Skip to content
Uncategorized

Philippians Chapter 2

|  Home  |  New Testament Studies  |  Philippians Table of Contents  |  Previous Section  |  Next Section  |

÷÷PHILIPPIANS 2

PHILIPPIANS 2

PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS

UBS4 NKJV NRSV TEV NJB
Christian Humility and Christ’s Humility Unity Through Humility Humility and the Example of Christ Christ’s Humility and Greatness Preserve Unity in Humility
2:1-11 2:1-4 2:1-11 2:1-11 2:1-11
The Humbled and the Exalted Christ
2:5-11
Shining as Lights in the World Light Bearers Shining as Lights in the World Work for Salvation
2:12-18 2:12-18 2:12-13 2:12-13 2:12-18
2:14-18 2:14-16
2:17-18
Timothy and Epaphroditus Timothy Commended Timothy and Epaphroditus Timothy and Epaphroditus The Mission of Timothy and Epaphroditus
2:19-24 2:19-24 2:19-24 2:19-24 2:19-3:1a
Epaphroditus Praised
2:25-30 2:25-30 2:25-3:1a 2:25-30

READING CYCLE THREE (see
“Bible
Interpretation Seminar”)

FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR’S INTENT AT PARAGRAPH LEVEL

This is a study guide commentary, which
means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the
light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not
relinquish this to a commentator.

Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects (reading cycle #3). Compare
your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is
the key to following the original author’s intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every
paragraph has one and only one subject.

CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS TO 2:1-11

  1. This context is obviously related to one of the themes of the book, “a call for unity
    among the Christians at Philippi” (cf. Phil. 1:27; 2:1-4; 4:2-3,5,7,9 and Eph. 4:1-6).

  2. There has been much discussion among commentators on how this wonderful hymn to Christ
    (cf. Phil. 2:6-11) functions for ethics or for salvation.

    1. It functions as an example to believers to live selfless, giving
      lives (cf. Phil. 2:1-5).
    2. It also deals with the humiliation and exaltation of the pre-existent,
      incarnated Messiah.
    3. In different ways it functions in both areas.

  3. Phil. 2:6-11 seems to be an early Christian hymn. The form is metric, poetical, or lyrical.
  4. The structure of the hymn to Christ has been debated. It seems to divide into two equal emphases.
    1. Jesus’ person and work
      1. pre-existence, Phil. 2:6
      2. incarnation, Phil. 2:7
      3. substitutionary death, Phil. 2:8
    2. God the Father’s response
      1. universal Lordship, Phil. 2:9
      2. universal confession, Phil. 2:10
      3. supreme title (Lord), Phil. 2:11

        SPECIAL
        TOPIC: DEITY OF CHRIST FROM THE OT

  5. A brief outline of this great hymn to Christ
    1. Verses 6-8
      1. Christ’s humiliation
      2. OT background is Genesis 3 (Adam/Christ typology)
      3. focuses on Jesus’ actions
    2. Verses 9-11
      1. Christ’s exaltation
      2. OT background is Isa. 52:13-53:12 (the Suffering Servant)
      3. focuses on God the Father’s actions
    3. Bibles that print poetry differently from prose are crucial in seeing the
      metric pattern and parallelism (cf. NRSV, TEV, NJB)

  6. The basic truths found in this Christological hymn
    1. Jesus is truly God (in essence, morphē)
    2. Jesus is truly man (in form, schēma)
    3. Jesus truly sought our best, not His own, so should Christians (cf. 1 John 3:16)
    4. Jesus is the true object of worship by the will of the Father

  7. The hymn was non-Pauline
    1. It omits the resurrection which was a major and recurrent emphasis of Paul.
    2. It omits Paul’s regular emphasis on Jesus’ relation to the Church.
    3. It uses several terms not used by Paul anywhere else.
    4. Paul does quote other early church hymns, catechismal poems, or liturgical
      structures in 1 Tim. 3:16; 2 Tim. 2:11-13 and possibly Col. 1:15-20; 1 Tim. 1:17; 6:15-16.

  8. For another opinion see Gordon Fee, To What End Exegesis? pp. 173-189.

WORD AND PHRASE STUDY

÷PHILIPPIANS 2:1-11

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: PHILIPPIANS 2:1-11
 1Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death,
even death on a cross. 9For this reason also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

2:1 “if” This is the first in a series of four FIRST CLASS CONDITIONAL SENTENCES
which are assumed to be true from the author’s perspective or for his literary purposes. Verses 1-4
are one sentence in the Greek.

▣ “any encouragement in Christ” This term can be translated several ways: “stimulus”
“appeal,” “comfort,” “encouragement” or “exhortation.” This phrase is similar to Paul’s discussion
of the attitudes that bring and maintain unity within the local bodies of Christ in Eph. 4:2-3.

 “In Christ” (a LOCATIVE OF SPHERE) is Paul’s most common
way of identifying believers. For life, true life, abundant life, believers must remain in vital
union with Christ by faith (cf. John 15).

▣ “any consolation of love” Love has always been the root and fruit for the Christian
life (cf. John 13:34-35; 15:12,17; 1 Cor. 13; Gal. 5:22; 1 John 3:11,27; 4:7-21). Jesus lived it,
taught it and commanded it to His followers.

▣ “any fellowship of the Spirit” This is the Greek term koinōnia, which meant
“joint participation with” (cf. 2 Cor. 13:14). Again, the question is, “Does this refer to believers’
new redeemed, human spirit being energized by the Holy Spirit,” or “the Holy Spirit being given to
them”? There is no ARTICLE with the term “spirit.” This may be a purposeful ambiguity.
It may theologically refer to both.

