“And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, more than ever, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling — the return from hymn to exhortation is sharp: 'therefore' (ōste) grounds ethics in Christology. The Philippians' obedience (hypakouē) is established ('have always obeyed'); now they are urged to 'work out' (katergazomai, accomplish, bring to completion) their own salvation. The genitive 'of yourselves' (heautōn) is reflexive: they must actively appropriate and realize the salvation given them. 'Fear and trembling' (phobos kai tromos) are not anxiety but awe—reverent seriousness in the presence of God's work.
Church Fathers on Philippians 2:11
I have stated the views of the heretics. It is befitting that I now speak of what is our own. They say that the words, “He counted it not a prize,” are of wrongfully seizing. We have proved, that this is altogether vapid and impertinent, for no man would exhort another to humility on such grounds, nor in this sort does he praise God, or even man. What is it then, beloved? Give heed to what I now say. Since many men think, that, when they are lowly, they are deprived of their…
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