The Mind of Christ (Philippians 2:1-11)
Philippians 2:1–11 – The Mind of Christ
Introduction: Humility that Disrupts
Humility isn’t just a virtue—it’s a revolution. In a world where status, power, and self-promotion dominate the stage, the idea of humility as a defining trait is almost counterintuitive. We live in a time when ambition and success are often measured by how high we can climb, how much we can achieve, and how much of a following we can garner.
In the Kingdom of God, humility is the currency. It’s the trait that opens up everything. And Philippians 2:1-11 offers a piercing look into this humility. Paul isn’t just telling us to be humble—he’s showing us the radical way Jesus did it.
The “mind of Christ” Paul speaks of in these verses isn’t some abstract spiritual concept. It’s something that should be embodied. It’s about relationships. It’s about how we interact with others in the messy, complicated dynamics of daily life. And it starts with Jesus.
Verse by Verse Breakdown of Philippians 2:1–11
Philippians 2:1–2 – Unity Through the Mind of Christ
Paul begins this chapter with a passionate call for unity among the Philippians, urging them to be “of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind” (Philippians 2:2, NRSV). His appeal builds on their shared experience of the gospel: encouragement in Christ, comfort from love, fellowship in the Spirit, and compassion and sympathy. These aren’t hypothetical blessings; Paul assumes the Philippians have already received them, and he uses that as the foundation for his plea. Gordon D. Fee notes that Paul’s call to unity stems from the shared reality of God’s grace, which binds believers together in love (Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, p. 174).
The phrase “being of the same mind” (phroneite in Greek) is key. Paul isn’t asking for uniformity but for a shared mindset shaped by their identity in Christ. As Moisés Silva explains, unity here is less about external agreement and more about a deep, Spirit-empowered harmony (Philippians, p. 95). This is a unity that flows from love—love that reflects the self-giving character of Jesus. When Paul calls them to “the same love,” he points to the sacrificial love that defines Christian community. This isn’t about getting along for the sake of peace but about embodying Christ’s love in a way that transforms relationships.
For Paul, this unity isn’t optional—it’s essential for their witness. Stephen E. Fowl emphasizes that the unity Paul envisions goes beyond personal relationships to reflect the transformative power of the gospel itself (The Two Horizons Commentary on Philippians, p. 80). When believers live in unity, they show the world what God’s love can accomplish. For the Philippians, and for us, this means anchoring our lives in the encouragement, love, and Spirit that Christ provides, so that our unity is a reflection of his work in us.
Philippians 2:3–4 – The Humility of Christ’s Mind
Paul’s call to humility in Philippians 2:3–4 challenges the Philippians to reject selfish ambition and conceit, instead embracing an attitude of humility that values others above themselves. He writes, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3–4, NRSV). This instruction reflects the radical nature of Christian love—one that is not self-serving but others-focused. Stephen E. Fowl points out that this humility isn’t about self-deprecation but about prioritizing the well-being and dignity of others (The Two Horizons Commentary on Philippians, p. 85). It’s an attitude that mirrors the mindset of Christ, which Paul will soon describe in greater detail.
The concept of humility (tapeinophrosynē) was countercultural in the Greco-Roman world, where humility was often seen as a sign of weakness. Yet Paul redefines it as a hallmark of the Christian life. According to Gordon D. Fee, Paul’s emphasis here is not on a passive or self-effacing mindset but on an active, intentional pursuit of valuing others (Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, p. 181). This mindset requires believers to resist the natural tendency to prioritize their own desires and instead cultivate a community where the needs of others take precedence. By doing so, they reflect the self-giving love of Christ.
Paul’s teaching in these verses serves as the foundation for the “Christ Hymn” that follows, where he presents Jesus as the ultimate example of humility and selflessness. Moisés Silva highlights that looking to the interests of others is not just an ethical command but a theological reflection of Christ’s own incarnation and sacrifice (Philippians, p. 99). For believers, this call to humility is not optional; it is a necessary response to the gospel. It challenges us to consider how our daily actions reflect Christ’s example and whether our relationships embody the self-giving love that Paul so powerfully describes.
Philippians 2:5–7 – The Ultimate Example: Christ’s Humility
“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross.” (NRSV)
Paul urges the Philippians to adopt the same mindset as Christ Jesus, whose humility serves as the ultimate example for believers. He writes, “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave” (Philippians 2:5–7, NRSV). This passage introduces the profound mystery of the incarnation—Christ’s self-emptying (kenosis), where he willingly set aside his divine privileges to become fully human. As Stephen E. Fowl observes, this act of humility was not a loss of divinity but an expression of divine love and grace (The Two Horizons Commentary on Philippians, p. 89).
The phrase “in the form of God” (morphē theou) points to Jesus’ preexistent divine nature, affirming his equality with God. Yet, instead of clinging to this status, he chose to “empty himself” (ekenōsen). This self-emptying does not mean he ceased to be God but that he relinquished his divine rights and took on human limitations. Gordon D. Fee highlights that this voluntary act demonstrates the nature of true humility—it’s not about denying who you are but choosing to serve others regardless of your status (Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, p. 192). By taking “the form of a slave,” Jesus embodied the very opposite of selfish ambition, giving his life in service to humanity.
