Philippians 2 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of Philippians 2

The Epistle to the Philippians was written by the apostle Paul, a former persecutor of the early Christian church who had a dramatic conversion experience and became one of the most influential figures in the spread of Christianity. Paul addresses the believers in the city of Philippi in this chapter, encouraging them to have the same mindset as Christ and to work together in unity.

The chapter begins by exhorting the Philippians to have the same love and unity that Christ demonstrated, putting the needs of others before their own. Paul then points to the ultimate example of selflessness in Christ, who though equal with God, humbled himself and became a servant, even submitting to death on a cross. This act of obedience and sacrifice is contrasted with the pride and self-seeking that can so easily creep into the life of the believer. We reflect on this passage, reminding us of the call to follow Christ’s example of humility and service, putting the interests of others before our own. This is not always easy, but it is the path to true joy and unity within the body of Christ. May we be inspired by Paul’s words to live out the gospel in our daily lives, that the world may see the transforming power of the love of Christ.

Philippians 2:1-4

1. “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Paul lays out the foundation for his upcoming exhortation in the first section of these verses. He appeals to the Philippians to align themselves with the qualities and source of encouragement, comfort, fellowship, tenderness, and compassion that come from their union with Christ. This sets the stage for the main message Paul wants to convey: unity, love, and humility within the community of believers. The essence of their faith in Christ should manifest in their relationships with one another. Paul emphasizes the need for cohesion within the church by highlighting the importance of unity in being like-minded, having the same love, and being of one spirit and mind. This emphasis on unity is a recurring theme in the New Testament, as seen in verses like 1 Corinthians 1:10 where Paul also urges believers to be of the same mind and judgment.

Paul then admonishes the Philippians to avoid selfish ambition and conceit, traits that can easily disrupt unity and create divisions within the community. Humility is presented as the antidote to these destructive behaviors. The believers can maintain harmony and strengthen their bond as a body of Christ by valuing others above themselves and looking out for each other’s interests. This mirrors Jesus’ teachings on humility and servanthood, as seen in Matthew 20:26-28, where He instructs His disciples to serve others rather than seeking positions of power. These verses overall underscore the importance of unity, love, and humility in the Christian community. The essence of the message is to imitate Christ in selflessness and consider the needs of others as equally important as our own. This call for harmony and humility serves as a foundational principle not only for the Philippian church but for all believers throughout history, reminding us of the core values that should govern our interactions with fellow Christians and the world at large.

Philippians 2:5-11

Philippians 2:5-11 presents us with a profound passage that delves into the humility and exaltation of Jesus Christ. Let’s break down this verse into important sections and provide in-depth commentary for each part:

1. “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5): This opening line sets the tone for the passage, emphasizing the importance of having the same mindset as Christ. It calls believers to embody the humility, selflessness, and obedience that Christ displayed during His earthly ministry. This challenges us to imitate Christ in our attitudes and actions, seeking to reflect His character in our daily lives.

2. “Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped” (Philippians 2:6): Here, we see a powerful statement about the nature of Christ. Despite being equal with God in essence and glory, Jesus willingly chose to set aside His divine privileges and take on the form of a servant. This act of self-emptying, known as kenosis, demonstrates the incomprehensible love and humility of Christ. It is a reminder for believers to prioritize service and humility over self-seeking ambitions.

3. “But emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7): This verse encapsulates the essence of the Incarnation – the eternal Son of God taking on human flesh. Jesus, the Second Person of the Trinity, humbled Himself by stepping into our broken and fallen world. He lived a life of humility, service, and obedience, ultimately culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross. This act of condescension highlights the lengths to which Jesus was willing to go in order to redeem humanity.

4. “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8): The humility of Christ is further emphasized here as it mentions His obedience unto death. Jesus not only took on human form but also submitted Himself completely to the will of the Father, even accepting the humiliating and excruciating death on a cross. This act of obedience and sacrifice serves as the ultimate example of love and service, demonstrating Christ’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling the Father’s redemptive plan.

