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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE LETTER TO THE PHILIPPIANS

CHAPTER THREE:
“FORGET THE PAST – PURSUE THE GOAL!”

[“Goal-oriented”]
Key Word: Goal
Theme Verse: 13

Philippians 3:1 – Rejoice!

PH3:1 Finally, my brothers, continue to rejoice in YHWH 128. To be repeating the same things 129 in writing to you Philippians is not bothersome to me, but for sure it is a safeguard to all of you. 130

128	Rejoice in YHWH: Or, rejoice in the Lord. The article is absent before kyrio and may suggest a name originally occurred here. It is left to the reader to decide whether to use Lord or a form like Jehovah. It could also be read: “rejoice in Jesus.”

129

To be repeating the same things: Paul likely has in mind his exhortations to rejoice, but he has also stressed his theme about the right attitude of self-less interest in others. [Philippians 2:4] “Repetition is the mother of retention.” Those who are able to recall Bible verses are those who have heard them over and over.

130	It is a safeguard to all of you: Hearing God’s Word many times is such a spiritual safeguard. Note Proverbs 4:4-9. Compare notes on Philippians 4:7.

Philippians 3:2-4a – True Circumcision

PH3:2 Beware the dogs! 131 Beware harmful workers! 132 Beware the mutilators! 133

131	Beware the dogs: Or, AMP: the Judaizers. Most understand this derogatory term to apply to that Jewish influence which tried to force the Church into the confines of the Law of Moses. [Acts 15:1, 2] For details on Judaizers see Nazarene Commentary 2000© on Galatians under Judaizers.

132	Beware harmful workers: Or, evil workers, mischievous workers, evil workmen, workers of injury. That is, the Judaizers.

133	Beware the mutilators: Or, the incision-party, false circumcision. Referring to those who would impress circumcision on the Church as a way to salvation. [Acts 15:1, 2]

PH3:3 For we are the [true] ‘Circumcision’ 134 – those rendering holy worship by God’s Pneuma 135 – boasting with regard to Christ Jesus, and not having a fleshly confidence. 136

134	For we are the true ‘Circumcision’: Or, truly circumcised, real circumcision. For details see notes on Romans 2:25-29. Both the Law and the Prophets spoke of the real circumcision. [Deuteronomy 10:16; Jeremiah 4:4] Compare Colossians 2:11.

135	Those rendering holy worship by God’s Pneuma: Or, KJV: worship God in spirit; RHM: divine service. The language has the strong ring of John 4:22-24 to it and may be an allusion to the Nazarene.

136	A fleshly confidence: As circumcised Jews.

PH3:4a Even though I also have a fleshly confidence!

Philippians 3:4b-11 – Past Garbage – Future Gains

PH3:4b If any other person thinks he possesses a fleshly confidence – I [have] more: 137

137	I [have] more: Paul lists his credentials as a Jew. Compare 2 Corinthians 11:22.

PH3:5 circumcised the eighth day, from Israel’s race, Benjamin’s tribe, a Hebrew from Hebrews, regarding the Law [of Moses], a Pharisee, PH3:6 regarding zeal, persecuting the Church, regarding righteousness in the Law [of Moses], found blameless. PH3:7 However, whatever was to me an achievement, I have considered all of these things a loss on account of Christ. PH3:8 For a certainty, then, in reality I consider everything a loss on account of a superior relationship with Christ Jesus 138 my Master, because of whom I have suffered the loss of everything. And [further] I continue to consider [it all] a lot of dung 139 so that I might gain Christ, 140

138	I consider everything a loss on account of a superior relationship with Christ Jesus: Or, KJV: for the excellency of the knowledge of; WEY: the priceless privilege of knowing. The word GNOSEOS may be used of an intimate relationship.

139	Consider [it all] a lot of dung: Or, refuse, garbage, rubbish. The Greek is SKUBALA [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #4657] and may refer to dung. It may be Paul’s word-play off the “dogs” of Philippians 3:1.

