Philippians
chapter 3

An Exegetical Commentary by the Sangre de Cristo Seminary Class of 1999, edited by Nate Wilson

Jump to commentary on: 3:1-6, 3:7-11, 3:12-16, 3:17-21, 4:1-7

 

Philippians 3:1-6

(Steven R. Hicks)

 

1 , , ¹ . ²
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2 ³ , ³ , ³ .
3 ⁴ , ** ^{5
6 7},
4 ⁸ .
^{9 10} , :
5 , , ,
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6 ¹¹ ,
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7 , .

 

Textual Notes

Most of the good Greek texts, from earliest times to the Byzantine all say ‘oi pneumati qeou “the spirit of God,” however, there is a significant textual tradition in Greek which particularly affected the early Latin translations which renders qeou in the dative case, qew “who worship God in spirit,” and one of the most ancient texts available to us, papyrus #46, omits qeou all together. There is a lot of evidence pointing to leaving it qeou, and so little evidence to the contrary, and it makes a lot of sense to say “the spirit of God.”

 

Verbals

#	Root	Parsing	Meaning	Syntax
1	cairw	2pl P.A.Imptv.	be glad/rejoice	M.V.
2	grafw	P.A.Inf.	write	Subj.
3	blepw	2pl.P.A.Imptv.	see	M.V.
4	eimi	1pl.P.A.I.	am	Causal
5	latreuw	N.M.P. P.A.Ptc.	serve	Adj
6	kaucaomai	N.P.M. P.Mid.Ptc.	boast	“
7	peiqw	N.P.M. Perf.A.Ptc.	persuade	“
8	ecw	N.S.M. P.A.Ptc.	have	M.V./Conces.
9	dokew	3s P.A.I.	seem	True Cond.
10	peiqw	Perf.Act.Infin.	persuade	Compl.
11	diwkw	N.S.M. P.A.Ptc.	persecute	P.N./Adj.
12	ginomai	N.S.M. A.Mid.Ptc.	become	“

 

Translations

SRH 1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice¹ in the Lord. To be writing² the same things to you all is not troublesome to me, but to you all (it is) secure. 2. Watch out³ for the dogs, watch out³ for the evil workmen, watch out³ for the ones who mutilate 3. For it is⁴ we ourselves who are the circumcision who are serving⁵ the Spirit of God and boast⁶ in Christ Jesus and have no confidence⁷ in the flesh 4 Although I myself have confidence⁸ even in flesh, if anyone else has another mind⁹ to have confidence¹⁰ in flesh I have more: 5 Circumcised the eighth day of the offspring of Israel, a tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews, according to (the) law, a Pharisee 6. According to zeal, a persecutor¹¹ of the church according to the righteousness in the law, to become¹² blameless. 7 But whatever things were gain to me, these things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.

ASV 1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not irksome, but for you it is safe. 2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the concision: 3 for we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God, and glory in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh: 4 though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh: if any other man thinketh to have confidence in the flesh, I yet more: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6 as touching zeal, persecuting the church; as touching the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless. 7 Howbeit what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ.

NAS 1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; 3 for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh, 4 although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe or Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. 7 But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.

 

Commentary

3:1 = “Finally” Paul uses this word to end his writings. Put Paul might be changing his mind like a preacher who announces the end a half dozen times (ATR) See 4:8 “a secure measure” (DFZ).

 

“to write the same things” – Paul, who is an excellent teacher, never tires of repeating himself (ATR). Paul must have explained to them all the “things” he is about to mention in v.2 and following, i.e. commands to rejoice (SRH), or perhaps the “things” are the message Timothy and Epaphroditus would say.

 

3:2 – “watch out” or “beware” Used three times for urgency (ATR). Paul is referring to the Judaizers. (Jews who taught Gentiles to obey the ceremonial Jewish law to be saved.) Interestingly enough, the Jews coined the word “dog” to refer to the Gentiles, but Paul uses this same word to refer to the Judaizers!

 

“mutilate” a hapex legomenon talking about circumcision. The Judaizers had been physically circumcised, but they have not had the “circumcision of the heart” (Alford) NIV = “false circumcision” DFZ = “butchers”

 

3:3 Those who have faith in Jesus Christ. Those who have had the circumcision of the heart (See Rom. 2:29). They have the true faith; they are not relying on the removal of the flesh to get them to Heaven (SRH).

