Sometimes I find it’s just time to be still and listen to
the gold that others have dug up!
Philippians 2:1-4
(AMP)
1 By
whatever [appeal to you there is in our mutual dwelling in Christ, by whatever]
strengthening and consoling and encouraging [our relationship] in Him
[affords], by whatever persuasive incentive there is in love, by whatever
participation in the [Holy] Spirit [we share], and by whatever depth of
affection and compassionate sympathy,
2 Fill up
and complete my joy by living in harmony and being of the same mind and one in
purpose, having the same love, being in full accord and of one harmonious mind
and intention.
3 Do
nothing from factional motives [through contentiousness, strife, selfishness,
or for unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance. Instead, in
the true spirit of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as
better than and superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than
you do of yourselves].
4 Let
each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own
interests, but also each for the interests of others.
Barnes'
Notes on the New Testament - Analysis of Philippians 2:1-2:
Verse
1. If there be therefore any consolation in Christ.
This, with what is said in the remainder of the verse, is designed as a motive
for what he exhorts them to in Philippians 2:2 -that they would
be of the same mind, and would thus fulfill his joy. To urge them to this, he
appeals to the tender considerations which religion furnished—and begins by a
reference to the consolation which there was in Christ.
The
meaning here may be this: "I am now persecuted and afflicted. In my trials
it will give me the highest joy to learn that you act as become Christians. You
also are persecuted and afflicted, Philippians 1:28-30; and, in
these circumstances, I entreat that the highest consolation may be sought; and
by all that is tender and sacred in the Christian religion, I conjure you so to
live as not to dishonor the gospel.
So live as
to bring down the highest consolation which can
be obtained-the consolation which Christ alone can impart." We are not to
suppose that Paul doubted
whether there was any
consolation in Christ, but the form of expression here is one that is designed
to urge upon them the duty of seeking the highest
possible. The consolation in Christ is that which Christ furnishes or imparts.
Paul
regarded Christ as the source of all comfort, and earnestly prays that they
might so live that he and they might avail themselves in the fullest sense of
that unspeakable enjoyment. The idea is, that Christians ought at all times,
and especially in affliction, so to act as to secure the highest possible
happiness which their Saviour can impart to them. Such an object is worth their
highest effort; and if God sees it needful, in order to that, that they should
endure much affliction, still it is gain. Religious consolation is always worth
all which it costs to secure it.
If any
comfort of love.
If there be any comfort in the exercise of tender affection. That there is, no one can doubt. Our happiness is
almost all centered in love. It is when we love a parent, a wife, a child, a
sister, a neighbor, that we have the highest earthly enjoyment. It is in the
love of God, of Christ, of Christians, of the souls of men, that the redeemed
find their highest happiness.
Hatred is a passion full of misery; love an emotion full of joy.
By this
consideration, Paul appeals to them, and the motive here is drawn from all the
joy which mutual love and sympathy are fitted to produce in the soul. Paul
would have that love exercised in the highest degree, and would have them enjoy
all the happiness which its mutual exercise could furnish.
If any
fellowship of the Spirit. The word "fellowship" κοινωνια—(koinōnia
)means that which is common to
two or more; that of which they partake together. Ephesians 3:9; Philippians
1:5. The idea here is, that among Christians there was a participation in the influences of the
Holy Ghost; that they shared, in some degree, the feelings, views, and joys of
the sacred Spirit himself; and that this was a privilege of the highest order.
By this fact, Paul now exhorts them to unity, love, and zeal-so to live that
they might partake, in the highest degree, of the consolations of the Spirit.
If any
bowels and mercies.
If there is any affectionate bond by which you are united to me, and any regard
for my sorrows, and any desire to fill up my joys, so live as to impart to me,
your spiritual father and friend, the consolation which I seek.
Verse
2. Fulfil ye my joy. Fill up my joy so that
nothing shall be wanting to complete it. This, he says, would be done by their
union, zeal, and humility. Comp. John 3:29.
That
ye be likeminded.
Gr., That ye think the same thing. 2 Corinthians 13:11.
Perfect unity of sentiment, opinion, and plan would be desirable, if it could
be attained. It may be, so far as to prevent discord, schism, contention, and
strife in the church, and so that Christians may be harmonious in promoting the
same great work-the salvation of souls.
Having
the same love.
Love to the same objects, and the same love one for another. Though their
opinions might differ on some points, yet they might be united in love. 1 Corinthians
1:10.
Being
of one accord, σύμψυχοι—(sympsychos) of
one soul; having your souls joined
together. The word used here does not occur elsewhere in the New
Testament. It means a union of soul; or an acting together as if but one soul
actuated them.
Of one
mind. Gr., Thinking the same thing. The apostle
here uses a great variety of expressions to denote the same thing. The object
which he aimed at was union of heart, of feeling, of plan, of purpose. He
wished them to avoid all divisions and strifes; and to show the power of
religion by being united in the common cause. Probably there is no single thing so much insisted on in
the New Testament as the importance of harmony among Christians.
Now, there
is almost nothing so little known; but if
it prevailed, the world would soon be converted to God. John 17:21 or John 17:21.
References:
Amplified Bible (AMP)—Copyright ©
1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation; Retrieved from http://www.biblegateway.com/ BibleGateway.com © Copyright 1995-2010 Gospel
Communications International
Barnes' Notes on the New Testament by
Albert Barnes Published in Philadelphia August
25th, 1832 ;
Retrieved from Bible Explorer Database © 2004-2006 WORDsearch Corp
