PHP 2:1-4

One in Christ

1If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation of love, any fellowship of the Spirit, any deep affections and compassions —

2fill up my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being united in soul, being of one mind.

3Nothing according to selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility considering one another as surpassing yourselves,

4each one not looking to his own things, but each to the things of others.

In the world it was spoken into

In Philippi, a Roman colony with strong civic pride and hierarchical social structures, Paul’s exhortation to unity would resonate deeply. The Greco-Roman world valued harmony (homonoia) as a civic virtue, often celebrated in inscriptions and public speeches. However, this harmony was typically maintained through patronage and social stratification, not mutual humility. Paul’s call to 'esteem others as surpassing themselves' (Phil 2:3) would challenge the honor-shame economy, where self-promotion and rivalry (eritheia) were common, especially among elites competing for status. The term koinonia (fellowship) would evoke not casual association but a profound, shared participation in Christ’s life, countering the factionalism often seen in voluntary associations or philosophical schools. The visceral language of splanchna (affections) would underscore the depth of relational commitment expected, contrasting with the often transactional nature of Greco-Roman friendships. Paul’s appeal to humility (tapeinophrosyne) would subvert Roman ideals of dignitas and auctoritas, calling instead for a Christ-like selflessness rooted in the Spirit’s work.

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How other translations render this

PHP 2:1

KJV: If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
BSB: Therefore if you have any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,
Koinōnos: If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation of love, any fellowship of the Spirit, any deep affections and compassions —

PHP 2:2

KJV: Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
BSB: then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose.
Koinōnos: fill up my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being united in soul, being of one mind.

PHP 2:3

KJV: Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
BSB: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.
Koinōnos: Nothing according to selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility considering one another as surpassing yourselves,

PHP 2:4

KJV: Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
BSB: Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Koinōnos: each one not looking to his own things, but each to the things of others.

Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.

Translator's notes

PHP 2:1

encouragement:The word translated 'encouragement' here often carried the sense of a strong appeal or exhortation, like a coach urging on their team, rather than just gentle comfort.
fellowship:The term used here for 'fellowship' implies a deep, active sharing and participation, often in common endeavors or resources, not merely friendly association.
affections:The word translated 'affections' literally referred to the inward parts of the body, like the intestines or heart, and was understood as the seat of deep emotions and compassion.

PHP 2:3

self-interest:The word translated 'self-interest' originally described working for pay or campaigning for office, evolving to mean a self-seeking ambition or rivalry that puts personal gain above all else.