Bible Commentaries
Philippians 2

Verse 1

CHRIST, THE BELIEVER’S PATTERN (Call to Unity and Meekness)

1) "If there be therefore any consolation in Christ" (ei tis oun paraklesis en christo) "if therefore there exists any consolation or comfort in Christ," an hypothetical assumption, suggesting an affirmation of that hypothicated, 2 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:5. There is comfort in all the believer’s tribulations, given of God in Christ Jesus, 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17.

2) "If any comfort of love" (ei ti paramuthion agapes) ’ If there (is) any consolation of love," There is comfort in Christ, who comforts the believer in all his sorrows and cares, 1 Peter 5:7; Ephesians 3:19.

3) "If any fellowship of the Spirit" (ei tis koinomia pneumatos) "if any fellowship of spirit exists," The oneness of the Spirit in Christ, in harmony with the Word of truth, is a unifying principle in all believers in Christ, 2 Corinthians 13:14; Galatians 3:2-5; 1 Corinthians 3:16.

4) "If any bowels and mercies" (ei tis splagchna kai oiktirmoi) If (there is) any compassions or affections and pities." Here also Paul refers to the "bowels" as the seat or throne of emotions, rather than the heart. The Greeks held to the former; the Jews and Christians to the latter, the heart, but each recognized that man had a capacity and need for compassion and pity for the needy, Colossians 3:12.

Verse 2

1) "Fulfill ye my joy" (plerosate mou ten charan)

"You all -fulfill my joy," fill up or complete my joy or

occasion for joy, 3 John 1:2-4; 3 John 1:8.

2) "That ye be likeminded" (hina to auto phronete) "In order that ye think the same thing," or of one mind, disposition toward harmony in truth and life, Romans 12:16; Romans 15:5; 1 Corinthians 1:10.

3) "Having the same love" (echontes ten auten agapen) having, holding, or possessing the love," in kind, high, holy, sincere, (the same kind of love) that Christ had, 1 John 3:14; 1 John 3:18; 1 John 4:7. Such tends to the unity of the Spirit, Ephesians 4:3.

4) "Being of one accord, of one mind" (sumpsuchoi to en phromountes) "One in soul, thinking one thing, in accord," 1 Peter 3:8. In unison pondering and embracing the same kind of love and things the Lord loved and espoused.

"THE TENDER SYMPATHY OF CHRIST"

St. Yoo, of Kernartin, one morning went out and saw a beggar asleep on his doorstep. The beggar had been all night in the cold. The next night St. Yoo compelled this beggar to come into the house and sleep in the saint’s bed, while St. Yoo passed the night on the doorstep in the cold. Somebody asked him why that eccentricity? He replied, "it isn’t an eccentricity; I want to know how the poor suffer, I want to know their agonies, that I may sympathize with them, and therefore I slept on this cold step last night" That is the way Christ knows so much about our sorrows.

--Talmage

Ezekiel 3:15 reads: "Then I came to them of the captivity at Tel-abib, that dwelt by the river of Chebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days."

-King James Version

Verse 3

1) "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory" (meden kat’ eritheian mede kata kenodoksian) "Let not one thing be done by way of contentious rivalry or vainglory." To do a good thing in a bad spirit is hurtful. The spirit of egotism, conceit, boastfulness, and fleshly pride, so prevalent in intensely earnest, enthusiastic, and zealous people, in its tendency of self-exaltation, is debasing and to be avoided Galatians 5:26; James 3:14.

2) "But in lowliness of mind" (alla te tapeinophrosune) "But in humility of spirit." Impious self-exaltation is in conflict with the spirit of humility exemplified by Jesus Christ and to be desired in the lives of children of God. Both faction (strife) and vainglory are contradictory to the mind or disposition of, God, 1 Peter 5:5; Ephesians 5:21.

3) "Let each esteem other better than themselves" (allelous egoumenoi huperechontas heauton) "Let each one deem another above himself," or others above themselves. Humility and self-debasement are steps to divine exaltation. Self-esteem, conceit, and egotism hinder Christian’s better influence, 1 Corinthians 13:5.

