Philippians 2:12-13

Let go and let God.

The text

WEB

12 So then, my beloved, even as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
13 For it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure.

KJV

12 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.
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

What kind of text

Letter
From prison
God and effort

Paul holds human obedience and God's working together in one breath.

How Christians have read this

Historic pastoral reading

Trust is not the same as passivity.

Common misuse

Used to avoid hard obedience or needed action.

What the next verse does

Verse 14: do all things without complaining and questioning.

Older commentary

Matthew Henry

Henry on Philippians 2:12-13: work out your salvation, for it is God who works in you.

Charles Spurgeon

Spurgeon held trust and obedience together. Passivity is not faith.