Monday, April 25, 2005

Philippians 2:3

Textus Receptus:
μηδεν κατα εριθειαν η κενοδοξιαν αλλα τη ταπεινοφροσυνη αλληλους ηγουμενοι υπερεχοντας εαυτων

King James:
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Comments:
strife: This word is used in conjunction with many other words for conflict, as in 2 Corinthians 12:20. This particular word apparently refers to the use of divisive tactics to further selfish ambition. Paul is contrasting the men who manipulate others for selfish gain with Christ who allowed himself to be violated for the benefit of others.

vainglory: This word is a compound of "kenos," or vain, and "doxa," or glory. Most significantly, man's desire to attain glory even when he is nothing (vainglory) is contrasted with Christ's willingness to divest Himself of glory to make himself nothing, or of no reputation. The root of the word used in verse 7 for "made himself of no reputation" is also "kenos," or vain.

let each esteem other better than themselves: Paul's admonition for believers is incompatible with contemporary psychological models of the self.

Expanded Paraphrase:
Do not create strife to promote your agenda. Do not try to make yourself something glorious when you are nothing. Instead, with a humble mind every believer should consider others superior to self.

1 comment:

Stephanie said...

Wow I love expository teaching!

Hi, I plan on taking humanities at Criswell next year-ish because this year I'll be saving some money and taking the basics at a community college.

Anyway, just thought I'd say hi. You probably know my preacher, Dr. Allen and friend Dr. Harris....

Grace and Peace,
Stephanie