 

“spiritual worship” Paul means that which is recommended to us in the Gospel and consists of trust in God and calling upon Him, “self-renunciation and a pure conscience” (Calvin).

 

Only those who have trusted their lives to Jesus Christ can boast of their salvation. The Judaizers boast, but it is false doctrine, for they boast only because of the law (SRH, Calvin).

 

We must find all our fulfillment in our Lord Jesus. Only in Him can we be satisfied and truly rejoice. Any reliance upon fleshly things -- any stock put in my talents, my possessions, my friendships, or even my future -- is doomed for the fire. But if I wholeheartedly focus on Jesus Christ and never spend a second doing anything for myself, but meditate on Him, knowing what He wants and doing it, God will provide the abilities, resources, encouragement, etc., that is needed to take care of me. Of course, only a perfect man could really do this, but God, help me to come as close as possible to this ideal. By Your almighty power, change me so that I can truly, wholeheartedly, and unceasingly rejoice in You! (NW 1987)

 

3:4 Paul is saying, “Hey, if I wanted to, I could boast, because I also have followed the Law; As a matter of fact, if you were to compare us, I would be far superior to them!”

 

3:5 Paul tells why he is superior:

• he was circumcised on the eighth day
• he is the offspring of Israel -- not a proselyte.
• as a matter of fact, he tells us what tribe his family descended from – the tribe of Benjamin (same as David).
• “Hebrew of Hebrews” – uses the oldest term to say, “my parents were Hebrew; I know the customs and the language – I am not a Hellenistic Jew”
• He is a Pharisee – you don’t get any better than that!

 

3:6 Paul says, “I was a zealot; I persecuted the church; I was blameless in the sight of the law. I was a ‘super-duper’ Pharisee!” (ATR, Clark, SRH) This is Paul’s “B.C.” mentality, not his Christian mentality (DFZ).

 

What confidence do I have in my flesh? Christian family, musical talent, Bible knowledge, friends, physical appearance, athletic ability, intelligence, education… These are good things that God has given for my benefit, but as soon as they make me proud or self-confident, they are dangerous. Lord, I count all these things -- and all worldly distractions -- as loss to Your sake. Lord Jesus, I want to know you more and more and be found “in” You – integrated into Your being in character, attitude, and action. Lord, let me not rely on anything else but You as the source of ceaseless companionship, eternal security, surpassing joy, and perfect example (NW 1987)

 

 

Syn-Logical Flow

v1 Finally, my brothers,

rejoice in the Lord.

To be writing the same things to you all

1)      is not irksome to me,

2)      but it is safe for you all

v2

v3.                                                    For it is we ourselves

·        who are the circumcision

·        who are serving the Spirit of God and

·        boast in Christ Jesus and

·        have no confidence in the flesh

v.4 Although I myself have confidence even in flesh, if anyone else has another mind to have confidence in flesh I have more:

v5

1. Circumcised the eighth day
2. of the offspring of Israel,
3. a tribe of Benjamin,
4. a Hebrew of Hebrews,
5. according to (the) law, a Pharisee
6. v6. According to zeal, a persecutor of the church
7. according to the righteousness in the law, to become blameless.

v7 But whatever things were gain to me (1-7 above), these things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.

 

Main Point

THEN: Watch out for the Judaizers so they do not suck you into their false doctrine and boasting.

 

NOW: We have nothing to boast about except in Christ alone, so watch out for false teachers and our own selfish tendencies.

 

Application

1. Be aware of false doctrines and teaching and watch out.

2. It doesn’t matter what you have done someone will always be better

3. Boast only avout what Jesus Christ has don, not what you have done (which is “squat”)

4. There are times when yo need to repeat a message (DFZ)

_________________________________________________________________________________

 

Philippians 3:8-11

(Dwight F. Zeller)

 

8 ^{1 2 3}
,
' ⁴, ⁵ , ⁶
9 ⁷ , ⁸
, ,
10 ⁹
, ¹⁰ ,
11 ¹¹ .

