Pentecost Season · Exaltation of the Holy Cross · Year C
Philippians 2:6-11
Imitating Christ’s Humility
September 14, 2028
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 Commentary: Christ's Humility and Exaltation Enduring Word · David Guzik
Verse by verse treatment of the Christ hymn.
Commentary on Philippians 2:5-11 Working Preacher
Lutheran reading of the same Christ hymn text used on Palm Sunday.
Philippians 2:6 Commentaries BibleHub
Aggregated classic commentary entries on the hymn's opening verse.
Philippians 2 - Barnes' Notes StudyLight
Barnes' close philological notes on the chapter.
Philippians 2:5-11 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Preaching-focused reflection on the Christ hymn.
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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