Philippians 2:6

Philippians 2:6 is a profound statement about the nature of Jesus Christ, serving as the foundational premise for His subsequent act of humility and self-sacrifice. It is part of what is often called the "Christ Hymn" (Philippians 2:5-11), a passage believed to be an early Christian hymn or creed that Paul incorporates to encourage unity and humility among believers in Philippi.

Context

Paul writes to the Philippian church to express his gratitude, encourage steadfastness in faith, and address issues of disunity. In Philippians 2:5, he exhorts believers to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. Verse 6 then begins to elaborate on this mindset by first establishing Christ's divine pre-existence and inherent equality with God. This high Christology sets the stage for the astonishing condescension described in the verses that follow, highlighting the immense depth of Christ's humility and self-emptying.

Key Themes

• The Deity of Christ: The phrase "being in the form of God" (Greek: morphē Theou) powerfully asserts Jesus' intrinsic divine nature. It indicates that He possessed the very essence and attributes of God from eternity, not merely an outward appearance or a temporary status. This underscores His co-equality with God the Father, a concept also seen in John 1:1 and Colossians 1:15.
• Inherent Equality with God: "Thought it not robbery to be equal with God" is a crucial declaration. The Greek phrase ouch harpagmon hēgēsatō means He did not consider His divine equality and prerogatives as something to be selfishly grasped, clung to, or exploited for His own gain. Instead, He possessed this equality inherently and by right, yet chose not to leverage it for personal advantage. This sets up His willingness to voluntarily lay aside the outward manifestations and privileges of His divine status.
• Pre-existence of Christ: The verse implicitly points to Christ's existence before His incarnation, before taking on human flesh. He was already "in the form of God" before He "made himself of no reputation" (Philippians 2:7).
• Foundation for Humility: This verse is vital because it establishes the supreme status from which Christ descended. His humility is magnified precisely because He was God, yet He chose the path of a servant. This provides the ultimate example for believers to live out selfless love and unity.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "form" (morphē) denotes the essential and unchangeable nature of a thing, not merely an external semblance. So, "form of God" means possessing the very nature and essence of God. The phrase "thought it not robbery" translates ouch harpagmon hēgēsatō. Harpagmon refers to something seized or snatched, or something to be held onto tenaciously. Thus, Christ did not view His equality with God as something He needed to grasp or cling to, because it was already His by right and nature. His divine status was not something He needed to gain or protect, but something He was willing to set aside in its outward expression for the sake of humanity.

Practical Application

Philippians 2:6 challenges believers to consider the unparalleled example of Christ's humility. If Jesus, being fully God and equal with God, did not cling to His divine prerogatives but willingly took on the form of a servant, how much more should His followers adopt a posture of selflessness and service? This verse calls us to:

• Embrace Humility: Prioritize the needs and interests of others above our own.
• Relinquish Self-Interest: Not to grasp for status, power, or personal gain, but to be willing to sacrifice for the good of others and the glory of God.
• Promote Unity: By adopting Christ's mindset, we can overcome divisions and work together in harmony within the church and beyond.

This profound verse serves as a powerful reminder of Christ's divine identity and the depth of His love, which led Him to humble Himself for our salvation.