Philippians 2:5-6
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse doesn't just tell us to have Christ's mind; it points out that this mindset is already available to us because we are in Christ Jesus. This means it's not about us mustering up some internal strength, but rather tapping into a reality and a model that God has already provided through His Son.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to humility and unity, calling them to look beyond their own interests to serve one another. He uses the incredible example of Jesus Christ, moving from his divine glory to his humble human existence, as the ultimate model for their behavior. This powerful exhortation about Christ's self-emptying love and subsequent exaltation sets the stage for the following verses.
Paul doesn't just tell us what to do, but how to do it. He points to an ultimate example for our attitude, calling us to 'have this mind' which was present in Jesus.
The core of Paul's instruction here is a call to adopt a specific way of thinking and being – the very 'mind' of Christ Jesus. This isn't about mimicking Jesus' actions superficially, but about internalizing His disposition.
The Heart of Humility
Commentators highlight that this 'mind' is fundamentally about humility and selflessness. Jesus, though divine, 'did not consider it robbery to be equal with God.' Yet, He willingly set aside His own glory and took on the 'form of a servant,' even to the point of death on the cross. This wasn't an act of weakness, but a powerful demonstration of His love and obedience to the Father's will.
More Than Just Behavior
This 'mind' is more than just outward actions; it involves our understanding, our will, and our affections. It’s about how we value things, what we desire, and how we intend to live. Paul urges the Philippians, and us, to let this same humble, condescending, and benevolent disposition be evident in our lives.
When Paul points to the 'mind' of Christ, he's not just talking about His earthly life. He's drawing from the eternal reality of who Jesus is, even before His earthly ministry.
This verse, and the passage that follows, speaks powerfully about Jesus' pre-existent glory. Even before He took on human form, Jesus, who 'subsisted in the form of God,' possessed divine perfections and glories.
The Divine Foundation
The 'mind' Paul refers to is deeply connected to Christ’s eternal nature and His willing self-emptying. It's not simply a learned behavior, but a reflection of His very being. He willingly set aside His divine prerogatives, not because He wasn't truly God, but because of His profound love and obedience to the Father.
A Living Model
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.
morphē · Greek Noun
The essential nature, character, or external manifestation of something that perfectly reflects its inner essence. When applied to God, it signifies the fullness of divine nature.
isa · Greek Adjective (adverbial use)
The state of being equal in nature, dignity, and authority. Here it refers to Christ’s inherent, pre-existent status as fully God.
harpagmos · Greek Noun
Something to be seized, snatched, or held onto for one's own advantage. Christ did not view his divine prerogative as something to be selfishly clutched at the expense of his mission.
This verse is deeply rooted in the specific context of a struggling church in Philippi. Paul uses the ultimate example of Christ's self-emptying love to address their pride and division, showing that true Christian living flows from understanding and imitating His divine humility.
c. 1st century AD
Paul writes from prison
The Apostle Paul, while imprisoned (likely in Rome or Ephesus), writes this letter to the church in Philippi, a Roman colony in Macedonia. He expresses deep affection and encouragement to this community he founded.
c. 1st century AD— this verse
Disunity within the Philippian church
The church in Philippi faces internal strife and disunity, with members likely exhibiting pride and selfishness. Paul addresses this directly, urging them toward humility and unity.
c. 1st century AD
Paul's Christological teaching
Paul presents a profound theological statement about Jesus Christ's identity and actions, emphasizing His divine nature, voluntary humility in becoming human, and subsequent exaltation by God.
Jesus washed His disciples' feet, demonstrating a profound act of humility and service that directly mirrors the attitude Paul calls believers to adopt.
Romans 15:5This passage echoes Philippians 2:5 by directly urging believers to adopt the same mindset of Christ Jesus, emphasizing unity and glorifying God.
1 Peter 2:21Peter reminds believers that Christ suffered for them, leaving an example for them to follow in His steps, which aligns with the call to have Christ's mind of humble service and suffering.
Philippians 2:6-8These verses immediately follow Philippians 2:5 and unpack the 'mind' of Christ by detailing His voluntary emptying of Himself, His incarnation, and His suffering unto death, providing the specific example Paul refers to.
Isaiah 53:7This prophecy foretells the suffering servant's meekness and silence in the face of oppression, prefiguring Christ's humble disposition and obedience that Paul highlights.
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 doesn't just tell us to have Christ's mind; it points out that this mindset is already available to us because we are in Christ Jesus. This means it's not about us mustering up some internal strength, but rather tapping into a reality and a model that God has already provided through His Son.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to humility and unity, calling them to look beyond their own interests to serve one another. He uses the incredible example of Jesus Christ, moving from his divine glory to his humble human existence, as the ultimate model for their behavior. This powerful exhortation about Christ's self-emptying love and subsequent exaltation sets the stage for the following verses.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to humility and unity, calling them to look beyond their own interests to serve one another. He uses the incredible example of Jesus Christ, moving from his divine glory to his humble human existence, as the ultimate model for their behavior. This powerful exhortation about Christ's self-emptying love and subsequent exaltation sets the stage for the following verses.
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By pointing to this eternal reality and the subsequent voluntary humiliation of Christ, Paul provides the ultimate motivation for humility and unity. It's a call to align our own limited perspectives and desires with the boundless, self-sacrificing love demonstrated by our Savior.
"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped," — The verse doesn't just tell us to have Christ's mind; it points out that this mindset is already available to us because we are in Christ Jesus. This means it's not about us mustering up some i…
