PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS
| UBS4 | NKJV | NRSV | TEV | NJB |
| The True Righteousness | All for Christ | A Warning | The True Righteousness | The True Way of Christian Salvation |
| 3:1-11 | 3:1-11 | 3:1b | 3:1-11 | 3:1b-16 |
| 3:2-4a | ||||
| 3:4b-6 | ||||
| 3:7-11 | ||||
| Pressing Toward the Mark | Pressing Toward the Goal | Confession and Exhortation |
Running Toward the Goal | |
| 3:12-16 | 3:12-16 | 3:12-16 | 3:12-14 | |
| 3:15-16 | ||||
| Our Citizenship in Heaven | ||||
| 3:17-4:1 | 3:17-4:1 | 3:17-4:1 | 3:17-21 | 3:17-4:1 |
READING CYCLE THREE (from “A
Guide to Good Bible Reading“)
FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR’S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary, which means
that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us
must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority
in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject
divisions with the five modern translations. Paragraphing is not inspired, but
it is the key to following the original author’s intent, which is the heart of
interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one main subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
WORD AND PHRASE STUDY
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 3:1
1Finally, my brethren, rejoice
in the Lord. To write the same things
again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.
3:1 “finally” This is literally “for the rest” (loipon).
Paul often used this term to make the transition to a new subject, usually at
the close of the letter (cf. II Cor. 13:11; Eph. 6:10; I Thess. 4:8; II Thess.
3:1).
▣”rejoice in the Lord” This is a recurrent theme.
Rejoice in suffering, rejoice in salvation, rejoice in Him!
▣ “To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and
it is a safeguard for you” Major truths need to be repeated for emphasis,
impact and retention. Paul must have said these things to them orally while in
Philippi and could possibly have written to them in a previous letter.
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 3:2-6
2Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil
workers, beware of the false circumcision;
3for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit
of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh, 4although
I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to
put confidence in the flesh, I far more: 5circumcised the eighth day,
of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to
the Law, a Pharisee; 6as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to
the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.
3:2 “Beware of the dogs” This is a
present active imperative of “look out for” (blepō),
repeated three times for emphasis. The rabbis called the Gentiles “dogs.” Paul
changed the phrase to refer to the false teachers. The term “dogs” in the OT
referred to (1) male prostitutes (cf. Deut. 23:18) or (2) evil people (cf. Ps.
22:16,20). Culturally the idiom refers to vicious street mongrels. These false
teachers were like ravenous dogs and vicious unbelievers (cf. Matt. 7:6; Gal.
5:15; Rev. 22:15).
NASB“false-circumcision”
NKJV“the mutilation”
NRSV“those who mutilate the flesh”
TEV“who insist on cutting the body”
NJB“self-mutilation”
This is a reference to the Judaizers’ insistence on
circumcision (cf. Acts 15:1,5; Gal.5:2-3, 12). They basically taught that one
had to be Jewish before he could be Christian. Becoming a proselyte Jew involved
being circumcised, baptizing yourself, and offering a sacrifice in the temple.
Circumcision became a metaphor for taking on “the yoke” of the Mosaic Law.
3:3
NASB, NKJV,
NRSV“the true circumcision”
TEV“the true circumcision”
NJB“the true people of the circumcision”
This spiritual/faith circumcision is described in Rom.
2:28-29 and Gal. 3:29. The church in some ways is spiritual Israel (cf. Gal.
6:16). In the OT, circumcision was the sign of the Abrahamic Covenant (cf. Gen.
17:11,14,23-25). It involved a proper attitude, not just a physical ritual (cf.
Lev. 26:41; Deut. 10:16; and Jer. 4:4). True spiritual circumcision is described
by three present active participles:
1. the ones worshiping in or by the Spirit of
God
2. the ones glorying in Christ
3. the ones not putting confidence in the
flesh
NASB“glory in Christ Jesus”
NKJV“rejoice in Christ Jesus”
NRSV“and boast in Christ Jesus”
TEV“rejoice in our life in union with
Christ Jesus”
NJB“and make Christ Jesus our boast”
Paul often uses this word (cf. Rom.