 

Verbals

#	Root	Parsing	Meaning	Syntax
1	hgeomai	1s P.Dep.I.	count, reckon	M.V.
2	eimi	P.A.Inf.	be	DO/Compl
3	‘uperecw	Acc.S.N. P.A.Ptc.	hold above	Obj.Prep.
4	zhmiow	1s Aor.Psv.I.	suffer	Causal
5	hgeomai	1s P.Dep.I.	count, reckon	“
6	kerdainw	1s Aor.Act.Subj.	gain, win	Purpose
7	euriskw	1s Aor.Psv.Subj.	be found	“
8	ecw	N.S.M. P.A.Ptc.	have	Temp.
9	ginwskw	A.A.Inf.	know	Purp./Res.
10	summorfizw	N.S.M. P.Psv.Ptc.	conform	Means of #9
11	katantaw	1s A.A.Subj.	reach, attain	Purp.

 

Translations

DFZ 8. But even more than that, I reckon¹ all things to be² loss on account of the superiority³ of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, on account of whom I sustained loss⁴; and reckoned⁵ (them as) dung, in order that I may gain⁶ Christ, 9. and that I may be found⁷ (standing) in Him, not having⁸ my own righteousness, which is in the law, but (having) the (righteousness) through faith of Christ, the (righteousness) of God based on faith. 10. So that I may know⁹ Him and the power of His resurrection and the partnership of His suffering, by being constantly made to conform¹⁰ to His death, 11. so that I may reach¹¹ unto the resurrection which is from the dead.

ASV 8 Yea verily, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but refuse, that I may gain Christ, 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of mine own, even that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith: 10 that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed unto his death; 11 if by any means I may attain unto the resurrection from the dead.

NAS More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ, 9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, 10 that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; 11 in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

 

 

Commentary

3:8 [ + + ] “more than that” “Yes, the previous is true, but more than that I also…” (D&M). Lightfoot says, “This combination of particles introduces the present statement as an amendment and extension of the former.”

 

– “I count” The present tense of this word is in contrast to the same word in the Aorist in verse 7 – hghmai (Alford)

 

– “all things” Alford does not think this should be translated “all things” but rather “them all.” He thinks if it were “things” it would be before the verb. But does I make any difference?

 

– “to be” Should this be considered as indirect discourse or as a compliment? I would opt for indirect discourse (DFZ).

 

– “knowing” In the New Testament, it is especially used to denote knowledge of spiritual truth (Abbott-Smith). “It is the personal knowledge and acquaintance with Christ” (R&R).

 

– “I have suffered” The Aorist points to a definite period of time – Paul’s conversion – all those things became “loss” when Paul became a Christian (Vincent).

 

– “in order that” Expresses purpose (Earle, Alford).

 

3:9 – “I … found” Could refer to the great day of revelation OR be a general reference (Lightfoot).

 

– “in him” In Christ, as part of Christ, as a member of His body (Light.)

 

– “my own righteousness” (The possessive adjective (emhn) usually occurs after a noun; when it is before, it shows emphasis (Turner, DFZ).

 

– “basis of faith” The epi indicates that the righteousness is based upon faith, or rests upon faith (Vincent, DFZ).

 

3:10 – “may know” “Not simply ‘know,’ but recognize, feel, and appreciate” (Light.). Moulton says the article plus the infinitive denotes the “final sense.” It is parallel to the preceding 'ina clause. OR it may be consecutive – expressing the result of the previous condition OR it may be epexegetical – further explaining the previous statement. ATR, and Blass & DeBruner agree with the epexegetical. The usual meaning of this construction is epexegetical. (Hanna)

 

This verse takes up the “surpassing knowledge of Christ Jesus” (Alford).

·        – “the power of the resurrection” Genitive of means; i.e. the power which caused the resurrection (R&R).

·        – “fellowship of His suffering” or “the participation of His suffering” (Alford). “The agony of Gethsemane, no less the agony of Calvary, will be reproduced, however faintly, in the faithful servants of Christ” (Light.).

·        – “being conformed” Note this is passive, so it is “to be granted/invested with the same form as” (R&R, DFZ).

 

3:11 – “in order that” The Apostle states, not a positive assurance but a modest hope” (Light). This is not future, but Aorist (Alford).

 

– “resurrection of the dead” Lightfoot thinks this is the final resurrection of the righteous and a new and glorified life.

