Philippians 2 - Introduction

He exhorteth them to unity, and to all humbleness of mind, by the example of Christ's humility and exaltation: to a careful proceeding in the way of salvation; that they be as lights to the wicked world, and comforts to him their Apostle, who is now ready to be offered up to God: he hopeth to send Timothy to them, whom he greatly commendeth, as Epaphroditus also, whom he presently sendeth to them.

Anno Domini 62.

THE Apostle in the preceding chapter having exhorted the Philippians to walk worthy of their Christian profession, by maintaining the faith of the gospel, and by living in concord with one another, he, in the beginning of this chapter, besought them all, by every thing most affecting in the Christian religion, to complete his joy, Philippians 2:1.—by being alike disposed to maintain the faith of the gospel, and by cultivating the same mutual love, and by minding one thing, namely, the promoting the honour of Christ, Philippians 2:2.—And for that purpose he counselled them in the exercise of their spiritual gifts, to avoid strife and vain-glory, and to cultivate a humble disinterested temper of mind, Philippians 2:3.—after the example of Christ, Philippians 2:5.—who, though he was in the form of God, and thought it not robbery to be equal with God, Philippians 2:6.—apparently and in some sense divested himself of these honours, and took the form of a servant, by becoming man, Philippians 2:7.—In which state he humbled himself still farther, by suffering death, even the death of the cross, for the salvation of the world, Philippians 2:8.—But on that account, God hath exalted him in the human nature, to the dignity of Saviour, Prophet, Priest, King, and glorified Head of the church, which is above every dignity possessed by angels in heaven, or by men upon earth, Philippians 2:9.—and in the same nature hath exalted him to the office of Lord or governor over every thing in heaven, and earth, and hell, Philippians 2:10.—to the glory of God the Father, Philippians 2:11.

After proposing this great example of humility, obedience, and reward, the Apostle very properly exhorted the Philippians to work out their own salvation, by imitating Christ's humility and obedience, Philippians 2:12.—not discouraged by the difficulty of the undertaking, because God worketh in believers both to will and to work of his good pleasure, Philippians 2:13.—Then he mentioned certain duties, to which the Philippians were to be especially attentive, Philippians 2:14.—assuring them, if it were necessary for the perfecting of their faith and holiness, that he was willing to die for them, Philippians 2:17.

Next, he informed them, that he hoped to be able to send Timothy to them soon, who by bringing back word of their perseverance in the faith, and of their progress in holiness, would comfort him in his bonds, Philippians 2:19.—and that he was firmly persuaded he should come himself to them, Philippians 2:24.—In the mean time, he judged it necessary to send Epaphroditus with this letter, Philippians 2:25.—Because he longed to see them, being grieved that they had heard of his sickness, Philippians 2:26.—of which the Apostle gave them a particular account, Philippians 2:27.—and told them that he had dismissed Epaphroditus, as soon as he was fit for the journey, that they might rejoice on seeing him again, Philippians 2:28.—Having thus apologized for their pastor's long absence, the Apostle exhorted the Philippians to receive him with joy, and to esteem him highly, Philippians 2:29.—on account of the zeal and diligence that he had shewn in the work of the gospel, and in ministering to the Apostle's necessities. Philippians 2:30.