FocusHumility and obedience
Connection to the wholeThe appeal against rivalry is grounded in Christ's self-humbling and obedience, directing the church away from self-advancement.
interpretation Philippians 2:1
KJVIf there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
Read it in context
The mind seen in Christ
Start reading at Philippians 2:1 (Philippians 2:1 to Philippians 2:11).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The appeal against rivalry is grounded in Christ's self-humbling and obedience, directing the church away from self-advancement.
- 2:1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
- 2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
- 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
- 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
- 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
- 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
- 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
- 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
- 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
- 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
- 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul is the principal author, with Timothy named alongside him in the greeting. Biblical references: Philippians 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Philippians 1:1–2:30): Paul addresses the Philippian saints with their overseers and deacons, discussing his imprisonment and calling the community to unity and humility. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? All the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, including their bishops and deacons. Biblical references: Philippians 1:1. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The mind seen in Christ. Read Philippians 2:1 through Philippians 2:11 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The appeal against rivalry is grounded in Christ's self-humbling and obedience, directing the church away from self-advancement. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Paul writes in bonds and discusses possible release, death, and planned visits. The letter does not identify a calendar date or directly name the prison city. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The saints at Philippi are addressed; Paul's present confinement is described without a named city in the letter. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The mind seen in Christ (Philippians 2:1 to Philippians 2:11). Start reading at Philippians 2:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Christ's humility and obedience, Paul's desire to know Him, and the hope of bodily transformation shape the exhortation. Read the account of Christ's humility in its call to the same mind rather than as permission to import an unstated philosophical scheme. See Philippians 2:5, Philippians 2:8, Philippians 3:10, Philippians 3:21. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Serve with humility, pursue unity, and remain faithful amid difficulty. Contentment and strength should be read in the circumstances Paul describes, not as a promise of unlimited personal achievement. interpretation
Cited: Philippians 2:1, Philippians 2:11, Philippians 2:5, Philippians 2:8, Philippians 3:10, Philippians 3:21
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
Philippians 1:1
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- any consolation Phil 3:3 Luke 2:10-11,25 John 14:18,27 John 15:11 John 16:22-24 John 17:13 Rom 5:1-2 Rom 15:12-13
- if any comfort Ps 133:1 John 15:10-12 Acts 2:46 Acts 4:32 Gal 5:22 Eph 4:30-32 Col 2:2 1 John 4:7-8,12,16
- if any fellowship Rom 5:5 Rom 8:9-16,26 1 Cor 3:16 1 Cor 6:19-20 1 Cor 12:13 2 Cor 13:14 Gal 4:6 Eph 1:13-14
- if any bowels Phil 1:8 Col 3:12
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Philippians 2
Paul and Timothy address the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons. Paul's imprisonment and the church's partnership form the setting for calls to unity, humility, endurance, and contentment.
Philippians 1:1 Philippians 1:5 Philippians 1:12
Obedience in daily life
Philippians 2:12–18FocusWorking, shining, and holding forth
Connection to the wholePaul connects God's working within the readers with their active obedience and witness in the midst of a crooked generation.
interpretation Timothy and Epaphroditus
Philippians 2:19–30FocusExamples of faithful care
Connection to the wholeThe plans concerning these workers show concrete examples of the concern for others and costly service commended earlier.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Philippians
Paul and Timothy address the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons. Paul's imprisonment and the church's partnership form the setting for calls to unity, humility, endurance, and contentment.
Philippians 1:1 Philippians 1:5 Philippians 1:12
Thanksgiving and prayer
Philippians 1:1–11FocusPartnership in the gospel
Connection to the wholePaul recalls the church's fellowship and prays for discerning love and fruitful righteousness.
interpretation Imprisonment and worthy conduct
Philippians 1:12–30FocusChrist magnified through adversity
Connection to the wholePaul interprets his circumstances through the gospel's progress and urges the church to stand together amid opposition.
interpretation FocusHumility and self-giving
Connection to the wholeChrist's example grounds the call to humble obedience, with Timothy and Epaphroditus providing practical examples of care.
interpretation Knowing Christ and pressing onward
Philippians 3:1–21FocusTrue confidence and heavenly citizenship
Connection to the wholePaul rejects confidence in fleshly credentials, pursues knowing Christ, and calls the church to follow a faithful pattern.
interpretation Steadfast fellowship and contentment
Philippians 4:1–23FocusPrayer, conduct, and shared support
Connection to the wholeThe closing chapter applies steadfastness to relationships, thought, and need, ending with gratitude for the church's gift.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.