21 If, then, any exhortation 'is' in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 fulfil ye my joy, that ye may mind the same thing—having the same love—of one soul—minding the one thing, 3 nothing in rivalry or vain-glory, but in humility of mind one another counting more excellent than yourselves— 4 each not to your own look ye, but each also to the things of others. 5 For, let this mind be in you that 'is' also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, thought 'it' not robbery to be equal to God, 7 but did empty himself, the form of a servant having taken, in the likeness of men having been made, 8 and in fashion having been found as a man, he humbled himself, having become obedient unto death—death even of a cross,
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Philippians 2:1-8
Commentary on Philippians 2:1-4
(Read Philippians 2:1-4)
Here are further exhortations to Christian duties; to like-mindedness and lowly-mindedness, according to the example of the Lord Jesus. Kindness is the law of Christ's kingdom, the lesson of his school, the livery of his family. Several motives to brotherly love are mentioned. If you expect or experience the benefit of God's compassions to yourselves, be compassionate one to another. It is the joy of ministers to see people like-minded. Christ came to humble us, let there not be among us a spirit of pride. We must be severe upon our own faults, and quick in observing our own defects, but ready to make favourable allowances for others. We must kindly care for others, but not be busy-bodies in other men's matters. Neither inward nor outward peace can be enjoyed, without lowliness of mind.
Commentary on Philippians 2:5-11
(Read Philippians 2:5-11)
The example of our Lord Jesus Christ is set before us. We must resemble him in his life, if we would have the benefit of his death. Notice the two natures of Christ; his Divine nature, and human nature. Who being in the form of God, partaking the Divine nature, as the eternal and only-begotten Son of God, John 5:23. Here we see such motives to self-denying love as nothing else can supply. Do we thus love and obey the Son of God?