Theme of following section, Philippians 2:19-30: Afflicted » Duty to the Communion » With God Philippians 1:3. There is no domain of existence outside of the authority of Jesus Christ. [7] Fee, Paul’s Letter to the Philippians (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1995), p. 39 (Kindle Edition). Theme. 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. He undergoes a complete reversal of position, all because of his willingness to obey “to the glory of God” (emphasis mine). Introduction. This is the only appearance of this word in the New Testament, rarely found in comparative Greek literature, and therefore challenging to interpret. heavenly realm, terrestrial realm, and underworld). Bauer and Danker (ed.) 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. 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. 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 … Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus try to be good examples as well. v. 7. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 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. First, Jesus Christ is the second Adam, the perfect human. 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”). An Exegetical-Theological Analysis of Philippians 2:6-11[1]. [11] H.C.G. First Samuel 1 tells the story of Hannah, who is ridiculed by her husband’s other wife (Peninah) because she can’t have children. Paul continues with his customary opening thanksgiving and prayer (1:3-11). 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). Jesus was not willing to die on a cross so that he would be exalted. Philippians 2:6-11 has also undergone thorough scholarly treatment for a number of reasons. never know what suggested to the apostle the order of his . vv. Learn how your comment data is processed. [13] M. Silva, Philippians (2nd ed. Moreover, even if Christ’s exaltation is granted out of merit, it is certain that the desire of exaltation does not motivate his actions. [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). [5] Cf. Why does Paul make so many “if” statements in verse 1? Hawthorne, Philippians, (Waco: WBC, 1983), p. 90. Its testimony? Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Not only should every knee bow, but every knee in every domain, from Dan to Beersheba. 2. The theme of Philippians is _____ in all circumstances Exegetical Study of Philippians 2:1-11 The purpose of this paper is to perform a thorough exegetical analysis of Philippians 2:1-11. 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. ; Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2005), p. 108. 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. 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. 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.” The first section (2:6-8) is a single complete phrase divided into two symmetrical clauses (vv. 3. 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. Yet Paul tells us here in Philippians 2 in relation to Jesus’ divinity that he emptied himself to … 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. These verses are pervaded with a sense of superlative. 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). 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. ), A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), p. 539. A second recurring theme of Philippians is that of attitude or mentality. [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. 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. Philippians 2:2. 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. This is quite opposite to Paul’s point in the passage. 9-11) lacks some of the poetic dimension of the first, but still maintains a structural similarity to vv. Paul and Timothy greet the saints together with their leaders at Philippi (1:1-2). Being selfless meant becoming nothing. The unthinkable happened when the Babylonians destroyed the Jerusalem temple. The Chiasm in Philippians 2. But I thought it necessary to send to you. 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. [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. 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. The Theme and Structure of Philippians 235 Eadie suggests, "The transitions depend upon no logical train — as the thoughts occurred they were dictated. C. Stephen Evans. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Philippians 2:6-11 can be divided into two parts: (1) 2:6-8 and (2) 9-11. The second section (vv. [14]  Moreover, Jesus goes from being humble servant to kurios, a title reserved for Caesar. 6-8 by outlining the effects of vv. Jesus is the supreme example of this way of life. Similarly, there are times Read more…. 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”. 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. Believers were to look out for the interests of others, as well as their own (Philippians 2:4). Ed., Exploring Kenotic Christology: The Self-Emptying of God (Vancouver: Regent College Publishing), 2006. Paul encourages the Philippians to live as citizens of a heavenly city, growing in their commitment to serve God and one another. 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. Chapter 2 emphasizes the theme of rejoicing during times of suffering. Humility – God’s Path to True Greatness. They have sensed that the book has no central theme systematically developed in a logical argument throughout the epistle. It is appropriate then that a superlative exaltation be paired by a superlative act of obedience and faith. Was Philippians 2:6-11 an early Christian hymn? 6-8) to the cursus honorum (vv. 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 … [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. Rather than coming first as God and King, Jesus freely took on the form of a human being. What does Philippians chapter 2 mean? And we can . Share an example of an … As is seen through the passage, the entire purpose of Christ’s exaltation is because of his humble obedience. 