Philippians 2:29
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Philippians 2:29
29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:
Chapter Context
Philippians 2 is a friendship epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of love, mercy, judgment. 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 illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. 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 2:29
29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:
Analysis
Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation (προσδέχεσθε οὖν αὐτὸν ἐν κυρίῳ μετὰ πάσης χαρᾶς, καὶ τοὺς τοιούτους ἐντίμους ἔχετε, prosdechesthe oun auton en kyriō meta pasēs charas, kai tous toioutous entimous echete)—Prosdechesthe ("receive, welcome") is present imperative. En kyriō ("in the Lord") qualifies the reception—as fellow believer, not mere courtesy. Meta pasēs charas ("with all joy") commands celebration, not mere acceptance. Paul anticipates potential misunderstanding: Epaphroditus returns before completing his mission (attending Paul throughout imprisonment); some might see failure.
Tous toioutous entimous echete ("hold such in honor/reputation")—toioutous ("such ones") generalizes beyond Epaphroditus to all like him. Entimous ("honored, esteemed, precious") calls for high regard. In honor-shame culture, recognizing servants was countercultural. Paul ensures Epaphroditus receives hero's welcome, not criticism. The command to honor such workers ("hold in reputation") applies generally to faithful, self-sacrificing ministers.
Historical Context
Greco-Roman culture honored victors, not servants; conquerors, not sufferers. Paul demands honor for Epaphroditus, who nearly died serving. This reflects Christ-hymn values (2:5-11): those who humble themselves are exalted; servants deserve honor. Churches sometimes dishonor faithful workers who return 'early' from missions or ministry due to health or circumstances. Paul preempts this injustice by commanding joyful, honoring reception.
Reflection
- How do you 'receive in the Lord with all joy' (prosdechesthe en kyriō meta charas) those returning from ministry?
- Who are the 'such ones' (toioutous) in your church deserving honor but rarely receiving it?
- How can you practically 'hold in reputation' (entimous echete) sacrificial servants this week?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master
Cross-References
- References Lord: Romans 16:2, 1 Corinthians 16:10, 2 Corinthians 10:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:12
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 16:18, 1 Timothy 5:17