complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Philippians 2:2
What does Philippians 2:2 mean?
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Philippians 2:2
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Paul piles on the language here, not just saying "get along," but urging them to be of one heart and soul. It's a layered call for unity, moving from sharing the same perspective to holding the same deep affection, and finally to thinking and acting as one unified body. This intense emphasis shows how crucial genuine, shared spirit is to the flourishing of God's people.
complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to overcome any divisions or disagreements that might be hindering their unity. He explains that their harmony in thought, affection, and action is what will bring his joy to completion, especially in light of the challenges they face. This unity is essential for them to stand together and advance the gospel.
Paul's letters often express deep affection for the churches he writes to. But did you know that their unity—or lack thereof—directly impacted his joy?
The apostle Paul genuinely rejoiced in the Philippian believers. He had joy in their commitment and their generous support (Philippians 1:3-5). However, his joy wasn't complete. In Philippians 2:2, he asks them to 'complete my joy.' This wasn't about adding more happiness to an already full cup; it was about filling a void. What was missing? Unity. The commentaries highlight that 'completing' his joy meant seeing them function as one harmonious body in Christ. Their divisions and disputes (which Paul mentions elsewhere) were a source of grief, while their unity would bring him full, unhindered joy. It shows us that the spiritual well-being and unity of the church is a deeply personal and joyful matter for our spiritual leaders and for God Himself.
Paul uses a series of powerful phrases to describe Christian unity. But are these just fancy words, or do they describe distinct aspects of how believers should relate?
Paul doesn't just say 'be unified'; he breaks it down into four crucial elements, each building on the last:
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Together, these describe a holistic unity: shared thinking, shared affection, shared spirit, and shared focus. It’s a unity that prevents strife and allows the church to powerfully advance God's work.
Understand the original words
sumpsuchos · Greek Adjective
A state of unity in thought, purpose, and affection, where the collective mindset of the church is perfectly aligned with the mind and will of Christ.
The plea for unity in Philippians 2:2, 'complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind,' is deeply tied to Paul's situation. Imprisoned in Rome, separated from the Philippian church, he longed for their spiritual maturity and harmony as a testament to Christ and a completion of his own joy in their walk of faith.
c. AD 40-42
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
The Apostle Paul, accompanied by Silas, travels through Asia Minor and into Europe, establishing Christian communities in cities like Philippi. This forms the backdrop for his eventual letter to them.
c. AD 55-57
Paul's Imprisonment in Ephesus
While imprisoned in Ephesus, Paul reflects on the churches he has founded. He writes letters to the Corinthians and Galatians during this period, addressing issues of disunity and false teaching.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
Paul is imprisoned in Rome, where he is allowed to live in his own hired house but under guard. He writes several 'Prison Epistles,' including Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon, to churches he has a close relationship with.
c. AD 62
Composition of Philippians
During his Roman imprisonment, Paul writes the letter to the Philippians. He rejoices in their continued faithfulness and generosity, but also addresses potential divisions within the church.
Jesus prays for His followers to be one, just as He and the Father are one, highlighting the importance of unity that Paul also champions in Philippians.
1 Corinthians 1:10Paul urges the Corinthian church to speak the same thing and be perfectly united, echoing the sentiment of 'likemindedness' and shared love Paul desires for the Philippians.
Romans 12:16This passage calls believers to 'live in harmony with one another' and avoid a 'haughty spirit,' which directly supports Paul's plea for unity and humility in Philippians.
Ephesians 4:3The apostle instructs believers to 'make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace,' a principle that underpins Paul's exhortation for the Philippians to be of one accord and one mind.
barnesPhilippians 2:2: "Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind."
Fulfil ye my joy - Fill up my joy so that nothing shall be wanting to complete it. This, he says, would be done by their union, zeal, and humility; compare John 3:29 . That ye be like-minded - Greek That ye think the same thing; see the notes at 2 Corinthians 13:11. Perfect unity of sentiment, opinion, and plan would be desirable if it could be attained. It may be, so far as to pr…
vincentPhilippians 2:2: "Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind."
Fulfill (πληρώσατε)Or complete. Compare John 3:29.Be like-minded (τὸ αὐτὸ φρονῆτε)Lit., think the same thing. The expression is a general one for concord, and is defined in the two following clauses: unity of affection, the same love; unity of sentiment, of one accord. The general expression is then repeated in a stronger form, thinking the one thing. A.V. and Rev., of one mi…
Paul piles on the language here, not just saying "get along," but urging them to be of one heart and soul. It's a layered call for unity, moving from sharing the same perspective to holding the same deep affection, and finally to thinking and acting as one unified body. This intense emphasis shows how crucial genuine, shared spirit is to the flourishing of God's people.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to overcome any divisions or disagreements that might be hindering their unity. He explains that their harmony in thought, affection, and action is what will bring his joy to completion, especially in light of the challenges they face. This unity is essential for them to stand together and advance the gospel.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to overcome any divisions or disagreements that might be hindering their unity. He explains that their harmony in thought, affection, and action is what will bring his joy to completion, especially in light of the challenges they face. This unity is essential for them to stand together and advance the gospel.
"complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind." — Paul piles on the language here, not just saying "get along," but urging them to be of one heart and soul. It's a layered call for unity, moving from sharing the same perspective to holding the same…
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Last reviewed October 2026