1 If [there be] therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, [being] of one accord, of one mind.
3 [Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth;
11 And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.
14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
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.
17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.
19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.
20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.
22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.
23 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.
24 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.
25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.
27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:
30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.
Overview of Philippians Chapter 2
Philippians Chapter 2 is a pivotal section of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi. It emphasizes themes of humility, unity, and the example of Christ. The chapter encourages believers to adopt a mindset reflective of Jesus, promoting selflessness and service among the community.
Key Themes
- Humility and Selflessness: The chapter begins with a call for believers to embody humility and to consider others above themselves.
- Unity in Christ: Paul stresses the importance of unity within the church, urging members to work together in harmony.
- The Example of Christ: The chapter highlights the humility of Christ, who took on human form and served others, culminating in His sacrificial death.
- Obedience and Exaltation: It discusses the obedience of Christ and the subsequent exaltation by God, encouraging believers to follow His example.
Detailed Analysis
1. Call to Unity and Humility (Philippians 2:1-4)
Paul opens the chapter by appealing to the Philippians to be united in spirit and purpose. He outlines the attributes that foster unity:
- Encouragement from being united with Christ.
- Comfort from His love.
- Fellowship with the Spirit.
- Tenderness and compassion.
He urges them to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but rather to value others above themselves. This sets a foundation for the community to thrive on mutual respect and love.
2. The Example of Christ’s Humility (Philippians 2:5-11)
Paul presents Christ as the ultimate model of humility. He encourages believers to adopt the same mindset as Christ:
- Incarnation: Jesus, though divine, took on human form and became a servant.
- Obedience: He was obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
- Exaltation: Because of His humility and obedience, God exalted Him and gave Him the name above all names.
This passage emphasizes that true greatness in the Kingdom of God is found in humility and service, contrasting worldly views of power and status.
3. Call to Action (Philippians 2:12-18)
Paul encourages the Philippians to continue working out their salvation with fear and trembling, emphasizing personal responsibility in their spiritual journey. He reassures them that God is at work within them, enabling them to act according to His purpose.
- Believers are called to shine like stars in a warped and crooked generation.
- Paul expresses joy in their faithfulness and encourages them to rejoice together.
4. Timothy and Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:19-30)
In concluding the chapter, Paul speaks about sending Timothy to the Philippians, highlighting Timothy’s genuine concern for their welfare. He also commends Epaphroditus, who risked his life for the work of Christ. This section illustrates the importance of faithful servants in the ministry and the value of companionship in the Christian journey.
Conclusion
Philippians Chapter 2 serves as a powerful reminder of the virtues of humility, unity, and service. By following the example of Christ, believers are called to cultivate a community characterized by love and selflessness. The chapter not only encourages personal growth but also emphasizes the collective responsibility of the church to reflect the nature of Christ in their interactions with one another.
