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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE LETTER TO THE PHILIPPIANS

CHAPTER TWO:
“KEEP THE MIND OF CHRIST”

[“Humble Obedience”]
Key Word: Attitude
Theme Verse: 5

Philippians 2:1-4 – Loving Appeal for “One Mind”

PH2:1 So if there is any encouragement in union with Christ, 70 if any consolation of love, 71 if any sharing of Pneuma, 72 if any inner feelings and compassions, 73

70	If there is any encouragement in union with Christ: Or, consolation, exhortation, stimulus, appeal; in Christ, of Christ, in our relation to Christ, in our union with. Paul begins one of the most appealing paragraphs in the Christian Bible as he warmly reaches the hearts of the Philippians.

71	If any consolation of love: Or, comfort, encouragement, persuasive power, incentive. Love consoles, encourages, and gives incentive to high good. BAR: love’s comforting power.

72	If any sharing of Pneuma: Or, fellowship, communion, participation. Most versions see the PNEUMA as God’s spirit, others the shared common human spirit among Christians. Compare 2 Corinthians 13:14.

73	If any inner feelings and compassions: Or, bowels and mercies, tenderness, affection, affectionate tenderness, sympathetic. BAR: heartfelt sympathy. See a similar phrase at Philippians 1:8.

PH2:2 you Philippians fill me with joy. 74 So that you may be minding the very same thing, 75 having the same love, 76 joined together in soul, 77 minding the one thing 78 –

74	Fill me with joy: Or, WMS: fill up my cup of joy; PME: do make my best hopes for you come true.

75

You may be minding the very same thing: Or, like-minded, living in harmony; BER: by your mutual identity of purpose; BAR: perfect harmony of mind. In one for or another the word “mind” occurs several times. “Minding” – as in “minding the store” – may mean pay attention, or keep a certain attitude or frame of mind.

76	Having the same love: Or, WEY: united in mutual love; WMS: fostering the same disposition of love.

77	Joined together in soul: Or, of one accord, with united souls, hearts beating in union, one spirit. Compare the “one soul” at Acts 4:32. BAR: by sharing in a common life.

78	Minding the one thing: Or, one mind, the same object, one purpose. That is, focus on this one thought. BAR: by taking every decision in unity of mind.

PH2:3 do nothing out of contentiousness, 79 nor from vainglory, 80 but rather with lowly-mindedness 81 be considerate of one another, 82

79

Do nothing out of contentiousness: Or, strife, faction, self-seeking, spirit of intrigue, acting for private ends, selfish strife. BAR: never acting fro motives of competitive rivalry. See notes on Philippians 1:15, 17. [2 Corinthians 12:20; James 3:14] Contention, usually spawned by jealousy, will destroy a Christian group and divide it further. Ambition, a disgusting thought in the Church, has been at the root of many cases of strife as groups polarize around competing leaders. Compare Galatians 5:25, 26.

80	Nor from vainglory: Or, vanity, petty ambition, pride, empty conceit, egotism. BAR: conceited desire for empty prestige.

81	Lowly-mindedness: Or, true humility, modesty, low thoughts of self. Compare Jesus’ example in the following verses.

82	Be considerate of one another: Or, NAS: let each one of you regard one another as more important than himself; NWT: considering that others are superior to you; BAR: humbly think the other better than himself. A Christian is publicly identified by consideration for others.

PH2:4 not looking after your own selfish things, 83 but also those things of others. 84

83	Not looking after your own selfish things: Or, own things, private ends, own interests. Virtually the definition of love here.

84	Those things of others: Or, his neighbors’ good, the interests of others. [Compare notes on 1 Corinthians 10:24 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©.]

Philippians 2:5-11 – Keep the Mind of Christ

PH2:5 You Philippians continue to have this mind 85 that was also in Christ Jesus –

85	Continue to have this mind: Or, same attitude, same disposition, same spirit. Compare notes on the “mind of Christ” at 1 Corinthians 2:16. What characterized Christ’s basic thinking and attitude is shown below.

PH2:6 who though existing in a god’s form 86 did not consider retaining things equal to divinity 87 –

86

Who though existing in a god’s form: Or, KJV: being in the form of God; RHM: form of God subsisting; MON: had the nature of God; PME: who has always been God by nature; KNX: from the first, divine; BAR: he shared the very being of God. The Greek is os en morphe theou hyparchon. This may be rendered literally: “who existed in God’s form.” Or, “in a god’s form” as THEOU [of god] lacks the article. Paul has been careful not to say “in the form of The God.” One can see the variety of approaches to this difficult phrase. Most versions have a strong Trinitarian bias. Our rendering will not be accepted well. For details see Nazarene Commentary 2000© and the work Error of the Trinity on Philippians 2:6.

