Bible Commentary

Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 15. perfect ] An adjective, not a perfect participle, as was the kindred word (“ perfected ”) in Php 3:12. Is there a contradiction between this place and … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 3:15”

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 14. the mark ] R.V., “ the goal.” But the Greek word is, like “mark,” a general rather than a special one, and used in the classics rather of archery than of racing. The verse might be roughly … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 3:14”

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do,] forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 13. Brethren ] A direct loving appeal, to restate and enforce what he has just said. I count not myself ] “I” and “myself” are both … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 3:13”

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 apprehended of Christ Jesus. 12 16. On the other hand, his spiritual condition is one of progress, not perfection 12. Not as though &c.] This reserve, so emphatic and … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 3:12”

If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 11. if by any means ] For the strong language of contingency here cp. 1Co 9:27. Taken along with such expressions of exulting assurance as Rom 8:31-39; 2Ti 1:12; and indeed with the whole tone of “joy and peace in believing” (Rom … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 3:11”

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 10. That I may know him ] In order to know Him. For the construction, cp. e.g. 1Co 10:13. Observe the sequence of thought. He embraces “the righteousness which is of God … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 3:10”

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 9. be found in him ] at any moment of scrutiny or test; alike in life, in death, and before the judgment-seat. The … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 3:9”

Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ, 8. Yea doubtless, and &c.] Better, perhaps, Yea rather I even &c. He adds … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 3:8”

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 7. what things ] The Greek might almost be paraphrased, “the kind or class of things which”; including anything and everything, as ground of reliance, other than Christ. So more fully, Php 3:8. gain ] Lit. and better, gains. The plural suggests … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 3:7”

Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 6. zeal ] “of God, but not according to true spiritual knowledge ( epignsis),” Rom 10:2. Cp. Act 26:9-11. He implies here that this “zeal” was perfectly sincere, though sinfully conditioned by a moral blindness. See in this connexion Act 23:1; … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 3:6”