SPECIAL
TOPIC: KOINŌNIA (FELLOWSHIP)

▣ “any affection” This is literally “bowels,” which is also used in Phil. 1:8. The ancients
believed that the lower viscera (abdomen) was the seat of the emotions. Both of these terms are also used
in Col. 3:12.

▣ “compassion” Paul uses this term four times:

  1. to describe God’s character (cf. Rom. 12:1; 2 Cor. 1:3)
  2. to describe how Christians ought to treat each other (cf. Phil. 2:11; Col. 3:12)

God desires to produce His character (image) in His children. The restoration of God’s
image lost in the Fall is the purpose of Jesus’ coming.

2:2 “make my joy complete” This is an AORIST ACTIVE IMPERATIVE and shows
how Paul felt about these believers even though he was far away in prison. Their actions and choices
caused Paul joy or pain.

▣ “by being of the same mind” This is a PRESENT ACTIVE SUBJUNCTIVE that
is defined by four PRESENT PARTICIPLES (possibly used as IMPERATIVES)
beginning in Phil. 2:2 and running through Phil. 2:4 They deal with the very difficult pragmatic
question of maintaining unity within the Christian fellowship (cf. Rom. 14:1-15:13; 1 Cor. 8:1-13;
10:23-33; Eph. 4:1-3). Paul’s guidelines are crucial, not only for Philippi in the first century, but for the
Church of every age. The four PARTICIPLES are

  1. maintaining the same love
  2. unifying in spirit and focusing on one purpose
  3. regarding others as more important than oneself
  4. looking out for the interest of others

Beware of individualistic religion. Christianity is a family experience.

Paul often uses this term “think” (phroneō) in Philippians it becomes
another theme (cf. Phil. 1:7; 2:2 [twice]; 2:5; 3:15 [twice]; 3:19; 4:2; and 4:10).

2:3 “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit” This may describe the situation in the
Philippian church caused by the false teachers or by persecution (cf. Phil. 1:15,17; Gal. 5:26). There
is no VERB, but the thrust of the verse is IMPERATIVE. The repetition
of “think” (phroneō) in the context may imply that this VERB is to be assumed.

▣ “but with humility of mind” Humility was not a sought-after virtue in the Greco-Roman
world, but Christ made it a unique aspect of His own life and called on His followers to emulate it
in their Christian lives (cf. Phil. 2:8; Matt. 11:29; 1 Pet. 5:5,6). It is the contextual opposite
of “selfishness and empty conceit.”

▣ “regard one another as more important than yourselves” This is a PRESENT
MIDDLE (deponent) PARTICIIPLE. This goes against all of our natural, human
tendencies, but it is the will of God (cf. Rom. 12:10; 1 Cor. 10:24, 33; Gal. 6:2; Eph. 5:2).

For “more important” see
SPECIAL TOPIC: PAUL’S USE
OF HUPER COMPOUNDS

2:4 “do not merely look out for your own personal interests” This is a PRESENT
ACTIVE PARTICIPLE with the NEGATIVE PARTICLE (used as an IMPERATIVE)
which usually means to stop an act in process. It meant “to look attentively at something”
(cf. 2 Cor. 4:18). The term “interest” can refer to

  1. things
  2. spiritual gifts
  3. affairs

The real key here is the word “merely” or “only.” It’s not that believers are not to take interest
in their own affairs (cf. 1 Tim. 5:8), but they are not to make them a priority to the exclusion of
others, especially other believers. The balance is seen in Gal. 6:1-2. Believers are to keep a sharp
watch on themselves so that they can watch out for others.

2:5 “Have this attitude in yourselves” This is a PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE. Believers
are commanded to continue to think (phroneō) like Christ. The goal of Christianity is
Christlikeness in thought and deed (cf. Col. 3:16). This is the beginning of a quote by Paul from an
early Christian hymn. There are several terms in this poetic section not found elsewhere in Paul. Other
examples of Paul quoting from this type of material are Eph. 5:14; 1 Tim. 3:16; 2 Tim. 2:11-13 and
possibly Col. 1:15-20; 1 Tim. 1:17; 6:15-16.

Christians are admonished to follow Christ’s example in two ways:

  1. He left His pre-existent, divine glory to become a human, not for Himself, but for others.
  2. He was willing to die, not because of His own sins, but for others’.

Christ’s followers are to emulate these self-giving, self-abasing characteristics
(cf. 1 John 3:16). We are our brothers’ keeper because our brother is in the image and likeness of God!

2:6 “who, although He existed” Literally this is “who being in the form of God.” This is one
of two PRESENT TENSES (here a PARTICIPLE) in the midst of a series of
AORIST TENSE VERBS and PARTICIPLES. It emphasizes the pre-existence of
Jesus of Nazareth (cf. John 1:1; 8:57-58; 17:5,24; 2 Cor. 8:9; Col. 1:17; Heb. 10:5-7). Jesus’
pre-existence is another proof of His deity. Jesus did not come into being at Bethlehem. There has
never been a time when Jesus did not exist and was not divine.

▣ “in the form of God” This is the Greek word morphē which is used in
several senses.

  1. an Aristotlian sense of essence
  2. the sense of the nature of something or unchanging essence of something (this is how
    the early Church fathers interpreted it)
  3. the outward form of something, as in the Septuagint (LXX). This does not mean that YHWH
    has a physical body, but that the attributes and characteristics—the very essence of God
    the Father—are evident in God the Son.

It is another way of asserting the full deity of Christ (cf John 1:1,18).

