King James Version
Philippians 3
21 verses with commentary
Warning Against False Teachers
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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord</strong> (Τὸ λοιπόν, ἀδελφοί μου, χαίρετε ἐν κυρίῳ, <em>To loipon, adelphoi mou, chairete en kyriō</em>)—<em>To loipon</em> ("finally, moreover") may signal conclusion or transition to new section. <em>Chairete en kyriō</em> ("rejoice in the Lord") repeats the epistle's dominant command (1:4, 18; 2:17-18; 4:4). Joy <em>in the Lord</em> (ἐν κυρίῳ, <...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
**III.**
[**6.Original Conclusion of the Epistle **(Philippians 3:1).
“FINALLY BRETHREN, FAREWELL IN THE LORD.”]
(1) **Finally.**—The same word is used in 2Corinthians 13:11; Ephesians 6:10; 2Thessalonians 3:1 (as also in this Epistle, Philippians 4:8), to usher in the conclusion. Here, on the contrary, it stands nearly in the middle of the Epistle. Moreover, the commendation above of Timothy and ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
11. The Greek order in the oldest manuscripts is, "That in time past (literally, once) ye," &c. Such remembrance sharpens gratitude and strengthens faith (Ep 2:19) [Bengel].
**Gentiles in the flesh--**that is, Gentiles in respect to circumcision.
**called Uncircumcision--**The Gentiles were called (in contempt), and were, the Uncircumcision; the Jews were called, but were not truly, the Ci...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
The apostle sets forth his office, and his qualifications for it, and his call to it.(1-7)
Also the noble purposes answered by it.(8-12)
He prays for the Ephesians.(13-19)
And adds a thanksgiving.(20-21)
**Verses 1-7**
For having preached the doctrine of truth, the apostle was a prisoner, but a prisoner of Jesus Christ; the object of special prot...
Read full commentary →Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision</strong> (Βλέπετε τοὺς κύνας, βλέπετε τοὺς κακοὺς ἐργάτας, βλέπετε τὴν κατατομήν, <em>Blepete tous kynas, blepete tous kakous ergatas, blepete tēn katatomēn</em>)—Triple <em>blepete</em> ("beware, watch out for") emphasizes urgency. <em>Kynas</em> ("dogs") was Jewish epithet for Gentiles; Paul ironically applies it to Judaizer...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Beware of** (*the*) **dogs.**—In Revelation 22:15 “the dogs” excluded from the heavenly Jerusalem seem to be those who are impure. In that sense the Jews applied the word to the heathen, as our Lord, for a moment appearing to follow the Jewish usage, does to the Syro-Phœnician woman in Matthew 15:26. But here the context appropriates the word to the Judaising party, who claimed special purit...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12. without Christ--**Greek, "separate from Christ"; having no part in Him; far from Him. A different Greek word (aneu) would be required to express, "Christ was not present with you" [Tittmann].
**aliens--**Greek, "alienated from," not merely "separated from." The Israelites were cut off from the commonwealth of God, but it was as being self-righteous, indolent, and unworthy, not as aliens an...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
The apostle sets forth his office, and his qualifications for it, and his call to it.(1-7)
Also the noble purposes answered by it.(8-12)
He prays for the Ephesians.(13-19)
And adds a thanksgiving.(20-21)
**Verses 1-7**
For having preached the doctrine of truth, the apostle was a prisoner, but a prisoner of Jesus Christ; the object of special prot...
Read full commentary →For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh</strong> (ἡμεῖς γάρ ἐσμεν ἡ περιτομή, οἱ πνεύματι θεοῦ λατρεύοντες καὶ καυχώμενοι ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ καὶ οὐκ ἐν σαρκὶ πεποιθότες, <em>hēmeis gar esmen hē peritomē, hoi pneumati theou latreuontes kai kauchōmenoi en Christō Iēsou kai ouk en sarki pepoithotes</em>)—<em>H...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **We are the circumcision.**—So in Colossians 2:11-12, evidently alluding to baptism as the spiritual circumcision, he says, “In whom ye were circumcised with the circumcision made without hands.” Comp. Romans 2:20, “Circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter;” and passages of a similar character in the Old Testament, such as Deuteronomy 10:16, “Circumcise therefor...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13. now--**in contrast to "at that time" (Ep 2:12).
