Philippians 2:1
If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
Original Language Analysis
οὖν
If there be therefore
G3767
οὖν
If there be therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
3 of 19
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ἀγάπης
of love
G26
ἀγάπης
of love
Strong's:
G26
Word #:
10 of 19
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
κοινωνία
fellowship
G2842
κοινωνία
fellowship
Strong's:
G2842
Word #:
13 of 19
partnership, i.e., (literally) participation, or (social) intercourse, or (pecuniary) benefaction
πνεύματος
of the Spirit
G4151
πνεύματος
of the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
14 of 19
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
σπλάγχνα
bowels
G4698
σπλάγχνα
bowels
Strong's:
G4698
Word #:
17 of 19
an intestine (plural); figuratively, pity or sympathy
Cross References
Colossians 3:12Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;1 John 4:12No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.2 Corinthians 13:14The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.Colossians 2:2That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;1 Corinthians 12:13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.Psalms 133:1Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!Galatians 5:22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,Galatians 4:6And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.Acts 4:32And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
Historical Context
Ancient rhetoric used ei tis constructions to build arguments from shared premises. Paul assumes Philippian believers have experienced these spiritual realities—they're not theoretical but experiential foundations. The appeal to shared experience in Christ creates basis for ethical exhortation. Ancient letters often used argumentation from mutual affection before making requests.
Questions for Reflection
- How have you personally experienced 'consolation in Christ' or 'fellowship of the Spirit' recently?
- Why does Paul ground his ethical appeal in Trinitarian realities before stating his request?
- Which of these four realities (consolation, comfort, fellowship, compassion) do you most need to remember?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies (Εἴ τις οὖν παράκλησις ἐν Χριστῷ, εἴ τι παραμύθιον ἀγάπης, εἴ τις κοινωνία πνεύματος, εἴ τις σπλάγχνα καὶ οἰκτιρμοί, Ei tis oun paraklēsis en Christō, ei ti paramythion agapēs, ei tis koinōnia pneumatos, ei tis splanchna kai oiktirmoi)—Four ei tis ("if any") clauses aren't expressing doubt but assume reality: "since there is..." The fourfold appeal establishes grounds for Paul's coming exhortation (v. 2).
Paraklēsis ("encouragement, consolation") and paramythion ("comfort, solace") overlap semantically—strengthening through presence and words. Fellowship of the Spirit (κοινωνία πνεύματος, koinōnia pneumatos) could mean fellowship with the Spirit or fellowship produced by the Spirit (likely both). Splanchna ("bowels, compassion," see 1:8) and oiktirmoi ("mercies, compassion") are near-synonyms emphasizing tender affection. Paul grounds his appeal in Trinitarian realities: Christ's consolation, love's comfort, Spirit's fellowship, divine compassion.