Verse 4

1) "Look not every man on his own things" (me ta heauto hekastoi skopountes) "Let each one not be looking (selfishly) at the things or welfare of himself, themselves, alone." It is this mind, care, for others that brought Jesus down from heaven for man’s redemption, a mind and disposition that should be held by each follower and professor of Jesus Christ, 2 Corinthians 8:9; Philippians 2:5.

2) "But every man also on the things of others" (alla kai ta heteron hekastoi) "But, in contrast, let each also be looking (unselfishly) at the things or welfare of others." Even our Lord came "not to be ministered unto but to minister" and gave Himself for others, Matthew 20:28. In this spirit of self-abasement Paul too lived and died, 2 Timothy 4:7-8.

Verse 5

1) "Let this mind be in you" (touto phronelte en humin) "Think ye this (way) among yourselves" This mind, spirit, disposition, care, and attitude of Christ for others is here admonished as a pattern to be used, followed, and emulated among the Philippian brethren, and even children of God today, John 13:14; Matthew 11:29.

2) "Which was also in Christ Jesus” (ho kai en christo iesou) ’Which (was) also (in thinking) in Christ Jesus," 1 Peter 2:21. Christ not only claimed meekness and lowliness but also lived and walked in this manner, 1 John 2:6.

Verse 6

1) "Who, being in the form of God" (hos en morphe theou huparchon)’ "Who subsisting in metamorphic (form) of the trinitarian God." That Jesus Christ had always existed and in His birth and life on earth revealed God to man was the heart and essence of Paul’s faith and message expressed, Galatians 4:4-5; 1 Timothy 3:16.

2) "Thought it not robbery" (ouch harpagmon egesato to) “Deemed (it) not robbery," John 1:1; John 1:14; Colossians 1:15; Himself in birth and life reflecting the image of God, bringing grace and truth to light, clear comprehension, Titus 2:11.

3) "To be equal with God" (einai isa theo) "To be equal (in matters) with God," and in essence of nature with God, in pre-existence and while yet in the flesh, claiming that He and His Father were one, Hebrews 1:1-3. Our Lord specifically claimed, declared that He and the Father (His Father) were one, in external being, John 10:30. Their unity of being and existence, their harmony in actions and service have never ceased. It is this condescension, lowliness of mind and service that church saints are to pursue in unity. See also Ephesians 4:3; Romans 12:9-16.

Verse 7

1) "But made himself of no reputation" (alla heauton ekenosen) But emptied himself," self-effacing, condescension, unselfishness are here ascribed to Christ in His voluntary earthly birth and life, an example of practical ethical conduct for every believer in and professor of Christ, Isaiah 53:2-3; Mark 8:34.

2) " And took upon him the form of a servant" (morphen doulou labon) "Taking the form of a slave-servant." He was born not in the palace of a king or of royalty, but in the stable of an unclean donkey, laid in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes, that He might be the Redeemer and servant of God and man, Luke 22:27; John 6:38.

3) "And was made in’ the likeness of men" (en homoiomati anthropon genomenos) "Becoming in likeness of men." He was really like man, was man, and other than, more than man, Hebrews 2:14; Hebrews 2:17; Hebrews 4:15. See also Psalms 8:4-6.

Let it be noted that this little book of Philippians reveals Jesus Christ as the believer’s:

a) Life

b) Mind

c) Goal

d) Strength

In each area the faithful believer and church member is to emulate Him.

Verse 8

1) "And being found in fashion as a man" (kai schemati heuretheis hos anthropos) " And in schematic or fashion of men being found." In physical flesh, form-fashion, subject to human debilities and limitations, He became, John 1:14; Galatians 4:4-5; 1 Timothy 3:16. He hungered, -thirsted, was wearied, grieved, and suffered, being tempted (tested) in all points (parts) of the flesh as we are, yet without sin, Hebrews 4:15.

2) "He humbled himself" (etapeinosen heauton) "Himself he humbled." He voluntarily resigned or committed Himself to do the Father’s will in life and in death, while in the fashion, pattern or mold of man, to effect redemption of the lost human race, the universe, and the purchase of the church with His own blood, Psalms 40:7-8; Matthew 26:39; John 4:34; John 6:33; Hebrews 10:7.

3) "Becoming obedient unto death" (genomenos hupekoos mechri thanatou) "Becoming or being obedient until soul-death." When God made His soul a sacrifice for sin, saw it, and was satisfied, when our Lord triumphantly cried, "it is Finished," Isaiah 53:10-12; John 17:4; John 17:6; John 17:8; John 17:14; John 19:30.

