Philippians 2:2 2complete my joy, which will come as a result that you might think the same way, by having the same love, by harmony, and by thinking as one.
This is the apodosis (“then”) part of the long conditional sentence that began in verse 1. Paul has joy from the Lord while in prison, but some of this joy is conditioned upon the response of the Philippians to this letter. If they will respond positively, Paul’s joy will be complete and full. This could be paraphrased with something like this: “You will make me really happy if you do the following . . . .” He then lists the responses he expects from the Philippians in several dependent clauses. They have many things going well because of God’s grace, as verse 1 indicates. Now they need to respond by becoming more unified as a fellowship.
The grammar of the second part of the verse is difficult to translate literally, with many English translations turning a result clause into an instrumental participial clause. The main verb of the verse is complete. This complete joy comes as a result of them thinking the same way. The word think (phonēte) is repeated twice in this verse. The last clause of the verse basically repeats the idea of the first. Paul wants the Philippians to have the same mindset. He will describe this way of thinking in three ways in this verse and then give the example of Christ in verses 5-11.
They should think the same way by having the same love. This love (agapēn) will result when they have allowed the Holy Spirit to guide them and transform them into the image of Christ. This change will come when they learn to live by faith and respond to the gentle guidance of the Spirit. If everyone in the church will pursue this love, they will grow into an unbreakable unity where forgiveness and restoration are present, patience under stress is shown, and compassion and care are given to all.
Their united mindset should also be shown in harmony (synpsychoi) with one another. The adjective used here is made up of two words: the preposition “with” (syn) and “life” or “soul” (psychē), with the meaning of a deep connection of harmony and unity. They should function as one. Paul hopes the Philippians will have a strong relationship with one another that will see them through their trials and suffering (1:27). There is strength in joining our souls with others.
Finally, their attitude and thinking can be as one body. They should realize that every person is important and no one should be left out. The unity of the church is an important theme in many of Paul’s letters. If each believer has his or her mind focused on Christ, then together they will find strength and purpose.
These opening verses to chapter 2 speak important words to Christians who isolate themselves from others and emphasize their individual or private spiritual life. Trying to battle the darkness, temptation, and suffering by oneself will only lead to defeat and may result in divisive barriers being setup in the church. If believers will come together as one, great things can be accomplished for God’s kingdom, and every person will experience strength from the love and compassion of others.
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