Paul introduced an illustration of what he meant, namely, the example of Jesus Christ. He wanted his readers to remember that the very qualities he had been advocating were observable in the Lord Jesus. This verse introduces one of the great Christological passages in the New Testament ( Philippians 2:5-11). [source][source][source]
". . . the secret of Christian joy is found in the way the believer thinks-his attitudes." [1][source]
Context Summary
Philippians 2:1-11 - Following His Example Of Self-Surrender
In all Scripture-indeed, in all literature-there is no passage which combines such extraordinary extremes as this. The Apostle opens the golden compasses of his faith, placing one jeweled point on the throne of divine glory and the other at the edge of the pit, where the Cross stood; and then he asks us to measure the vast descent of the Son of God as He came down to help us. Mark the seven steps: He was in the form of God, that is, as much God as He was afterward a servant; being in the form of God"¦ took the form of a servant. He was certainly the latter and equally so the former. He did not grasp at equality with God, for it was already His. He emptied Himself, that is, refused to avail Himself of the use of His divine attributes, that He might teach the meaning of absolute dependence on the Father. He obeyed as a servant the laws which had their source in Himself. He became man-a humble man, a dying man, a crucified man. He lay in the grave. But the meaning of His descent was that of His ascent, and to all His illustrious names is now added that of Jesus-Savior. This must be our model. This mind must be in us. In proportion as we become humbled and crucified, we, in our small measure, shall attain the power of blessing and saving men. [source]
Chapter Summary: Philippians 2
1Paul exhorts them to unity, and to all humbleness of mind, by the example of Christ's humility; 12to a careful proceeding in the way of salvation, that they be as lights to a wicked world, 16and comforts to him their apostle, who is now ready to be offered up to God 19He hopes to send Timothy to them, and Epaphroditus also
Greek Commentary for Philippians 2:5
Have this mind in you [τουτο προνειτε εν υμιν] “Keep on thinking this in you which was also in Christ Jesus” What is that? Humility. Paul presents Jesus as the supreme example of humility. He urges humility on the Philippians as the only way to secure unity. [source]
Let this mind be in you [τοῦτο φρονείσθω ἐν ὑμιν] Lit., let this be thought in you. The correct reading, however, is φρονεῖτε , lit., “think this in yourselves.” Rev., have this mind in you. [source]
What do the individual words in Philippians 2:5 mean?
Greek Commentary for Philippians 2:5
“Keep on thinking this in you which was also in Christ Jesus” What is that? Humility. Paul presents Jesus as the supreme example of humility. He urges humility on the Philippians as the only way to secure unity. [source]
Lit., let this be thought in you. The correct reading, however, is φρονεῖτε , lit., “think this in yourselves.” Rev., have this mind in you. [source]