Chapter 2
Exhortations
to a kind, humble spirit and behaviour
|
1–4
|
The
example of Christ
|
5–11
|
Diligence
in the affairs of salvation, and to be examples to the world
|
12–18
|
The
apostle’s purpose of visiting Philippi
|
19–30
|
Verses 1–4
Here are further exhortations to Christian duties; to
like-mindedness and lowly-mindedness, according to the example of the Lord
Jesus. Kindness is the law of Christ’s kingdom, the lesson of his school, the
livery of his family. Several motives to brotherly love are mentioned. If you
expect or experience the benefit of God’s compassions to yourselves, be
compassionate one to another. It is the joy of ministers to see people
like-minded. Christ came to humble us, let there not be among us a spirit of
pride. We must be severe upon our own faults, and quick in observing our own
defects, but ready to make favourable allowances for others. We must kindly
care for others, but not be busy-bodies in other men’s matters. Neither inward
nor outward peace can be enjoyed, without lowliness of mind.
Verses 5–11
The example of our Lord Jesus Christ is set before us. We
must resemble him in his life, if we would have the benefit of his death.
Notice the two natures of Christ; his Divine nature, and human nature. Who
being in the form of God, partaking the Divine nature, as the eternal and
only-begotten Son of God, Joh 1:1, had not thought it a robbery to be equal
with God, and to receive Divine worship from men. His human nature; herein he
became like us in all things except sin. Thus low, of his own will, he stooped
from the glory he had with the Father before the world was. Christ’s two
states, of humiliation and exaltation, are noticed. Christ not only took upon
him the likeness and fashion, or form of a man, but of one in a low state; not
appearing in splendour. His whole life was a life of poverty and suffering. But
the lowest step was his dying the death of the cross, the death of a malefactor
and a slave; exposed to public hatred and scorn. The exaltation was of Christ’s
human nature, in union with the Divine. At the name of Jesus, not the mere
sound of the word, but the authority of Jesus, all should pay solemn homage. It
is to the glory of God the Father, to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord; for it
is his will, that all men should honour the Son as they honour the Father, Joh
5:23. Here we see such motives to self-denying love as nothing else can supply.
Do we thus love and obey the Son of God?
Verses 12–18
We must be diligent in the use of all the means which lead to
our salvation, persevering therein to the end. With great care, lest, with all
our advantages, we should come short. Work out your salvation, for it is God
who worketh in you. This encourages us to do our utmost, because our labour
shall not be in vain: we must still depend on the grace of God. The working of
God’s grace in us, is to quicken and engage our endeavours. God’s good-will to
us, is the cause of his good work in us. Do your duty without murmurings. Do
it, and do not find fault with it. Mind your work, and do not quarrel with it.
By peaceableness; give no just occasion of offence. The children of God should
differ from the sons of men. The more perverse others are, the more careful we
should be to keep ourselves blameless and harmless. The doctrine and example of
consistent believers will enlighten others, and direct their way to Christ and
holiness, even as the light-house warns mariners to avoid rocks, and directs
their course into the harbour. Let us try thus to shine. The gospel is the word
of life, it makes known to us eternal life through Jesus Christ. Running,
denotes earnestness and vigour, continual pressing forward; labouring, denotes
constancy, and close application. It is the will of God that believers should
be much in rejoicing; and those who are so happy as to have good ministers,
have great reason to rejoice with them.
Verses 19–30
It is best with us, when our duty becomes natural to us.
Naturally, that is, sincerely, and not in pretence only; with a willing heart
and upright views. We are apt to prefer our own credit, ease, and safety,
before truth, holiness, and duty; but Timothy did not so. Paul desired liberty,
not that he might take pleasure, but that he might do good. Epaphroditus was
willing to go to the Philippians, that he might be comforted with those who had
sorrowed for him when he was sick. It seems, his illness was caused by the work
of God. The apostle urges them to love him the more on that account. It is
doubly pleasant to have our mercies restored by God, after great danger of
their removal; and this should make them more valued. What is given in answer
to prayer, should be received with great thankfulness and joy.
Excerpt from:
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Bible
Matthew Henry (1662 - 1714)
Visit www.e-sword.net
or www.ccel.org
