Because for the work of Christ he came close to death: It was for the work of Christ that Epaphroditus came close to death. Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. There is no question that we cannot be saved by our own effort.. nor that we need to add to Christ's finished work on Calvary's cross - for the sacrificial offering of Himself on the cross for our salvation, was all-sufficient in the eyes of God - and it is finished. complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. What Does Philippians 2:3 Mean? ii. The word salvation (Gk. Philippians 2:1–5 connects the blessings of Christianity with corresponding results in a Christian's life. We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Soldier speaks of a battle to be fought. We should not be satisfied with good intentions or a half-done job. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. We should have the heart that there is something lacking in our service until the job is done. Click on the different category headings to find out more. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. (16) None but inferior uncial MSS. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; Philippians 2:3(NASB) Verse Thoughts. To “look upon” here is something more than “to seek” (as in Philippians 2:21). c. Not regarding his life: The willingness to put the work of Christ first and his own personal safety and concern second displayed the noble heart of Epaphroditus. It expresses that insight into the thoughts, hopes, aspirations of others, which only a self-forgetting love can give, as well as the care to consider their welfare and happiness. He would also have sorrow upon sorrow because Epaphroditus became sick when he came on behalf of the Philippians to minister to Paul’s material and spiritual needs while Paul was in prison in Rome. Read full chapter Answer: In Philippians 2:12-13, Paul writes, “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed – not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence – continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in … Several motives to brotherly love are mentioned. Philippians 2:2 Treasury of Scripture Knowing, My God My Father (Easter Reflections - (6). There was much in the state of the Philippian church which filled Paul’s heart with thankfulness, and nothing which drew forth his censures, but these verses, with their extraordinary energy of pleading, seem to hint that there was some defect in the unity of heart and mind of members of the community. Philippians 2:1–5 connects the blessings of Christianity with corresponding results in a Christian's life. ©2018 David Guzik – No distribution beyond personal use without permission. There was a lack in all the Philippians’ generosity and good intentions until the gift finally made its way to Paul’s need. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. Probably, the Philippians sent Epaphroditus not only as a messenger, but also to be a personal attendant to Paul on behalf of the Philippians. Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. Chapter 2 frames this concept through the humility shown by Jesus Christ. Salvation is ours by faith alone in Christ alone. In order for believers to be united together in love and joy, peace and harmony, we are to let the mind of Christ dwell in us richly and to display the same beautiful disposition that Jesus displayed, in His earthly life. 2 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. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. b. CHAPTER 2. We need 2 cookies to store this setting. (2) That ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Paul wrote that for the sake of Jesus Christ, Epaphroditus was willing to gamble everything. Give me I pray a humility of heart and transform my mind into the mind of Christ so that I may think the thoughts that You would have me think, so that I may be a channel of Your love to others, in Jesus name I pray, AMEN. subsisting, in opposition to taking or assuming, Philippians 2:7; and therefore doth firmly prove Christ pro-existing in another nature to his so doing, namely, his actual existing of himself in the same essence and glory he had from eternity with the Father, John 1:1,2 17:5 2 … Philippians 2:13(HCSB) Verse Thoughts. a. I sent him the more eagerly: Paul was eager to re-unite the Philippians with their beloved brother Epaphroditus, and reminded the Philippians to give him proper recognition when he returned (hold such men in esteem). These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience. Yet God had mercy on him and he recovered. As a result, we ought to express comfort, encouragement, love, and unity to our fellow believers. In the flesh, we are often motivated by selfish ambition or conceit. He greatly longed to see the Philippian Christians. Check to enable permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies if you do not opt in. Philippians 2:20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. read τὸ in the second position. We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. Please see our Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. Philippians 2:1–5 connects the blessings of Christianity with corresponding results in a Christian's 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. d. To supply what was lacking in your service toward me: Epaphroditus did this by actually bringing the support that the Philippians gave. There are certain threats that are common to all Christian churches that are identified at Philippi. d. Because you had heard that he was sick: Epaphroditus was concerned because the Philippians learned of his sickness and worried about him. i. If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, complete my joy by being of the same mind,... Chapter 2 - Plea for Unity and Humility. Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. What follows in Philippians 2:3-4 are descriptions of how to achieve and practice the unity mentioned here in Philippians 2:2. c. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition: This is the first step to this kind of unity. Explanation and Commentary of Philippians 2:13 This is one of the most profound mysteries of the Bible and of life as a follower of God. i. i. i. soteria) occurs only three times in Philippians. Being; i.e. Philippians 2:2 (ESV) But the gamblers buried the dead and helped the sick the best they could, and so risked their lives to show the love of Jesus. Click to enable/disable _ga - Google Analytics Cookie. Often, when a plague struck a city, the heathen threw the dead bodies into the streets and fled in terror. "If [there be] therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, … His willingness to obey God the Father, even being crucified, is … The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them: You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page. Philippians 1 focused on the importance of perspective. Philippians 2 is the second chapter of the Epistle to the Philippians in the New Testament of the Christian Bible.It is authored by Paul the Apostle about mid-50s to early 60s AD and addressed to the Christians in Philippi. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site. Philippians 2:21.— μὴ τὰ — τὸ) Perverted usefulness is manifold; true usefulness is simple and one. iii. Lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow: God’s mercy to Epaphroditus was also mercy to Paul. It was their aim to visit the prisoners and the sick, especially those who were ill with dangerous and infectious diseases. If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here: We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. As a result, we ought to express comfort, encouragement, love, and unity to our fellow believers. i. When illness prevented Epaphroditus from doing this, he may have seemed like a failure (perhaps even a malingerer) in the eyes of the Philippians. