I- IDENTIFY THE GENRE
According to the authors of Introduction to Biblical Interpretation, the book of Philippians falls into a known category called the Epistles. “As writings from apostles and other early church leaders to various Christian communities and individuals, the Epistles primarily teach theology and offer ethical instruction. (Klein, Blomberg, and Hubbard 2017, 541-542) Presumably, the authors say that the writers of the Epistles (and in this case, Paul) believed wholeheartedly in obeying and promoting these doctrines.
It is estimated that the Philippians was written by Paul (or in his Hebrew name, Shaul) around 60-62 CE during the time of Shaul’s imprisonment , as we see in Acts 28:16, 30, 31). In light of this fact, this letter is also referred to as one of Paul’s four Prison Epistles (along with Ephesians, Colossians, & Philemon). While in prison, faced with the unknown reality of his future life or death, his bravery, integrity, and a desire to be an example for the sake of His risen Messiah.
For educational purposes only, if I had to sum up these four verses in a Bible Study Lesson for like-minded ladies like myself, I would create a message with these possible titles: “Oh! The amazing things we will accomplish with ONE mind and ONE Purpose.” (A little homage to Dr. Seuss’ Oh the Places We’ll Go). An alternative title to emphasize Rabbi Shaul’s message might be: “Make me Happy.” (This phrase is taken directly out of Phil 2:2) Though Paul did not say it here in these particular verses, we can feel his confidence in us, that in Yeshua, and that in His power, we are destined for greatness!
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II- GENERIC OR INTRINSIC CONCEPTION
Traditionally, it is believed that these instructions were imparted to one of the first communities of believers (aka: the local assembly or church) in Yeshua in the city of Philippi. It is believed that those in the city at that time were a multi-cultural mix of Roman colonists, native Thracians, and Greeks, and that culturally speaking, there was an existing pride in Roman Citizenship. Because it was a proud and privileged colony, this made Paul’s message of a greater King was countercultural to some. He challenged traditional loyalties and values.
“Paul borrows language commonly used in Greek homonoia speeches, which advocated harmony and unity among the hearers. Most philosophers advocated preferring the larger good to one’s own.” (Keener 2007, 560) The IVP Bible Background Commentary refreshingly observes that Jewish Mishnaic teachers also had ideals such as “Value your fellow’s honour no less than your own,” which is a reminder of Paul’s background as a Jewish apostle and a possible insight into the community he was speaking to.
III- OBSERVATIONS
Truths and principles are directly and easily displayed in the verses: In the first, second, and third place, we find these principles listed in the latter part of the sentence. Be united in love, be united in Spirit, be united in having one purpose. (This, Rabbi Shaul said, would make his joy complete.) The sentence beginning with “if” clauses implies that he is either hoping or affirming that Messiah’s followers are still filled with encouragement, comfort, compassion, love, and fellowship in Him.
Last but not least, principle four is a reminder to do everything out of selflessness. This selflessness includes a spirit of humility. It also requires us to consider others, treating them with greater value than we might have treated them before we became aware of this truth. Last but not least, principle four is a reminder to do everything without selfishness. According to Wikipedia, selfishness is being concerned excessively or exclusively for oneself or one's own advantage, pleasure, or welfare, regardless of others. In contrast, selflessness includes a spirit of humility. It also requires us to consider others, treating them with greater value than we might have treated them before we became aware of this truth. It would be worth doing an entire Bible study on this word at another time or as a follow up to this study.
My observation of Paul’s reminder to not be selfish prompts the question, were the believers in disunity at this time? Were they selfish and self-serving? Were there rumours of divisions or cliques that would cause Paul to be concerned about them having one mind and one purpose? Were they promoting their businesses instead of their Jesus?
IV- INTERPRETATION
Interestingly, the Moody Commentary unravels this, bringing awesome clarity. For us to become of one (the same) mind, love, spirit, and purpose, we must first obtain humility. Otherwise, the call to oneness is not attainable. The authors explain that we also must be grounded in experiencing Messiah’s encouragement, love, and fellowship (v.1).
In my own assessment, it makes sense that a human cannot pass on something we do not ourselves have. In layman’s terms, we give what we get. If we “get” (by this I mean that if we imitate and adopt) more of the Lord’s love and character, we are more than able to contagiously transmit, manifest and radiate that love to others. Another fascinating interpretation, inspired by the Moody Commentary, would be this: disunity is the thief of ultimate joy. (Peterman 2014, 4613)
V- APPLICATION
If we wish to obtain true harmony, unity, and community, we would be wise to first pray that the Lord imparts to us s spirit of authentic humility. We might also pray that we might experience the Messiah’s encouragement, love, and fellowship with His Ruach. Only in this way will we be able to manifest and transmit it to others. Disunity is also a thief of joy. Therefore, before we pray for joy, perhaps we might be wiser to pray for unity and harmony with G-d, with our families, our husbands, and our communities. Since Hebrews 10:22 says we may go into the presence of the Lord with sincere hearts, let us ask not for stuff, not for happiness, not for what we want as if G-d is some Jack-in-the-box. But instead, let us pray that we would be one with the Messiah (in harmony with His mind, His heart, His purpose).
VI. BONUS/ Life Application Questions:
1- Why is it easier for believers to ask G-d to give us joy than it is to ask Him for humility? (If you feel safe, share from personal experience)
2- What is the worst thing that can happen if we ask for Humility, if any?
3- What is the best thing we can expect when we ask G-d for the gift of humility?
4- Describe an experience you’ve had in a community that felt unified and some benefits you experienced. In what ways did this unity lead to joy?
5- We read earlier that Jewish communities believed in valuing others more than themselves. In what ways does Messiah help us live out this truth by dwelling in us with His Spirit?
6- What are some red flags or (harbingers of conflict) emphasizing a need to stop and pray for unity?
7- In what ways are we more powerful in spreading the Gospel by being of one mind? In what ways are you a more powerful vessel when you are in one accord with God and His people?
References:
"Selfishness." Last modified November 5, 2025. Accessed November 5, 2025.
Klein, William W., Craig L. Blomberg, and Robert L. Hubbard Jr. 2017. Introduction to Biblical Interpretation. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Keener, Craig S. 2007. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic. Kindle.
Peterman, Gerald W. "Philippians." In The Moody Bible Commentary, edited by Michael Rydelnik and Michael Vanlaningham, 1827–1858. Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2014.