Philippians 3:7

7. Howbeit what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ.

Translation and Paraphrase

7. Nevertheless (in spite of all the Jewish distinctions which I can legitimately claim), whatever things had been gain to me (that is, sources of honor and distinction) I have come to regard (these things) as (just so much) loss because of Christ (Jesus).

Notes

1.

When did Paul count all those things which had appeared to be gain to him as loss?

(1)

at his conversion (Philippians 3:7)

(2)

continuously thereafter (Philippians 3:8)

2.

Note what all Paul counted loss:

(1)

Fleshly honor (his noble ancestry); (Philippians 3:5)

(2)

Education (Ph.D. equivalent!); (Philippians 3:5)

(3)

His office (Pharisee); (Philippians 3:5)

(4)

His social respectability (blameless); (Philippians 3:6)

3.

Observe the past tense (Gr. perfect) of I counted in this verse, which contrasts with the present I count in Philippians 3:8. (The Gr. Perfect tense indicates a past action with present effects.)

4.

Paul counted his past honors as loss. If a modern businessman should unintentionally buy a load of merchandise that he could neither sell nor send back, he would write it off as so much loss. Thus Paul wrote off as loss his past beliefs, and in his case with no regrets.

5.

Paul had found the pearl of great price. (Matthew 13:45-46). It was Christ. For Christ's sake he was willing to give up all else he ever had or gloried in. For Christ count everything but loss.-'