5. “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name” (Philippians 2:9): Following Christ’s obedience and sacrificial death, God the Father exalted Him above all creation. Jesus, who was crucified as a criminal, was raised in triumph and given the highest honor and authority. This exaltation signifies Christ’s victory over sin and death, as well as His rightful place as Lord and Savior of all. It underscores the principle that true greatness is found in humble service and obedience to God.

6. These concluding verses remind us of the universal lordship of Jesus Christ. One day, every being in all of creation will acknowledge His sovereignty and confess Him as Lord. This proclamation of Jesus’ lordship is not merely external but must also be heartfelt and sincere. It is a declaration that brings glory and honor to God the Father, as all creation recognizes and worships the exalted name of Jesus. Philippians 2:5-11 highlights the humility and exaltation of Christ as a model for believers to emulate. It challenges us to cultivate a mindset of selflessness, obedience, and service, following the example set by Jesus. This passage showcases the unparalleled love and sacrifice of Christ, leading to His ultimate glorification and universal lordship. We reflect on these profound truths, inspiring us to live in a manner that honors and magnifies the name of Jesus, to the praise and glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:12-18

We need to break down a few important sections in Philippians 2:12-18 for a deeper understanding. Paul is exhorting the Philippians in this verse to continue in their faith even when he is not physically present with them. He emphasizes the importance of obeying not just for the sake of appearances or when someone is watching, but out of a sincere desire to grow in their faith. The call to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling” speaks to the seriousness and reverence with which we should approach our relationship with God. It does not imply that we earn our salvation through works, but rather that our faith should be active and transformative, leading to a life that reflects the grace and mercy we have received.

1. “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose”: This verse highlights the partnership between believers and God in the process of sanctification. While we are called to actively work out our salvation, it is ultimately God who empowers us to desire and carry out His will. This truth should bring comfort and motivation to believers, knowing that God is not only with them but actively working within them to bring about His good purposes. This aligns with other passages in the Bible such as Ephesians 2:8-10, which speaks of being saved by grace through faith and created for good works.

2. “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation”: Here, Paul urges the Philippians to live lives of integrity and unity. They demonstrate the transforming power of the gospel in their lives by avoiding grumbling and arguing. Believers are called to shine as lights by the way they conduct themselves in a world filled with moral decay and strife. This mirrors Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:16, where he encourages his followers to let their light shine before others, so that they may see their good deeds and glorify God.

3. “Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life”: The imagery of shining like stars highlights the impact of a life lived in obedience to God. Believers, by holding firmly to the word of life, not only reflect the truth of the gospel but also illuminate the darkness around them. This illustrates the importance of being rooted in God’s Word, as it sustains and guides us in our walk with Him. This echoes the psalmist’s words in Psalms 119:105, where he declares that God’s word is a lamp for our feet and a light on our path. Believers are called to live out their faith authentically, work together with God in sanctification, maintain unity and integrity in a world filled with discord, and shine as beacons of light in a dark world, as emphasized in Philippians 2:12-18. It is a reminder that our actions and attitudes should always reflect the transformative power of the gospel, drawing others to Christ through our words and deeds.

Philippians 2:19-24

Paul’s plans to send Timothy to the Philippians are the focus in Philippians 2:19-24. Let’s break down this passage into important sections:

1. Verse 19: “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. Paul expresses his desire to send Timothy to the Philippians in this verse. Timothy was a close companion of Paul, often referred to as his “beloved and faithful son in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 4:17). Paul relied on Timothy for various missions and saw him as a capable and trustworthy co-worker in spreading the Gospel. Paul aimed to strengthen the faith and unity of the Philippians by sending Timothy.

2. Verse 20: “I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare.”

Paul commends Timothy for his genuine care and concern for the welfare of others, a quality that aligns with the selfless attitude encouraged in Philippians 2:4, which emphasizes looking not only to one’s interests but also to the interests of others. Timothy’s dedication to serving others reflected the humility and sacrificial love exemplified by Jesus in the preceding verses of Philippians 2:5-11.

