Philippians 2

I The Apostle exhorts the Philippians very movingly, unto unity, 3 And unto humility and serviceableness, 5 for that end setting before them the example of the Lord Jesus Christ, 6 Who being true God so debased himself, that he took our humane nature upon him, and died for us on the Cross, 9 and afterwards was again exceedingly exalted. 12 Adds thereunto common exhortation to obedience, the fear of God, and all manner of Christian virtues, 15 to shew themselves as lights in the midst of unbelievers, 17 Declareth that if he should be put to death at Rome, he should rejoice at all, and that they also ought to do the same. 19 Promiseth that he will speedingly send Timothy unto them, 24 And hopeth also to come unto them himself, 25 Very earnestly commendeth their Pastor Epaphoditus unto them, who brought them this Epistle, 26 Declareth that he had been very sick, yet by the Lord strengthened again, 29 Exhorts the Philippians that they would receive him joyfully, seeing for their service sake he had been in peril of his life.

1. IF therefore there be [Or hath place with you: or may avail with you] any consolation: for the Greek word signifies both [in Christ, [that is, in Christ's name or for Christ’s sake.] if there be any comfort [that is, made out of sincere love] if there be any fellowship of the spirit, [that is, if ye also shew the grace of regeneration in the following of this exhortation or if ye are bound one to another by one Spirit,] if there be any inward moving [Gr. Bowels, See chapter 1.8.] and compassions: [namely, of my bonds and afflictions. See Acts 3:12. Hebrews 10:28.]

2. Then fulfill ye my joy, [That is, increase at still more and more, by your Christian walking] that ye may be of one accord, by this oneness of mind is understood not only one kind of opinion in one understanding, concerning the chief Articles of Christian doctrine, but also unity in will, affections, and love, as the same is also expressed. See Acts 4:32.] having the same love, being of one mind, [Gr. Of one soul, or having the soul joined together] and of one judgment.

3. [Doe] nothing through strife, or vain glory, but through humility, let one esteem another more excellent then himself.[namely, in gifts, or in ministries.]

4. Let every one not look upon [Namely, principally, or only. For otherwise Christians must also take care of those of his own house, 1 Tim. 5.8. The Apostle here useth a word which properly signifieth to look as arming at a mark] is own [that is, his own profit, honor or ease] but let ever one [look] also on that which (belongs to) others. [That is, which tends to his neighbors profit, honor, service, and edification.]

5. For let that mind be in you, [Gr. Let the same be judged, i.e. let then be the same disposition and inclination be in you in humility] which also was in Jesus Christ:

6. Who being in the form of God [Gr. Morphe. i.e. fashion or form, by which word it is here translated because thereby is signified here, not only a divine essence itself, forasmuch as without the same there can be no true divine Majesty and glory, and this also can be with none but with the true God. Isaiah 42:8. And it appears by what follows, that by this word the essence of God is signified here also, as is said ver. 6. that he was equal to God, and ver. 7. that he took upon him the form of a servant, that is, not only the quality of a bondman or servant, but also a true human nature itself, endued with such qualities. So that the words, the form of God, are to be understood of his essence and State in which he was from all eternity, before he took the human nature upon him. See John 1:1. 14. and chapter 17. 5.] esteemed it no robbery [that is, nothing that was unlawful or unjust, which did not of right belong unto him, as if he had got it by robbery] to be equal God: [that is, to be and remain perfectly like to God his Father according to his divine essence, and consequently also in majesty and glory, as being one with the Father. See Joh. 5. ver. 18, 26. and chapter 10. 30. and chapter 16. 15. Hebrews 1:3.]

7. But made himself [Namely, altogether willingly] of no account, [Gr. Made vain or empty, i.e. as it were laid aside the use of his divine glory for a time, to accomplish the work of our redemption in the state of humiliation, and as it were emptied himself thereof, and kept it hidden in his human nature only letting some small rays of the same sometimes shine forth by his miracles and otherwise, John 1:14. and chapter 2. ver. 11. In the 8. ver. Following, it is expounded by the word humbled] having taken on the form of a servant [this is expounded by the following words, namely that he took on him a true human nature, and with the same a very low and contemptible estate as of slave or servant, that so he might satisfy for our sins, and serve his father for our redemption. See Isaiah 53:11.] and become like unto men] Gr. Being made in men’s likeness, i.e. being made like unto men. Namely, not only according to the human nature assumed by him; but also according to all the infirmities of the same, without sin. See Hebrews 2:17. and 4. 15. Or as a mean and despised man. See Judges 16:7, 11. Psalms 82:7.]

