Pentecost Season · Exaltation of the Holy Cross · Year A
Philippians 2:6-11
Imitating Christ’s Humility
September 14, 2026
Overview & Insights
“He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Therefore God exalted him to the highest place.” (Philippians 2:8–9)
Paul’s concern for unity of mind and mutual consideration among the members of the Philippian church need not imply that there was an atmosphere of dissension there. The fact that two members are singled out by name and urged to agree in 4:2 could suggest that theirs was an exceptional case of conflict. Yet Paul found sufficient evidence of quarrelsomeness and selfish ambition to make him anxious that nothing of the sort should manifest itself at Philippi. His answer is to set before them the mind of Christ, who did not grasp at equality with God but emptied himself, took the form of a servant, and was obedient to death on a cross.
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Commentary
Philippians 2: The Mind of Christ Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse by verse evangelical commentary on the whole of Philippians 2.
Philippians 2:6 Commentaries BibleHub
Aggregates classic commentaries on the Christ hymn in one place.
Barnes' Notes on Philippians 2 StudyLight
Albert Barnes' notes on the whole chapter of Philippians 2.
Commentary on Philippians 2:5-11 Working Preacher
A preaching commentary on the Christ hymn of self-emptying and exaltation.
Philippians 2:5-11 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
A preaching commentary on Christ's humility, the cross, and the name above every name.
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross Explained Catholic Productions · Brant Pitre
Dr. Brant Pitre links the Christ hymn to the cross exalted on the feast.
Background & Word Study
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What is the Christ hymn?
Philippians 2:6–11 is an early hymn: though he was in the form of God, Christ emptied himself, took the form of a servant, and became obedient to death on a cross; therefore God exalted him and gave him the name above every name. It joins the cross and the exaltation the feast celebrates.
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