Philippians 2:1

“If there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassions”

“If there is”: This phrase does not express doubt, rather it is equivalent to the affirmative statement, “since there is”. “Therefore”: This term connects this statement to the previous thoughts found in chapter Philippians 1:27-30. “This new section is closely joined to that which precedes it. Paul's emphatic reiteration of the one idea that harmony is essential for Christian community and for an effective effort to defend the gospel (cf. Philippians 1:27; Philippians 2:2). Other concepts such as humility and self-sacrifice (Philippians 2:3) are added, not to divert attention away from the fundamental concept of unity, but to show that unity of spirit flows from humility of spirit, and self-sacrifice flows from. willingness to restrain one's own desires in order to satisfy the desires of others” (Hawthorne pp. 63-64). “If any”: “Paul's appeal is based on the deepest experiences common to every Christian--encouragement in Christ, incentive of love, fellowship of the Spirit, tenderness and compassion” (Hawthorne p. 64). “Exhortation”: Comfort, consolation and comfort. “In Christ”: “Any encouragement comes through union with Christ” (TCNT). “If there is any appeal in our union with Christ” (Wms). “If there is any admonition, encouragement, or exhortation in Christ, that is, derived from our fellowship with Christ” (Muller p. 72). “If Christ, by His example, sufferings, and conflicts, exhorts you” (Vincent p. 428). “If then you receive any help or encouragement or comfort from your vital union with Christ” (Hendriksen p. 98). Hawthorne says this refers to the various "exhortations" they had received from the apostle, which were addressed to people "in Christ". “If this is true, as indeed it is', Paul says, 'and if my words of encouragement have in any way helped you stay true to the faith in the past, then respond accordingly in the present” (p. 65). How many Christians get off on the wrong track, because they simply have forgotten. very basic truth, “Is there anything encouraging about being in Christ"?' “Is there any encouragement in being. Christian?” “Has becoming. Christian brought any comfort or encouragement into your life?” “Consolation”: Or comfort. “A word which comes to the side of one to stimulate or comfort him; hence an exhortation, an encouragement, if any incentive of love” (Vincent pp. 428-429). “Has as its fundamental idea, ‘to speak to someone', or ‘to speak to someone by coming close to his side', and always in. friendly way” (Hawthorne p. 65). “Of love”: “If there is any persuasive power in love” (TCNT). “If you can be persuaded, by love” (Con). “If love is any incentive to action. The appeal is then based on all the encouragement and comfort which the readers have found in their mutual love or in the love of Christ” (Erdman p. 76). “If love has any persuasive power to move you to concord” (Muller p. 73).

This love may either be the love of God or the love between brethren, such as Paul's love for them and their love for him. Carefully note that real love will never destroy unity. It will always seek to maintain it, even if that means confronting the Christian in sin (Galatians 6:1) or exposing false doctrine, to keep the church pure (Titus 1:9). “'If my love has provided you with any consolation in your suffering, as indeed it has', Paul says, ‘then please now respond properly to my request'” (Hawthorne p. 65). “Sentimentality, mere humanitarian feeling will not do” (Lenski p. 762).

“Fellowship of the Spirit”: Compare with 2 Corinthians 13:13 and Ephesians 4:3. The fellowship which is produced or taught by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit in revealing God's saving message to mankind (Ephesians 3:3) made this spiritual fellowship. reality. He also revealed how we are to treat each other (John 13:34; 1 John 4:7; 1 John 5:1). “If you belong to that community brought into existence by the Holy Spirit, and enjoy any fellowship with one another as. result, then live accordingly” (Hawthorne p. 66). “Tender mercies”: Sympathy, inward affection. “Compassions”: Note the plural, mercy and pity. This mercy and compassion may refer to God's mercy, that is, “Have you been at the receiving end of God's mercy? Then be merciful and understanding to your brethren” (Matthew 18:21; 1 John 4:11 “if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another”). “Let them now prove themselves to be tender-hearted and full of compassion and pity” (Erdman p. 77). “And if you have any experience of the tender mercy and compassion of Christ, then prove your gratitude for all this by loving your brothers and sisters at home!” (Hendriksen pp. 98-99).