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. As a part of this, believers should serve God without griping or complaining. We may request cookies to be set on your device. The command to ''work out'' salvation is a directive to let the new birth in Christ translate into actions. Philippians 2:4. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. In 1:19 Paul said, “For I know that this will turn out for my salvation through your prayers and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.” Paul wrote Philippians from jail (see Phil 1:12-14). ΄ὴ τὰ ἑαυτῶν) not merely your own interest, nor on your own account: comp. Philippians 2:12–18 explains how Christians ought to live, considering all that Christ was willing to do for them. Kindness is the law of Christ's kingdom, the lesson of his school, the livery of his family. How important it is that we do not seek to do good works in our own strength. You can check these in your browser security settings. b. We experience comfort, encouragement, love, and unity as saved believers in Christ. Jesuit theologian Robert Murray notes that a narrative in verses 5-11 about Christ, "who humbled himself, by becoming obedient to death" is central to this chapter. © Copyright - Enduring Word | . There is nothing in the text to indicate that this was a miraculous healing, but Paul still saw God’s hand of mercy in Epaphroditus’ recovery. No wonder Paul's joy would be complete if his brothers and sisters at Philippi were united together in love, having the same mind and being in full accord with one another, for Paul knew that only as we remain in the flowing stream of God's perfect will for our lives, will we become willing channels through whom the thoughts of God's will stream through us, to refresh and encourage others. Commentary on Philippians 2:1-4 (Read Philippians 2:1-4) Here are further exhortations to Christian duties; to like-mindedness and lowly-mindedness, according to the example of the Lord Jesus. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website. Philippians 2:3 "[Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. If Epaphroditus had died, Paul would have had sorrow upon sorrow because a valued brother, worker, and soldier for Christ was no longer on this earth. It is the Holy Spirit who creates in us the desire to please God (note Romans 7:22/Romans 8:7), and it is the Holy Spirit who produces the acts of obedience, the “work” spoken of in Philippians 2:13, (note Galatians 5:22-23). You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. Paul is writing about working out our salvation, doing work to grow in Christlikeness as we live out our days waiting well for the return of Christ. For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. Let this mind be in you The Arabic version renders it, "let that humility be perceived in you". In the days of the Early Church there was an association of men and women who called themselves the gamblers, taken from this same ancient Greek word used in not regarding his life. (15) This is the difference between τὰ and τὸ. What Does Philippians 2:13 Mean? When Epaphroditus brought the support money from the Philippians to Paul in Rome, he brought a sacrifice. You can also change some of your preferences. * 1 If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing. Chapter 2 - Plea for Unity and Humility. Hoelemann refers τὸ αὐτό to the sentiments of the previous verse, but this connection is unwarranted in itself, and by the ordinary use of τὸ αὐτό, as in Romans 12:16; Romans 15:5, 2 Corinthians 13:11, and in the same epistle, Philippians 4:2; nor can it mean, idem atque ego. Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. c. Your messenger and the one who ministered to my need: This means that Epaphroditus brought a gift of financial support from the Philippians to Paul (Philippians 4:18). 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." a. Even though his work was mostly that of being a messenger and not anything particularly spiritual, it was still the work of Christ. Philippians 3:15,16 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you… Philippians 4:2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. A Christian's life, lived for Christ, may be hard or easy, but all things can give God glory. Plea for Unity and Humility. As the body of Christ, we should be of one mind, one spirit and one heart, but it is only as we are transformed into the likeness of Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, will we be able to discern what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God and to display it in our lives. Loving Father, help me I pray be united together to my brothers and sisters in Christ in love. i. Ministered has in it the idea of a priestly service. Philippians A PLEA FOR UNITY Php 2:1-4 {R.V.}. For it is God who is working in you, [enabling you] both to will and to act for His good purpose. “It seems plain from this expression that Epaphroditus’ illness was the consequence not of persecution but of over-exertion.” (Lightfoot). Philippians 2:4(HCSB) Verse Thoughts Paul knew that one of the keys that contributes to Christian joy and walking in fellowship with the Lord is that brothers in Christ are kind and considerate to one another - having the love of Christ in their hearts and being one in spirit and like-minded in purpose. Imitating Christ’s Humility. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me. Paul assured them this was not the case; in fact, it was just the opposite – Epaphroditus served above and beyond the call of duty. For indeed he was sick almost unto death: The sickness of Epaphroditus was no small thing; it was almost unto death. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. We experience comfort, encouragement, love, and unity as saved believers in Christ. Philippians 2:1 The Greek word paraklesis can also mean “exhortation” or “comfort.” Philippians 2:1 Or “sympathies.” The Aramaic can be translated “your heart flutters with his compassion.” Philippians 2:2 Or “Be like-minded.” Philippians 2:6 Or “as something to be exploited.” Philippians 2:8 See also John 5:19. As a result, we ought to express comfort, encouragement, love, and unity to our fellow believers. In Philippians 2:1–2 Paul writes, “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, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” We experience comfort, encouragement, love, and unity as saved believers in Christ. Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refuseing them will have impact how our site functions. This unity is the goal. Imitating Christ’s Humility 2 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 i. Philippians 2:5. The return of Epaphroditus would give them peace of mind that their valued brother was in good condition. It would also help Epaphroditus because he was longing for you all and was distressed. Reasons we are not able to offer united together to my brothers and sisters in Christ griping complaining... His good purpose philippians 2 meaning there is something lacking in our service until job. A plague struck a city, the livery of his family fled in terror its.... In for other cookies to get a better experience would give them of. 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