American King James Version - AKJV - 1999
Philippians 2
1
If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
Reference
Love
Colossians 3:12
1 John 4:12
2 Corinthians 13:14
Colossians 2:2
Galatians 5:22
Parallel theme
Psalm 133:1
Acts 4:32
Spirit
1 Corinthians 12:13
Galatians 4:6
2
Fulfill you my joy, that you be like minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
Reference
3
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Reference
5
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Reference
Parallel theme
1 John 2:6
Matthew 11:29
Luke 22:27
References Christ
1 Peter 2:21
1 Peter 4:1
Ephesians 5:2
Romans 15:3
Romans 14:15
References Jesus
Romans 15:5
Acts 20:35
6
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Reference
Parallel theme
Hebrews 1:3
John 17:5
Revelation 21:6
John 10:30
Hebrews 13:8
Micah 5:2
References God
John 5:18
2 Corinthians 4:4
Isaiah 9:6
John 10:33
7
But made himself of no reputation, and took on him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Reference
Creation
John 1:14
Galatians 4:4
Parallel theme
2 Corinthians 8:9
Matthew 20:28
Romans 8:3
Hebrews 4:15
Romans 15:3
Isaiah 53:11
Hebrews 12:2
Luke 22:27
8
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient to death, even the death of the cross.
Reference
Cross
Hebrews 12:2
Parallel theme
John 10:18
Romans 5:19
1 Peter 2:24
1 Peter 3:18
2 Corinthians 8:9
Acts 8:33
Matthew 26:39
Titus 2:14
Galatians 3:13
9
Why God also has highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Reference
Parallel theme
Revelation 19:16
Matthew 28:18
Isaiah 52:13
Revelation 5:12
Daniel 7:14
Hebrews 1:4
Psalm 89:27
References God
1 Peter 3:22
Hebrews 2:9
Hebrews 12:2
10
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Reference
Parallel theme
Hebrews 1:6
Revelation 4:10
Ephesians 1:10
Matthew 27:29
Revelation 20:13
References Jesus
Matthew 28:18
Ephesians 3:14
11
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Reference
Glory
John 14:13
1 Peter 1:21
Parallel theme
Revelation 3:5
References Christ
Romans 14:9
References God
Romans 14:11
References Jesus
1 John 4:15
1 John 4:2
1 Corinthians 12:3
1 Corinthians 8:6
References Lord
John 13:13
12
Why, my beloved, as you 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.
Reference
Love
1 Corinthians 15:58
1 Peter 2:11
Parallel theme
Hebrews 4:11
Matthew 11:29
Philippians 1:27
Isaiah 66:2
Proverbs 13:4
Salvation
2 Peter 3:18
Hebrews 5:9
2 Timothy 2:10
13
For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Reference
Good
Hebrews 13:21
Ephesians 1:5
2 Thessalonians 1:11
Parallel theme
2 Timothy 1:9
John 3:27
Ephesians 1:11
References God
2 Corinthians 3:5
Romans 9:16
1 Corinthians 15:10
1 Corinthians 12:6
15
That you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the middle of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the world;
Reference
Light
Isaiah 60:1
1 Peter 2:9
Parallel theme
Matthew 5:45
Deuteronomy 32:5
2 Peter 3:14
1 Corinthians 1:8
Matthew 5:48
References God
1 Peter 2:12
1 Thessalonians 5:23
Titus 2:10
16
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.
Reference
17
Yes, and if I be offered on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
Reference
Parallel theme
2 Timothy 4:6
2 Corinthians 12:15
Colossians 1:24
2 Corinthians 7:4
Philippians 1:20
Sacrifice
Romans 15:16
Romans 12:1
19
But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly to you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.
Reference
Faith
1 Corinthians 4:17
1 Thessalonians 3:2
Parallel theme
Philippians 2:28
References Jesus
Philippians 1:1
21
For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.
Reference
Parallel theme
1 Corinthians 10:24
Philippians 2:4
1 Corinthians 10:33
1 Corinthians 13:5
2 Timothy 3:2
Isaiah 56:11
Luke 14:26
2 Timothy 4:10
References Christ
2 Corinthians 1:5
References Jesus
Matthew 16:24
22
But you know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he has served with me in the gospel.
Reference
23
Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.
25
Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellow soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
Reference
People
26
For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that you had heard that he had been sick.
Reference
27
For indeed he was sick near to death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow on sorrow.
Reference
Parallel theme
Psalm 34:19
Philippians 2:30
Acts 9:37
2 Corinthians 2:7
References God
1 Corinthians 10:13
28
I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when you see him again, you may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
Reference
29
Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:
Reference
Parallel theme
1 Corinthians 16:18
1 Timothy 5:17
References Lord
1 Thessalonians 5:12
Romans 16:2
1 Corinthians 16:10
2 Corinthians 10:18
Summary of Philippians 2
Philippians 2 teaches that Christians should pursue genuine unity through humility and selfless concern for others, following Christ's example of voluntary service and obedience, trusting God to work within them, shining faithfully in a morally confused world, and honoring devoted servants such as Timothy and Epaphroditus who demonstrate sacrificial commitment to Christ and His people.
