July 17, 2014 Philippians Chapter 2

Philippians Chapter 2

Originally posted Monday September 1, 2008

Philippians Chapter 2:1-11 Imitating the Humility of Christ as a Model

This passage contains what has become known as the "Philippian Hymn" (vss. 5-11), a liturgical song used in early worship. The language of the hymn is metaphorical and not meant to be doctrinal although it probably became a creedal statement in later decades. It certainly would be at home in the churches of John's time. Paul adapts and uses this hymn of Christ as the model for a unity rooted in humility with Christ serving as the heavenly example. The Christ envisioned in the hymn is, as in Jn. 1:1, pre-existent. The pre-existent Christ's "way of thinking" is the model Paul wishes to instill in the Philippians. He begins with a characterization of the unity he believes is necessary for the community. Such unity flows from encouragement of one another in Christ, reciprocal consolation in love and being in single-minded agreement (with one way of thinking). Such mutuality has no need for self serving ambition or conceit. In humbleness it looks to the spiritual and material needs of others first.

The introductory verse of the hymn makes the connection between these elements of congregational unity rooted in humility and the "mind of Christ." It might be helpful to see a more literal translation from the Greek to understand how Paul has made this connection: "Let this way of thinking be in [all of] you which was also in Christ Jesus." In other words, as believers who arein Christ, follow the example of Christ's heavenly humility as presented in the hymn that follows:

The words present a pre-existent Christ in heaven:

Vs. 6 - "who, although existing in the form of God, did not regard being in the form of God a thing to be clung to." The form of God refers to the essence or character of God. Since God is invisible, God's form cannot refer to shape or physicality. In this case to be in the form of God is to share in that essential character of God. The heavenly Christ did not consider being in this form of God something to be exploited by being used for his own benefit or to his own advantage. Paul can urge the Philippians to follow such an example by not regarding their status as anything special by comparison with others in the community.

Vs. 7a - "Rather than exploitation of what he possessed, Christ chose the humble act of 'pouring himself out,' laying aside such high prerogatives. Instead he took a different essential character, that of a slave being born in the likeness of a sinful human being (Rom 8:3)." The question quickly comes to mind whether or not taking the form of a slave means "exchanging" one form (of God) for another. That is more a question of doctrine and Paul does not enter into any debate of the nature of Christ as fully human and fully divine, a concept that will take shape many generations past his time. For Paul, Christ becomes the divine Son of God in resurrection. This certainly fits with his idea of "laying aside" the form of God. However, one thing is certain in Paul and all other New Testament writings: The presence of God does work through Christ and the full character of God is revealed in Christ. This is articulated at is fullest by John's profound Christology that "the Word (revelation/presence of God) became flesh and pitched his tent among us (Jn. 1:14)." For the Philippians this is an exhortation to do as Christ did and lay aside all pretensions of self importance that lead to divisiveness.

Vs.7b-8 - "Being found as fully human he humbled himself and became obedient." As a human being Christ would face choices. He chose to give obedience to what he understood to be God's will for him. That will was one of obedience, even to the extent of his willingness to die to be faithful to the cause to which he had been called. The Philippians, Paul suggests, should always seek God's will for their lives, listening to the guidance of the Spirit for direction. If suffering occurs they should rejoice that they have been considered worthy to share in Christ's suffering.

Vs. 9 - "Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name," In Pauline thought the resurrection and exaltation together is God's vindication of who Christ is, the divine Son of God. It is God's response to Christ's complete and perfect obedience. It also is the believer's vindication, a justification of the validity of their faith in Christ and their eternal life. This is a clear signal to the Philippians that their steadfast faith and faithful obedience to the Gospel have not been in vain.

Vs. 10-11 "And [God] gave him the name that is above every name." God's exaltation of Christ is not simply a return to the highest heavenly places and a regaining of a form once set aside. Christ is given a new name, the Lord that will be confessed and acknowledged through worship by all creatures, dead, alive and in the heavens. In the Old Testament, "Lord" (Adonai in Hebrew), is God's name, used rather than pronouncing the sacred name "YAHWEH." The resurrected and exalted Christ is given God's name and all that name implies. For Paul this is the recognition of the ultimate power of the risen Christ (see 1 Cor. 15:25-27). To the Gentile Philippians it is a powerful assertion that the lordship exercised by the Emperor and pagan deities is as impotent as dust in comparison to the lordship of Christ.

Philippians Chapter 2:12-19 Shining as Lights in the World

The "therefore" refers to what he has just written regarding the exalted Lord and the Philippians' imitation of Christ's obedience in this life in preparation for the life to come. Perhaps implying the imminent return of Christ, he urges the believers to "work out [their] own salvation in "fear and trembling," a common reference to the attitude of awe one should feel toward the God who is "at work in [them]" and enabling them to do God's will. Working out their salvation does not mean they have to work to receive it. That is already secured through faith in Christ and baptism. Rather it refers to the believer's consistent and faithful obedience to God in all things. This working out of one's salvation includes a certain cheerfulness, without murmuring and arguing. These are signs of a disingenuous faith. Paul's greatest concern is how the Philippians will fare on the Day of Christ, the day of the New Age and judgment. He hopes they will be blameless and innocent, "like [shining] stars in the world." Then he will be able to boast on that Day that he had not been laboring in vain. Even if he were to die before that day for the sake of the Gospel he has preached, he is glad for them and rejoices with them all.

Philippians Chapter 2:19-3:1a Timothy, Epaphroditus and Personal Comments

Paul expresses his plan (if the Lord wills) to send Timothy to the Philippians with news of Paul's condition and to hear back from them as well. Timothy has proved to be a faithful disciple, like a son who remains faithful to his spiritual father. He can be trusted to be concerned about the Philippians welfare and to be a representative of Paul in his absence. He hopes to be making his own journey to see them depending on how his situation in prison is resolved. He shares his concern about Epaphroditus who has been the one who has carried messages back and forth between Paul and Philippi as well as helping Paul in other ways. He had been very ill - nearly dying on one occasion. He plans to send his faithful helper home for a visit and urges the Philippians to give him a warm welcome and thanksgiving for his having been so much help to Paul. With what is probably the end of the first of two or three joined letters, Paul reminds the Philippians to "rejoice in the Lord."