 

We can get so wrapped up in working on ourselves -- gaining peace and security, learning how to do things, drawing non-Christians to ourselves, “getting high” off worship experiences – that we can forget that God owes us nothing. He did so much for me and continues to do so much, that I have a spiritual service of worshipping Him whether I feel like it or not. My worship of God must not just be a fun thing, it must be a discipline. Jesus “grabbed” me, and I must pursue knowledge (in an experiential, not only an intellectual sense) of Him. If we know Him, we will come to know the power of His resurrection. Giving up our “things” and devoting life to others in humility is really like dying to yourself, and there will be difficult times. But “blessed is a man who perseveres under trial, for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which God promises to all who love Him! (James 1). (NW 1987)

 

Syntax-Logical Flow

v.7 loss for the sake of Christ

v.8. But even more than that,

I RECKON ALL THINGS TO BE LOSS

(REASON WHY) on account of the superiority of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord,

1.      on account of whom I sustained loss;

2.      and reckon (them as) dung,

PURPOSES FOR RECKONING LOSS

1.      in order that I may gain Christ,

2.      v.9. and that I may be found (standing) in Him,

- not having my own righteousness, which is in the law,

            + but (having) the (righteousness) through faith of Christ,

            (EXPLAINED) the (righteousness) of God based on faith.

3.      v.10. So that I may know Him and

a.       the power of His resurrection and

b.      the partnership of His suffering,

                          (MEANS) by being constantly made to conform to His death,

PURPOSE OF KNOWING

 v.11. so that I may reach unto the resurrection which is from the dead.

 

 

Main Point

THEN: Paul uses himself as an example of how good works of the past are a loss to gain Christ, then after gaining Christ, he keeps up good works, not for salvation, and he never becomes perfect, but he keeps pursuing the mark.

 

NOW: Good works have no saving value, but only faith in Christ saves, but keep up your pursuit.

 

Application

1. Because we never become perfect is no reason to not continue to strive.
2. We should strive and be like Christ in his suffering.
3. The resurrection of the dead is a high point in life after death.

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Philippians 3:12-16

(Ron Kruis)

 

12 ^{1 2}, ^{3 4},
' ⁵ .
13 , ^{6 7}: ,
^{8 9},
14 ¹⁰ .
15 , ¹¹:
¹², ¹³:
16 ¹⁴, ¹⁵.

 

Textual Notes

v.12—The question here is over the order of the name: “Christ Jesus,” “Jesus Christ,” “The Christ, Jesus,” or “Christ.” For our purposes it doesn’t not matter that much. I go with what is given in the UBS—the Sinaiticus and Alexandrinus and Papyrus #46 go with the Cristou Ihsou reading. That is pretty good evidence along with several of the minuscules. The UBS “C” uncertainty rating is due primarily to the fact that the Vaticanus gives a shorter reading “Christ.”

 

v.13—The difference here is between ou and oupw -- “not” and “not yet.” There is good evidence for both: ou: P⁴⁶, Vaticanus, and Claramontanus. The oupw not as much with the Sinaiticus and Alexandrinus, but does not have what the other does in terms of the miniscules, Byzantine, and others. I go with ou. This is not a case of word division (i.e. the next word doesn’t start with pw), so perhaps it was added to assure, despite the fact that Paul and we haven’t attained perfection yet, that one day we will, by God’s grace.

 

v.15—A spelling variant in the word “think/have attitude” which makes no difference in meaning: fronwmen vs. fronowmen I strongly favor fronwmen -- the evidence if for it with P¹⁶ and P⁴⁶ along with Alexandrinus, Vaticanus, Claramontanus, and a host of minuscules.

v.16—To the reading we have included here from the UBS Greek text, many Greek texts include an additional phrase tw autw fronein before the tw autw stoicein. Although this could be explained by a visual copying error (the scribe skipped his place without realizing it due to the repetition) if the documents without the extra phrase were more recent, but this is not the case, for the documents with the simpler reading in this case are the older ones. The shorter reading has by far the strongest ancient evidence with Sinaiticus, Vaticanus, P¹⁴ and P⁴⁶ and so on. Rodgers says that the Present Active Indicative sometimes occurs insread of the principal verb. Kent says the numerous variants may have been influenced by Gal. 6:16 and Phil. 2:2. (KJV Phil.3:16 “Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.” NAS Phil. 2:2 “make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.” Gal. 6:16 And those who will walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon him, and upon the Israel of God.”)

