Phil. 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
This letter is identified as being from Paul and Timothy to the body of believers at Philippi. It is addressed to all the believers (those in Christ) with special mention of the church leaders and teachers. Easton’s Dictionary makes note that it was at Philippi that Paul and Silas established the first church in Europe. Paul and Timothy identify themselves as voluntary slaves of Jesus Christ; their purpose in life is to go where He leads them and do as He directs them with complete submission and obedience.
Phil. 1:2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the LORD Jesus Christ.
As noted in other journals, this greeting is standard in letters of the Apostle Paul. He asks that the body of believers experience grace and peace from God the Father and His Son, the LORD Jesus Christ. Peace is a by-product of the grace of God at work in one’s life; the works of Father and Son in the life of the believer are unified and of single purpose. I love the Greek definition for “grace,” “the divine influence on the heart and its reflection in the life.”
Paul always places himself in unity and on the same level with the body of believers; in this verse he refers to God as “our” Father. He also takes every opportunity to declare the truth that Jesus Christ is LORD, THE supreme authority in the universe, distinct from the Father, yet one in being.`
Phil. 1:3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
Phil. 1:4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
Phil. 1:5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
Also as noted in other journals, Paul is a prayer warrior for those to whom he has ministered. I like the way he puts it, “upon every remembrance of you.” That is a guideline for my prayer life. I don’t like to pray with lists. I like to pray as the LORD places people on my heart. Obviously, those that are closest to you and for whom you are most burdened will be brought to your remembrance more often than others.
Every time Paul prays for the Philippian believers his heart is filled with joy at the memory of their participation in sharing the good news of the gospel from the very beginning of their spiritual rebirth up until the time of writing this letter. It reminds me of the verse in 3John.
3John 4 “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”
Joy and rejoicing permeate this epistle; I have often heard it referred to as the epistle of joy.
Phil. 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
This is one of my favorite verses. Actually, it is a continuation of the sentence that started in verse 3. It states the reason for the joy Paul has in this body of believers. He knows that God will finish what He starts. It is God who brings about our spiritual rebirth. It is God who gives us the seal of the Holy Spirit at the time of that rebirth. Salvation is the good work that God started and will bring to completion in us. That completion will come when we receive our immortal bodies when Jesus comes to receive us unto Himself as promised in John 14 and described in 1Corinthians 15.
John 14:1-3 ”Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
1Corinthians 15:51-54 “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.”
This is also one of the best verses regarding the security of the believer. Our salvation is a work of God. He never fails at anything. All we do is repent of our sin and receive Jesus as LORD (and even there we are responding to the wooing of the Spirit); He does the rest. He makes us a new creature and imputes to us the righteousness of Jesus. He doesn’t force His way in and He doesn’t force us to grow. I personally believe, however, that where there is true faith—there will be evidence. The book of James is all about how faith and works are intertwined.
Phil. 1:7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
I think this is a statement of the confidence Paul has that the Philippian church is a body of true believers; he believes that every one of them are partakers of “my grace.” The source of grace for every believer is God. Paul makes this statement because of the evidence he sees of God’s grace at work in their lives. Later in this epistle he references their obedience to God’s word (2:12) and their provision for Him while he was in Thessalonica (4:16). Their concern and provision for him, in particular, has endeared this body of believers to him; they have a special place in his heart. Their support for him did not waiver when he was sent to prison.
Phil. 1:8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.
In this verse Paul claims God as the witness who can testify to the love he has for this body of believers because only God can see our hearts.
1Samuel 16:7 “…for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”
He compares his affection for the Philippians to the feelings Christ has for the believer. I think he is also connecting his ability to love to the love of Christ working in and through him.
Phil. 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
Phil. 1:10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;
Phil. 1:11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
This group of verses form one connected thought. Paul is telling the Philippians specifically how he prays for them.
That their love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment – We’ve all heard the old saying, “Love is blind”; but true love is not blind. Real love is a choice, a choice made because of and sometimes in spite of what we know. Paul is praying that these believers will love one another with discernment and perception. To love “more and more” with discernment and perception references the ability to determine needs in the body of believers and act accordingly—to know when encouragement is needed, to know when correction is needed, and to know when material or physical help is needed. In short, it is acting so as to promote unity and strength in the body of believers and in sharing the gospel with the lost.
