Philippians 2:3-4, which encourages humility and selflessness, is traditionally attributed to the Apostle Paul. From an evangelical Christian perspective, Paul is recognized as one of the most prominent figures in the New Testament and the early Church.
### Background Information on Paul:
1. **Apostolic Authority**: Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, was a Pharisee who initially persecuted Christians. However, after a dramatic conversion experience on the road to Damascus (Acts 9), he became one of the foremost apostles spreading the message of Jesus Christ.
2. **Missionary Journeys**: Paul undertook several missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire, establishing churches and spreading the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles. His missionary work is documented in the Book of Acts.
3. **Epistles**: Paul is credited with writing a significant portion of the New Testament, including letters (epistles) to various churches and individuals. The letter to the Philippians is one of these, written while Paul was imprisoned, likely in Rome around A.D. 61-62.
4. **Themes in Philippians**: The letter to the Philippians emphasizes joy, unity, and humility, with Chapter 2 calling believers to look not only to their own interests but also to the interests of others. This aligns closely with the teachings of Jesus on humility and servanthood.
### Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV):
> **3** Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
> **4** not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
### Paul’s Teaching on Humility:
In these verses, Paul instructs the Philippians to adopt a mindset of humility, reflecting the example of Christ (as elaborated on in the subsequent verses, particularly Philippians 2:5-11). This passage is often cited in discussions about Christian ethics and community living, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing others’ needs and fostering a spirit of unity and love within the church.
From an evangelical perspective, Paul is viewed as a model of these teachings, illustrating through both his words and actions the transformative power of the gospel to cultivate a community that mirrors Christ’s humility and love.