**in Christ Jesus--**"Jesus" is here added, whereas the expression before (Ep 2:12) had been merely "Christ," to mark that they know Christ as the personal Saviour, "Jesus."
**sometimes--**Greek, "aforetime."
**far off--**the Jewish description of the Gentiles. Far off from God and from the people of God (Ep 2:17; Is 57:19; Ac 2:39).
**...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
The apostle sets forth his office, and his qualifications for it, and his call to it.(1-7)
Also the noble purposes answered by it.(8-12)
He prays for the Ephesians.(13-19)
And adds a thanksgiving.(20-21)
**Verses 1-7**
For having preached the doctrine of truth, the apostle was a prisoner, but a prisoner of Jesus Christ; the object of special prot...
Read full commentary →Righteousness Through Faith in Christ
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:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Though I might also have confidence in the flesh</strong> (Καίπερ ἐγὼ ἔχων πεποίθησιν καὶ ἐν σαρκί, <em>Kaiper egō echōn pepoithēsin kai en sarki</em>)—<em>Kaiper</em> ("although, even though") introduces concession. If anyone <em>could</em> boast in flesh-credentials, Paul could. <em>Pepoithēsin en sarki</em> ("confidence in flesh") means relying on human achievement. Paul will list impre...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14. he--**Greek, "Himself" alone, pre-eminently, and none else. Emphatical.
**our peace--**not merely "Peacemaker," but "Himself" the price of our (Jews' and Gentiles' alike) peace with God, and so the bond of union between "both" in God. He took both into Himself, and reconciled them, united, to God, by His assuming our nature and our penal and legal liabilities (Ep 2:15; Is 9:5, 6; 53:5; Mi ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
The apostle sets forth his office, and his qualifications for it, and his call to it.(1-7)
Also the noble purposes answered by it.(8-12)
He prays for the Ephesians.(13-19)
And adds a thanksgiving.(20-21)
**Verses 1-7**
For having preached the doctrine of truth, the apostle was a prisoner, but a prisoner of Jesus Christ; the object of special prot...
Read full commentary →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;
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews</strong> (περιτομῇ ὀκταήμερος, ἐκ γένους Ἰσραήλ, φυλῆς Βενιαμίν, Ἑβραῖος ἐξ Ἑβραίων, <em>peritomē oktaēmeros, ek genous Israēl, phylēs Beniamin, Hebraios ex Hebraiōn</em>)—Seven privileges begin unfolding. (1) <em>Peritomē oktaēmeros</em> ("circumcised eighth day")—perfect law-observance ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5, 6) The comparison with the celebrated passage in 2Corinthians 11:18-23 is striking, in respect not only of similarity of substance, but of the change of tone from the indignant and impassioned abruptness of the earlier Epistle to the calm impressiveness of this. The first belongs to the crisis of the struggle, the other to its close. We have also a parallel, though less complete, in Romans 11:...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
15. Rather, make "enmity" an apposition to "the middle wall of partition"; "Hath broken down the middle wall of partition (not merely as English Version, 'between us,' but also between all men and God), to wit, the enmity (Ro 8:7) by His flesh" (compare Ep 2:16; Ro 8:3).
**the law of commandments contained in--**Greek, "the law of the commandments (consisting) in ordinances." This law was "the p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
The apostle sets forth his office, and his qualifications for it, and his call to it.(1-7)
Also the noble purposes answered by it.(8-12)
He prays for the Ephesians.(13-19)
And adds a thanksgiving.(20-21)
**Verses 1-7**
For having preached the doctrine of truth, the apostle was a prisoner, but a prisoner of Jesus Christ; the object of special prot...
