12 So then, my loved ones, as you have at all times done what I say, not only when I am present, but now much more when I am not with you, give yourselves to working out your salvation with fear in your hearts; 13 For it is God who is the cause of your desires and of your acts, for his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without protests and arguments; 15 So that you may be holy and gentle, children of God without sin in a twisted and foolish generation, among whom you are seen as lights in the world, 16 Offering the word of life; so that I may have glory in you in the day of Christ, because my running was not for nothing and my work was not without effect. 17 And even if I am offered like a drink offering, giving myself for the cause and work of your faith, I am glad and have joy with you all: 18 And in the same way do you be glad and have a part in my joy.
19 But I am hoping in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you before long, so that I may be comforted when I have news of you. 20 For I have no man of like mind who will truly have care for you. 21 For they all go after what is theirs, not after the things of Christ. 22 But his quality is clear to you; how, as a child is to its father, so he was a help to me in the work of the good news. 23 Him then I am hoping to send as quickly as possible, when I am able to see how things will go for me: 24 But I have faith in the Lord that I myself will come before long. 25 But it seemed to me necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, who has taken part with me in the work and in the fight, and your servant, sent by you for help in my need; 26 Because his heart was with you all, and he was greatly troubled because you had news that he was ill: 27 For in fact he was ill almost to death: but God had mercy on him; and not only on him but on me, so that I might not have grief on grief. 28 I have sent him, then, the more gladly, so that when you see him again, you may be happy and I may have the less sorrow. 29 So take him to your hearts in the Lord with all joy, and give honour to such as he is: 30 Because for the work of Christ he was near to death, putting his life in danger to make your care for me complete.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Philippians 2:12-30
Commentary on Philippians 2:12-18
(Read Philippians 2:12-18)
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.
Commentary on Philippians 2:19-30
(Read Philippians 2:19-30)
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.