Moreover, even if Christ’s exaltation is granted out of merit, it is certain that the desire of exaltation does not motivate his actions. What is a summary of his goal for them in verse 2? [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. In order to accomplish this purpose, the basic contents of the passage will be surveyed. Because of Christ’s obedience and selflessness he is exalted above all. 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 2:6-11 can be divided into two parts: (1) 2:6-8 and (2) 9-11. 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). 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. Greek-English Lexicon (2000), p. 1034. Purpose. Here are my notes on the… Discussion Questions 1. Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus try to be good examples as well. [14]  Moreover, Jesus goes from being humble servant to kurios, a title reserved for Caesar. The nature Christ’s humiliation is intensified through the consideration of his origins. Christ is exalted above all because his faith was greater than all as demonstrated through his willingness to suffer humiliation that was beyond all. 9-11) lacks some of the poetic dimension of the first, but still maintains a structural similarity to vv. He was humiliated and oppressed, following the will of the Father, in … 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). Jesus, even in exaltation and in maintaining position of authority and power, maintains his posture of servanthood to God the Father. 9-11). 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. 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. A. Thanksgiving (1:3-8) 1. 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. ; Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2005), p. 108. Its effectiveness? 6-8 in the sense that it is one complete phrase made up of three clauses (one clause per verse). The first section (vv. How do divisions affect a church? 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.] 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”). What gave Paul joy? Scholars who interpret Phil 2:6-11 as an early Christian hymn point out that it contains a rich vocabulary, a number of poetic elements (e.g., parallelism, paradox, climax), and that, … Following the example of Christ should result in the edification and encouragement of the ecclesial body in Philippi. spiritual Peace » Saints » Wish, to each other. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 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. Philippians 2:6-11 in its Context. Introduction. 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. [12] Those who humble themselves will be exalted in the Kingdom of God. Genesis 35:14; Exodus 29:40; Leviticus 23:13; Numbers 15:1-12;). 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. 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 … Philippians 2:12. Introduction. [5] Cf. [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. never know what suggested to the apostle the order of his . How would you define selfishness? In addition, any relevant issues from the background of the letter will be examined. 6-8 by outlining the effects of vv. [7] Fee, Paul’s Letter to the Philippians (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1995), p. 39 (Kindle Edition). First, Jesus Christ is the second Adam, the perfect human. So then, what does Philippians 2:5-8 mean? When does Paul say it is allowed to be selfish? v. 8.  The climax of the cursus pudorum is reached through death on a cross. More specifically, this passage brings clarity to the enigmatic nature of the dual nature of Christ. [13] M. Silva, Philippians (2nd ed. Both come from the beautiful description in Philippians 2:6–11 of what Christ, the pinnacle of the story of redemption, has done. Philippians 2:6-11 has also undergone thorough scholarly treatment for a number of reasons. [13] Keeping God the Father in the nominative keeps the spirit of servanthood alive. This is quite opposite to Paul’s point in the passage. Philippians 2:1-11. 6 A more recent advocate of … [6] Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, Kindle Edition. The Theme and Structure of Philippians 235 Eadie suggests, "The transitions depend upon no logical train — as the thoughts occurred they were dictated. These verses are pervaded with a sense of superlative. Jesus then, goes from being in the form of God to taking on the form of a man, to being exalted above all. In general, the development of Pauline Christology is based on inferences. vv. 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. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 4. [8]  This division is prompted by a pivot that transitions from the cursus pudorum (course of ignominies; vv. Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. In Psalm 74 we hear a desperate cry for help. Jesus is indeed God. The second section (vv. Paul wrote to the Philippians from prison. 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. We are studying Philippians 2:1-11 for Sunday, January 27. 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). Being selfless meant becoming nothing. Exegetical Study of Philippians 2:1-11 The purpose of this paper is to perform a thorough exegetical analysis of Philippians 2:1-11. 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. A second recurring theme of Philippians is that of attitude or mentality. (2-4) The specifics of Paul’s exhortation to the Philippians regarding love and humility among believers. An Exegetical-Theological Analysis of Philippians 2:6-11[1]. They have sensed that the book has no central theme systematically developed in a logical argument throughout the epistle. v. 7. Jesus was not willing to die on a cross so that he would be exalted. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me. This is the only appearance of this word in the New Testament, rarely found in comparative Greek literature, and therefore challenging to interpret. 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. 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. Either way, what we do know is that God’s response to those who humble themselves in obedience is exaltation. A Jesus' Glory as God. Theme of following section, Philippians 2:19-30: Ed., Exploring Kenotic Christology: The Self-Emptying of God (Vancouver: Regent College Publishing), 2006. Philippians 1:2. 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. Paul and Timothy greet the saints together with their leaders at Philippi (1:1-2). What does Philippians chapter 2 mean? 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. 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. 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. 6-8) is grounds for exaltation (vv. 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. Rather than coming first as God and King, Jesus freely took on the form of a human being. Similarly, there are times Read more…. These eleven verses consist of two main sections. 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. Bauer and Danker (ed.) The Frequency of Paul’s Thanksgiving for the Philippians (1:3) 2. 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. ), A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), p. 539. But I thought it necessary to send to you. 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. This is especially humiliating because he was divine. He undergoes a complete reversal of position, all because of his willingness to obey “to the glory of God” (emphasis mine). Share an example of an … "Since the early days of historical … Was Philippians 2:6-11 an early Christian hymn? C. Stephen Evans. 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