2:23; 3:27; 4:2; 5:2,3,11; 11:18; 15:17; I Cor. 1:31; 3:21; 4:7; 5:6; 7:14;
8:24; 9:2,4,11, 15,16; 10:8,13,15,16; 11:10,12; II Cor. 1:14; 5:12; 7:4; 10:17;
11:17,18,30; 12:1,5,6,9,11; Gal. 6:4,13,14; Eph. 2:9; Phil. 1:26; 2:16; 3:3; II
Thess. 1:4). It is translated according to the context as “rejoice,” “boast,”
“confident pride,” or “exalt.”
NASB“put no confidence in the flesh”
NKJV, NRSV“have no confidence in the flesh”
TEV“we do not put any trust in external
ceremonies”
NJB“not relying on physical
qualifications”
This term implies a confident boasting in something or
someone. This phrase is in contrast to the previous phrase. Paul’s relationship
with Christ and his understanding of the gospel gave him confidence.
This may refer to the Jewish pride of lineage from Abraham
(cf. vv. 4-5; Matt. 3:9; John 8:33,37,39). It surely refers to Jewish rituals
like circumcision (cf. Acts 15 and Galatians).
3:4 “if” This is a first class conditional sentence which was assumed to be true from
the author’s perspective or for his literary purposes.
▣ “I far more” Paul reluctantly compares his Jewish
credentials with those of the Judaizers. They had no racial or religious
superiority over him (cf. vv. 5-6; II Cor. 11:22). Paul defended himself because
by attacking him, they were attempting to discredit the gospel.
3:5 “circumcised the eighth day” The Jews circumcised
on the 8th day after birth (cf. Gen. 17:9-14; Lev. 12:3). Flavius Josephus tells
us that the Arabs circumcised at the age of 13, following Gen. 17:23-27.
▣ “of the nation of Israel” For a list of the
privileges of the Jewish people, see Rom. 9:4-5, 11:1.
▣ “tribe of Benjamin” This was the tribe of Israel’s
first king, Saul. It was also part of the southern kingdom, Judah, after the
tribes divided in 922
b.c.
▣ “a Hebrew of Hebrews” This idiom refers to either
(1) pure racial stock or (2) his speaking the Hebrew (Aramaic) language.
3:6 “as to the Law, a Pharisee” This was the
conservative popular sect within Judaism which developed during the Maccabean
period (cf. John 3:1). They desired to keep the Mosaic Law in every detail (cf.
Acts 26:4-5). They had detailed regulations for every area of life which had
developed over time in the discussion between the two schools of rabbis (Shammai
and Hillel). Their oral traditions were later codified into the Babylonian and
Palestinian Talmuds. Nicodemas and Joseph of Arimathea were positive examples of
their sincerity and dedication.
▣ “as to zeal” Enthusiasm is not automatically from
God (cf. Rom. 10:2).
▣ “a persecutor of the church”
Saul apparently imprisoned and possibly even killed believers (cf. Acts 8:3;
9:1,13,21; I Cor. 15:9; Gal. 1:13-14,23; I Tim. 1:13). This is an obvious
reference to the Church universal (cf. Matt. 16:18; Eph. 1:22; 3:10,21;
5:23-32). See Special Topic: Church (Ekklesia) at Col. 1:18.
▣”concerning the righteousness which is in the law,
blameless” Paul was speaking of his pre-Christian understanding of the
Mosaic Law (cf. Mark 10:20) and its interpretation (Talmud). If these false
teachers wanted to rejoice in their Jewishness, Paul could also (cf. II Cor.
11:16-23). See Special Topic at Eph. 4:24.
The term “blameless” was originally used in the OT of
sacrificial animals (cf. 2:15). It does not mean “sinless” (cf. Gen. 6:9,17; Job
1:1), but one who had fulfilled that which he understood of God’s will. See
Special Topic: Blameless at Col. 1:22.
