Philippians – Chapter 2

New Testament30 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 2 of Philippians begins: "If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of charity, if any society of the spirit, if any bowels of commiseration:" Timothy stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 30 verses, two threads run through the text: worship and praise and family and covenant relationships. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of charity, if any society of the spirit, if any bowels of commiseration:

2Fulfil ye my joy, that you be of one mind, having the same charity, being of one accord, agreeing in sentiment.

3Let nothing be done through contention: neither by vain glory. But in humility, let each esteem others better than themselves:

4Each one not considering the things that are his own, but those that are other men's.

5For let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

6Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7But emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men, and in habit found as a man.

8He humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death, even to the death of the cross.

9For which cause, God also hath exalted him and hath given him a name which is above all names:

10That in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth:

11And that every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father.

12Wherefore, my dearly beloved, (as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only but much more now in my absence) with fear and trembling work out your salvation.

13For it is God who worketh in you, both to will and to accomplish, according to his good will.

14And do ye all things without murmurings and hesitations:

15That you may be blameless and sincere children of God, without reproof, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation: among whom you shine as lights in the world.

16Holding forth the word of life to my glory in the day of Christ: because I have not run in vain, nor laboured in vain.

17Yea, and if I be made a victim upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and congratulate with you all.

18And for the selfsame thing, do you also rejoice and congratulate with me.

19And I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy unto you shortly, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know the things concerning you.

20For I have no man so of the same mind, who with sincere affection is solicitous for you.

21For all seek the things that are their own not the things that are Jesus Christ's.

22Now know ye the proof of him: that as a son with the father, so hath he served with me in the gospel.

23Him therefore I hope to send unto you immediately: so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.

24And I trust in the Lord that I myself also shall come to you shortly.

25But I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow labourer and fellow soldier, but your apostle: and he that hath ministered to my wants.

26For indeed he longed after you all: and was sad, for that you had heard that he was sick.

27For indeed he was sick, nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him. And not only on him, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

28Therefore, I sent him the more speedily: that seeing him again, you may rejoice, and I may be without sorrow.

29Receive him therefore with all joy in the Lord: and treat with honour such as he is.

30Because for the work of Christ he came to the point of death: delivering his life, that he might fulfil that which on your part was wanting towards my service.

Important Verses in Philippians 2

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of charity, if any society of the spirit, if any bowels of commiseration:

Philippians 2:1

And that every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:11

That you may be blameless and sincere children of God, without reproof, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation: among whom you shine as lights in the world.

Philippians 2:15

For indeed he was sick, nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him. And not only on him, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

Philippians 2:27

Historical Context

Philippians addresses the faithful church at Philippi, taught to rejoice in the Lord always within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 2 of 4 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 30 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Timothy appear at the center of the events recorded here. The chapter begins: "If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of charity, if any society of the spirit, if any bowels…" The final verse reads: "Because for the work of Christ he came to the point of death: delivering his life, that he might fulfil that which on…" Read against its original backdrop, Written in chains to his beloved first European church, Philippians overflows with joy—the word appears sixteen times. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: About AD 61-62.

Who Wrote It

The Apostle Paul, writing from prison

When It Was Written

About AD 61-62

Catholic Commentary

The apostolic author instructs the Church on doctrine, morality, and community life. A pivotal line is verse 1: "If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of charity, if any society of the spirit, if any bowels of commiseration:" The passage repeatedly touches on worship and praise.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of joy in Christ and the mind of Christ. the Christ hymn reveals His divine nature and humility (CIC 461). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 2578).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • Christian hope rests not on circumstances but on the unfailing promises of God.

People in This Chapter

Timothy1 mention

Reflection for Today

As Catholics read Philippians Chapter 2, we do so within the living Tradition that has guarded this text for two millennia.

The saints did not treat Scripture as antiquarian literature. St. Teresa of Avila, St. Francis de Sales, and countless others used passages such as this to fuel daily conversion. the dignity of the human person remains a practical lesson for modern disciples.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of the dignity of the human person bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Philippians Chapter 2 about?

Philippians 2 contains 30 verses. It opens with "If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of charity, if any society of the spirit, if any bowels…" and closes with "Because for the work of Christ he came to the point of death: delivering his life, that he might fulfil that which on…". The book as a whole is epistle.

What is a key verse in Philippians 2?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of charity, if any society of the spirit, if any bowels of commiseration:" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Philippians Chapter 2?

This chapter mentions Timothy.

Who wrote Philippians and when?

The Apostle Paul, writing from prison. About AD 61-62.

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