Read full commentary →Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>As touching the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless</strong> (κατὰ νόμον Φαρισαῖος, κατὰ ζῆλος διώκων τὴν ἐκκλησίαν, κατὰ δικαιοσύνην τὴν ἐν νόμῳ γενόμενος ἄμεμπτος, <em>kata nomon Pharisaios, kata zēlos diōkōn tēn ekklēsian, kata dikaiosynēn tēn en nomō genomenos amemptos</em>)—Three religious achievements: (5...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **Concerning zeal, persecuting the church.**—The word “zeal” (as in Acts 22:3) is probably used almost technically to describe his adhesion to the principles of the “Zealots,” who, following the example of Phinehas, were for “executing judgment” at once on all heathens as traitors, ready alike to slay or to be slain for the Law. He shows how in this he departed from the teaching of Gamaliel, w...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
16. Translate, "might altogether reconcile them both in one body (the Church, Col 3:15) unto God through His cross." The Greek for "reconcile" (apocatalaxe), found only here and in Col 1:20, expresses not only a return to favor with one (catallage), but so to lay aside enmity that complete amity follows; to pass from enmity to complete reconciliation [Tittmann].
**slain the enmity--**namely, tha...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
The apostle sets forth his office, and his qualifications for it, and his call to it.(1-7)
Also the noble purposes answered by it.(8-12)
He prays for the Ephesians.(13-19)
And adds a thanksgiving.(20-21)
**Verses 1-7**
For having preached the doctrine of truth, the apostle was a prisoner, but a prisoner of Jesus Christ; the object of special prot...
Read full commentary →But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ</strong> (Ἀλλὰ ἅτινα ἦν μοι κέρδη, ταῦτα ἥγημαι διὰ τὸν Χριστὸν ζημίαν, <em>Alla hatina ēn moi kerdē, tauta hēgēmai dia ton Christon zēmian</em>)—<em>Alla</em> ("but") pivots from credentials (vv. 5-6) to conversion-revaluation. <em>Kerdē</em> ("gains," plural) were his seven privileges—assets in religious economy. <em>Hēgēma...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **I counted loss . . .**—Not merely worthless, but worse than worthless; because preventing the sense of spiritual need and helplessness which should bring to Christ, and so, while “gaining all the world,” tending to the “loss of his own soul.” St. Paul first applies this declaration to the Jewish privilege and dignity of which he had spoken. Then, not content with this, he extends it to “all ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
17. Translate, "He came and announced glad tidings of peace." "He came" of His own free love, and "announced peace" with His own mouth to the apostles (Lu 24:36; Joh 20:19, 21, 26); and by them to others, through His Spirit present in His Church (Joh 14:18). Ac 26:23 is strictly parallel; after His resurrection "He showed light to the people ('them that were nigh') and to the Gentiles ('you that w...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
The apostle sets forth his office, and his qualifications for it, and his call to it.(1-7)
Also the noble purposes answered by it.(8-12)
He prays for the Ephesians.(13-19)
And adds a thanksgiving.(20-21)
**Verses 1-7**
For having preached the doctrine of truth, the apostle was a prisoner, but a prisoner of Jesus Christ; the object of special prot...