▣ “did not regard equality with God” Literally this is “thought it not robbery to be
equal with God.” This is the other PRESENT TENSE (here an INFINITIVE).
The Greek term “equality” comes into English as “isometric.” It is another way of asserting that
Jesus is fully God (cf. John 1:1,18; Titus 2:13).

▣
NASB   ”a thing to be grasped”
NKJV, Peshitta   ”robbery”
NRSV   ”something to be exploited”
TEV   ”that by force”
NJB   ”something to be grasped”

This rare Greek word, harpagmos, originally meant “the act of seizing
something” or “a sought after prize” (harpagma). However, it could be used in a
PASSIVE sense (Greek mos ending) meaning “that which is seized or held
on to.” A third possibility is “something that someone has but does not use for personal
advantage.” This is reflected in the Phillip’s translation of Phil. 2:7: “stripped Himself of
every advantage.”

Jesus already possessed full equality with God. The theological reason for this
phrase’s ambiguity is the Adam/Christ typology, where Adam tried to grasp equality with God by
eating the forbidden fruit (cf. Genesis 3). Jesus, the second Adam (cf. Rom 5:12-21; 1 Cor. 15:21-22),
followed God’s plan in perfect obedience where suffering preceded exaltation (cf. Isaiah 53).

2:7
NASB, NRSV, NJB   ”emptied Himself”
NKJV, Peshitta   ”made Himself of no reputation”
TEV   ”of His own free will He gave up all He had”

The PRONOUN is emphatic. This was Jesus’ own choice! There are
several theories about what it meant that Jesus emptied Himself (cf. 2 Cor. 8:9).

  1. Paul uses this term several times (cf. Rom. 4:14; 1 Cor. 1:17; 9:15; 2 Cor. 9:3). Apparently
    Jesus chose to live as a human. He voluntarily left His divine glory and accepted the
    limitations of flesh. Surely He still had greater insight and spiritual power than ordinary
    fallen mankind. He was what all humans were intended to be. He is the second Adam and more.
  2. Jesus did not become less than God in His Incarnation, but He apparently added humanity to His
    deity. He left the outward glory of Deity and took on the outward form of a man. This involved
    addition, not subtraction. During Jesus’ earthly ministry, He was filled and empowered by the
    Spirit, but also He was both fully God and fully human (tempted, Matthew 4; tried, John 4; afraid
    in Gethsemane, Mark 14:32-42). He truly knew and revealed the Father (cf. John 1:18). He was
    truly one with our humanity (cf. John 1:4).
  3. It is possible that this emptying was a way of alluding to Isa. 53:1-3. If so, it related
    not to his humanity (Phil. 2:7-8a) but to His crucifixion (Phil. 2:8b) as the servant of
    YHWH (cf. Mark 10:45-15:53).

▣ “taking the form of a bond-servant” This is an exact literary parallel to the phrase
“the nature of God” (cf. Phil. 2:6). The term “bond-servant” (doulos) here could be used in
the sense of the Suffering Servant of Isa. 42:1-9; 49:1-7; 50:4-11; 52:13-53:12. Jesus left His
heavenly glory for a manger (cf. 2 Cor. 8:9). This is also the background of Phil. 2:9-11. This
verse emphasizes Jesus’ Incarnation (AORIST PARTICIPLE), not His crucifixion, which
is spelled out in Phil. 2:8.

Jesus clearly demonstrated that true leadership, true power is a servant’s heart. To
lead, one must serve (cf. Mark 10:42-45; Matt. 20:25-28). His humility is a sign of true strength. His
self-giving love is a true sign of deity.

▣ “and being made in the likeness of man” The RSV and NRSV translate this word as
“being born.” This is the second major emphasis of this early Church hymn: the full humanity of
Christ. This was done to refute the Gnostic false teachers, who held to an eternal (ontological)
dualism between spirit and matter. The dual nature of Jesus is a major NT theological issue
(cf. 1 John 4:1-6). Jesus’ use of the OT term “Son of Man” points in this direction. In Ps. 8:4
and Ezek. 2:1 the term has its normal Jewish meaning of human person. However, in Dan. 7:13 it took
on divine characteristics (i.e., riding on the clouds of heaven and receiving the eternal kingdom).
Jesus used this phrase for Himself. It was not widely used by the rabbis and had no militaristic,
nationalistic, or exclusivistic connotations.

The beginning of Phil. 2:8 emphasizes this same theological truth with the distinction
that although Jesus was fully human, He did not participate in mankind’s fallen nature (cf. Rom. 8:3;
1 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:15; 7:26; 1 Pet. 2:22; 1 John 3:5).

2:8 “in appearance as a man” There is some confusion among the translations as to whether this
phrase should go with verse 7 or 8. This is the Greek term “schēma,” which was usually
contrasted with “morphē.” In Greek philosophy morphē meant “the inner form
of something that truly reflected its essence,” while “schēma” meant “the outer changing
form of something that did not fully represent its inner essence” (cf. 1 Cor. 7:31). Jesus is like us
in all ways except fallen mankind’s sin nature.

▣ “He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death” This may be one
of several allusions to the Septuagint’s (LXX) translation of Isaiah 53. Here, it is an allusion
to Isa. 53:8. Jesus followed the Father’s eternal redemptive plan (cf. Luke 22:22; Acts 2:23; 3:18;
4:28) even unto physical torture and death (AORIST ACTIVE INDICATIVE and AORIST
PARTICIPLE).

