Philippians 2:7 from the King James Version (KJV):

“But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:”

Author: The Book of Philippians is one of the letters (epistles) written by the Apostle Paul.

Audience: This letter was written to the Christians in the city of Philippi, a major city in Macedonia, in modern-day Greece.

Time Period: The Book of Philippians is believed to have been written during Paul’s imprisonment in Rome, which would place it around 60–62 AD.

Context: This verse is part of a passage (Philippians 2:5-11) where Paul urges the believers in Philippi to be humble and to emulate Christ’s humility and selflessness. Verse 6 says, “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God,” indicating that although Jesus was in nature God, he didn’t insist on his divine rights.

Then comes our verse, Philippians 2:7, where Paul explains how Jesus made himself “of no reputation,” or in other words, emptied himself. He took on the nature of a servant and was made in human likeness, embodying human frailty and mortality. The verses following this detail how Jesus humbled himself further by becoming obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross (verse 8).

In terms of comparing this to other popular versions:

New International Version (NIV): “rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”

New Living Translation (NLT): “Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.”

Though the wording differs, all versions emphasize the same key point: Jesus Christ willingly renounced his divine privileges to take on the form of a servant, fully human in nature.

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Embracing the Servant’s Heart: A Deep Dive into Philippians 2:7

Meta-Description: Explore the depths of Philippians 2:7, as we unpack the profound concept of Jesus as a servant and the transformative implications for our personal lives today.

Philippians 2:7, a verse rich in meaning, provides us a unique lens to view the life of Jesus Christ and carries profound implications for our personal journeys of faith. Unpacking this scripture, we’ll delve into its context, authorship, audience, and the paramount message it conveys. What can we glean from it and how does it apply to our lives today? Let’s unravel these threads together.

The Heart of Philippians 2:7

“But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” This verse beautifully encapsulates the core concept of kenosis – Christ’s self-emptying to take human form and become a servant.

The Art of Kenosis

Christ’s act of kenosis is not merely about his transition from divine to human form, but it’s a testament to his humility and selflessness. This concept begs the question, how can we embrace kenosis in our own lives? By humbling ourselves, serving others selflessly, and emptying our hearts of pride and selfish desires, we can aspire to mirror Christ’s example.

Context Matters

Understanding the context of Philippians 2:7 enhances its interpretation. Penned by Paul while he was imprisoned, he wrote this epistle to the church at Philippi. His goal? To encourage unity and humility among the Philippians, leveraging Christ’s humility as the ultimate example.

Servitude – A Divine Call

The idea of servitude is often viewed negatively in our society. But through the lens of scripture, we understand that servitude was the chosen path of Jesus himself, and thus, holds divine significance.

Challenging Societal Notions

In our modern, success-driven society, how can we embody the spirit of servitude that Philippians 2:7 espouses? It starts with a paradigm shift. Serving others is not a sign of weakness, but strength. It is not about being lesser, but about loving more.

From Words to Actions

Putting this concept into action might involve volunteering at a local charity, helping a neighbor in need, or merely lending a listening ear to someone in distress. By prioritizing others’ needs, we’re practicing the Christ-like servitude that Philippians 2:7 illustrates.

Encountering the Divine in the Ordinary

Philippians 2:7 underscores that Jesus “was made in the likeness of men,” symbolizing God’s deep connection with humanity.

Finding God in the Mundane

In our everyday lives, it’s easy to forget the divine nature imbued in our human experience. Yet, this verse reminds us that God values our humanity so much that he became one of us. How might we recognize the divine in our ordinary lives? It could be as simple as appreciating the beauty of nature, acknowledging the miracle of life, or experiencing deep love and empathy for our fellow humans.

Connecting with Others

Embracing the idea that God took human form encourages us to value our connections with

others. Building deep, meaningful relationships and honoring each other’s humanity reflects our understanding of Christ’s human experience.

Emulating Christ – A Lifetime Journey

As we delve deeper into Philippians 2:7, it becomes apparent that the verse calls us to emulate Christ in our daily lives.

