Philippians 2,5-11

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5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of GOD, did not consider equality with GOD something to be grasped; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9 Therefore GOD exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of GOD the Father.

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5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

The context of Philippians 2 is about the disposition or mental attitude that believers should have; not about the incarnation of a divine being. Nor is it a confession of faith, as is often claimed. Paul wants to lead believers to serve one another with humility. Jesus is the example. Paul does not require believers to change their nature, but rather that they imitate the humble spirit of Jesus. The basic principle with GOD is that whoever exalts himself humbles himself, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted by GOD (Matthew 23,12). Paul illustrates this principle using the example of the man Jesus. Essentially, it's about Jesus' complete self-denial in order to show us humans the way to GOD through his life example and to fulfill GOD's plan to save humanity through his death. Paul writes about himself that he has made himself a servant of all (1st Corinthians 9,19). At the same time, Paul encourages believers to use him as an example, just as he uses Christ as an example (1st Corinthians 11,1). This passage is neither about a “pre-existence” nor about an “incarnation” of Jesus.

 

5 Who, being in the form of GOD,

The Greek word morphē, which in English is translated as form, refers to the external appearance or manifestation; not on the inner nature of a person. Having the form of someone does not mean being that person or having their nature, but rather visibly behaving like that person. When speaking of “nature” or “essence” in Greek, the words ousia or physis are used (2nd Peter 1,4). From secular writings we learn that the Greeks used the word morphē to describe when “gods” changed their appearance; such as Aphrodite, Demeter and Dionysus. This idea was widespread in pagan mythology. This is clearly about a change in appearance and not in inner nature. Josephus, a contemporary of the apostles, used morphē to describe the shape of statues. The Gospel of Mark contains a brief reference to the well-known story in the Gospel of Luke, where Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus in a different form (morphē), which is why they did not immediately recognize him. It is clear from this that Jesus did not change his nature, but merely his physical appearance. In addition, the verb in verse 6 is in the present tense and not in the past tense as it is rendered in many Bibles. This means that Jesus did not “was” in GOD’s form, but is.

 

Morphē is the root word of many New Testament words and is also used in compound words. The Bible speaks of evil people who have a form (morphosis) of godliness (2nd Timothy 3,5). Their inner nature was evil, but outwardly they gave the appearance of being divine. On the Mount of Transfiguration, Christ was transformed (metamorphoomai) before the disciples (Matthew 17,2 / Mark 9,2). They did not see that Christ received a new nature, but rather that his external form visibly changed. Similarly, Christians also need to be transformed (metamorphoomai) by having their thinking renewed on the basis of the Bible. You don't get a new nature. It's more about a change in attitude that outsiders can recognize and experience. In addition, Christians should be transformed into the image of Christ (metamorphoomai). The fact that they are transformed into an image shows that the change is something that is visible from the outside.

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GOD created man in His image; that is, as the reflection of His glory (Genesis 1,27 / 1st Corinthians 11,7). This means that GOD's nature, which is love, should be reflected in man's thoughts and actions. Through the Fall, man lost GOD's glory (Romans 3,23) because sin corrupted his character. Since then, pride, greed, and selfishness have dominated his life. Jesus, on the other hand, is the perfect image of GOD (Colossians 1,15) because he perfectly represents GOD the Father through his behavior. As a human being, Jesus reflects the glory of GOD (Hebrews 1,3). His character is so in keeping with that of his Creator that Jesus could say that everyone who sees him sees the Father (John 14,9). If Paul wanted to say that Jesus is GOD, he would have written it so clearly and unambiguously. Because Jesus is a perfect human being, we can identify with him. This is not possible with a GOD-man.

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6 ...did not consider equality with GOD something to be grasped;

As a result of a lie from Satan, Adam and Eve violated GOD'S commandment by eating the forbidden fruit. Their hope was to become like GOD. But their pride brought them death. In the heart of Jesus, however, there was no trace of pride or self-interest. Quite the opposite: He did not regard (Old Greek: hēgeomai) being equal to GOD as a robbery (Old Greek: harpagmos). That is, Jesus resolutely resisted the temptation to equalize himself with GOD, even though Jesus' high position as king and the extraordinary power that GOD gave to His Messiah could easily have tempted him to do so. Jesus gave GOD glory in everything, because he knew that he was dependent on the Father and owed everything to Him. The translation that Jesus did not “hold on to” his divinity is false and tendentious. “To hold on” is not one of the meanings of hēgeomai.

