2:1 if there is any Paul is not questioning whether the Philippians have these things; he is using a rhetorical expression to say that, since the believers do in fact have these things, they should complete his joy by demonstrating unity.

2:2 you are in agreement If believers cannot live in unity, the transformative power of the gospel comes into question. As a result, the gospel message may lose credibility among unbelievers.

united in spirit The Greek word used here, sympsychos, describes sharing the same attitude or mindset—namely, the mindset of Jesus Christ (vv. 5–8). This points back to the letter’s main purpose of encouraging the Philippians to stand firm together (1:27).

2:3 empty conceit Refers to arrogance, pride, or an inflated ego.

2:4 each of you for the interests of others This attitude is reflected throughout the chapter in the examples of Christ (vv. 6–8), Timothy (vv. 19–20), and Epaphroditus (v. 26).

2:6 in the form of God Refers to Jesus’ preexistence and divine characteristics.

Jesus as the Image of God

something to be grasped The Greek word used here, harpagmos, is difficult to interpret because it appears only here in the Bible. It seems to mean “robbery” or “something to be seized by force.” Paul may be saying that Christ did not consider equality with God, which He already possessed, something to be exploited for selfish gain. Alternatively, Paul could be saying that Christ did not consider the state of being equal to God to consist in acts of grasping and taking. Either way, Paul’s emphasis is on Christ’s humble attitude and refusal to act selfishly despite His equality with God.

2:7 emptied himself The Greek verb used here, kenoō, refers to Jesus pouring Himself out. In light of v. 6 and 8, this seems to imply that Jesus laid aside His rights as God in order to become the world’s servant.

becoming in the likeness of people Refers to Jesus’ incarnation.

2:8 cross Refers to Jesus’ crucifixion (Matt 27:35–37). Paul portrays Jesus’ willingness to endure suffering as a model of love for the Philippians.

2:9 name above every name Because of Jesus’ obedient, self-emptying death on the cross, God exalted Him to the highest place of honor (compare Acts 2:36). Paul is likely referring to Jesus being called “Lord” (in kyrios in Greek)—the Septuagint (ancient Greek translation of the ot) term used for Yahweh (e.g., Isa 42:8). In this case, the name signifies Jesus’ exalted status and unique relationship with God the Father. Another possibility is that the name God gives is “Jesus” (iēsous in Greek); Paul explicitly mentions this name in Phil 2:10. This implies that God instilled the name “Jesus” with the highest honor when He exalted Christ. It also is possible that Paul is referring not to a personal name but to a title. In this view, this new title denotes Jesus’ exalted status alongside God.

2:10 every knee should bow Paul alludes to Isa 45:23 to describe the entire universe worshiping Jesus and submitting to His sovereignty.

2:11 every tongue confess An allusion to Isa 45:23.

Lord See note on Phil 1:2.

2:12 you have always obeyed Obedience is evidence of faith in God. Paul appeals to the entire community to continue to obey, which means adopting the attitude of Christ in their relationships with one another.

work out Emphasizes that obedience is intentional and purposeful. Paul’s point is that salvation, once received, must be put into practice through obedience.

fear and trembling Refers to reverence and awe before God (compare 1 Cor 2:3; 2 Cor 7:15; Eph 6:5). Paul’s imagery is derived from similar language used in the ot (e.g., Exod 15:16; Isa 19:16).

2:13 the one at work in you God’s transforming presence empowers believers to live in faithful obedience to His will. Compare Phil 1:6.

2:14 without grumbling and disputing Expressions of discontentment and arguing lead to a spirit of division within a community of believers. Paul commands the Philippians to abandon such things so as to promote unity.

2:15 blameless and innocent Paul creates a contrast in this verse between the humility, kindness, and purity of God’s children and the sinful ways of the world.

crooked and perverted generation Paul echoes Deut 32:5.

you shine as stars Alludes to Dan 12:2–3, in which the wise shine like stars. By reflecting God’s character through their conduct, believers stand out against the darkness of the world and reveal the transformative power of the gospel (compare Phil 1:27).

2:16 word of life Refers to the message that brings life—the gospel.

day of Christ See note on 1:6.

a source of pride to me The Philippian believers—mostly non-Jews—represent the fulfillment of Paul’s calling as apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15; Gal 2:9; Rom 11:13). Their faithful response to the gospel proves that his ministry has not been futile.

2:17 drink offering In the ancient world, a drink could be poured out as an offering to a god (e.g., Gen 35:14; Hos 9:4). In the present verse (and in 2 Tim 4:6) Paul uses this imagery to describe his sufferings for the Philippians—including his present imprisonment—as an offering to God. He might be referring figuratively to the possibility of his death (compare Phil 1:20–24).

I rejoice Following the example of Jesus, Paul is not only willing but glad to suffer for the gospel.

2:19 Timothy The Philippians had sent Epaphroditus to care for Paul during his imprisonment (v. 25). Now Paul prepares to send Timothy to care for the Philippians.

2:21 they all seek their own interests In contrast to these others, Timothy is presented as an example of someone who puts Christ and others ahead of himself. Compare v. 4 and note.

2:22 you know his proven character Timothy apparently was no stranger to the Philippians. Although he does not appear in Acts 16:11–40, the surrounding passages suggest that he was with Paul and Silas when they first visited Philippi (see Acts 16:1–3; 17:14–15). Through serving the gospel with Paul, Timothy came to share Paul’s concerns and values.

2:24 I myself will arrive shortly Paul expresses hope that he will be released from prison.

2:25 Epaphroditus The Philippians had sent Epaphroditus to deliver gifts for Paul and look after him in prison. Now, due to the Philippians’ alarm over news that Epaphroditus had taken ill, Paul is sending him back to Philippi (with this letter).

Why Paul Considered Epaphroditus Successful

2:27 grief upon grief Paul already was confronting the grief of imprisonment. If Epaphroditus had died, Paul’s grief would have been compounded—especially because Epaphroditus put his life on the line to care for Paul.

2:29 highly honored Believers who take risks and endure suffering for the sake of others and for the gospel are worthy of great respect. Just as Christ serves as a model of loving sacrifice, so does Epaphroditus.

2:30 your inability to serve me This could refer to the distance that separated the Philippians and Paul. In addition, Paul hints at a gap in their support (Phil 4:10).