Phil. 2:6-11 is and deserves to be one of the most studied passages on Christ in the biblical writings. One grammatical question concerns a participle in v. 6, which is usually understood as concessive (“although”). But might Paul intend a causal sense (“because”)? The implications are profound. Dr. Michael Gorman is Raymond E. Brown Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology at St. Mary’s Seminary & University. He has published numerous works, including Inhabiting the Cruciform God: Kenosis, Justification, and Theosis in Paul’s Narrative Soteriology and (March, 2025) 1 Corinthians: A Theological, Pastoral, and Missional Commentary. Among his current projects, he is writing Philippians: A Theological, Pastoral, and Missional Commentary (Eerdmans). Music credit for this episode: https://youtu.be/YII4o33rJdA?si=Azg_r4FuTkJ97B3K.

Check out related programs at Wheaton College:

B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4aRQAjd

M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/3CKZoL5

Because He Was in the Form of God, with Michael Gorman: Philippians 2:6