Philippians 2

Christ's Example of Humility

1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from f love, any g participation in the Spirit, any h affection and sympathy, 2 i complete my joy by being j of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from k rivalry or l conceit, but in m humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you n look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 o Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 1 6 p who, though he was in q the form of God, did not count equality with God r a thing to be grasped, 7 but s made himself nothing, taking the form of a t servant, 2 u being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by v becoming obedient to the point of death, w even death on a cross. 9 x Therefore y God has z highly exalted him and bestowed on him a the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus b every knee should bow, c in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and d every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is e Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Lights in the World

12 Therefore, my beloved, f as you have always g obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for h it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for i his good pleasure.

14 Do all things j without grumbling or k questioning, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, l children of God m without blemish n in the midst of o a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine p as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to q the word of life, so that in r the day of Christ s I may be proud that t I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be u poured out as a drink offering upon v the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

Timothy and Epaphroditus

19 I hope in the Lord Jesus w to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one x like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all y seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy's 3 z proven worth, how a as a son 4 with a father b he has served with me in the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and c I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.

25 I have thought it necessary to send to you d Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and e fellow soldier, and your messenger and f minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So g receive him in the Lord with all joy, and h honor such men, 30 for he nearly died i for the work of Christ, risking his life j to complete what was lacking in your service to me.

  1. Cross References
    Romans 15:30
    I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf.
    2 Thessalonians 2:16
    Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace.
  2. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 13:14
    The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
  3. Cross References
    Colossians 3:12
    Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
  4. Cross References
    John 3:29
    The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete.
    John 15:11
    These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
  5. Cross References
    Romans 12:16
    Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.
  6. Cross References
    Philippians 1:17
    The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.
  7. Cross References
    Galatians 5:26
    Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
  8. Cross References
    Ephesians 5:21
    Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
    Romans 12:10
    Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
    Ephesians 4:2
    With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.
  9. Cross References
    Romans 15:2
    Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
  10. Cross References
    Romans 15:3
    For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.
    Matthew 11:29
    Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
  11. Cross References
    John 1:1
    In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
  12. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 4:4
    In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
  13. Cross References
    John 5:18
    This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.
    John 10:33
    The Jews answered him, "It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.
    John 14:28
    You heard me say to you, 'I am going away, and I will come to you.' If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.
  14. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 8:9
    For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
    2 Corinthians 13:4
    For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God.
    Mark 9:12
    And he said to them, "Elijah does come first to restore all things. And how is it written of the Son of Man that he should suffer many things and be treated with contempt?
  15. Cross References
    Isaiah 42:1
    Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.
    Matthew 20:28
    Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
  16. Cross References
    Romans 8:3
    For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh.
    Galatians 4:4
    But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law.
    John 1:14
    And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
  17. Cross References
    Hebrews 5:8
    Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.
    Matthew 26:39
    And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.
    John 10:18
    No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.
    Romans 5:19
    For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous.
  18. Cross References
    Hebrews 12:2
    Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
  19. Cross References
    John 10:17
    For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again.
    Isaiah 52:13
    Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted.
    Isaiah 53:12
    Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.
    Hebrews 2:9
    But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
  20. Cross References
    Matthew 28:18
    And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
  21. Cross References
    Acts 2:33
    Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing.
  22. Cross References
    Ephesians 1:21
    Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
    Hebrews 1:4
    Having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
    Acts 5:41
    Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.
  23. Cross References
    Isaiah 45:23
    By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return: 'To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.
    Romans 14:11
    For it is written, "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
  24. Cross References
    Revelation 5:3
    And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it.
    Revelation 5:13
    And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!
    Ephesians 1:10
    As a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
  25. Cross References
    Romans 10:9
    Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
    1 Corinthians 12:3
    Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says "Jesus is accursed!" and no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except in the Holy Spirit.
  26. Cross References
    Romans 14:9
    For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.
    John 13:13
    You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am.
  27. Cross References
    Philippians 1:5
    Because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
    Philippians 4:15
    And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.
  28. Cross References
    Hebrews 5:9
    And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him.
    2 Corinthians 10:5
    We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.
    1 Peter 1:2
    According to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.
  29. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 12:6
    And there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.
    Hebrews 13:21
    Equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
    1 Corinthians 15:10
    But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.
  30. Cross References
    1 Timothy 2:4
    Who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
  31. Cross References
    1 Peter 4:9
    Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
  32. Cross References
    1 Timothy 2:8
    I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling.
  33. Cross References
    Matthew 5:45
    So that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
    Ephesians 5:1
    Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.
  34. Cross References
    Jude 1:24
    Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy.
  35. Cross References
    1 Peter 2:12
    Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
  36. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 32:5
    They have dealt corruptly with him; they are no longer his children because they are blemished; they are a crooked and twisted generation.
  37. Cross References
    Matthew 5:14
    You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
    Matthew 5:16
    In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
    Titus 2:10
    Not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.
  38. Cross References
    Acts 5:20
    "Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life."
  39. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 1:8
    Who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
  40. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 1:14
    Just as you did partially acknowledge us - that on the day of our Lord Jesus you will boast of us as we will boast of you.
  41. Cross References
    Galatians 2:2
    I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain.
    1 Thessalonians 3:5
    For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.
    Galatians 4:11
    I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.
  42. Cross References
    1 John 3:16
    By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.
    2 Corinthians 12:15
    I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?
  43. Cross References
    Romans 15:16
    To be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
  44. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 4:17
    That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church.
    1 Thessalonians 3:2
    And we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith.
  45. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 16:10
    When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am.
  46. Cross References
    2 Timothy 3:2
    For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy.
    1 Corinthians 10:24
    Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.
  47. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 2:9
    For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything.
  48. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 4:17
    That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church.
    1 Timothy 1:2
    To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
    2 Timothy 1:2
    To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
  49. Cross References
    2 Timothy 3:10
    You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness.
  50. Cross References
    Philippians 1:25
    Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith.
    Philemon 1:22
    At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you.
  51. Cross References
    Philippians 4:18
    I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.
  52. Cross References
    Philemon 1:2
    And Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house:
  53. Cross References
    Philippians 4:18
    I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.
  54. Cross References
    Romans 16:2
    That you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.
  55. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 16:18
    For they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such men.
    1 Thessalonians 5:12 - 13
    We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you.
    1 Timothy 5:17
    Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.
  56. Cross References
    Acts 20:24
    But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
  57. Cross References
    Philippians 4:10
    I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.
    1 Corinthians 16:17
    I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
Previous Book Next Book