Philippians 2:12-13

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. ¹³For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (KJV)

In this example, we will apply interpretation by paying close attention to grammar and meaning of words.

At first glance, this verse seems to be very clear and easy to understand.  But the problem is that what seems to be a simple meaning of what Paul is saying here is contradicting the Bible teaching of salvation by faith alone. 

So now we need to understand this passage without contradicting Paul himself (see Eph.2:8-9) and the basic doctrine of the Bible as one of our guidelines for proper interpretation.

We should start by finding the meaning of "work out".  First, the words "work out" is considered to be not in Greek.  Second, this is a different word found in Eph. 2:9 where Paul is saying that we cannot be save by "work".  Third, Paul uses the same Greek word in 2 Corinthians 12:12 "The signs of a true apostle were performed among you..." (NASB).  Paul's true apostleship was not earned by signs but rather signs were seen or demonstrated because he was a true apostle.  So here in our passage:  Paul could be saying that the Philippians should live out ("work out" not "work for") the life of a person that has already been saved. 

Although some version have "work for", it seems that "work out" is a better choice of words.

Also, verse 13 (note "for") indicates that it is a continuation of verse 12, which is the reason why they should "work out".  Therefore what the passage actually means is that since the Philippians have been saved and God is now working in them to will and act, they should manifest it by the way they live their lives everyday.  This is another way of reiteration of what Paul just said previously in 1:27 "...conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." (NIV)

Now try to explain what Paul meant by "fear and trembling"?

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