Online Resource Library
Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadBob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Philippians 2:12 - 2:13
(Show All Books | Show All Chapters)
This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Php_2:12-13
12So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 13for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
Php_2:12-13 This is one sentence in Greek.
Php_2:12 "So then" This is obviously connected to the previous discussion of the humility and obedience of Christ. In light of Christ's ultimate example in Php_2:6-11, these believers were implored to live (1) humbly and caringly, Php_2:1-5, and (2) like Christ, Php_2:14-18.
▣ "my beloved" Paul loved this church in a special way (cf. Php_4:15-16). Paul uses this phrase often to describe those converted under his ministry (cf. Rom_12:19; Rom_16:8-9; Rom_16:12; 1Co_4:14; 1Co_4:17; 1Co_10:14; 1Co_15:58; 2Co_7:1; 2Co_12:19; Eph_6:21; Php_4:1 [twice]; Col_4:7; Col_4:9; Col_4:14; 1Ti_6:2; 2Ti_1:2; Phm_1:1-2; Phm_1:16).
NASB, NKJV "as you have always obeyed"
NRSV, TEV "as you have always obeyed me"
NJB "you have always been obedient"
The text does not state who they obeyed. It could have been (1) Father/Son/Spirit; (2) the Christian faith; or (3) Paul. The obedience of Christ, mentioned in Php_2:8, was given as an example for the Philippians to follow (cf. Luk_6:46). This phrase may refer to the church's obedience to Paul's teaching (cf. Php_2:12 b). Christianity is a process which involves repentance, faith, obedience, service, and perseverance!
▣ "not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence" Christianity is what we are, not what we do! Believers must not perform acts to be seen (cf. Php_1:27; Eph_6:6; Col_3:22).
▣ "work out your salvation" This verb is a mathematical term used of a problem brought to its conclusion. Its form is present middle (deponent) imperative plural.
Php_2:12-13 have been the focus of much theological discussion relating to the sovereignty of God, which is emphasized in Php_2:13 (cf. Php_1:6), and the free will of human persons which is called on in Php_2:12. The term "salvation" in Php_2:12
1. refers to a believer's spiritual relationship with Christ. Paul has just mentioned becoming a Christian in Php_2:9-10. This is another example of the tension between sovereignty and free-will, both initial and ongoing (cf. Php_2:16)
2. does not refer to eternal spiritual salvation, but either to
a. OT "physical deliverance"
b. "wholeness," as it does in Php_1:19
This aspect of salvation as "wholeness" can also be seen in Act_4:10; Act_14:9; Act_27:34. The initiating grace of God and the required faith response of a repentant human are clearly seen in Eph_2:8-9. Obviously, believers do not work for their salvation, but after they are saved, they cooperate with the Spirit to live in Christlike maturity (cf. Php_2:14-17; Eph_2:10; Eph_5:18). Salvation is all of God and totally free but it requires an active, costly, repentant, continuing faith response (cf. Mat_13:44-46).
The context militates against an individualistic interpretation because the "your" in Php_2:12, "you" in Php_2:13, and all the verbs are plural, which refers to the entire Philippian church, not to an individual's spiritual salvation. If it did refer to spiritual salvation it is corporate (cf. Php_1:28) and progressive (cf. 1Co_1:18; 1Co_15:2; 2Co_2:15). The thrust of the passage may have been to encourage them to trust in God's presence and purpose for the church at Philippi (cf. Gal_3:4; 1Co_15:2).
▣ "with fear and trembling" This was an OT idiom of respect and awe towards God (cf. Psa_2:11; Psa_119:120). It is used several times in Paul's writings (cf. 1Co_2:3; 2Co_7:15; Eph_6:5). Believers need to remember the transcendent Holiness of God!
Php_2:13 "for it is God who is at work in you" "God" is placed first in the sentence for emphasis. The term "work" is a present active participle which refers to "continuous effective work" (cf. Gal_5:6). This is a different compound term from Php_2:12 but the same root. The phrase "in you" is plural and may mean "among you," which focuses on God's activity in the life of the Church (cf. Col_1:27).
NASB "both to will and to work for His good pleasure"
NKJV "both to will and to do His good pleasure"
NRSV "both to will and to work for his good pleasure
TEV "to make you willing and able to obey his own purpose"
NJB "for his own generous purpose, gives you the intention and the powers to act"
Believers' attitudes and actions are produced by the Spirit. The present active participle of Php_2:13 a is repeated as a present active infinitive in Php_2:13 b. This is the paradox of a sovereign God and a covenant-making God. Salvation is a free gift and a cost-everything commitment! Paul is a good example of God's undeserved grace (cf. 1Co_15:10). In this context (cf. Gal_3:4; 1Co_15:2) God's will is for a united, loving, witnessing, effective church.