What is meant by "things under the earth" in Philippians 2? Do they speak to the fact there is a governmental structure even in Hell?
Here is what I see from scripture.
Philippians 2:9-11
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Most of the time, when our Apostle Paul uses the term "things" in heaven and/or earth, he is speaking of governmental structure.
Colossians 1:16
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all THINGS were created by him, and for him:
As usual, because Colossians and Ephesians are "sister books," they each give light and understanding about the other—Colossians focuses on Christ as the Head, and Ephesians on the Church, as His Body. We can gain even more light about Colossians 1:16, by looking at a similar passage written by Paul in Ephesians, we see clearly that government structure is the issue.
Ephesians 1:20-22
Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
So although I do agree that in these 2 passages Paul is dealing with Christ's authority as having the pre-imminence over all governmental positions both in Heaven and On the earth, I also believe that Paul is focusing in on their operation, that is, these positions of rank and authority will not only be subject unto Him and under His Supreme rulership, but He will also use them to serve Him throughout all eternity—redeemed believing Israel in the earth, and the church, the Body of Christ in the heavenly places.
I do not see that as what Paul is saying in Philippians 2. Paul is dealing with how the Lord will use these government positions to serve Him in Ephesians and Colossians, but Paul does not however, mention "things under the earth," like he does in Philippians 2.
And I believe that Paul does not mention "things under the earth" in Ephesians and Col, because in those 2 passages, the all "things" will be serving Him, and that's not true for the Philippians 2 "things,”
Philippians 2:9-10
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
This passage is a quote from Isaiah 45...
Isaiah 45:23-25
I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed. In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.
Notice here that in Prophecy, at Messiah's return, everyone (in the earth, because this is the focus before Paul's revelation) will both bow before Him and confess Him as Lord! Notice also that some will do it willingly, but others will do it by force...but either way, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess.
Here in Isaiah, God is not focusing on any governmental offices in the context per se. The focus is simply all things that have knees and tongues (mankind here...and the angelic/spiritual beings in the heavens and in hell as Paul now tells us) will bow and confess before our Lord!
So what I see in Philippians 2 is that Paul is simply dealing with the subjugation of all things or everything (men and angels and any other creatures that God created) to the Lordship of our Lord.
The things in earth and under the earth will bow and confess at His return to set up His kingdom and at the Great White Throne (both lost men and fallen angels). And the things in Heaven at the Judgment Seat and any other council that take place among the elect angels of God up there.
Paul, here in Philippians 2, is not dealing with how Christ will use these different positions to serve Him throughout eternity, like Paul is explaining in Colossians 1 and Ephesians 1. Here is Philippians 2, Paul is dealing with the subjection of "all things" under His dominion. He is dealing with the fact that through humbling Himself up until the Cross, the Lord has the God-given authority to have now exalt Himself over all things, and to subdue them under His feet!
I do not believe that there is governmental order in hell, that is, that there is a structure set up by God whereby the people who go to hell are or will be "serving" Him. They will be in Torments and then thrown into the Lake of Fire at the Great White Throne Judgment.
So no, there are no verses that I see in all of scripture that say that there is a governmental hierarchy in hell serving God. It is the holding cell of torment for the lost of all the ages until they stand before the Judge.
One more thought...
Here is the only verse that I see from scripture that even comes close to some structure in hell, but hell is still a place of torment and confusion for the lost...
Isaiah 14:9
Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations
Here God is mocking the "king of Babylon," who also represents both the future Anti-Christ and his father, Satan.
Notice that although Isaiah uses terms like "chief ones" and "thrones,” he uses those words in context of "the earth,” and "the nations,” i.e., before they died and went to hell.
He is mocking the Anti-Christ, saying that when he finally goes to hell, he'll get all the worship and claim that he desires from all the chief men who rejected God and followed him. God is mocking that once he gets to hell he'll get his much sought after "glory" in the flames.
So although there are levels in hell, i.e., lowest hell, depths, nether parts of the earth, heart of the earth, etc., these are based on the punishment doled out until the Great White Throne Judgment. I see no government structure serving God--outside of, maybe, some elect angels who keep/guard the gates. (Some other words that describe hell in scripture are sorrow, destruction, pains, the pit, their shame.)
So no, I don't see Paul dealing with government structure in hell in Philippians 2, like he does in Colossians and Ephesians.
So no, I don't see Paul dealing with government structure in hell in Philippians 2, like he does in Colossians and Ephesians.
Hopefully this helps!
†††
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Do you have a question for Pastor Ron?
I am repeating the question because I did not check "Notify me"
ReplyDeleteWhat does "under the earth" mean??? Not "things" which as is conveyed as "governments" that other scripture clearly refers to as "created" (by God)
Harry,
DeleteThank you for your question. I have forwarded your comment to Bro Ron and he will be getting back to you with a reply shortly.
Hello, Harry.
DeleteSorry for the delay. Pastor Ron has asked me to give you his personal email address: ronkrista3@yahoo.com. If you would contact him there he will put together a study about "under the earth" for you and send it to you.
Again, please forgive the delay in getting back to you here.
Hi Harry, thanks for writing and for reading our blog.
DeleteUnder the earth refers to the "underworld", that is, what lies "beneath" our physical realm. There is an entire "world", although invisible and in another realm/dimension, yet just as real, within our earth. The Lord Jesus Christ is the Lord/Judge of all of it.
Phil 2:10-11...That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Rev 5:3...And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
Rev 5:13...And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
Our Lord Jesus, while talking to His disciples on the Mt. of Transfiguration (Mt. Hermon in Lebanon), mentioned the "Gates of Hell" underneath the earth...Mat 16:18.
It is also called the "pit"...
(continued, below...)
(continuing...)
ReplyDeleteThat is an allusion to what is written about "hell from beneath".
Hell is the place of the departed dead...Lk 16:19...There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:
28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
In Isa 14, there is an extended passage about it...v. 9. HELL FROM BENEATH is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations.
10 All they shall speak and say unto thee, Art thou also become weak as we? art thou become like unto us?
11 Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee.
12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;
17 That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?
18 All the kings of the nations, even all of them, lie in glory, every one in his own house.
19 But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet.
20 Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because thou hast destroyed thy land, and slain thy people: the seed of evildoers shall never be renowned.
Thanks again for writing Harry.
Grace and Peace.
Ron Knight.