That they approve things that are excellent – Excellent is a reference to things that are “the best,” that are superior and of great value. To be able to approve or discern what is best, one must have a basis for judgment. That undisputable basis for the Christian is the word of God. Paul declared this truth in his letter to Timothy.
2Timothy 3:16-17 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
This is also the basis for the discerning love mentioned above. Unless we accept the word of God as our foundation for truth and morality, we are left to the subjective opinions of man. So it would seem that the underlying prayer that Paul is making is that these believers grow in knowledge, wisdom and application of the truth of scripture to their lives.
That they are sincere and without offence – To be sincere (pure, genuine) and without offence (faultless, inoffensive) is the outcome of choosing what is excellent. Burton Coffman had an interesting commentary on the word sincere:“It has often been pointed out that this word is derived from two Latin words, sin (without) and cere (wax). Italian marble vendors and certain merchants of porcelain fell into the habit of hiding flaws in their merchandise by filling cracks and blemishes with a certain kind of wax; but the more reputable dealers advertised their wares as sin cere (without wax); and from this derived the meaning of the English word "sincere." The true meaning of it is "without deception" or "without hypocrisy.”
Paul’s prayer is that the Philippians exhibit this type of character “till the day of Christ.” (cf comments on verse 6 above)
That they be filled with the fruits of righteousness – The natural progression of discerning love, excellent choices, and living a pure life is to produce fruit. This would be a reference to the fruit of the Spirit as defined in Galatians.
Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
How is that fruit produced in our lives? By abiding in the Savior.
John 15:4-4 “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
When we are yielded to the Savior to the point of producing fruit, we are bringing glory to the Father through the provision of the Son and the empowerment of the Spirit that we possess because of that provision. That fruit will also result in sharing the love and truth of God with others to their spiritual benefit.
Phil. 1:12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
Phil. 1:13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;
Phil. 1:14 And many of the brethren in the LORD, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Based on that introduction, Paul realizes that some of the believers could be confused as to why God has allowed Paul to be put in prison. Paul boldly declares that his circumstances are a God-given opportunity to spread the gospel message. Because of his imprisonment, he has been given the opportunity to share with those who live and work in and around the palace, as well as others in the city of Rome.
Paul’s example before the believers in Rome, in particular, was inspiring them to share the gospel more boldly and without fear. Boldness is a result of faith and confidence; timidity is a result of fear and lack of faith.
2Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
As the old saying goes, “An example is worth a thousand words.” Our victorious example in difficult circumstances is a testimony to the power, provision and sufficiency of God for His children and will encourage and strengthen others.
Phil. 1:15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
Phil. 1:16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
Phil. 1:17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
The first half of verse 15 references verse 16, and the last half references verse 17. I can’t help but be reminded of an illustration Ravi Zacharias used in one of his teachings. I don’t remember the details, but the reference was to men who were studying to be pastors and openly admitted that they weren’t believers. When asked why they were going into the ministry, they replied that it was because there are “big bucks” to be made in the God racket. I also can’t help but make application to some of the so-called biblical experts today from the Jesus Seminar who don’t even accept the Bible as God’s word. Some men actually preach the true gospel message, but join it to false teaching in other areas for their own selfish purposes. I believe many are in the ministry today, not because they are called by God, but because they envy the wealth that is so gaudily and publicly displayed by many who claim to be serving the LORD. I believe that many join the ranks of the clergy just to undermine the true gospel and/or to promote a personal agenda, such as recognizing homosexuality as a normal lifestyle, etc.
Paul evidently had formed enemies who took pleasure in adding to his persecution. Jealousy and self-ambition are strong, evil motivating forces. JFB made an insightful comment: “…they thought that I, like themselves, sought my own glory, and so would be mortified at their success over mine. But they are utterly mistaken; ‘I rejoice’ at it (Philippians 1:18), so far am I from being troubled at it.”
Thankfully, there are many men in the ministry that are called by God and determined to preach the truth of His word boldly and without apology. They are not in it for what they can gain from it. They are in it to glorify God and His Son Jesus Christ, to spread the gospel message, and to equip the body of believers. They are, like Paul, committed to serving the Savior. These are the men that we need to support with our prayer and resources.
Phil. 1:18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
Paul was able to look past these selfishly motivated and/or false teachers and rejoice in the fact that “Christ is preached.” That is something I try to focus on more as I see some of these teachers with mixed messages today. It’s always so confusing to hear the truth mixed with deceit. The important thing is that the Holy Spirit can minister the truth heard by men and women whose hearts are tender and seeking in spite of the deceit with which it is surrounded. I have to keep reminding myself of that; it doesn’t, however, keep me from praying for false teachers to be exposed for what they are.