4) "Even the death of the cross" (thanatou de staurou) "Even (the) soul-death of (the) cross; " or soul-death experienced from the cross, Ephesians 2:15-16; Colossians 1:20-22. Note salvation, peace, and reconciliation to and with God were effected through the "body of the flesh," the cross-body of Christ in His soul death, not through the "church- body," See also 1 Peter 2:24; 1 Peter 3:18.

Note that in Philippians 2:5-8 Jesus Christ is revealed in four ways: as God-man-slave-criminal.

Verse 9

1) "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him" (dio kai ho theos auton huperupsosen) "Wherefore God even highly exalted him." On account of Christ’s self-renunciation, obedience, and self-abasement He received His righteous exaltation from God, the Father with angels, authorities, and powers being made subject to Him, 1 Peter 3:22. He (Christ) is exalted with the great, Isaiah 53:12; Matthew 28:18; Ephesians 1:20-21.

2) "And given him a name" (kai echarisato auto to onoma) "And gave to him the name;" of dignity and honor on equality with God, a seemingly higher honor and dignity of respect than ever before, though He was made no more Divine than before He came to earth. Jesus voluntarily accepted a position of subordination to God the Father to come to the earth, which He is yet to hold until the earth’s final and full regeneration, John 14:28; Romans 1:3-4; 1 Corinthians 8:6; 1 Corinthians 15:28.

3) "Which is above every name" (to huper pan onoma) "Which (is) higher than any name;" crowned with glory and honor, yet to be revealed, but disclosed in the Holy Scriptures, Luke 1:32-33; Matthew 19:28; Acts 2:30; Acts 2:34-35; Acts 15:14-16.

Verse 10

1) "That at the name of Jesus" (hina en to onomati iesou) ’ er that in the name or authority of Jesus," on the ground of this name, because of what it means to every worshiper, and because God gave Him the name, Matthew 1:21; Acts 4:12; Colossians 3:17.

2) "Every knee should bow" (pan gonu kampse) "Every knee should bend," be humbled, Isaiah 45:23; Romans 14:11; Revelation 5:13.

a) "Of things in heaven" (epouranion) "Of heavenly beings or persons," in honor or respect for heaven’s holiness and inhabitants, the Father, the Son; good angels, the redeemed persons in the presence of the Lord and the throne of God.

b) "And things in earth" (kai epigeion) "And of earthly beings or persons," as servants and witnesses of Jesus to all earth’s inhabitants and orders of people in religious, social, and civic places on earth, Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 4:2. All creatures should bow in adoration to Christ today.

c) "And things under the earth" (kai katachthonion) "And even of beings or persons under the earth." All creatures shall one day bow in adoration and exaltation of Jesus Christ, Revelation 5:11-13.

Verse 11

1) "And that every tongue should confess" (kai pasa glossa eksomologesetai) "And (that) every tongue (above, upon, and beneath the earth) should acknowledge," as our Lord desires all men believe or trust in Him for salvation, He also desires their tongue in testimony to confess Him, bear his name to the world, Romans 10:9-10; Matthew 10:32; 1 John 4:15; 1 Timothy 5:13; Acts 2:36.

2) "That Jesus Christ is Lord" (hoti kurias isous christos) That Jesus Christ (exists as) Lord or master," John 13:13; Romans 14:9. To proclaim with thanksgiving that Jesus Christ is Lord, 1 Corinthians 8:6. No man can call Jesus "Lord" but by the Holy Spirit, 1 Corinthians 12:3. This simply affirms that one must become a child of God before he can become a servant of the Lord.

3) "To the glory of God the Father" (eis doksan theou patros) "Unto (the) glory of God (the) Father," 1 Corinthians 10:31; Ephesians 1:17.

Verse 12

1) "Wherefore, my beloved" (hes* agapetoi mou) "So then my beloved,” The mind of humility toward Christ should, yea, must lead to obedience in service for every honest soul.

2) "As ye have always obeyed" (kathos pantote hupekousote) "Just-as ye always gave heed or obeyed." As Christ was highly exalted because of humble obedience to His Father, so His children will be exalted and rewarded for their obedience, John 6:28-29; John 13:17; John 15:14; James 1:22; James 1:25.