▣ “even death on a cross” The cross was a stumbling-block to the Jews (cf. 1 Cor. 1:23).
They were not expecting a suffering Messiah, but a conquering Messiah. Also because of Deut. 21:23,
which implies that if someone was publicly exposed after death, it was a sign of a curse by God. The
Jews could not see how their Messiah could be cursed by God, but this is exactly the truth of Gal. 3:13,
that He became a curse for us. The concept of a suffering Messiah (cf. Gen. 3:15; Psalm 22) was
repugnant to them. Yet this is how YHWH deals with the human sin problem, the vicarious,
substitutionary atonement of Christ (cf. Isa. 52:13-53:12; Mark 10:45; John 1:29; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Pet. 1:19).
The cross is the central truth of the NT where the love and justice of God meet and are merged.

2:9
NASB, TEV   ”For this reason”
NKJV, NRSV, Peshitta   ”Therefore”
NJB   ”And for this”

The NT presents Jesus in two ways:

  1. fully pre-existent Deity ( cf. John 1:1-3,14; 8:57-58; Col. 1:17)
  2. exalted Deity because of His obedient, holy earthly life (cf. Rom. 1:4; Phil. 2:9)

In the early church this led to a conflict between orthodox and adoptionist theologians.
However, as so often, they both had an aspect of truth. What Jesus was is confirmed by what He did!
There are not two Christologies, but two ways of viewing the same truth. Our response should not be to
try to decide which is true, but to thank God for Christ before time, in time, and beyond time!

▣ “God highly exalted Him” This is an allusion to the Septuagint (LXX) translation
of Isa. 52:13. The intensified form of the term huperupsoō is found only here in the NT
and rarely in secular Greek. See
SPECIAL TOPIC: PAUL’S USE
OF HUPER COMPOUNDS. This was not adoptionist Christology, which asserted that Jesus was
rewarded with deity. Jesus was restored to divine pre-existent glory (cf. Eph. 4:10). In John’s Gospel
Jesus’ death is referred to as His glorification (cf. John 7:39; 12:16,23; 13:31-32; 16:14; 17:1). The
humble servant is now King of kings!

▣ “and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name” This special exalted name is
“Lord” (cf. Phil. 2:11). The VERB (echarisato) in Phil. 2:9 means “graciously
given” as in Phil. 1:29. The term “Lord” is an allusion to the OT
covenant name for God, YHWH (cf. Exod. 3:14; 6:3), which the Jews were afraid to pronounce lest
they break one of the Ten Commandments (cf. Exod. 20:7; Deut. 5:11). Therefore, they substituted
the name Adon, which meant Lord, owner, husband. Jesus, who came in the form of a servant,
was returned to His cosmic Lordship (cf. John 17:5; Col. 1:15-20). “Jesus is Lord” was the public,
personal confession of faith for the early Church (cf. Rom. 10:9; 1 Cor. 8:6; 12:3). It is
probably repeated at one’s baptism. Jesus of Nazareth is given the supreme title of Deity
(cf. Eph. 1:21 and Heb. 1:4).

SPECIAL TOPIC: THE NAME
OF THE LORD (NT)

2:10 “every knee should bow of those who are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth” One day
everyone will acknowledge Jesus as Lord. The only question is whether they will do it in time by faith,
and thereby become a part of the family of God, or do it on the Day of the Lord and be judged by Him
(cf. Matt. 25:31-48; Rev. 20:11-15).

The parallel phrases in this verse refer to angels, both free and bound and humans, both
living and dead. All conscious creatures shall acknowledge Jesus’ Lordship, but only humans can be
redeemed. Verses 10-11 seem to be an allusion to Isa. 45:23, which is quoted in Rom. 14:11. In its
original context it was the worship of YHWH that has now been transferred to the Messiah (cf. John 5:23).
The transfer of titles and functions between YHWH and Jesus is another way the NT authors assert the
full deity of Jesus.

SPECIAL TOPIC: ANGELS IN
PAUL’S WRITINGS

2:11 “and that every tongue will confess” This is an AORIST MIDDLE SUBJUNCTIVE
(used as FUTURE, some MSS have the FUTURE, i.e., A, C, D, F, G) of
exomologeō which acknowledges the fact that public, verbal acknowledgment of the
lordship of Christ will be an end-time reality. This acknowledgment of Jesus’ Lordship was an early
profession of faith (i.e., baptismal liturgy). Paul used this term as he used several OT quotes from
the Septuagint (cf. Phil. 2:11 and Rom. 14:11 from Isa. 45:23 and Rom. 15:9 from Ps. 18:49. Also the
related term homologeō in Rom. 10:13 from Joel 2:37).

SPECIAL
TOPIC: CONFESSION/PROFESSION

SPECIAL TOPIC: WHAT
DOES IT MEAN TO “RECEIVE,” “BELIEVE,” “CONFESS/PROFESS,” “CALL UPON”?

▣ “to the glory of God the Father” The worship of Jesus is the purpose of God the Father
in sending Him. This phrase “to the glory of God” relates to believers’ lifestyle in Phil. 1:11 and
here in Phil. 2:11 for their salvation, brought through the work of Christ. This same key phrase is
used three times in Paul’s prayer of praise to the triune God in Eph. 1:3-14. Ultimately Jesus will
turn all power, authority, and praise over to the Father to whom it belongs (cf. 1 Cor. 15:27-28). See
full note on “glory” at Eph. 1:6.

SPECIAL TOPIC: GLORY
(OT, KABOD)

CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS TO PHILIPPIANS 2:12-30

  1. Philippians 2:12-18, like Phil. 2:1-11, relates to Christian living.
  2. Philippians 2:19-30 relates to Paul’s helpers, Timothy and Epaphroditus and their coming
    to Philippi.

