Commentary on Philippians 2:5
Philippians 2:5 (King James Version): “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”
The Apostle Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 2:5 stands at the centre of one of the most profound Christological passages in the New Testament. It is both a theological summit and a deeply practical call to Christian living. Paul does not merely present Christ as an example; he presents Christ as the pattern, the mindset, and the very shape of the believer’s life.
- Exegetical Commentary
The Immediate Context: Philippians 2:1–4
Paul’s command in verse 5 flows directly from his appeal for unity, humility, and mutual care.
Philippians 2:1–4 (KJV): “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”
Paul’s logic is clear: because believers share in Christ, in love, in the Spirit, and in compassion, they are to live in unity and humility. Verse 5 then provides the theological foundation for such a life.
“Let this mind be in you”
The phrase “this mind” refers to a way of thinking, a posture of heart, a settled disposition. It is not a fleeting emotion but a sustained orientation of life. Paul is calling believers to adopt a mindset that mirrors Christ’s own.
“Which was also in Christ Jesus”
Paul immediately anchors Christian ethics in Christology. The believer’s life is patterned after the incarnate Son. The verses that follow (Philippians 2:6–11) describe Christ’s self-emptying, humility, obedience, and exaltation.
Philippians 2:6–8 (KJV): “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”
Paul presents Christ’s humility not as a denial of His divine nature but as the expression of it. The eternal Son willingly took the lowest place for the salvation of His people.
Theological Significance
- Christ’s humility is voluntary.
He “made himself of no reputation.” His self-emptying is not a loss of divinity but the taking on of servanthood. - Christ’s humility is active.
He “took upon him the form of a servant.” He did not merely appear humble; He became a servant in truth. - Christ’s humility is obedient.
He “became obedient unto death.” His obedience is the heart of His saving work. - Christ’s humility is redemptive.
His descent leads to exaltation (Philippians 2:9–11), revealing the Father’s approval and the cosmic significance of His work.
2. Meditation Guide
A. Reflect on Christ’s Mindset
Sit quietly with the words: “Let this mind be in you.” Ask:
- What is the mindset of Christ revealed in this passage?
- Where do I resist humility, service, or obedience?
- How does Christ’s voluntary self-giving reshape my understanding of greatness?
B. Consider the Pattern of Christ
Meditate on the downward movement of Christ’s humility:
- From the form of God
- To the form of a servant
- To obedience
- To death on a cross
Then consider the upward movement of His exaltation (Philippians 2:9–11). Let this shape your understanding of the Christian life: the path to glory is the path of humility.
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
C. Pray for Christlike Transformation
Pray that the Spirit would form Christ’s mind in you. Confess areas of pride, self-protection, or self-promotion. Ask for grace to serve others without seeking recognition.
D. Practise Christlike Humility
Choose one concrete act of service today that reflects Christ’s mindset. Do it quietly, without seeking thanks. Let it be an act of worship.
3. Application to Modern Christian Living
A. Humility in a Self-Promoting Culture
Modern life often rewards self-assertion, personal branding, and competition. Paul calls believers to a radically different way:
- Esteeming others above ourselves
- Serving without seeking credit
- Pursuing unity rather than personal advancement
Christlike humility is countercultural but deeply liberating.
B. Unity in a Divided World
Paul’s call to be “of one accord, of one mind” challenges the fragmentation of contemporary society. Christians are to model unity grounded in the gospel, not uniformity of personality or preference.
C. Obedience in an Age of Autonomy
Christ’s obedience “unto death” confronts the modern idol of self-rule. Christian freedom is not independence but joyful submission to God’s will.
D. Service in a Convenience-Oriented Society
Christ took “the form of a servant.” Believers are called to serve even when it is inconvenient, unnoticed, or costly.
[i] Philippians 2
King James Version
2 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.
19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.
20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.
22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.
23 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.
24 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.
25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.
27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:
30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.
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