Paul begins by calling the Philippians to unity through shared love, spiritual fellowship, compassion, and humility, urging them to reject selfish ambition and pride while actively considering the needs and interests of other believers.
The supreme example of this attitude is Jesus Christ, who, although existing in the form of God, willingly humbled Himself, took the position of a servant, entered human existence, and became obedient to death on a cross.
Christ's humility was followed by His exaltation, as God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name, so that every knee will ultimately bow and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, bringing glory to God the Father.
Paul then applies Christ's example to the Philippians' daily lives, urging them to continue obeying God whether he is present or absent and to demonstrate their salvation through serious, faithful, and obedient Christian living.
He emphasizes that God Himself works within believers, giving them both the desire and ability to do what pleases Him, meaning that Christian transformation depends upon God's active work rather than human strength alone.
The Philippians are also commanded to avoid complaining and arguments so that they may live as pure and blameless children of God who shine as lights in a dark and confused world, holding firmly to the message of life and demonstrating through their behavior that the gospel has truly transformed them.
Paul then expresses his willingness to sacrifice himself for their faith, comparing his life to an offering poured out for their spiritual benefit, while encouraging them to share his joy even when ministry involves suffering and uncertainty.
The chapter then introduces Timothy, whom Paul plans to send to Philippi because Timothy genuinely cares about the believers' welfare and has proven himself through years of faithful gospel service.
Paul contrasts Timothy's selfless concern with people who seek their own interests, making Timothy an example of the humble and Christ-centered character Paul has been describing.
Paul also introduces Epaphroditus, whom he describes as a brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier, and representative of the Philippian church, explaining that Epaphroditus became seriously ill while faithfully serving Christ and Paul.
Although Epaphroditus nearly died, God showed mercy by restoring him, and Paul therefore sends him back to Philippi so that the church can rejoice at seeing him again and recognize the value of his sacrificial service.
The central message of Philippians 2 is that Christian maturity is demonstrated through Christ-like humility, selfless concern for others, faithful obedience, joyful endurance, and sacrificial service, because Jesus willingly humbled Himself for humanity before being exalted by God, and His followers are therefore called to live without selfish ambition, shine as faithful witnesses, and honor those who willingly spend themselves for the gospel.
Paul begins by calling the Philippians to unity through shared love, spiritual fellowship, compassion, and humility, urging them to reject selfish ambition and pride while actively considering the needs and interests of other believers.
The supreme example of this attitude is Jesus Christ, who, although existing in the form of God, willingly humbled Himself, took the position of a servant, entered human existence, and became obedient to death on a cross.
Christ's humility was followed by His exaltation, as God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name, so that every knee will ultimately bow and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, bringing glory to God the Father.
Paul then applies Christ's example to the Philippians' daily lives, urging them to continue obeying God whether he is present or absent and to demonstrate their salvation through serious, faithful, and obedient Christian living.
He emphasizes that God Himself works within believers, giving them both the desire and ability to do what pleases Him, meaning that Christian transformation depends upon God's active work rather than human strength alone.
The Philippians are also commanded to avoid complaining and arguments so that they may live as pure and blameless children of God who shine as lights in a dark and confused world, holding firmly to the message of life and demonstrating through their behavior that the gospel has truly transformed them.
Paul then expresses his willingness to sacrifice himself for their faith, comparing his life to an offering poured out for their spiritual benefit, while encouraging them to share his joy even when ministry involves suffering and uncertainty.
The chapter then introduces Timothy, whom Paul plans to send to Philippi because Timothy genuinely cares about the believers' welfare and has proven himself through years of faithful gospel service.
Paul contrasts Timothy's selfless concern with people who seek their own interests, making Timothy an example of the humble and Christ-centered character Paul has been describing.
Paul also introduces Epaphroditus, whom he describes as a brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier, and representative of the Philippian church, explaining that Epaphroditus became seriously ill while faithfully serving Christ and Paul.
Although Epaphroditus nearly died, God showed mercy by restoring him, and Paul therefore sends him back to Philippi so that the church can rejoice at seeing him again and recognize the value of his sacrificial service.
The central message of Philippians 2 is that Christian maturity is demonstrated through Christ-like humility, selfless concern for others, faithful obedience, joyful endurance, and sacrificial service, because Jesus willingly humbled Himself for humanity before being exalted by God, and His followers are therefore called to live without selfish ambition, shine as faithful witnesses, and honor those who willingly spend themselves for the gospel.