Philippians 2

Philippians 2 is the second chapter of the Epistle to the Philippians in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It is authored by Paul the Apostle about mid 50s to early 60s AD and addressed to the Christians in Philippi. Jesuit theologian Robert Murray notes that a narrative in verses 5 11 about Christ, "who humbled himself, by becoming obedient to death" is central to this chapter. German protestant theologian Ernst Lohmeyer argued in 1928 that 2:6–11 9 (verses 6 11) were an existing hymn about Christ which Paul quotes in his letter, a theory which "has come to dominate both exegesis of Philippians and study of early Christology and credal formulas".

This section centers on Paul's appeal for unity of minds and hearts among the people, which can be expressed by four phrases: two using the keyword phronein ("of the same mind" or "of one mind"), then agape ("love") and sumpsuchoi ("united in soul" or "being in full accord"). Maintaining his reference to the joy which Paul already feels in respect to the Philippians (1:4 9 (verses 1:4) and ), he speaks of this joy being "made full, like a measure".

Following the exhortation in the earlier section, Christ is pointed as the model for discipleship, with a poetic narrative "beyond Paul's usual vocabulary", but not necessarily beyond his capacity.

And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.

Based on Christ's example, Paul exhorts the people to "work out your own salvation for it is God who is at work".

Two of Paul's helpers, Timothy and Epaphroditus, are introduced and the reasons for their journey are explained in this part, mainly to show Paul's affection to the people of Philippi.

In the Catholic Church Philippians 2:1 11 is appointed as the second reading on the 26th Sunday of Ordinary time in Year A of the Lectionary for Mass. Philippians 2:6 11 is appointed as the second reading at Mass on Palm Sunday; similarly in the Revised Common Lectionary, Philippians 2:1 13 is appointed as the Epistle lesson for Proper 21 in Year A, which may fall on any Sunday between September 25 and October 1, and Philippians 2:5 11 is appointed as the Epistle lesson on Palm Sunday. In the Church of England Philippians 2:5 11 is appointed as the Epistle lesson for a second service on Christmas Day. In the Episcopal Church (United States), according to the Lectionary found in the Book of Common Prayer (1979), Philippians 2:9 13 is appointed as one of two options as the Epistle lesson for the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus in Year A, celebrated on January 1.