Philippians 2:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Philippians 2:13
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Chapter Context
Philippians 2 is a friendship epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, obedience, holiness. Written during Paul's Roman imprisonment (c. 60-62 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church in this Roman colony maintained partnership with Paul despite his imprisonment.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-30: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Philippians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Philippians 2:13
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Analysis
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure (θεὸς γάρ ἐστιν ὁ ἐνεργῶν ἐν ὑμῖν καὶ τὸ θέλειν καὶ τὸ ἐνεργεῖν ὑπὲρ τῆς εὐδοκίας, theos gar estin ho energōn en hymin kai to thelein kai to energein hyper tēs eudokias)—Gar ("for") grounds v. 12: you work out salvation because God works in you. Ho energōn (present participle, "the one working") indicates continuous divine activity. En hymin ("in you") locates God's work internally. The scope: kai to thelein kai to energein ("both to will and to work")—God produces both desire (willing) and action (working).
Hyper tēs eudokias ("according to His good pleasure") identifies God's sovereign purpose as motive. This verse balances v. 12's human responsibility with divine enablement—the classic Reformed tension between God's sovereignty and human agency. We work because God works; divine working doesn't eliminate but enables human working. Augustine summarized: "God's commands are not against grace; commands are fulfilled by grace." The phrase resolves potential misunderstanding: working out salvation isn't self-sufficient moralism but Spirit-dependent obedience.
Historical Context
This verse became central in Augustinian-Pelagian debates (5th century) over grace and free will. Pelagius emphasized human ability; Augustine emphasized divine grace enabling human response. Philippians 2:12-13 holds both: genuine human responsibility (work out) and absolute divine priority (God works in you). Reformation theology (sola gratia) drew heavily on this balance. Monergism (God alone saves) and synergism (God and humans cooperate) find nuance here.
Reflection
- How do you hold together God's sovereign work 'in you' and your responsibility to 'work out' salvation?
- Can you identify God's work in you producing both desire (willing) and ability (doing)?
- How does knowing God produces your willing and working change your approach to obedience?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References God: Romans 9:16, 1 Corinthians 12:6, 15:10, 2 Corinthians 3:5
- Good: Ephesians 1:5, 2 Thessalonians 1:11, Hebrews 13:21
- Parallel theme: John 3:27, Ephesians 1:11, 2 Timothy 1:9