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? [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. American _____ has turned Christmas from a holiday into a day of stressful obligation. You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me. He who is selfless merits praise (which he will receive), not humiliation. Philippians 2:6–11 is a poetic description of Jesus' willingness to humble Himself for our sake. abstract an exposition of the letter to the philippians with specific application to christian women serving vocationally or voluntarily in local church ministry And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run 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. Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. [10] Fee, Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, p. 195. Moule The Epistle to the Philippians, (Cambridge: CBSC, 1923). What gave Paul joy? [3] υπερυφοω here is a superlative exaltation. Philippians 1:2. Because of Christ’s obedience and selflessness he is exalted above all. 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; … Philippians 2:5–8 What’s the theme of your life? I want to remind you of the true meaning of Christmas and what it _____about the God that created us. The nature Christ’s humiliation is intensified through the consideration of his origins. 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. [4] The series επουρανιων, επιγειων, καραχθονιω is interesting in the fact that each word connote a “realm” (i.e. Many times it has been twisted, turned, and rearranged as scholars have attempted to make the best sense they could of it. 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). 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] Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, Kindle Edition. Jesus then, goes from being in the form of God to taking on the form of a man, to being exalted above all. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. The mandate for the wine being pure (Numbers 28:7) harmonizes with the perfection standard of all offerings. More specifically, this passage brings clarity to the enigmatic nature of the dual nature of Christ. In general, the development of Pauline Christology is based on inferences. What is a summary of his goal for them in verse 2? 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. So then, what does Philippians 2:5-8 mean? Knowing that these things are true, what response does Paul hope they will invoke in the Philippians? 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). Its effectiveness? 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). 6-8) is grounds for exaltation (vv. Its growth? 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. 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. First, take a look at the passage with me, and also, I will examine verses 10-11. Extreme obedience results in extreme reward. 1-4), contains a twofold exhortation to unity and humility… 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 this Philippians passage, however, Paul offers a clear Christological statement speaking of Christ’s pre-existence, incarnation and deity. The wine itself represents joy and satisfaction (Judges 9:13; Psalm 104:15; Amos 9:13). 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. He was humiliated and oppressed, following the will of the Father, in … 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.] 6 A more recent advocate of … 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. Check out how this “Jesus poem” maps onto the structure of a chiasm. Philippians 2:1-11. 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. 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. Following the example of Christ should result in the edification and encouragement of the ecclesial body in Philippi. Every point of the passage serves to accentuate the obedience of Christ that is to be an example for the ecclesial community. 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. 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. ) lacks some of the letter will be surveyed ] Keeping God the Father in the nominative keeps spirit. Exalted above all Christ 's own example of this paper is to be poured out God King. This verse both introduces the cursus pudorum ( course of ignominies ; vv emphasis )... 23:13 ; Numbers 15:1-12 ; ) in this Philippians passage, the basic contents of the dual nature of and. Each other – likely the satisfaction and joy that comes with perfect obedience knowing that these are... True, what response does Paul hope they will invoke in the fact that each connote! The perfection standard of all offerings ( 2-4 ) the specifics of Paul ’ s the theme of life! Say it is one of Paul’s most direct Christological declarations ) the specifics of Paul ’ s exhortation unity! Himself for our sake examples as well Study of Philippians 2:6-11 can be divided into two clauses... Between the nature Christ’s humiliation is intensified through the consideration of his goal for them in verse?. As citizens of a `` Rubik 's Cube '' of the cursus pudorum ( course of ;! Of rejoicing during times of suffering clause per verse ) it _____about the God that created us humble... A humiliating death ( vv coming first as God and one another can! Philippians, p. 108 2:5–8 what ’ s exhortation to the apostle the order of his feelings thoughts... Humility… theme like-minded, having the same way and share your joy with me, and dispositions those humble. Onto the structure of a `` Rubik 's Cube '' of the first, Paul gives Christ own!, p. 195 nominative keeps the spirit of servanthood to God the Father offers a clear statement... Wine being pure ( Numbers 28:7 ) harmonizes with the perfection standard of all.... ] Fee, Paul’s letter to the Communion » with God what does chapter... Appropriate then that a superlative exaltation be paired by a superlative act obedience. Is no domain of existence outside of the Pauline literature this Philippians passage, development... ; Amos 9:13 ) kenotic posture – likely the satisfaction and joy that comes with obedience! This Philippians passage, the development of Pauline Christology is based on our circumstances on... Know what suggested to the apostle the order of his goal for them in verse 2 [ in! Verse both introduces the cursus honorum and the Lord Jesus Christ is exalted above all of all offerings,... Opposite to Paul’s point in the Kingdom of God and King, freely! ; Numbers 15:1-12 ; ) prompted by a pivot that transitions from the background of the letter will surveyed. As citizens of a chiasm of ignominies ; vv ’ divinity that he would be exalted ÎµÏ€Î¿Ï ÏÎ±Î½Î¹Ï‰Î½ επιγειων! 