Philippians 2:21
For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Philippians 2:21
For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Paul’s statement that "all seek their own" isn’t a blanket condemnation of everyone with him, but a stark contrast highlighting Timothy's unique dedication. It’s easy to miss that Paul is likely referring to those available for a difficult mission, implying that the truly devoted were either absent or elsewhere, leaving him with those more concerned with their personal comfort and interests than Christ's cause. This reveals a painful truth: even among those serving God, self-interest can subtly overshadow a radical commitment to Christ's kingdom.
Paul is explaining why he's sending Timothy to the Philippian church, emphasizing Timothy's unique spirit and dedication. Unlike the others around Paul in Rome, who are mostly concerned with their own comfort, status, or gain, Timothy genuinely seeks to advance Christ's kingdom. This contrast highlights the rarity of true selflessness in ministry, especially when faced with difficult circumstances or personal sacrifice.
Understand the original words
zēteō · Greek Verb
To strive for, pursue, or be intent upon something. In a negative sense, it refers to selfish ambition; in a positive sense, it refers to seeking the kingdom of God.
heautōn · Greek Pronoun
Refers to that which is beneficial, advantageous, or of concern to an individual. When used in contrast to Christ, it highlights the human tendency toward self-focus.
Christos · Greek Noun
The Anointed One, the Messiah. He is the ultimate object of Christian devotion and the standard by which all other interests are measured.
barnesPhilippians 2:21: "For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's."
For all seek their own - That is, all who are with me. Who Paul had with him at this time is not fully known, but he doubtless means that this remark should apply to the mass of Christians and Christian ministers then in Rome. Perhaps he had proposed to some of them to go and visit the church at Philippi, and they had declined it because of the distance and the dangers of the way. When the trial of Paul came on…
gillPhilippians 2:21: "For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's."
For all seek their own,.... Meaning not every individual, but the greatest part; and not merely such as were manifestly false teachers, but such as were with the apostle, as ministers of the word; and we may suppose him to be stripped, by one means or another, of the more valuable preachers of the Gospel, and to be in much such a case as he describes himself to be, in 2 Timothy 4:10 . He had none with him, exce…
Paul’s statement that "all seek their own" isn’t a blanket condemnation of everyone with him, but a stark contrast highlighting Timothy's unique dedication. It’s easy to miss that Paul is likely referring to those available for a difficult mission, implying that the truly devoted were either absent or elsewhere, leaving him with those more concerned with their personal comfort and interests than Christ's cause. This reveals a painful truth: even among those serving God, self-interest can subtly overshadow a radical commitment to Christ's kingdom.
Paul is explaining why he's sending Timothy to the Philippian church, emphasizing Timothy's unique spirit and dedication. Unlike the others around Paul in Rome, who are mostly concerned with their own comfort, status, or gain, Timothy genuinely seeks to advance Christ's kingdom. This contrast highlights the rarity of true selflessness in ministry, especially when faced with difficult circumstances or personal sacrifice.
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"For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ." — Paul’s statement that "all seek their own" isn’t a blanket condemnation of everyone with him, but a stark contrast highlighting Timothy's unique dedication. It’s easy to miss that Paul is likely refe…