 

Verbals

#	Root	Parsing	Meaning	Syntax
1	lambanw	1s A.A.I.	take hold of	Conces./P.N.
2	teleiow	1s Perf. Psv.I.	complete	“
3	diwkw	1s PAI	pursue	M.V.
4	katalambanw	1s A.A.Subj.	seize	Purp/Amb. Cnd
5	katalambanw	1s Aor.Psv.Ind.	“	Rel Cl. Adj./D.O.
6	logizomai	1s P.Mid.I.	claim	M.V.
7	katalambanw	Perf.Act.Inf.	seize	Compliment
8	epilanqanomai	N.S.M. P.Mid.Ptc	forget	Temp. #10/ App. to men 'opisw
9	epekteinomai	NSM P.Mid.Ptc.	reach for
10	diwkw	1s P.A.I.	pursue	M.V.
11	fronew	1pl P.A.Subj.	think	Hort. M.V.
12	fronew	2pl P.A.I.	“	True Cond.
13	apokaluptw	3s Fut.A.I.	reveal	M.V.
14	fqanw	1pl. A.A.I.	attain	P.O./App. to tw autw
15	stoicew	P.A.Inf.	conduct self	Hortatory

 

Translations

R.K. 12 Not that I have already taken hold¹ or have already been made complete², but I pursue³ as if also to overtake⁴ that for which also I was taken hold of⁵ by Christ Jesus. 13. Brothers, I myself do not claim⁶ to seize⁷ (it). But one thing, forgetting⁸ what is behind, reaching⁹ for what is ahead, 14. I pursue¹⁰ the goal to the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15. As many, therefore, who are mature, let us have this attitude¹¹ and if anyone has a different attitude¹², this also God will reveal¹³ to you. 16. However, that in which we have acheived¹⁴ let us continue to acheive¹⁵.

ASV 12 Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect: but I press on, if so be that I may lay hold on that for which also I was laid hold on by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I could not myself yet to have laid hold: but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, 14 I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye are otherwise minded, this also shall God reveal unto you: 16 only, whereunto we have attained, by that same rule let us walk.

NAS 12 Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; 16 however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.

 

Commentary

3:12 – to guard against a misunderstanding that he had attained the resurrection of the dead – from v.11 (ATR, R&R).

 

(Past Aorist) points back to his conversion experience on the Damascus road (Kent) “not at though by my conversion I did once attain” (Light.).

 

(Present Perfect) elabon denies the sufficiency of Paul’s achievement, whereas this Perfect verb denies it as a present reality (Hanna). Paul knew that the culmination of his spiritual progress had not occurred at the beginning nor had he arrived at such a state since (Kent).

 

³ (Future directional present) He is not discouraged, but encouraged; he keeps up the chase (ATR).

 

⁴, '... “if also to overtake that for which was taken hold of by Christ.” The ei kai is an expression of expectation (Blast & Bruner). Paul hopes to have the resurrection which was by Christ (going back to v.11). He has not taken it yet, but hopes to (RK). Both A.T. Robertson and Rodgers call this a Conditional Clause of third class (ambiguous). “Paul’s conversion was the beginning, not the end of the chase” (ATR).

 

3:13 Paul repeats himself. He himself –emphasizes that he has not seized it.

 

– Perfect use of kata “to grasp completely” (ATR). Gives me the picture of a greased pig – not grasped completely! (RK)

 

“but one (thing)” One could supply a verb here like legw (I say) or poiew (I do), but it is not necessary (ATR, R&R). You could say “I focus on one thing” (DFZ) or “one thing is for sure” (RK).

 

– “forget all that is behind” or, in the words of Rev. Jim Johnson, “burn all your merit badges.” This is a men … de construction: on the one hand, forget what is behind ('opisw) and on the other hand strain toward what is ahead (emprosqen). The picture is describing a runner still straining to the finish.

 

3:14 a mark on which to fix the eye – a goal (R&R) – like in a race.

 

The prize of the race

 

– Klhsus is used 11 times in the N.T., all referring to the call of God to salvation (Kent). Lightfoot thinks it is Paul’s apostolic calling, but that isn’t really in context (DFZ). I have to believe this is the call heavenward, still talking about the resurrection – the reward at the end (RK).

 

3:15 -- – teloi means relative perfection, not absolute perfection (as is denied in v.12). The word refers to grown men, as opposed to children (ATR, Light.).

 

“let us keep thinking this” – that we have not yet obtained absolute perfection (ATR, Kent). Alford says, “in the progress of the Christian life…”

 

– A true conditional clause – some must have been thinking they were perfect, but God will show them differently when they do! (R.K.)

