In “The Salvific Mission of Christ,” Haleigh shares her exegesis of Philippians 2:5-11 that she submitted for her Greek Exegesis class this semester. Her study provides insight for how we live and become like Christ in this world.
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:5-11 is a vibrant passage of the Pauline epistles that recounts the life, nature, and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. There is so much richness in the translation and interpretation of these verses, especially the way it gives Christians the charge to live lives that are similar in character and conduct. An accurate interpretation of this passage reveals the original heart of Paul’s writing, and his deep desire for Christians to authentically embrace a life devoted to living for Christ.
Philippians was written by the Apostle Paul, as previously noted, while he was imprisoned in Rome in 60-62 AD. This epistle was written to the church at Philippi, as he was informing them of his current situation, and has a very personal feel to it. The way Paul writes so passionately and joyfully about the message of Christ in the midst of his struggles is a great testimony that has touched not only its intended receivers, but all believers.
In the typical character of Paul, he takes space at the beginning of the epistle to greet the Philippians and show his thankfulness to them for all they have done to contribute to Paul’s individual cause, as well as advancing the Gospel. He encourages them, also in line with Paul’s character, to live authentic lives that glorify Christ and are a witness to others. The beginning of chapter two dives into a convicting message about the way we should carry ourselves and treat others, which allows readers to pivot well into verses 5-11.This passage starts off strong with Paul giving the Philippians a motion to, as frequently translated, “adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus” (She Reads Truth CSB). However, when considering the original language, a more appropriate translation may be “let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus”. This translation decision can be supported by the phrase at the beginning of verse five, “Τοῦτο φρονεῖτε ἐν ὑμῖν”, woodenly meaning “this let mind be in you” (The Greek English New Testament). Taking account of the original wording of the text, this language opens interesting doors in interpretation. One can consider what the difference is between “adopting the same attitude” of Christ Jesus and “let this mind be in you” which was in Christ Jesus. Even though these seem as if they are differing concepts, the heart and intention behind them remains the same. Does it not take a mindset to change and apply an attitude? “As persons imitate Christ’s humility and obedience before God, they are exalted” (Wortham 283). The core of this charge to the Philippians, and all Christians, is to learn from the life of our Savior Christ Jesus, and through this, be exalted before God. To “adopt” an attitude in the likeness of Christ, we need to first have the same mindset and will to do so. What exactly is entailed in living a life modeled after Christ? Thankfully, Paul answers this question quite eloquently.
But…that will have to wait until tomorrow.
Thank you for allowing us to serve and encourage you today. If “The Salvific Mission of Christ” was encouraging or insightful for you in any way, please let us know and consider sharing “The Salvific Mission of Christ” with someone else.
Come back tomorrow to read Part 2 of “The Salvific Mission of Christ.”
Author:
Hello, friends! My name is Haleigh! I am studying Pastoral Ministry at Bethel University. One of the most prominent passions in my life is women’s ministry. I have such a heart for women and helping them see how God created us with such for such an intentional purpose. Read more of my writing here.
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