1. Verse 21: “For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.”

Here, Paul contrasts Timothy’s selfless attitude with the general selfishness prevalent among people. This echoes the message in Philippians 2:3-4, where believers are urged to consider others above themselves and to have the same mindset as Christ, who humbled Himself for the sake of others. Timothy’s example serves as a model for the Philippians to follow in their relationships with one another.

1. Verses 22-24: “But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon. Paul further highlights Timothy’s proven character and faithful service in the ministry in these verses, likening their relationship to that of a father and son. Paul’s intention to send Timothy to the Philippians demonstrates his care for their spiritual well-being and his desire to maintain a connection with them despite his own uncertain circumstances. Paul’s confidence in the Lord’s guidance reveals his unwavering faith in God’s sovereign plan and timing. Philippians 2:19-24 emphasizes the importance of genuine concern for others, selfless service in the Kingdom of God, and maintaining relationships for the sake of mutual encouragement in the faith. Timothy’s example serves as a reminder for believers to prioritize the interests of Christ above their own and to faithfully serve alongside fellow believers in unity and love. Paul’s intention to send Timothy reflects his commitment to nurturing the Philippian church and fostering a sense of community centered on the Gospel.

Philippians 2:25-30

Epaphroditus, a fellow worker and fellow soldier for Christ who was sent by the church in Philippi to minister to Paul’s needs while he was in prison, is referenced by the Apostle Paul in Philippians 2:25-30. Identify the subject: “Let’s”
Rewritten sentence: Let’s break down this passage into its important sections and delve into the deeper meaning behind it.

Starting with verse 25, Paul introduces Epaphroditus as “my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier” who was sent by the Philippians to minister to Paul’s needs. Paul’s choice of words here is significant. Paul is highlighting the strong bond they share as believers in Christ by calling Epaphroditus his brother. This brotherhood goes beyond mere friendship; it is a spiritual kinship rooted in their shared faith and commitment to the Gospel. The term “co-worker” emphasizes the collaborative effort they both put into advancing the Kingdom of God. Additionally, describing Epaphroditus as a “fellow soldier” emphasizes the spiritual warfare they are engaged in, fighting together against the forces of darkness.

Moving on to verse 26, we see that Epaphroditus longed to be with the Philippians because he was distressed that they had heard he was ill. This reveals Epaphroditus’s deep concern for the well-being of his fellow believers. Despite his own suffering, his primary focus was on the welfare of the Philippian church. This selfless attitude mirrors the sacrificial love exemplified by Christ, who laid down His life for others. Epaphroditus was indeed very ill in verse 27, to the point of being near death. However, God had mercy on him, not only to spare his life but also to spare Paul from sorrow upon sorrow. This serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty and His ability to intervene in the lives of His faithful servants. It also underscores the interconnectedness of the body of Christ, where one member’s suffering affects the whole community.

Finally, in verses 29-30, Paul urges the Philippians to honor such people as Epaphroditus. He commends Epaphroditus for his selfless service and willingness to risk his life for the work of Christ. Paul encourages the Philippians to value and support those who labor in the Lord’s vineyard by highlighting Epaphroditus’s example, recognizing their sacrifices and dedication. The story of Epaphroditus in Philippians 2:25-30 serves as a powerful reminder of the qualities Christ-followers should embody: brotherly love, diligence in ministry, selflessness, and sacrificial service. It also highlights the importance of unity and mutual care within the body of Christ. This passage echoes the broader biblical theme of serving one another in love (Galatians 5:13) and considering others more significant than ourselves (Philippians 2:3). Believers are ultimately challenged to emulate Epaphroditus’s faithfulness and dedication in serving the Lord and His people.

After Philippians 2

Philippians 2 reminds us of the humility and selflessness that Christ exemplified during His time on earth. We, as believers, are called to follow His example and consider others above ourselves. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of unity, love, and service within the body of Christ. Let us strive to live lives that honor God and reflect the character of Christ as we reflect on the teachings in Philippians 2. May we humble ourselves, serving one another in love, and always seeking to bring glory to God in all that we do. We press on towards the goal of becoming more like Christ each day, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain.