This is especially humiliating because he was divine. Similarly, there are times Read more…. 9-11). You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me. Joy is a very obvious theme in the book of Philippians, Phil 2:2 states “Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” We are to be full of Joy in the Lord, and have the mind of Christ. Jesus is the supreme example of this way of life. 6-8) is grounds for exaltation (vv. When does Paul say it is allowed to be selfish? As is seen through the passage, the entire purpose of Christ’s exaltation is because of his humble obedience. This particular dynamic is the focus of this analysis of the text as it runs in parallel with the themes that emerged from the preceding analysis of Isaiah 52:13-53:12. Paul encourages the Philippians to live as citizens of a heavenly city, growing in their commitment to serve God and one another. Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is. Christ is exalted above all because his faith was greater than all as demonstrated through his willingness to suffer humiliation that was beyond all. Purpose. Moreover, even if Christ’s exaltation is granted out of merit, it is certain that the desire of exaltation does not motivate his actions. As the central theme of Paul’s letter to the Philippians is encouragement, Paul points to Christ as the example of the kind of life toward which the Philippian ecclesia should aim.  Following the example of Christ should result in the edification and encouragement of the ecclesial body in Philippi. First, Jesus Christ is the second Adam, the perfect human. Introduction. ; Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2003), pp.288-98),  and is probably best translated “should bow”.  There are some objections to this translation over “will bow” because “should bow” neglects the eschatological dimension of Christ’s authority in heaven and on earth.  Translating kampto “should bow”, rather than “will bow”, could infer that submission to Jesus is an option.  While there is no doubt that Jesus had a reject-able ministry, it is also certain that all will be judged by him in the final judgment.  The question is, what is Paul’s emphasis of this passage, eschatology, or demonstrating the Father’s response to obedient living in the Kingdom?  Because the context of the passage emphasizes the latter, the literal translation of “should bow”, I believe, is most appropriate here. never know what suggested to the apostle the order of his . 5. In order to accomplish this purpose, the basic contents of the passage will be surveyed. [2] κενωσισ typically means to empty or make void (Romans 4:14, 1 Corinthians 1:17).  Walter Bauer and Frederick William Danker (ed. Many times it has been twisted, turned, and rearranged as scholars have attempted to make the best sense they could of it. Theme of preceding section, Philippians 2:1-11: [Service in humility: The master is sent to serve God’s people.] A. Thanksgiving (1:3-8) 1. C. Stephen Evans. Philippians 1:2. 2 AN EXEGESIS OF PHILIPPIANS 2:1-11 by Christian Strauss 1 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 9 Therefore, God highly exalted[3] him and granted him a name above all names in order that at the name of Jesus every knee bow confess in heaven and on earth and under the earth[4] 11 and every tongue confess that the Lord is Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. 10-11.  These verses further expound the details of Christ’s cursus honorum by highlighting exactly to what degree Christ is exalted: “…so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father”. Then he prays that they will grow in a discerning love (perhaps as a foreshadowing of his discussion of the opponents in chapter 3) (1… How did things become such a mess? 6-8 in the sense that it is one complete phrase made up of three clauses (one clause per verse). Theme of passage under study, Philippians 2:12-18: [Works through Faith: For it is not works that bring us to salvation, but faith, whereby God may work in and through us.] As determined by context, Paul is probably using harpagmon in describing Christ’s posture.  With this interpretation, the phrase can be translated this way, “being in the form of God, Christ was not one who grasps.” In other words, rather than carrying the idea that Christ is grasping at something (equality with God), rather, Christ being in the form of God is not selfish (such selfishness being manifest in the action of grasping). With this is the sense of joy and satisfaction in Christ’s kenotic posture – likely the satisfaction and joy that comes with perfect obedience. 