3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am {l} apprehended of Christ Jesus.(l) For we run only as far forth as we are laid hold on by Christ, that is, as God gives us strength, and shows us the way. read more
It is far from irksome to the apostle to turn again to speak of "rejoicing in the Lord." Simple and elementary as is his exhortation, he is not wearied in repeating "the same things ... .. For you it is safe" he assures them. Blessed it is that most fundamentally vital things are the most simple and clear, - yet bearing the most profound results. The springs of our souls' delight must be "in the Lord" Himself: this is the one secret of all soul-prosperity. Nothing must be allowed to usurp His... read more
JOY IN PRAYERS This chapter opens with a warning against the Judaizing teachers whom we have met before (Philippians 3:1-3 ), and who followed Paul everywhere teaching that the keeping of the ceremonial law of Moses was necessary to salvation. The “dogs,” the “evil workers” and the “concision” of Philippians 3:2 all refer to them, the last word being a parody of what circumcision meant in the Old Testament. These false teachers were not the true circumcision, or the true Israelites, who are... read more
Religious Joys Php 3:1 A flower in a well-stocked garden excites no surprise. When a traveller found a flower under a glacier, he was more affected by it because it grew under the cold bosom of the ice than he would have been by the most gorgeous garden bloom. Times and places are considerations which naturally affect our estimation of men and things. This little violet of joy is growing under a glacier: Paul is in prison, daily suffering is meted out to him by the tyrant, and yet he boldly... read more
(1) ¶ Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. (2) Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. (3) For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. (4) ¶ Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: (5) Circumcised the... read more
Not as though I had already attained the happiness I hope for, or am now become perfect as to that perfection in virtue, which I must always endeavour to increase in; but, like a person still running a race for a prize, I pursue and run as well as I can, I stretch myself with perseverance towards[2] the mark, forgetting that part of the course which I had made. Let all of us, though perfect as the knowledge of the mysteries we are to believe, be of this mind, that we are still to advance in... read more
I do not count myself. That is, I do not suppose that vain security is sufficient to put my salvation out of doubt, and that Christ having died, nothing remains for me to do. No; I consider myself as a wrestler at the games, uncertain of success. (Calmet) read more
=============================== [BIBLIOGRAPHY] Ad destinatum, Greek: kata skopon dioko. See St. John Chrysostom of the necessity of good works, ( Greek: log. is. p. 65) and of the uncertainty a man is always in of his salvation. p. 67. ==================== read more
12-21 This simple dependence and earnestness of soul, were not mentioned as if the apostle had gained the prize, or were already made perfect in the Saviour's likeness. He forgot the things which were behind, so as not to be content with past labours or present measures of grace. He reached forth, stretched himself forward towards his point; expressions showing great concern to become more and more like unto Christ. He who runs a race, must never stop short of the end, but press forward as fast... read more
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Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Philippians 3:1-21
III. CHRIST, THE OBJECT AND THE GOAL CHAPTER 3 1. The true circumcision (Philippians 3:1-3 ) 2. Paul’s past experience (Philippians 3:4-7 ) 3. The one passion (Philippians 3:8-11 ) 4. Pressing towards the mark (Philippians 3:12-16 ) 5. The goal of glory (Philippians 3:17-21 ) Philippians 3:1-3 Finally (or, for the rest), my brethren, rejoice in the “Lord.” Rejoicing in the Lord, not merely in the salvation which is ours, nor in His mercies, in His gifts or in our service, but in Him, is... read more