    1. Timothy, Phil. 2:19-24
    2. Epaphroditus, Phil. 2:25-30

WORD AND PHRASE STUDY

÷PHILIPPIANS 2:12-13

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: PHILIPPIANS 2:12-13
 12So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 13for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

2:12-13 This is one sentence in Greek.

2:12 “So then” This is obviously connected to the previous discussion of the humility and
obedience of Christ. In light of Christ’s ultimate example in Phil. 2:6-11, these believers were
implored to live

  1. humbly and caringly, Phil. 2:1-5
  2. like Christ, Phil. 2:14-18

▣ “my beloved” Paul loved this church in a special way (cf. Phil. 4:15-16). Paul uses
this phrase often to describe those converted under his ministry (cf. Rom. 12:19; 16:8,9,12;
1 Cor. 4:14,17; 10:14; 15:58; 2 Cor. 7:1; 12:19; Eph. 6:21; Phil. 4:1 [twice]; Col. 4:7,9,14;
1 Tim. 6:2; 2 Tim. 1:2; Philemon 1:1,2,16).

▣
NASB, NKJV   ”as you have always obeyed”
NRSV, TEV   ”as you have always obeyed me”
NJB, Peshitta   ”you have always been obedient”

The text does not state who they obeyed. It could have been

  1. Father/Son/Spirit
  2. the Christian faith
  3. Paul

The obedience of Christ, mentioned in Phil. 2:8, was given as an example for
the Philippians to follow (cf. Luke 6:46). This phrase may refer to the church’s obedience
to Paul’s teaching (cf. Phil. 2:12b). Christianity is a process which involves repentance,
faith, obedience, service, and perseverance!

▣ “not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence” Christianity is what
we are, not what we do! Believers must not perform acts to be seen (cf. Phil. 1:27; Eph. 6:6;
Col. 3:22).

▣ “work out your salvation” This VERB is a mathematical term used
of a problem brought to its conclusion. Its form is PRESENT MIDDLE (deponent)
IMPERATIVE PLURAL.

Verses 12-13 have been the focus of much theological discussion relating to
the sovereignty of God, which is emphasized in Phil. 2:13 (cf. Phil. 1:6), and the free will
of human persons which is called on in Phil. 2:12. The term “salvation” in Phil. 2:12

  1. refers to a believer’s spiritual relationship with Christ. Paul has just mentioned
    becoming a Christian in Phil. 2:9-10. This is another example of the tension between
    sovereignty and free-will, both initial and ongoing (cf. Phil. 2:16)
  2. does not refer to eternal spiritual salvation, but either to
    1. OT “physical deliverance”
    2. “wholeness,” as it does in Phil. 1:19

This aspect of salvation as “wholeness” can also be seen in Acts 4:10; 14:9; 27:34.
The initiating grace of God and the required faith response of a repentant human are clearly
seen in Eph. 2:8-9. Obviously, believers do not work for their salvation, but after they are saved,
they cooperate with the Spirit to live in Christlike maturity (cf. Phil. 2:14-17; Eph. 2:10; 5:18).
Salvation is all of God and totally free but it requires an active, costly, repentant, continuing
faith response (cf. Matt. 13:44-46).

The context militates against an individualistic interpretation because the “your”
in Phil. 2:12, “you” in Phil. 2:13, and all the VERBS are PLURAL,
which refers to the entire Philippian church, not to an individual’s spiritual salvation. If it
did refer to spiritual salvation it is corporate (cf. Phil. 1:28) and progressive
(cf. 1 Cor. 1:18;15:2; 2 Cor. 2:15). The thrust of the passage may have been to encourage them
to trust in God’s presence and purpose for the church at Philippi (cf. Gal. 3:4; 1 Cor. 15:2).

▣ “with fear and trembling” This was an OT idiom of respect and awe towards God
(cf. Ps. 2:11; 119:120). It is used several times in Paul’s writings (cf. 1 Cor. 2:3;
2 Cor. 7:15; Eph. 6:5). Believers need to remember the transcendent Holiness of God!

2:13 “for it is God who is at work in you” “God” is placed first in the sentence for emphasis.
The term “work” is a PRESENT ACTIVE PARTICIPLE which refers to “continuous effective
work” (cf. Gal. 5:6). This is a different compound term from Phil. 2:12 but the same root. The phrase
“in you” is PLURAL and may mean “among you,” which focuses on God’s activity in the
life of the Church (cf. Col. 1:27).

▣
NASB “both to will and to work for His good pleasure”
NKJV “both to will and to do His good pleasure”
NRSV “both to will and to work for his good pleasure”
TEV “to make you willing and able to obey his own purpose”
NJB “for his own generous purpose, gives you the intention and the powers to act”
Peshitta “with the will to do the good things which you desire to do”

Believers’ attitudes and actions are produced by the Spirit. The PRESENT
ACTIVE PARTICIPLE of Phil. 2:13a is repeated as a PRESENT ACTIVE INFINITIVE
in Phil. 2:13b. This is the paradox of a sovereign God and a covenant-making God. Salvation is a
free gift and a cost-everything commitment! Paul is a good example of God’s undeserved grace
(cf. 1 Cor. 15:10). In this context (cf. Gal. 3:4; 1 Cor. 15:2) God’s will is for a united, loving,
witnessing, effective church.

÷PHILIPPIANS 2:14-18

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: PHILIPPIANS 2:14-18
 14Do all things without grumbling or disputing; 15so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, 16holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. 17But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. 18You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.

2:14-16 These verses are one sentence in Greek.