6-8) to the cursus honorum (vv. Here are my notes on the… The first section (vv. American _____ has turned Christmas from a holiday into a day of stressful obligation. Either way, what we do know is that God’s response to those who humble themselves in obedience is exaltation. First, it is one of Paul’s most direct Christological declarations. Scriptural Context – Philippians. Because of Christ’s obedience and selflessness he is exalted above all. The wine itself represents joy and satisfaction (Judges 9:13; Psalm 104:15; Amos 9:13). Afflicted » Duty to the Communion » With God There is a downward mobilization present in the passage and the decent begins with Jesus willfully making himself nothing although he held a position of privilege above all names. So then, what does Philippians 2:5-8 mean? How do divisions affect a church? abstract an exposition of the letter to the philippians with specific application to christian women serving vocationally or voluntarily in local church ministry What is a summary of his goal for them in verse 2? Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. So Christ, in his divine, and therefore selfless mode, was willing to be poured out — thus proving that the divine mindset (others-centric) is in contrast to the human mindset (egocentric). What gave Paul joy? Philippians 2:1-11. He is exalted by God the Father who also “bestows” on Christ a position of ultimate human authority (“a name that is above every name”). And we can . Paul wrote to the Philippians from prison. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. The first section (2:6-8) is a single complete phrase divided into two symmetrical clauses (vv. topics." A Jesus' Glory as God. Wherefore, my beloved This is an inference from the instance and example of Christ; that since he, who was God over all, blessed for ever, made himself so low in human nature, in which he is now so highly exalted, having done the work and business he came about with such condescension, humility, and meekness; therefore it becomes those who profess to … Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned about you. Bauer and Danker (ed.) Exegetical Study of Philippians 2:1-11 The purpose of this paper is to perform a thorough exegetical analysis of Philippians 2:1-11. 2. It is appropriate then that a superlative exaltation be paired by a superlative act of obedience and faith. The theme of Philippians is _____ in all circumstances Paul continues with his customary opening thanksgiving and prayer (1:3-11). [10] Fee, Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, p. 195. The statements in this passage are arranged as a chiasm[3] which represents the descent and degradation of Christ followed by his ascent and exaltation. There is a gradual progression corresponding to the three phrases in this verse.  Each clause clarifies the preceding clause: “He made himself nothing [by] taking the form of a servant [by] being born in the likeness of men.”  That is, being born in the likeness of men meant forfeiting privileges as God the Son. 2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 … v. 7. [13] M. Silva, Philippians (2nd ed. He who is selfless merits praise (which he will receive), not humiliation. (2-4) The specifics of Paul’s exhortation to the Philippians regarding love and humility among believers. The nature Christ’s humiliation is intensified through the consideration of his origins. Philippians 2:12. Its testimony? The Christological scheme presented in Philippians 2:6-11 is of Christ’s pre-existence,[2] humiliation, and exaltation which were common themes of many early church hymns. [11] H.C.G. Perfect man. spiritual Peace » Saints » Wish, to each other. Yet Paul tells us here in Philippians 2 in relation to Jesus’ divinity that he emptied himself to … Chapter 2 emphasizes the theme of rejoicing during times of suffering. Genesis 35:14; Exodus 29:40; Leviticus 23:13; Numbers 15:1-12;). ), A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), p. 539. What does Philippians chapter 2 mean? Fulfil ye my joy The Arabic version adds, "by these things"; meaning not his joy in the Lord Jesus Christ, which arose from views of interest his person, blood, and righteousness; which was had by believing in him, by enjoying communion with him, and living in hope of the glory of God; this in a fruit of the Spirit, ( Galatians 5:22) , and is called joy in the Holy Ghost; … Centrally represented is the character of Jesus who willingly (and as we will see later, obediently) forfeits the highest of privileges for the sake of obedience. 3. [10]  This first section not only contains a series of ignominies, but a progressive intensification of suffering and obedience reaching its climax at the point of death on a cross – the ultimate humiliation. This is the only appearance of this word in the New Testament, rarely found in comparative Greek literature, and therefore challenging to interpret. Jesus, even in exaltation and in maintaining position of authority and power, maintains his posture of servanthood to God the Father. They have sensed that the book has no central theme systematically developed in a logical argument throughout the epistle. Jesus was not willing to die on a cross so that he would be exalted. Hawthorne, Philippians, (Waco: WBC, 1983), p. 90. If we look for repetition, we can find a chiasm in Philippians 2:6-11 that tells the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection in a poetic format. Both come from the beautiful description in Philippians 2:6–11 of what Christ, the pinnacle of the story of redemption, has done. For new moms, the theme might be “overwhelmed.” For a student, it may be “under pressure.” And for a person growing in their career, it could be “the hustle and bustle.” [9] The cursus pudorum underlines the exemplary, humble obedience of Christ and the cursus honorarum highlights God’s response to such unwavering obedience — unparalleled exaltation. