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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Philippians 2:1-11

The apostle proceeds in this chapter where he left off in the last, with further exhortations to Christian duties. He presses them largely to like-mindedness and lowly-mindedness, in conformity to the example of the Lord Jesus, the great pattern of humility and love. Here we may observe, I. The great gospel precept passed upon us; that is, to love one another. This is the law of Christ's kingdom, the lesson of his school, the livery of his family. This he represents (Phil. 2:2) by being... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Philippians 2:5-11

2:5-11 Have within yourselves the same disposition of mind as was in Christ Jesus, for he was by nature in the very form of God, yet he did not regard existence in equality with God as something to be snatched at, but he emptied himself, and took the very form of a slave, and became like men. And when he came in appearance as a man for all to recognise, he became obedient even to the extent of accepting death, even the death of a cross. And for that reason God exalted him, and granted to him... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Philippians 2:5-11

It is always to be remembered that when Paul thought and spoke about Jesus, his interest and his intention were never primarily intellectual and speculative; they were always practical. To him theology and action were always bound together. Any system of thought must necessarily become a way of life. In many ways this passage is one of the greatest reaches of theological thought in the New Testament, but its aim was to persuade the Philippians to live a life in which disunity, discord, and... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Philippians 2:5-11

Philippians 2:11 is one of the most important verses in the New Testament. In it we read that the aim of God, is a day when every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. These four words were the first creed that the Christian Church ever had. To be a Christian was to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (compare Romans 10:9 ). This was a simple creed, yet all-embracing. Perhaps we would do well to go back to it. Later men tried to define more closely what it meant and argued and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philippians 2:6

Who being in the form of God ,.... The Father; being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person. This form is to be understood, not of any shape or figure of him; for as such is not to be seen, it is not to be supposed of him; or any accidental form, for there are no accidents in God, whatever is in God, is God; he is nothing but nature and essence, he is the το ον , the Jehovah, I am what I am; and so is his Son, which is, and was, and is to come, the fountain of all... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 2:6

Who, being in the form of God - This verse has been the subject of much criticism, and some controversy. Dr. Whitby has, perhaps, on the whole, spoken best on this point; but his arguments are too diffuse to be admitted here. Dr. Macknight has abridged the words of Dr. Whitby, and properly observes that, “As the apostle is speaking of what Christ was before he took the form of a servant, the form of God, of which he divested himself when he became man, cannot be any thing which he possessed... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 2:6

Verse 6 6Inasmuch as he was in the form of God. This is not a comparison between things similar, but in the way of greater and less. Christ’s humility consisted in his abasing himself from the highest pinnacle of glory to the lowest ignominy: our humility consists in refraining from exalting ourselves by a false estimation. He gave up his right: all that is required of us is, that we do not assume to ourselves more than we ought. Hence he sets out with this — that, inasmuch as he was in the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 2:1-11

Exhortation to unanimity and humility. I. HE APPEALS TO PHILIPPIANS BY FOUR COMMON ELEMENTS IN THEIR COMMON CONFLICT TO FULFIL HIS JOY . 1 . By the comfort there is in Christ. "If there is therefore any comfort in Chris The connecting word has reference to the duty which was enjoined in the twenty-seventh verse of the last chapter, and is again enjoined in the second verse of this chapter. But there is also reference to the circumstances under which... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 2:5-8

Jesus Christ the supreme Example of humble-mindedness. "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Jesus Christ." The exhortation to mutual concord is strengthened by a reference to the example of Christ's humiliation on earth. I. CONSIDER HIS ESSENTIAL PRE - EXISTING GLORY . "Who, subsisting in the form of God, counted it not a prize to be on an equality with God." 1 . This language evidently describes Christ before his incarnation , in his Divine glory ; for the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 2:5-8

The self-sacrifice of Christ. Paul backs up his appeal for public spirit by the example of Jesus Christ. If the Philippians will only entertain a like mind with Christ, then all needful abnegation for the good of others will be forthcoming, even up to self-sacrifice itself. And here we have to— I. CONSIDER CHRIST 'S EQUALITY WITH GOD . (Verse 6.) The Revised Version puts this verse more accurately than the Authorized Version when it gives it, "Who being in the form of God,... read more

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