3) "Not as in my presence only" (me hos en te parousia mou monon) "Not only in my presence," when I am visiting with you.

4) "But now much more in my absence" (alla nun poi lo malIon en te apousia mou) "But also even more in my absence," While I am away you continue obeying the Master, Matthew 5:15-16.

5) "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling 7 (meta phobou kai tromou ten heauton soterian katergazasthe) "With reverential fear and trembling, work out your now possessed salvation." Hebrews 4:11; 2 Peter 1:5; 2 Peter 1:10. The salvation one possesses when he is saved is that of the soul, Ephesians 2:8-10; and the salvation that is worked out, outwardly expressed in obedient service to Christ for which one shall be rewarded, be granted positions of honor and service to Christ in the coming Millenial era, is revealed, 1 Corinthians 3:8; Matthew 25:21.

Verse 13

1) "For it is God which worketh in you" (theou gar estin ho energon en humin) "For God is the one working (operating) in you," Hebrews 13:21. God works in the believer preserving them in salvation and leading them to obedient service, Philippians 1:6; Romans 8:14.

2) "Both to will and to do his good pleasure" (kai to thelein kai to energein huper tes eudokias) " h to will and to operate (do or work) on behalf of his good will," John 1:13; John 7:17. God’s Holy Spirit initiates every impulse in men that enables them to will, to choose and to do the will of God, Romans 7:18; Proverbs 16:1; Hebrews 13:20-21.

Verse 14

1) "Do all things" (panta poiete) "Do ye all (kind of) things, relating to service and conduct in the work of God, James 3:13-16; James 5:9.

2) "Without murmurings and disputings" (choris gongusmon kai dialogismon) "Without apart from, or void of murmurings and disputings," which brings the chastening of God upon His ungrateful children, 1 Corinthians 10:10-11; and without expressing existence of old grudges, 1 Peter 4:9; Galatians 5:15.

Verse 15

1) "That ye may be blameless and harmless" "In order that ye may be blameless and harmless," or become pure and harmless, Matthew 5:45; Ephesians 5:1.

2) "The sons of God, without rebuke" "Children of God faultless," or irreproachable, 1 Peter 2:12.

3) "In the midst of a crooked and perverse nation" "in the midst of a crooked and having been perverted generation," with regards to their moral values and distorted spiritual concepts, Deuteronomy 32:5.

4) "Among whom ye shine as lights in the world" (en ois phainesthe en kosmo) "In the midst of whom shine ye as luminaries in the world order," Matthew 5:14; Matthew 5:16; Ephesians 5:8. Christ is the true Light of the world, John 8:12. Believers are to be light "reflectors" or light-bearers of Him.

Verse 16

1) "Holding forth the word of life" (logon zoes epechontes) “A (the) word of life holding up;" holding forth, persevering, steadfast in the way of the Word of Life, Mark 8:34-36; Colossians 3:16; John 6:63; 1 Corinthians 1:8.

2) "That I may rejoice in the day of Christ" (eis kauchema emoi eis hemeran christou) "For a boast (occasion) to me in the day of Christ" 2 Corinthians 5:10-12; 1 Corinthians 3:8.

3) "That I have not run in vain" (hoti ouk eis kenon edramon) That ran not in vain," 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 1 Corinthians 3:14.

4) "Neither labored in vain" (oude eis kenon ekopiasa) "Neither labored for nothing in vain," 2 Timothy 4:8; 1 Corinthians 15:57-58.

Verse 17

1) "Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice" (alla ei kai spendomai epi te thusia) "But if indeed I am poured out on the sacrifice;" referring to His self-sacrifice of His blood poured out as a martyr libation.

2) "And service of your faith" (kai leitourgia tes pisteos humon) "And service of your faith," or on behalf of the same faith the Philippians professed, Acts 20:24; Colossians 1:24.

3) "I joy, and rejoice with you all" (chairo kai sugchairo pasin humin) "I even rejoice in colleague with you all," or in intimate association with you in a common mission service, a sacrifice for you and your cause, Romans 1:14-15.

Verse 18

1) "For the same cause also do ye joy" (to de auto kai humeis charete) "For the same reason, occasion, or cause ye also do rejoice," true saints are able to rejoice both in suffering and sacrifice for Christ, Acts 5:41-42.