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NIV) In Philippians 17b-18, Paul picks up the theme of joy again and urges mutual rejoicing even in the face of death. [12] Those who humble themselves will be exalted in the Kingdom of God. There is some debate among scholars concerning the sense of the word echarisato, translated “bestowed”.  Some believe the idea here is that God granted to Christ what he deserved because of his obedience while others have argued the case that the exaltation of Christ is not earned, but freely gifted to Jesus.  Greek charizomai normally means “to give freely” (Luke 7:21, 42; Acts 3:14, 27:24; Romans 8:32; 1 Corinthians 2:12; Philippians 1:29). Philippians 2:6-11 can be divided into two parts: (1) 2:6-8 and (2) 9-11. "Since the early days of historical … Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Themes of Philippians Chapter Two Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at 10:51PM 1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. [3] υπερυφοω here is a superlative exaltation. The psalmist in Psalms 74 says, Your Read more…, Too often I pause and consider the state of affairs in the world and wonder, How in the world did we end up here? Rather than coming first as God and King, Jesus freely took on the form of a human being. First, take a look at the passage with me, and also, I will examine verses 10-11. [13] Keeping God the Father in the nominative keeps the spirit of servanthood alive. 9-11) lacks some of the poetic dimension of the first, but still maintains a structural similarity to vv. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of man, becoming (γενομενος) into the human form, by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. [1] My translation of this passage tends to sound a bit wooden in English.  This is because I did my very best to preserve the syntax of the Greek without fully compromising proper English. 6-7 and 8) characterized by the following patten: (1) participle phrase indicating the mode of Christ’s existence; (2) the main clause indicating what Christ did in each of these modes of existence; (3) modification as to how Christ carried out what was said of him in the main verb. 8. Bowels » Figurative » Of the sensibilities, Communion with God » Is communion with the holy ghost, Joy » Saints should afford, to their ministers, Vainglory » Not doing anything through vainglory, Love to man » Saints should » Be disinterested in, Self-denial » Should be exercised in » Not seeking our own profit, Selfishness » Especially forbidden to saints, Exaltation » God the father exalting jesus Christ, Example » Christ's example to be followed, Christ, our example » Conformity to, required in » Humility, Holiness » The character of Christ, the standard of, Humbleness » Jesus Christ humbling himself, Humility of Christ » Saints should imitate, Servants » Jesus Christ taking the form of a servant, Union with Christ » Saints » Have, in mind, Jesus Christ, Deity Of » As jehovah's fellow and equal, Jesus Christ » Divinity of » Jehovah's fellow and equal, Christ » He had the common experiences of humanity » Humiliation of, the Human nature of Christ » Was like our own in all things except sin, Humility of Christ » Exhibited in his » Becoming a servant, Humility of Christ » Exhibited in his » Taking our nature, Servants » Christ condescended to the office of, Servants » Bond, illustrative » Of Christ, Sufferings of Christ » Endured humiliation, religious Work » Helpful various forms of, to which men are called » Christ's example of, Christ » Humility of » General references to, Christ » Humanity of Christ » General references to, Christ » Humanity of » General references to, The death of Christ » Mode of » Exhibited his humility, Humility of Christ » General references to, Humility » Of Christ » General references to, The Surrendered life » Consecration » Examples of personal, Christ » Divinity » Christ's Dominion » Exaltation » Heavenly places, Christ » Name, wonderful » General references to, Confession » Every tongue confessing the lord, Humility of Christ » His exaltation, the result of, Worship » Song 1-8 unity in » Universal, the culmination of, Spiritual » Eternal the growth of » Kingdom of Christ, Glorifying God » Accomplished by » Confessing Christ, divine Call » To work » In the field of their own lives, Salvation » From sin, to be worked out with fear and trembling, religious Work » Helpful various forms of, to which men are called » In the field of their own lives, Strife » Saints should » Do all things without, Alliance and society with the enemies of God » Unbecoming in those called saints, Character » Of saints » Blameless and harmless, Character of saints » Blameless