Don Smith
If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind (Phil. 2:1-2).
Paul draws from the previous context. Knowing the trials the faithful must face, he calls the Philippians’ attention to some rhetorical questions in which every answer is “yes,” the first being of whether there is any comfort in Christ – salvation in Christ is the utmost of comfort. In essence, Paul is making a statement: “as sure as there is comfort in Christ…” He does this to relate the barrage of questions to the most seemingly important issue this congregation needs to correct.
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“If any comfort of love” – To do what is in another’s best interest, and knowing the faithful will do the same for you is also of great comfort – the comfort that rests in agape.
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“If any fellowship of the Spirit” – To have “fellowship of the Spirit” is certainly an indication that one is saved. Paul is stating “as surely as you are saved.”
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“If any bowels and mercies” – Paul is basically saying “If any of you have a heart.”
This is the crux of the matter—faithful unity. Paul stated all the previous to bring their minds to this crucial issue. Apparently, this was an issue that needed corrected in this congregation, just as Paul had mentioned this previously in chapter 1:27.
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves (2:3).
What was causing the disunity? Apparently, the issue stemmed, at least partially, from attempting to exalt themselves above one another. When they did a good work, they would strive and argue with one another, and apparently compete, desiring the glory above one another.
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others (v. 4).
Paul, here, admonishes the brethren not to desire things in a selfish manner but to exhibit humility and selflessness, looking to help in a team and partnership as brethren.
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross (v. 5-8).
The apostle Paul was already describing this humble mind of servitude and now is showing the authority behind it through the example of Christ that is to be followed (cf. 1 Cor. 11:1; 1 Pet. 2:21; 1 John 2:6). Before Christ took on the form of the man Jesus, he was in the form of God the Son. He “thought it not robbery” to be that, meaning it was not unjust in any way for Him to be equal with the Father as His part in the Godhead. Jesus didn’t go around saying He was God in His adolescence and into maturity. He didn’t require a reputation of high standing. His example was that of servitude (cf. Isa. 53:2; Heb. 5:5-6). As this form of the man, Christ gave us the lowly example to follow of obedience – even in the face of death, as He did with the cruel crucifixion (Heb. 5:7-9).
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Phil. 2:9-11).
Paul is indicating to make no mistake about it. Though Christ lowered Himself to the level of man and suffered the humiliating death on the cross, He has still been exalted above any authority that exists (Matt. 28:18; Acts 4:7). Such power of God, when realized, will cause every man to see how truly vulnerable and powerless they are. It will certainly be realized by every created being, whether heavenly, mortal, or condemned—then all will bow and confess (Rom. 14:11).
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. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure (Phil. 2:12-13).
After giving the example of Christ to follow, and that in regard to “being of one accord, of one mind” (v. 2), Paul is urging the brethren there to obey God’s will, especially in his absence, just as they always had in his presence. As this congregation is addressed with its bishops and deacons (1:1), Paul also urges them congregationally to work out their salvation. As a congregation, they needed to correct this one issue in obedience to God’s will. Verse 13 could be referring to the miraculous, or it could be in reference to God working in them through their willing obedience and walk.
Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 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; 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 (v. 14-16).
As further reinforcement of their righteous walk in God, Paul reminds them to continue their spiritual work in an uncontentious manner. The church in Philippi was the only hope of the citizens there to bring them into a right relationship with God. Under Roman rule, Macedonia was apparently a very “crooked and perverse nation.” They had to stand out as lights in the middle of such darkness, as all Christians are to do (Matt. 5:14-16). Being faithful, we are going to be different from the world. Some will think we are strange (1 Pet. 4:4); others will attempt harm against us (2 Tim. 3:12). At times, these are clear indications of faithfulness and standing in stark contrast to the darkness of this world. The Philippians’ continued faithfulness would not only benefit them, but it would be a great encouragement and reason for rejoicing to Paul for having spent valuable time laboring among them. He sincerely desires to be able to rejoice at their faithfulness upon the day of judgment.
Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me (Phil. 2:17-18).
The Philippians’ faith was wrought with sacrifice and service. If Paul was to be executed because of that, he indicates that he joys in it and would rejoice with them at their faithful standing (John 11:25-26; Rom. 14:8; Rev. 14:13; Ps. 116:15). The Philippians can also rejoice at Paul’s faithfulness. We, too, can joy in the faithfulness of our brethren who never compromise the truth and stand fast in one spirit with us.
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. 2:19).
Paul is confident he will be able to send Timothy to the Philippians, likely as courier of the letter with his other travelling companions. Timothy, as the messenger, would bring back word of the state of the church in Philippi. Paul’s expectation of consolation from this is an indication of his confidence in their faithfulness.
For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s. 22But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel (v. 20-22).
Apparently, Timothy was a man faithful above any other that Paul knew in regard to benevolence—or at least he was the only man available to Paul. This is an incredible testament to the character of Timothy. Very few have the selfless mindset which all faithful Christians are to have (Col. 3:1-2), and Timothy stood above all within Paul’s possibility of selection to send. The apostle now appeals to the fact that the Philippian brethren knew of Timothy’s work with him, that his care was as close as a father/son relationship. They can certainly trust and count on Timothy to come through with their needs.
Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly (v. 23-24).
Though there didn’t seem to be any imminent impediment in sending Timothy, still Paul is under this “house arrest,” and he continues to hope that sending him will go smoothly. There may have been a hearing Paul was to attend, which may have been a concern, even if minimal, to ensuring Timothy’s departure. In view of all of this, Paul is still confident that he will see the brethren there at Philippi in person, as apparently the Lord had promised him.
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. For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. 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 (v. 25-27).
This action of Paul was not just a nonchalant act but necessary for both the Philippians and Epaphroditus, as we will see. Each of the attributes Paul names gives a picture of the character of Epaphroditus:
- Paul calls him “My brother,” which indicates how personally close he held their friendship and bond in Christ.
- Epaphroditus is also referred to as Paul’s “companion in labour,” showing that his spiritual work for the kingdom was of worthy note.
- Paul states he is his “fellowsoldier,” which tells us he stood in the spiritual fight alongside Paul, likely with heavy physical persecution.
- And he is referred to as the Philippians’ “messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.” It seems that Epaphroditus came from Philippi and ministered to Paul.
Epaphroditus had apparently been sent to Paul by the Philippians and had fallen sick on the journey. He had such a care for the Philippian brethren that he even had deep sorrow for the fact that they were concerned for his health and well-being. He didn’t want to be the reason for their worry about him, and he very much desired to be with them again. This was the perfect opportunity, as Paul desired to send him. Verse 27 shows that God holds the providential power over whether one might die (so long as that person doesn’t break the laws of nature). God has reasons beyond our comprehension for the exercise of such power. The mercy Paul mentions had a two-fold effect, saving Paul from sorrow on top of sorrow he already had (which apparently the Philippians were fulfilling that need through Epaphroditus, 4:18).
I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me (2:28-30).
The term “carefully” connotes that Paul had great care for the Philippians and showed that care in sending Epaphroditus. He sent him so they could witness firsthand of his well-being. By their comfort in this, Paul would be less sorrowful as well. Paul wanted the Philippians to fully understand that Epaphroditus completed his work in bringing what the Philippians had sent to him, and he did this even though he was sick and near death. Though the Philippians couldn’t be there themselves (“lack of service”), Epaphroditus did this work without reserve, even for his own life. What a great Christian example!