2) "And rejoice with me" (kai sugchairete moi) "And ye all rejoice in colleague or close association with me," 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Philippians 3:1; Psalms 126:5; Judges 1:24.

Verse 19

1) "But I trust in the Lord Jesus" (Elpizo de en kurio lesou) "But I hope in the (will of) the Lord Jesus," if it may be his will for his glory, James 4:15; John 10:30. As our Lord sought alway to know and do his Father’s will so should each of God’s children.

2) "To send Timothy shortly unto you," (Timotheon tacheos pempsai humin) "To send shortly (very soon) if he be willing, Timothy to you," for your help or profit, 1 Thessalonians 3:1-8.

3) "That I also may be of good comfort" (hia kago eupaucho) “In order that I also may be of good cheer," a good report from those we love brings comfort and cheer, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-10.

4) "When I know your state," (gnous ta peri humon) knowing the things concerning you" your state or condition of welfare. Paul looked upon, was concerned about the things, state, condition of life or welfare of others, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, even as

our Lord, Matthew 9:35-36; 1 Corinthians 13:5; Philippians 2:4.

Verse 20

1) "For I have no man likeminded" (oudena gar echo isopsuchon) "For not a one I have likeminded," or so dear to me, one so devoted, who thinks, concludes and labors so harmoniously, with me in this respect.

2) "Who will naturally care for your state" (hostis gnesios ta peri humon merimnesei) "Who will genuinely, naturally, or sincerely care for your estate, or welfare," as trustworthily as Timothy, who by reason of loyal service held Paul’s utmost trust or confidence in giving proper thoughts to needy matters, 1 Corinthians 7:32-33. From this contextual statement it seems proper to conclude that Timothy, like Paul, did not have a wife while in his mission labors.

Verse 21

1) "For all seek their own," (hoi pantes gar ta heauton zetousin) "For all seek the things of their own (welfare)", all (others) other Missionaries seem to have refused to visit far-distant Philippi, except Timothy whom Paul loved, trusted, needed so much in this hour of prison suffering, Matthew 16:24; John 6:60-61; John 6:64; John 6:66-68; 2 Corinthians 5:15.

2) "Not the things which are Jesus Christ’s" (ou ta Christou lesou) "not the things of Christ Jesus," Paul seems to have been hurt or grieved at the selfishness of others who claimed to be Missionaries but who were unwilling to travel to and cheer the Philippian brethren, 1 Corinthians 10:33; Romans 1:14-15, Paul, always ready to enter open doors of opportunity and respond to calls to help the needy, was grieved when other of his brethren took the "low road", of selfishness and excuses, 2 Timothy 4:9-18.

Verse 22

1) "But ye know the proof of him" (ten de dokimen autou ginoskete) "But you all know his character," What he really is, Timothy’s faithful labors in Jesus Christ, in contrast with some other less faithful missionaries, who lived unto themselves, as John Mark at one time, Acts 15:36-39; 2 Timothy 4:10.

2) "That, as a son with a father" (hoti-hos patrio tekron) ’That as a son (serves) a father, side by side," with loyalty, devotion, gratitude, proven character, and loving obedience, he entered into his heavenly father’s work, with Paul as a father-like guide, 1 Corinthians 11:1-2; 1 Timothy 1:18.

3) "He hath served with me in the gospel" (sun emoi edoulesen eis to evangellion) "He served with me in, the gospel (labors)," 1 Corinthians 3:9; Philippians 1:1, as common servants of a common Lord, each equal in his sight, 2 Timothy 1:13-14.

Verse 23

1) "Him therefore I hope to send presently," (touton men oun elpizo pempsai) "Him (Timothy) therefore I hope to send, if he is pleased or willing," not by (Gk. stello) authority to send but by (Gk. pempsai) influence of will. Only the Church has authority to "send forth" (Gk- stello) by authority Missionaries, Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 13:1-5.

2) "So soon as I shall see how it will go with me" (hos an aphid ta peri eme eksautes) "Immediately, whenever I see the outcome of the accusations against me," what issues shall come from my position"; Timothy’s being sent to Philippi was to precede Paul’s longed for trip, in a certain and distinct trip from his own. Paul’s travels were more extensive than that of all other Missionaries, 2 Corinthians 11:23-28.