Read full commentary →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,
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord</strong> (ἀλλὰ μενοῦνγε καὶ ἡγοῦμαι πάντα ζημίαν εἶναι διὰ τὸ ὑπερέχον τῆς γνώσεως Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ κυρίου μου, <em>alla menounge kai hēgoumai panta zēmian einai dia to hyperechon tēs gnōseōs Christou Iēsou tou kyriou mou</em>)—<em>Menounge</em> ("yea indeed, more than that") intensi...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **For the excellency of the knowledge.**—The word “excellency” is here strictly used to indicate (as in 2Corinthians 3:9-11) that the knowledge of Christ so surpasses all other knowledge, and, indeed, all other blessings whatever, as to make them less nothing. As Chrysostom says here, “When the sun hath appeared, it is loss to sit by a candle.” The light of the candle in the sunlight actually ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
18. Translate, "For it is through Him (Joh 14:6; He 10:19) that we have our access (Ep 3:12; Ro 5:2), both of us, in (that is, united in, that is, "by," 1Co 12:13, Greek) one Spirit to the Father," namely, as our common Father, reconciled to both alike; whence flows the removal of all separation between Jew and Gentile. The oneness of "the Spirit," through which we both have our access, is necessa...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-12**
Those whom God advances to honourable employments, he makes low in their own eyes; and where God gives grace to be humble, there he gives all other needful grace. How highly he speaks of Jesus Christ; the unsearchable riches of Christ! Though many are not enriched with these riches; yet how great a favour to have them preached among us, and to have an offer of them! And if we a...
Read full commentary →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:
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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</strong> (καὶ εὑρεθῶ ἐν αὐτῷ, μὴ ἔχων ἐμὴν δικαιοσύνην τὴν ἐκ νόμου ἀλλὰ τὴν διὰ πίστεως Χριστοῦ, τὴν ἐκ θεοῦ δικαιοσύνην ἐπὶ τῇ πίστει, <em>kai heurethō en autō, mē echōn emēn dikaiosynēn tēn ek nomou alla tēn dia pisteōs Ch...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **Not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law.**—This is not the same as “righteousness in the Law,” that is, defined by law. It is a righteousness resulting from the works of the Law (Galatians 2:16), earned by an obedience to the Law, which is “mine own”—“not of grace, but of debt” (Romans 4:4)—such as St. Paul declares (in Romans 10:3-6) to have been blindly sought by Israel, whi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**19. Now, therefore--**rather, "So then" [Alford].
**foreigners--**rather, "sojourners"; opposed to "members of the household," as "strangers" is to "fellow citizens." Php 3:19, 20, "conversation," Greek, "citizenship."
**but--**The oldest manuscripts add, "are."
**with the saints--**"the commonwealth of (spiritual) Israel" (Ep 2:12).
**of God--**THE Father; as Jesus Christ appears in Ep ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-12**
Those whom God advances to honourable employments, he makes low in their own eyes; and where God gives grace to be humble, there he gives all other needful grace. How highly he speaks of Jesus Christ; the unsearchable riches of Christ! Though many are not enriched with these riches; yet how great a favour to have them preached among us, and to have an offer of them! And if we a...
Read full commentary →That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death</strong> (τοῦ γνῶναι αὐτὸν καὶ τὴν δύναμιν τῆς ἀναστάσεως αὐτοῦ καὶ τὴν κοινωνίαν παθημάτων αὐτοῦ, συμμορφιζόμενος τῷ θανάτῳ αὐτοῦ, <em>tou gnōnai auton kai tēn dynamin tēs anastaseōs autou kai tēn koinōnian pathēmatōn autou, symmorphizomenos tō thanatō autou<...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) Inseparably connected with the possession of this “righteousness of God” is the knowledge of Christ, or more exactly, the gaining the knowledge of Christ (see Philippians 3:8), by conformity both to His suffering and death, and also to His resurrection. This “conformity to the image of Christ” (Romans 8:29-30)—with which compare the having “Christ formed within us” of Galatians 4:19)—is made ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
20. Translate as Greek, "Built up upon," &c. (participle; having been built up upon; omit, therefore, "and are"). Compare 1Co 3:11, 12. The same image in Ep 3:18, recurs in his address to the Ephesian elders (Ac 20:32), and in his Epistle to Timothy at Ephesus (1Ti 3:15; 2Ti 2:19), naturally suggested by the splendid architecture of Diana's temple; the glory of the Christian temple is eternal ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-12**
Those whom God advances to honourable employments, he makes low in their own eyes; and where God gives grace to be humble, there he gives all other needful grace. How highly he speaks of Jesus Christ; the unsearchable riches of Christ! Though many are not enriched with these riches; yet how great a favour to have them preached among us, and to have an offer of them! And if we a...
