philippians-2:5-6

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Philippians 2:6

(6) Being in the form of God.—(1) The word “being” is here the more emphatic of the two words so translated, which lays stress on the reality of existence (as in Acts 16:20; Acts 17:28; 1 Corinthians 11:7; Galatians 2:14). Hence it calls attention to the essential being of Christ, corresponding to the idea embodied in the name Jehovah, and thus implying what is more fully expressed in John 1:1. (2) The word “form” (which, except for a casual use in Mark 16:12, is found only in this passage of... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Philippians 2:1-30

Against Controversy Philippians 2:3-5 There are two great notes in St. Paul's Epistle to the Philippians: I. The Note of Joy. The first the note of joy: 'Rejoice,' he is always crying, and this is the more noble because, as you remember, he wrote as a prisoner and as one in chains. And the point reminds us once more that no chain can ever fetter the free spirit: Stone walls do not a prison make, Nor iron bars a cage. Even so one thinks of Bunyan with his body indeed in Bedford gaol, and with... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Philippians 2:5-11

Chapter 7THE MIND OF CHRIST (CONTINUED).Philippians 2:5-11 (R.V.)IT proves hard to make us aware of the sin and the misery involved in the place commonly allowed to Self. Some of the conspicuous outrages on Christian decency we do disapprove and avoid; perhaps we have embarked in a more serious resistance to its domination. Yet, after all, how easily and how complacently do we continue to give scope to it! In forms of self-assertion, of arrogance, of eager and grasping competition, it breaks... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Philippians 2:1-30

II. CHRIST, THE BELIEVER’S PATTERN CHAPTER 2 1. Oneness of mind through self effacement (Philippians 2:1-4 ) 2. The humiliation and exaltation of Christ (Philippians 2:5-11 ) 3. Work out your own salvation (Philippians 2:12-13 ) 4. As lights in the world (Philippians 2:14-16 ) 5. The example of Paul (Philippians 2:17-18 ) 6. The example of Timotheus (Philippians 2:19-24 ) 7. The example of Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25-30 ) Philippians 2:1-4 This chapter puts before us Christ as our... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - Philippians 2:5

2:5 {2} Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:(2) He sets before them a most perfect example of all modesty and sweet conduct, Christ Jesus, whom we ought to follow with all our might: who abased himself so much for our sakes, although he is above all, that he took upon himself the form of a servant, that is, our flesh, willingly subject to all weaknesses, even to the death of the cross. read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - Philippians 2:6

2:6 Who, being in the {d} form of God, {e} thought it not robbery to be {f} equal with God:(d) Such as God himself is, and therefore God, for there is no one in all parts equal to God but God himself.(e) Christ, that glorious and everlasting God, knew that he might rightfully and lawfully not appear in the base flesh of man, but remain with majesty fit for God: yet he chose rather to debase himself.(f) If the Son is equal with the Father, then is there of necessity an equality, which Arrius... read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 2:1-30

In the first chapter we have seen that Christ is the very principle of life that motivates the apostle in whatever circumstances, - and so indeed it should be for all believers. Chapter 2 now brings Christ Jesus before us in His voluntary humiliation and obedience unto death, as the great Example of His people. Vibrant life and freshness of soul is sweet, but it will soon vanish if it does not issue in lowly obedience. Thus, if souls have found "consolation in Christ - comfort of love -... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Philippians 2:1-30

JOY IN SE RV ICE EXPRESSED UNITY We here touch the weak point in the spiritual life of this church: a tendency toward dissension and separation. It is sad, as another says, that this tendency “is not least likely to be operative where there is generally diffused life and vigor” in a church, just as a state of lukewarmness may favor an outward tranquility. Paul plies his arguments against it, saying in effect, if there is any such thing as comfort drawn from our common union in Christ, any... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Philippians 2:1-11

(1) ¶ If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, (2) Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (3) Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. (4) Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. (5) Let this mind be in you, which was also in... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Philippians 2:6

Who being in the form [1] of God, (that is truly, properly, and essentially God from eternity, as the ancient Fathers here observed against the Arians) taking the form of a servant, (i.e. taking upon him our human nature) became truly a man, and as man the servant of God, but remaining always God as before, thought it not robbery, no injury to his eternal Father, to be equal, to be esteemed, and to declare himself equal to God, to be one thing with him: as on divers occasions he taught the... read more