Verse 24

1) "But I trust in the Lord" (pepoithas de en kurio) "But I trust in the Lord," "I am persuaded in the Lord, that I may soon follow Timothy to visit you." Every desire and action of-Paul’s life movement he desired to be regulated by the mind and will of the Lord, Philippians 2:19; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Galatians 2:20; Galatians 6:14

2) "That I also myself shall come shortly" (hoti kai autos tacheos eleusomai) "That I also myself will come very soon, of my own will or accord," unfettered, unchained, or unshackled, free of bonds This expresses the devotion of a loving father for his dear children. As Jesus loved or cared for his own "to the end", so did Paul, John 17:22-26; John 14:1-3.

Verse 25

1) "Yet I supposed it necessary " (anagkoion de egesamen) " but I deemed it necessary," needful, or very important Paul respected the needs of those who shared with him in his needs and sought to avoid taking advantage or showing ingratitude for their help.

2) "To send to you Epaphroditus" (pempsai pros humos Epaphroditon) "To send to you all Epaphroditus," perhaps the same person Epaphras of Colossians 1:7; Colossians 4:12; Philemon 1:23.

3) "My brother, and companion in labour, and fellow-soldier," (ton adelphon kai sunergon kai sustractioten humon mou) "The brother, fellow-worker, and fellow-soldier of me and of you," a mission helper sent to Paul, from the Church at Philippi, Philippians 4:18.

4) "But your messenger" (humon de apostolon kai leitourgon) "But your apostle and minister," or messenger; messengers of the Churches, sent to help needy missionaries, reflected the glory of Christ, in the Churches, 2 Corinthians 8:21-24; Ephesians 3:21,

5) "And he that ministered to my wants," (kai leitourgon tes chreias mou) "And a minister of my need," the things in which I was lacking or short, Philippians 4:19; Matthew 6:33.

Verse 26

1) "For he longed after you all," (epeiden epipothon en pantas humas) "Since he was longing after you all" Paul attempts to disarm all criticism and prejudice against Epaphroditus upon his return to Philippi, after a longer stay than had been planned for him in Rome, 1 Thessalonians 5:14.

2) "And was full of heaviness," (kai ademonon) "And he was being troubled, or concerned," in anguish of soul This Missionary Messenger of the Church at Philippi and companion of Paul seems to have been bearing a burden of affection and emotional care for both his home church and the welfare of Paul, Galatians 6:2; Galatians 6:5.

3) "Because that ye had heard that he had been sick" (doti ekousate hoti esthenesen) "because you all heard that he ailed," or was sick. It is assumed that the Philippians had heard of the sickness of Epaphroditus and his delay in returning to them for a Messenger report on Paul’s welfare, Acts 20:35; weariness, sickness, weakness, and infirmities are the frequent lot and companion of the devout Missionary, 2 Corinthians 11:27-30.

Verse 27

1) "For indeed he was sick nigh unto death," (kai gar esthenesen paraplesion thanaton) "For he indeed ailed, coming near to death." The best of God’s people are creatures of depravity, subject to the law of sin and death that works in their body bringing sickness, pain, and distress, culminating in death, the exit or doorway to glory for al I believers, James 1:15; Romans 7:22-24.

2) "But God had mercy on him" (alla ho theos eleesen auton) "But the God had mercy on him"; perhaps in answer to the fervent prayers of the righteous, James 5:13-16. Mercy is charitable help rendered to a needy person, without his pay or recompense. This is what God does for the trusting soul in hours of affliction, 1 Peter 5:7; Psalms 103:2-4.

3) "And not on him only, but on me also" (ouk auton de monon alla kai eme)"And not on him alone but also (on) me." Paul rejoiced for God’s mercy even while in prison chains of deprivation, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Romans 12:1; Mercy shown to a dear friend is regarded as mercy to Paul, Matthew 10:40.

4) "Lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow" (hine me lupen epi lupen scho) "Lest I should have grief upon grief," or overmuch sorrow, to the point of emotional break, 2 Corinthians 2:7; Job 41:22.

Verse 28

1) "I sent him therefore the more carefully" (spoudaioteros oun epempsa auton) "More eagerly therefore I sent him, as he was willing," of a ready mind, 2 Corinthians 8:12.

