What does Philippians 2:21 mean?

Explanation

Philippians 2:21 speaks to the tendency of human nature to prioritize self-interest over the interests of others, even to the point of neglecting the cause of Christ.

When Apostle Paul says, "For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's," he is lamenting the self-centered attitude he has encountered among some believers, who are more concerned with their personal affairs than with serving Christ and furthering the Gospel.

The deeper meaning here involves a critique of selfishness and a call to the selflessness modelled by Jesus Christ, who is depicted earlier in Philippians 2 as having humbled himself for the sake of humanity's salvation.

Historical Context

The Epistle to the Philippians, typically dated to the early 60s A.D., is a letter written by the Apostle Paul while he was imprisoned (likely in Rome).

This verse must be understood within the context of Paul addressing the Philippian church, which was facing internal and external challenges, including disunity and persecution.

His call for humility, unity, and concern for the interests of Christ over personal interests is particularly poignant given the hardships they faced, and was aimed at encouraging the community to maintain a sense of collective purpose in their Christian walk.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse reflects the Christian doctrine of self-denial, which calls for the setting aside of personal desires to follow Christ's example of sacrificial love.

It challenges believers to examine their motivations and align their pursuits with the mission of Christ.

Different theological viewpoints might emphasize various aspects of this call:

• Traditional conservative theology might stress the importance of submission to the will of God and striving for Christ-like character.
• Liberation theology could focus on this verse as a mandate for prioritizing the marginalized and oppressed, in line with Christ's own ministry.
• Prosperity theology might wrestle with this verse since it appears to contradict teachings that suggest God's primary desire is for individual success and wealth.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse can serve as a reminder to:

• Assess one's motives in decision-making, ensuring they align with Christian values.
• Prioritize the needs of the community and the church above personal gain.
• Dedicate time and resources to the work of the church and missionary activities.
• Cultivate a servant-hearted approach to relationships and work.

Cross-References

• Matthew 16:24 - "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."
• Romans 15:1-3 - "We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves."
• 1 Corinthians 10:24 - "Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth."
• 1 Corinthians 13:5 - "[Love] doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;"

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text for this verse are:

• "Seek" (ζητέω, zeteo): to desire, to seek by inquiring, or to strive after.
• "Their own" (τὰ ἑαυτῶν, ta heauton): pertaining to oneself, one's interests or advantages.
• "Things" (τὰ, ta): used here to denote the affairs or matters.
• "Jesus Christ's" (Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ, Christou Iesou): belonging or pertaining to Jesus Christ.

The term "seek" implies an active pursuit or endeavor, which, in this case, Paul criticizes when it is directed toward self-centered goals as opposed to the mission of Jesus Christ.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the religious landscape of the time, many other systems of thought also called for various forms of self-denial or communal focus, such as Stoicism, which emphasized virtue and self-control.

However, the Christian approach was distinct in its connection to the example and teachings of Jesus Christ.

In comparison to ancient myths, which often glorified personal valor and heroism, the Christian narrative places a higher value on humility, self-sacrifice, and service to others, which is epitomized by the life and death of Jesus.

Scientific Perspectives

The call to prioritize communal and altruistic values over individualistic pursuits can intersect with modern psychological and sociological insights.

For example, studies in human behavior and happiness often highlight the benefits of community engagement, cooperation, and altruism to personal wellbeing and societal harmony.

While the verse does not directly address scientific concerns, it does promote a view of human nature and behavior that is interested in the well-being of the collective, which can be supported by social science research.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentators have provided their insights on Philippians 2:21:

• John Chrysostom, an early Church father, interpreted this as a rebuke from Paul, pointing out how few truly follow the selfless example of Christ.
• Matthew Henry, an 18th-century commentator, observed that we should not be overly focused on our interests but instead should take a deep interest in the affairs of Christ.
• More recent commentators like Gordon D.

Fee in the New International Commentary on the New Testament explain that this verse highlights the dire situation regarding selflessness among Paul's contemporaries, emphasizing the contrast between their behavior and Timothy's, who is commended for genuinely caring for the welfare of others just a few verses down in Philippians 2:20.

Each of these commentaries builds on the understanding of the verse as a call to reorient one's life around the interests and mission of Jesus Christ rather than personal gain.