Browsing by Subject "paavali"

This Master's thesis in New Testament Exegesis examines the passage Philippians 2:6–11 with methods of historical-critical Bible study. In the final chapter of the thesis, a modern social identity approach (SIA) is applied to the text section. The study states that in Philippians 2:6–11 Paul presents the self-abasing Christ to his readers as an ethical example. From the perspective of social identity approach, Christ is depicted in the text as a prototype of social identity. The thesis examines what kind of prototype of social identity is conveyed in the text. The content analysis of the text explores the discussion concerning the most debated expressions of the passage: ”in the form of God” (ἐν μορφῇ θεοῦ), ”thought it not robbery” (οὐχ ἁρπαγμὸν ἡγήσατο), ”to be equal with God” (τὸ εἶναι ἴσα θεῷ) ja ”emptied himself” (ἑαυτὸν ἐκένωσεν). These phrases are interpreted using Paul's own letters, some New Testament texts, and non-biblical ancient literature. In this study the passage of Phil. 2:6-11 is called "the description of Christ." The designation leaves open the question of the writing style of the text. Contrary to studies that assume that the passage is a "hymn" that Paul has quoted elsewhere in his text, this paper interprets the passage as an essential part of Paul's own reasoning as part of the ethical exhortations of the Philippians. The paper ends up with the following conclusions: In the passage, Phil. 2: 6-11, Christ as a self-abasing prototype of social identity means primarily voluntary self-denial, giving up own benefits, and suffering for others. Through the example of Christ, Paul especially encourages influential members of the community to use their social capital - not for their own benefit but for the benefit of others. In addition, Paul describes himself in the Philippians as a prototypical follower of Christ, who has renounced his own honorable origins and privileges ”for the sake of Christ" (3:4-10). The study also takes into account that Paul wrote his letter to the church, which lived in the city of Philippi, under the influence of an ancient Roman culture of honor. The recipients of the letter were hardly immune to the charm of public respect with which the culture was impregnated. The greatest attraction to honorary positions was probably felt by superior members of the church. It seems that Paul, in his letter, opposed this tendency to seek honorary offices. However, Paul does not call the church to reject honor but to reinterpret it. This is evidenced by the fact that also those who follow the humility of Christ will one day be exalted (3:21).