Context, Explanation, Application (Illustrating This Method)

Many blog readers likely know about this method of reading the Bible, which one JW broadcast mentioned: context, explanation, and application. I will use Philippians 2:3-4 in order to illustrate this method.

NWT 2013: "Do nothing out of contentiousness or out of egotism, but with humility consider others superior to you,  as you look out not only for your own interests, but also for the interests of others."

NET Bible:  "Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition^[e] or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. Each of you should be concerned^[f] not only^[g] about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well."

When we examine the context of Paul's words, what does it reveal about his reason for giving this counsel? Later in Philippians 2, the letter reveals that some in Philippi were possibly "grumbling or disputing" (2:14 ESV); while that's not a necessary inference from those words, what comes later would appear to support this interpretation. For example, in Philippians 2:19-24, Paul makes a contrast between some who look after their own interests versus Timothy and Epaphroditus, who were both concerned about Christ's interests. Compare Philippians 3:1-2, 18-21.

The apostle's inspired admonition regarding contentiousness and egotism could have been given for another reason: an apparent disagreement between Euodia and Syntyche (Philippians 4:1-3). These women were longtime co-workers with Paul and faithful Christian sisters, but Paul urged them to be united in the Lord. Most all commentators agree that some kind of problem existed between these Christian women; how apt was Paul's reminder about avoiding contentiousness and "vanity" or thinking too much of oneself. The exemplar in this regard is Jesus--he emptied himself while existing in God's form. From thenceforth, Christ took the form of a servant (Philippians 2:5-11): this event is the so-called kenosis Christi.

Hence, the literary context of Philippians 2:3-4 sheds light on these passages. However, is there anything else we can say about the language found in the verses?

ἐριθείαν (Philippians 2:3) is the accusative singular feminine of ἐριθεία: this noun does not occur that often in the GNT. Only Paul and James employ the word. See Philippians 1:17; James 3:14, 16. Bill Mounce thinks Paul uses the term in Philippians to signify "contentious disposition, selfish ambition." Moreover, compare the NWT and NET translations above.

See https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/znw-2018-0012/html

The adjectival form κενοδοξίαν is the accusative feminine singular of κενοδοξία (occurs 1x, but see Galatians 5:26 for a related term). Translate this word, "vainglory, vain conceit, empty conceit, empty pride" or egotism as NWT does. I've seen egotism defined as "an exaggerated sense of self-importance."

Note the contrast Paul makes between qualities that Christians should not display over against Christ emptying himself in the premier act of unselfishness and humility: he refused to seize or snatch but assumed a servant's form.

How can we apply Philippians 2:3-4?

We can work at developing humility and peacefulness; we should consider others superior to us, and avoid contentiousness. What should also come first in our lives? The interests of Jehovah and Christ. We should imitate Jesus, who was mild-tempered and humble. Through prayer and a study of God's Word, we can cultivate such godly qualities. God's spirit will help us to be peacemakers and humble followers of Christ. Therefore, never should we send forth contentions among our brothers and sisters.

More could be said, but I'm merely trying to illustrate how fruitful this method can be.