8. And found [That is, found to be] in fashion [thereby is understood the same that before was named form and likeness, joined with outward conversing amongst men.] as a man, [that is, as a true and also as a mean and despised man. See ver. 7.] he humbled himself, [See the 7. verse foregoing] being become obedient [namely willingly subjecting himself in all things to the will of his father] unto the death, [that is, not only in all manner of commands, but also in the most grievous, to die the death: to which otherwise he was not subject, neither according to his divine nature which is immortal, 1 Tim. 1. 17. nor according to his human, forasmuch as there was no sin in the same, 1 John 3:5. and therefore had not deserved the wages thereof, Romans 6:23.] yea to the death of the cross: [that is, to the most bitter, and most shameful death, which was also cursed of God Deuteronomy 21:23. Under this lowest degree of humiliation the Apostle comprehends all others which went before the same both in body and soul, and expresseth this, the better to set before our eyes the utmost humiliation of Christ, and thereby to exhort believers to humility.]

9. Therefore [By this word therefore is not shewed that by this humiliation Christ merited the following glory for himself: for all that Christ merited, that he merited for us. John 17:19. But sheweth only what followed hereupon, or was fit to follow. See the like Acts 20:26. Hebrews 3:7. 2. Pet. 1. 10.] God [namely the father] hath also above measure exalted him, [namely, after that he being risen from the dead and ascended up to heaven, sat on the right hand of God in the highest glory. Ephesians 1:20. Hebrews 1:3. which according to his divine nature he had indeed from eternity. John 17:5. But seeing he had as it were laid aside the use thereof in the state of his humiliation; he took the same upon him again after his ascension, and shewed it gloriously: and his human nature both in soul and body was adorned with as high glory and blessedness, as a creature can receive, far surpassing all glory of Angels and other men] and hath given him [or freely gives. See chapter 1. ver. 29. whereby is meant that his exaltation came to pass according to the fathers will and pleasure] a name [thereby is understood not the bare name whereby he was distinguished from other men: for that he had also in the state of his humiliation, nor yet only the renown of his person, but the majesty and glory of the same. See Eph. 1. ver. 21.] which is above every name: [that is greatest and highest glory.]

10. That [Or so that] in the name of Jesus [that is, this Jesus Christ being thus glorified, and by reason of this glory] every knee should bow itself [that is, all reasonable creatures subject themselves, even his very enemies against their will. The Apostle here alludes to that which God saith, Isaiah 45:23. and applies the same here to Jesus Christ, as also Romans 14:11. These words then must not be understood properly, to wit, that when the name Jesus is named, men must bow their knees; as some through mis-understanding of this place, not without superstition, doe: for the Angels and wicked spirits, of whom here also is spoken have properly no knees: but by a similitude from the outward reverence which men thereby shew to Kings or Princes to whom they are subjects, is here understood the subjection of all creatures unto Christ, as the Lord of lords, and King of kings. Revel. 19. 16. the Prince of the Kings of the Earth, Revelation 1:5. and Lord over all, Acts 10:36.] of them that are in heaven, [namely the holy Angels and blessed souls, Revel. 5. 13.] and which are on earth [that is, all men which are dead, and in the graves: or else all wicked spirits and damned persons which are in Hell, i.e. all reasonable creatures, in whatsoever place of the created world they be. For although the Devils and the ungodly and damned men doe not give Christ the subjection and honor they ought, yet notwithstanding they must even against their wills, be subject unto him as the Lord and judge over all. See Psal. 22. 30. and 72. 9.]

11. And every tongue [Namely of all nations and people, and also of all reasonable creatures, not only of the good but also of the bad; which how much so ever they set themselves against Christ, nevertheless have many times been constrained to confess him against their wills, Mark 5:7. Acts 16:17. and shall in the last judgment he compelled to acknowledge him for the judge of the quick and of the dead; and for the Lord, Mat. 7. ver. 22.] should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, [Or, that the Lord Jesus, is Christ. i.e. the anointed,] to the glory of God the Father. [that is, which confession tends to the spreading abroad of the glory of the Father, who of mere mercy and grace towards us, hath appointed and given this his Son of Jesus for a Lord and Savior.]

