AN EXEGETICAL STUDY OF PHILIPPIANS 2:5–11 AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE FOR UNDERSTANDING CHRISTOLOGY IN PAULINE WRITINGS

Abstract

Philippians 2:5-11 is a profound pericope that has been debated and interpreted in various ways. Some scholars on one hand have suggested that the passage may have been an early hymn or poetic creed in ancient worship. Other scholars on the other hand have argued that the passage highlights the mystery of Christ’s incarnation, self-emptying humility, and his ultimate exaltation. The purpose of the study is to investigate the significance of Philippians 2:5–11 for understanding the nature of Christ in Pauline’s writings. The exegetical study method and document analysis were employed by the author to conduct the research. The findings show that irrespective of which divide one belongs in the debate, certainly, the text remains central to the understanding of Christology in Philippians, his incarnation, his obedience, and exaltation, which remains relevant to the Christian faith in 21st-century Christianity