 

3:16 – at the end of an argument to single out the main point (Kent, R&R, ATR). “Just one thing more” (DFZ).

 

– This is a dramatic Aorist used to express that which has taken place (R&R). stoicein – verb means “to keep step” (Kent). Basically the verse means “let’s keep on keeping on” (R.K.).

 

The past is such a wonderful thing to dwell on, but Satan uses this to distract me and incapacitate my forward stride. Father, make clear to me the goals You want me pressing toward, and give me the gumption to press forward towards them undistractedly. Lord, it is so hard to go from the ethereal, ideological world of visions, goals, and plans to the concrete world of action – Satan does his best to stop it. By Your mighty power, make me bold and wise to keep striding forward, looking forward to that glorious time when I’ll be caught up in the air with You to praise You in heaven forever. Father, make Your people unified and change any attitude of mine that is discordant.

 

Syntax-Logical Flow

v.11 in order that I may attain to the RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD

v.12      Not that I have already taken hold

nor have already been made complete,

but I pursue as if also to overtake that for which also i was taken hold of by Christ Jesus.

v.13.     Brothers, I myself do not claim to seize (it).

But one thing,

forgetting what is behind, (v.5-7)

reaching for what is ahead (v.11),

v.14. I pursue the goal to the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

v.15. As many, therefore, who are mature, let us have this attitude

and if anyone has a different attitude, this also God will reveal to you.

v.16. However, that in which we have achieved let us continue to achieve.

 

Main Point

THEN: Paul realized he was not yet perfect/sanctified. He had the attitude to continue to strive and was challenging the reader to do the same.

 

NOW: We have not arrived; keep on striving!

 

Application

1. We are not made complete until later.
2. Be mature and keep on striving.

 

________________________________________________________________________

Philippians 3:17-21

(Joshua B. Coffin)

 

17 ¹, ,
^{2 3 4} .
18 ^{5 6} ,
^{7 8}, ,
19 ,
, ⁹.
20 ¹⁰,
¹¹ ,
21 ^{12
13 14} .

 

Verbals

#	Root	Parsing	Meaning	Syntax
1	ginomai	2pl P.Dep.Imptv.	become/be created	M.V.
2	skopew	2pl P.A.Imptv.	look at/keep an eye on	M.V.
3	peripatew	Acc.Pl.M. P.A.Pt.	walk / live	D.O.
4	ecw	2pl P.A.I.	have	Compar./Manner
5	peripatew	3pl P.A.I.	walk/live	Causal
6	legw	1s Impf.A.I.	say	Rel.Cl./App. “many”
7	klaiw	N.S.M. P.A.Ptc.	weep/bewail	Temp./Manner
8	legw	1s P.A.I.	say	Rel. Cl.
9	fronew	N.P.M. P.A.Ptc.	think/mind	Appos. to “many”
10	‘uparcw	3s P.A.I.	exist/belong	Caus./Contr.
11	apekdecomai	1pl P.Dep.Ind.	expect/await	Rel.Cl. Adj. Modify “heaven”
12	meta- schmatzw	3s Fut.A.I.	change	Rel.Cl. Adj. Modifying “Jesus”
13	dunamai	P.Dep.Inf.	be able	Epexegetical/ Logical Means
14	‘upotassw	A.A.Inf.	subdue

 

 

Translations

JBC 17 United followers of mine be¹, brothers, and mark² those who walk³ just as you have⁴ for example us. 18 (For many walk⁵, of whom often I have spoken⁶ to you -- and now I tell⁸ you weeping⁷ – [as] enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end, destruction, their god [is] their belly, their glory [is] in their shame -- those who think⁹ earthly things.) 20 For our citizenship exists¹⁰ in Heaven, and out of which we expect¹¹ the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform¹² our vile body conformed to his glorious body according to the working with which he is empowered¹³ to subdue¹⁴ all things to himself.

KJV 17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. 18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

ASV 17 Brethren, be ye imitators together of me, and mark them that so walk even as ye have us for an ensample. 18 For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is perdition, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven; whence also we wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 who shall fashion anew the body of our humiliation, that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working whereby he is able even to subject all things unto himself.

 

Commentary

3:17 “my united followers” “Vie with each other in imitating me” “One and all of you, imitate me!” (Lightfoot) This is in an emphatic position.

