Calvin on Philippians 2:5-11 Series: vs.6

Philippians 2:6. Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 

 

"The form of God means here His majesty. 

For as a man is known by the appearance of his form, so the majesty, which shines forth in God, is his figure. 

Or if you would prefer a more apt similitude, the form of a king is his equipage and magnificence, shewing him to be a king — his scepter, his crown, his mantle, his attendants, his judgment-throne, and other emblems of royalty; the form of a consul was — his long robe, bordered with purple, his ivory seat, his lictors with rods and hatchets. Christ, then, before the creation of the world, was in the form of God.

Being such as he was, He could, without doing wrong to any one, shew Himself equal with God; but He did not manifest Himself to be what he really was, nor did he openly assume in the view of men what belonged to him by right.

Thought it not robbery. There would have been no wrong done though He had shewn himself to be equal with God. 

Hitherto it has been rendered in the indicative — He thought, but the connection requires the subjunctive.

Every one, however, must perceive that Paul treats hitherto of Christ’s glory, which tends to enhance His abasement. Accordingly he mentions, not what Christ did, but what it was allowable for Him to do."

John Calvin