The fourth phrase refers to "affection and sympathy." These believers had clearly experienced both of these qualities. Paul had mentioned the Spirit in Philippians 1:19 and will again in Philippians 3:3. The third phrase refers to "participation in the Spirit." The Holy Spirit had also clearly influenced the Philippians. Paul mentions love throughout this letter (Philippians 1:9, 16 2:2 4:1). Second, Paul mentions "comfort from love." This is another way in which the Philippian Christians had been blessed.
If they've experienced encouragement, they should be able to encourage others. The first phrase speaks of "encouragement in Christ." The assumption is that the Philippian believers had experienced much encouragement from Jesus. If these are obvious, then the results-unity, love, and cooperation-should be just as obvious. Of course, there is encouragement, comfort, affection, and so forth in the Christian life. Paul's purpose in using these phrases is to emphasize how natural the conclusion should be. This verse consists of four main ideas, stemming from the phrase "So if there is…" Verse 2 will explain the expected results of these ideas. Philippians 2:1, CSB: If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, Philippians 2:1, NLT: Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Philippians 2:1, NASB: Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, Philippians 2:1, KJV: If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Philippians 2:1, ESV: So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, Philippians 2:1 Parallel Verses Philippians 2:1, NIV: Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,