Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Philippians 2:3

"[doing] nothing through faction or through vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself;" — Philippians 2:3 (ASV)

Paul exhorts the Philippians to make his joy full by “being like-minded” (lit., “minding the same thing”). He was already experiencing joy because of his associations with this church (1:3–4; 4:10), but one attitude that was still needed to make his joy “complete” was like-mindedness. Of course, this was not a command for unity at the expense of truth, for “the same thing” is also “the right thing.” Paul now elaborates on his enjoinder to maintain unity in their thought and action. By complying with the next four instructions, his readers would create a climate where true unity could flourish.

(1) Believers should possess a mutual love. Inasmuch as all were indwelt by the same Spirit (v.1), love as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) ought to be demonstrated in every life.

(2) Believers should set their minds on oneness “in spirit and purpose.” This phrase repeats what was said in v.2 and reinforces the conclusion that there was a problem of disharmony within the congregation. It may be unfair to center the problem on Euodia and Syntyche (4:2), but they were at least involved.

(3) Believers should avoid “selfish ambition” (GK 2249) and “vain conceit” (GK 3029) and consider others above themselves (v.3). Paul himself had experienced adverse effects from selfish ambition among some unworthy preachers at Rome (1:17). Persons who seek to advance themselves usually enjoy glorying in their success. The Christian attitude should reveal itself in “humility” (GK 5425), a concept not highly regarded among the Greeks. Believers should be humble toward one another, mindful of their spiritual brotherhood and their ultimate subjection to Christ. In their exercise of humility, they should “consider others better than yourselves.” This does not mean that we must have false or unrealistic views of our own gifts as compared with those of others. Rather, our consideration for others must precede concern for ourselves (Romans 12:10). This will go far toward removing their disharmony.

(4) Believers should be looking not only to their own interests but also to those of others (v.4). The self-centeredness that considers only one’s own rights, plans, and interests must be replaced by a broader outlook that includes the interests of one’s fellows Christians. “Not only... but also” indicates that believers should not neglect their own welfare or that of their families (1 Timothy 5:8) as they seek the good of others. Instead, Paul calls for a Christian concern that is wide enough to include others in its scope. When each member of the Christian community exercises this mutual concern, problems of disunity quickly disappear.