Philippians - Verse-by-Verse Biblical Exegesis

Philp. 2:21 For (explanatory) they (Subj. Nom.) all (reversionists
in the church at Rome) keep seeking (zhte,w, PAI3P, Iterative) their
own (Poss. Gen., reflexive pronoun) things (Acc. Dir. Obj.;
concerns, interests, self-gratification, arrogant preoccupation
with themselves), not (neg. particle) the things (Acc. Dir. Obj.;
interests, reference to Bible doctrine) of Jesus Christ (Poss.
Gen.).
WHO Philippians 2:21 oi` pa,ntej ga.r ta. e`autw/n zhtou/sin ouv ta. Cristou/ VIhsou/
VUL Philippians 2:21 omnes enim sua quaerunt non quae sunt Christi Iesu
LWB Philp. 2:22 But [in contrast to the Romans] you have come to know his [Timothy’s]
character, that as a student-teacher [apprentice], he has labored as a slave [serving you]
together with me for the sake of the gospel [Bible doctrine].
KW Philp. 2:22 But you know from experience his character which has been approved after
having been tested, that as a child to the father, with me he served as a slave would do in the
furtherance of the good news.
KJV
Philippians 2:22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served
with me in the gospel.
TRANSLATION HIGHLIGHTS
In contrast to the self-preoccupied attitude of the Roman believers, Timothy has a selfless
attitude towards the Philippian believers. Paul continues to pay tribute to his #1 apprentice, who
has labored as a slave (Constative Aorist tense) together with Paul for the sake of the
evangelistic message as well as Bible doctrine that enables believers to reach and live the
supergrace life. Most, if not all, of the Philippian believers already know (Latin: cognizant) the
honorable character of Timothy (Perfective Present tense). Timothy was an interim pastorteacher
at Philippi during his early years, an "associate pastor in training," a "student teacher."
But Paul is nevertheless careful to lay the groundwork for his future trip to Philippi. He calls
Timothy a “student,” but attaches the word “teacher” to it. He is a student who teaches. This is a
much better understanding of the Greek words that are often translated “child” and “father.” A
“child who fathers” or a “fatherly child” does not communicate the concept as well as “student
teacher.” The idea is that Timothy is still a child or student under discipline, but that he functions
as a teacher or father over others.
REVELANT OPINIONS
Timothy functions like an experienced craftsman who shows an apprentice how to do a difficult job
(Grayston), or like a scout, who knows the way and leads a caravan through perilous terrain. (G.F.
Hawthorne). Timothy was Paul's assistant and spiritual student. (K. Wuest) People speak a lot about