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].