Phil. 1:19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
Phil. 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
Salvation is a reference to deliverance or rescue. Paul knew that his salvation from prison would be expedited by the prayers of the believers at Philippi through the provision of the Holy Spirit. He believed in the power of prayer. I know I have been guilty at times of thinking, “I wish I could do more; all I can do is pray.” I am still working on eliminating that mindset. Actually, the best thing we can do for anyone is to pray for them—not the only thing, the best thing. We are not to pray instead of serving, we are to pray along with serving. Sometimes, however, we are limited in ability to serve; but we are never limited in our ability to pray.
I like the wording of the NLT for verse 20: “For I live in eager expectation and hope that I will never do anything that causes me shame, but that I will always be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past, and that my life will always honor Christ, whether I live or I die.”
This verse tells us that Paul knew that his salvation could come through means of release from prison or through death. That is a truth that I have been able to embrace more readily as I have grown in my relationship with the LORD.
This verse also shows us Paul’s humility. He knows that as a man he is subject to failure and temptation. His desire is to be a living testimony to the sufficiency of the power of God. Oh how I identify with that desire and that recognition of my vulnerability if/when I let down my guard even a little bit. So many times it seems as if I take two steps backward for every step forward.
This verse also shows Paul’s strong faith because his “earnest and confident expectation” is that he will be unashamed and bold no matter the circumstances. He wants his life to bring glory to Christ. His desire is that people look at him and see Jesus. That is sooooooooooo my heart’s desire.
Phil. 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Phil. 1:22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.
Phil. 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
Phil. 1:24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.
Paul knew that his life was to be a testimony to Christ, to be a vessel of honor for the LORD to use however, whenever and wherever He so chose. Although Paul took great joy in serving Christ in the flesh, he knew that death would be the beginning of a life far better. Paul took pleasure in the fact that his life was producing fruit in the form of producing new believers and strengthening the body of believers through instruction, encouragement and example. He is basically saying that given the opportunity, he would have a hard time choosing whether to go on to be with Christ or to stay and minister to the church. He knows that going to be with Christ is the far better choice, but he also knows that the body of believers would benefit from his ministry to help them grow stronger in the faith.
I think it is important to note that Paul believed he would be with Christ after death. He didn’t expect to go into limbo or to a temporary holding place; he expected to be in the presence of his LORD. He taught this clearly in his letter to the Corinthians.
2 Corinthians 5:6–8 “Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”
Phil. 1:25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;
Phil. 1:26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.
Paul seems to be affirming that he knows it is God’s will for him to remain in the flesh to serve for a while longer. One of the reasons is to encourage and strengthen the faith of the believers at Philippi. He knows that seeing their prayers answered by his release from prison and knowing that he might be able to visit them again would greatly benefit them.
The NIV Commentary makes this note: “Evidence from the pastoral letters, confirmed by early historical testimony, indicates that Paul was released from this first Roman imprisonment and began to travel, including a trip through Macedonia (and presumably Philippi), before being reimprisoned and suffering a martyr’s death.”
Phil. 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
I like the wording of the NIV for this verse: “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel….”
Paul knew that he was going to be around for a while longer, but he couldn’t state as fact that he would get to come and see them. He is reminding the believers at Philippi that more important than his coming to see them was that they have a testimony of unity of spirit in growing in faith and spreading the gospel. Jesus taught that unity in the body of believers was key evidence of the truth of the gospel message; it was part of His prayer to the Father before His crucifixion.
John 17:20-21” Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.”
John 13:35 “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
Love for one another is the bond of unity in the body of Christ—and not our distorted vision of love, but true love as described in 1Corinthians 13.
Phil. 1:28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
We all have heard the old saying, “There is strength in numbers.” Unity in the body of Christ produces strength in the individual parts of the body as well as the whole. When we are focused on serving Christ and sharing His truth, we are operating in the Spirit and have nothing to fear. I like this statement by David Guzik, “When our spiritual enemies fail to make us afraid, they have failed completely, because they really have no other weapon than fear and intimidation.”
Others may choose to set themselves against us as enemies. That in itself is a sign that they are headed for eternal damnation; the enemies of God’s children are the enemies of God and vice versa.
