2:1 Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort provided by love, any fellowship in the Spirit, 4 any affection or mercy, 5
1 tn Or “and feel the same way,” “and think the same thoughts.” The ἵνα (Jina) clause has been translated “and be of the same mind” to reflect its epexegetical force to the imperative “complete my joy.”
2 tn The Greek word here is σύμψυχοι (sumyucoi, literally “fellow souled”).
3 tn Grk “Grace to you and peace.”
4 tn Or “spiritual fellowship” if πνεύματος (pneumato") is an attributive genitive; or “fellowship brought about by the Spirit” if πνεύματος is a genitive of source or production.
5 tn Grk “and any affection and mercy.” The Greek idea, however, is best expressed by “or” in English.
6 tn Or “I am encouraging…”
7 tn Grk “my child whom I have begotten.” The adjective “spiritual” has been supplied before “father” in the translation to clarify for the modern reader that Paul did not literally father a child during his imprisonment. Paul’s point is that he was instrumental in Onesimus’ conversion while in prison.
8 sn During my imprisonment. Apparently Onesimus became a believer under Paul’s shepherding while he [Paul] was a prisoner in Rome.