Philippians 2:18
“For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Paul invites the Philippians to share his joy rather than grieve over his sufferings.
What Does Philippians 2:18 Mean?
Having spoken of his life being poured out, Paul turns the emotion around. For the same reason, he says, you also should rejoice, and rejoice together with me. He asks them to share his gladness rather than be cast down.
It would be natural for the Philippians to grieve at the thought of Paul's suffering or death. Instead he invites them to joy, the same joy he feels. If his sacrifice serves their faith, that is cause for rejoicing, not sorrow. This is the deep current of the whole letter, a joy that does not depend on circumstances but flows from being caught up in something greater than oneself. Paul will not let his hardship steal their gladness; he draws them into a shared rejoicing that even the prospect of death cannot extinguish, because it rests on Christ and not on comfort.