 

–“impression or stamp made on a surface”

 

Paul is an imitator of Christ (I Cor. 11:1) and we are to imitate this in Paul, following Paul’s example (following Christ, not Paul, as savior).

 

3:18 The ones beside Paul we are to follow, including Timothy and Epaphroditus. Those of whom Paul weeps are probably Paul’s antagonists mentioned earlier. Paul warns while weeping -- not cursing -- similar to David (Ps. 119:138, Jer. 13:17). Elsewhere, the Lord and His apostles speak more strongly about empty professors (JFB). Who are these enemies? Nominal Christians -- from their walk (Alford), Epicureans – whose god is their belly (JFB), Judaizers (Calvin), or antinomian reactionists – emphasis on ungodly lifestyle (Lightfoot). Rom. 16:18

 

Father, help me to persevere. Make me approved. Please keep me from distractions. O God, I look forward to seeing You and knowing You fully and receiving the crown of life which You promise to all who love You! Here, I am limited by my own mind as to how much I can know You, but there, I shall know You fully. Lord, please enable me to live a worthy example as Paul did. I don’t want to hold my life as exemplary and then stumble and fall. Lord, use me as best You can for Your glory. I love You and want to do whatever You have planed. (NW 1987)

 

3:19 “whose god is their belly” They live not in any reference to eternity (Adam Clark). They have idolatrous appetites – maybe referring to the feasts of the Romans (DFZ). There is a contrast between our “vile” body and their idolized belly in the present, and between their destruction and our transformation in the future (JFB).

 

“who mind” This participle appears abruptly as a “nominative without any grammatical connection, expressing amazement” (Light.). Zerwick translates the phrase, “whose thoughts are earth-bound.”

 

3:20 “exist, belong” In Present tense – our citizenship IS in heaven now.

 

“either the state, the constitution to which as citizens we belong or the functions which as citizens we perform” (Light.) “citizenship” follows more the first meaning, the KJV “conversation” follows the second. “Our” is in the emphatic position, contrasting with the “many” of v.18. The Philippians were citizens of Rome, but Paul was reminding them that their citizenship was in heaven (G.E. Ladd, New Testament Theology, p.586).

 

3:21 Resurrection is because of Christ, started by Christ, through Christ, and here, Christ is the one who actually is doing it. Earlier, Paul says he has not attained the resurrection we see here who is responsible for it, Jesus, “not only our savior, but Glorifier” (JFB).

 

“all” -- Death and Satan are subdued here at the resurrection.

 

“humble, low estate” The KJV “vile” overdoes it (DFZ).

 

Even though my citizenship is in heaven, I am often distracted by worldly things like food, money, lust, sleep, cars, houses, movies, books, earthly perspectives on relationships and possessions, etc. I beg You, Almighty God to hold me free from these distractions. Please focus me to upon You that my eager waiting – the thing I look forward to the most – will be when You come back to take me “home.” Give me that perspective of living my life as though You were coming tomorrow. And that day will be awesome! You will change my body out of this wretched one to a glorious body like Jesus. Father, I sometimes long that I could escape this body, for it ties me down to so many distractions and needs. But You have created it and I must use it to Your glory. Father, You are awesome – everything You do is awesome – how will heaven be? (NW 1987)

 

Syntax-Logical Flow

DO THIS:

v.17 Brothers,

1)      be my united followers, and

2)      mark those who walk

as our example.

NOT THIS:

v.18 (For many walk, of whom often I have spoken to you -- and now I tell you weeping – [as] enemies of the cross of Christ.

v.19     a) Their end, destruction,

b) their god | their belly,

c) their glory | their shame

d) who think earthly things.)

BECAUSE THIS

v.20 our citizenship is in Heaven,

3) We also look for Jesus,

v.21 who will transform our body

conformed to his body

according to the working with which he is empowered

to subdue all things to himself.

 

Main Point

Paul exhorts the Philippians to follow his example in being focused on heavenly things, not earthly.

 

Application

1. Follow Paul’s and other’s examples – inasmuch as Christ is their example.
2. Look for Christ; eagerly expect His return.
3. Warn the flock against enemies.
4. We should grieve – weep – over sinners.
5. If your God is your belly, your end is destruction; if your Lord is in heaven, your end is glory!
6. Put off the old man/flesh and put on the new man.
7. Christ has the power to change us.
8. We can look forward to the resurrection and a glorified body!

 

 

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