2:14 “Do all things without grumbling or disputing” There was obviously disunity in the
Philippian congregation. Whether the source was

  1. Christian leaders who were jealous (cf. Phil. 1:14-17)
  2. the two women who were at war with each other (cf. Phil. 4:2-3)
  3. the false teachers (cf. Phil. 3:2ff)

is uncertain The text does not specify whether Paul, other Christians, or unbelievers
were the object of the grumbling.

2:15
NASB   ”that you may prove yourselves to be”
NKJV   ”that you may become”
NRSV, TEV   ”so that you may become”
NJB   ”so that you remain”
Peshitta   ”that you may be sincere”

This is an AORIST MIDDLE (deponent) SUBJUNCTIVE. As
believers choose to be saved, so they must choose to live for Christ! The NT is a new document. The
believer has rights and responsibilities!

▣ “blameless” This is literally “without defect” (cf. Phil. 3:6). Originally in the
OT it referred to sacrificial animals but came to be used metaphorically for humans (cf. Noah,
Gen. 6:9,17 and Job, Job 1:1). It is applied to Jesus in Heb. 9:14 and 1 Pet. 1:19. This was another
way of referring to the Christlike life. This is God’s will for His people (cf. Lev. 19:2; Deut. 18:13;
Matt. 5:48; 1 Pet. 1:16). God wants to reflect Himself in believers (“children of God,”
cf. Eph. 1:4, 6:27; Col. 1:22; Jude 24) and thereby draw the lost world to Himself (cf. Phil. 2:15).

SPECIAL TOPIC: BLAMELESS, INNOCENT,
GUILTLESS, WITHOUT REPROACH

▣ “innocent” This is a term from the wine industry for “unmixed wine.” It is used in
the NT metaphorically for moral purity (cf. Matt. 10:16; Rom. 16:19).

▣ “children of God” See
SPECIAL TOPIC: THE
CHILDREN OF GOD

▣ “above reproach” This was used in the Septuagint (LXX) for sacrificial animals. The
term is often used metaphorically in the NT to indicate moral uprightness (cf. Eph. 1:4; Col. 1:22;
Jude 24; Rev. 14:5,6). This does not imply sinlessness, but maturity.

▣ “in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation” In Deut. 32:5 this phrase refers
to Israel, but in this context it refers to the unbelieving world. This is another example of NT
author’s universalizing OT passages to fit all mankind. The root of the terms “crooked” and
“perverse” is related to the OT concept of the righteousness of God which is described as a
“measuring reed” (a straight edge or ruler). Any deviation from His standard was described in
terms of “crooked” or “bent.” These terms are translated by “sin,” “iniquity,” or “trespass” in
English. Notice that in this context it is the Church that is called on to be the light in a
darkened world.

▣
NASB   ”you appear as lights in the world”
NKJV, Peshitta   ”you shine as lights in the world”
NRSV   ”you shine like stars in the world”
TEV   ”You must shine among them like stars lighting up the sky”
NJB   ”shining out among them like bright stars in the world”

Notice the PLURALS indicating a corporate context. This does
not refer to individuals, as in Daniel 12, but to churches as a whole (cf. Phil. 2:12). There
have been two possible understandings of this term:

  1. as related to Dan. 12:3, where believers are described as luminaries or stars
    shining in the sky
  2. those who bear light (i.e., the gospel of Phil. 2:16) to the world (kosmos)

In Matt. 5:14-16 believers are to be light-bearers, with Jesus as our example
(cf. John 8:12; Eph. 5:14).

▣
NASB, NKJV, NRSV   ”holding fast the word of life”
TEV   ”so you offer them the message of life”
NJB   ”Proffering to it the Word of life”
Peshitta   ”for you are to them the Light of Life”

This is a PRESENT TENSE PARTICIPLE which can be
interpreted in two ways:

  1. “holding fast,” referring to believers’ continued faithfulness
  2. “holding forth,” referring to believers as witnesses

Both could fit this context (esp. Phil. 2:12).

SPECIAL TOPIC: PERSEVERANCE

▣ “in the day of Christ” This refers to the Second Coming of Christ. A very similar
phrase is used in Phil. 1:6,10. Often in the NT the Second Coming is used as a motivation for
current Christian living.

SPECIAL
TOPIC: NT TERMS FOR CHRIST’S RETURN

▣ “I will have reason to glory” The godliness of the Philippian Christians (i.e., churches)
was evidence of Paul’s apostleship (cf. Phil. 4:1; 1 Thess. 2:19-20).

SPECIAL TOPIC: BOASTING

▣ “I did not run in vain nor toil in vain” This is literally “that not in vain I ran nor
in vain labored” (i.e., for the purpose of establishing effective, reproducing gospel churches). These
are two AORIST TENSE VERBS. The first term, “ran,” was used in the Egyptian papyri
for water running to no purpose. In this context, “vain” must refer to their Christlike maturity
(not their salvation) as they shine forth for Christ! Paul often expresses his anxiety about the
new churches’ maturity and steadfastness by using metaphors such as these (cf. Gal. 2:2; 4:11;
1 Thess. 2:1; 3:3,5). Paul often spoke of his ministry as an athletic contest (cf. 1 Cor. 9:24-27;
1 Tim. 6:12; 2 Tim. 4:7).

2:17,18 These verses contain four terms which are usually translated “rejoice.” This shows
that even at the prospect of death (Roman capital punishment while in prison), Paul was glad to be
serving Christ and them (i.e., the churches he established). He also admonishes them to do the same.
Believers are to give their lives on behalf of others as Christ gave His life for them
(cf. Phil. 2:5-11; 2 Cor. 5:13-14; Gal. 2:20; 1 John 3:16).

