This exegetical study is a step-by-step tutorial featuring the use of the central principles of hermeneutics in the
interpretation of Scripture.
Phil 2:12-18: Do Everything Without Grumbling
12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act to fulfill his good purpose.
14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
Overall Themes (Passage & Surrounding Text):
- How a Philippian Should Live
Philippians to unite and learn to love and serve one another as Jesus loved and served the world. - What a Philippian Must Not Do
Philippians warned against division and tasked them to endure, unite, and obey joyfully. - The Example of Timothy and Epaphroditus.
Philippians to follow in the footsteps of Timothy and Epaphroditus
The Governing Theme
- Philippians’ guide to serve as Jesus intended.
- Paul encourages the Philippians to model their lives after Christ’s love and service and stay obedient.
- Paul warns them against complaining and division and highlights the exemplary service of Timothy and Epaphroditus.
Structural Argument
Jeannine K. Brown explains that Paul starts by setting Christ as the foundation from which Philippians ought to model their lives. She argues that Paul uses a rhythmic cadence to remind readers of the love and service of our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul first identifies Christ as God who becomes one of us (Phil. 2:6). He paints a picture of Jesus’s obedience and humility (Phil. 2:8). Paul reminds readers of the glory of Christ as the outcome of such service (Phil. 2:9-11).
Verses 12 to 18 seem to follow the same rhythm as verses 6 through 11, with Paul opening with a cheerful message reminding Philippians of their obedience, exhorting them to stay the course until the return of Jesus Christ, and reminding them of the joy that comes with such works just as Christ was first obedient, stayed the course, and was finally joyful (Phil. 2:12-18). Paul compares the Philippians’ service to a holy sacrifice to God (Phil. 2:17), which could also allude to Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, painting a picture that directly relates to his poetic words about Christ (Phil. 2:8).
Brown explains that instead of a conclusion, Paul uses the example of Timothy, who is well-known for caring for the Philippians, to emphasize the introduction of his letter, precisely his words about love and care for one another. Paul finally closes his letter with the good news of sending Epaphroditus back home to Philippi while reminding his readers of his excellent service and care, which could tie back to the introduction and the overall theme of the letter (Phil. 2:28-30).
Philippians 2 reads as a call to action, followed by poetic words about Christ used to set the tone and cadence of the conversation into three parts: obey like Christ, endure like Christ, and finally rejoice like Christ. It then Elaborates on these three points and closes with two examples that tie back to the introduction.
Works Cited
Brown, Jeannine K.. Philippians: An Introduction and Commentary. Westmont: InterVarsity Press, 2022.
The Unique Contribution to Philippians 2
Charles B. Cousar argues that 2 Philippians verses 12 through 18 consist of the practical application of previous verses of the letter. He argues that the use of the word fear refers to the awe of God and the respect they must have for one another. Cousar elaborates on Paul’s use of the word work to encourage the Philippians to foster respect within the community and allow God to use them to benefit one another and produce good spiritual fruits among them. Cousar adds that Paul intended to call the Philippians precisely to spread the gospel.
After his introduction and poetic words about Christ, Paul explains his instructions to the Philippians, starting with awe for God and respect for one another, which provide a practical method to love and obey God (Phil. 2:12-13). He then warns them about complaining, arguing, and following the world’s ways while encouraging them to be examples for other communities, enabling them to fulfill the mission of spreading the gospel (Phil. 2:14-16). Finally, Paul reminds them that this practice is a form of difficult sacrifice and strengthens their resolve, telling them that he would be glad if he lost his life for the mission (Phil. 2:17-18).
These verses allow Paul to precisely explain the steps the Philippians need to take to fulfill the tasks they are charged with. The absence of these verses would make the letter practically ambiguous and leave his intentions open for interpretation.
Works Cited
Cousar, Charles B.. Philippians and Philemon (2009): A Commentary. Louisville, KY: Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, 2013. Accessed November 1, 2023. ProQuest Ebook Central.
Intent of the Passage
(2:1-11)
- Christ as an Example
- Paul encourages the Philippians to unite and serve one another as Christ intended.
(2:12-18)
- Paul’s Warning
- Paul warns the Philippians against division and exhorts them to endure and obey joyfully.
(2:19-30)
- Paul’s Recommendation
- Paul recommends that the Philippians use Timothy and Epaphroditus as examples.
Overall Effect on the Reader
Joseph H. Hellerman argues that Paul used a social strategy predicated on the Philippians’ cultural idea of Honor. He elaborates that the Philippians adopted Roman ideologies of honor, whereby the individual climbs up social ranks to achieve higher status for personal gain. Hellerman explains that Paul intended to deconstruct and reverse this ideology from a mindset that seeks power for self-interest to one that follows the example of God using His authority and social status to serve others.
Verses 12 through 18 support this argument, considering that Paul structured his message into praising and encouraging based on the example of Christ, warning against conforming to the Roman ways, and providing two esteemed role models (Phil. 2:12-19).
It appears that Paul attempted to paint, in the minds of the Philippians, a picture of the elect and chosen people on a sacred mission precisely when he prompted them to shine brightly, which sets them apart from the current social order (Phil. 2:15). Paul appears to invert the Philippians’ worldview of the concept of status. He strengthens his message by eliciting an emotional response of honor and fervor rooted in noble sacrifice (Phil. 2:17). In light of this, it is possible that Paul organized his letter to accomplish two goals. The first is to appeal to the Philippians’ sense of honor, which the Roman worldview heavily influenced. The second is to prompt an emotional response and revert this social standard from a Roman model to the way of Christ.
Works Cited
Hellerman, Joseph H.. Philippians. Nashville: B&H Publishing Group, 2015.
Final Strategic Intent
Paul needs a complete reversal of how the Philippians understood their social order. He hoped his letter would strike at the core of the Philippians’ cultural values of honor and social status and elicit a fundamental emotional and mental change, thereby altering their actions in the community.
Paul expected the Philippians to work towards honor and sacrifice but use it for the service of others instead of their personal goals. Upon receiving the message, the Philippians should view the way of the Romans’ social standards as erroneous and move to model their lives based on the actions of Christ.
Paul begins by praising the Philippians, which should make them feel unique and noble and encourage them to stay on the path (Phil. 2:12). He then warns them against complaining. He promises them the nobility of purity and uniqueness while denigrating the self-centered mindset of the cultures around them (Phil. 2:14). This should assure the Philippians that there is honor in righteousness and shame in evil, making them serve with a sense of dignity. In subsequent verses, Paul emphasizes gladness in service and compares it to a holy sacrifice, which prompts two emotions: peace and competition. The Philippians should argue less and compete for the honor of sacrifice as the most challenging path to true glory.
Paul’s letter should allow the Philippians to become at ease opposing the Roman ways mentally and emotionally and forsake an antiquated and evil sense of character. They ought to enjoy service and sacrifice and view this new practice as the highest form of nobility and honor.
Comments
This tutorial illustrated how to read Biblical text within the context of surrounding passages. Thank you, and God Bless.
