The mind seen in Christ
Philippians 2:1–11FocusHumility 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 2:12
KJVWherefore, 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.
Read it in context
Exhortation to Humility and Obedience
Start reading at Philippians 2:1 (Philippians 2:1 to Philippians 2:18).
This verse is part of a larger exhortation to unity, humility, and obedience, following the example of Christ Jesus, and is immediately followed by the assurance that God is at work within believers.
- 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.
- 2:12 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.
- 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
- 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
- 2:15 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;
- 2:16 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.
- 2:17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
- 2:18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.
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 main event or theme? The main theme is an exhortation for the Philippian believers to continue in obedience and diligently apply themselves to their spiritual walk, with reverence and seriousness, knowing that God is actively working within them.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing that believers are to actively engage in their spiritual growth and obedience, not relying solely on external presence or instruction, but empowered by God's internal working to enable both their will and their actions.
- What is the literary style? The literary style is an epistle, characterized by exhortation and instruction.
When
- When was it written? The epistle was written around A.D. 61. book background
- When does the event take place? The exhortation is for the Philippians to live out their faith continually, particularly in Paul's absence. The writing itself occurred during Paul's imprisonment. book background
Where
- Where did it happen? The exhortation is directed to the Philippian believers wherever they are. The epistle itself was written from Rome. book background
- Where was the author located? The author, Paul, was located in Rome, in prison, when he wrote this epistle. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Exhortation to Humility and Obedience (Philippians 2:1 to Philippians 2:18). Start reading at Philippians 2:1. This verse is part of a larger exhortation to unity, humility, and obedience, following the example of Christ Jesus, and is immediately followed by the assurance that God is at work within believers.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse serves as a direct application of the preceding passage (Philippians 2:5-11), which describes the humility and obedience of Christ Jesus. Paul urges the Philippians to emulate this example by diligently working out their own salvation, just as Christ was obedient, and knowing that God is working in them. stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? The command to 'work out your own salvation' is given in the context of Christ's ultimate example of humility and obedience unto death (Philippians 2:5-8). God then highly exalted Him (Philippians 2:9-11). Believers are called to follow this pattern of obedience and diligent effort, knowing that God works in them to enable their will and actions, just as Christ was obedient to God. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Believers today are called to diligently and reverently live out their faith, actively pursuing obedience and spiritual growth. This effort is not in their own strength, but is empowered by God, who works within them to enable both their desire and their ability to do His good pleasure. interpretation
Cited: Philippians 1:1, Philippians 2:1, Philippians 2:5, Philippians 2:6, Philippians 2:8, Philippians 2:9, Philippians 2:11, Philippians 2:12, Philippians 2:13, Philippians 4:1
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
- my beloved Phil 4:1 1 Cor 4:14 1 Pet 2:11
- as ye Phil 1:5,27,29
- work Phil 3:13-14 Prov 10:16 Prov 13:4 Matt 11:12,29 Luke 13:23-24 John 6:27-29 Rom 2:7 1 Cor 9:24-27
- own Phil 2:19 Rom 13:11-14 1 Cor 9:20-23 2 Tim 2:10
- with Ezra 10:3 Ps 2:11 Ps 119:120 Isa 66:2,5 Acts 9:6 Acts 16:29 1 Cor 2:3 2 Cor 7:15
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
FocusWorking, 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.