Philippians 2:16-18

Ultimately what engenders harmony among the Christians at Philippi and among Christians today is their mutual possession of gospel. Paul’s “while” assumes that his flock is indeed clinging to this gospel—what he calls the “word of [i.e., that produces] life”—but it functions just as much like a command to hold on to it. As apostle he realizes the dire urgency of this instruction; so many distractions and obstacles together conspire to loosen the church’s hold on their very basis of existence. He knows, however, that should the Philippians stand fast, as their apostle he will be able to boast when the “day of [i.e., that is characterized by] Christ” comes, a day which entails judgment and salvation. For all of Paul’s work to this point—his deprivation, his imprisonment, his decision not to “go and be with Christ”—will prove to have paid off.

Paul’s linkage of his status with that of Philippians on that ultimate day of reckoning is profound. How often do Christians today—I, especially—think of accomplishment in terms of comfort, prestige, financial success? Paul, instead, is driven by a vision of his spiritual children “being filled with the fruit of righteousness to the glory and praise of God” (1:11) and is willing to give his all to see that accomplished. He concludes this section, in fact, by explaining to the church that he rejoices “even if I am poured out [i.e., die] as a sacrifice and service to your faith” (2:17). And they too, he says, “should be glad and rejoice with” him (2:18).