140	Gain Christ: Or, win. Paul wraps up in the one title, Christ, everything this contains: relationship, inheritance, and glory

PH3:9 and be found in harmony with him, not having my own self-righteousness resulting from the Law 141 [of Moses], but rather the righteousness by means of Christ’s Faith, 142 a righteousness from God resulting from that Faith.

141	Self-righteousness resulting from the Law: Those Judaizers of Acts 15:1, 2 wished to establish their righteousness on the basis of observance of the Law. Since Christians are “dead to the Law” such is impossible. [Romans 7:3, 4] See the Biblical Article Jehovah Is Our Lawgiver.

142	Righteousness by means of Christ’s Faith: Or, faith of, faith in. [Romans 4:5; 9:30; Galatians 2:16] Faith has its own work which is centered on love. [Galatians 5:6]

PH3:10 In order that [I might] know Christ 143 and the power of his resurrection. 144 Also sharing his sufferings, being conformed to his death, 145

143	Know Christ: He means more than an intellectual awareness, but a true and intimate relationship.

144	The power of his resurrection: There are several views, but judging from verse 11, Paul means the experience of sharing a resurrection like that of Christ. Compare notes on Romans 6:5. [John 5:25-28]

145	Sharing his sufferings, being conformed to his death: Compare Romans 6:5.

PH3:11 if somehow I might attain unto the [first] resurrection 146 from among those dead.

146

I might attain unto the [first] resurrection: Or, earlier. The Greek is EXANASTASIN [standing up again] [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #1815]. Some see an early rising in the morning from a sleep. [Compare notes on 1 Corinthians 15:23, 50, 51; 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17; Revelation 20:4, 6] For details on the Christian resurrection at the return of Christ see Resurrection – According to Paul in Nazarene Commentary 2000© Biblical Articles.

Philippians 3:12-16 – Forget the Past – Pursue the Goal

PH3:12 Not that I have already received – or have already been perfected. 147 But I continue to pursue it 148 so that I also might receive 149 that for which I also was accepted by Christ Jesus.

147	Or already have been perfected: Or, at the goal. Compare Paul’s remarks here about the year 61/62 with those in 65/66 at 2 Timothy 4:6-8 when he was near his execution.

148	I continue to pursue it: Or, follow after, press on, press forward, press onward.

149	Receive: Or, apprehend, hold on, appropriate, capture, winning the mastery.

PH3:13 Brothers, I do not reckon that I myself have received it. But one thing is certain: forgetting the things of the past, 150 I am straining myself to reach what is in front. 151

150	Forgetting the things of the past: Or, forgetting the things behind. A healthy attitude. Compare the Nazarene at Luke 9:62.

151	I am straining myself to reach what is in front: Or, ASV: stretching forward; TCN: strain every nerve. Compare GDS Luke 13:24. [1 Corinthians 9:24]

PH3:14 Accordingly, I am pursuing [the] goal 152 of the prize of the upward calling 153 of The God incorporate in Christ Jesus.

152	I am pursuing [the] goal: Or, KJV: press toward the mark; RHM: with the goal in view I press on; TAY: I strain to reach the end. [Hebrews 12:1]

153	The prize of the upward calling: Or, KJV: high calling; CON: heavenly calling, TAY: calling us up to heaven. Compare the notes on Hebrews 3:1. The “one hope” of the Christian Church “is eternal life in heaven.” [2 Corinthians 5:1]

PH3:15 So then, all that are mature, 154 let us be minding this. 155 Also, if any of you Philippians think differently about this, 156 The God will reveal it to all of you. 157

154	All that are mature: Or, perfect, full-grown, spiritually adult. [1 Corinthians 2:6; 14:20; Ephesians 4:13, 14 Hebrews 5:14]

155	Let us be minding this: Or, resolve, think thus. Paul has been stressing the theme of the right mind or attitude. Part of the Christ-mind is forgetting the past, and straining for the goal – goal-oriented. [Hebrews 12:1]

156	Think differently about this: Or, disagree, of another mind.

157

God will reveal it to all of you: Or, GDS: you will find that this is the attitude God is leading you to adopt; TAY: God will make it plain to you; GDS: make this clear to you. It is a sad fact that many Christians have lost sight of the goal and have now focused on worldly matters. [Colossians 3:1, 2]

