philippians-3:1-14-esv

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:2-3

Serious warning against errorists. The apostle, after counselling the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord, somewhat abruptly recalls the case of errorists of the Judaistic type, who, though not at Philippi, were not far from its boundaries. He deems it "safe" to give timely warning: "Beware of the dogs, of the evil-workers, of the concision." I. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE JUDAIST ERRORISTS . 1 . They were " dogs " in the Jewish sense , that is , impure and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:2-3

Identity not to be found in continuity of form, but in harmony of the inner spirit. I. USELESSNESS OF OUTWARD FORMS WHEN THEIR SPIRIT HAS PASSED OUT or THEM . The Judaizing party clung to their circumcision as if it were their title to acceptance with God. St. Paul shows that, since the substance, of which circumcision was the shadow, has been bestowed upon men, to insist upon the outward form was to forfeit the reality of which it was the forecast. The truly... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:3

For we are the circumcision . We: the apostle of the Gentiles identifies himself with the Gentiles ( 1 Corinthians 9:2 ); himself circumcised, he recognizes the great truth that they only are the true circumcision whose hearts are mortified from all worldly and carnal lusts. Which worship God in the spirit ; read, with the best manuscripts, which worship by the Spirit of God. The word λατρεία , worship, is used specially of the Jewish ceremonial service (comp. Romans 9:4 ; Luke... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:4

Though I might also have confidence in the flesh ; literally, though having myself confidence in the flesh also ; that is , as well as in Christ. The apostle had both grounds of confidence: the one he renounces for the other; but no man could accuse him of despising that which he did not himself possess. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more . He claims the privileges of the Jew; they are his by right, but he counts them loss for Christ. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:4-7

The apostle's estimate of his high privileges as a Jew. The Judaists arrogated to themselves high privileges by virtue of their descent. The apostle shows that they can claim no superiority of privilege above himself, though he finds in these very privileges a quite insufficient ground of religious confidence. I. HE REPUDIATES SACRAMENTAL EFFICACY . "Circumcised the eighth day." He was thus distinguished alike from the proselyte, who was circumcised on his conversion, and from... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:4-7

Pride of birth and breeding. Having touched on the subject of self-confidence, Paul can quote his own experience on the point. For many years he thought he might plume himself even more than other men on his pedigree and his personal rower. He had lived in the haze of self-satisfaction, and could quote a genealogy and personal record second to none. It becomes amusing in a Pharisee of the first century, and yet we have people who are just as ridiculous in their pride of birth and of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:4-8

The cost and the value of personal Christianity. "Though I might also have confidence in the flesh," etc. Notice— I. THE COST WHICH THE APOSTLE PAID FOR HIS CHRISTIANITY . Metaphorically he sold a property that he at one time valued beyond, all price, and that his countrymen regarded as the wealthiest inheritance. Here he gives a summary of the distinguished privileges which belonged to him. 1 . He refers to his Church status. "Circumcised the eighth day."... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:4-11

The example of St. Paul. I. WHAT HE RENOUNCED . All confidence in the flesh. 1 . He enumerates the privileges of the Jew , and claims them as his own. He had the seal of circumcision, the inheritance of the covenant; he was brought up in the Hebrew learning; he belonged to the strictest sect; he was zealous; he had lived a blameless life. In outward grounds of confidence no man could surpass him. He had all the privileges that could issue from the Judaism of the time. 2 ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:5

Circumcised the eighth day ; literally, at circumcision eight days old. The apostle was not a proselyte, circumcised at his reception into the Jewish Church; nor an Ishmaelite, circumcised, like Ishmael, at the age of thirteen. Of the stock of Israel Neither were his parents proselytes; he was by descent an Israelite. He uses here the highest title of God's ancient people, the title which implied the inheritance of the covenant made with Jacob. Other nations were descended from Abraham and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:6

Concerning zeal, persecuting the Church . He was not only a Pharisee, but an energetic, zealous Pharisee; he carried out the principles of his sect, thinking that he did God service by persecuting those whom he counted as heretics. Touching the righteousness which is in the Law , blameless. As far as "the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees" went, the righteousness which is "in Law," which consists, that is, in the observance of formal rules; or which is "of Law" ( Philippians 3:9 ... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:2-3

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:2-3

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:4-7

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:4-7

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:4-8

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:4-11

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:5

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:6

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