The High Road of Humility

Living a Christ-like life begins with humility, as Christ “made himself of no reputation”. In the face of praise or criticism, maintaining a humble attitude can keep our hearts aligned with Christ’s teachings. For instance, when we achieve success, acknowledging the role of others and expressing gratitude can keep our egos in check.

A Life of Service

Christ took “the form of a servant”. This phrase is not just about actions, but a mindset that places others’ needs above our own. It might mean setting aside our agenda to help a colleague meet a deadline or sacrificing our comfort to support a loved one.

FAQs

1. What does Philippians 2:7 mean when it says Jesus made himself “of no reputation”?

When the verse states that Jesus made himself “of no reputation”, it refers to Jesus’s humility and his willingness to set aside his divine status. Jesus didn’t seek to make a name for himself; instead, he served others selflessly.

2. How does the concept of servitude in Philippians 2:7 apply to our modern life?

The concept of servitude in Philippians 2:7 serves as a reminder to serve others with a spirit of humility and love, regardless of our societal status or circumstances. This might mean prioritizing the needs of others, volunteering in our community, or simply being there for someone in distress.

3. How can I apply the concept of kenosis in my life?

Kenosis, the act of self-emptying that Christ embodies, can be applied in our lives by letting go of selfish desires, pride, and ego. It’s about embracing humility, serving others, and striving to live a life that mirrors the example of Christ.

4. What was the context in which Philippians 2:7 was written?

Philippians 2:7 was written by Apostle Paul during his imprisonment. He wrote this epistle to the church at Philippi, encouraging unity and humility among them using the example of Christ’s humility.

5. What does it mean that Jesus was “made in the likeness of men”?

Jesus being “made in the likeness of men” refers to the incarnation, the act of God becoming flesh in the person of Jesus. It signifies the deep connection between the divine and humanity, demonstrating God’s love for us and His willingness to experience the human condition.

6. How can I see God in my daily life as implied in Philippians 2:7?

Recognizing God in daily life can be achieved by being mindful of the divine nature imbued in our human experience. This can be as simple as appreciating the beauty of creation, acknowledging the miracle of life, or experiencing deep love and empathy for our fellow humans.

In Conclusion

Philippians 2:7 presents a profound truth about Jesus’s humility and servitude, calling us to apply these principles in our lives. Embracing kenosis, we can lead a life of service, demonstrating love to those around us, and appreciating the divine in our everyday experiences. As we continue our faith journey, let this verse be a guide, encouraging us to live authentically and selflessly, reflecting Christ’s example in our actions and attitudes.

What does Paul imply when he says Jesus made himself “of no reputation”?
a. Jesus was not known in his time.

b. Jesus emptied himself of his divine privileges.

c. Jesus had a poor reputation among people.

d. Jesus did not perform significant miracles.
To whom was the Book of Philippians written?
a. Christians in Corinth.

b. Jewish leaders in Jerusalem.

c. Christians in Philippi.

d. Roman officials in Rome.
What does “taking the form of a servant” mean in Philippians 2:7?
a. Jesus worked as a servant in a household.

b. Jesus adopted a posture of humility and service.

c. Jesus was lesser than his disciples.

d. Jesus only served a select few.
What is the central theme of the passage Philippians 2:5-11?
a. The power of prayer.

b. The importance of charity.

c. The humility and selflessness of Christ.

d. The Second Coming of Jesus.
Why did Paul write this letter to the Philippians?
a. To resolve a major doctrinal dispute.

b. To rebuke them for their sinful ways

c. To encourage their faith and unity.

d. To announce his visit to Philippi.

