Philippians 2:5
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Philippians 2:5
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse isn't just telling us to be humble; it's revealing that this "mind" of Christ isn't just an idea to adopt, but a reality we possess through our union with Him. It’s about recognizing and living out the Christ-like disposition that’s already been placed within us.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to live in unity and humility, not seeking their own selfish interests but valuing others above themselves. He immediately follows this exhortation by pointing them to the ultimate example of such selfless humility: Jesus Christ himself, who willingly humbled himself from his divine glory down to his suffering and death on the cross. This incredible act of condescension is presented as the very foundation for their own call to humility and love.
Paul doesn't just tell us to do things; he tells us how to think and feel. What does it mean to 'have this mind'?
The core of Philippians 2:5 is an invitation to adopt a specific inner disposition: the 'mind' or attitude of Christ Jesus. This isn't just about outward actions, but about the internal posture of our hearts and minds.
A Shared Consciousness
Paul urges the Philippians to share a common mindset – one that mirrors Christ's own. This mindset is characterized by humility, a selfless concern for others, and a willingness to set aside personal ambition for the sake of love and service.
The Example of Jesus
To understand this mindset, Paul points directly to Jesus. Christ's example is presented as the ultimate model. He willingly laid aside His divine privileges and embraced a humble existence, ultimately leading to His sacrificial death, all for the benefit of humanity. This demonstrates a profound departure from self-interest.
What was so radical about Jesus' 'mind' that Paul would use it as the ultimate example for the church?
The 'mind' Paul refers to is directly linked to the profound humility Jesus displayed. It’s not just a general sense of kindness, but a radical reorientation of priorities.
Laying Aside Privilege
Commentators highlight that Christ, though divine, did not cling to His status. He voluntarily set aside His glorious equality with God. This wasn't a loss of divinity, but a deliberate choice to enter human experience with humility.
The Pattern of Condescension
This divine condescension is the core of the example. Jesus moved from the highest possible position to the lowest, embracing not just humanity, but also the associated suffering and vulnerability, even to the point of death on a cross. This is the ultimate expression of putting others before oneself.
Understand the original words
phroneō · Greek Verb
A mindset, attitude, or disposition that governs one's perspective and actions; in the New Testament, it refers to the transformed way of thinking that characterizes a disciple of Jesus.
Jesus also demonstrated this humble mindset by washing His disciples' feet, an act of service usually performed by the lowest servant, showing that true greatness is found in humility.
Matthew 20:28This passage directly quotes Jesus saying He came not to be served but to serve, highlighting His own example of self-giving love and humility which Paul urges the Philippians to adopt.
Romans 15:3Paul points to Christ here as the ultimate example of not seeking His own pleasure or advantage, but rather seeking to please God and benefit others, directly echoing the call for a Christ-like mindset.
1 Peter 2:21Peter urges believers to follow the example of Christ, who suffered without complaint and committed no sin, further illustrating the depth of humility and self-sacrifice inherent in Christ's 'mind'.
Philippians 2:6-8This passage immediately follows, detailing the incarnation and death of Christ, providing the specific actions and attitude that constitute the 'mind' Paul wants the believers to embrace.
barnesPhilippians 2:5: "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:"
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus - The object of this reference to the example of the Saviour is particularly to enforce the duty of humility. This was the highest example which could be furnished, and it would illustrate and confirm all the apostle had said of this virtue. The principle in the case is, that we are to make the Lord Jesus our model, and are in all respects to frame our lives, as fa…
vincentPhilippians 2:5: "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:"
Let this mind be in you (τοῦτο φρονείσθω ἐν ὑμιν)Lit., let this be thought in you. The correct reading, however, is φρονεῖτε, lit., "think this in yourselves." Rev., have this mind in you.
The verse isn't just telling us to be humble; it's revealing that this "mind" of Christ isn't just an idea to adopt, but a reality we possess through our union with Him. It’s about recognizing and living out the Christ-like disposition that’s already been placed within us.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to live in unity and humility, not seeking their own selfish interests but valuing others above themselves. He immediately follows this exhortation by pointing them to the ultimate example of such selfless humility: Jesus Christ himself, who willingly humbled himself from his divine glory down to his suffering and death on the cross. This incredible act of condescension is presented as the very foundation for their own call to humility and love.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to live in unity and humility, not seeking their own selfish interests but valuing others above themselves. He immediately follows this exhortation by pointing them to the ultimate example of such selfless humility: Jesus Christ himself, who willingly humbled himself from his divine glory down to his suffering and death on the cross. This incredible act of condescension is presented as the very foundation for their own call to humility and love.
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"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus," — The verse isn't just telling us to be humble; it's revealing that this "mind" of Christ isn't just an idea to adopt, but a reality we possess through our union with Him. It’s about recognizing and…