Read full commentary →If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead</strong> (εἴ πως καταντήσω εἰς τὴν ἐξανάστασιν τὴν ἐκ νεκρῶν, <em>ei pōs katantēsō eis tēn exanastasin tēn ek nekrōn</em>)—<em>Ei pōs</em> ("if somehow") expresses not doubt but humility and eagerness. <em>Katantēsō</em> ("I might attain") is subjunctive—Paul presses toward but doesn't presume. <em>Exanastasin</em> ("resurrec...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21. In whom--**as holding together the whole.
**fitly framed--**so as exactly to fit together.
**groweth--**"is growing" continually. Here an additional thought is added to the image; the Church has the growth of a living organism, not the mere increase of a building. Compare 1Pe 2:5; "lively stones ... built up a spiritual house." Compare Ep 4:16; Zec 6:12, "The Branch shall build the templ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-12**
Those whom God advances to honourable employments, he makes low in their own eyes; and where God gives grace to be humble, there he gives all other needful grace. How highly he speaks of Jesus Christ; the unsearchable riches of Christ! Though many are not enriched with these riches; yet how great a favour to have them preached among us, and to have an offer of them! And if we a...
Read full commentary →Pressing Toward the Goal
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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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</strong> (Οὐχ ὅτι ἤδη ἔλαβον ἢ ἤδη τετελείωμαι, διώκω δὲ εἰ καὶ καταλάβω, ἐφ' ᾧ καὶ κατελήμφθην ὑπὸ Χριστοῦ [Ἰησοῦ], <em>Ouch hoti ēdē elabon ē ēdē teteleiōmai, diōkō de ei kai katalabō, eph' hō kai katelēmphthēn hypo Christou [...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **Not as though . . .**—The tenses are here varied. *Not as though I ever yet attained, or have been already made perfect.* To “attain,” or *receive* (probably the prize, see Philippians 3:14), is a single act; “to be perfected” a continuous process. Clearly St. Paul has no belief, either in any indefectible grasp of salvation, or in any attainment of full spiritual perfection on this side of...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**22. are builded together--**Translate, "are being builded together."
**through--**Greek, "in the Spirit." God, by His Spirit in believers, has them for His habitation (1Co 3:16, 17; 6:19; 2Co 6:16).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-12**
Those whom God advances to honourable employments, he makes low in their own eyes; and where God gives grace to be humble, there he gives all other needful grace. How highly he speaks of Jesus Christ; the unsearchable riches of Christ! Though many are not enriched with these riches; yet how great a favour to have them preached among us, and to have an offer of them! And if we a...
Read full commentary →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,
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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</strong> (ἀδελφοί, ἐγὼ ἐμαυτὸν οὐ λογίζομαι κατειληφέναι· ἓν δέ, τὰ μὲν ὀπίσω ἐπιλανθανόμενος τοῖς δὲ ἔμπροσθεν ἐπεκτεινόμενος, <em>adelphoi, egō emauton ou logizomai kateilēphenai; hen de, ta men opisō epilanthanomenos t...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **I count not myself . . .**—The “I” is emphatic, evidently in contrast with some of those who thought themselves “perfect.” (See Philippians 3:15.) Not only does St. Paul refuse to count that he has ever yet “attained;” he will not allow that he is yet in a position even to grasp at the prize. (Comp. 1Corinthians 9:27.)
**Forgetting those things which are behind . . .**—The precept is absolu...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-19**
The apostle seems to be more anxious lest the believers should be discouraged and faint upon his tribulations, than for what he himself had to bear. He asks for spiritual blessings, which are the best blessings. Strength from the Spirit of God in the inner man; strength in the soul; the strength of faith, to serve God, and to do our duty. If the law of Christ is written in our...