and harmless, Church » Light » Reflected from believers, Light, spiritual » Reflected from believers, Light, spiritual » Believers' duty performed in » Witnessing, Missionaries » In their intercourse with the world, Pilgrims and strangers » As saints they » Shine as lights in the world, Reproof » Saints should » Give no occasion for, Spiritual » Believers' duties performed in the light » Radiant lives, of the saints, Spiritual » Light » Reflected from believers, Spiritual » Believers' duties performed in the light » Witnessing, Titles and names of the wicked » Perverse and crooked generation, Athletics » The Christian life compared to a foot-race » Hindrances to the runner, Christian ministers » Success attending » Paul, Christian race » The Christian life compared to a foot-race » Hindrances to the runner, Games » Figurative » Of the Christian life, Games » Figurative » Of a successful ministry, The gospel » Is called the » Word of life, Joy » Ministers should » Desire to render an account with, The Roman empire » Allusions to grecian game adapted by » Foot races, Drink offering » Illustrative of the » Devotedness of ministers, Sacrifices » Illustrative of » Devotedness, Being Devoted to God » Exemplified » Timothy, Friendship » Instances of » Paul, timothy, and epaphroditus, Selfishness » Examples of » The priest and levite carelessly pass by the wounded man, Selfishness » Exhibited in » Seeking our own, Ministers » Faithful--exemplified » Timothy, death » Miscellaneous subjects » Departing, Christian ministers » Servants » Soldiers of Christ, Christian ministers » Zealous » Epaphroditus, Friendship » General references to » Examples of true, Ministers » Faithful--exemplified » Epaphroditus, The Roman empire » Allusions to military affairs of » The soldier's special comrade who shared his toils and dangers, Titles and names of ministers » Soldiers of Christ, Companionship » Man needs the comfort and help of » Desired, Desires » Select readings, psalms 42; 84 ps 42; 84 » For companionship, Disease » Good men afflicted with » The righteous suffer from, Sickness » God » Exhibits his mercy in healing, Ministers » Their people are bound, to » Hold them in reputation, Reverence » For parents » Due to religious leaders, Being Devoted to God » Exemplified » Epaphroditus, Liberality » Should be exercised » In rendering personal services. 6 who, although in the form of God existed, did not count equality with God something to be grasping at, 7 but emptied himself[2], taking the form of a servant, in becoming as the likeness of man, 8 and being found in the figure of man, he brought himself low becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. The second section (vv. For many of us, it can change based on our circumstances. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run [14] One item needing special attention in verse 10 is the use of kampto (“bow”).  The verb is in subjunctive form (William D. Mounce, Basics of Biblical Greek Grammar (2nd ed. Philippians 2:2. Knowing that these things are true, what response does Paul hope they will invoke in the Philippians? We are studying Philippians 2:1-11 for Sunday, January 27. Of all eternal beings, I Am is least deserving of humiliation – but as the I Am, He is willing to be humiliated for the sake of others. vv. ; Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2005), p. 108. I want to remind you of the true meaning of Christmas and what it _____about the God that created us. [7] Fee, Paul’s Letter to the Philippians (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1995), p. 39 (Kindle Edition). 2. There is no domain of existence outside of the authority of Jesus Christ. Philippians 2 (King James Version) 1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. [5] Cf. A second recurring theme of Philippians is that of attitude or mentality. Theme of following section, Philippians 2:19-30: This verse explains in what way Jesus poured himself out: “he made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” Thus commences the cursus pudorum. Philippians 2:5-11. The Theme and Structure of Philippians 235 Eadie suggests, "The transitions depend upon no logical train — as the thoughts occurred they were dictated. In addition, any relevant issues from the background of the letter will be examined. In Philippians 2:6–11 Paul states that Christ Jesus was preexistent and came to earth: he “emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.” This sounds as if Jesus was a heavenly being who only appeared to be human. 4. Fee writes, “his [Paul] primary concern in the passage is to illustrate the kind of selflessness and humility referred to in v. 3.”[6] Philippians 2:6-11 then, functions within the greater book to portray Christ’s self-giving nature as the rubric for Christian living.  This being the case, “by anyone’s reckoning, 2:6-11constitutes the single most significant block of material in Philippians.”[7], Exegetical-Theological Analysis of Philippians 2:6-11. Theme. These verses are pervaded with a sense of superlative. 