87

Did not consider retaining things equal to divinity: Or, KJV: thought it not robbery to be equal with God; ASV: count not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped; KNX: and yet he did not see, in the rank of Godhead, a prize to be coveted; PME: did not cling to his prerogatives as God’s equal; BAR: did not regard his equality to God as a thing to be clutched to himself. The bias between Trinitarians and Unitarians will never cease on this phrase. As above, see details in Nazarene Commentary 2000© on Philippians 2:6. Before Jesus the Nazarene came to earth, born of the virgin, he existed as a spirit being, the first of God’s creations. As God’s only-begotten Son [or, god (John 1:18)] he was the preeminent of all creatures. [Colossians 1:15] In this realm he is called the Word [or, Spokesman] by John 1:1. When the opportunity was raised for him to leave his celestial dwelling, with its position and privileges, he did not grasp to his breast his divinity, but was willing to empty himself and let go of his position.

PH2:7 but rather he emptied himself [of that], 88 and took a slave’s form, 89 and became in the likeness of humans. 90

88

He emptied himself: Or, impoverished himself, laid it aside, stripped himself. Of what did Christ empty himself? It would have to be his “equality with God”? [If that be the way it is rendered.] Therefore, he was neither God on earth, nor equal to God. See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on Hebrews 2:7 where the Son was less than angels or God. This may be compared – though weakly so – if the President of the United States was willing to leave his office and become a medical missionary in the slums of India or Haiti after the manner of mother Theresa. The thought is impossible. Mere selfish men would grab to their breast their position and privileges rather than make such a sacrifice.

89	Took a slave’s form: Here the Greek is MORPHEN DOULOU and requires the article “a” in English. Note the versions that have the article “a” here but not in the parallel phrase MORPHE THEOU. [KJV, CON, WEY, NOR, TCN, etc] Whose slave? God’s.

90

Became in the likeness of humans: Or, of men, human guise, truly human, human form. Jesus Christ was an ANTHROPOD. Nowhere is the construction theos-anthropos [GOD-MAN] ever used in the Christian Bible. On the earth, during “the days of his flesh” Christ was less than ELOHIM [or, angels; gods] according to Psalm 8:4. [Hebrews 2:6]

PH2:8 And, having discovered himself in a human frame, [he] made himself lowly 91 and became obedient until a death, 92 and that a death on a torture stake. 93

91	Made himself lowly: The key point Paul entreats in the opening verses of the chapter.

92	Became obedient until a death: Compare notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000© on Hebrews 5:8.

93	Death on a stake: Or, cross. See notes on Galatians 3:13. Not just any death, but a torturous one with all the appearances of someone who reproached God.

PH2:9 Because of this The God highly exalted him, 94 and graciously gave to him the name over every name. 95

94	The God highly exalted him: Or, exalted exceedingly, raised to the very highest place. BAR: God has given him the highest place. Of course, God cannot actually be exalted beyond what He is. Christ is exalted as foretold by Isaiah 52:13.

95	Graciously gave to him the name over every name: Something he did not possess before. It is obvious this does not include the Name of his Father, Yehowah. Notice the Son’s promise in Hebrews 2:12.

PH2:10 So that in the name of Jesus 96 every knee should bend 97 [Isaiah 45:23] – of those in heaven 98 and those on earth 99 and those [buried] underground, 100

96	In the name of Jesus: Here that “name” is identified.

97	Every knee should bend: Paul alludes to Isaiah 45:23 where the subject is God [El], Yehowah. This does not mean Jesus is Jehovah, as some Trinitarians would argue, for Paul explains himself in the following phrases. See Paul’s reference to Isaiah 45:23 at Romans 14:11.

98	Those in heaven: The angels. [Ephesians 1:19-21]

99	Those on earth: At the end of the Thousand Years. [Revelation 20:3, 7]

100	Those [buried] underground: Upon their resurrection after the Thousand Years. [Revelation 20:5, 12-14] Compare all the phrases with Revelation 5:13. Ultimately, the entire Universe must acknowledge that “God is everything to everyone.” [1 Corinthians 15:28, 29]

PH2:11 and every tongue should make a confession 101 [Isaiah 45:23] that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God 102 – [the] Father.

101	Every tongue should make a confession: Again, an allusion to Isaiah 45:23.

102	Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God: Here Paul explains that the submission of the Universe to God is by means of the Son. All that the Son does is to bring glory to God, not himself.