Luke 21:17 “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.”
John 15:18 “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.”
Our commitment to Christ, on the other hand, through unity of spirit as we work to spread the gospel gives us assurance of our salvation.
“that of God” – I can read more than one meaning into that phrase:
that our salvation is of God
that our lack of fear in faith is of God
that the perdition of our enemies comes at the hand of God.
I think scripture supports all three.
Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God….”
2Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
John 5:26-29 “For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation."
Phil. 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Phil. 1:30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
Again, I like the NLT translation of these verses: “For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. We are in this fight together. You have seen me suffer for him in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of this great struggle.”
The Greek for “given” was quite surprising: “to grant as a favor, i.e. gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue…” This supports the wording of the NLT. It is a privilege to be given the gift of salvation and to suffer for the sake of Christ, the One who provides that salvation. Suffering does not necessarily mean going to prison or even being physically persecuted; it is also to respond with the heart of Christ toward sin and sinners. It reminds me of the verse referencing Lot in 2Peter.
2Peter 2:7-8 “And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)”
I think this is the conflict that Paul is referencing in verse 30.
We know that God’s thinking and our thinking are on different levels. God knows that suffering is good for us; it is one of the ways He refines us and perfects us.
Job 23:10 “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”
1Peter 1:6-7 “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ….”
Just as with Job’s friends, most people today, even Christians, associate “suffering” as a sign of God’s judgment. The LORD declares just the opposite; it is a God-given opportunity for the child of God to grow in faith and bring glory to the Savior.
Phil. 2:1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
Phil. 2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
I like the way the NLT reads for these two verses: “Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and sympathetic? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose.”
Paul is speaking to the heart of the Philippians. He begins by asking them questions that require thoughtful introspection. Paul expected them to have positive responses to the questions and wants to use those responses as the basis for challenging them to even greater spiritual maturity. He wants them not only to benefit personally through their relationship with the LORD, but to benefit the church as a whole. As stated in the previous chapter, unity and love permeating the body of believers presents the most powerful testimony before the world of the truth of the gospel. The spread of that truth is Paul’s priority before the LORD and would bring him great joy.
Phil. 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Paul continues to hammer home the truth that our ministry before the LORD should be done with the right motives, the right heart attitude. We should never act with a self-serving attitude or to impress other people. We should serve with humility before the LORD and take great pleasure in the success of others. We should never have a “know it all” spirit or treat others with condescension. We need to remember that it is only through Christ working in and through us that we can accomplish anything that is of eternal value.
John 15:5 “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
I like this quote from David Guzik: “If I consider you above me, and you consider me above you, a marvelous thing happens: we have a community where everyone is looked up to, and no one is looked down on!”
Phil. 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
As members of one body, the church, the body of Christ, we should be just as interested in the spiritual and physical well-being of other members of the body as we are ourselves. Paul states this truth more clearly in his letter to the Romans with the application made clear in his letter to the Corinthians.
Romans 12:5 “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”
1Corinthians 12:24-26 “…but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.”
The health of the body as a whole is affected by the health of its individual members. I believe that is why the testimony of the church before the world today is much weaker than it should or could be. We have so many schisms in the body of believers that it is hard for the unbelieving world to see how our lives are any different than theirs. We all claim the same LORD yet live as though we are strangers or even enemies rather than members of the same family.
Phil. 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Phil. 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Phil. 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Phil. 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Paul now puts forth Christ Jesus as the perfect example of how we are to live before others—as a servant. That is the point that Jesus was making when He washed the disciples feet at the last supper.
John 13:13-17 “Ye call me Master and LORD: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your LORD and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his ; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”
Jesus was God in flesh. The Son, the very equal of God the Father, chose to become a servant in the likeness of men. He chose to lay aside His divine attributes to live in flesh as a man filled with the Holy Spirit—the way Adam was created and meant to live—sinless and in perfect fellowship with God. He didn’t live as “God” on planet earth; He lived as the “man” Jesus. The writer of Hebrews words it beautifully.
Hebrews 2:6-9 “But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.”
Hebrews 10:10 & 12 “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all….But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God….”
Paul also emphasized Christ coming as man in his letter to the Romans.
Romans 5:19 “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one [man] shall many be made righteous.” [bracket mine]
Christ purposed to come as a man in order to redeem man, to provide a way of salvation and restore us to the righteousness in which we were created.
