Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Philippians 2:21

"For they all seek their own, not the things of Jesus Christ." — Philippians 2:21 (ASV)

These words must be understood in harmony with other statements in the letter. Paul had already noted that some among his acquaintances at Rome were more concerned with furthering their own interests (1:14–17), though his reference to them was a temperate one (1:18). Furthermore, Paul must have been on good terms with many of the brothers included in this verse, for he conveys their greetings in 4:21. Nevertheless, we must restrict Paul’s reference here to some extent, for he would surely not include Epaphroditus, Luke, or Aristarchus as not seeking the interests of Christ. Most likely Paul is only referring to those around him who might conceivably have undertaken the trip to Philippi. He may have asked some of them, but they had refused in favor of their own pursuits. Luke and Aristarchus were probably away on other missions and so were unavailable (cf. no mention of them in 1:1).