2:17 “if” This is a FIRST CLASS CONDITIONAL SENTENCE which was assumed to
be true from the author’s perspective or for his literary purposes. This should not be taken
as Paul’s expecting the death sentence. In this same book he expressed his hope and expectation
for release (cf. Phil. 1:25; 2:24).

2:16
NASB, NKJV   ”I am being poured out as a drink offering”
NRSV   ”I am being poured out as a libation”
TEV   ”my life’s blood is to be poured out like an offering”
NJB   ”my blood has to be poured as a libation”
Peshitta   ”even if my blood be offered upon the sacrifice”

This is a PRESENT PASSIVE INDICATIVE. Paul views himself as
a sacrifice on behalf of the faith of the Philippians (i.e., Gentiles, cf. Rom. 15:16). Paul
refers to his ministry as a sacrifice several times (cf. Rom. 15:16; 2 Tim. 4:6). This Greek
term reflects an OT term for a wine libation (cf. Exod. 29:38-41; Num. 15:3-10).

SPECIAL TOPIC: POURED OUT

▣ “upon the sacrifice and service of your faith” Paul saw his life and ministry as a
sacrifice to God (cf. Rom. 12:1-2). He was offering the Gentiles to God (cf. Rom. 15:16). Jesus
was a sacrifice for all mankind (cf. Isaiah 53; Mark 10:45; 2 Cor. 5:21; Eph. 5:2). Believers are
to emulate Jesus and Paul (cf.4:19).

The Greek word translated “service” (leitourgia) comes into English as
“liturgy.” It was used in the Septuagint (LXX) for a priest providing an offering. This may be another
allusion to Paul’s self sacrifice for the gospel.

÷PHILIPPIANS 2:19-3:1

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: PHILIPPIANS 2:19-3:1
 19But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. 20For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. 21For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. 22But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father. 23Therefore I hope to send him immediately, as soon as I see how things go with me; 24and I trust in the Lord that I myself also will be coming shortly. 25But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need; 26because he was longing for you all and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. 27For indeed he was sick to the point of death, but God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow. 28Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned about you. 29Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard; 30because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was deficient in your service to me. 3:1Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.

2:19 “But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send” Paul knew his life and plans were not his own, but
were controlled by the will of God (cf. Phil. 2:24; 1 Cor. 4:19; James 4:13-17).

▣ “so that I also may be encouraged” This is a PRESENT ACTIVE SUBJUNCTIVE.
This term is used in the sense of a “farewell” and “good luck” and has been found on many ancient
tombs. This is the only usage in the NT and seems to be used in the sense of “cheered” (NRSV).

2:20
NASB   ”kindred spirit”
NKJV   ”like-minded”
NRSV   ”like him”
TEV   ”who shares my feelings”
NJB, Peshitta   ”cares as sincerely for your well-being”

This is literally “like-souled” (isopsuchos) This implies that Timothy
had the same love for the Philippian church as Paul did. A similar compound “like-minded”
(sumpsuchos) is used in Phil. 2:2.

▣
NASB, NRSV   ”who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare”
NKJV   ”who will sincerely care for your state”
TEV   ”who really cares about you”
NJB, Peshitta   ”cares as sincerely for your well-being”

Originally this term meant “legitimately born,” but it came to be used
metaphorically for “genuine.” The term “concerned” appears in Phil. 4:6 and means “anxious”
and had a negative connotation. In this verse it has a positive connotation.

2:21 It is uncertain to whom Paul was referring, but he obviously meant his associates
in the ministry. This is probably related to the jealous preachers in the Roman church
(cf. Phil. 1:14-17). Others see it as being related to the false teachers of chapter 3. However,
this seems unusual because Paul would not refer to them as “preachers of Christ” (cf. Phil. 1:15).
A good example of the kind of mixed priorities Paul is referring to can be seen in Demas
(cf. 2 Tim. 4:10). Self-interest was, and is, a recurrent problem (cf. 1 Cor. 10:24; 13:5; Phil. 2:4).

2:22 “his proven worth” This term (dokimion)is used of testing coins or precious
metals to prove their genuineness. Timothy had been with Paul at Philippi as recorded in Acts 16
and 20. He was well acquainted with this church and he loved them dearly.

SPECIAL TOPIC: GREEK
TERMS FOR TESTING AND THEIR CONNOTATIONS

▣ “like a child serving his father” This was Paul’s way of referring to a good,
loyal, and faithful helper (cf. Titus 1:4). However, in Timothy’s case, it also meant convert
(cf. 1 Tim. 1:2; 2 Tim. 1:2).

2:23 “as soon as I see how things go with me” Paul did expect some word concerning his
legal case soon, but he was still uncertain whether he would be put to death or be able to return and
visit with them. The order of Paul’s prison letters seems to be:

  1. Colossians, Ephesians, and Philemon early in the trial process
  2. Philippians toward the conclusion of the case

2:24 “I trust” This is a PERFECT ACTIVE INDICATIVE used in the sense of “to be
assured or confident” (cf. 2 Cor. 2:3; Heb. 13:18). Paul’s confidence was in the Lord (Phil. 2:24),
in the Spirit (Phil. 1:19b), and in their prayers (Phil. 1:19a). Paul had much more confidence in his
release from prison in this book than in Colossians or Ephesians.

2:25 “I thought” These are epistolary aorists. Paul was writing as if he had
already done it.

▣ “necessity” This is a very strong Greek word (cf. Acts 1:24; 13:46; 2 Cor. 9:5;
Heb. 8:3). It is placed first in the sentence for emphasis.

