Philippians - Chapter 3

Philippians 3.1 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. Philippians 3.2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. Philippians 3.3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Philippians 3.4 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: Philippians 3.5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Philippians 3.6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. Philippians 3.7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Philippians 3.8 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, Philippians 3.9 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: Philippians 3.10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; Philippians 3.11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Philippians 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 apprehended of Christ Jesus. Philippians 3.13 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, Philippians 3.14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3.15 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. Philippians 3.16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Philippians 3.17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. Philippians 3.18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Philippians 3.19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) Philippians 3.20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Philippians 3.21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Philippians : Chapter 3

The Supremacy of the Knowledge of Christ

Chapter 3 of the Epistle to the Philippians highlights the supremacy of the knowledge of Christ. The apostle Paul, in a passionate outburst, invites us to reflect on what he considers truly precious in our spiritual life. This text contrasts his old life, governed by the law, with his new existence in Christ, thus revealing the depth of the transformation he has experienced.

A Warning Against False Teachers

Paul, aware of the dangers that await believers, warns against false teachers. He encourages the faithful to seek authentic spiritual maturity, based on the truth of Christ. In this chapter, he also emphasizes the heavenly citizenship of believers, as well as the bright hope of the resurrection.

A Fervent Search for Christ

Philippians 3 inspires us to conduct a fervent search for Christ. We invite you to consider with us five biblical passages that resonate with the ambitious themes of this inspiring chapter:

Galatians 5:4

"You who seek to be justified by the law have separated yourselves from Christ and fallen from grace." Paul's warning against reliance on the law echoes his rejection of law-based righteousness in Philippians 3:4-9.

Romans 8:18

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in us." This verse reflects Paul's view in Philippians 3:8, where he considers everything to be a loss compared to the knowledge of Christ.

1 Corinthians 9:24

"Do you not know that of all those who run in the race, only one receives the prize? Run so that you may reach the prize." This metaphor of the race is similar to the one used by Paul in Philippians 3:12-14 about walking toward the goal.

Colossians 3:2

"Keep your minds on things above, not on earthly things." This verse echoes Paul's call in Philippians 3:19-20 to focus on heavenly things, not earthly things.

1 John 3:2

"Beloved, now we are children of God, And it has not yet appeared what we will be, but we know that when he appears, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is." This expectation of final transformation resonates with Philippians 3:20-21, about the transformation of our bodies. In short, Philippians chapter 3 calls us to a renewed devotion to Christ, to a life that transcends the limits of the law, and to a joyful anticipation of our heavenly future. May this reflection guide us on our journey of faith.