When was the Book of Philippians likely written?
a. During Paul’s missionary journey in Asia Minor.

b. During Paul’s imprisonment in Rome.

c. After the resurrection of Christ.

d. Before Paul’s conversion to Christianity.
In Philippians 2:6, what does it mean when Paul says Jesus “thought it not robbery to be equal with God”?
a. Jesus stole from the rich and gave to the poor.

b. Jesus did not see equality with God as something to be exploited.

c. Jesus considered himself superior to God.

d. Jesus sought to take God’s place.
What is the overarching message that Paul is conveying in Philippians 2:7?
a. The power of miracles.

b. The importance of religious traditions.

c. The significance of Jesus’ teachings.

d. The example of Christ’s humility and self-sacrifice.
In what way does Paul encourage the Philippians to emulate Jesus?
a. By performing miracles like Jesus.

b. By showing humility and serving others.

c. By challenging the religious leaders of the time.

d. By seeking to become equal with God.
What does the “likeness of men” imply in the context of Philippians 2:7?
a. Jesus was like the greatest philosophers and thinkers of his time.

b. Jesus was human in nature, embodying human frailty and mortality.

c. Jesus was similar to his disciples.

d. Jesus was physically stronger than average men.

Let’s now move to the answers along with explanations.

Answer: b. Jesus emptied himself of his divine privileges. This is inferred from the idea of Christ making himself “of no reputation” or “emptying himself,” which indicates the voluntary giving up of his divine status and privileges.
Answer: c. Christians in Philippi. The opening verse of the book itself specifies the recipients of the letter: “Paul and Timothy, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi…”
Answer: b. Jesus adopted a posture of humility and service. In the context of this verse and the surrounding passage, the form of a servant suggests humility and service to others, reflecting Jesus’s life and ministry.
Answer: c. The humility and selflessness of Christ. In this passage, Paul extols the humility of Jesus, who despite being in the form of God, took on the form of a servant and died on the cross.
Answer: c. To encourage their faith and unity. Although Paul does address some issues in the Philippian church, his main purpose is to thank them for their gift and to encourage their faith and unity.
Answer: b. During Paul’s imprisonment in Rome. The common consensus among scholars is that the letter to the Philippians was written during Paul’s imprisonment in Rome, around 60-62 AD.
Answer: b. Jesus did not see equality with God as something to be exploited. In the original Greek, the phrase suggests that Jesus did not see his equality with God as something to use to his own advantage.
Answer: d. The example of Christ’s humility and self-sacrifice. This verse, as part of the larger passage, emphasizes the self-humiliation and self-sacrifice of Jesus, serving as an example for believers.
Answer: b. By showing humility and serving others. Paul urges the Philippians to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5), who, as elaborated in the following verses, showed humility and served others.
Answer: b. Jesus was human in nature, embodying human frailty and mortality. This phrase underscores Jesus’ full participation in human nature—his sharing in all aspects of being human, including mortality.

Ancient Letter: An ancient parchment unrolls across the horizon, with a quill pen scribing the verse of Philippians 2:7 in Greek. The words morph into various scenes – a carpenter’s shop, washing of the feet, the last supper, all showing Christ’s servitude.
Heaven and Earth: A celestial sphere fades into an earthly landscape. Glowing, divine forms in the heavens transition into humble figures on earth. A radiant celestial king becomes a common servant, embodying the kenosis concept.
The Empty Throne: A majestic, golden throne stands vacant, with a simple shepherd’s staff leaned against it. The luxurious royal robes are folded neatly, replaced with a humble servant’s garb.
Light to Shadow: A brilliant celestial body, akin to a star, descends from the heavens, becoming more material and less luminous as it nears the ground, representing Christ’s self-emptying.
Doves in Flight: A flock of doves, usually symbolizing the divine, are pictured in flight towards the earth, transforming mid-flight into common sparrows. This signifies Christ’s transition from divinity to humanity.
Mirror Image: A mirror, not reflecting the viewer, but the image of Christ as a humble servant. The ornate, golden frame transitions into a simple wooden one towards the bottom, symbolizing Christ’s humility.
Potter’s Hands: A pair of divine, radiant hands shape a humble clay pot on a potter’s wheel, illustrating God taking the form of a servant.