Paul’s call to “let the same mind be in you” ties this profound theological truth to practical Christian living. Moisés Silva emphasizes that Christ’s humility isn’t just a model to admire but a way of life for all who follow him (Philippians, p. 102). Just as Jesus gave up his privileges for the sake of others, believers are called to lay aside self-interest and embrace a life of sacrificial love. This is not an abstract ideal but a radical call to reflect Christ’s humility in our relationships, actions, and daily interactions.
Philippians 2:8–11 – The Exaltation of Christ
“Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (NRSV)
Paul continues the “Christ Hymn” by describing Jesus’ ultimate act of obedience and its profound outcome: his exaltation by God. He writes, “He humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name” (Philippians 2:8–9, NRSV). Jesus’ death on the cross, a form of execution marked by humiliation and shame, reveals the depth of his obedience and the extent of his love. As Gordon D. Fee notes, the cross is the ultimate display of Christ’s humility and the culmination of his self-emptying (Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, p. 210). It is through this profound act of surrender that God’s redemptive work is accomplished.
In response to Jesus’ obedience, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him “the name that is above every name” (v. 9). Scholars like Stephen E. Fowl emphasize that the “name” likely refers to “Lord” (kyrios), a title that affirms Jesus’ divine authority (The Two Horizons Commentary on Philippians, p. 95). This exaltation is not a reversal of Jesus’ humility but its vindication. The one who stooped to the lowest point is now lifted to the highest position, seated at the right hand of God. Moisés Silva highlights how this exaltation fulfills the divine plan, bringing glory not only to Christ but ultimately to God the Father (Philippians, p. 107).
The passage concludes with a cosmic vision: “at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:10–11, NRSV). This imagery, drawn from Isaiah 45:23, points to the universal acknowledgment of Jesus’ lordship. It is a moment of both worship and triumph, as all creation recognizes Jesus as the sovereign ruler. This exaltation not only confirms his identity but also serves as a call to believers to live in light of his lordship. As Paul exhorts the Philippians to embody Christ’s humility, he reminds them—and us—that the path of obedience and self-giving leads to the ultimate glory of God.
Philippians 2 - Meaning for Today
Christ’s Humility as a Model for Christian Life
Paul’s command to “have this mind among yourselves” is not just a call to imitate Christ’s humility—it’s a challenge to fundamentally reshape how we view greatness, success, and purpose. In a world obsessed with power and prestige, the Kingdom of God says that true greatness is found in the opposite direction. In Christ’s example, we see that greatness doesn’t come through authority or privilege, but through servanthood and sacrifice. Jesus doesn’t just model humility—He redefines it. Humility isn’t a passive posture, but a proactive choice to put others first, even at great personal cost. As Lynn Cohick writes, “The mind of Christ reshapes our priorities and calls us to embody sacrificial love” (Cohick, Philippians: A Commentary, p. 112).
Unity in Humility: A Community Transformed
The unity Paul calls for in verses 1–2 can only come from a community that is marked by the same humility that Jesus modeled. Unity isn’t merely about agreeing on doctrine or adhering to a set of rules—it’s about having the same heart. Unity in the body of Christ is a result of shared humility, and humility doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It requires active, conscious efforts to put others’ needs before our own. It’s a commitment to seeing the people around us not as obstacles or competitors, but as partners in the gospel. As Fee suggests, this kind of unity, centered in humility, is a witness to the world of God’s reconciling power (Fee, Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, p. 75).
Humility in the Everyday: How to Live It Out
Living with the mind of Christ doesn’t just happen on Sunday mornings—it needs to be a way of life. It’s easy to talk about humility in theory, but it’s in the trenches of daily life where this virtue is truly tested. In our workplaces, homes, and communities, we are constantly presented with opportunities to choose self-interest or sacrificial love. The call to humility is not just a lofty ideal, but a practical way of living that has real-world implications. Think about your relationships. Are you considering others’ needs first? Or are you caught in the trap of selfish ambition, trying to advance your own interests at the expense of others?
This kind of humility transforms relationships. It makes the impossible possible. It builds unity where division would otherwise reign. And it points the world to a Savior who didn’t just talk about humility—He lived it. And He calls us to do the same. It’s time to ask ourselves: Do we have the mind of Christ? Are we living as He lived—humbling ourselves for the sake of others?
Sources:
• Fee, Gordon D. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. NICNT, 1995, p. 75.
• Silva, Moisés. Philippians. BECNT, 2005, p. 122.
• Wright, N.T. Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters. SPCK, 2004, p. 35.
• Hughes, Kent. Philippians: The Joy of Living for Christ. Crossway, 2007, p. 58.
• Cohick, Lynn. Philippians: A Commentary. Baker Academic, 2017, p. 112.
