Finally [τ ο λ ο ι π ο ν]. Lit., for the rest. Frequent in Paul's writings in introducing the conclusions of his letters. See 1 Thessalonians 4:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:1; 2 Corinthians 13:11, note. Evidently Paul was about to close his letter, when his thought was directed into another channel - the Ju... [ Continue Reading ]
Beware [β λ ε π ε τ ε]. Lit., look to. Compare Mark 4:24; Mark 8:15; Luke 21:8. Dogs. Rev., correctly, the dogs, referring to a well - known party - the Judaizers. These were nominally Christians who accepted Jesus as the Messiah, but as the Savior of Israel only. They insisted that Christ's kingdom... [ Continue Reading ]
The circumcision. The abstract term for those who are circumcised. In the Old Testament, circumcision was a metaphor for purity. See Leviticus 26:41; Deuteronomy 10:16; Deuteronomy 30:6; Ezekiel 44:7, etc. Worship God in the spirit [π ν ε υ μ α τ ι θ ε ω λ α τ ρ ε υ ο ν τ ε ς]. The correct reading i... [ Continue Reading ]
Though I might also have confidence [κ α ι π ε ρ ε γ ω ε χ ω ν π ε π ο ι θ η σ ι ν]. Lit., even though myself having confidence. Also should be joined with the flesh and rendered even. Rev., though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. The sense of the translation might have is correct;... [ Continue Reading ]
Circumcised the eighth day [π ε ρ ι τ ο μ η ο κ τ α η μ ε ρ ο ς]. Lit., eight days old in circumcision; or passing the eighth day. For the idiom, see on John 11:39, and compare Acts 28:13. Converts to Judaism were circumcised in maturity : Ishmaelites in their thirteenth year. He was thus shown to b... [ Continue Reading ]
Zeal. Ironical. Blameless [γ ε ν ο μ ε ν ο ς α μ ε μ π τ ο ς]. The A. V. does not render the participle, proven or found. Rev., correctly, found blameless.... [ Continue Reading ]
What things [α τ ι ν α]. The double relative classifies; things which came under the category of gain. Compare Galatians 4:24; Colossians 2:23. Gain [κ ε ρ δ η]. Lit., gains. So Rev., in margin, and better. The various items of privilege are regarded separately. I counted loss [η γ η μ α ι ζ η μ ι... [ Continue Reading ]
Yea doubtless [α λ λ α μ ε ν ο υ ν]. Alla but, ver. 7, puts that verse in direct contrast with the preceding verse. Alla yea or verily, in this verse affirms more than the preceding statement, while oun therefore (not rendered), collects and concludes from what has been previously said : Yea verily... [ Continue Reading ]
Be found [ε υ ρ ε θ ω]. Discovered or proved to be. See on ch. Philippians 2:8. Compare Romans 7:10; Galatians 2:17. Mine own righteousness [ε μ η ν δ ι κ α ι ο σ υ ν η ν]. Rev., correctly, a righteousness of mine own. The A. V. would require the article with ejmhn mine, and assumes the existence o... [ Continue Reading ]
That I may know Him [τ ο υ γ ν ω ν α ι α υ τ ο ν]. Know is taken up from knowledge, ver. 8, and is joined with be found in Him, qualified by not having, etc. That I may be found in Him not having, etc., but having the righteousness which is of God so as to know him, etc. The power of His resurrectio... [ Continue Reading ]
If by any means [ε ι π ω ς]. For the form of expression compare Romans 1:10; Romans 11:14. Not an expression of doubt, but of humility. I might attain [κ α τ α ν τ η σ ω]. See on Acts 26:7. The resurrection of the dead [τ η ν ε ξ α ν α σ τ α σ ι ν τ η ν ε κ ν ε κ ρ ω ν]. Rev., more correctly, from... [ Continue Reading ]
Not as though [ο υ χ ο τ ι]. Lit., not that, as Rev. By this I do not mean to say that. For similar usage, see John 7:22; 2 Corinthians 1:24; Philippians 4:17. Had attained - were perfect [ε λ α β ο ν - τ ε τ ε λ ε ι ω μ α ι]. Rev., have attained, am made perfect. There is a change of tenses which m... [ Continue Reading ]
Myself. As others count themselves.... [ Continue Reading ]
One thing. I do is supplied. Some supply I count, which is less appropriate, since what follows is concerned with action rather than with thinking or reckoning. Reaching forth [ε π ε κ τ ε ι ν ο μ ε ν ο ς]. Only here in the New Testament. Epi direction, after; ejk forth; teinw to stretch. Rev., st... [ Continue Reading ]
Toward the mark [κ α τ α σ κ ο π ο ν]. Rev., goal. Bear down upon [κ α τ α]. Skopov mark, only here in the New Testament. See on look, ch. 2 4. Used in the classics of a mark for shooting at, or as a moral or intellectual end. A somewhat similar figure occurs 1 Timothy 1:6; 1 Timothy 6:21; 2 Timothy... [ Continue Reading ]
Nevertheless. Rev., only. Notwithstanding the minor points in which you may be otherwise minded. Whereto we have already attained [ε ι ς ο ε φ θ α σ α μ ε ν]. Whatever real christian and moral attainment you may have made, let that serve as a rule for your further advance. The character of this sta... [ Continue Reading ]
Followers together of me [σ υ μ μ ι μ η τ α ι μ ο υ]. Only here in the New Testament. Rev., more correctly, imitators. Compare 1 Corinthians 11:1. Not imitators of Christ in common with me, but be together, jointly, imitators of me. Mark [σ κ ο π ε ι τ ε]. See on looking, ch. 2 4. So as [ο υ τ ω ς... [ Continue Reading ]
Many walk. No word is supplied describing the character of their walk; but this is brought out by enemies of the cross of Christ, and in the details of ver. 19. The persons alluded to were probably those of Epicurean tendencies. This and Judaic formalism were the two prominent errors in the Philippi... [ Continue Reading ]
Belly. Romans 16:18. So the Cyclops in Euripides : "My flocks which I sacrifice to no one but myself, and not to the gods, and to this my belly the greatest of the gods : for to eat and drink each day, and to give one's self no trouble, this is the God for wise men" (" Cyclops, " 334 - 338). Glory.... [ Continue Reading ]
Conversation [π α λ ι τ ε υ μ α]. Only here in the New Testament. Rev., citizenship, commonwealth in margin. The rendering conversation, in the sense of manner of life (see on 1 Peter 1:15), has no sufficient warrant; and that politeuma commonwealth, is used interchangeably with politeia citizenship... [ Continue Reading ]
Shall change [μ ε τ α σ χ η μ α τ ι σ ε ι]. See on Matthew 17:2; 1 Corinthians 4:6; 1 Corinthians 11:13. Also on from, ch. 2 6; and fashion, ch. 2 8. The word thus indicates a change in what is outward and shifting - the body. Rev., correctly, shall fashion anew. Refashion(?). Our vile body [τ ο σ ω... [ Continue Reading ]