Albert Barnes Commentary Philippians 2:1

"If there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassions," — Philippians 2:1 (ASV)

PHILIPPIANS CHAPTER II

ANALYSIS OF THE CHAPTER

This chapter is made up principally of exhortations to the performance of various Christian duties and the exhibition of Christian virtues. The apostle first exhorts the Philippians, in the most tender manner, so to live as to give him joy, by showing among themselves unity and concord. He entreats them to do nothing by strife and a desire of distinction, but to show that humility which is manifested when we regard others as more worthy than we are (Philippians 2:1–4).

This exhortation he enforces in a most impressive manner by a reference to the Christian example of condescension and humiliation, suited to repress in us all the aspirations of ambition and to make us ready to submit to the most humble offices to benefit others (Philippians 2:5–11). He then exhorts them to work out their salvation with diligence, assuring them for their encouragement that God works in them to will and to do of his good pleasure (Philippians 2:12–13).

To this he adds an exhortation that they should avoid everything like murmuring and disputing; that they should be blameless and harmless in their walk, showing the excellence of the religion they loved to all around them; and that they should exert such an influence on others that Paul might feel he had not labored in vain (Philippians 2:14–16).

To excite them to this, he assures them that he himself was ready to be sacrificed for their welfare and would rejoice if, by his laying down his life, their happiness would be promoted (Philippians 2:17–18). He then tells them, in expressing his interest in them, that he hoped soon to be able to send Timothy to them again—a man who felt a deep interest in their welfare, and whose going to them would be one of the highest proofs of the apostle's love (Philippians 2:19–24).

The same love for them, he says, he had now shown by sending Epaphroditus to them—a man to whom he was tenderly attached, and who had an earnest desire to return again to the church from which he had been sent. Paul therefore sent him to Philippi again, so that he might be with them and comfort them, and he asked for him a kind reception and affectionate treatment, in view of the sufferings he had experienced in the cause of the Redeemer (Philippians 2:25–30).

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 should be of the same mind, and 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 befits Christians. You also are persecuted and afflicted (Philippians 1:28–30); and, in these circumstances, I entreat that the highest consolation may be sought. By all that is tender and sacred in the Christian religion, I implore 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 him 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 Savior can impart to them. Such an object is worth their highest effort; and if God sees it necessary, for 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 is 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 suited 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 provide.

If any fellowship of the Spirit. The word "fellowship" (koinonia) means that which is common to two or more, that of which they partake together. (See Barnes on Ephesians 3:9; See Barnes on 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.