Christ Jesus, who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God,

but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men.

Hey listeners, this is Nick from Scripture Central, and today's podcast addresses the question,

why does Paul quote from an early Christian hymn? from Scripture Central, and today's podcast addresses the question,

Why does Paul quote from an early Christian hymn?

Both the Bible and the Book of Mormon contain important witnesses to the divinity of our Savior Jesus Christ. Both are ancient witnesses of the premortal, mortal, and post-mortal ministry of Jesus, and each

teach about his divine role in unique ways.

Very memorable is Philippians chapter 2, verses 6 through 11, where Paul appears to be quoting

or paraphrasing from what might have been a very early Christian hymn that succinctly summarized Jesus' entire

being and ministry, beginning with his premortal life and ending with his heavenly glorification.

This beautiful hymn can be set forth in Greek as having two verses of two lines each,

with a third verse comprised of a seven-part kiasm.

But more significantly, each of the three main points raised in this hymn,

the Savior's premortal divinity, his willingness to die on our behalf,

and his exaltation following his resurrection,

can also be found represented and reinforced in the

Book of Mormon and other Restoration Scriptures. This hymn begins with an opening couplet that

can be rendered as Christ Jesus, who, though being in the likeness of God, did not take

advantage of being equal to God. Through this opening statement, we learned that Jesus

was in the presence of God and was like Him in the premortal life. Despite his high station,

he did not seek for any benefit of his own. In saying that Jesus was in the likeness or

form of God, this hymn uses a word meaning, outward appearance or shape, thus implying that

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