Philippians 2:12-18 – How to Work Out Your Own Salvation

PH2:12 And so, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed 103 – not just in my presence 104 only, but now much more in my absence – all of you continue to work out your personal salvation with fear and trembling. 105

103	Just as you always obeyed: Regarding obedience or submission to church elders see Hebrews 13:7, 17. [See notes on Titus 2:15.] Compare also Romans 1:5; 16:19, 26; 2 Corinthians 7:15; 10:6.

104	My presence: The Greek is PAROUSIA and is set in contrast to AP0USIA [absence] in the next phrase. The word PAROUSIA is used of Christ’s visible Return to become present with his Church – the dead and the living. [Matthew 24:29-31; John 14:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17; 2 Thessalonians 2:1]

105

Continue to be working out your personal salvation with fear and trembling: Or, reverence and trepidation, self-distrust, anxious care; GDS: with reference and awe make every effort to insure your salvation; keep on toiling in fear and trembling to complete your salvation. If there is one verse in Paul many would wish to remove it is this one. Others try to “twist” Paul’s obvious meaning. [2 Peter 3:16] Though God does his part in our salvation [Philippians 2:13], we also must do our part – which requires works which reflect faith and love. The Nazarene taught such, and a review of the word “work” in the Gospels will prove this. [Matthew 5:16; 11:19; John 3:19-21; 6:28, 29; 14:12] And in Paul elsewhere. [Acts 26:20; Romans 2:6, 10; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Timothy 2:10; 5:25; Titus 3:8, 14] Compare the need for godly fear in 2 Corinthians 7:1.

PH2:13 For God is the One working within 106 you Philippians, both to will and to work within all of you [His] good pleasure. 107

106	God is the One working within: Or, RHM: energiseth with; WEY: whose power creates with you; BEC: gives you the energy to do what He wants; BAR: God who is at work in you. The Greek is ENERGON and the “you” is plural.

107

Both to will and to work within [His] good pleasure: Or, desiring and energizing, will and deed. BAR: the will to desire and the power to achieve. Not only must the desire to do God’s pleasure be present, but also the energy must be expended in order to accomplish this. God provides all the tools needed to accomplish this – His Word, His Church, His Pneuma. [Ephesians 4:11-6; 1 Timothy 3:15-17]

PH2:14 Continue doing everything apart from whisperings and criticisms, 108

108

Apart from whisperings and criticisms: Or, KJV: murmurings and disputings; ASV: questionings; BEC: complaining and arguing; AMP: grumbling and fault-finding; BAR: without grumbling and without arguing. It is a terrible failing of most humans to express their judgments and criticism to friends. This is called “gossip” – a word in English traceable to that talk among friends. However, this often can develop a negative tone because of either egotism or jealousy. What results is contentions and slander, both works of the flesh. Every Christian should read for themselves those verses in the Bible that deal with slander and murmuring. Some are Leviticus 19:16; Psalm 15:3; 101:5; Proverbs 11:13; 16:28; 18:8; 20:19; 26:20, 22; 1 Timothy 3:11; Titus 2:3.

PH2:15 so that all of you may become faultless and pure 109 – God’s unblemished children among a crooked and twisted generation, 110 [Deuteronomy 32:5] in whom you all shine as luminaries 111 in the world of humankind.

109	Become faultless and pure: Or, blameless and harmless, inviolate, guileless, innocent. [1 Corinthians 1:8] Compare 2 Corinthians 7:1. BAR: then no one will be able to question your morals or your sincerity.

110	God’s unblemished children among a crooked and twisted generation: Paul alludes to Deuteronomy 32:5. The words are from the Song of Moses as he praises Yehowah the Rock but condemns Israel.

111	Shine as luminaries: Or, lights, stars, heavenly lights. BAR: shine like stars. [Matthew 5:14; Ephesians 5:8; 1 Peter 2:9]

PH2:16 Get a firm grasp on Life’s Word 112 leading to my boasting during Christ’s Day, 113 proving that I did not run without purpose, 114 nor labor in vain. 115 [Isaiah 49:4]

112	Get a firm grasp on Life’s Word: Or, holding fast, cling to, grip. One can only do this by continuous study and meditation of His Word. [Psalm 1:2; John 17:17]

113

Leading to my boasting during Christ’s Day: Or, rejoice, glory, pride; day of Christ. [2 Corinthians 1:14; 1 Thessalonians 2:19] When Christ returns in his foretold Parousia, he will gather his Church from the four winds under heaven and then as Master of his own Household, judge each Saint. There will be two reactions or attitudes at this time before the judgment-seat – speech with a clear conscience, or shame. Compare notes on 1 John 2:28. [Matthew 7:21-23; John 5:29; Daniel 12:2; 2 Corinthians 5:10] See notes elsewhere on Day of the Lord. Compare notes at Philippians 1:6. See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on 1 John 2:28.