PH3:16 Whatever advancement we have made, 158 let us continue to walk in the same rank and file. 159

158	Whatever advancement we have made: Or, have already reached. Notice Paul’s encouragement regarding Timothy’s advancement. [1 Timothy 4:15]

159

Let us continue to walk in the same rank and file: Or, KJV: walk by the same rule; MOF: let our steps be guided by such truth as we have attained; WMS: continue to live up to that degree of success that we have already reached. The Greek is STOIKHEIN from which “Stoic” is derived. It is a buzzword for the Gnostics – a combination of Greek, Jewish and Egyptian philosophy. It has the meaning of universal principles, or the line by which farmers plowed. For details see STOCHEIA in Colossians.

Philippians 3:17-21 – Imitate Me and Await the Change!

PH3:17 You Philippians, all of you together become imitators of me, 160 brothers, and all of you continue to watch those walking according to our role-model. 161

160	Become imitators of me: Or, KJV: followers; TCN: following my example. Compare 1 Corinthians 11:1. [1 Corinthians 4:16; 2 Thessalonians 3:9; Hebrews 13:7] It takes great confidence to recommend oneself as a role model.

161	Continue to watch those walking according to our role-model: Or, example, pattern. [Hebrews 13:7]

PH3:18 For many are walking as the enemies of the stake 162 of the Christ. I used to mention them often, but now I also weep [regarding them].

162	Many are walking as the enemies of the stake: Paul speaks of former Christians as he has in Philippians 1:15-17. Some of these were the Judaizers who returned to the Law of Moses and the Jewish rituals.

PH3:19 The end of these persons is destruction, for their god is their stomach, 163 and they glory in their shame as those minding earthly things. 164

163	Their god is their stomach: Or, TCN: their appetites are their God; TAY: for their god is good food. It is possible Paul alludes to the Jewish kosher habits and means, “the foods they eat they have made a god.” The Nazarene declared all foods clean. [Mark 7:19] Compare Romans 14:15.

164	Those minding earthly things: Or, GDS: absorbed in earthly matters; PME: this world is the limit of their horizon. Compare Romans 8:5 and Colossians 3:1, 2.

PH3:20 But [in contrast] our citizenship exists in the Celestialum, 165 from where we are eagerly awaiting a savior, 166 [the] Master Jesus Christ.

165

Our citizenship exists in the Celestialum: Or, country, state, colony, commonwealth. The Greek is POLITEUMA. [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #4175] Paul has used a similar word earlier in Philippians 1:27. He means to say in contrast to the Judaizers who are citizens of Jerusalem and Israel. [Ephesians 2:19]

166	From where we are eagerly awaiting a savior: Or, wait, look, expect. That is, the foretold Parousia. Compare Acts 3:20, 21. [Luke 12:36]

PH3:21 [He] who will change the schematic of our lowly body, 167 conforming to his glorious body, 168 just as his inner energy enables him 169 also to subject everything to himself.

167

Will change the schematic of our lowly body: Or, KJV: change our vile body; ASV: fashion anew the body of our humiliation; RHM: transfigure; NWT: refashion. The Greek is METASCHEMEMATISEI [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #3345]. A schematic is a set of engineering plans. Paul discusses thoroughly the process of the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15. The Christian is not raised in the decayed, fleshly body, but an organism of a new type, a new schematic.

168	Conforming to his glorious body: Or, fashioned; NEB: give it a form like that of his own resplendent body. A body not of flesh and blood, but heavenly, incorruptible, glorious, powerful, and immortal. [1 Corinthians 15:40-51]

169

As his inner energy enables him: Or, ALF: according to the working of his power; NAS: by the exertion of the power that he has. The Greek is ENERGIAN, or an inner operation. Whether the “him” is Christ or God is not clear. Based on 1 Corinthians 15:24-28 and Hebrews 2:5-9 it is the Father who subjects everything unto the Son and not the Son himself.

Review Questions on Chapter Three

Summary Questions on Chapter Three