“made himself of no reputation” and “He humbled Himself” – These phrases emphasize that Jesus came willingly in obedience to the Father to provide the sacrifice needed to redeem man. He affirmed that truth to His disciples during His time of ministry as told us by the Apostle John in one of my favorite chapters in scripture.
John 10:17-18 “Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.”
The Greek for no reputation emphasizes the truth that He emptied Himself; He lived in the flesh as a man; He lived in dependence upon the Spirit—just as we are supposed to. He didn’t cease being God; He just chose to live with the limitations of a man, albeit a sinless man indwelt by the Spirit—just as Adam was created and intended to live. (I know I am repeating myself, but I think this truth is very important.) I think this truth is the basis for Paul’s statement in chapter 15 of 1Corinthians.
1Corinthians 15:20-22 “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”
He also boldly declared His equality with the Father.
John 10:30 “I and my Father are one.”
John 14:9-11 “Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.”
Although Christ chose to empty Himself, He never quit being God. He humbled Himself in obedience, but He always remained the Son of God, inseparable part of the triune God. I don’t know how to say it any more clearly………and I don’t really know how to understand it. My little granddaughter made the statement one day shortly before she was four, “Jesus is God, and God is God; and that is hard to understand.” Such an amazing truth from a child!
Phil. 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Phil. 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Phil. 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is LORD, to the glory of God the Father.
Things can become confusing when dealing with the concept of the Trinity. I have to look at things simply. Whom did God the Father exalt? His Son, the man Jesus. It is the man Jesus that the Father gave a name that is above every other name. The confusing truth is that this man, Jesus, is also the Son of God, the express image of God, equal with God.
“every knee” – The supplied words in verse 10 are not helpful. I believe this is a reference to every thinking created being “in heaven” (angels, redeemed men), “in earth” (living on earth), and under the earth (Satan and his legions and lost mankind). Every tongue that has the ability to speak will be made to acknowledge Jesus Christ as LORD. This universal confession will be to the glory of God the Father. The Apostle John echoes this truth in the Revelation.
Revelation 5:13 “And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.”
Paul affirms this truth in his letter to the Romans.
Romans 14:11 “For it is written, As I live, saith the LORD, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.”
In his letter to the Romans Paul is quoting the prophet Isaiah.
Isaiah 45:22-23 “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.”
This is another affirmation of the equality of Father and Son.
What does it mean to “confess that Jesus Christ is LORD?” It means to admit that Jesus, the man, The Son of God in flesh, the Christ, the Messiah, the Redeemer of mankind, is LORD—supreme in authority, Master in the universe. In other words, He is God; there is no being more powerful. In fact, there is no other like Him. I love the words of God through the prophet Isaiah.
Isaiah 45:5, 18 & 46:9 I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me….For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else….Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me….”
Phil. 2:12 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.
Paul is talking in the spirit of a loving, spiritual parent in this verse. It’s always easier to do what is right when your parents are around; the test of your character comes when you are away from your parents. You may be held in check a while based on your upbringing, but the temptations become stronger and the flesh grows weaker with constant assault from the world.
Paul acknowledges that the Philippian believers have been obedient to the Word both in his presence as well as his absence. He is concerned that they continue to do so. The Greek for “work out” states “to work fully, finish.” He is not making reference to their salvation being dependent upon their works. We know that he is not contradicting the truth that salvation is through faith—as he states so clearly in Ephesians.
Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
He is concerned that they remain obedient and not suffer the consequences of becoming disobedient. The Greek for salvation is a reference to staying safe or being rescued. Obedience is what “saves” one from the consequences of sin. The attitude of their obedience is to be “with fear and trembling.” In other words, they are to have a serious mindset regarding the consequences of disobedience. God is holy and just and merciful as a loving parent. His word clearly states the terrible consequences for sin. The child of God doesn’t lose his/her salvation when he sins, but he will suffer the consequences of his sin. I believe that is part of the beautiful intent of the LORD’s teaching on the prodigal son (Luke 15). He didn’t lose his position in the family, but he certainly suffered from his rebellion.
Wuest adds some insight: “The words ‘work out’ are the translation of a Greek word which means ‘to carry out to the goal, to carry it to its ultimate conclusion….’ This is the way it is used here. The Philippians are exhorted to carry their salvation to its ultimate conclusion, namely, Christlikeness. The salvation spoken of here is not justification, but sanctification, victory over sin and the living of a life pleasing to the LORD Jesus."