114	Proving that I did not run without purpose: Or, in vain, for nothing, a failure. [Galatians 2:2; 1 Thessalonians 3:5]

115	Labor in vain: Paul likely alludes to Isaiah 49:4.

PH2:17 Despite that I am being poured out as a libation 116 upon the sacrifice and public work of your faith, 117 I continue to rejoice – and I am rejoicing together with all of you Philippians.

116	I am being poured out as a libation: Or, drink-offering, a sacrifice. Paul alludes to Exodus 29:40 and the sacrificial drink-offerings of the Israelites. Compare also 2 Timothy 4:6. [2 Corinthians 12:15]

117	Upon the sacrifice and public work of your faith: Or, public ministry, a service. On the word LEITOURGIA see notes on Hebrews 1:14; 8:6; 9:21; 10:11. [2 Corinthians 9:15]

PH2:18 In the same way all of you continue to rejoice and jointly rejoice together with me. 118

118	Jointly rejoice together with me: Or, congratulate.

Philippians 2:19-24 – Timothy – A Unique Disposition

PH2:19 Now, I am hoping in [the] Master Jesus to send Timothy 119 to you Philippians soon, so that I also may be a cheerful soul, knowing about those things pertaining to you.

119	Timothy: In chapter two Paul stresses the theme of “keeping the mind of Christ.” He gives four examples: Christ, himself, Timothy, and then Epaphroditus, all models of humble, and self-sacrifice. See notes on Timothy at 1 Timothy 1:1. Compare the Biblical Article Keep the Mind of Christ.

PH2:20 For I have no one else who possesses the same soul as me, 120 someone who will genuinely care for your interests. 121

120	Same soul as me: Or, equal soul, like-minded, disposition, attitude, inclination.

121	Who will genuinely care for your matters: Or, naturally care, care truly; TCN: genuine interest in your welfare. An example of what Paul was speaking about in Philippians 2:3, 4.

PH2:21 Because all of the others are continually seeking their own concerns 122 and not those of Christ Jesus.

122

All of the others are continually seeking their own concerns: Or, aims, plans, interests; MOF: everybody is selfish. Paul likely refers to those negative disciples of Philippians 1:15-17. This is a serious condemnation of selfishness which manifests itself within the Church. This echoes Philippians 2:4.

PH2:22 But you Philippians are aware of the proof he gave, that like a child to a father he slaved together with me regarding the Good News. PH2:23 For a certainty, then, this is the person I hope to send to you as soon as I know about my own matters at the moment. PH2:24 However, I am confident in [the] Lord that I will also come soon.

Philippians 2:25-30 – The Example of a Sick Brother

PH2:25 However, I consider it a necessity to send to you Philippians Epaphroditus 123 – my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, but also an apostle 124 and public worker for my needs.

123	Epaphroditus: Compare notes on Philippians 4:18.

124	An apostle: Or, your apostle, your messenger. Epaphroditus is called an “apostle.” For details on apostle see note in Nazarene Commentary 2000© on 1 Corinthians 12:28. It is likely he was an apostle, or representative, of a congregation, or a special envoy from Paul himself.

PH2:26 He was longing to see all of you. He was so depressed 125 when he knew you had heard he had fallen sick.

125	Depressed: Or, full of heaviness, distressed. The Greek is ADEMONON. Christians may become “depressed.” [1 Thessalonians 5:14]

PH2:27 For, indeed, he was sick and near death, 126 but The God had mercy on him – and not only him but also on me. So that I should not have sadness upon sadness.

126

He was sick and near death: Like humanity in general, Christians also become sick. [Galatians 4:13; 1 Timothy 5:23; 2 Timothy 4:20; James 5:14] One sees why Paul’s traveling companion, the physician Luke, would be “a brother in need.” It should be noted that it is rare if not absent for Paul to use his powers to heal one a fellow minister.

PH2:28 So then, I sent him sooner so that when you Philippians saw him again you would rejoice and I would be less saddened. PH2:29 So now, you Philippians welcome him in [the] Lord with all joy, and continue to honor such persons. 127

127

Honor such persons: Or, KJV: hold such in reputation. Disciples, who have demonstrated self-sacrificing work on behalf of the Gospel and the Church, should be treated with respect and godly manners. [1 Corinthians 16:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:12] Compare notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000© on Romans 12:10. Hard-working elders are worthy of “double-honor.” [1 Timothy 5:17] “Honor” may include material assistance. See notes on Matthew 15:4, 5.

PH2:30 Because he came near to death in behalf of the Lord’s work, putting his soul in great danger, so that he might completely make up for your lack of public work in my behalf.

Review Questions on Chapter Two

Summary Questions on Chapter Two