Philippians Week 5

Philippians 2:12-30

Commentary Give away

Read Passage and make observational notes

Share one observations

Recap

Recap 1:1-26

We have the letter set up and then we see Paul encourage the discouraged Philippians, that all is not lost, but the Gospel is going forth and despite the whole situation, he is unshaken!

Then we saw the motivation for why Paul responded this way; the why he’s thinking about his imprisonment this way.

Recap 1:27-2:11

This is the second major section of the letter and here we see the famous Christ Hymn (2:5-11), but first the imperative in 1:27. With this, think about what the point of putting the Christ Hymn in is. We see that this the hymn is putting toward Christian unity (read 2:2-5).

In this next section we are going to see how this plays out. In this, we are going to see Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus as example of people working toward Christian unity. Especially in light of 2:12 (which along with 1:27-2:4) is supposed to be the response to the Christ Hymn.

Verse by Verse Exposition

Philippians 2:12-18

“Therefore,” Paul is building on 1:27-2:11.

“as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence” reflects the same idea of 1:27.

“work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” seems challenging, and there has been lots of spilled ink over this verse since it was written. This is not needed however, as we get an explanation of this statement in the very next verse. So clearly this is not teaching works righteousness, as we read “for it is God who works in you” in verse 13.

With this in mind, we should stop and think about the word “salvation.” Though this text is not saying you earn your way to salvation, it is saying live out your salvation. That is, live out what is inside you, to literally work out what is inside you. This call to live out your salvation is eschatological in nature. Meaning, one is supposed to live out their eschatological salvation.

This living out of salvation is meant to be done with “fear” and “trembling.” In short, this means respect and reverence.

To revisit verse 13, this verse lets us know that “working out your salvation” is not of yourself, but it is of the Lord. Not only that, but it’s His pleasure to do so! Hallelujah! God’s will is our sanctification.

The next micro section, 2:14-18, is directly related to 12-13. The argument flows like this: with fear and trembling live out your salvation, God is willing this. So now, do all without dispute or grumbling, that you would be blameless on the day of Christ (see comments on 1:9-11) as people shining as lights in a wretched world. If you do all of this, this will be my boast on the day of Christ.

There are two things to note with verse 15. First, it seems to call back to what we see in 1:10, that this is so that they are to be prepared for the day of Christ Jesus, living with pure motives. Second, there seems to be an allusion to Daniel 12:3.

To summarize Daniel 12:3 and why it matters here, we see Daniel prophesy that a type of antichrist like Antiochus Epiphanes will rise (end of chapter 11), he will be overcome, then after period of tribulation the saints will rise and reign with Christ. The risen saints are described as such in Daniel 12:3-”And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” People who have been brought through (the) tribulation and evil and are resurrected!This is significant because with this allusion we see that Verse 12 is surely saying that we should live out our future resurrected bodies! What a high call! Living lives that are akin to being in the presence of the fullness of Christ and without sin! Shine forth Christian, like a light of truth and life in a dead and dark pagan society!

Along with the reference to Daniel 12:3, this verse (15) also reflects the same language and word order of Deuteronomy 32:5. If you’re familiar with that chapter, it is commonly known as the Song of Moses (not the one directly after the exodus though). What is really interesting about this reference is that this is supposed to be a song that the Israelites were supposed to sing to themselves while they were in a future exile. The Israelites themselves are the “crooked and twisted generation” who have been unfaithful to God, showing themselves to not truly be following Him. The purpose of this song was essentially to preach the gospel to themselves. Yet, Paul uses it to encourage the Philippians to live “glorified” lives in the midst of an exilic world!

Verse 16 reflects a couple interesting things. First, “holding” is a participle, modifying the previous clause “shine as lights in the world” where the “holding” accompanies the shining. Second, the phrase “word of life” could be synonymously understood as “gospel of eternal life.” With this, Paul is calling them to persevere in the faith, which they will (1:6). Lastly, this verse reflects the same reality that we see in 1 Thess. 2:19-20. That, it is Paul’s eager expectation that before the judgment seat of Christ, the Thessalonians (here the Philippians) would prove to be a crown to him.

