Matthew Henry Commentary Philippians 2:12-18

"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; for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and questionings: that ye may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom ye are seen as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life; that I may have whereof to glory in the day of Christ, that I did not run in vain neither labor in vain. Yea, and if I am offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all: and in the same manner do ye also joy, and rejoice with me." — Philippians 2:12-18 (ASV)

We must be diligent in using all the means that lead to our salvation, persevering in this to the end. We must exercise great care, so that, with all our advantages, we do not fall short. Work out your salvation, for it is God who worketh in you. This encourages us to do our utmost, because our labor will not be in vain; yet we must still depend on the grace of God.

The working of God's grace in us quickens and engages our efforts. God's goodwill toward us is the cause of His good work in us. Do your duty without grumbling. Do it, and do not find fault with it. Mind your work, and do not quarrel with it.

Be peaceable; give no just cause for offense. The children of God should differ from the sons of men. The more perverse others are, the more careful we should be to keep ourselves blameless and harmless. The doctrine and example of consistent believers will enlighten others and direct their way to Christ and holiness, even as the lighthouse warns sailors to avoid rocks and directs their course into the harbor.

Let us try to shine in this way. The gospel is the word of life; it makes known to us eternal life through Jesus Christ. Running, denotes earnestness and vigor, continual pressing forward; laboring, denotes constancy and close application. It is the will of God that believers should rejoice greatly; and those who are so happy as to have good ministers have great reason to rejoice with them (Philippians 2:19–30).