Philippians2
English Standard Version
1 there is , from , in the , ,
2 of the , having the , being in and of .
3Do , in than .
4Let of you only to his , to the of .
5 , is ,
6 , though he the of , did with a thing to be ,
7 , by the of a , being the of .
8 being , he by to the of , on a .
9 the is ,
10so the of should , in on under the ,
11 is , the of the .
12 , , you , so , , your ,
13 it , to to his .
14 all ,
15 you may , of the of a , you the ,
16 to the of , so the of may be I .
17 I am to be as a the of , I am with .
18 should be with .
19 the to to , so I may be by .
20 I no like , will be your .
21 they their , of .
22 you , a with a he has the .
23I to just as it will go with ,
24 I the I will .
25I have it to , to ,
26 has been for has been you he was .
27 he was , to . had on , on on , I should .
28I am the to , , you may at , and that may .
29 the , such ,
30 he for the of , his what was in .
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Philippians 2.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: Exhortations to a kind, humble spirit and behaviour. (1–4). The example of Christ. (5–11). Diligence in the affairs of salvation, and to be examples to the world. (12–18). The apostle's purpose of visiting Philippi. (19–30).
vv1-4
Here are further exhortations to Christian duties; to like-mindedness and lowly-mindedness, according to the example of the Lord Jesus. Kindness is the law of Christ's kingdom, the lesson of his school, the livery of his family. Several motives to brotherly love are mentioned. If you expect or experience the benefit of God's compassions to yourselves, be compassionate one to another. It is the joy of ministers to see people like-minded. Christ came to humble us, let there not be among us a spirit of pride. We must be severe upon our own faults, and quick in observing our own defects, but ready to make favourable allowances for others. We must kindly care for others, but not be busy-bodies in other men's matters. Neither inward nor outward peace can be enjoyed, without lowliness of mind.
vv5-11
The example of our Lord Jesus Christ is set before us. We must resemble him in his life, if we would have the benefit of his death. Notice the two natures of Christ; his Divine nature, and human nature. Who being in the form of God, partaking the Divine nature, as the eternal and only-begotten Son of God, Joh 1:1, had not thought it a robbery to be equal with God, and to receive Divine worship from men. His human nature; herein he became like us in all things except sin. Thus low, of his own will, he stooped from the glory he had with the Father before the world was. Christ's two states, of humiliation and exaltation, are noticed. Christ not only took upon him the likeness and fashion, or form of a man, but of one in a low state; not appearing in splendour. His whole life was a life of poverty and suffering. But the lowest step was his dying the death of the cross, the death of a malefactor and a slave; exposed to public hatred and scorn. The exaltation was of Christ's human nature, in union with the Divine. At the name of Jesus, not the mere sound of the word, but the authority of Jesus, all should pay solemn homage. It is to the glory of God the Father, to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord; for it is his will, that all men should honour the Son as they honour the Father, Joh 5:23. Here we see such motives to self-denying love as nothing else can supply. Do we thus love and obey the Son of God?
vv12-18
We must be diligent in the use of all the means which lead to our salvation, persevering therein to the end. With great care, lest, with all our advantages, we should come short. Work out your salvation, for it is God who worketh in you. This encourages us to do our utmost, because our labour shall not be in vain: we must still depend on the grace of God. The working of God's grace in us, is to quicken and engage our endeavours. God's good-will to us, is the cause of his good work in us. Do your duty without murmurings. Do it, and do not find fault with it. Mind your work, and do not quarrel with it. By peaceableness; give no just occasion of offence. The children of God should differ from the sons of men. The more perverse others are, the more careful we should be to keep ourselves blameless and harmless. The doctrine and example of consistent believers will enlighten others, and direct their way to Christ and holiness, even as the light-house warns mariners to avoid rocks, and directs their course into the harbour. Let us try thus to shine. The gospel is the word of life, it makes known to us eternal life through Jesus Christ. Running, denotes earnestness and vigour, continual pressing forward; labouring, denotes constancy, and close application. It is the will of God that believers should be much in rejoicing; and those who are so happy as to have good ministers, have great reason to rejoice with them. (Php 2:19-30)
Key Words
οὖν (oûn): (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
τὶς (tìs): some or any person or object
παράκλησις (paráklēsis): imploration, hortation, solace
ἐν (en): "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
Χριστός (Christós): anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus
παραμύθιον (paramýthion): consolation (properly, concretely)
ἀγάπη (agápē): love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
εἴ τις (eí tis): if any
κοινωνία (koinōnía): partnership, i.e. (literally) participation, or (social) intercourse, or (pecuniary) benefaction
πνεῦμα (pneûma): a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit
Cross References
Philippians 2Paul adapts Yahweh's oath that every knee will bow and tongue confess to describe Jesus Christ's exaltation.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB
Parallels 'form of God' with Christ as the 'image of the invisible God' prior to creation.
Supported by JFB
Confessing Jesus as Lord to God's glory aligns with honoring the Son as the Father.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Demas exemplifies seeking his own by forsaking Paul, loving this present world.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Identical Greek phrase and concept for supplying a lack of service to the Apostle.
Supported by JFB
Verbatim verbal parallel to the 'fellowship of the Spirit' (communion of the Holy Ghost).
Supported by JFB
Christ's own invitation to learn from Him, being 'meek and lowly in heart'.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Christ as the ultimate ethical pattern, who 'pleased not himself' but bore our reproaches.
Supported by JFB
True Christian charity contrasted with self-seeking; love 'seeketh not her own.'
Supported by Matthew Poole
Parallels the idea of ministering to Paul in bonds in the stead of a church.
Supported by JFB
The Baptist's joy made full/fulfilled parallels Paul's plea to 'fulfil ye my joy'.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin
Parallels 'let each esteem other better' with 'in honour preferring one another'.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Contrasts lowliness with being 'desirous of vain-glory, provoking one another, envying one another'.
Supported by Matthew Poole
The eternal Word existing with God and being God grounds Christ's divine 'form'.
Supported by Matthew Henry
The glory Christ had with the Father before the world matches His pre-incarnate divine status.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
Illustrates the 'form of a servant'—the Son of man came to minister, not be ministered to.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Paul's other explicit citation of the Isaiah 45:23 oath of universal subjection to God.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Paul's mutual longing and desire to see his co-laborers, remembering their tears.
Supported by JFB
Elaborates on the instruction to 'hold such in reputation' as worthy of double honor.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Priscilla and Aquila similarly risked their own necks and lives for Paul's ministry.
Supported by JFB
Echoes 'bowels and mercies' as the essential clothing of the elect of God.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Paul's parallel expression of trust that he will be released to visit soon.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Defines the role and title of 'messengers of the churches' (apostoloi) in ministry.
Supported by JFB