Working Out Our Salvation in Philippians 2
Working Out Our Salvation in Philippians 2
The apostle Paul exhorts the Philippians to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" in Philippians 2:12 (BSB) [2]. This verse is part of a larger passage that emphasizes unity, humility, and the example of Christ (Philippians 2:1-18). To understand this exhortation, it's essential to consider the literary context, key terms, and major exegetical decisions.
Literary Context
Philippians 2:12 is situated within a section where Paul encourages the Philippians to be like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose (Philippians 2:2) [1]. He uses the example of Christ's humility and obedience to illustrate the kind of mindset he is advocating for (Philippians 2:5-8). The surrounding verses (Philippians 2:12-18) expand on this theme, emphasizing the importance of obedience and the role of God in the believer's life.
Key Terms and Exegetical Decisions
The phrase "work out your own salvation" is a crucial part of the passage. The Greek term "κατεργάζεσθε" (work out) implies a sense of diligence and effort [2]. The word "salvation" refers to the overall process of being saved, including its future consummation (e.g., Hebrews 5:9). The possessive pronoun "your own" emphasizes the personal nature of salvation.
The phrase "with fear and trembling" is also significant. It suggests a sense of reverence and awe, rather than anxiety or fear of loss. This interpretation is supported by the context, which emphasizes the importance of humility and obedience.
Range of Interpretations
Commentators have offered various interpretations of Philippians 2:12-13. Some, like Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, understand "work out" as carrying out or completing one's salvation, with the encouragement that God is actively working in the believer [3]. Calvin interprets the passage as an encouragement to persevere, given that God has begun a good work in the believer and will complete it [5].
The Reformed tradition, represented by Calvin and others, emphasizes the role of God's sovereignty in salvation while also highlighting the importance of human cooperation. According to Calvin, "our will does nothing thereunto without grace; but grace is inactive without our will" [4]. This perspective is echoed in the writings of other commentators, such as John Gill [6].
Historical Setting and Function in Tradition
The Philippians were facing challenges, including opposition and internal divisions. Paul's letter addresses these issues, encouraging the community to remain united and committed to their faith. The exhortation to "work out your own salvation" was likely intended to encourage perseverance in the face of adversity.
Throughout Christian tradition, Philippians 2:12-13 has been interpreted in various ways. The passage has been used to support different theological perspectives on the nature of salvation and the relationship between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. In liturgical contexts, this passage has been used to encourage believers to live out their faith with diligence and humility.
The concept of "working out" one's salvation has also been influential in shaping Christian practice and spirituality. It has been seen as an encouragement to persevere in the face of challenges and to cultivate a deep sense of reverence and awe for God's work in one's life.
Sources
- Philippians “Philippians 2:2 (BSB) — then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose.”
- Philippians “So then, my beloved, even as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. -- Philippians 2:12”
- Philippians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Philippians 2:12: Wherefore--Seeing that we have in Christ such a specimen of glory resulting from "obedience" (Phi 2:8) and humiliation, see that ye also be "obedient," and so "your salvation" shall follow your obedience. as ye have . . . obeyed--"even as ye have been obedient," namely, to God, as Jesus was "obedient" unto God (see on Phi 2:8). not as, &c.--"not as if" it were a matter to be done "in my presence only, but now (as things are) much more (with more earnestness) in my absence (because my help is withdrawn from you)" [ALFORD]. work out--carry out”
- Philippians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Philippians 2:13: For--encouragement to work: "For it is God who worketh in you," always present with you, though I be absent. It is not said, "Work out your own salvation, though it is God," &c., but, "because it is God who," &c. The will, and the power to work, being first instalments of His grace, encourage us to make full proof of, and carry out to the end, the "salvation" which He has first "worked," and is still "working in" us, enabling us to "work it out." "Our will does nothing thereunto without grace; but grace is inactive without our will" [ST. BERNARD].”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, section 4.5: which God confers, that they may encourage and confirm hope as to the time to come, and always ponder in their mind this syllogism: God does not forsake the work which his own hands have begun, as the Prophet bears witness, ( Psalm 138:8 ; Isaiah 64:8 ;) we are the work of his hands; therefore he will complete what he has begun in us. When I say that we are the work of his hands, I do not refer to mere creation, but to the calling by which we are adopted into the number of his sons. For it is a token to us of our el”
- Philippians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Philippians 2 (introduction): INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPIANS 2 This chapter contains several exhortations to unity, love, and concord, to humility, and lowliness of mind, and to a becoming life and conversation; and concludes with commendations of two eminent ministers of Christ, Timothy and Epaphroditus. The arguments engaging to harmony and mutual affection, are taken from the consolation that is in Christ, the comfort there is in love, the fellowship of the Spirit, and the bowels and mercies which become saints, Phi 2:1, as also from the joy this would fill the apostle with; and”