Steven Ow Kam Toi 1

Introduction to NT

Assignment 3:
What does Paul mean by “work out your own salvation” in Philippians 2:12?

1. The Context
• The verse in Phil2:12 begin with the word ‘therefore’ indicating a summary
and a link to the passage before this verse.
• Phil 2:12-13 is an appeal by Paul on the basis of Christ as the supreme
example of humility and obedience in Phil 2:1-11.

2. Key Words: Work Out

• The key words in verse 2:12 are the words ‘work out’.
• Paul did not use the words ‘work for’.
• If it is ‘work for’ then phrase ‘work for your own salvation’ would meant that
salvation is not by faith (Gal 2:15-21; Rom 5:1,2) but by work.
• Since Paul use the words ‘work out’, he could have used the picture of an
athlete (cf Phil 3:12-16) working out to strengthen or to build up the body as
in ‘working out’ in a gym. Like an athlete working out, training and pressing
forward towards the goal for the prize.

3. Salvation
• The verse ‘work out your own salvation’ could be paraphrased as ‘to live out
your own salvation’ or ‘to exercise your own salvation’. Hence Paul is
indicating that salvation is not a single event at conversion but it is an
‘operational salvation’.
• Interpreting 2:12 in the light of the preceding passage 2:1-11, Paul is calling
the Philippians to be obedience and to persevere in their faith and Christian
walk.
• Salvation given at the point of conversion does not mean it is completed. A
Christian is required to grow spiritually unto maturity until the Lord come. At
the point of salvation, a believer is justified but the daily walk is a sanctifying
process.

4. Summary
• In summary, Paul in 2:12 calls the Philippians to operationalise their
salvation through sanctification and persevering faith.