Philippians 2:12-16

Philippians 2:12-16

[12] Wherefore,  beloved,  as  always  obeyed,  not  as  in  presence  only,  but  now  much  more  in  absence,  work out  your own  salvation  with  fear  and  trembling.  [13] For  God  which  worketh  in  both  to will  and  to do  of  his good pleasure.  [14] Do  all things  without  murmurings  and  disputings:  [15] That  ye may be  blameless  and  harmless,  the sons  of God,  in  the midst  of a crooked  and  perverse  nation,  among  whom  ye shine  as  lights  in  the world;  [16] Holding forth  the word  of life;  that  may rejoice  in  the day  of Christ,  that  not  run  in  vain,  neither  laboured  in  vain. 

What does Philippians 2:12-16 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

"The detailed attention just given to the Christ-hymn must not obscure the fact that Philippians 2:12-18 are part of a larger parenetic section-1:27-2:18. Exhortation is resumed again through the frequent use of the imperative mood, or through the use of participles with the force of the imperative." [1]
"God"s "therefore" ( Philippians 2:9) is matched by the Christian"s therefore ( Philippians 2:12), [2] and that, in a nutshell, is what this passage is about. Just as God assessed and then reacted to the worth of his Son"s life of obedience ( Philippians 2:9-11), so the Christian must ponder the example of Christ and determine upon a worthy response ( Philippians 2:12-18)." [3]