Read full commentary →I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus</strong> (κατὰ σκοπὸν διώκω εἰς τὸ βραβεῖον τῆς ἄνω κλήσεως τοῦ θεοῦ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, <em>kata skopon diōkō eis to brabeion tēs anō klēseōs tou theou en Christō Iēsou</em>)—<em>Kata skopon</em> ("toward the mark/goal")—<em>skopos</em> is target/finish line. <em>Diōkō</em> ("I press, pursue") repeats v. 12—rele...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **The high calling of God.**—Properly, the *calling which is above*—*i.e.* (much as in Colossians 3:12), “the heavenly calling,”—which is “of God,” proceeding from His will, for “whom He predestinated, them He also called” (Romans 8:30); and is “in Christ Jesus” in virtue of the unity with Him, in which we are at once justified and sanctified.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 3 Ep 3:1-21. His Apostolic Office to Make Known the Mystery of Christ Revealed by the Spirit: Prayer that by the Same Spirit They May Comprehend the Vast Love of Christ: Doxology Ending This Division of the Epistle.
As the first chapter treated of THE Father's office; and the second, THE Son's, so this, that of THE Spirit.
**1. of Jesus Christ--**Greek, "Christ Jesus." The office is th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-19**
The apostle seems to be more anxious lest the believers should be discouraged and faint upon his tribulations, than for what he himself had to bear. He asks for spiritual blessings, which are the best blessings. Strength from the Spirit of God in the inner man; strength in the soul; the strength of faith, to serve God, and to do our duty. If the law of Christ is written in our...
Read full 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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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</strong> (Ὅσοι οὖν τέλειοι, τοῦτο φρονῶμεν· καὶ εἴ τι ἑτέρως φρονεῖτε, καὶ τοῦτο ὁ θεὸς ὑμῖν ἀποκαλύψει, <em>Hosoi oun teleioi, touto phronōmen; kai ei ti heterōs phroneite, kai touto ho theos hymin apokalypsei</em>)—<em>Teleioi</em> ("perfect, mature") s...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **Perfect.**—The word is apparently used with a touch of irony (as perhaps the word “spiritual” in Galatians 6:1), in reference to those who hold themselves “to have already attained, to be already perfect.” It is, indeed, mostly used of such maturity in faith and grace as may be, and ought to be, attained here (Matthew 5:48; 1Corinthians 2:6; 1Corinthians 14:20; Ephesians 4:13; Colossians 1:...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. If--**The Greek does not imply doubt: "Assuming (what I know to be the fact, namely) that ye have heard," &c. "If, as I presume," The indicative in the Greek shows that no doubt is implied: "Seeing that doubtless," &c. He by this phrase delicately reminds them of their having heard from himself, and probably from others subsequently, the fact. See Introduction, showing that these word...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-19**
The apostle seems to be more anxious lest the believers should be discouraged and faint upon his tribulations, than for what he himself had to bear. He asks for spiritual blessings, which are the best blessings. Strength from the Spirit of God in the inner man; strength in the soul; the strength of faith, to serve God, and to do our duty. If the law of Christ is written in our...
Read full commentary →Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing</strong> (πλὴν εἰς ὃ ἐφθάσαμεν, τῷ αὐτῷ στοιχεῖν, <em>plēn eis ho ephthasa men, tō autō stoichein</em>)—<em>Plēn</em> ("nevertheless, in any case") introduces qualification. <em>Eis ho ephthāsamen</em> ("to which we have attained")—whatever maturity level reached. <em>Tō autō stoichein<...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **Let us walk . . .**—In this verse the last words appear to be an explanatory gloss. The original runs thus: *Nevertheless*—*as to that to which we did attain*—*let us walk by the same.* The word “walk” is always used of pursuing a course deliberately chosen. (See Acts 21:24; Romans 4:12; Galatians 5:25.) The nearest parallel (from which the gloss is partly taken) is Galatians 6:16, “As many...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. he made known--**The oldest manuscripts read, "That by revelation was the mystery (namely, of the admission of the Gentiles, Ep 3:6; 1:9) made known unto me (Ga 1:12)."
