Philippians 2:6 Commentary

Philippians 2:6, "Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:", is a cornerstone verse for understanding the profound nature of Jesus Christ. It unveils His preexistence, His divine essence, and the radical humility that precedes His redemptive work. This verse, nestled within what many scholars call the 'Christ Hymn' (Philippians 2:5-11), meticulously articulates the deity of Christ, contrasting it with His subsequent incarnation and self-emptying. Paul presents Christ not merely as a good man or a prophet, but as God Incarnate, an eternal being who existed in the very "form of God" before He ever took on human flesh. This declaration is foundational to Christian theology, establishing the incomparable worth and authority of Christ, and setting the stage for His sacrificial act of love. Understanding this verse is crucial for grasping both the depth of biblical Christology and the power of His resurrection, which validates His divine claims. It’s part of a powerful passage often used in sermons on the cross, resurrection, and the essential nature of Jesus Christ.

To fully appreciate Philippians 2:6, we must consider its historical and cultural backdrop. The city of Philippi, a Roman colony, was a place where imperial loyalty was paramount, and the emperor was often deified. Against this backdrop, Paul presents a very different kind of Lord and King – one who, though God, did not cling to His divine prerogatives but freely surrendered them for the sake of others. The early church had to grapple with various misunderstandings about Jesus, some downplaying His humanity, others His deity. Paul’s letter, written while imprisoned, seeks to unify the Philippian believers and encourage them toward a Christ-like humility. By emphasizing Christ's preexistence and deity, Paul counters any notion that Jesus was a created being or merely an exalted man. He firmly establishes the absolute deity of Christ, making the subsequent sacrifice even more extraordinary. This passage served not only as a theological affirmation but also as a practical exhortation for unity and selflessness within the early Christian community, a timeless message for today's church concerning Christ's perfect walk ready for resurrection.

The Greek phrase "morphē Theou" (translated as "form of God") is pivotal in Philippians 2:6. "Morphē" signifies not merely an outward appearance, but the very essence, the intrinsic nature, that which makes something what it is. It indicates that Christ possessed the very essential attributes and characteristics of God. It's not a semblance or a disguise, but the deep-seated reality of His being. This underscores Christ's full deity and His equality with God the Father. He was not just like God; He was God. The phrase "ouk hēgēsato harpagmon to einai isa Theō" (translated as "thought it not robbery to be equal with God") further strengthens this. "Harpagmon" can mean a thing to be greedily grasped or forcibly retained. Christ, despite possessing full equality with God, did not consider this status something to cling to for His self-advantage, but instead chose to empty Himself. This insight amplifies the magnitude of His self-renunciation and sets the stage for His ultimate sacrifice and resurrection, a powerful aspect of Christ’s identity.

Philippians 2:6 is a foundational text for Christian Christology, affirming the preexistence and absolute deity of Jesus Christ. It unequivocally states that Jesus, before His incarnation, was in the "form of God," possessing all the divine attributes and majesty. This verse refutes any heterodox teachings that deny Christ's co-equality with the Father or His eternal existence. The concept of "equality" with God is not merely a matter of status but of essential nature. Christ is not a lesser deity or a created being; He is God, co-eternal and co-equal with the Father. This profound truth highlights the immense condescension of Christ in His willingness to embrace humanity and endure the cross. Without this understanding of His deity and preexistence, the sacrifice and subsequent resurrection lose their redemptive power. It is precisely because the preexistent, divine Christ humbled Himself that His work on the cross is sufficient for the salvation of all who believe. This glorious truth underpins the hope of resurrection and eternal life found only in Jesus Christ, the one true God and Savior. This verse is key for understanding the form of God.

The theological profundity of Philippians 2:6 has immense practical implications for the modern believer. Firstly, it calls us to a deeper worship and adoration of Jesus Christ, recognizing His unique status as God incarnate. If God Himself condescended to our level, how much more should we humble ourselves in His service and for the good of others? Secondly, it provides a powerful model for humility and self-sacrificial love. Christ, despite His divine status and equality with God, did not exploit His position but chose to "empty himself." This challenges us to lay aside our own pride, self-interest, and desire for worldly recognition, and instead to serve Christ and our neighbor with genuine humility. In a world obsessed with self-advancement, this Christ-like posture is counter-cultural yet eternally rewarding, impacting our lives, families, and communities. It encourages us to live with the resurrection in view, knowing that true exaltation comes through humble service, just as Christ's resurrection followed His ultimate humility. The preexistence and deity of Christ compel us to live lives reflecting His sacrificial spirit.