Life of Christ
Philippians 2:1-11
Prose Introduction
Verses 1-5 are a prose introduction.
If, then, there is any comfort in Christ, any consolation from love, any partnership in the Spirit, any tender affection and sympathy,2 make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves.4 Let each of you look not to your own interests but to the interests of others.5 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
Embedded Poem
6 who, though he existed in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be grasped,
7 but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
assuming human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a human,
8 he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death—
even death on a cross.
9 Therefore God exalted him even more highly
and gave him the name
that is above every other name,
10 so that at the name given to Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:1-11 contains a prayer and poem-hymn of essence and exaltation. The idea of living like Christ is woven though the New Testament and comes to fullest expression in Philippians. Paul probably knew the hymn from worship in his tradition. In the New Testament business Greek called Koine Greek, the word, “doulou” is translated as servant or slave. (Slave in New Revised Standard Version and servant in Revised Standard Version) To me servant is preferable because the word “slave” can suggest slavery in our country. Slaves in early Christian society were more like servants. Slaves to the Romans: Different story
After the words “death on a cross” parallelisms ceases. This suggests that those words were added latter. Yet the added phrases round out the poem and add an important dimension about what is essentially important. A key word that is a turning point is “therefore” because is signified a change in status. Jesus as a spiritual ruler was even more important than the Emperor. Service was more important that status in a Roman society. Walter Brueggemann stresses Jesus as not being greedy or grasping for power. The hint for us to day is that service is more important than worldly status. Service offerings of artists, librarians, and writers are less visible than service in social action programs. Embrace your style of serving.
Wishing you happiness in your kind of service,
Sharon
You can purchase a Kindle copy of Biblical Poems Embedded in Biblical Narratives for $2.99.
This offer is good until I am finished with this blog of about 12 bimonthly issues which are based on my book. If you want a print copy at 50 percent off the retail, order on the Wipf and Stock website. www.wipfandstock.com. Use online coupon code: SHAIR Be sure to check out all my books on the Wipf and Stock website
For new readers:
My goal is to present information about biblical poetry in short, readable pieces. The motto is “Bit by bit, insights lit.” Blogs will generally be 200 words or less; not counting the biblical quotation. The plan is to send 2 blog per month for a total of 10-12 essays.
Abstract Choir is a watercolor I did in 1963 at Albion College. Black choir robes and the red “Pilgrim Hymnal” spoke to me in high school memories of the choir. Hymn #197 “At the Name of Jesus” in the Pilgrim Hymnal is based on Philippians. 2:5-11. Caroline Noel ( 1817-1877) authored the hymn. During the last 25 years of her life she wrote hymns to console suffering people.
