John Calvin Commentary Philippians 2:12

"So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;" — Philippians 2:12 (ASV)

Therefore. He concludes the whole of the preceding exhortation with a general statement: that they should humble themselves under the Lord’s hand, for that will very readily ensure that, laying aside all arrogance, they will be gentle and forbearing to each other. This is the only fitting way in which a person may learn gentleness, when someone who, while considering himself in isolation, was pleased with himself in his private thoughts, comes to examine himself in comparison with God.

As you have always obeyed. He commends their previous obedience, so that he may encourage them more to persevere. However, since it is characteristic of hypocrites to make a good showing before others, but as soon as they have withdrawn from public view, to indulge themselves more freely, as if every reason for reverence and fear were removed, he admonishes them not to show themselves obedient in his presence merely, but also, and even much more, in his absence. For if he were present, he could stimulate and urge them on by continued admonitions. Now, therefore, when their monitor is at a distance from them, they need to stir themselves up.

With fear and trembling. In this way he desires the Philippians to testify to and prove their obedience: by being submissive and humble. Now the source of humility is this: acknowledging how miserable we are, and devoid of all good. To this he calls them in this statement.

For from where does pride come, if not from the assurance that blind confidence produces, when we are self-satisfied and are more puffed up with confidence in our own virtue than prepared to rest upon the grace of God? In contrast with this vice is that fear to which he exhorts.

Now, although exhortation comes before doctrine in the connection of the passage, it is in reality after it in point of arrangement, since it is derived from it. I will, accordingly, begin with doctrine.