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Philippians 2

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

Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

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

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.

For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.

But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.

For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.

For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.

But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.

Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.

But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.

Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.

For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:

Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

What does Philippians 2:24 mean?

Explanation

Philippians 2:24 is a verse where the Apostle Paul expresses his optimistic hope that he will be able to visit the believers in Philippi soon.

The phrase "But I trust in the Lord" indicates that Paul's confidence in visiting them is not based on his circumstances or personal plans, but rather is grounded in his faith in God's will and guidance.

The expression "that I also myself shall come shortly" reflects Paul's intention and desire to be reunited with the Philippians, implying his close relationship with the community and his pastoral commitment.

Top Rated Philippians Books

Historical Context

The book of Philippians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the Christian community in Philippi while he was in prison, most likely in Rome, around AD 61-63.

This community was one of the first that Paul established in Europe, and he had a special affection for them.

Philippians is considered one of the "Prison Epistles," which also include Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon.

The historical setting is within the context of the early spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire and often involved travel challenges, persecution, and the need for pastoral care from a distance.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse highlights the Christian understanding of divine providence and human agency.

Paul shows that while he has personal intentions, he subjects them to the sovereignty of God, indicating a Reformed perspective that emphasizes God’s control over all events.

In contrast, the verse can also be interpreted from an Arminian viewpoint to indicate that Paul's reliance on God doesn't negate his personal agency or the significance of his plans but works in partnership with divine purpose.

Practical Applications

In terms of practical application, this verse can encourage believers to have a mindset of trust and surrender in their plans to God's will, reminding them to remain hopeful and positive about the future despite uncertainties.

It also invites Christians to maintain strong relationships with their respective communities, just as Paul maintained his bond with the Philippians, and to prioritize personal connections in ministry.

Cross-References

James 4:15: "For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that."
Hebrews 6:19: "Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;"
Proverbs 16:9: "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps."

Language Study

The phrase "But I trust" in Greek is "πέποιθα" (pepoitha), which reflects a perfect tense, indicating a settled trust or confidence.

The term "in the Lord" (ἐν Κυρίῳ), emphasizes the focal point of Paul's trust being in the Lord – a common theme in Pauline writings.

"That I also myself shall come" (καὶ αὐτὸς ταχέως ἐλεύσομαι) employs a future tense "ἐλεύσομαι" (eleusomai), which demonstrates an expectation of an action yet to happen, and "ταχέως" (tacheos) meaning shortly or quickly.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing Philippians 2:24 to other religious texts, it is akin to the Muslim expression "Insha'Allah," meaning "God willing" in Islam, where the future is entrusted to the will of Allah.

In ancient Greco-Roman culture, the Stoic philosophy also embraced the concept of aligning personal actions with the greater 'Logos' or divine reason, although without the personal relationship context found in Paul's writings.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, while trust and confidence are not directly measurable, modern psychology recognizes the impact of positive expectations and hope on human behavior and mental health.

Paul's expression of hope in Philippians 2:24 could be examined for its psychological benefits within the framework of religious faith acting as a source of comfort and motivation.

commentaries

Commentators offer various insights into Philippians 2:24.

Matthew Henry comments on how Paul shows a resignation to the will of God, expressing submission to whatever God has in store.

John Gill discusses Paul's firm belief and confidence in God's providential arrangements.

Contemporary commentators note Paul's pastoral heart and his exemplary balance between making plans and deferring to divine sovereignty, which is seen as a model for Christian leadership and discipleship.

Philippians 2

Philippians 2

What does Philippians 2:24 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Philippians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?

What does Philippians 2:24 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Philippians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?