“But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:”
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross — tapeinoō (humiliated himself) shows the voluntary character: Christ's humiliation is self-imposed, not enforced. Obedience (hypakousai) to death echoes the obedience required of Adam (who disobeyed) and Israel (who broke covenant). 'Even death on a cross' is the eschatological nadir: crucifixion was slave's death, ultimate shame in the Roman world. The progression downward ('emptied... humbled... obedient... death... cross') traces the depths of self-surrender.
Church Fathers on Philippians 2:7
Our Lord Jesus Christ, when exhorting His disciples to great actions, places before them Himself, and the Father, and the Prophets, as examples; as when He says, “For thus they did unto the Prophets which were before you” Matthew 5:12; Luke 6:23; and again, “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” John 15:20; and, “Learn of me, for I am meek” Matthew 11:29; and again, “Be merciful, as your Father which is in heaven is merciful.” Luke 6:36 This too the blessed…
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