Philippians 3:8

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.

Translation and Paraphrase

8. Indeed I verily (still) count all things (to be) loss for the overwhelming gain of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I suffered the loss of all things, and do count them as only (items of) refuse (dung, or filth), so that I may gain (or win) Christ.

Notes

1.

Paul's past decision (stated in Philippians 3:7) to count all things loss for Christ was still his present attitude, as stated in Philippians 3:8.

2.

How shall we describe the excellent knowledge of Christ which so entranced Paul? It is extensive, useful, cheering, satisfying, profound, authoritative, uplifting, purifying, helpful, transforming! (The expression the knowledge of Christ includes both the knowledge about Christ and the knowledge we gain through fellowship with Him.)

3.

What things did Paul gain in Christ?

(1) He gained the excellency of the knowledge of Christ. (Philippians 3:8; Philippians 3:10 a). This is life eternal that they should know thee,

the only true God, and him whom thou didst send, even Christ Jesus. (John 17:3)

(2) The justification (or righteousness) that comes through faith. Compare Romans 1:17; Romans 3:21-22.

(3) A knowledge (experimental knowledge) of the power of Christ's resurrection (Philippians 3:10).

(4) Partnership in Christ's sufferings (Philippians 3:10).

(5) Identification with Christ in his death (Philippians 3:10).

(6) Assurance of the resurrection unto eternal life (Philippians 3:11).

4.

Paul surely suffered the loss of all things. He lost his job, his reputation, his safety, his former friends, and finally his life. However, he also gained many things that were worth far more to him than all he lost.

5.

Refuse (Gr. skubala, pl. of skubalon) means dung, filth, refuse. (Lidell & Scott's Lexicon).

6.

Paul's supreme wish now was to gain (or win) Christ as his own, and to be found in Christ. We should endeavor to make Paul's feelings our feelings. To gain Christ and be found in him involves much more than merely to receive Christ as savior. It seems to have meant to Paul that he wanted to be absorbed completely into the nature, work, fellowship, and presence of Christ. May God help us to desire to gain Christ to the degree that Paul desired him.