The Universal Eschatological Worship of Jesus Christ in Paul’s Letter to the Philippians

Book excerpt: Philippians 2:6–11 is one of the most significant christological passages to appear in Paul’s letters. Placing these verses against the backdrop of the Roman-imperial cult that flourished in Philippi, Dr. Surif moves beyond a humiliation/vindication or obedience/lordship paradigm to focus on the section’s culmination in the universal eschatological worship of Christ. Examining Paul’s eschatological framework throughout Philippians – as well as its tradition within Jewish literature more broadly – Dr. Surif explores the implications for Christians called to obedience, suffering, and holiness as active participants in God’s work of salvation. Ultimately, Paul is reminding his readers that salvation does not culminate in the resurrection of the dead but the universal worship of Jesus Christ – and it is for that worship that they are being prepared.