The Model and Centrality of Humility in the Body of Christ: An Exegesis of Philippians 2:1‒4

Abstract

 For years, Philippians 2:1-4 has been a topic of debate among scholars. Questions regarding the believers’ motivation to pursue unity, love, and service remain relevant today. Sadly, the false quid pro quo perspective has become the norm for believers, as it is common for them to think their call is to help only those who can help them in reciprocal magnitudes when in need. This notion leads some believers to pursue unity, love, and service not out of humility but in expectation of reciprocal outcomes. Consequently, the church is divided into classes that can reciprocate kindness, where the poor relate meaningfully with the poor while the rich are with the rich. This attitude continues to demean the gospel call for the believers (whether rich or poor) to ‘do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider one another as more important than yourselves’ (Phil 2:3). This exegetical analysis of Philippians 2:1–4, examines the place of humility in the body of Christ and Christ as the model of humility. Using the grammatical-historical method, this research examined how Paul’s argument in Philippians 2:1–4 functions within the immediate and literary context of the book of Philippians. It draws theological implications for the church today. It shows that believers share humbling and enriching blessings of consolation, comfort, fellowship, affection, and sympathy, which make them ready to pursue unity, love, and sacrificial service in their relationships.