▣ “Epaphroditus” His name is related to the goddess, Aphrodite. He is not the same
as Epaphras who was mentioned in Col. 1:7; 4:12; Philemon 23, although Epaphras is an abbreviation
of Epaphroditus.

▣ “my brother and fellow-worker and fellow soldier” Paul saw this man as a close associate.
Apparently he had been sent by the Philippians to bring a monetary gift to Paul in prison and to stay
on and help him. While there, he became deathly ill (Phil. 2:27). Paul was returning him to his home
church and expressing his thanksgiving to them for sending him. Paul did not want the church to be
angry with him because he had returned early.

▣ “your messenger and minister to my needs” “Messenger” is the term “apostle” which means
“a sent one.” Here, it is used in its non-technical sense (cf. Phil. 4:18; 2 Cor. 8:23). Remember
context determines word meaning, not the lexicon/dictionary. See
“Bible
Interpretation Seminar”

SPECIAL TOPIC: SEND (APOSTELLŎ)

2:26 “because he was longing for you all” This is a strong term used of Paul’s longing to see
this church as in Phil. 1:8 and 4:1. Epaphroditus was homesick as well as physically ill.

▣
NASB, NKJV, NRSV   ”distressed”
TEV   ”is very upset”
NJB   ”was worrying”
Peshitta   ”has been depressed”

This term can mean “homesick” from one usage found in the Koine Greek papyri
found in Egypt. Here it describes his mental anguish over the report of his physical illness
reaching the Philippian church. This same term is used of Jesus’ agony in Gethsemane
(cf. Matt. 26:37; Mark 14:33).

2:27 “he was sick to the point of death” Apparently Paul was unable to heal him (cf. Phil. 2:30).
It is difficult to determine when and how the Apostles used the gift of healing and why they were
unable to do so on some occasions (cf. 2 Cor. 12; 2 Tim. 4:20). Healing is not automatic. Do those
modern preachers who claim that God desires all to be healed really believe that Paul the Apostle did
not have enough faith on this occasion? Faith is not the key to divine healing, but God’s will and
plan for the ones healed.

Paul wanted the Philippians to know that Epaphroditus was truly and seriously ill.
Possibly some in the church at Philippi would be upset when he returned home early (cf. Phil. 2:28-30).

SPECIAL TOPIC: HEALING

2:30 “risking his life” This is an AORIST MIDDLE PARTICIPLE which literally
means “gambled.” It must refer to his sickness. Paul uses the Greek term “soul” (psychē)
to refer to Epaphroditus’ life. The Bible does not follow the Greek concept that humans
have “an immortal soul” but the Hebrew concept that humans
are a “living soul” (cf. Gen. 2:7). The physical body is the outward
boundary of our earthly existence. Humans are related to this planet like the animals, but they
are also related to God. Human beings, however, are a unity, not a dichotomy or trichotomy
(cf. 1 Thess. 5:23; Heb. 4:12). This unity is discussed in the NT in contrasting ways:

  1. old man ‒ new man
  2. external ‒ internal
  3. present age ‒ age to come
  4. flesh ‒ spirit
  5. resurrection life ‒ resurrection day

Be careful of a proof-texted theology that picks one or two verses out of their literary
context and asserts that they are the “key” to interpret the rest of the bible. If the interpretive
key to the Scriptures is the trichotomous humanity (body, soul, spirit) then where is the clear
teaching passage from Jesus or Paul? Anyone can pick an isolated verse and claim it as the key. This
would imply that God’s truth is not clearly written for the common man, but only for an elite group
with secret knowledge of this “key” verse or perspective (Gnosticism). This approach to interpretation
is a plague in modern Christianity.

▣
NASB  ”to complete what was deficient in your service to me”
NKJV  ”to supply what was lacking in your service to me”
NRSV  ”to make up for those services that you could not give me”
TEV  ”in order to give me the help that you yourselves could not give”
NJB  ”to do the duty to me which you could not do yourselves”
Peshitta  ”he made good your lack of service to me”

In English this sounds somewhat negative, however, it was a Greek idiom
showing lack of opportunity but with a positive desire (cf. Phil. 4:10; Rom. 1:10).

3:1 “Finally” This is literally “for the rest” (loipon). Paul often used this term
to make the transition to a new subject, usually at the close of the letter (cf. 2 Cor. 13:11;
Eph. 6:10; 1 Thess. 4:8; 2 Thess. 3:1).

There is a new trend in NT interpretation called “chiasm” which seeks to discern
a type of inverted outline (ex. A, B, C, B, A). This pattern of parallelism is known from the OT
and many assert that it was also common in Greek thought. Often Paul’s finale seems to introduce
the middle truth of this structured parallelism.

SPECIAL TOPIC: HEBREW POETRY

▣ “rejoice in the Lord” This is a recurrent theme. Rejoice in suffering, rejoice in
salvation, rejoice in Him!

▣ “To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you” Major
truths need to be repeated for emphasis, impact, and retention. Paul must have said these
things to them orally while in Philippi and could possibly have written to them in a previous letter.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are
responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You,
the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this
section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.

  1. Explain the meaning of Phil. 2:12-13 (both contextually and theologically).
  2. Why would the Philippian Christians be grumbling and disputing (Phil. 2:14)?
  3. Why were Paul’s co-ministers seen as having mixed interests (Phil. 2:21)?
  4. Why could Paul not heal Epaphroditus?

 

|  Home  |  New Testament Studies  |  Philippians Table of Contents  |  Previous Section  |  Next Section  |

Copyright © 2014 Bible Lessons International