philippians-3:1-14-esv

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 3:3

Verse 3 3.For we are the circumcision —that is, we are the true seed of Abraham, and heirs of the testament which was confirmed by the sign of circumcision. For the true circumcision is of the spirit and not of the letter, inward, and situated in the heart, not visible according to the flesh. (Romans 2:29.) By spiritual worship he means that which is recommended to us in the gospel, and consists of confidence in God, and invocation of him, self-renunciation, and a pure conscience. We must... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 3:4

Verse 4 4Though I might also He does not speak of the disposition exercised by him, but he intimates, that he has also ground of glorying, if he were inclined to imitate their folly. The meaning therefore is, “My glorying, indeed, is placed in Christ, but, were it warrantable to glory in the flesh, I have also no want of materials.” And from this we learn in what manner to reprove the arrogance of those who glory in something apart from Christ. If we are ourselves in possession of those very... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 3:5

Verse 5 5.Circumcised on the eighth day It is literally— “The circumcision of the eighth day.” There is no difference, however, in the sense, for the meaning is, that he was circumcised in the proper manner, and according to the appointment of the law (173). Now this customary circumcision was reckoned of superior value; and, besides, it was a token of the race to which he belonged; on which he touches immediately afterwards. For the case was not the same as to foreigners, for after they had... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 3:6

Verse 6 6.As to the righteousness which is in the law There can be no doubt he means by this the entire righteousness of the law, for it were too meagre a sense to understand it exclusively of the ceremonies. The meaning, therefore, is more general — that he cultivated an integrity of life, such as might be required on the part of a man that was devoted to the law. To this, again, it is objected, that the righteousness of the law is perfect in the sight of God. For the sum of it is — that men... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 3:7

Verse 7 7.What things were gain to me He says, that those things were gain to him, for ignorance of Christ is the sole reason why we are puffed up with a vain confidence. Hence, where we see a false estimate of one’s own excellence, where we see arrogance, where we see pride, there let us be assured that Christ is not known. On the other hand, so soon as Christ shines forth all those things that formerly dazzled our eyes with a false splendor instantly vanish, or at least are disesteemed. Those... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 3:8

Verse 8 8.Nay more, I reckon. He means, that he continues to be of the same mind, because it often happens, that, transported with delight in new things, we forget everything else, and afterwards we regret it. Hence Paul, having said that he renounced all hinderances, that he might gain Christ, now adds, that he continues to be of this mind. For the sake of the excellency of the knowledge He extols the gospel in opposition to all such notions as tend to beguile us. For there are many things... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 3:9

Verse 9 9.And may find them in him The verb is in the passive voice, and hence all others have rendered it, I may be found. They pass over the context, however, in a very indifferent manner, as though it had no peculiar force. If you read it in the passive voice, an antithesis must be understood — thatPaul was lost before he was found in Christ, as a rich merchant is like one lost, so long as he has his vessel laden with riches; but when they have been thrown overboard, he is found? (186) For... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 3:10

Verse 10 10That I may know him He points out the efficacy and nature of faith — that it is the knowledge of Christ, and that, too, not bare or indistinct, but in such a manner that the power of his resurrection is felt. Resurrection he employs as meaning, the completion of redemption, so that it comprehends in it at the same time the idea of death. But as it is not enough to know Christ as crucified and raised up from the dead, unless you experience, also, the fruit of this, he speaks expressly... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 3:12

Verse 12 12Not as though I had already apprehended Paul insists upon this, that he may convince the Philippians that he thinks of nothing but Christ — knows nothing else — desires nothing else — is occupied with no other subject of meditation. In connection with this, there is much weight in what he now adds — that he himself, while he had given up all hinderances, had nevertheless not attained that object of aim, and that, on this account, he always aimed and eagerly aspired at something... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 3:13

Verse 13 13I reckon not myself to have as yet apprehended He does not here call in question the certainty of his salvation, as though he were still in suspense, but repeats what he had said before — that he still aimed at making farther progress, because he had not yet attained the end of his calling. He shews this immediately after, by saying that he was intent on this one thing, leaving off everything else. Now, he compares our life to a race-course, the limits of which God has marked out to... read more

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 3:3

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 3:4

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 3:5

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 3:6

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 3:7

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 3:8

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 3:9

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 3:10

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 3:12

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 3:13

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