It is without a doubt that the Bible remains one of the few readings that attracts various elucidations and interpretations among its readers. The cause for that varies from the nature of the Bible itself to the divergent concerns that the readers have when it comes to the readings. Additionally, the difference in Bible interpretations would be as a result of the familiarities as well as individualities of individuals. That explains why there are numerous annotations and critiques of various verses of the bible in recent times. Certainly, Paul’s letter to the Philippians attracts divergent interpretations and that will be the basis of this paper’s exposition through the support of chapter 2: 1-13.
Relational Christology can denote to Christ-like attributes as depicted in relationships that occur in daily lives. Christology is mainly the study of Christ and his relationship with God. As Christians, the emulation of how he humbled himself before God is paramount to the interpretation of relational Christology. Philippians 2:1-13 is can be interpreted to showcase Christians how they can practice or emulate the teachings of Christ in the scope of the aspect of humility in relationships. Relational Christology is wide, since it tends to study how Christ behaved in his days on earth. However, the most fundamental aspect that is explored in Christology is the humility upon which Christ conducted himself.
In the second chapter of Philippians, the first verse describes implores on those who are united with Christ to do things that exceed their interests in all their relationships. Christology teachings emphasize on the love and encouragement that Christ extended to those he met, regardless of their situations. The verse says, “then make my joy complete through being like-minded, having the same love and being in one spirit and one mind (Philippians 2: 1).” Through the verse, it is obvious that Christ required Christians to show love that surpasses their interests so that they would be in synch and united with him. The chapter goes on to suggest that Christians should have humility. Ideally, it is through humbleness that any of the above can be forged. Without humbleness, showing love and advancing the needs of other people in the society.
In the societal setup, the humbleness that is applied in Christology is imperative in the formation of relationships that exceed issues of gender and class. It is the same humbleness that will cause us to love people from a different race and respect those who are better or less advantaged that we are. By having Christ-like humbleness, Christians will be able to live beyond the social phenomena that are definitive of the contemporary society. For instance, as a black, single Christian woman, the second chapter of Philippians requires me to look beyond my race and marital status when forming associations.
At times, the prejudice that is afforded to being black and single might stir hatred inside a person, which they then advance toward those who are privileged with having complete families. Being black and single is a challenge because of the stereotypes that may dwell in the society. Because of the way the society is prejudicial of such an arrangement, a person could resent people and feel bad about their situation when they compare themselves to happily married women. Such feelings bring about a sense of pride that is needed as a cushion against the society. Hatred would then creep in and result in unhealthy relationships. Relational Christology requires that I apply the aspects of humility in life and love people regardless of the situation that is around me.
Therefore, I should not let pride be the center of my comfort for what society has defined to be a disadvantage. Instead, I should remain humble and use that to form the relationships in the society. Christ was placed at a disadvantageous position when he could have easily exalted himself and earned the respect of the people, according to Christology. Verse 6 of the same chapter says, “Who being just like God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used to his advantage (Philippians 2: 6).” The same case is what the Philippians Chapter expects of me.
The chapter further employs that Christ remained obedient and humble even when he was at the cross (Philippians 2:8). The same case should be applied to me in relation to what the bible requires. Being divorced and having a married daughter who lives far away can be seen as the toughest situation for a black woman living in a society that is critical. The situation of Christ at the cross was the last stroke for him. In my case, my unorthodox family situation and loneliness may be the worst scenario. However, even in such a case, Christ requires that I remain faithful and obedient to the teachings that are deployed to Christians through Christology.
The same would apply in other scenarios in life where we are tempted to go against the like-mindedness that Christ preached so that we can feel accepted. In the contemporary society, what makes people stray from the teachings of Christ is the need for acceptance and ability to fit societal criteria. Most of the time, pride substantially that hinders people from accepting a lower position. Therefore, the Chapter in scrutiny from Philippians steers us into embracing humility in our relationships.
Additionally, Philippians 1:2-13 requires that Christians do not grumble when they do things. In my situation, however disadvantageous it appears to be, I should neither complain nor look at my situation as being disadvantageous. After all, Christ did go through worse situations that climaxed with the death on the cross. In imitating the same mindedness that he talked about, we are not supposed to complain about our grievances, but are expected to forge on as Christ did until salvation was attained. The chapter says, “Continue to work out your salvation in fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).” Such denotes to lack of complaints about unfairness or prejudice.
In closing, each and every believer holds his/her own interpretation of verses from the bible including the exceeding expounded one. Thanks to the each and everyone’s individuality, new insights and understandings would be deduced with Philippians 1:2-13 not being an exception. As a result, it enables individuals to be more aware and become more self-critical as well enabling people to appreciate oneself more.
Works Cited
Boyd, Gregory A., and Paul R. Eddy. Across the Spectrum: Understanding Issues in Evangelical Theology. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Academic, 2009.
Martin, Ralph. A Hymn of Christ: Philippians 2:5-11 in Recent Interpretation. 3rd ed. 2009.
Osborne, Grant. The Hermeneutical Spiral: A Comprehensive Introduction to Biblical Teachings. 2nd ed. Vol. 2. 2010.
Sullivan, John Anthony. Explorations in Christology: The Impact of Process/relational Thought. New York: Lang, 1987.
