Philippians 2 is the second chapter of the Epistle to the Philippians in the New Testament of the ChristianBible. It is authoredbyPaul the Apostle about mid-50s to early 60s AD and addressed to the Christians in Philippi.[1]Jesuit theologian Robert Murray notes that a narrative in verses 5-11 about Christ, "who humbled himself, by becoming obedient to death" is central to this chapter.[2] German protestant theologian Ernst Lohmeyer argued in 1928 that verses 6–11 were an existing hymn about Christ which Paul quotes in his letter, a theory which "has come to dominate both exegesis of Philippians and study of early Christology and credal formulas".[3]
This section centers on Paul's appeal for unity of minds and hearts among the people, which can be expressed by four phrases: two using the keyword phronein ("of the same mind" or "of one mind"), then agape ("love") and sumpsuchoi ("united in soul" or "being in full accord").[5] Maintaining his reference to the joy which Paul already feels in respect to the Philippians (verses 1:4 and 1:25), he speaks of this joy being "made full, like a measure".[6]
If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,[7]
Meyer notes Paul's use of "four stimulative elements", which are assumed to apply and are not conditional.[6]H. C. G. Moule notes that the word "bowels", as in the King James Version, was not used in any English version before 1582,[8] and offers "tender mercies and compassions", as in the Revised Version (1881), as better wording:[9] likewise the New International Version (1973 onwards) refers to "tenderness and compassion.[10]
Christ as the focus and model for discipleship (2:5–11)
Following the exhortation in the earlier section, Christ is pointed as the model for discipleship, with a poetic narrative "beyond Paul's usual vocabulary", but not necessarily beyond his capacity.[11]
but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. [14]
This verse was interpreted in the following way by the 18th-century Baptist theologian John Gill:[15]
"Made Himself of no reputation" (KJV): or "nevertheless emptied himself"; he lost nothing of what he had, but the glory of his divine nature was covered and hid from the people so they reputed him as a mere man.[15]
"And took upon him the form of a servant" (KJV): voluntarily, was not obliged, or forced to be in the form of a servant, as was often prophesied in Isaiah 42:1; 52:13, Zechariah 3:8, also called in the Targum, "my servant the Messiah".[15]
"Likeness": from Ancient Greek: ὁμοίωμαhomoiōma; "in the likeness of men", not the likeness of the first Adam, but of "sinful flesh", and was treated as a "sinner", although he was "equal to God".[15]
Two of Paul's helpers, Timothy and Epaphroditus, are introduced and the reasons for their journey are explained in this part, mainly to show Paul's affection to the people of Philippi.[18]
In the Catholic Church Philippians 2:1-11 is appointed as the second reading on the 26th Sunday of Ordinary time in Year A of the Lectionary for Mass. Philippians 2:6-11 is appointed as the second reading at Mass on Palm Sunday; similarly in the Revised Common Lectionary, Philippians 2:1-13 is appointed as the Epistle lesson for Proper 21 in Year A, which may fall on any Sunday between September 25 and October 1, and Philippians 2:5-11 is appointed as the Epistle lesson on Palm Sunday.
In the Church of England Philippians 2:5-11 is appointed as the Epistle lesson for a second service on Christmas Day.[19]