2) "That, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice," (hina idontes auton palin charete) "In order that seeing him again ye may all rejoice." The joy and welfare of others was Paul’s mission spirit," received from the Lord, even till death, John 15:11; John 16:33; 1 Thessalonians 5:16; 2 Timothy 4:7-8.

3) "And that I may be the less sorrowful" (kago alupoteros ho) "And in order that I may be less grieved," for your welfare, (for others) even as our Lord loved, cared for, ministered to, and prayed for his own through Gethsemane before death, and on the Mount of Olives in Bethany as he went away into heaven, John 17:1-26; Luke 24:50-51. Blessing and caring for others relieves ones personal griefs and often selfish-self -pitying sorrows, Romans 9:1-3; Romans 10:1-4; Romans 12:12-16; Galatians 6:2; Isaiah 53:4; Matthew 8:17; 1 Peter 2:24.

Verse 29

1) "Receive him therefore" (prosdechesthe oun auton)"Receive ye him therefore." This is an outcry of gratitude for Epaphroditus’ help brought from the church and seems to be an anxious appeal that he be received without harsh, unkind criticism, perhaps because of his delayed return to his home base. Matthew 10:40.

2) "In the Lord with all gladness" (en kurio meta pases charas) "in (the) Lord with all manner of, or full joy;" to receive a servant of the Lord is reckoned as receiving the Lord; to turn away the servant of the Lord or treat him with disdain is to turn the Lord away, Matthew 10:40-42; Matthew 25:40; Matthew 25:45.

3) "And hold such in reputation:" (kai tous toioutous entimos echete) "And you all hold such as honored ones, men of reputation" not in disdain as Diotrephes, who loved to have the preeminence, did, 3 John 1:5-11. It is a mark of Christian and Ministerial maturity to uphold the reputation of other saints and ministers, except they be of very base moral, ethical, and/or doctrinal bearing, Romans 2:10; Romans 12:10; Romans 13:7; 1 Timothy 5:17.

Verse 30

1) "Because for the work of Christ" (hoti dia to ergon Christou) "Because, on account of the work of Christ" to follow Jesus Christ is a work, untiring, lifelong, to which each saint is called, John 4:34; John 17:4; Mark 8:34; Ephesians 2:10; James 1:22.

2) "He was nigh unto death" (mechri thanatou eggisen) “as far as death’s door he drew near" (1) As Joseph in the pit and in prison, (2) as the three Hebrew children cast into the furnace, (3) as Daniel cast into the den of Lions, yet the Angel of the Lord encamped and delivered, Genesis 37:24; Genesis 37:28; Genesis 39:20-21; Daniel 3:17; Daniel 3:26-28; Daniel 6:16; Daniel 6:22-24; Psalms 34:7.

3) “Not regarding his life" (paraboleusamenos te psuche) exposing the soul-life or his very life," hazarding his life", in both associating with and bringing provisions regularly to Paul. Philippians 4:18. True men of God count not, turn not back from risk and danger, to serve in the army, service of their Lord, Acts 5:29.

4) "To supply your lack of service toward me" (hina anaplerose to humon husterema tes pros me leitourgias) "in order that he might fulfill your lack of service to me." This lack of service Epaphroditus had supplied to Paul for the Philippian brethren is believed to have been for food, clothing, spiritual fellowship, and perhaps communications with and appeals to legal authorities for compassionate care of Paul, in which zealous labors under climatic and environmental circumstances he became or contracted an extended illness that brought him near death’s door, but God intervened, Matthew 25:36; Matthew 25:40.

WORK FOR THE NIGHT IS COMING

Work, for the night is coming,

Work through the morning hours

Work while the dew is sparkling,

Work ’mid springing flowers;

Work when the day grows brighter,

Work in the glowing sun;

Work, for the night is coming,

When man’s work is done.

Work, for the night is coming,

Work thro’ the sunny noon;

Fill brightest hours with labor,

Rest comes sure and soon.

Give every flying minute,

Something to keep in store;

Work, for the night is coming,

When man works no more.

Work, for the night is coming,

Under the sunset skies,

While their bright tints are glowing,

Work, for daylight flies.

Work till the last beam fadeth,

Fadeth to shine no more;

Work while the night is darkening,

When man’s work is o’er.

--Anna L. Walker