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7 ...rather, he made himself nothing by taking the form of a servant. And in human likeness

8 and being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!

Jesus emptied (Old Greek: kenoō) himself and took the form (morphē) of a servant/slave. This verse does not say that Jesus became a man or took on the nature of a slave. Jesus emptied himself, not as GOD, but as man and king, of all that he had and all that was his in order to fulfill his mission. As the LORD's anointed, Jesus was endowed with great authority. As king, Jesus had the right to sit on the throne of David and rule over his people. But even though he could have had a comfortable and prosperous life like kings, Jesus chose to renounce voluntarily in order to serve people in love like a slave (Mark 10,45 / 2nd Corinthians 8,9). Jesus' humiliation is shown, among other things, in the fact that he washed the feet of his disciples; an activity usually performed by slaves. After all, Jesus was even prepared to die ignominiously on the cross for all people. Isaiah prophesied about Christ's suffering that on the cross his face would be more disfigured than that of any other man (Isaiah 52,14). This progressive humiliation of himself to the point of death occurred during his life and death, not at Jesus' birth.

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Verse 7 uses the Greek word schema for appearance. Unlike morphē, it does not refer to external appearance, but to who or what something is, including the functional aspect of something or someone. The statement "in equality" (homoiōma) of humans and "form" (schema) like a human does not mean that Jesus only appeared as a human, although in reality he was GOD. The Bible testifies that Jesus is a real human being. In contrast, Gnostics claimed that Christ had an illusory human body. The emphasis in this verse is on the fact that Jesus was fully human like us. Even though his position and authority as Messiah distinguished him from other people, Jesus always behaved modestly and unobtrusively like other (normal) people rather than like an exalted ruler. In this respect Jesus became similar/equal to humans. Paul is talking about Jesus' behavior here; not of his nature. Verse 8 says that Jesus became "obedient" (ginomai). In this case too, Jesus' behavior is meant. But Jesus' outward appearance - as a man with a linen robe instead of as a king with a purple cloak, crown and scepter - did not suggest that Jesus was anyone special.

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9 Therefore GOD exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,

10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of GOD the Father.

The two crucial words in these verses are "therefore" (Old Greek: dio) and "exalted" (Old Greek: huperupsoō). They prove that the exaltation of the Messiah above all measure and name has nothing to do with his alleged divinity, but is the reward for voluntary self-abasement up to the death on the cross. For his absolute obedience, which sets him apart from all other people, Jesus was given the highest honor: the place at the right hand of GOD. If Jesus had already had this position before, one could not speak of an exaltation. The formulation on GOD's right hand would also be misleading, since GOD is not enthroned at GOD'S side. It is clear from these and other scriptures that it was GOD the Father who exalted Jesus; not himself.

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In this case, the name that Jesus inherited does not refer to a proper or personal name, but rather to his reputation or title as Lord over all men and angels (Acts 2,36). At the same time, GOD gave Jesus all power in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28,18). This makes Jesus the most powerful and influential person in the universe right after GOD. The fact that every knee will bow to Jesus also has nothing to do with Jesus being GOD, but with his position as GOD'S judge. Bending the knees is a visible act of respect. By bowing their knees to Jesus, people acknowledge His divine authority as judge. At the same time, they also show honor and recognition to GOD, the Father, who exalted Jesus and gave him this position. What matters is that Jesus' honor comes from GOD. Joseph and Daniel were also honored and exalted by GOD in a special way because they remained faithful to His commandments and gave GOD glory before their enemies. Even the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar - the most powerful ruler of his time - had to bow his knee to Daniel and offered sacrifices to Daniel and his companions (Daniel 2,46 f.). With this humble gesture he showed that he recognized GOD as supreme ruler and Daniel as His human representative. An analogous translation could be:

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5 Have the same humble attitude that Christ Jesus had: 6 He, who has GOD's character, did not seek equality with GOD as something to be stolen (as Adam and Eve did). 7 On the contrary, he even voluntarily renounced his glory (as a king) and instead become like a slave, acting like any ordinary human being, 8 humbling himself and remaining obedient until his death on a cross. 9 For this obedience GOD exalted him and gave him the highest honor above all other creatures, 10 so that all might submit to his authority, 11 and everyone might confess that Jesus Christ is the supreme ruler, to the glory of GOD the Father.

