Tyndale Open Study NotesPhilippians 2

During their persecution, Paul urges the Philippians to be united and live a humble life like Christ.

If any ...? These are rhetorical questions that expect a “yes” answer. Paul is saying that if people have truly experienced Christ, they should live together with love, unity, and care for one another.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition: Thinking only about yourself is the opposite of truly caring for others (compare 2:20–21; 1 Corinthians 10:24; Galatians 5:26).

This early Christian hymn is about:

• Christ’s divine nature and existence before the world began,

• Christ's coming to earth as a human and dying, and

• Christ's exaltation and role as Lord over all.

existing in the form of God: Jesus has the same nature as God and has existed with him from the beginning (see John 1:1–3; 17:5; Colossians 1:15).

• he emptied himself: He gave up his divine privileges and chose to live as a human. The rest of verses 7–8 explains this ultimate act of godly self-giving love (compare 2 Corinthians 8:9).

• taking the form of a servant: Paul might have been thinking of Isaiah 52:13–53:12.

• being made in human likeness: Jesus became truly human while still being God (see John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16).

• He humbled Himself and became obedient to death: Jesus obeyed God’s will by dying for the sins of humanity (see Isaiah 53:7; Matthew 26:39; John 3:16; 10:17–18; Romans 5:8, 19; 8:3; Hebrews 5:8; 1 John 4:9–10, 14).

• even death on a cross: Death on a cross was a death specifically for criminals. In the Roman Empire, crucifixion was a cruel and humiliating punishment for criminals.

• Therefore: Because of Christ's humble obedience, God raised him to the place of highest honor (see Acts 1:9–10; compare Acts 2:32–33; 7:55–56).

• gave Him the name above all names: Jesus has supreme authority and power (Philippians 2:10–11; compare Matthew 28:18; John 17:5; Acts 2:33–36; Hebrews 2:9; 12:2).

• in heaven and on earth and under the earth: All of creation, including spiritual powers, angels, humans on earth, and those who have died, will one day acknowledge Jesus Christ's authority as Lord (see Ephesians 1:9–10, 21; Colossians 1:20–25; 1 Peter 3:22).

• every tongue confess (compare Isaiah 45:23; Romans 14:11): This does not mean everyone will be saved. Not everyone will confess Jesus as Lord willingly out of love and devotion.

• Jesus Christ is Lord: God's personal name in the Old Testament, Yahweh, was considered too holy to say aloud. So Jewish people would say Adonai (which means “Lord”) instead. When the Old Testament was translated into Greek, Yahweh was represented by the Greek word kurios (“Lord”). This same title is often used for Jesus in the New Testament.

Paul encourages believers to stay strong in their faith and live lives of obedience and purity, following Christ's example.

as you have always obeyed (see John 3:36; Romans 1:5): Believers must consider God's judgment like everyone else (compare 1 Corinthians 3:10–13). Therefore, they should live obediently before God, with deep respect and fear.

For it is God who works in you: God gives believers the strength and energy to live their lives (see John 15:5; 1 Corinthians 12:6; 15:10; 2 Corinthians 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 2:13). The desire and ability to do what pleases God come from God.

Complaining and arguing come from thinking only about yourself (see 1 Corinthians 10:10; 1 Peter 4:9; Jude 1:16). God calls believers to love others in a way that puts their needs first (Philippians 2:4).

• you shine as lights in the world: Believers should attract others to God through their actions (see Matthew 5:13–16).

• in a crooked and perverse generation: See Deuteronomy 32:5; Romans 1:18–32; 3:10–23.

• hold forth the word of life: Believers must keep trusting in the good news about Jesus, which gives life. God is faithful, but believers must also remain faithful (1:6; 2:12–13).

• that I did not run or labor in vain: Paul often compares the Christian life to running a race or training for a competition (see 3:12–14; 1 Corinthians 9:24, 26; Galatians 2:2; 5:7; 2 Timothy 4:7).

• even if I am being poured out like a drink offering … I am glad and rejoice: In both Jewish and pagan traditions, people would pour out wine on a sacrifice or at the altar to honor their god. Paul uses this image to say that his whole life is like an offering to God (compare Romans 12:1; 15:16).

• Faithful service brings joy because nothing done for God is wasted (see 1 Corinthians 15:58).

Paul praises Timothy, whome he hopes to send to the Philippians in the near future. Timothy traveled with Paul on his first trip to Philippi (see Acts 16:1–3, 12; 17:15; 18:5; compare Acts 19:22). Timothy was known for dedicating his life to Jesus Christ and caring for others.

what happens with me: This might refer to the result of Paul's trial.

Paul was confident that he would soon be released from prison by the Roman authorities and visit the Philippians (see 1:19, 25–26).

• Paul praises Epaphroditus, a messenger from the church at Philippi (see also 4:18). Paul is now sending Epaphroditus back to Philippi, perhaps with this letter.

• Paul describes Epaphroditus as his fellow soldier. This suggests the challenges, opposition, and dangers faced in Christ's work.

Paul believed God showed mercy by helping Epaphroditus recover from a serious illness. This mercy also helped Paul, who was already suffering in prison.

Epaphroditus deserved their honor because he risked his life for Christ on their behalf (for the importance of showing honor, compare Romans 10:12; 13:7; Ephesians 5:33; 6:2; 1 Timothy 5:17; 6:1; 1 Peter 2:17; 3:7).