Daily Reflections on the Christ Hymn in Philippians 2
The second chapter of Philippians opens with an appeal for unity and humility among believers, grounded in the example of Christ [8, 9]. Paul urges the Philippians to "fulfill my joy, that you think the same, having the same love, one in soul, minding the one thing" (Philippians 2:2 LITV) [3]. This call for like-mindedness and mutual affection is presented as a response to the "encouragement in Christ," "consolation of love," and "fellowship of the Spirit" (Philippians 2:1 NASB) [5, 10].
The apostle then introduces what is widely recognized as an early Christian hymn, often called the "Christ Hymn," in Philippians 2:6-11 [7, 11]. This passage describes Christ's preexistence and divine nature, his incarnation and death, and his subsequent exaltation and lordship [7, 11]. Charles Hodge notes that this passage is particularly "full and explicit" on the person of Christ, teaching that he "was God, or existed in the form of God" [13]. The "form of a thing," in this context, refers to how it reveals itself [13].
The hymn details Christ's voluntary self-emptying (kenosis), where he did not consider equality with God as something to be grasped, but instead "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:7 ESV). This act of humility extended to his obedience "to the point of death, even death on a cross" (Philippians 2:8 ESV). As a result of this profound humility and obedience, God "highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 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" (Philippians 2:9-11 ESV). The confession of Jesus as Lord is a central theme, with numerous biblical cross-references underscoring its significance [4].
Paul connects this profound theological statement about Christ to the practical conduct of the Philippian believers, encouraging them to live "blameless" lives in the midst of a "crooked and twisted generation" (Philippians 2:15 ESV) [14]. Their steadfastness and unity would serve as a source of joy for Paul, demonstrating that his efforts were not "in vain" (Philippians 2:16) [2]. The chapter concludes with Paul's commendation of Timothy and Epaphroditus, highlighting their selfless service and concern for the Philippians' well-being [12]. Epaphroditus, for instance, nearly died for the work of Christ, causing Paul much anxiety [2, 6, 1].
Sources
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Philippians 2:27 cross-references: 2 Kings 20:1, Job 5:19, Psalms 30:1, Psalms 30:10, Psalms 34:19, Psalms 103:3, Psalms 107:18, Ecclesiastes 9:1, Isaiah 27:8, Isaiah 38:17, Isaiah 43:2, Jeremiah 8:18, Jeremiah 10:24, Jeremiah 45:3, Habakkuk 3:2, John 11:3, Acts 9:37, Acts 9:39, 1 Corinthians 10:13, 2 Corinthians 2:7, Philippians 2:30”
- Philippians “holding up the word of life; that I may have something to boast in the day of Christ, that I didn’t run in vain nor labor in vain. -- Philippians 2:16”
- Philippians “Philippians 2:2 (LITV) — fulfill my joy, that you think the same, having the same love, one in soul, minding the one thing,”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Philippians 2:11 cross-references: Psalms 18:49, Psalms 110:1, Jeremiah 23:6, Matthew 10:32, Luke 2:11, John 5:23, John 9:22, John 12:42, John 13:13, John 13:31, John 14:13, John 14:23, John 16:14, John 17:1, John 20:28, Acts 2:36, Acts 10:36, Romans 10:9, Romans 14:9, Romans 14:11, Romans 15:9, 1 Corinthians 8:6, 1 Corinthians 12:3, 1 Corinthians 15:47, 1 Peter 1:21, 1 John 4:2, 1 John 4:15, 2 John 1:7, Revelation 3:5”
- Philippians “Philippians 2:1 (NASB) — 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,”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Philippians 2:26 cross-references: 2 Samuel 13:39, 2 Samuel 24:17, Job 9:27, Psalms 69:20, Proverbs 12:25, Isaiah 61:3, Matthew 11:28, Matthew 26:37, John 11:35, Acts 21:13, Romans 1:11, Romans 9:2, Romans 12:15, 1 Corinthians 12:26, 2 Corinthians 9:14, Galatians 6:2, Ephesians 3:13, Philippians 1:3, Philippians 1:8, Philippians 4:1, 1 Peter 1:6”
- Philippians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Philippians 2:6: 2:6-11 This early Christian hymn is about Christ’s preexistence and divine nature, incarnation and death, exaltation and lordship. 2:6 Though he was God: See John 1:1-3; 17:5; Col 1:15.”
