ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Philippians 3

Phil. 3:1–21 Opponents of the Gospel: Where Does Righteous­ness Come From? Paul calls on the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord (v. 1). He then warns them about the Judaizers who oppose the gospel (vv. 2–3). Paul’s conflicts with the Judaizers can be seen in greater detail in Acts and Galatians (e.g., Acts 15:1–19; Gal. 2:15–21; 3:6–4:31), as well as in the rest of his letters. Paul rejected their teaching that Gentiles must first become Jews and obey all the OT laws in order to be saved. In contrast, Paul has given up his spiritual and ethnic privileges for the sake of knowing Christ (Phil. 3:4–11). His righteousness comes through Christ, not the law (vv. 12–16). He then calls the Philippians to follow his example of commitment to Jesus as Lord (vv. 17–21).

Phil. 3:2 dogs. A term of insult in the ancient world, sometimes used by Jews to describe Gentiles. With biting irony, Paul says that the Judaizers, not the Gentiles, deserve that label. He describes those who believe in salvation by works as evildoers and those who mutilate the flesh.

Phil. 3:3 we are the circumcision. The true people of God are those who worship by the Spirit of God (see John 4:23–24). They glory in Christ Jesus (compare Phil. 1:26) and put no confidence in the flesh. This verse mentions all three members of the Trinity: “God,” “Christ Jesus,” and “the Spirit of God.”

Phil. 3:4–6 Paul had a strong Jewish background. He was circumcised on the eighth day (see Lev. 12:3). He was an ethnic Israelite and knew the tribe from which he came. Hebrew of Hebrews probably indicates his descent from Jewish ancestors. He was from the strictest religious sect—the Pharisees (Acts 26:5). His zeal was such that he had even been a persecutor of the church. If anyone could be said to be blameless in following the law, it was Paul.

Phil. 3:7–8 gain . . . loss. What formerly went into Paul’s gain column—his power, position, and performance—now goes into the loss column. Compare Matt. 16:25–26.

Phil. 3:9 Christians are found in Christ and therefore not found guilty before God. through faith in Christ. God credits Christ’s lifelong record of perfect obedience to the person who trusts in Christ for salvation. See note on Gal. 2:16.

Phil. 3:10–11 the power of his resurrection. The power Christ exercises now from his position at the right hand of God.

Phil. 3:12 Paul stresses that he is not already perfect. He still struggles with sin. Jesus’ return and the end of sin remains in the future.

Phil. 3:14 The Greek word for goal can mean either the finish line in a race or an archery target. The prize for Christians is the blessings and rewards in the age to come.

Phil. 3:15 Mature is the same adjective translated “perfect” in v. 12. Paul is essentially saying, “If you are really perfect/mature, you will realize that you are not yet perfect/mature!”

Phil. 3:17 Paul asks the Philippians to join in imitating me and other mature Christians (compare 4:9; 1 Cor. 11:1; 2 Thess. 3:8–9; Heb. 13:7).

Phil. 3:18–19 The enemies of the cross could be the Judaizers of v. 2 or “worldly” people in general.

Phil. 3:20 citizenship. See note on 1:27 and the esv footnote.

Phil. 3:21 Transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body echoes 2:5–11. To subject all things to himself is language about the Messiah drawn from the OT (e.g., Ps. 8:6; 110:1).