Paragraph 2:5–8

Believers should think as Jesus did when he gave up his special place with God and humbled himself by becoming a man and dying on the cross.

Paul here turned the attention of his readers to Jesus Christ. Jesus was and is the supreme example of being humble and considering the needs of others more than his own.

2:5

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: There are two ways to understand this:

(1) Paul was saying that the Philippians should have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. (Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, Good News Translation, New American Standard Bible, NET Bible, God’s Word, New Living Translation (2004), Contemporary English Version, New Century Version)

(2) Paul was saying that the Philippians should have this attitude among them, which is appropriate for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Revised Standard Version)

The following verses (2:6–11) describe the attitude that Christ Jesus had. Interpretation (1) fits better in this context. So it is recommended that you follow it in your translation.

Let this mind be in you: A person’s mind is the way he thinks about something. A person with a proud attitude is someone who thinks that he is more important than others. Someone with a humble attitude is one who does not think proudly about himself. Instead, he thinks about how important others are. 2:6–8 show that Jesus’ attitude was humble.

Christ Jesus: See note on 1:1a.

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