Pentecost Season · Exaltation of the Holy Cross · Year B
Philippians 2:6-11
Imitating Christ’s Humility
September 14, 2027
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
Commentary on Philippians 2:5-11 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary exegesis of the Christ-hymn of humiliation and exaltation (a superset of the feast's 2:6-11).
Philippians 2:5-11 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed preaching commentary on Christ emptying himself and being exalted to the name above every name.
Philippians 2 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse-by-verse evangelical notes on humble living in light of Jesus' example.
Philippians 2:5-11 Commentary Precept Austin
Deep verse-by-verse study of the kenosis hymn with gathered commentators and word notes.
Philippians 2:6 Commentaries BibleHub
Aggregated classic commentaries on the verse, gathered in one place.
Background & Word Study
Philippians (Enter the Bible course) Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary introduction to the letter's setting, joy theme and the Christ-hymn.
Overview: Philippians BibleProject
Animated walk-through of Philippians and the pattern of Christ's self-giving humility.
Philippians 2:6 Greek Interlinear BibleHub
Word-by-word Greek text with parsing for close study of the hymn's disputed terms.
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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