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Colossians 1,15-20

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15 He is the image of the invisible GOD, the firstborn over of all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For GOD was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

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15 He is the image of the invisible GOD, the firstborn of all creation.

That Jesus is in the image of GOD means that Jesus has the personality/character of GOD. The first human Adam was also created in the image or likeness (eikon) of GOD (Septuagint: Genesis 1,27), just like every other human being (James 3,9). This does not mean that a person has GOD'S nature. The word eikon occurs a total of 23 times in the New Testament. It is used, among other things, for the image of Caesar on a coin (Matthew 22,20), for idols that are man-made images of gods (Romans 1,23), for things from the Old Testament that were only a reflection of today's reality, and for the image of the beast (Revelation 13,15). Christians are to be transformed into the image of the Lord, reflecting His glory (2nd Corinthians 3,18). It is said that the man is the image and glory of GOD (1st Corinthians 11,7). In all examples, eikon is used in the usual sense of the word. It means: having a representation that is separate from the original or resemblance to something or someone. The difference between Jesus and us is that we humans are tainted by sin and therefore do not reflect the glory of GOD as Jesus did (2nd Corinthians 4,6). So being in the image of GOD does not mean being GOD. Furthermore, in the same verse Paul explains that GOD is invisible. Jesus, on the other hand, had and has a visible form.

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The fact that Jesus is called "the firstborn" (Old Greek: prōtotokos) has nothing to do with Jesus' nature or his alleged pre-existence. Israel is also called GOD's "firstborn" (Genesis 4,22), as are all believers (Hebrews 12,23). The firstborn of a family had the privilege of inheriting before all other children. He had a higher status than his siblings and priority over them. That Jesus is the firstborn of all creation clearly expresses that Jesus himself is part of creation. Furthermore, the word prōtotokos implies a beginning. This contradicts the idea that Jesus existed before he was conceived by the Father. The word "over" or "before" (all creation), as it appears in some translations, does not appear in the basic text. If Jesus were GOD, there would be no need to emphasize that he existed before all creation, since GOD has no beginning.

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16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created because of him and for him.

Paul describes the exalted position of Jesus as Messiah and Lord over GOD's creation. The fact that everything was created "in him" / "for him" (Old Greek: ice) and "for his sake" (Old Greek: dia) means that GOD created everything with Jesus in mind or with Jesus at the center of his creation plan. Here too, Jesus is not portrayed as the active creator, as is the case with GOD (Revelation 4,11). Furthermore, the word everything does not refer to the first, material creation, which includes plants, animals and people. Paul does not write that Jesus created heaven and earth, but that everything in heaven and earth, visible and invisible - namely, thrones, dominions, powers and authorities - was created in Jesus. This means that GOD created all these things to be subject to His anointed King Jesus (Ephesians 1,7-10). The mission that Jesus received from GOD was not only to reconcile us with the Father, but also to destroy those powers and powers that are under Satan's control and to return control to GOD (1st Corinthians 15,23 -27). Then GOD will be sole ruler over his creation. In him can also mean: with Jesus as a role model (Ephesians 2,10).

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17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

The word "before" (Old Greek: pro) can refer to the time, place or position in the sense of superiority or priority. The purpose of the statement is to show that Jesus is above all things or has priority over all. This means that the statement in verse 17 is closely linked to the designation of the firstborn in verse 15. In the next verse, Jesus is called "the beginning" (Old Greek: archē). Here the word is used in connection with the designation of Jesus as the firstborn from the dead. This shows that it is not about a temporal beginning or a pre-existence, but rather about Jesus' position within creation. Jesus has priority over all other people or believers in two respects: On the one hand, GOD made only him Lord and Judge over His entire creation. On the other hand, Jesus is the first person whom GOD raised from death to immortal life. Because Jesus is the Messiah and fulfilled GOD's will, he received the privilege of being the first to rise from death before all the saints. All others should follow him when he returns. If Jesus were GOD and therefore Creator, it would not be necessary to write that he is the beginning of everything.