- Philippians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Philippians 2:1: The apostle proceeds in this chapter where he left off in the last, with further exhortations to Christian duties. He presses them largely to like-mindedness and lowly-mindedness, in conformity to the example of the Lord Jesus, the great pattern of humility and love. Here we may observe, I. The great gospel precept passed upon us; that is, to love one another. This is the law of Christ's kingdom, the lesson of his school, the livery of his family. This he represents (Phi 2:2) by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. We are ”
- Philippians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Philippians 2 (introduction): INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPIANS 2 This chapter contains several exhortations to unity, love, and concord, to humility, and lowliness of mind, and to a becoming life and conversation; and concludes with commendations of two eminent ministers of Christ, Timothy and Epaphroditus. The arguments engaging to harmony and mutual affection, are taken from the consolation that is in Christ, the comfort there is in love, the fellowship of the Spirit, and the bowels and mercies which become saints, Phi 2:1, as also from the joy this would fill the apostle with; and”
- Philippians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Philippians 2:1: If there be therefore any consolation in Christ,.... Or "exhortation", as the word is sometimes rendered; that is, either if there is any exhortation of Christ to love and unity, as there is in Joh 13:34, and this is of any weight and value; or if an exhortation hereunto made in the name of Christ, by any of his ministers, messengers, and ambassadors, will be regarded, as it ought to be, then fulfil ye my joy, &c. Phi 2:2, but as the word is frequently translated "consolation", as it is here in the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Arabic versions; the sense may be eithe”
- Phil (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Phil 2:6: 2:6-11 This early Christian hymn is about Christ’s preexistence and divine nature, incarnation and death, exaltation and lordship. 2:6 Though he was God: See John 1:1-3; 17:5; Col 1:15.”
- Philippians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Philippians 2 (introduction): CONTINUED EXHORTATION: TO UNITY: TO HUMILITY AFTER CHRIST'S EXAMPLE, WHOSE GLORY FOLLOWED HIS HUMILIATION: TO EARNESTNESS IN SEEKING PERFECTION, THAT THEY MAY BE HIS JOY IN THE DAY OF CHRIST: HIS JOYFUL READINESS TO BE OFFERED NOW BY DEATH, SO AS TO PROMOTE THEIR FAITH. HIS INTENTION TO SEND TIMOTHY: HIS SENDING EPAPHRODITUS MEANTIME. (Phi. 2:1-30) The "therefore" implies that he is here expanding on the exhortation (Phi 1:27), "In one Spirit, with one mind (soul)." He urges four influencing motives in this verse, to inculcate the fou”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 2, section 78: i.e ., recognized and served by angels; preached among the Gentiles as the Son of God and Saviour of men; believed upon as such; and finally received up into glory. All that the Church teaches concerning the person of Christ, is here taught by the Apostle. 5. No passage, however, is more full and explicit on this subject than Philippians ii. 6-11 . Of one and the same subject or person, it is here taught, (1.) That He was God, or existed in the form of God. The form of a thing is the mode in which it reveals itself; and that is determined”
- Philippians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Philippians 2:15: That ye may be blameless,.... This, and what follows, show the end to be answered, by observing the above exhortation. This respects not their being blameless in the sight of God, which the saints are not in themselves, being not without sin, though they are, as considered in Christ, clothed with his righteousness, and washed in his blood; but their being blameless before men: and this may be understood both actively and passively; actively, that they might be without blaming others; some are so unhappy in their disposition and conduct, as to be always finding fa”