Courson: “What does it mean to work out one’s salvation? It’s like going to the YMCA; it means you exercise it and strengthen it.”
Phil. 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
“For” = because
In other words, you don’t need to be dependent upon me for your spiritual growth. I think that is an important truth. If a church is dependent upon a man for its stability and growth, it is doomed to eventual failure because men are not dependable; they are susceptible to the attack of the enemy and are appointed to death. Our dependence is to be upon the LORD.
This is another one of those wonderful verses that gives me strength when I start feeling down. God is working in me in the person of the Holy Spirit. He doesn’t leave us alone to fend for ourselves. The working of the Spirit in our lives to convict us and encourage us is a constant affirmation of our salvation. No matter how many times we fall down, He is there to pick us up and help us make a new start. The Spirit is always encouraging us to desire the things of God and empowering us to act on that desire. If that desire is not there, then we have serious reason to question our profession of faith.
I loved it when I looked at the Greek for worketh and it stated, “to be active, efficient:—do, (be) effectual (fervent), be mighty in….from a root word that states, ‘effectual, powerful.’” The Holy Spirit isn’t a dormant resource that is activated sporadically. He is energetic and persuasive on my behalf to spur me on to accomplish the will of God in my life. It tells me that it takes more work on my part to be rebellious or stagnant in my faith than to submit to His working in me. I have recognized that truth more and more as I have grown spiritually. Although my flesh wants to rebel or choose unwisely sometimes, it’s more of a struggle not to be submissive and obedient than to submit and obey………..and I am really grateful for that. The Spirit won’t force you into obedience, but the more you are in the Word and desire to submit and obey, the more He makes it harder for you not to.
Phil. 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
I love the CJB translation of this verse: “Do everything without kvetching or arguing…”
Murmuring speaks of complaining in an undertone; the word kvetching sounds much more descriptive to me; it means to grumble and complain at length or ad nauseam. Disputing is a reference to outright arguing. It is important to note that in context this statement follows those talking about being obedient to the LORD. Everything we do in obedience to the LORD should be done joyfully and sincerely from a heart of love.
Joshua 22:5 “But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.”
1Samuel 12:24 “Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.”
Psalm 100:2 “Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.”
Phil. 2:15 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;
“blameless” = faultless
“harmless” = unmixed, innocent
Sincere and loving obedience will result in a “blameless and harmless” testimony before the world. The world loves nothing better than to be able to bring accusation against a Christian who has succumbed to temptation. They love to be able to have grounds for declaring the LORD to be insufficient or to state that Christians are no different than the rest of the world no matter what they claim. The Greek for “crooked and perverse” is a reference to “warped, distorted and morally corrupt.”
Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount that we are supposed to be lights in the world.
Matthew 5:14&16 “Ye are the light of the world. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Light is most visible in the darkness. Notice that light is connected to “good works.” Scripture is full of comparisons of wickedness and evil to darkness.
Isaiah 5:20 “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness….”
Matthew 6:23 “But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness.”
John 3:19 “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”
Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
It’s interesting that “moral corruption” was the term used to describe perverse. Satan was the instrument that introduced sin into creation. He was created perfect but became morally corrupt. The prophet Ezekiel affirms this truth.
Ezekiel 28:15 “Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.”
His moral corruption was the introduction of darkness into the creation. I believe that because we are told that “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.” (1John 1:5) I think that’s why the first thing recorded in the Genesis account of creation was that God created a division between the light and dark.
Phil. 2:16 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.
The only way we can be effective lights in the world is by “holding forth the word of life,” the scripture. Again, this is a reference to living in obedience and acting in accordance with what the scripture teaches.
Paul wants to be able to rejoice before the LORD because of the obedience of these believers. He wants to be able to say, “Look, LORD, at these spiritual children of mine who loved you and showed it by how they lived.” It makes me think of how the LORD’s heart must have felt as he pointed out Job to Satan. My heart so resonates with this hope for my own family!
Paul had invested of himself into this body of believers. In his mind, whether his investment was a good one or not was dependent upon their response to that investment. I believe that type of investment is always a good one because the scripture teaches us that the LORD is responsible for the outcome of His message of truth; we are responsible to be obedient in sharing that truth. Paul personally shared that truth with the Corinthians.
1Corinthians 3:7 “So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.”
Still, Paul is human and falls into the trap of “human thinking” at times. I think he is trying to motivate this body of believers based on their love for him.
