4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, 3 whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things.
4:1 So then, my brothers and sisters, 4 dear friends whom I long to see, my joy and crown, stand in the Lord in this way, my dear friends!
2:1 Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort provided by love, any fellowship in the Spirit, 7 any affection or mercy, 8
2:12 So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, continue working out your salvation with awe and reverence, 9
1 sn An allusion to Prov 3:4.
2 tn Here ἄνθρωπος (anqrwpo") is used as a generic and refers to both men and women.
3 tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:12.
4 tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:12.
5 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.”
6 tn The Greek word here is σύμψυχοι (sumyucoi, literally “fellow souled”).
7 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.
8 tn Grk “and any affection and mercy.” The Greek idea, however, is best expressed by “or” in English.
9 tn Grk “with fear and trembling.” The Greek words φόβος and τρόμος both imply fear in a negative sense (L&N 25.251 and 16.6 respectively) while the former can also refer to respect and awe for deity (L&N 53.59). Paul’s use of the terms in other contexts refers to “awe and reverence in the presence of God” (P. T. O’Brien, Philippians [NIGTC], 284; see discussion on 282-84). The translation “awe and reverence” was chosen to portray the attitude the believer should have toward God as they consider their behavior in light of God working through Jesus Christ (2:6-11) and in the believer’s life (2:13) to accomplish their salvation.