Paul's Letter to the Philippians (New International Commentary on the New Testament) by Fee Gordon D

Author:Fee, Gordon D. [Fee, Gordon D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 0802825117
Publisher: Eerdmans Publishing Co - A
Published: 1995-07-14T00:00:00+00:00

D. APPLICATION AND FINAL APPEAL (2:12-18)

Because of the splendor of the preceding passage, it is easy to forget its aim. But Paul has not forgotten. At issue is the gospel in Philippi: first of all their own "salvation" (v. 12), evidenced by continuing "obedience" —like that of their Savior (v. 8) — but as always, second, with an eye toward evangelism, the effect of the gospel in the world (v. 16). Thus, he returns to his present concern — "obedience" expressed through a common "mindset," for the sake of Christ and the gospel — by applying to their situation what he has just written in 2:6-11.

The application is in three sentences (vv. 12-13, 14-16, 17-18), which together form a single appeal, reflecting a threefold concern: (1) that they return to their common cause, partly (2) for the sake of the gospel in the world, and partly also (3) for Paul's sake, and thus for their mutual eschatological joy. The first two sentences are imperatives, urging first that they show their "obedience" by getting their corporate act together (working out their salvation, is Paul's way of putting it). To which imperative, and lest he be misunderstood, he immediately appends a theological word, a word of ultimate encouragement: God has committed himself to effecting their "obedience" for his own good pleasure. In the second imperative, echoing language from the Pentateuch and Daniel,1 Paul forbids "complaining and arguing" —for the sake of the "crooked and depraved" Philippi in which they "shine as lights" as they hold fast the message that brings life. That sentence concludes on the note of Paul's own ministry among them — that if they thus obey, it will not have been in vain — which leads to the final sentence (vv. 17-18), where he returns to the themes of his suffering, their faith, and mutual joy.

With these final words the argument begun in 1:27 thus comes full circle.2 It began on the note of their walking worthy of the gospel whether Paul is present or absent. This concluding appeal begins on that theme (v. 12) and ends on the motif of their rejoicing together in their mutual suffering (vv. 17-18; cf. 1:18). And that leads directly to vv. 19-30, in which he goes on to "what's next" regarding his and their circumstances — that he expects to hear further about "their affairs," now in light of the present letter, after they have first learned further about "his affairs," and both from the same source, Timothy.

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