Philippians Flashcards
How is “Jesus Christ” described in Philippians 2:1–18? Which category (eternal or immortal) does Paul put Jesus into?
Jesus is described as having been in the form of God but took on the nature of a servant, humbling himself and becoming obedient to death on a cross. This description fits the category of “eternals” from Cartlidge and Dungan, as Jesus is portrayed as a heavenly being who voluntarily becomes human. The distinction is seen when God exalts Jesus, giving Him the highest status and a name above every name.
For what virtue or behavior does Israel’s God reward Jesus by exalting him in Philippians 2:1-18?
Israel’s God rewards Jesus by exalting Him due to His humility and obedience, specifically His willingness to become a servant and endure death on a cross. Jesus’s selfless act and obedience to God’s will are the virtues that lead to His exaltation and elevated status as a heavenly being.
How did Jesus’s situation in life compare or contrast with other humans viewed as gods in Roman society?
Jesus’s life contrasts sharply with other deified figures such as Roman emperors and famous philosophers. While many of these figures were honored with divine status due to their achievements or political power, Jesus’s life was marked by humility, suffering, and a humiliating death on a cross, which was a punishment for rebels and slaves. Unlike emperors who were celebrated and held high social status, Jesus’s divine status emerged from His suffering and sacrificial death, not from traditional markers of power or success.
How would most people in Philippi react to Paul’s message that Jesus was a god/heavenly being?
People in Philippi, where Roman emperors were viewed as gods, might have found Paul’s message provocative or challenging. The idea that Jesus, a crucified criminal, was exalted as a divine figure would contrast sharply with their reverence for the imperial cult and the traditional markers of power and divine status associated with emperors. Paul’s message could have been seen as subversive or counter-cultural, potentially leading to mixed reactions among the local population.
How does Paul describe the evangelists advocating circumcision in Philippians 3:1–4:1, and how does his response compare to Galatians?
Paul describes those advocating circumcision as “dogs,” “evildoers,” and “mutilators of the flesh.” He criticizes their reliance on outward rites for salvation and emphasizes that true righteousness comes from faith in Christ, not adherence to the law. This contrasts with his arguments in Galatians, where he also vehemently opposes the necessity of circumcision and adherence to Jewish laws for salvation. Both letters reflect Paul’s strong stance against legalistic approaches to salvation but Philippians presents a more focused critique of those specifically advocating circumcision, while Galatians deals with broader issues of legalism.
