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Verse

Philippians chapter 2

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14Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15That 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; 16Holding 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. 17Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. 18For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me. 19But 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. 20For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. 21For 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. 23Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. 24But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. 25Yet 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. 26For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. 27For 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. 28I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. 29Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: 30Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

What does Philippians chapter 2 mean?

Chapter 2 emphasizes the theme of rejoicing during times of suffering. First, Paul gives Christ's own example of humility (Philippians 2:1–11). Believers were to look out for the interests of others, as well as their own (Philippians 2:4). This involves taking on the humble attitude of Christ (Philippians 2:5), expressed poetically in verses 6 through 11. The honor given Christ as a result of His modesty is that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:11).

Second, Paul emphasizes believers as lights in a world of darkness (Philippians 2:12–18). The contrast between light and darkness is a common scriptural theme. Light uncovers truth, and provides comfort and safety. Darkness is dangerous, insecure, and hides the truth.

The believers reading Paul's letter were to continue in obedience, working out their salvation in "fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12). In context, this is a command to show, in action, the reality of one's salvation. It is not a comment about "working for" salvation, but working out salvation, through one's life.

Paul notes God was the one working in them for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). They were to do all things without complaining (Philippians 2:14) to shine as lights in the world (Philippians 2:15). This included holding fast to the word of life so Paul's work would not be in vain (Philippians 2:16).

Paul also speaks of being poured out as a drink offering, referring to the Old Testament ritual. Despite being "poured out" on their behalf, he is glad and rejoices (Philippians 2:17). He likewise encourages the Philippian believers to rejoice with him (Philippians 2:18). Their struggles are not in vain; all things are happening for the glory of God. Third, he gives instructions regarding Timothy and Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:19–30). Paul hoped to send Timothy to them soon to bring them good news (Philippians 2:19). Timothy sought the welfare of the Philippian Christians (Philippians 2:20). Paul spoke of Timothy as a son (Philippians 2:22), hoping to also visit personally (Philippians 2:24). Paul clearly believed he would soon be released. Scripture does record Paul's ministry after his first Roman imprisonment in the books of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. However, it is uncertain whether he visited these Philippian believers again.

At the time of his writing, Paul was sending Epaphroditus, a person he referred to as his brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier, messenger, and minister to his need (Philippians 2:25). Epaphroditus had been sick to the point of death, but had been healed (Philippians 2:27). The Philippians were to receive him with joy and honor him since he risked his life for the work of Christ (Philippians 2:30). Epaphroditus became an early example of a church leader sacrificing everything for the work of Christ and service to believers, offering an example to many who would follow his pattern in future days.
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