PHILIPPIANS—NOTE ON PHILIPPIANS 3:1 Opponents of the Gospel: Where
Does Righteousness Come From? Paul calls on the Philippians to
rejoice in the Lord (v. Philippians 3:1). He then warns them about the
Judaizers who oppose the gospel (vv. Philippians 3:2). Paul’s
conflicts with the Judaizers can be... [ Continue Reading ]
PHILIPPIANS—NOTE ON PHILIPPIANS 3:2 DOGS. A term of insult in the
ancient world, sometimes used by Jews to describe Gentiles. With
biting irony, Paul says that the Judaizers, not the Gentiles, deserve
that label. He describes those who believe in salvation by works as
EVILDOERS and THOSE WHO MUTILAT... [ Continue Reading ]
PHILIPPIANS—NOTE ON PHILIPPIANS 3:3 WE ARE THE CIRCUMCISION. The
true people of God are those who WORSHIP BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD (see
John 4:23). They GLORY IN CHRIST JESUS (compare Philippians 1:26) and
PUT NO CONFIDENCE IN THE FLESH. This verse mentions all three members
of the Trinity: “God,” “Chri... [ Continue Reading ]
PHILIPPIANS—NOTE ON PHILIPPIANS 3:4 Paul had a strong Jewish
background. He was CIRCUMCISED ON THE EIGHTH DAY (see Leviticus 12:3).
He was an ethnic Israelite and knew the tribe from which he came.
HEBREW OF HEBREWS 1:1 probably indicates his descent from Jewish
ancestors. He was from the strictest... [ Continue Reading ]
PHILIPPIANS—NOTE ON PHILIPPIANS 3:7 GAIN... LOSS. What formerly went
into Paul’s _gain_ column—his power, position, and
performance—now goes into the _loss_ column. Compare Matthew 16:25.
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PHILIPPIANS—NOTE ON PHILIPPIANS 3:9 Christians are FOUND in Christ
and therefore not found guilty before God. THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST.
God credits Christ’s lifelong record of perfect obedience to the
person who trusts in Christ for salvation. See note on Gal. 2:16.
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PHILIPPIANS—NOTE ON PHILIPPIANS 3:10 THE POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION.
The power Christ exercises now from his position at the right hand of
God.
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PHILIPPIANS—NOTE ON PHILIPPIANS 3:12 Paul stresses that he is not
ALREADY PERFECT. He still struggles with sin. Jesus’ return and the
end of sin remains in the future.
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PHILIPPIANS—NOTE ON PHILIPPIANS 3:14 The Greek word for GOAL can
mean either the finish line in a race or an archery target. THE PRIZE
for Christians is the blessings and rewards in the age to come.
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PHILIPPIANS—NOTE ON PHILIPPIANS 3:15 MATURE is the same adjective
translated “perfect” in v. Philippians 3:12. Paul is essentially
saying, “If you are really perfect/mature, you will realize that you
are not yet perfect/mature!”
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PHILIPPIANS—NOTE ON PHILIPPIANS 3:17 Paul asks the Philippians to
JOIN IN IMITATING ME and other mature Christians (compare Philippians
4:9; 1 Corinthians 11:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:8; Hebrews 13:7).
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PHILIPPIANS—NOTE ON PHILIPPIANS 3:18 The ENEMIES OF THE CROSS could
be the Judaizers of v. Philippians 3:2 or “worldly” people in
general.
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PHILIPPIANS—NOTE ON PHILIPPIANS 3:20 CITIZENSHIP. See note on 1:27
and the esv footnote.
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PHILIPPIANS—NOTE ON PHILIPPIANS 3:21 TRANSFORM OUR LOWLY BODY TO BE
LIKE HIS GLORIOUS BODY echoes Philippians 2:5. TO SUBJECT ALL THINGS
TO HIMSELF is language about the Messiah drawn from the OT (e.g.,
Psalms 8:6; Psalms 110:1).
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