Philippians 2:5

Let this mind be. Literally, “let this be thought,” but meaning, “have this mind.” In vs. 1-4 the apostle has presented the need for unity and unselfish humility; he now points to the complete provision for that need.

In you. Or, “among yourselves.”

Christ Jesus. For the significance of this title see on Matt. 1:1. The more usual order of the names is “Jesus Christ,” but Paul often uses the order as here, especially in this epistle (chs. 3:3, 8, 12, 14; 4:7, 19, 21). In so doing he is possibly emphasizing the divine element (Christ) before the human element (Jesus) in the Saviour’s divine-human nature. For Paul, all spiritual life centers in Christ, and when he wishes to inculcate lessons of unity and humility, he can find no better method than to present, in outline form, the story of his Master’s career, as the supreme exemplification of the virtues he desires the Philippians to possess. In the sublime account that follows (ch. 2:6-8) he is not consciously dealing with theology in its academic sense; he is using his inspired and intimate understanding of Christ’s redemptive work to illustrate his own teaching and to stimulate his converts to emulate the Saviour. Christ left a state of inexpressible glory, took upon Himself the most humble form of humanity, and performed the most lowly of offices, that men might be saved. Christians are to frame their lives according to this great example.