A.T. Robertson Commentary Philippians 2

If (ε). Paul uses four conditions in this verse, all of the first class, assuming the condition to be true.

Comfort (παρακλησις). Rather, "ground of appeal to you in Christ." See 1 Corinthians 1:10; Ephesians 4:1.

Consolation (παραμυθιον). Old word from παραμυθεομα, persuasive address, incentive.

Of love (αγαπης). Objective genitive, "in love" (undefined as in 1Colossians 13).

Fellowship (κοινωνια). Partnership in the Holy Spirit "whose first fruit is love" (Galatians 5:22).

Any tender mercies (τις σπλαγχνα). Common use of this word for the nobler ςισχερα and so for the higher emotions. But τις is masculine singular and σπλαγχνα is neuter plural. Lightfoot suggests an error of an early transcriber or even of the amanuensis in writing ε τις instead of ε τινα.

Fulfil (πληρωσατε). Better here, "fill full." Paul's cup of joy will be full if the Philippians will only keep on having unity of thought and feeling (το αυτο φρονητε, present active subjunctive, keep on thinking the same thing).

Being of one accord (συνψυχο). Late word here for the first time, from συν and ψυχη, harmonious in soul, souls that beat together, in tune with Christ and with each other.

Of one mind (το εν φρονουντες). "Thinking the one thing." Like clocks that strike at the same moment. Perfect intellectual telepathy. Identity of ideas and harmony of feelings.

Through vainglory (κατα κενοδοξιαν). Late word, only here in N.T., from κενοδοξος (κενοσ, δοξα, Galatians 5:26, only here in N.T.), empty pride.

In lowliness of mind (τη ταπεινοφροσυνη). Late and rare word. Not in O.T. or early Greek writers. In Josephus and Epictetus in bad sense (pusillanimity). For ostentatious humility in Co 2:18,23. One of the words, like ταπεινος (Matthew 11:29) and ταπεινοφρων (1 Peter 3:8, here alone in N.T.) that Christianity has ennobled and dignified (Acts 20:19).

Better than himself (υπερεχοντας εαυτων). Present active participle of υπερεχω in intransitive sense to excel or surpass with the ablative, "excelling themselves." See Ro 12:10.

Looking (σκοπουντες). Present active participle of σκοπεω from σκοπος (aim, goal). Not keeping an eye on the main chance for number one, but for the good of others.

Have this mind in you (τουτο φρονειτε εν υμιν). "Keep on thinking this in you which was also in Christ Jesus" (ο κα εν Χριστω Ιησου). What is that? Humility. Paul presents Jesus as the supreme example of humility. He urges humility on the Philippians as the only way to secure unity.