Philippians 2:6-11: Pre-existence or Second Adam Christology?

At least two major Christologies have been found in Phil 2:6-11 which is otherwise known as the Philippians hymn. One group of biblical scholars argues for a Christology of a pre-existent divine being who had full equality with God from eternity. This is often referred to as “pre-existence” Christology. A second group of biblical scholars argues that in Phil 2:6-11 Paul was not describing a pre-existent divine being but rather the earthly Jesus of Nazareth. These scholars generally interpret the pericope as exhibiting a “Second Adam” Christology. Whether or not Paul intended for Phil 2:6-11 to have an ethical purpose or a soteriological purpose and a pre-existence Christology or a Second Adam Christology depends to a large extent on the interpretation of a small number of Greek words contained in the text. Because these words can have a wide range of meanings the various interpretations of the Philippians hymn are strongly debated. This book compares the interpretations of three modern scholars and one ancient scholar.