This word “proud” is a worshipful boast, not in his own work, but in the work of the Lord bearing the fruit of righteousness in the Philippians, and showing Paul’s mission to them not to be in vain.

Verse 17, could be doing a couple of different things. Paul could be talking about martyrdom or his ministry. His ministry seems to be more likely, as the sacrificial language alludes to Paul being completely spent. With this, one may not rejoice presently and presently with others if they are dead.

Another apparent difficulty with this section is that the cultic (sacrificial) language could be either Greek or Jewish in nature. It seems that both are probably in mind, however, this is truthfully more or less inconsequential.

Philippians 2:19-30

Philippians 2:19-24

Paul quickly models what all this (1:27-2:18) looks like, and especially 2:3. As he gives the examples of workers for joy and unity in Timothy and Epaphroditus. Along with doing this, it seems that it also is a transition point of the letter moving toward what we see in chapter 3. Not necessarily changing direction, but transitioning.

This section is especially pastorally relevant, we can notice this with “For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.” This could be rendered as “For no one is of like-soul (with me), who sincerely has anxiety for you.” This is to highlight Timothy as someone who is anxious for them and truly cares about them.

Think about how Paul amplies this, he says “For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.” This is what not doing 1:27-2:18 looks like in one sentence. On the other hand, this is what this section looks like in one sentence, specifically 2:3.

You might have noticed that I used the word “anxiety.” This is the same word that is used in 4:6. However, it is used in a completely different way. Here, it is positive, not the undue concern that we see in 4:6. This anxiousness is caring for and a positive desire to attend to.

This might be a good moment to say, “Hey church, I think about you alot. I desire you to truly treasure Christ. I vividly know what this verse (v20) looks like because I am anxious for you.”

In verse 22, Paul further qualifies the character of Timothy to the Philippians, as he longs to send him. Interestingly, Paul says, “he has served as a slave with me in the Gospel.” This is theologically significant.

For explanation of this see the Murray Harris quote on the first page three.

In verse 23-24, Paul somewhat reiterates what is seen in 1:23-26. This also further qualifies that the pouring out of verse 17 is likely not martyrdom.

Philippians 2:25-30

While Paul is waiting for Rome’s judgment, and thus waiting to send Timothy, he sends Epaphroditus.

Verse 25’s “messenger” is more formally “apostle.” It is highly unlikely that this is the office of Apostle, as it says “your apostle and servant.” Paul with this is most likely highlighting that Epaphroditus is a minister/servant and emissary to and for the Philippians.

The word “fellow soldier” just before that is really interesting. It communicates that Epaphroditus is a fellow sufferer for a cause, and does so by a military-term.

Notice that Paul says it is a need of his to serve the Philippians.

Similar to Timothy, Epaphroditus’s character is qualified by Paul and he too is an example of a selfless worker for unity and joy.

In verse 27, there are three things to notice:

We see that this illness is quite severe, though its nature is unknown. With this, we see God’s mercy emphasized.

God was merciful to Paul by being merciful to Epaphroditus. Part of this is that Paul sees what is happening to Epaphroditus as a divine mercy in his healing.

“sorrow upon sorrow” is somewhat idiomatic. That is, Paul would have been utterly sorrowful.

In verse 28, the Philippians would rejoice at the divinely healed Epaphroditus, and be encouraged not only that he cared about them so much, the Apostle Paul sent him, but as I said, he has been healed!

Something to note about Epaphroditus is that he was highly valued and respected by Paul and the Philippians (verse 25), but for the sake of Christ, for the sake of unity, he almost lost his life so that he could work for unity in the Philippian church.

Verse 30 shows the serious nature of Epaphroditus’s commitment to the unity of the Philippian church. That is, he “risking his life” for the unity of the Philippians! In other words, he staked his life on the completion of the unity of the Philippian church!

Overview