2:1 SO BY whatever [appeal to you there is in our mutual dwelling in Christ, by whatever] strengthening {and} consoling {and} encouraging [our relationship] in Him [affords], by whatever persuasive incentive there is in love, by whatever participation in the [Holy] Spirit [we share], and by whatever depth of affection and compassionate sympathy, |
2:2 Fill up {and} complete my joy by living in harmony {and} being of the same mind {and} one in purpose, having the same love, being in full accord and of one harmonious mind {and} intention. |
2:3 Do nothing from factional motives [through contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit {and} empty arrogance. Instead, in the true spirit of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as better than {and} superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves]. |
2:4 Let each of you esteem {and} look upon {and} be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also each for the interests of others. |
2:5 Let this same attitude {and} purpose {and} [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:] |
2:6 Who, although being essentially one with God {and} in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped {or} retained, |
2:7 But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men {and} was born a human being. |
2:8 And after He had appeared in human form, He abased {and} humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross! |
2:9 Therefore [because He stooped so low] God has highly exalted Him and has freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, |
2:10 That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, |
2:11 And every tongue [frankly and openly] confess {and} acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. |
2:12 Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed [my suggestions], so now, not only [with the enthusiasm you would show] in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence {and} awe and trembling (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ). |
2:13 [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure {and} satisfaction {and} delight. |
2:14 Do all things without grumbling {and} faultfinding {and} complaining [against God] and questioning {and} doubting [among yourselves], |
2:15 That you may show yourselves to be blameless {and} guileless, innocent {and} uncontaminated, children of God without blemish (faultless, unrebukable) in the midst of a crooked {and} wicked generation [spiritually perverted and perverse], among whom you are seen as bright lights (stars or beacons shining out clearly) in the [dark] world, |
2:16 Holding out [to it] {and} offering [to all men] the Word of Life, so that in the day of Christ I may have something of which exultantly to rejoice {and} glory in that I did not run my race in vain or spend my labor to no purpose. |
2:17 Even if [my lifeblood] must be poured out as a libation on the sacrificial offering of your faith [to God], still I am glad [to do it] and congratulate you all on [your share in] it. |
2:18 And you also in like manner be glad and congratulate me on [my share in] it. |
2:19 But I hope {and} trust in the Lord Jesus soon to send Timothy to you, so that I may also be encouraged {and} cheered by learning news of you. |
2:20 For I have no one like him [no one of so kindred a spirit] who will be so genuinely interested in your welfare {and} devoted to your interests. |
2:21 For the others all seek [to advance] their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ (the Messiah). |
2:22 But Timothy's tested worth you know, how as a son with his father he has toiled with me zealously in [serving and helping to advance] the good news (the Gospel). |
2:23 I hope therefore to send him promptly, just as soon as I know how my case is going to turn out. |
2:24 But [really] I am confident {and} fully trusting in the Lord that shortly I myself shall come to you also. |
2:25 However, I thought it necessary to send Epaphroditus [back] to you. [He has been] my brother and companion in labor and my fellow soldier, as well as [having come as] your special messenger (apostle) and minister to my need. |
2:26 For he has been [homesick] longing for you all and has been distressed because you had heard that he was ill. |
2:27 He certainly was ill [too], near to death. But God had compassion on him, and not only on him but also on me, lest I should have sorrow [over him] coming upon sorrow. |
2:28 So I have sent him the more willingly {and} eagerly, that you may be gladdened at seeing him again, and that I may be the less disquieted. |
2:29 Welcome him [home] then in the Lord with all joy, and honor {and} highly appreciate men like him, |
2:30 For it was through working for Christ that he came so near death, risking his [very] life to complete the deficiencies in your service to me [which distance prevented you yourselves from rendering]. |