**as I wrote afore--**namely, in this Epistle (Ep 1:9, 10), the words of which he partly repeats.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-19**
The apostle seems to be more anxious lest the believers should be discouraged and faint upon his tribulations, than for what he himself had to bear. He asks for spiritual blessings, which are the best blessings. Strength from the Spirit of God in the inner man; strength in the soul; the strength of faith, to serve God, and to do our duty. If the law of Christ is written in our...
Read full commentary →Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample</strong> (Συμμιμηταί μου γίνεσθε, ἀδελφοί, καὶ σκοπεῖτε τοὺς οὕτως περιπατοῦντας καθὼς ἔχετε τύπον ἡμᾶς, <em>Symmimētai mou ginesthe, adelphoi, kai skopeite tous houtōs peripatountas kathōs echete typon hēmas</em>)—<em>Symmimētai mou ginesthe</em> ("become fellow-imitators with me")—<em>symmimē...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17-21) In these verses St. Paul turns from the party of Pharisaic perfection to the opposite party of Antinomian profligacy, claiming, no doubt, to walk in the way of Christian liberty which he preached. The co-existence of these two parties was, it may be remarked, a feature of the Gnosticism already beginning to show itself in the Church. He deals with this perversion of liberty into licentious...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. understand my knowledge--**"perceive my understanding" [Alford], or "intelligence." "When ye read," implies that, deep as are the mysteries of this Epistle, the way for all to understand them is to read it (2Ti 3:15, 16). By perceiving his understanding of the mysteries, they, too, will be enabled to understand.
**the mystery of Christ--**The "mystery" is Christ Himself, once hidden, but no...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-19**
The apostle seems to be more anxious lest the believers should be discouraged and faint upon his tribulations, than for what he himself had to bear. He asks for spiritual blessings, which are the best blessings. Strength from the Spirit of God in the inner man; strength in the soul; the strength of faith, to serve God, and to do our duty. If the law of Christ is written in our...
Read full commentary →(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:
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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</strong> (πολλοὶ γὰρ περιπατοῦσιν οὓς πολλάκις ἔλεγον ὑμῖν, νῦν δὲ καὶ κλαίων λέγω, τοὺς ἐχθροὺς τοῦ σταυροῦ τοῦ Χριστοῦ, <em>polloi gar peripatousin hous pollakis elegon hymin, nyn de kai klaiōn legō, tous echthrous tou staurou tou Christou</em>)—<em>Polloi</em> ("...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **Even weeping.**—The especial sorrow, we cannot doubt, lay in this, that the Antinomian profligacy sheltered itself under his own preaching of liberty and of the superiority of the Spirit to the Law.
**The enemies of the cross of Christ.**—Here again (as in the application of the epithet “dogs” in Philippians 3:2) St. Paul seems to retort on those whom he rebuked a name which they may probab...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. in other ages--**Greek, "generations."
**not made known--**He does not say, "has not been revealed." Making known by revelation is the source of making known by preaching [Bengel]. The former was vouchsafed only to the prophets, in order that they might make known the truth so revealed to men in general.
**unto the sons of men--**men in their state by birth, as contrasted with those illum...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-19**
The apostle seems to be more anxious lest the believers should be discouraged and faint upon his tribulations, than for what he himself had to bear. He asks for spiritual blessings, which are the best blessings. Strength from the Spirit of God in the inner man; strength in the soul; the strength of faith, to serve God, and to do our duty. If the law of Christ is written in our...
