Philippians 2

1 consolation. Here, perhaps, the word παράκλησις is best rendered by “appeal.” See also note on 1 Thess. ii. 3. “If your experiences in Christ appeal to you with any force, if love exerts any persuasive power upon you, if your fellowship in the Spirit is a living reality, if you have any affectionate yearnings of heart, any tender feelings of compassion, listen and obey” (Lightfoot).

5 this mind. The same lowly self-denying thoughts, and desire for others’ good.

6 being. Rather, “subsisting”; a reference to His pre-existent and essential state. “The form

9 a name. Properly, “the name.” JESUS was the name, first, of our Lord’s humiliation, and henceforth of His exaltation and glory: see vers. 10, 11.

10 at the name. Rather, “in the name.” All praise and prayer offered in heaven, or on earth, must be offered to God through Him, in whom only God is fully revealed. All creation is personified, as uniting in this worship, together with the redeemed in earth and heaven: see Rev. v. 9-13, and ep. Rom. xiv. 9-11.

12. Wherefore, my beloved, etc. “Having the example of Christ’s humiliation to guide you, of Christ’s exaltation to encourage you, as you have always been obedient, so continue” (Lightfoot). “Work out . . . for it is God who worketh.” The Divine and human sides of salvation are here linked together. The Divine purpose is not antagonistic to the freedom of man’s will. Faith justifies and works are the fruit of faith.

15 nation. Rather, “generation”: see Deut. xxxii. 5.

17 if I be offered, etc. Rather, “if I am even being poured forth [as a drink offering, Exod. xxix. 40, 41; 2 Tim. iv. 6] over the sacrifice,” etc., i.e., at this very time. He compares the faith of the Philippian Christians to a sacrifice, over which he will most gladly pour out his blood in martyrdom as a libation; and he believes that they sympathise with him in this feeling (18).

19. I trust. Or, “I hope”; and this, like all my hope, rests on the Lord Jesus.

Timotheus. Timothy was one of Paul’s companions both in the journey in which he first visited Philippi (see Acts xvi. 1, 3, 12; xvii. 14), and when he again passed through Macedonia (2 Cor. i. 1; ii. 13; ix. 2, 4); so that the Philippians knew “his tried worth” (22).

20 naturally. Rather, “truly.” He alone of all those now with me has the same “genuine” care for you as I.

23 presently. “As soon as ever I shall see how it will go with me” (Moffatt).

25. I supposed it necessary, etc. For the reasons assigned in vers. 26, 28.

30 not regarding his life, etc. R.V., “he came nigh unto death, hazarding his life to supply that which was lacking in your service,” “and so complete your loving purposes in regard of the ministration you desired for me” (Moule). The illness of Epaphroditus seems to have been caused or aggravated by zealous attendance on Paul.