Philippians 2:28 kjv
I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
Philippians 2:28 nkjv
Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful.
Philippians 2:28 niv
Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety.
Philippians 2:28 esv
I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious.
Philippians 2:28 nlt
So I am all the more anxious to send him back to you, for I know you will be glad to see him, and then I will not be so worried about you.
Philippians 2 28 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 14:22 | "strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God." | Confirmation of suffering leading to the Kingdom |
| Romans 5:3-5 | "...suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope..." | Suffering builds spiritual qualities |
| 2 Timothy 3:12 | "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted," | Persecution is a mark of godliness |
| 1 Peter 4:12-13 | "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice with exceeding gladness when his glory is revealed." | Rejoicing in suffering for Christ's sake |
| Hebrews 10:32-34 | "But recall the former days when, after you were illuminated, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one." | Historical example of enduring persecution |
| Matthew 5:10-12 | "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because your reward in heaven is great..." | Blessing in persecution |
| John 15:18-20 | "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you." | The world's hatred of believers |
| Galatians 6:17 | "From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus." | Bearing the marks of Jesus |
| Colossians 1:24 | "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church." | Rejoicing in suffering for the church |
| Acts 20:23 | "...except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and hardships await me." | Foreknowledge of hardship |
| 1 Thessalonians 3:3 | "...so that no one should be shaken by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this." | Destined for affliction |
| 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 | "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." | Temporary suffering, eternal glory |
| Romans 8:18 | "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed in us." | Present suffering vs. future glory |
| Philippians 1:29 | "For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake," | Granting of suffering for Christ |
| Acts 5:41 | "Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the name." | Rejoicing in dishonor |
| 2 Corinthians 11:23-27 | Detailed list of sufferings endured by Paul for the Gospel. | Paul's own experiences of suffering |
| Romans 8:35-39 | "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?" | Unfading love of God in hardship |
| Matthew 10:22 | "and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved." | Endurance to the end leads to salvation |
| Philippians 3:10 | "that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death," | Fellowship in Christ's sufferings |
| 1 Peter 1:6-7 | "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." | Genuine faith tested by trials |
Philippians 2 verses
Philippians 2 28 Meaning
This verse emphasizes the Philippian believers' acceptance of suffering and opposition, viewing it as a sign of God's saving work and a confirmation of their faith. It highlights the courage and assurance believers can have even amidst hardship, understanding it's a pathway to God's kingdom.
Philippians 2 28 Context
Philippians chapter 2 encourages believers to emulate Christ's humility and selflessness in their relationships. Verse 28 speaks directly to the Philippian church's experience of opposition and suffering because of their faith. Paul commends them for enduring this hardship, seeing it as evidence of God's redemptive work in their lives. This chapter builds upon the previous emphasis on unity and humble-mindedness, showing how standing firm in faith amidst adversity demonstrates Christ-like character. The historical context involves the early church facing persecution and social pressure, making Paul's encouragement particularly relevant.
Philippians 2 28 Word Analysis
- For this (διὰ τοῦτο - dia touto): This phrase connects the previous statement about the suffering the Philippians were enduring with the following affirmation. It signifies the cause or reason for something.
- is (ἔστιν - estin): Third-person singular present indicative of εἰμί (eimi), meaning "to be." It asserts the present reality of what follows.
- for you (ὑμῖν - hymin): The dative plural of the second-person pronoun, "you." It indicates the recipients of this sign or evidence.
- an evident (ἔνδειξις - endeixis): This noun refers to proof, evidence, indication, or demonstration. It signifies a clear sign that something is true. In a legal context, it could refer to a showing of evidence.
- token (or sign/proof): This translation captures the essence of ἔνδειξις (endeixis). It signifies a tangible sign or confirmation.
- of perdition (ἀπωλείας - apōleias): From ἀπώλεια (apōleia), meaning destruction, ruin, loss, perishing, or damnation. Here, it refers to the destruction or damnation of their persecutors.
- and (καὶ - kai): A conjunction used to connect words, clauses, or sentences. Here it links the perdition of the persecutors with the salvation of the believers.
- of you (ὑμῶν - hymōn): The genitive plural of the second-person pronoun, "you." It indicates possession or relationship, referring to "your salvation."
- of salvation (σωτηρίας - sōtērias): From σωτηρία (sōtēria), meaning salvation, deliverance, rescue, preservation. It refers to the deliverance and preservation by God.
Group of words analysis:
- "an evident token of perdition and of your salvation": This phrase highlights the dual outcome of the persecution. For the persecutors, it's a sign of their ultimate ruin and destruction because they oppose God's people. For the Philippian believers, their enduring suffering is a clear indication and confirmation of their salvation and ultimate preservation by God. This showcases God's sovereignty and justice, where the very opposition against His people serves as a testament to His plan for them.
Philippians 2 28 Bonus Section
The concept of "perdition" for the persecutors underscores divine judgment. In contrast, the "salvation" of the believers is presented as an assured outcome, evident through their perseverance. This aligns with broader biblical themes where God’s people often experience affliction, which ultimately proves their divine election and leads to greater glory, while their opposition is met with divine justice. The original Greek terms "apōleias" and "sōtērias" are crucial here, denoting a definitive destruction for the ungodly and a complete deliverance for the faithful. The suffering serves as a confirmation that God is actively involved and will bring His plans to fruition, demonstrating His power over the opposition.
Philippians 2 28 Commentary
Paul asserts that the suffering endured by the Philippians is a divine "proof" or "sign." It's a testament that vindicates God's work in their lives and simultaneously seals the judgment of their persecutors. Their steadfastness is not a cause for their salvation, but an observable outcome of it. It demonstrates that God is preserving them, and by opposing them, their enemies are aligning themselves against God, thereby confirming their own path toward perdition. This encourages believers to see hardship not as a sign of abandonment, but as evidence of God's purposeful hand in their lives, leading them towards eternal salvation.