Chrysostom on Philippians 2:5-8

by R.A. Miller
Published October 17, 2023.

Arius (born c. 250) was a theologian who, as John Chrysostom (born 347) describes, believed in “the Son, but only in word,” as Arius believed that Jesus “is a creature, and much inferior to the Father.” To use more modern terminology, Arius did not believe in the Trinity and would argue against the divinity of Jesus. In his sermon on Philippians 2:5-8, Chrysostom combats this Christological error that Arius propagated and magnifies the humility of Jesus.

First, let us consider how Chrysostom tackled the heresy that Arius taught. While explaining the words of Philippians 2:7, he says “What shall we say against Arius, who asserts the Son is of a different substance?” Chrysostom asks what the phrase “He took the form of a servant” means. He answers, “It means, He became man.” This is the first logical conclusion that Chrysostom makes, which he will use again when arguing for the divinity of Christ. He then argues that the phrase “being in the form of God” from the previous verse indicates that Jesus is divine. He summarized his thoughts by saying, ‘“The form of a servant” means, Man by nature, wherefore “the form of God” means, God by nature.’

After defeating the Arian view of Christ with a simple explanation of Scripture, Chrysostom asks, “What then is humility?” The answer he gives is “To be lowly minded.” The early church father clarifies his statement by noting that those who are in a lowly state in life are not necessarily lowly-minded. He says, “If a King subjects himself to his own officer, he is humble, for he descends from his high estate; but if an officer does so, he will not be lowly minded; for how? He has not humbled himself from any high estate.” Chrysostom then points to Jesus as the chief example of this kind of humility, noting how he (being God) came to earth in the form of a servant.

These truths should cause us to examine our own hearts. The King of the Universe stepped down from Heaven to rescue his people by dying in their place. If we are to be followers of Christ, we must strive to walk in his footsteps. Therefore, let us pray that the Holy Spirit will sanctify us and help us to become more like our humble King, Jesus.