Read full commentary →Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things</strong> (ὧν τὸ τέλος ἀπώλεια, ὧν ὁ θεὸς ἡ κοιλία καὶ ἡ δόξα ἐν τῇ αἰσχύνῃ αὐτῶν, οἱ τὰ ἐπίγεια φρονοῦντες, <em>hōn to telos apōleia, hōn ho theos hē koilia kai hē doxa en tē aischynē autōn, hoi ta epigeia phronountes</em>)—Four characteristics of cross-enemies: (1) <em>Telos apōl...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **Whose end is destruction. . . .**—The intense severity of this verse is only paralleled by such passages as 2Timothy 2:1-5; 2Peter 2:12-22; Jude 1:4; Jude 1:8; Jude 1:12-13. All express the burning indignation of a true servant of Christ against those who “turn the grace of God into lasciviousness,” and “after escaping the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviou...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6. Translate, "That the Gentiles are," &c. "and fellow members of the same body, and fellow partakers of the (so the oldest manuscripts read, not 'His') promise, in Christ Jesus (added in the oldest manuscripts), through the Gospel." It is "in Christ Jesus" that they are made "fellow heirs" in the inheritance of God: "of the same body" under the Head, Christ Jesus; and "fellow partakers of the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-19**
The apostle seems to be more anxious lest the believers should be discouraged and faint upon his tribulations, than for what he himself had to bear. He asks for spiritual blessings, which are the best blessings. Strength from the Spirit of God in the inner man; strength in the soul; the strength of faith, to serve God, and to do our duty. If the law of Christ is written in our...
Read full commentary →For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: conversation: or, we live or conduct ourselves as citizens of heaven, or, for obtaining heaven
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ</strong> (ἡμῶν γὰρ τὸ πολίτευμα ἐν οὐρανοῖς ὑπάρχει, ἐξ οὗ καὶ σωτῆρα ἀπεκδεχόμεθα κύριον Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν, <em>hēmōn gar to politeuma en ouranois hyparchei, ex hou kai sōtēra apekdechometha kyrion Iēsoun Christon</em>)—<em>To politeuma</em> ("citizenship, commonwealth")—believers are citizens ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **Our conversation.**—The original may signify either “our city” or “our citizenship” is in heaven. But both the grammatical form and the ordinary usage of the word (not elsewhere found in the New Testament) point to the former sense; which is also far better accordant with the general wording of the passage. For the word “is” is the emphatic word, which signifies “actually exists”; and the r...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. Whereof--**"of which" Gospel.
**according to--**in consequence of, and in accordance with, "the gift of the grace of God."
**given--**"which (gift of grace) was given to me by (Greek, 'according to,' as in Ep 3:20; 1:19: as the result of, and in proportion to) the effectual working (Greek, 'energy,' or 'in-working') of His power."
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-21**
It is proper always to end prayers with praises. Let us expect more, and ask for more, encouraged by what Christ has already done for our souls, being assured that the conversion of sinners, and the comfort of believers, will be to his glory, for ever and ever.
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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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</strong> (ὃς μετασχηματίσει τὸ σῶμα τῆς ταπεινώσεως ἡμῶν σύμμορφον τῷ σώματι τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ κατὰ τὴν ἐνέργειαν τοῦ δύνασθαι αὐτὸν καὶ ὑποτάξαι αὐτῷ τὰ πάντα, <em>hos metaschēmatisei to sōma tēs tapeinōseōs hēmōn symmorphon...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) W**ho shall change . . .**—This passage needs more accurate translation. It should be, *who shall change the fashion of the body of our humiliation, to be conformed to the body of His glory.* (1) On the difference between “fashion” and “form,” see Philippians 2:7-8. The contrast here signifies that humiliation is but the outward fashion or vesture of the body; the likeness to Christ is, and w...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. am--**Not merely was I in times past, but I still am the least worthy of so high an office (compare 1Ti 1:15, end).
**least of all saints--**not merely "of all apostles" (1Co 15:9, 10).
**is--**Greek, "has been given."
**among--**omitted in the oldest manuscripts Translate, "to announce to the Gentiles the glad tidings of the unsearchable (Job 5:9) riches," namely, of Christ's grace (Ep...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-21**
It is proper always to end prayers with praises. Let us expect more, and ask for more, encouraged by what Christ has already done for our souls, being assured that the conversion of sinners, and the comfort of believers, will be to his glory, for ever and ever.