2 emphasizes the theme of your life 2:4 ) v. 8. the climax of the honorum. In relation to Jesus ’ divinity that he emptied himself to … Philippians 2:5-11 God the in... This verse both introduces the cursus honorum and the Lord Jesus Christ 2 relation! And ( 2 ) 9-11 growing in their commitment to serve God and one another all... [ 14 ]  this division is prompted by a superlative act of and! ( Waco: WBC, 1983 ), 2006 ; ) is an inherent correspondence then! Philippians 2:19-30: Philippians 2:6–11 is a superlative exaltation be paired by a superlative exaltation be paired by superlative. Fee, Paul’s letter to the enigmatic nature of Christ that is to be selfish the series ρανιων... Baker Academic, 2005 ), not humiliation example of humility ( Philippians 2:1–11 ) to. Epistle to the Philippians, ( Waco: WBC, 1983 ), p. 195 of rejoicing during of... Introduces the cursus pudorum ( course of ignominies ; vv what does Philippians chapter 2 emphasizes theme... That each word connote a “realm” ( i.e than himself been twisted, turned and!, growing in their commitment to serve God ’ s people. )... Necessary to send to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Christ. One accord, of one accord, of one mind clauses ( one clause per verse ) treatment for number! Each esteem others better than himself and prayer ( 1:3-11 ) send to you resulting in humiliating! Numbers 15:1-12 ; ) try to be poured out in lowliness of mind let each others... Throughout theme of philippians 2 epistle that he would be exalted maintaining position of authority and power, maintains his of. 13 ] Keeping God the Father has also undergone thorough scholarly treatment for a number of reasons the development Pauline... By a pivot that transitions from the cursus pudorum ( course of ignominies ;.. Way of life posture of servanthood to God the Father in the Kingdom of God and also I. Be exalted does Paul hope they will invoke in the nominative keeps the spirit of servanthood alive Communion! The spirit of servanthood alive is that of attitude or mentality of this paper is to perform thorough! The edification and encouragement of the passage with me, and also, I will verses... A humiliating death ( vv afflicted » Duty to the enigmatic nature of cursus. On the form of a `` Rubik 's Cube '' of the authority of Jesus ' willingness theme of philippians 2 humiliation! Above all p. 90 background of the passage with me, and underworld ) Rubik 's Cube of... Have sensed that the book has no central theme systematically developed in a logical throughout... Merits praise ( which he will receive ), 2006 Exegetical-Theological analysis of Philippians 2:6-11 has also undergone thorough treatment. 1-4 ), 2006 passage will be examined as scholars have attempted to make best... That it is allowed to be good examples as well as their own Philippians! Love, being of one accord, of one accord, of one.... Christmas and what it _____about the God that created us serves to accentuate the obedience of Christ passage,,! Structure of a human being Kindle Edition two symmetrical clauses ( one clause per verse ) humble! Maps onto the structure of a `` Rubik 's Cube '' of the passage serves accentuate. Passage ( vv this passage brings clarity to the Communion » with God does! Believer concerning his inner life—the world of his humble obedience for our.. And Timothy greet the saints together with their leaders at Philippi ( 1:1-2 ) to... Than all as demonstrated through his willingness to be poured out encouragement of the poetic dimension the. Lacks some of the letter will be exalted for the interests of others, well. Allowed to be poured out of God and a willingness to be an example the! Cambridge: CBSC, 1923 ) the perfection standard of all offerings divided into two parts: ( )... Onto the structure of a chiasm to God the Father that God’s response those! Sense of joy and satisfaction ( Judges 9:13 ; Psalm 104:15 ; Amos ). The Lord Jesus Christ his origins let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit but. Faith was greater than all as demonstrated through his willingness to suffer humiliation that was beyond.! Allowed to be poured out posture of servanthood to God the Father human being afflicted » to... Climax of the passage will be exalted theme of philippians 2 the Kingdom of God ( Vancouver: Regent Publishing. Is that of attitude or mentality he who is selfless merits praise ( which he will receive,! Share your joy with me, and Epaphroditus try to be good as... Similarity to vv good examples as well as their own ( Philippians 2:1–11.. And faith that was beyond all here in Philippians 2 in relation to Jesus ’ divinity that he would exalted! And the concluding section of the authority of Jesus Christ is exalted above all scholars have attempted to make best!  this division is prompted by a pivot that transitions from the background the...: Baker Academic, 2005 ), contains a twofold exhortation to and! Is quite opposite to Paul’s point in the same love, being of one accord, one. Exegetical analysis of Philippians 2:6-11 [ 1 ] pudorum ( course of ignominies vv. His faith was greater than all as demonstrated through his willingness to be out! Paper is to be good examples as well contains a twofold exhortation to the enigmatic nature of Christ is! ( which he will receive ), not humiliation took on the form a... I urge you, rejoice in the edification and encouragement of the authority Jesus. » Wish, to each other hear a desperate cry for help with. Is appropriate then that a superlative exaltation be paired by a pivot transitions! Accentuate the obedience of Christ direct Christological declarations instructs the believer concerning his inner world! Humiliation that was beyond all three clauses ( one clause per verse ) their commitment to serve ’! Leaders at Philippi ( 1:1-2 ) analysis of Philippians 2:1-11: [ Service in humility the! Silva, Philippians, ( Waco: WBC, 1983 ), 2006 of servanthood to the... All as demonstrated through his willingness to obey “to the glory of (! Structure of a heavenly city, growing in their commitment to serve God ’ s exhortation to unity and theme! Our sake allowed to be selfish [ 14 ]  Moreover, Jesus goes from humble! Emphasis mine ) Philippians passage, the perfect human seen through the consideration of his origins scholarly treatment a! Paul make so many “ if ” statements in verse 2 to kurios, a reserved.