Philippians 2:1

Philippians 2:1-4. The subject continued: appeal for self-forgetful Unity

1. therefore The connexion of thought with the previous sentences is close. He has pressed on them the duty and blessing of concord and cooperation, and now enforces it further, with a special appeal to them to minister happiness to himself, as to a Christian brother, by obedience.

consolation R.V. comfort, which is better. The Greek word, in its prevailing meaning, denotes rather encouragement, strengthening, than the tenderer "consolation"; and the word "comfort", by its derivation (confort atio), may fairly represent it. The thought of the mutual love and union of the Philippians would cheer and animate their Apostle and friend.

in Christ Getting its motive and virtue from the union in Christ of the Apostle and the Philippians.

comfort of love Better, consolation, &c. See last note but one. The word occurs here only in N.T. A closely similar form occurs in a kindred connexion, 1 Corinthians 14:3. "Of love:" love's result and expression.

fellowship of the Spirit Cp. 2 Corinthians 13:14 "the communion of the Holy Spirit." In the Greek here the word pneuma(spirit) is without the article, and many scholars hold that in all such cases not the Divine Spirit as a Person, but His gift or gifts, is meant; and that thus here the meaning will be "if there is a participation, on your part and mine alike, in the same spiritual love, joy, peace, &c." But the presence or absence of the article in these cases is a very precarious index of meaning, when the substantive is a great and familiar word. Context and parallels are necessary to the decision in each place. And in this place the parallel (2 Cor.) quoted, seems to us to point clearly to the highest reference to "the one and the selfsame Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:11), the promised Paraclete Himself, Whom all the saints "share" as their common Life-Giver, Strengthener, and Sanctifier. "Fellowship of" might grammatically mean "union of heart and interests, prompted by." But usage is decisively for the meaning "participation in."

bowels and mercies Better, with R.V., tender mercies and compassions. No English version before 1582 has the word "bowels." On that word see note above on Philippians 2:8. He appeals with pathetic directness and simplicity, last of all, to their human emotions as such.