Phil. 2:17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
Phil. 2:18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.
“offered” = to pour out as a libation, i.e. (figuratively) to devote (one’s life or blood, as a sacrifice)
The wording of these verses is hard for me. I am reminded that Paul is in prison as he writes this letter. He is totally aware that life is uncertain and that he could eventually die for his faith. I don’t think he is saying that his death would be because of his ministry among the Philippians. He is equating his faith with their faith, his service with their service. Paul is not afraid of dying for his faith. In fact, he would consider it a privilege to give his life for their faith. He is reminding them that they should look at life the same way. It is cause for rejoicing when the LORD allows a loved one to die for his/her faith because it glorifies God (cf 1:20) and it is “far better” to be with Christ (cf 1:21&23).
Phil. 2:19 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.
Phil. 2:20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
I believe the NLT gives the intent of the first part of verse 19, “If the LORD Jesus is willing, I hope to send Timothy to you soon.” Part of his reason for sending Timothy is selfish; He wants to have personal affirmation of their spiritual well being. I think this is tied directly to his comments in verse 16 above. In verse 20 he describes Timothy as being most connected to him in spirit and one who is genuinely interested in their well being—a true shepherd of the sheep.
Phil. 2:21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.
Phil. 2:22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.
Paul was well aware that the motives of men are not always good. Not everyone who claims to serve the LORD is purely motivated. Already, at this young stage of the church, there were men in the ministry for selfish reasons. Timothy, however, had proven himself. Paul considered him like a son. He had partnered with Paul in sharing the gospel and had proven his sincerity and faithfulness.
Phil. 2:23 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.
Phil. 2:24 But I trust in the LORD that I also myself shall come shortly.
Paul is expressing his hope that he will get to come to Philippi personally; but, if not, he will send Timothy. Paul has a feeling, however, that he is going to get to visit Philippi again.
That’s interesting to me. Paul had obviously not received a revelation that he would get to go or would have stated it as a fact. Instead, he had a “feeling in his heart,” for want of a better way to put it, that he attributed to the LORD. I have often had feelings or thoughts that I believed to have been from the LORD, but I couldn’t be sure—especially about my children. Some have been proven right and others not.
Phil. 2:25 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.
Phil. 2:26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.
Evidently, Epaphroditus had delivered a gift from the Philippians to Paul and was the one one who carried this letter to them.
Philippians 4:18 “But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.”
According to verse 26, he must have gotten sick while staying to minister to and with Paul and was getting homesick by the time of Paul’s writing this letter. He knew that he had loved ones who were worried about him. Paul has words of praise for this man. He describes him as:
his brother – a fellow believer
a companion in labor – A co-laborer, one who was willing to jump in and work for the spread of the gospel; a man whose actions proved his faith.
a fellowsoldier – One who was willing to defend his faith despite the cost.
your messenger – representative of the Philippians church
“he that ministered to my wants” – One with a servant spirit, possessing a heart of love and concern for fellow believers. The Greek for wants is a reference to demands and requirements, so it also describes an humble spirit.
Phil. 2:27 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.
Phil. 2:28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
Paul affirms that Epaphroditus had been seriously ill, but that God had shown His mercy in healing him. Paul considered that an act of mercy toward him as well because Epaphroditus had served him so well, and he would have been grieved at losing him—as a friend and as a co-laborer in the gospel (sorrow upon sorrow). The Greek for “carefully” indicates that Paul was sending Epaphroditus home “sooner than otherwise.” He knows that the Philippians will rejoice at seeing him, and their happiness adds to Paul’s happiness.
Phil. 2:29 Receive him therefore in the with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:
Phil. 2:30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.
The wording in the King James comes across as critical to the Philippians. I think the NLT is a better translation: “Welcome him with Christian love and with great joy, and be sure to honor people like him. For he risked his life for the work of Christ, and he was at the point of death while trying to do for me the things you couldn’t do because you were far away.”
Paul was grateful to the Philippians for sending Epaphroditus and held him up as someone of great worth, someone worth emulating. He was dedicated to serving the LORD whatever the cost.
David Guzik had an interesting comment on the phrase “not regarding his life”—“The ancient Greek phrase not regarding his life uses a gambler's word that meant to risk everything on the roll of the dice. Paul says that for the sake of Jesus Christ, Epaphroditus was willing to gamble everything.”