Philippians 2:1

“If [there be] therefore any consolation in Christ, etc.] Or “exhortation”, as the word is sometimes rendered; that is, either if there is any exhortation of Christ to love and unity, as there is in (<431334>John 13:34 15:11,17), and this is of any weight and value; or if an exhortation hereunto made in the name of Christ, by any of his ministers, messengers, and ambassadors, will be regarded, as it ought to be, then fulfil ye my joy, etc. (<500502>Philippians 2:2), but as the word is frequently translated “consolation”, as it is here in the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Arabic versions; the sense may be either, if there is any comfort to be given to them that are in Christ Jesus, as every…”

“CONTINUED EXHORTATION: TO UNITY: TO HUMILITY AFTER CHRIST'S EXAMPLE, WHOSE GLORY FOLLOWED HIS HUMILIATION: TO EARNESTNESS IN SEEKING PERFECTION, THAT THEY MAY BE HIS JOY IN THE DAY OF CHRIST: HIS JOYFUL READINESS TO BE OFFERED NOW BY DEATH, SO AS TO PROMOTE THEIR FAITH. HIS INTENTION TO SEND TIMOTHY: HIS SENDING EPAPHRODITUS MEANTIME. (Phi. 2:1-30) The "therefore" implies that he is here expanding on the exhortation (Phi 1:27), "In one Spirit, with one mind (soul)." He urges four influencing motives in this verse, to inculcate the four Christian duties corresponding respectively to them (Phi 2:2). "That ye be like-minded, having the same love, of one accord, of one mind"; (1) "If there be…”

“If there be therefore any consolation in Christ - This, with what is said in the remainder of the verse, is designed as a motive for what he exhorts them to in Philippians 2:2 - that they would be of the same mind, and would thus fulfill his joy. To urge them to this, he appeals to the tender considerations which religion furnished - and begins by a reference to the consolation which there was in Christ. The meaning here may be this: “I am now persecuted and afflicted. In my trials it will give me the highest joy to learn that you act as becomes Christians. You also are persecuted and afflicted Philippians 1:28-30; and, in these circumstances, I entreat that the highest consolation may be…”

“If there be therefore any consolation - In the grace of Christ. If any comfort - In the love of God. If any fellowship of the Holy Ghost; if any bowels of mercies - Resulting therefrom; any tender affection towards each other. Philippians 2:2”

“2:1-11 In the midst of their persecution, Paul encourages the Philippians to be united and to live a humble life like Christ. 2:1-2 Is there . . . ? These rhetorical questions expect positive answers. Those who have a real experience of Christ should live together in harmony and love.”

“any consolation: Phi 3:3; Luk 2:10, Luk 2:11, Luk 2:25; Joh 14:18, Joh 14:27, Joh 15:11, Joh 16:22-24, Joh 17:13; Rom 5:1, Rom 5:2; Rom 15:12, Rom 15:13; Co1 15:31; Co2 1:5, Co2 1:6, Co2 2:14; Th2 2:16, Th2 2:17; Heb 6:18; Pe1 1:6-8 if any comfort: Psa 133:1; Joh 15:10-12; Act 2:46, Act 4:32; Gal 5:22; Eph 4:30-32; Col 2:2; Jo1 4:7, Jo1 4:8, Jo1 4:12, Jo1 4:16 if any fellowship: Rom 5:5, Rom 8:9-16, Rom 8:26; Co1 3:16, Co1 6:19, Co1 6:20, Co1 12:13; Co2 13:14; Gal 4:6; Eph 1:13, Eph 1:14, Eph 2:18-22, Eph 4:4; Pe1 1:2, Pe1 1:22, Pe1 1:23; Jo1 3:24 if any bowels: Phi 1:8; Col 3:12 Philippians 2:2”