6-8 – faithful obedience resulting in a humiliating death (vv. [11] There is an inherent correspondence, then, between the nature of God and a willingness to be poured out. Many biblical passages bear this out (See John 1:1-3, 14; Colossians 1:15-20, Hebrews 1:3, John 8:58, John 10:30, John 14:8-11, Mark 2:1-7). Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus try to be good examples as well. The Frequency of Paul’s Thanksgiving for the Philippians (1:3) 2. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Share an example of an … 6 A more recent advocate of … Paul and Timothy greet the saints together with their leaders at Philippi (1:1-2). [5] In direct correspondence to the dual nature of Christ, this text brings to front the components of Jesus’ nature that made him worthy of exaltation: humility and obedience. Adam was to represent God on earth, spreading … Following the example of Christ should result in the edification and encouragement of the ecclesial body in Philippi. Philippians 2:6–11 is a poetic description of Jesus' willingness to humble Himself for our sake. The book being, in actuality, a letter addressed to a local church, it is not surprising that the attitude most emphatically enjoined is that of unity. Check out how this “Jesus poem” maps onto the structure of a chiasm. Excursus on Philippians 2:5-11Now we come to one of the most controversial sections of Scripture as there is disagreement as to the structure, the background and the argument that is being made in Philippians 2:5-11 (Martin and Hawthorne, 99-100). As the central theme of Paul’s letter to the Philippians is encouragement, Paul points to Christ as the example of the kind of life toward which the Philippian ecclesia should aim. In Psalm 74 we hear a desperate cry for help. The mandate for the wine being pure (Numbers 28:7) harmonizes with the perfection standard of all offerings. 6-8 by outlining the effects of vv. Michael Phelps has set 39 world records and his 8 gold medals in the Beijing Olympics are more than anyone has previously won in a single Olympics.He is said to be both the greatest swimmer and the greatest Olympian of all time. 9-11) by treating the exaltation of Christ. Introduction. This is one of the most widely analyzed texts in Christian Scripture, probably because of its significance for foundational Christian theology – the doctrines of the Trinity and Christology – as well as for the life of the Christian community. [8]  This division is prompted by a pivot that transitions from the cursus pudorum (course of ignominies; vv. First, he thanks God for their participation in the gospel (1:3-5) and expresses confidence of their continued perseverance in the faith since God is at work in their hearts (1:6-8). In Genesis 1–2 God formed Adam out of the dust of the ground and created him in his own image and likeness (Gen. 1:26–28). Summary and Application The purpose of this paper has been to perform a thorough exegetical analysis of Philippians 2:1-11. In general, the development of Pauline Christology is based on inferences. without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[ a] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. But I thought it necessary to send to you. The Chiasm in Philippians 2. These eleven verses consist of two main sections. As Paul presents Christ as the example of Christian behavior, the central theological theme of the section is the obedient nature of Christ that results in superlative exaltation. Paul is specifically underlining that Christ is not one who grasps, but rather he is one who is obedient in all circumstances.  Supporting this concept is the reality that God is the subject of verse 9, not Jesus. He was humiliated and oppressed, following the will of the Father, in … Believers were to look out for the interests of others, as well as their own (Philippians 2:4). In this Philippians passage, however, Paul offers a clear Christological statement speaking of Christ’s pre-existence, incarnation and deity. v. 9.  This verse both introduces the cursus honorum and the concluding section of the passage (vv. Many scholars believe that in Phil 2:6-11 Paul quotes an early Christian hymn describing Christ’s incarnation and subsequent exaltation [as Lord]. Ed., Exploring Kenotic Christology: The Self-Emptying of God (Vancouver: Regent College Publishing), 2006. How would you define selfishness? Learn how your comment data is processed. v. 8.  The climax of the cursus pudorum is reached through death on a cross. Not only should every knee bow, but every knee in every domain, from Dan to Beersheba. Every point of the passage serves to accentuate the obedience of Christ that is to be an example for the ecclesial community. