빌립보서 2:5-18에 나타난 종말론적 윤리의 근거와 기능

The Ground of Eschatological Ethics and its functions in Philippians 2:5-18

It is generally agreed that Paul's ethics is demonstrated in close relation to the theological argument in Galatians or Romans. However, ethical appeals in Philippians(Phil 1:27-2:18) are not likely to be based on his theology but to be based on Christ's ethical example of humility and exaltation(Phil 2:6-11). This paper tries to show that the theological ground of Paul's ethic in Philippians 2:5-18 is presented in verse 5 which includes the phrase evn Cristw/| within the context of the exhortative paragraphs. According to Paul, evn Cristw/| represents Gods saving act in Christs death and resurrection, which are the very eschatological events of salvation. This leads us to the implication that eschatology in conjunction with christology and soteriology is to be seen as the theological ground of Paul's ethics in Phillippians. A proper emphasis should be put on the fact that Paul's eschatological ethics, which is grounded on Christ's eschatological event of salvation, can be applied to the salvation of the individual and the corporate. According to the analysis of the text, in order to reinforce his eschatological ethics Paul introduces "the hymn of Christ", which is an ethical model of humiliation and exaltation(Phil 2:6-11). In the description of Jesus' lives in Philippians 2:5-11, Christ's example (humility and exaltation) is suggested as a theological ground, which is christological and eschatological significance, and is also used as a means of the salvation of believers in the "already-not yet" eschatological dimensions. It seems that in the eschatological context, Paul intends to encourages believers to make assurance of their salvation on the basis of the Christ' saving event. It becomes quite clear that Paul's eschatological ethic functions as a confirmation or exemplification of an on-going salvation and an expectation of futuristic salvation, thereby as an effectual way of advancement of the Gospel in the world. The eschatological ground of Paul's ethic and its functions are also attested in the ethical injunction shown in Philippians 2:12-18. Conclusively this paper demonstrates that there are dual purposes of Philippians: (1) a pastoral purpose to encourages believers to confirm that their salvation is based on Christ's eschatological saving event and that their ethical lives are derived from it ; (2) a refutative purpose to attack the legalistic perfectionists and to warn the danger of their false teachings(the extremely-realized eschatological perfectionists) on the basis of the idea of perfection in the O.T. and the Judaism.