Philippians Chapter 2 Breakdown

1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

If there is any comfort in Yeshua, any security of love, any fellowship in the Spirit, do the same job as Paul. Be like minded.

3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.

Do not do things out of selfish ambition, or conceitedness. Rather do things in humbleness and look upon others as being better than yourself.

4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Look out for your own interests as well as the interests of others.

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.

Have the same mind as Yeshua. That is, do not set yourself equal with YHWH. You should make yourself low, not a man of high reputation.

8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

Not only did Yeshua, YHWH in the flesh, show up on earth in the form of a man, he humbled Himself and was obedient to the word of YHWH, even to the His own death.

9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Due to that, YHWH glorified Him, and gave Him a name above every name. At the name of Yeshua, every knee will bow, both in heaven and on earth, and even under the earth. Every tongue will eventually confess glory to YHWH. I would like to point out this sentence mentions those under the earth. That is a topic for another discussion, but it is quite interesting to think about.

12 Therefore, 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; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Just as you have always obeyed YHWH, not only when I am with you but also when I am not, you should work on your own salvation using the fear and trembling of YHWH. When Paul speaks of obeying, he is always referring to YHWH’s given law. It is the law of YHWH that keeps us from sin. YHWH works in us and through us. He wills us to do things for His good. If we do this, that is keep His law, it pleases Him.

14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

Do all these things, again Paul was just speaking about keeping YHWH’s law, in order to become blameless and harmless, without fault even within a wicked population. If you are keeping His law, you will shine as a light of the world. You are to secure yourself to the word of life. The word of life is the Torah.

1 John 1:1-3

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life— the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us— that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.

We see in 1 John it is the word from the beginning, which is the Torah, that is the Word of life.

17 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.

Paul says his works are similar to a drink offering on the sacrifice. That is, his works go hand in hand with the teachings and death of Yeshua.

18 For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.

You should be doing the same and you would be rejoicing with Paul.

19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state.

Timothy will be sent to Philippi soon. Paul is eagerly awaiting the news of Philippi.

20 For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.

Paul doesn’t have anyone like-minded besides Timothy, who cares for Philippi.

21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.

Everyone Paul knows seeks to work with their own people, instead of spreading the word to all the nations such as what Yeshua wanted.

22 But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.

You people know Timothy and his character. Timothy has served with Paul in the gospel.

23 Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me.

Paul plans to send him as soon as possible.

24 But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.

Paul then says he also plans to come to Philippi.

25 Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.

Paul also is sending Epaphroditus, another worker of the word. He longed for Philippi because of his distress.

27 For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

Epaphroditus almost died. Paul would have been tremendously upset and sad if he would have died.

28 Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful.

Paul has sent Epaphroditus due to his eagerness.

29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.

Be happy to see him and rejoice with him. Because of the work of Yeshua, Epaphroditus came close to death.