The Scholar Who Knelt

In 1881, the great Princeton theologian B.B. Warfield — whose towering intellect defended the absolute inerrancy of Scripture against a generation of skeptics — did something that startled his colleagues. During a faculty dispute over curriculum, a younger professor publicly challenged Warfield's position with arguments that were, by all accounts, poorly reasoned and theologically thin. Those present expected the formidable apologist to dismantle the critique with his characteristic precision. Instead, Warfield listened quietly, thanked the man for his courage in speaking, and suggested they study the matter together over the coming weeks. He counted another's contribution as more significant than his own reputation.

This is precisely what Paul commands in Philippians 2:3-4: "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." The Greek word tapeinophrosyne — humility of mind — is not vague sentimentality. It is a deliberate, conscious act of the will, rooted in the authoritative command of the inspired text.

Notice that Paul does not say we must think less of truth. Doctrinal precision and genuine humility are not enemies. The same apostle who contended fiercely for right doctrine also wrote these words. We are called to hold firmly to the inerrant Word while holding loosely to our own prestige. The man who most treasures the authority of Scripture should be the first to lay down his own.