Philippians - Verse-by-Verse Biblical Exegesis

VUL
Philippians 2:3 nihil per contentionem neque per inanem gloriam sed in humilitate
superiores sibi invicem arbitrantes
LWB Philp. 2:4 Not repeatedly concentrating on every one of the interests of yourselves
[avoid arrogant hypersensitivity], but also [being thoughtful towards] every one of the
interests [pressures] of others [concern for others as they advance in the spiritual life].
KW Philp. 2:4 This estimation resting, not upon feelings nor sentiment but upon a due
consideration of the facts, not consulting each one his own interests only, but also each one the
interests of others.
KJV Philippians 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of
others.
TRANSLATION HIGHLIGHTS
Paul knows what it is like to be under pressure in the spiritual life, and how it often seems like the
entire universe revolves around your problems. So he warns the Philippian believers not to keep
their eyes upon their own pressures and tests (Iterative Present tense) and forget that our fellow
believers are also under pressure and testing. We are to avoid narcissism and arrogant
hypersensitivity, two pitfalls of arrogant preoccupation with ourselves when we are in “no man’s
land.” I like Bob Thieme’s military analogy of moving through the “no man’s land” of momentum
testing. When we are under pressure, we all feel like we are “walking point” in the angelic conflict.
We tend to talk about our problems, our tests and our personal affairs to the exclusion of others. This
isn’t a warning to ignore our own problems and pressures, but rather a warning not to become
arrogantly preoccupied with ourselves, as if we are the only ones who are having problems.
Paul wants us to remember that other believers are advancing in the spiritual life and are likewise
under pressure tests. He wants us to be thoughtful (Latin: considerate) towards other believers who
are being tested. We are to be concerned for their welfare and encourage them in their advance, but
not to the point of being a hindrance to them. In other words, be interested, be thoughtful, be
encouraging, but mind your own business! The Greek word for concentrating is “skopeo,” and if you
allow me this stretch, we are to avoid continually “scoping-out” our own problems to the exclusion
of others, and also avoid scoping-out all the problems other believers are having. Don’t bore fellow
believers with a blow-by-blow account of your spiritual testing, and don’t stick your nose in other
believers’ affairs. Respect the “privacy of the priesthood” of all believers.
REVELANT OPINIONS
Paul is correcting the arrogant, self-centered preoccupation of a particular party or group at Philippi.
(P. O'Brien) Paul is not encouraging any inquisitiveness, only a gentle regard for each other. (J.
Robertson) Preoccupation with oneself is sin. (R. Lightner) The original text cannot mean that Paul
is making a general statement for Christians to keep an eye on the interests of others as well as their
own (which would be an invasion of privacy). Nor does Paul prohibit any interest in one's own