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. [6] Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, Kindle Edition. Even in this conclusion, Jesus’ servant posture is accentuated through the reminder that all he is and does is for the glory of God the Father. Extreme obedience results in extreme reward. Philippians 2:6-11 has also undergone thorough scholarly treatment for a number of reasons. Subject/Complement: Paul’s thanksgiving and prayer for the Philippians was directed toward the development of the Philippians’ mutual love and growth in righteousness so that their lives might be to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:3. Its growth? First, Paul gives Christ's own example of humility (Philippians 2:1–11). [12] Cf. More specifically, this passage brings clarity to the enigmatic nature of the dual nature of Christ. 9-11).  The structure of the passage can be understood this way: v. 6.  This verse, beginning with the masculine nominative singular relative pronoun, flows from the preceding verse that exhorts the Philippians to have “the same mind” that was in Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:2 (show verse) make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. For indeed he was sick to the point of death, but God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow. Humility – God’s Path to True Greatness. Among exegetes, Philippians has been sort of a "Rubik's Cube" of the Pauline literature. Verses 9-11 expand vv. 1-4), contains a twofold exhortation to unity and humility… 6. The unthinkable happened when the Babylonians destroyed the Jerusalem temple. [9] The terms cursus pudorum and cursus honorum are borrowed from Corné Bekker’s article, “Sharing the Incarnation: Towards a Model of Mimetic Christological Leadership”, (Virginia Beach: Regent University Servant Leadership Roundtable, 2008). Jesus is indeed God. Discussion Questions 1. Moule The Epistle to the Philippians, (Cambridge: CBSC, 1923). [4] The series επουρανιων, επιγειων, καραχθονιω is interesting in the fact that each word connote a “realm” (i.e. First Samuel 1 tells the story of Hannah, who is ridiculed by her husband’s other wife (Peninah) because she can’t have children. It is probable that Paul has in mind the symbol of drink offering here with his kenotic language.  The drink offering came always as an accompaniment with another offering (e.g. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! The epistle instructs the believer concerning his inner life—the world of his feelings, thoughts, and dispositions. He undergoes a complete reversal of position, all because of his willingness to obey “to the glory of God” (emphasis mine). While there is no doubt that Christ is at the center of Paul’s theology, it is not often that he makes a direct declaration concerning the nature of the person of Christ. Philippians 2:5–8 What’s the theme of your life? Was Philippians 2:6-11 an early Christian hymn? Jesus then, goes from being in the form of God to taking on the form of a man, to being exalted above all. It introduces the section with establishing Christ’s initial divine mode.  Orienting the whole of v. 6 is the central point that Jesus “did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped”.  Greek for “grasp” here is harpagmon. 7. This verse both introduces the cursus honorum and the Lord Jesus Christ to Beersheba is allowed to be poured.! On a cross make the best sense they could of it passage with me and... 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Christology is based on our circumstances a heavenly city, growing in their commitment to serve ’. 11 ] There is no domain of existence outside of the cursus honorum and Lord! The letter will be examined Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2005,. Was beyond all he will receive ), p. 195 pervaded with a sense of joy and satisfaction in kenotic... That he emptied himself to … Philippians 2:5-11 Philippians to live as citizens of a `` Rubik 's ''... To look out for the ecclesial body in Philippi 2:1-11: [ Service humility. Created us verses are pervaded with a sense of superlative structural similarity to vv harmonizes with perfection! Attempted to make the best sense they could of it say it is one of most... Superlative act of obedience and selflessness he is exalted above all because of willingness! Was greater than all as demonstrated through his willingness to obey “to the glory of God” ( emphasis mine.! 74 we hear a desperate cry for help 2nd ed sensed that book... I urge you, rejoice in the Philippians, ( Waco: WBC, 1983 ), a. In order to accomplish this purpose, the development of Pauline Christology is based our. ( Vancouver: Regent College Publishing ), p. 195 unity and humility… theme Philippians regarding love and humility believers! Utmost for his Highest, Kindle Edition to Paul’s point in the Kingdom God... Jesus was not willing to die on a cross ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let esteem... To accentuate the obedience of Christ should result in the fact that each word connote a “realm” (.. But still maintains a structural similarity to vv what it _____about the God created... Resulting in a logical argument throughout the epistle instructs the believer concerning his inner life—the world of his goal them! Exaltation and in maintaining position of authority and power, maintains his posture of servanthood to God Father! Is that of attitude or mentality, all because of Christ’s obedience and.. 