Philippians 2:30 kjv
Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.
Philippians 2:30 nkjv
because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.
Philippians 2:30 niv
because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.
Philippians 2:30 esv
for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
Philippians 2:30 nlt
For he risked his life for the work of Christ, and he was at the point of death while doing for me what you couldn't do from far away.
Philippians 2 30 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Tim 5:17 | "Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor..." | Elder's deserving double honor |
| 1 Thess 5:12-13 | "We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you..." | Respecting church leaders |
| Gal 6:6 | "Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches..." | Sharing with teachers |
| Heb 13:7 | "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God..." | Remembering leaders |
| Heb 13:17 | "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls..." | Obeying and submitting to leaders |
| Luke 10:7 | "And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide..." | Support for laborers |
| 1 Cor 9:14 | "Likewise the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel." | Those who preach live by the gospel |
| 1 Tim 5:18 | "...and the Scripture says, 'You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain.'" | Scripture on supporting laborers |
| Acts 20:28 | "Pay pay to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God..." | Overseers caring for the church |
| Rom 16:1-2 | "I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae..." | Commending servants |
| 2 Cor 8:23 | "As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you..." | Partnership and fellow workers |
| Phil 2:29 | "Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and do not take lightly men like him..." | Receiving joyful, not lightly |
| John 10:11 | "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." | Christ as the Good Shepherd |
| 1 Peter 5:2-3 | "Shepherd the flock of God that is among you... be eager to serve..." | Shepherding and serving |
| Mark 10:45 | "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve..." | Christ came to serve |
| Acts 6:1-4 | The appointment of deacons to serve tables. | Service and practical needs |
| Eph 4:11-12 | "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, for the equipping of the saints..." | Gifts for equipping the saints |
| Phil 4:18 | "I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied..." | Being supplied by the church |
| Rom 12:8 | "He who leads, with zeal; he who does by cheerfulness." | Leading with zeal, doing with cheerfulness |
| 2 Tim 4:5 | "But you, be watchful in all things, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist..." | Watchfulness and endurance in work |
Philippians 2 verses
Philippians 2 30 Meaning
This verse highlights the vital importance of recognizing and honoring those who labor diligently within the church and leadership roles. It emphasizes that such faithful workers are deserving of double honor, signifying both respect and material support. The motivation for this honor is their dedication to the Lord's work and the well-being of believers.
Philippians 2 30 Context
This verse is the concluding remark in Paul's letter to the Philippian church, a community he deeply cherished. The letter is characterized by its theme of rejoicing in Christ, even amidst suffering and hardship. In the preceding verses, Paul speaks about his own eventual appearance before Christ and commends the brethren. Verse 30 then provides a specific instruction regarding honoring those who serve them, particularly referencing Epaphroditus, who had fallen ill while ministering to Paul. The broader context of Philippians emphasizes unity, humility, and joy in service, mirroring Christ's own selfless example.
Philippians 2 30 Word Analysis
- "receive" (dechomai - dekomai): To accept, welcome, receive gladly, embrace. It implies more than mere passive acceptance; it's an active welcoming.
- "him": Refers to Epaphroditus, previously mentioned in chapter 2.
- "therefore" (dio - dio): Indicating a logical consequence of what has been said, implying that Epaphroditus is a worthy example of service and deserves proper reception.
- "in the Lord" (en kyrio - en kyrio): This phrase situates the reception within the context of their shared faith and relationship with Christ. It means to receive him as one belonging to the Lord.
- "with all" (pasa - pasa): All kinds of; every, entirety.
- "joy" (chara - chara): Gladness, joy, delight.
- "and" (kai - kai): Conjunction connecting "joy" and the next clause.
- "hold" (krateo - krateo): To grasp firmly, keep fast, maintain, honor. It implies esteem and high regard.
- "men" (anthropos - anthropos): Man, human being, person. Referring to Epaphroditus as a person of significance.
- "such" (toioutos - toioutos): Of this sort, such like. Describing Epaphroditus's character and actions.
- "in" (en - en): Preposition indicating manner or state.
- "honor" (time - time): Value, honor, price, repute, esteem. Implies not just mental respect but also tangible expression.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "receive him then in the Lord": This command to welcome Epaphroditus is not merely social etiquette but a spiritual recognition of his person and ministry within their community of faith.
- "with all joy": The reception should be marked by abundant and genuine gladness, reflecting appreciation for his safe return and his faithful service.
- "hold men such as this in honor": This instruction extends beyond Epaphroditus himself, serving as a general principle to value and esteem individuals who demonstrate similar selfless devotion and faithful labor in Christ's service.
Philippians 2 30 Bonus Section
The concept of "double honor" is rooted in the Old Testament. While the explicit phrase appears here, the underlying principle of valuing and supporting religious workers is evident throughout Scripture. For instance, the Levites were to receive a portion from the tithes of Israel (Numbers 18:21), and those who dedicated themselves to serving God through the priesthood were provided for by God's ordinance. The "double honor" can be understood as encompassing both respect for their position and spiritual calling, and a generous provision for their temporal needs, allowing them to focus on their service without undue burden. It is a stewardship principle – acknowledging that God provides for His workers, and His people are His instruments in doing so.
Philippians 2 30 Commentary
Paul concludes his exhortation on humility and selfless service by specifically addressing the reception of Epaphroditus. Epaphroditus, having faithfully ministered to Paul's needs, had fallen seriously ill and was now returning to Philippi. Paul instructs the Philippians to welcome him with profound joy and to hold him in high esteem. This "double honor" is for those who labor diligently and selflessly in ministry. It's a call to not only provide emotional support and joyful reception but also tangible appreciation, reflecting their value in Christ and their commitment to the work of the Lord. This act of honor honors Christ himself, who exemplified humble service.