12. So then beloved, as ye here always been obedient, [Namely, to the Gospel, embracing the same by a true faith; and living according to the same by a Godly conversation.] not as in my presence only, but much more now in mine absence, work your own salvation, [that is, give diligence, take pains, using the means which God hath ordained for the furthering of the same] with fear and trembling. [That is, with a lowly opinion of your selves, and with great and childlike carefulness, fearing left ye may do or omit anything , whereby you may provoke God to anger, or that may be an hindrance to your salvation. See of this phrase, Psal. 2. 11. 1 Cor. 2. 3. 2 Cor. 7. 15. Ephes. 6. 5. Hebrews 12:28. 1 Pet. 1. 17.]

13. For it is God who worketh in you [this is added here, that from this forgoing exhortation men should not think or conclude, that a man of himself and by his abilities, could work out salvation: See chapter 1.6. 2 Cor. 3.5. James 1:17.] both the will [that is, not only the power to will, but also the will it self; powerfully inclining and bending the will to chuse the good, and so of unwilling making it willing by the power of the Holy Ghost. John 3:5. and 6.44. Romans 9:16. 1 Pet. 1.3.] and the work [Or, good that men will] according to [his] good pleasure. [That is, not according to any foregoing good disposition or preparation, which he should fined in man, but according to his pleasure of pure grace. See Ephes. 1.5,9,11. and 2.8. 2 Tim. 1.9.]

14. do all things [Namely, which the Lord commands you, how difficult so ever it to be flesh] without murmuring [that is, willingly, and patiently] and gainsaying: [Or, contentious, ponderings, namely, whether ye shall do that which God commands or not. For the Greek word signifies, either in ones mind or with words, or dispute or argue to and again.]

15. That ye may be unblameable [That is, so that men may not justly blame your conversation. See Luke 1:6. Ephes. 5.26,27.] and upright, [or simple, without guile. See Matthew 10:16.] children of God, being unreprovable in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation: [that is, unbelieving and unregenerate men. See Acts 2:40.] amongst which [namely, men] ye shine [That is. Henceforward also ought to shine and give light before] as lights in the world. [Or, light-bearers, stars. See Proverbs 4:18. Matthew 5:14.]

16. Holding forth the word [Or bearing before] that is, steadfastly holding fast, professing and studying the wholesome doctrine of the Gospel. Or propounding] of life: [that is, in which eternal life and the way to attain it is set forth unto us, and which leads us thereunto, See John 6:68.] for a glory unto me against the day of Christ, [namely, when he shall come to judge all men, or to deliver me out of this life] that I have not run in vain [Namely, in the race of my Ministry, administrated unto you by the preaching of this word] nor labored in vain.

17. Yea if I [Namely, shedding my blood for the Gospel sake] also am offered for a thank-offering [the Greek word signifies so to be offered, as in the old Testament together with the meat-offering of meal, wine also for a drink-offering was offered up, Numb. 28.7. The Apostle here hath respect to the shedding of blood. For the blood of the Martyrs is an acceptable sacrifice to the Lord. Psal. 116.15.] upon the sacrifice [that is, because I have by the preaching of the Gospel, as it were offered up and consecrated you, and thereby have served you to bring you to faith, wherein ye shall be confirmed by me death] and administration of your faith, [Gr. Leitourgia. Of this word, see Romans 15:16. 2 Cor. 9.12. Hebrews 8:2,6.] I joy and rejoice with you all.

18. And that for same rejoice ye also [This may be understood either by a way of exhortation, that they shall rejoice; or by the way of rehearsal, that they did thus] and rejoice ye also with me.

19. And I hope in the Lord Jesus [That is, with the help and by the grace of the Lord: if it shall please him. See Acts 18:21. 1 Cor. 4.19. James 4:15.] to send Timothy unto you speedily, that I also may be of good courage, when I shall have understood your affairs.

20. For I have no man who is just so minded, [Gr. Of a like soul. i.e. who bears so good heart as I and he] who will sincerely [The Greek word properly signifies so sincerely as it comes from nature it self, as parents take care of their children which are both of them] take care of your affairs. [Namely, which concerns the edification of your Church, and your salvation.]

21. For they seek all [That is, well near all, or almost, as Matthew 10:22. Mark 1:5.] their own, [that is their own ease, profit, or honor] not that which is Jesus Christ. [That is, that which belongs to the furtherance of Christ Kingdome, honor, and doctrine.]

