Philippians 2:1 1Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort from love, if any fellowship in the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,
This chapter shifts from Paul’s situation of suffering to a call for the Philippians to grow stronger in their faith, marked with the consequential transition therefore. Paul’s goal in this letter is to help the Philippians work out the meaning of their salvation by growing in their faith in Christ and dependence upon him. Paul then uses a series of four conditional clauses that indicate qualities that the Philippians potentially had. The structure of these clauses assume these qualities are present in the church and could be recognized by the Philippians. This could be indicated in translation by substituting the word “since” for “if.”
The first clause calls the church to reflect on encouragement (paraklēsis) in Christ. This encouragement can come in the form of comfort, counsel, help, and assurance through the Holy Spirit (John 14:16, 26). This is what we need when we are going through a difficult time because of physical suffering or spiritual battle. This deep sense of abiding peace comes to those who are in a relationship of consecration to God in Christ.
The second clause points to comfort that comes from love (agapēs). The word comfort (paramythion) is closely related in sense to “encouragement” and can mean to alleviate distress and provide relief. Love provides this comfort because it can does not seek to preserve selfish desires but to build up other people. By loving one another, the Philippians would be able to support each other through the highs and lows of life.
The third clause reminds the Philippians of their fellowship (koinōnia) in the Spirit. Their bond together as one body in Christ was possible because of the Spirit of God, who unifies all who are in Christ. Physical distance does not impact the unity of believers. To have this communion with the Spirit requires submission in humility to Jesus Christ as Lord. The Spirit grows fruit within us that changes our character qualities (Galatians 5:22-23) to be more like Christ. These qualities bind us to other believers in mutual love and commitment. The more we open ourselves in obedience to the guidance of the Spirit, the more we will experience this fellowship.
The last clause relates more to the relationship of the Philippians to those around them. Affection (splangchna) refers to the inner parts of body or the entrails. It takes on a figurative sense of deep feelings since often there are “butterflies” flittering in the stomach area when a person has deep feelings of compassion and care for another. Believers share this deep affection because of the love they share with one another. Compassion (oiktirmoi) has a similar sense of feeling towards persons in need. A person responds to this feeling with pity and mercy. When believers have compassion towards one another, they will show it by acts of mercy. Compassion is a response of the heart made holy (Colossians 3:12). The Philippians should have all of these qualities because God is transforming them into the likeness of Jesus Christ who is the perfect model of these.
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