Book of Philippians - Chapter 2 - Verse 18
Meaning
Paul starts off this verse by encouraging the Philippians to rejoice with him for the same cause. The cause he is referring to is the spreading of the gospel and the furtherance of the kingdom of God. Paul himself found joy in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ and seeing others come to know and accept Him as their Savior. By urging the Philippians to share in his joy, Paul is emphasizing the importance of unity among believers and the shared mission of making disciples. This verse serves as a reminder to all Christians that our ultimate goal should be to bring glory to God through our words and actions, and that there is great joy in seeing others come to faith. As we come together in unity and work towards this common cause, our hearts should be filled with joy and gratitude for all that God is doing in and through us.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the apostle Paul is encouraging the Philippians to rejoice with him. The word "joy" here comes from the Greek word "chairete," which means to be cheerful or glad. Paul is urging the Philippians to share in his joy, which is rooted in their common faith in Jesus Christ. By using the term "rejoice," Paul is emphasizing the idea of actively choosing to find joy in their circumstances, despite any challenges they may be facing. This call to rejoice together highlights the importance of community and unity among believers, as they support and uplift one another in their journey of faith. Ultimately, this verse serves as a reminder that joy is not dependent on external circumstances, but rather on the unchanging hope found in Christ. As Christians, we are called to rejoice always and find joy in the Lord, regardless of our present circumstances.