FocusHumility and obedience
Connection to the wholeThe appeal against rivalry is grounded in Christ's self-humbling and obedience, directing the church away from self-advancement.
interpretation Philippians 2:11
KJVAnd that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Read it in context
Exhortation to Humility and Unity, with Christ as the Example
Start reading at Philippians 2:1 (Philippians 2:1 to Philippians 2:18).
This unit begins with Paul's appeal for unity and humility among believers, presents Christ's self-emptying and exaltation as the supreme example, and concludes with practical exhortations for believers to 'work out their own salvation' in light of this example.
- 2:1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
- 2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
- 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
- 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
- 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
- 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
- 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
- 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
- 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
- 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
- 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
- 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye 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.
- 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
- 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
- 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
- 2:16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
- 2:17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
- 2:18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul is the principal author, with Timothy named alongside him in the greeting. Biblical references: Philippians 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Philippians 1:1–2:30): Paul addresses the Philippian saints with their overseers and deacons, discussing his imprisonment and calling the community to unity and humility. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? All the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, including their bishops and deacons. Biblical references: Philippians 1:1. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main theme is the universal confession of Jesus Christ's Lordship, which brings glory to God the Father. This confession is the culmination of God's exaltation of Christ following His profound humility and obedience unto death.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing the supreme authority and divine identity of Jesus Christ as Lord, and His ultimate plan for all creation—in heaven, on earth, and under the earth—to acknowledge and confess this truth, thereby bringing glory to God the Father.
- What is the literary style? The passage is part of an epistle, specifically an exhortation that includes a profound theological exposition often referred to as the 'Christ hymn' (Philippians 2:5-11). It combines doctrinal teaching with practical application.
When
- When was it written? Circa A.D. 61.
- When does the event take place? The confession of Jesus Christ as Lord is presented as a future, universal event that will encompass all creation. While believers confess Him as Lord in the present, the passage points to a definitive future moment when 'every tongue' will make this confession.
Where
- Where did it happen? The universal confession of Christ's Lordship is described as occurring in all realms: 'of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth' (Philippians 2:10).
- Where was the author located? The author, Paul, was located in Rome, in prison, when he wrote this letter.
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Exhortation to Humility and Unity, with Christ as the Example (Philippians 2:1 to Philippians 2:18). Start reading at Philippians 2:1. This unit begins with Paul's appeal for unity and humility among believers, presents Christ's self-emptying and exaltation as the supreme example, and concludes with practical exhortations for believers to 'work out their own salvation' in light of this example.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? Philippians 2:11 is the climax of the 'Christ hymn' (Philippians 2:5-11), which serves as the ultimate example of humility and obedience. This example is presented immediately after Paul's exhortation to the Philippian believers to live in unity, humility, and selflessness, esteeming others better than themselves (Philippians 2:1-4). The exaltation of Christ by God the Father, culminating in universal confession, provides the divine motivation and pattern for believers to emulate Christ's mind and attitude. stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? This verse directly points to Christ by declaring His supreme Lordship and prophesying the universal acknowledgment of this truth. It affirms His divine identity and authority, stating that 'every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,' which is the ultimate outcome of God's exaltation of Him after His humble obedience unto death. This highlights Christ's central role in God's redemptive plan and His ultimate glory. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Today, believers are called to willingly confess Jesus Christ as Lord in their lives, aligning their will with His and living in humble obedience, just as Christ exemplified. This confession should lead to a life of selfless service, unity, and shining as lights in the world, anticipating the day when all creation will acknowledge His supreme authority, bringing glory to God the Father. interpretation
Cited: Philippians 1:1, Philippians 2:1-4, Philippians 2:5-8, Philippians 2:9-10, Philippians 2:11, Philippians 2:12-16, Philippians 2:19, Philippians 2:24
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
Philippians 1:1
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- every Ps 18:49 Matt 10:32 John 9:22 John 12:42 Rom 10:9 Rom 15:9 1 John 4:2,15 2 John 1:7
- is Lord Ps 110:1 Jer 23:6 Luke 2:11 John 13:13 John 20:28 Acts 2:36 Acts 10:36 Rom 10:9-12
- to the John 5:23 John 13:31-32 John 14:13,23 John 16:14-15 John 17:1 1 Pet 1:21
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Philippians 2
Paul and Timothy address the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons. Paul's imprisonment and the church's partnership form the setting for calls to unity, humility, endurance, and contentment.
Philippians 1:1 Philippians 1:5 Philippians 1:12
Obedience in daily life
Philippians 2:12–18FocusWorking, shining, and holding forth
Connection to the wholePaul connects God's working within the readers with their active obedience and witness in the midst of a crooked generation.
interpretation Timothy and Epaphroditus
Philippians 2:19–30FocusExamples of faithful care
Connection to the wholeThe plans concerning these workers show concrete examples of the concern for others and costly service commended earlier.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Philippians
Paul and Timothy address the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons. Paul's imprisonment and the church's partnership form the setting for calls to unity, humility, endurance, and contentment.
Philippians 1:1 Philippians 1:5 Philippians 1:12
Thanksgiving and prayer
Philippians 1:1–11FocusPartnership in the gospel
Connection to the wholePaul recalls the church's fellowship and prays for discerning love and fruitful righteousness.
interpretation Imprisonment and worthy conduct
Philippians 1:12–30FocusChrist magnified through adversity
Connection to the wholePaul interprets his circumstances through the gospel's progress and urges the church to stand together amid opposition.
interpretation FocusHumility and self-giving
Connection to the wholeChrist's example grounds the call to humble obedience, with Timothy and Epaphroditus providing practical examples of care.
interpretation Knowing Christ and pressing onward
Philippians 3:1–21FocusTrue confidence and heavenly citizenship
Connection to the wholePaul rejects confidence in fleshly credentials, pursues knowing Christ, and calls the church to follow a faithful pattern.
interpretation Steadfast fellowship and contentment
Philippians 4:1–23FocusPrayer, conduct, and shared support
Connection to the wholeThe closing chapter applies steadfastness to relationships, thought, and need, ending with gratitude for the church's gift.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.