Philippians 2:1-2

1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,

2 Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

therefore (v.1) — looks back to 1:27-28

if (v.1) = since, in view of the fact, what follows is fact. In Greek, “if” assumes that what is referred to is true.

consolation (v.1) = encouragement — toward spiritual activity

in Christ (v.1) — available because of our union with Him

comfort of love (v.1) — the tender, joyful effect of love — love as an incentive to action

fellowship of the Spirit (v.1) — because believers share the Spirit and His ministry, they have a motive for unity, sympathy and love

In view of the fact that there is a certain ground of appeal in Christ which exhorts, since there is a certain tender persuasion that comes from divine love, in view of the fact that there is a certain joint-participation with the Spirit in a common interest and activity, since there are certain tenderheartednesses and compassionate yearnings and actions … — Wuest, pages 58-59

affection (v.1) — inward feelings, compassions — the outward expression of those feelings

fulfill my joy (v.2) — Paul already (1:4) expressed his joy at their faith, but he wants them to complete it decisively and wholeheartedly. He then goes on, through verse 5, to explain how they can do this.

being like-minded (v.2) — think the same thing, be of the same mind

one accord (v.2) = fellow-souled — unity in thought, purpose, heart and mind

one mind (v.2) — an intensification of “be like-minded” — minding the one thing — not opinion but moral refection

Paul had nothing corrective to say about the Philippians’ doctrine, but he had heard that they had squabblings and disunity and was addressing that issue by exhorting them to have common interests — the same love, the same sentiment, the same mind

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