The Hymn to Christ

Excerpt

This passage has received as much discussion in recent times as any section of the epistle.57 In this century, scholars have concluded that vv. 15–20 contain a hymn to Christ.58 As such, it reflects the worship of the early church. The themes are far from abstract, removed, theological affirmations about Jesus. They are living, vibrant, essential elements that found a significant place in regular worship. The criteria for determining the presence of hymns includes lyrical style and linguistic abnormalities. The stylistic factors are mainly reflected in the “certain rhythmical lilt”of the passage.59 The linguistic features include unusual words, distinctive theological expressions, and any features which cause a break between the passage and its context.60 By these criteria, this passage must be considered an early hymn. More

Melick, Richard R. Philippians, Colossians, Philemon. Vol. 32. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1991. Print. The New American Commentary.