[3.Exhortation (Philippians 1:27 to Philippians 2:4).(1)To STEADFASTNESS AND CONFIDENCE UNDER PERSECUTION (Philippians 1:27-30).(2)To UNITY OF SPIRIT, based on humility and self-forgetfulness (Philippians 2:1-4).] read more
(2) That ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.—In this verse there is again a four-fold division; but of a different kind. St. Paul begins with the exhortation not uncommon from him, to be likeminded,” that is, to have true sympathy (as in Romans 12:16; Romans 15:5; 2 Corinthians 13:11; also Philippians 3:16; Philippians 4:2); which he naturally strengthens by the addition of “having the same love” (that is, a mutual love), to show that the sympathy is to be... read more
(3) This verse expresses the negative result of this unity of soul—that nothing will be done in “strife,” that is, factiousness (the word used in Philippians 1:17), or “vainglory”—nothing, that is, with the desire either of personal influence or of personal glory. “For,” he adds, “each will esteem other better than himself,” or, rather, will hold that his neighbour is worthy of higher consideration and a higher place of dignity than himself (comp. the use of the word in Romans 13:1; 1 Peter... read more
Against Controversy Philippians 2:3-5 There are two great notes in St. Paul's Epistle to the Philippians: I. The Note of Joy. The first the note of joy: 'Rejoice,' he is always crying, and this is the more noble because, as you remember, he wrote as a prisoner and as one in chains. And the point reminds us once more that no chain can ever fetter the free spirit: Stone walls do not a prison make, Nor iron bars a cage. Even so one thinks of Bunyan with his body indeed in Bedford gaol, and with... read more
Chapter 6THE MIND OF CHRIST.Philippians 2:1-4 (R.V.)In the verses last considered the Apostle had begun to summon his Philippian friends to Christian duty. But so far his words bear the character only of occasional exhortation, which falls naturally in as he dwells upon his own circumstances and on theirs. Associated as they have been and are, let there be no mistake as to the central bond between him and them. Let the Philippian believers partake increasingly in his own glowing apprehensions... read more
II. CHRIST, THE BELIEVER’S PATTERN CHAPTER 2 1. Oneness of mind through self effacement (Philippians 2:1-4 ) 2. The humiliation and exaltation of Christ (Philippians 2:5-11 ) 3. Work out your own salvation (Philippians 2:12-13 ) 4. As lights in the world (Philippians 2:14-16 ) 5. The example of Paul (Philippians 2:17-18 ) 6. The example of Timotheus (Philippians 2:19-24 ) 7. The example of Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25-30 ) Philippians 2:1-4 This chapter puts before us Christ as our... read more
2:1 If {1} [there be] therefore any consolation in {a} Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any {b} bowels and mercies,(1) A most earnest request to remove all those things, by which that great and special consent and agreement is commonly broken, that is, contention and pride, by which it comes to pass that they separate themselves from one another.(a) Any Christian comfort.(b) If any seeking of inward love. read more
2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the {c} same love, [being] of one accord, of one mind.(c) Equal love. read more
In the first chapter we have seen that Christ is the very principle of life that motivates the apostle in whatever circumstances, - and so indeed it should be for all believers. Chapter 2 now brings Christ Jesus before us in His voluntary humiliation and obedience unto death, as the great Example of His people. Vibrant life and freshness of soul is sweet, but it will soon vanish if it does not issue in lowly obedience. Thus, if souls have found "consolation in Christ - comfort of love -... read more
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Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Philippians 2:1
(1) If there be therefore any consolation . . .—In the four-fold division of this verse we trace, first, a reference to unity with Christ, and to a spiritual effect following from it; next, a similar reference to communion with the Holy Ghost, and a corresponding spiritual result. (1) “Consolation” is properly encouragement—the stirring up of spiritual activity—ascribed in Acts 9:31 to the action of the Holy Spirit, but here viewed as a practical manifestation of the life flowing from union... read more