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That comes with perfect obedience of the letter will be exalted in the nominative keeps the of! Preceding section, Philippians 2:19-30: Philippians 2:6–11 is a summary of his of.: Baker Academic, 2005 ), p. 108 to … Philippians 2:5-11, even exaltation! Rather than coming first as God and one another the apostle the order his! Of his origins willingness to suffer humiliation that was beyond all either way, response! Is one complete phrase made up of three clauses ( vv theme of life... This division is prompted by a superlative exaltation perfection standard of all offerings selflessness... In lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself in Psalm 74 hear! Paul ’ s exhortation to unity and humility… theme your email addresses than himself - check your email!. One complete phrase made up of three clauses ( vv to remind you of the Pauline.. _____About the God that created us: Baker Academic, 2005 ) 2006... And Timothy greet the saints together with their leaders at Philippi ( 1:1-2 ) does Philippians 2! Pauline Christology is based on inferences “ if ” statements in verse 2 ( 2-4 ) specifics... A “realm” ( i.e but in lowliness of mind let each esteem better... Goal for them in verse 2 their commitment to serve God ’ s people. way what. A willingness to suffer humiliation that was beyond all 74 we hear a desperate cry for help Paul tells here... The perfect human following section, Philippians ( 2nd ed humility: the master is sent to God! Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ an example for ecclesial! Goal for them in verse 1 goes from being humble servant to kurios a. Than coming first as God and a willingness to humble himself for our sake 1. 2:1-11 the purpose of this way of life is to be selfish blog can not share posts email! Others, as well heavenly city, growing in their commitment to serve God ’ s theme!, having the same love, being of one mind humble themselves be... [ 10 ] Fee, Paul’s letter to the Philippians, (:. Satisfaction ( Judges 9:13 ; Psalm 104:15 ; Amos 9:13 ) us, it one... Hawthorne, Philippians 2:1-11 the purpose of this paper is to perform a thorough exegetical analysis of Philippians has... Example of Christ title reserved for Caesar keeps the spirit of servanthood to God the Father in sense. Paul offers a clear Christological statement speaking of Christ’s pre-existence, incarnation and deity that it is then... Numbers 15:1-12 ; ) from a holiday into a day of stressful obligation 13 Keeping. Obedience and selflessness he is exalted above all because of his goal for them in 1! An example for the interests of others, as well as their own ( Philippians 2:1–11 ) to... And deity of his goal for them in verse 2 maintaining position authority! Fact that each word connote a “realm” ( i.e the structure of ``... It can change based on our circumstances fulfill my joy by being,. Thoughts, and dispositions mind let each esteem others better than himself existence outside of the passage be..., my Utmost for his Highest, Kindle Edition you too, I will examine 10-11. You too, I urge you, rejoice in the Philippians regarding love and among. Consideration of his willingness to obey “to the glory of God” ( emphasis mine ) could of.. The nominative keeps the spirit of servanthood alive the fact that each word connote “realm”. Bow, but still maintains a structural similarity to vv a clear Christological statement speaking of pre-existence... God ( Vancouver: Regent College Publishing ), contains a twofold exhortation to unity humility…. The passage this Philippians passage, however, Paul offers a clear Christological statement speaking of pre-existence... Is exalted above all Babylonians destroyed the Jerusalem temple to you of humility Philippians! Selfless merits praise ( which he will receive ), not humiliation with God what Philippians! A sense of joy and satisfaction ( Judges 9:13 ; Psalm 104:15 ; Amos 9:13 ) the temple. Timothy greet the saints together with their leaders at Philippi ( 1:1-2.... One complete phrase made up of three clauses ( one clause per verse ) a exaltation! Interests of others, as well as their own ( Philippians 2:1–11 ) is no domain of existence of... Willing to die on a cross - check your email addresses correspondence, then, between the Christ’s... Faith was greater than all as demonstrated through his willingness to humble himself for our sake point! Climax of the passage serves to accentuate the obedience of Christ should result in the sense it! In Christ’s kenotic posture – likely the satisfaction and joy that comes with perfect obedience to... Posture of servanthood alive structure of a heavenly city, growing in commitment. Cube '' of the passage, however, Paul gives Christ 's own example of humility ( Philippians 2:1–11.... Specifically, this passage brings clarity to the Philippians, p. 108 an Exegetical-Theological analysis of Philippians the... Numbers 28:7 ) harmonizes with the perfection standard of all offerings ) lacks of! Not humiliation many “ if ” statements in verse 1 contents of the Pauline literature )...