22. And ye know is proving, [That is, the proof of his uprightness and faithfulness, which he hath often shewed before this. Or how he hath always been found upright and faithful,] that he as a child [his] father, [that is, not as a servant, by constraint, but with a submissive and ready-minded inclination. See 1 Cor. 4.17. 2 Tim. 2.1.] hath served with me in the Gospel. [That is, hath helped me in publishing, propagating and defending of the doctrine of the Gospel]

23. I hope therefore indeed to send him [Namely, Timothy, such an excellent young man and faithful teacher, who hath been so serviceable and helpful to me] immediately [this may be joined either to word send, or to the word look to] as [soon] as I shall have looked unto my business: [namely, which concerns the administration of mine office.]

24. But I trust in the Lord [I firmly hope, and doubt little thereof: for this word here signifies not a firm assurance of heart, but a great and a strong hope. See chapter 1.25.] that I my self also shall shortly come [unto you.]

25. But I thought it needful to send unto you [Namely, now presently with this Epistle.] Epaphroitus [See also of him Philippians 4:18. Some think that he is the same who is called Epaphras, Colossians 1:7. and 4.12. Philem. Ver.23. but that is uncertain] my Brother [that is, my associate, and a teacher of the Holy Gospel] and fellow-laborer, [namely, in the work of publishing of the Gospel] and fellow-shoulder, [namely, in the spiritual conflict against the enemies of the Gospel, with great labor and danger of his life] and your Messenger [Gr. Apostolic, which word in special signifies one who was called & sent forth by Christ himself to preach the Gospel through the whole world, Galatians 1:1. Ephesians 4:11 but here it is taken more largely in general for one who is sent forth by any one to act any thing in his name or for him: he was by the Philippians sent to Rome unto Paul, to carry him that which they contributed for his maintenance. Or else your teacher: for this word also sometimes taken for any kind of teacher. See Romans 16:7. 2 Cor. 8.28.] and minister to my necessities: [why the Apostle thus calls him is more largely declared, chapter Ver.18.]

26. Seeing he was very desirous after you all, [That is, to see you all again, and to be with you] and was very much grieved [the Greek word signifies a very troublesome expectation of any evil or sorrow, with great distress of heart. See Matthew 26:37. Mark 14:33.] because ye had heard [namely, and knew that you who so loved and esteemed him, would be extremely grieved for it,] that he was sick.

27. And he was sick even also unto death [that is, so that he was in a great danger to have died by that sickness.] but God had mercy on him [that is, of grace preserved him alive, and restored him to health again] and not only on him, but also on me, [namely, because I account grace which was shewed him, as if it were shewed to my self, because of the help which I have of him.] that I might not grief [namely, for the death of such an excellent Teacher, and useful instrument in the Church of God] upon grief. [namely, which is daily procured to me in these bands by the enemies of the Gospel.]

28. I have therefore sent him the more speedily, [Namely, as soon as he was well again. Or the more carefully, the more diligently] that ye seeing him might rejoice again, and I might be the less [namely, as I have been while ye were constrained so long to want your faithful Teacher.]

29. Receive him then in the Lord, [That is, for the Lords sake whose Minister he is: Or not with any worldly entertainment but is acceptable to the Lord] with all joy, and hold such [that is, who are ministers of the Gospel, and especially who are so faithful as he and Timothy] in esteem [or in honor, or precious.]

30. For, for the work of Christ [That is, for the work whereunto Christ had called him: or which he had undertaken for the propagation of the Kingdome of Christ, and of his glory. Whereby is understood either in general the ministry of the word with all that appertaines thereunto; or in special service which he had done the Apostle, in the bringing over of that which Philippians had sent unto him, and which he still did in serving him in his bonds: all which tended also to the propagation and the service of the Kingdome of Christ] he was nigh even unto death, [that is, was in great danger of his life. Namely, either in that dangerous journey, or here at Rome, because he helped and served me spreading of the Gospel] not esteeming [the Greek word signifies to take counsel without regarding or taking notice of his own soul or life, i.e. that he having considered what he must of necessity do, either put his life in danger, or neglect his ministry, determined rather to hazard his life] [his] life [Gr. His soul] that he might fulfill the want of your ministration unto me, [that is, that seeing ye your selves cannot be here present to serve me in my bands, he might do the same instead of you all, Gr. Your want of ministration to me.