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19 For GOD was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

The expression “fullness of GOD” (Old Greek: plērōma) means that Jesus had full knowledge of GOD through the Holy Spirit, which has nothing to do with GOD’s nature. Jesus knew GOD like no other person (John 6,46). Already in the prophets and other people mentioned in the Old Testament, GOD worked through His Spirit, but to a limited extent. The Holy Spirit gives people wisdom, prophetic gifts, and the ability to perform supernatural miracles. But the primary task of the Holy Spirit is to guide us into all truth. This means that the Holy Spirit helps us to recognize GOD, i.e. to understand GOD's will and to act according to His commandments. If Jesus were GOD, then the statement that GOD allowed the fullness of GOD to dwell in Jesus would be nonsensical, since GOD logically has a divine nature.

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The word plērōma refers to the personality of GOD, which is love; not on His attributes as GOD (omnipotence, omniscience, creativity, etc.). To love is to know GOD. To know GOD means to have eternal life (John 17,3). Paul writes in Ephesians 3,19 that all believers should be filled to the fullness of GOD (plērōma). This makes it clear that the terms "fullness of GOD" and "divinity" do not mean the same thing. In 2nd Peter 1,4, Peter writes that believers are partakers of the "divine nature" (Old Greek: physis). Peter does not mean that Christians are equal to GOD, but is clearly referring to the divine character or holy lifestyle that corresponds to a child of GOD. Through his death on the cross, Jesus reconciled all people and restored peace between GOD and man. When Jesus returns to destroy Satan, this peace will be on full display.

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15 His behavior reflects the character of the invisible GOD. He has preeminence over all other creatures. 16 For himself GOD created everything in heaven and on earth—visible and invisible—whether thrones, dominions, principalities, or powers. 17 He is the center of creation. 18 He is the head of the church of GOD. He is the only one so far who has been given the privilege of rising from the dead, because he should have preeminence in all things. 19 For GOD was pleased to make him perfect in his character, 20 and to reconcile to himself all things on earth and in heaven through him, for his death on the cross brings us peace.

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Gen 1,27 / Gal 1,11 f. Eph 3,19 / Eph 6,19 / Col 1,15 + 19 / Col 4,3 / 2nd Pet 1,4 / 1st Joh 4,16 / Heb 1,3

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Colossians 1,19

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1 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell (...).

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The exact translation of this sentence is controversial. There are 15 different ways verse 2 can be rendered, including as the secret of GOD, namely Christ, or the secret of the Christ of GOD. The Greek word for "secret" (mustērion) means: to bring something hidden to light. This is not about something incomprehensible that the human mind cannot grasp. It's about something that GOD makes known to people at one time. Colossians 1,26 f. makes this very clear. A secret can be understood once it has been revealed. What was hidden from people for a long time since the foundation of the world because it was only indicated as a shadow or through prophecies, GOD revealed to us through Jesus. A mystery, as the dogma of the Trinity and the two natures of Christ is often referred to, remains incomprehensible to humans because it lies beyond human understanding and all logic.

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Mt 13,11 / Rom 16,25 / 1st Cor 2,7 / 1st Cor 4,1 / Eph 3,2-9 / Col 1,26 f.

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1st Timothy 3,16

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16 Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: GOD appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.

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There are some manuscripts that say that "GOD appeared in the flesh". However, many scholars admit that these Greek texts were changed by scribes in favor of Trinitarian dogma. When reading the earliest manuscripts, the word "GOD" (Old Greek: theos) does not appear. Instead, in many translations, the word "he" (for Jesus) or "who" is used. This section provides an overview of the life and achievements of Jesus. If Jesus were GOD, this would have been the ideal place to say this. Instead, the verse testifies that Jesus is a man begotten by GOD the Father and taken up into glory. In addition, only a person can be justified by GOD. For GOD is always just and holy. If Jesus were GOD, the statement that he appeared to angels would be superfluous, since angels have constant access to GOD (Job 1,6 / Matthew 18,10). The correct translation is therefore:

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16 Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.

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