United in Love
Paul asks for unity, then grounds it in the way Christ went down rather than up, emptying himself, taking a servant's form, obedient as far as death on a cross, before our Father raised him to the highest name. He also sends Timothy, and Epaphroditus.
2 1So if any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any deep communion in the Holy Spirit, any tenderness and compassion exist, 2complete my joy: think alike, love alike, unite in spirit, one in purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should attend not only to your own interests, but also to others'.
5Have this mindset among yourselves—one that is yours in Christ Jesus, 6who, existing in the form of our Father, did not consider equality with our Father something to be grasped, 7but emptied himself by taking on the form of a servant and being born in human likeness. 8And appearing as a human being, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross. 9Therefore our Father exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of our Father.
Children of the Father, Shining Stars
12So, my dear ones, as you've always obeyed—not only in my presence but now much more in my absence—keep working out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13for our Father works in you, giving both the will and the work for his good purpose.
14Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15so you may be blameless and pure, faultless children of our Father amid a crooked and depraved generation—shining among them like stars in the world, 16holding firmly to the word of life, so I can boast on Christ's day that I didn't run or work for nothing. 17But even if I'm poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I'm glad and rejoice with you all. a a v17 A drink offering was wine poured out at the altar in worship; Paul pictures his life poured over their faith. 18So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
Timothy and Epaphroditus
19I hope, in the Lord Jesus, to send Timothy to you soon, so I too may be encouraged, knowing how you are. 20I have no one else like him, who will genuinely care for your welfare. 21For they all look after their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22You know Timothy's proven worth—like a son with a father, he served with me in the gospel work. 23So I hope to send him as soon as I see how things go with me, 24and I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.
25I thought it necessary to send Epaphroditus back to you—my brother, coworker, and fellow soldier, your messenger and servant for my needs. 26He has longed for you all, and is troubled that you heard he was sick. 27Indeed he was sick, and nearly died. But our Father had mercy on him—not only him but me too, sparing me sorrow upon sorrow. 28So I'm more eager to send him, so seeing him again you'll rejoice and I'll worry less. 29Welcome him in the Lord with all joy, and honor people like him, 30because he neared death for Christ's work, risking his life to make up your missing help to me.
