andrewcriddle

It may be relevant here that although Paul refers to special spiritual gifts within the Christian Church, some of which seem miraculous, there is no hint in Paul that Jesus himself worked miracles while incarnate.

The significance of this is disputed, but it seems to indicate at least that Paul would have regarded a strong emphasis on Jesus's miracles as distorting the true significance of Christ's life on earth.

How far this disagrees with the canonical gospels is less clear. It can be argued that all the canonical gospels contain elements disapproving of too great an emphasis on Jesus's miraculous powers.

Andrew Criddle

Amaleq13

At the very least, IMO. I find Paul's failure to connect the alleged miracle-working of his own ministry to Jesus difficult to explain assuming he knew of them. That is why I consider an accurate understanding of "empty himself" important. If it referred to divine powers, that goes beyond merely downplaying to rejecting displays of supernatural power. The references Vivisector provided, however, seem to call that assumption into question.

Vivisector

I've often scratched my head when trying to make sense of Philippians Christ hymn, and it's on my to-do list to rethink it in view of a more thorough reading of Seely's article. I'd be interested in your thoughts on the same, when opportunity presents itself.

Cheers,

V.

Amaleq13

I think it deserves its very own thread. Once you're done rethinking, start that puppy up.