Philippians 2_1_4 Exegesis

Philippians 2:1-4 Exegesis

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

This pericope is joined to the preceding verses, mainly Philippians 1:27-30 by the word therefore as Paul continues his instructions on conducting life in a manner worthy of the gospel in spite of opposition as he expounds upon his statement “standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” It seems that Paul is addressing a break in unity in Philippi and this is apparent in Philippians 4:2, “I urge Euodia and Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord.” These women have shared in Paul’s struggle in the cause of the Gospel and now he appeals to those in Philippi to help them stand united (4:3). Paul sees this same conflict in the Church at Rome as there are those who preach out of envy and strife which is evident of division in the Church. Unity in Christ is of the utmost importance to the body of Christ, what is joined together can’t be divided and still live (function).

This section of text is connected to a larger pericope as it seems to set up and perhaps be an overture (an introduction to something more substantial) to verse 5-11. The command, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” serves as a theme to the larger scope of text 2:1-11 which illustrates the mind of Christ that Paul implores the Philippians to have.

In Chapter one we saw that Paul was single-minded as to his life for Christ, his focus was on knowing Christ and advancing the Gospel message, thus he said for me to live is Christ and to die is gain. We see that Paul’s foremost focus was Jesus and it was better for him to depart and be with Jesus. But his second foremost focus was the church, it was better for Paul to remain for the sake of the saints. Therefore, it could be said that in Chapter two Paul teaches a submissive mind that glorifies Christ is to be taught.

The Apostle teaches the Philippians a lesson on unity

The word “if” is used four times in this long complex sentence; it is the Greek conjunction Ei, which literally means whether which expresses an inquiry to the state of the Philippians relationship in Christ. Paul was the greatest theologian to ever live and he had the greatest understanding of Christian benefits in Christ. The word “if” is better translated, “Since.” Since there is Consolation in Christ, or a better rendering is since there is so much encouragement in Christ, be united! Encouragement means to bring hope and we know that the only hope in this world is in Christ. Our hope is our everlasting future in Christ Jesus!

The Apostle goes on to write since His love brings us so much comfort be united together! Comfort is the Greek word παραμύθιον paramuthiŏn, par-am-oo´-thee-on, which means calling to one’s side for help (2 Cor. 1:3). Christ is our comfort during times of difficulty is the God of all comfort and there is not true comfort apart from Him.

The Apostle continues to write “if any fellowship in the spirit,” or better, since the Holy Spirit brings us together in such a wonderful fellowship be united! Communion with the Holy Spirit, whose first fruit is love (Gal. 5:22), brings to the saint participation in His gifts and influences. The Holy Spirit connects us together; He is the glue that binds us together in Christ. Since we are bound together in Christ we must be bound together on earth.

The Apostle goes on to say “if bowels and mercies” be united. Since there is so much tender affection and mercy in Christ be united!

If these foregoing arguments carry any weight at all to the Philippians then Paul begs them to fulfill his joy. By being united with each other and possibly The Apostle himself would complete his joy. In order to for one’s joy to be complete ones joy must be incomplete. It appears the break in unity in Philippi causes Paul grief. The Greek word χαρά (chara), joy, means state of rejoicing. Notice the KJV use of ye, this is a plural pronoun. Note, his joy was for all the Philippians to be united. Only unity could complete his joy. Unity is further broken down by the word likeminded, which literally means to think the same way. It truly means to have the mind of Christ, to see things as He would see them, and to respond as He would respond.

Paul expands this idea of being like-minded by writing, “have the same love,” what the apostle means is to show the same love to others that the Lord Jesus has shown to us. It is a love that does count cost. “Of one accord,” means to work together in harmony toward one goal. “To be of one mind,” means to act so unitedly as to show that Christ’s mind is directing our activities.

The Apostle teaches the Philippians a lesson on humility