Philippians 2:11

Confess. Gr. exomologeo, “to profess openly” (Rev. 3:5), “confess from the heart” (Matt. 3:6), or “to thank” (Matt. 11:25). The first meaning seems most applicable here, but the others are also involved in the final confession of Christ’s sovereignty.

Jesus Christ is Lord. The apostle again uses the twofold name that covers the human and divine natures of the Redeemer and declares that He who left heaven to take upon Him the form of a servant will finally be declared Lord. For other NT declarations concerning Jesus Christ as Lord see on Acts 2:36; Rom. 10:9; 1 Cor. 8:6; 12:3. A clear understanding of Christ’s lordship can bring increased confidence into the Christian’s life.

To the glory of God. Grammatically speaking, this clause is connected with “every tongue should confess” (v. 11), that is, the universal confession that Jesus Christ is Lord brings glory to God. But we may see in the words a reference to the consuming passion of the Saviour’s whole life. He lived for the glory of God, that all creation might give the Father the honor due unto His name (see on John 12:28; 13:31; 17:1; 1 Cor. 15:24, 28). His followers should live for the same end. This verse brings us to the climax of Paul’s brief presentation of the principles concerning humility and exaltation. First (vs. 1-4), he admonishes that there must be no self-exaltation or strife among the Philippians. Then (vs. 5-8), he sets forth Christ as the pattern of humility. Last (vs. 9-11), he shows that the Humble One has been exalted to greater glory than He had laid aside for the incarnation. The apostle intends that his readers shall learn that God can exalt only those who have humbly served Him here below. Since the servant is not greater than his Lord (John 13:16), our service must be undertaken in a spirit similar to Christ’s.