Can you go deeper on this Exegesis of:

Question

Verses 6-7:

In these verses, Paul begins a beautiful poetic description of Christ’s incarnation. The phrase “though he was in the form of God” (morphe theo) acknowledges Christ’s divine nature. This does not suggest that Christ merely appeared as God but affirms his true essence. The term “equality with God” refers to the status and dignity that Christ possessed. However, he “did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped.” The Greek word for “grasped” (harpagmon) connotes a sense of clinging or holding onto something fiercely. Here, Paul emphasizes that Christ did not cling to his divine prerogatives or status. Instead, he chose to “empty himself” (heauton kenosen), which signifies the act of relinquishing divine privileges for the sake of humanity. The act of “taking the form of a servant” (doulon) highlights Christ's humility. In ancient society, servitude was viewed as a lowly status, yet Jesus embraced this role completely by being “born in the likeness of men.” This phrase emphasizes the genuine humanity of Christ, making it clear that he was not merely an apparition but fully participated in the human experience.

Answer 1

Certainly! Let’s delve deeper into the theological and contextual implications of Philippians 2:6-7, focusing on the richness of Paul's language and its significance within the broader narrative of Christian faith.

Contextual Background

Paul's letter to the Philippians is often described as one of his most personal epistles, reflecting his deep affection for the community in Philippi. The verses in question (Philippians 2:6-7) are often identified as part of an early Christian hymn or creedal statement that underscores the foundational belief in the incarnation of Christ. This hymn serves as a call to humility and unity among believers, drawing on the ultimate example of Christ’s own humility and servitude.

Verse 6: The Nature of Christ

• "Though he was in the form of God" (morphe theo): The term morphe can be understood as the essential form or nature of being. This emphasizes not just an outward appearance but the true essence of Christ's divinity. This contrasts with Gnostic views where material existence was often seen as inferior or an illusion. Paul affirms that Christ's divine nature is fully real and integral.

• "Did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped" (harpagmon): The idea of "grasping" suggests a struggle or a fierce hold on something valuable. By stating that Christ did not consider clinging to his divine status, Paul underscores the radical choice Christ made to forego the privileges of divinity. This challenges human tendencies toward power and status by presenting a model of self-emptying.

Verse 7: Humiliation and Humanity

• "He emptied himself" (heauton kenosen): The act of self-emptying is profound, indicating a voluntary renunciation of certain divine privileges. The concept of kenosis is pivotal, as it shows that in the incarnation, Christ fully enters the human condition. This does not imply a loss of divinity, but rather a choice to limit the exercise of that divinity in order to fully engage with humanity.

• "Taking the form of a servant" (doulon): The term doulos (servant or slave) signifies total submission and humility. Jesus, who is divine, embraces the role of the lowest social status in ancient society, which communicates a radical redefinition of greatness and power. This act of becoming a servant is concurrent with the principle that true leadership in the Kingdom of God is characterized by serving others.

• "Born in the likeness of men": Paul emphasizes that Christ's humanity is not superficial. The phrase "likeness of men" highlights his real participation in the human experience—he was not an illusion or a figure only appearing human. This genuine humanity allowed Christ to empathize with human struggles, joys, and experiences, making his sacrificial act on the cross profoundly impactful for human salvation.

Theological Implications

This passage serves multiple theological functions:

1. Christological Foundation: It establishes key tenets about Christ's nature—fully divine and fully human—which is crucial for understanding the Christian doctrine of the Trinity and the significance of the Incarnation.

2. Model for Believers: In the context of the Philippian church, these verses serve as an exhortation for believers to adopt the same mindset as Christ—one of humility, selflessness, and communal harmony. This is juxtaposed against a culture that often prioritized personal status and achievement.

3. Reflection of God’s Character: Paul articulates that true divinity is demonstrated through humility and service rather than through power or coercion. Thus, believers are called to reflect this divine character in their own lives.

4. Soteriological Significance: Christ's incarnation and subsequent humility are not mere aspects of his life; they form the bedrock of the gospel message—the means by which humanity can be reconciled to God through Christ’s sacrifice.

In summary, Philippians 2:6-7 provides a profound insight into the nature of Christ, illustrating the depth of his humility and the implications of his incarnation. It challenges Christians to live out a similar selflessness and serves as a foundation for understanding the fullness of the gospel.