the welfare of His people, even when it demands personal sacrifice or discomfort. It reminds us that authentic discipleship is marked by a profound shift from self-centeredness to Christ-centeredness, where His will becomes our greatest desire and His interests our primary pursuit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to "seek my own" rather than "the things which are Jesus Christ's"?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to reorient my priorities more fully towards Christ's interests?**
* **How can I cultivate a more selfless spirit, mirroring Christ's humility and Timothy's devotion in my daily interactions and service?**

### FAQ

**Is Paul truly saying *everyone* is selfish, or is this an exaggeration?**

Answer: While Paul uses the sweeping term "all" (*pâs*), it's important to understand this within the context of his lament and the immediate example of Timothy, whom he praises as an exception. This is likely an example of **hyperbole**, used to emphasize the widespread nature of self-seeking behavior among those he encountered in ministry, particularly those who might have been expected to assist him. He is expressing his deep disappointment that so few shared Timothy's genuine, selfless devotion to Christ's interests. It's not a universal condemnation of every human being, but a poignant observation about the prevalent spiritual condition among many who were ostensibly serving the Lord.

**What exactly does "the things which are Jesus Christ's" refer to?**

Answer: "The things which are Jesus Christ's" (Greek: *ta Iēsou Christou*) refers to everything that pertains to His will, His kingdom, His glory, and the advancement of His purposes on earth. This includes the preaching of the gospel, the spiritual welfare and growth of His church, the establishment of righteousness and justice, and ultimately, the glorification of God the Father. It encompasses the entirety of God's redemptive plan and the mission Christ entrusted to His followers. Practically, it means prioritizing evangelism, discipleship, serving the body of Christ, caring for the poor and needy, and living a life that honors God in all aspects, rather than pursuing personal comfort, wealth, or recognition. It's about aligning one's life with the divine agenda, as exemplified by Christ Himself in [John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus' Submission to the Father's Will").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Philippians 2:21, though a lament about human failing, finds its ultimate fulfillment and counterpoint in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the singular, perfect embodiment of one who *never* sought His own, but always "the things which are Jesus Christ's"—or, more accurately, the things which are His Father's. The profound kenosis, or self-emptying, described in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - The Kenosis Hymn") is the supreme demonstration of this truth: Christ, though existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. His entire earthly ministry, from His incarnation to His crucifixion, was a relentless pursuit of His Father's will and the redemption of humanity, not His personal comfort or glory ([John 5:30](/john/5-30 "John 5:30 - Jesus Seeks Not His Own Will")). He consistently laid aside His own desires for the sake of His mission, culminating in the ultimate sacrifice that secured our salvation. Therefore, when Paul calls believers to seek "the things which are Jesus Christ's," he is inviting them to participate in the very same selfless, redemptive mission that defined our Savior's life, empowering them by the Spirit to imitate the one who is the pioneer and perfecter of faith ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith")).

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

1 Corinthians 10:24

Let no man seek his own, but every man another's [wealth].

Matthew 16:24

¶ Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Philippians 2:4

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

1 Corinthians 10:33

Even as I please all [men] in all [things], not seeking mine own profit, but the [profit] of many, that they may be saved.

2 Timothy 3:2

For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

1 Corinthians 13:5

Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

Luke 14:26

If any [man] come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.