Philippians 2:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

NIV: not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

NASB: do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

CSB: Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

NLT: Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

KJV: Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

NKJV: Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

The command here is short and simple. Several important observations can be made. First, the command is to each believer. All Christians, regardless of maturity or authority, are supposed to treat others with humility and selflessness. Second, the focus is not exclusively toward others. Paul does not say, "Never look to your own interests." In other words, we are to put the needs of others before our own, but this does not mean we completely avoid caring for our own needs. It's hard to serve other people when your own life, health, or concerns are in ruins.

Third, we are each called to help more than just one person. This is not directed as a single "other," but at all "others." There's a common cultural wisdom for each person to "pay it forward" or "each one reach one." While these sayings have a ring of truth, they don't completely fulfill Paul's teaching in this verse. Believers are called to help "others," serving the needs of a group of people. In the case of the Philippians, this included the congregation that met in a house church. Then, spreading to serve those who did not yet know Christ. And, to helping both believers and unbelievers beyond their community as part of fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20).

Philippians 2:1–5 connects the blessings of Christianity with corresponding results in a Christian's life. We experience comfort, encouragement, love, and unity as saved believers in Christ. As a result, we ought to express comfort, encouragement, love, and unity to our fellow believers. Here again, Paul emphasizes that how a Christian thinks—how they frame their attitude—is crucial to living a Christian life. This sets up a classic description of Jesus Christ's sacrifice on our behalf, starting in verse 6.

Paul describes Jesus Christ as one willing to be humble, in obedience to God the Father. For this, God will exalt Jesus' name above all others. Someday, one way or another, all people will admit that Jesus Christ is Lord, and submit to Him. Paul wants the Philippian believers to live with contentment and unity, without complaining. Instructions are given regarding two visitors. The first is actually the one delivering this letter, Epaphroditus. The other is Timothy, Paul's trusted friend, who hopefully will be visiting soon.

Philippians 1 focused on the importance of perspective. A Christian's life, lived for Christ, may be hard or easy, but all things can give God glory. Chapter 2 frames this concept through the humility shown by Jesus Christ. His willingness to obey God the Father, even being crucified, is the ultimate example of humble service. In return, His name will be honored more than any other. Paul's instructions regarding Timothy and Epaphroditus also form a bridge to chapter 3, where Paul will contrast these good men with the dangers of false teachers.

Philippians is Paul's discussion of living the Christian life. In this letter to the church of Philippi, Paul highlights themes such as joy and glory. He also puts great emphasis on how a Christian's thinking—their attitude—affects the way they live out their faith. Paul is very thankful for the support of the Philippian church, but is also concerned about the influence of various false teachers. This letter is less theological than most of his other writings, and more practical.