The chapter speaks of the disciple and the servant, a man of humility and integrity. Paul brings the examples of Christ Himself, and of others.

v1: For "if" read "since"; since we have encouragement in Christ; since we have comfort from His love; since we have fellowship with the Spirit; since we have tenderness and compassion. All these things are ours and should be in increasing measure. They are our inward experience of Christ, and are essential as we endure the trials and opposition, as referred to in chapter 1.

v2: We have received the blessings from Christ, and we experience unity as the children of God; like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose; united in love for Christ, in belief and doctrine, in practice and service. Where there is a problem, such as mentioned in 4.2, here we have a framework for dealing with it.

v3-4: What we do is not so important as the way we do it; God considers our underlying motives. These verses show the importance of a godly mind and attitude (see 3.15-16,19; 4.2,7).

We are to avoid personal criticism and self-edification; and prefer and honour others, encouraging them and building them up. Avoid grudges and bitterness and pride.

Jesus travelled far to bless individuals, Mark 5.1; 7.24; Luke 17.10, and we are commanded to do the same, Num 6.2; 7.1-5. Paul bemoans the fact that many do not share this attitude, v21.

v5: Christ is our example, the perfection of humility; 1.8,24,27; 2.30; 3.17; 4.8, and we are commanded to have the same attitude as Him.

v6: Being in the form of God, Gk: MORPHE THEOUS, the divine nature truly existed in Jesus Christ. This is a very strong statement of Christ's full deity, consistent with Col 2.9. The same word, MORPHE, appears in v7, "very nature of a servant" (or "the form of a servant"), but not in v8, "in appearance as a man". Equality with God is absolutely appropriate for Jesus Christ. He did not need to grasp “equality with God,” for this was always His. He did not seek position. Contrast Lucifer, who sought to ascend to the highest place  (Is 14.13-14). 

It is not easy to understand that Christ emptied Himself, yet retained the nature of God. It seems clear that Christ did not empty Himself of what He essentially was and is. He retained His divine attributes, but He did lay aside some insignia of divine majesty.

v7-8: These verses describe 'seven steps of humility', from the highest place to the lowest place. We see that the Son of God "made Himself nothing", without obligation from mankind, but only from the Godhead. He came as a servant, not a king, poor not rich, humble not proud. His appearance as a man had nothing outwardly to attract us (Is 53.2). His obedience led Him to the terrible death on the cross. His total identification with mankind meant that He entered death itself. Death on a cross implies that He was treated as a wrong doer. Cicero, the great poet, could not describe such a death, ‘How can I describe being raised up on a cross?’

Since we are to have the same attitude, even though our actual experience cannot be identical, we must be truly humble;

We are to seek no reputation for ourselves, see 2 Cor 6.6, where Paul was totally disinterested in what people thought of him, whether he received honour or dishonour, whether others spread an evil report of a good report. Freedom from self-seeking means freedom to serve others.

The likeness and appearance of man means identification, see 1 Cor 9.19-23, where Paul sought, as far as possible, to identify with those he was reaching with the gospel.

To be humbled; lit. 'to lie low', here is our deliberate choice. The Lord Jesus commended those who humble themselves. This includes being prepared to be mistreated as an evil doer.

v9: God's exaltation of Christ, 2 Cor 10.18; 1 Pet 5.6-7, the One who humbled Himself. Since Christ voluntarily humbled Himself, He received due exaltation; God highly exalted Him.

His Name is the highest of all names, see Eph 1.20-21.

v10: Every knee will bow before Him. All of creation will, involuntarily, bow before Jesus Christ; God will insist that this is done. This is not worship from a heart of faith and love, but the ultimate manifestation of Christ's right as Lord of Lords.

Put simply, by making Himself of no account, everyone must now take account of Jesus Christ.

v11: Every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord; quoting Is 46.23; another clear declaration of the deity of Christ. See also 1 Cor 12.3, where the Holy Spirit proclaims His Lordship.

v12-30: Servants in a dark world. We realise that circumstances will never be favourable for Christian growth, and there will always be antagonism. Timothy and Epaphroditus are set as examples.

v12: The Philippians were obedient, even in Paul's absence. It can be easier to do things right when other Christians are watching; it can be harder on our own, or amongst unbelievers. See 2 Pet 1.10; we work out our own salvation, we make our calling and election sure; here is a deliberate effort to obey God in all things.

• v13: Our confidence is in God's work in our lives, see 1.6. He will bring about His will, developing character, and promoting obedience. Having begun in the Spirit, we continue in the Spirit. But this confidence does not promote laziness, but commitment.

v14: Murmuring and disputing are not commended, see Num 16; Heb 3.9; Prov 6.19. This contrasts with the attitude commended in v3-4.

v15: What we should be;

• Blameless and pure, or holy and innocent;
• Children of God, having His character;
• Without fault; maintaining personal integrity.

All this in a world full of evil influences; we must be distinct from the crooked and perverse ways of the world.

No wonder we will shine as lights; such a devotion is quite dramatic; our lives cannot fail to have a real impact upon the world.

v16: We need to be faithful to the gospel. This is not just the proclamation of the message, but the life that matches the gospel. Paul rejoiced that the Christians that he had helped would be faithful. These people were his glory and joy (4.1).

v17: The Drink Offering poured out, see Gen 35.14; 2 Sam 23.16. An expression of utter devotion to God. Paul was willing to give himself totally for the blessing of others.

v18: Since Paul does not begrudge the personal cost in seeing blessing upon others, and indeed he genuinely rejoices in their blessing, he urges them to rejoice with him.

v19: Rather than lift himself up as an example, Paul commends Timothy. He had confidence in Timothy, to whom he could delegate vital work, and who shared his burdens and vision. Notice how warmly Paul speaks of Timothy. Paul is sending TImothy with a clear purpose, and confident that Timothy shared Paul's heart.

v20-21: Timothy cared for others, in a way that few others did. Most look out for their own interests, but Timothy laid aside his interests, and gave his life to serve Christ.

v22: A proven character, faithfully serving God; a fellow-labourer, a real disciple, a beloved son.

v23-24: Paul's plan, after sending Timothy, was to go to Philippi himself.

v25: Paul had already sent Epaphroditus, perhaps with the letter. Again, he is a brother, a fellow worker, and a fellow soldier. He shared in the work with Paul. As "your messenger", he perhaps came from Philippi, bringing news of developments there, and ministered to Paul's needs, perhaps bringing a gift from Philippi (see 4.15-18). As with TImothy, Paul speaks warmly of Epaphroditus.

v26-27: Hearts were moved by concern for others. Here is real love for the brethren. See 1 Cor 12.26.

v28: Since Epaphroditus had been ill when he had been with Paul, the Philippians would have wanted to see him again. Paul knew that by sending him back there would be encouragement all round.

v29: Such men as Epaphroditus and Timothy must be welcomed properly, and also esteemed highly, and their example followed (3.17).

v30: The final commendation, that Epaphroditus' commitment to Christ had almost cost him his life. He willingly put aside personal needs that he might serve the Saviour.