Philippians 2:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,

NIV: Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,

NASB: Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,

CSB: If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,

NLT: Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate?

KJV: If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

NKJV: Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,

This verse consists of four main ideas, stemming from the phrase "So if there is…" Verse 2 will explain the expected results of these ideas. Paul's purpose in using these phrases is to emphasize how natural the conclusion should be. Of course, there is encouragement, comfort, affection, and so forth in the Christian life. If these are obvious, then the results—unity, love, and cooperation—should be just as obvious.

The first phrase speaks of "encouragement in Christ." The assumption is that the Philippian believers had experienced much encouragement from Jesus. If they've experienced encouragement, they should be able to encourage others.

Second, Paul mentions "comfort from love." This is another way in which the Philippian Christians had been blessed. Paul mentions love throughout this letter (Philippians 1:9, 16; 2:2; 4:1).

The third phrase refers to "participation in the Spirit." The Holy Spirit had also clearly influenced the Philippians. Paul had mentioned the Spirit in Philippians 1:19 and will again in Philippians 3:3.

The fourth phrase refers to "affection and sympathy." These believers had clearly experienced both of these qualities. In Philippians 1:8, Paul had already mentioned "I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus." The word translated "sympathy" is oiktirmoi, which can also be translated "mercy," or "compassion." This implies a feeling of relief for the forgiveness of sins, something believers experience at salvation.

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.