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 3:7-11
7But whatever things were gain to me, those
things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8More than
that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing
Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count
them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, 9and may be found in Him,
not having a righteousness of my own derived from
the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness
which comes from God on the basis of faith,
10that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the
fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; 11in
order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
3:7 “I have counted as loss” This is a perfect middle (deponent) indicative. Paul came to see how useless ritual and rules were as a
means of obtaining and maintaining true righteousness (cf. Col. 2:16-23). This
was a major theological shift of emphasis from Paul’s previous religious
training and lifestyle which occurred at his Damascus road conversion (cf. Acts
9:1-22; 23:3-16, 26:9-18).
3:8-11 These verses are one sentence in Greek.
3:8 “I count” This is a present middle (deponent) indicative. This term is used three times in verses 7 & 8. This is a
business term for “forfeit.” All Paul previously trusted in for righteousness
(his race and religious performance) he now was counting as “loss.”
NASB, NRSV“in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord”
NKJV“for the excellent knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord”
TEV“for the sake of what is much more valuable, the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord”
NJB“because of the supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord”
The key to Christianity is a
personal relationship with Jesus. In Hebrew “know” implies intimate personal
relationship, not facts about something or someone (cf. Gen. 4:1; Jer. 1:5).
The gospel is (1) a person to welcome; (2) a content to
believe; and (3) a life to be lived! For “the surpassing value” (huperechō)
see Special Topic: Paul’s Use of Huper Compounds at Eph. 1:19. This same
word is used in 2:3; 3:8; and 4:7.
▣”I have suffered the loss of all things” This is an
aorist passive indicative. This could refer to his family, his
inheritance, his religious merit and/or his rabbinical training. Everything he
had previously considered valuable suddenly lost all its value! Everything
changed on the Damascus road (cf. Acts 9; 22:3-16; 26:9-18).
NASB, NKJV“count them but rubbish”
NRSV“regard them as rubbish”
TEV“I consider it all as mere garbage”
NJB“and look on them all as filth”
This is literally the term for
“dung” or possibly a popular abbreviation of the phrase “thrown to the dogs”
(cf. v. 2). Metaphorically it meant “of no value.”
▣ “that I may gain Christ” This is an
aorist active subjunctive. Paul uses this commercial term metaphorically,
“to gain” or “to win” Christ or the gospel as in 1:21; 3:7,8; and I Cor. 9:19-22
[five times]. In Titus 1:11 he uses it in a literal sense.
3:9 “and may be found in Him” This is an
aorist passive subjunctive. It expresses Paul’s deepest prayer. “In Him”
or “in Christ” was Paul’s favorite grammatical construction for believers (for a
good example notice Eph. 1:3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10 [three times], 12, 13 [twice]).
▣ “not having a righteousness of my own derived from the
Law” This is the key issue (cf. Rom. 3:9-18,21-31). How is a mankind
right with God? Performance or grace? This was once and for all answered for
Paul on the Damascus road (cf. Acts 9; 22:3-16; 26:9-18). See Special Topic at
Eph. 4:24.
▣”but that which is through faith in Christ” Faith
is how individuals receive the gift of the grace of God in Christ (cf. Rom.
3:24; 6:23; Eph. 2:8-9). Faith and repentance are two necessary aspects of
mankind’s response to the new covenant (cf. Mark1:15; Acts 3:16,19; 20:21).
▣”The righteousness which
comes from God on the basis of faith” Righteousness is a gift from
God (cf. dōrea, Rom. 5:15; II Cor. 9:15; Eph. 3:7; dōrēma, Rom.
5:16;
dōron, Eph. 2:8; charisma, Rom. 6:23). He always takes the
initiative (cf. John 6:44,65). God desires that all humans be saved (cf. Ezek.
18:23,32; I Tim. 2:4; II Pet. 3:9); He has provided a way for all humans to be
saved! They must respond and continue to respond to God’s offer by
1. repentance
2. faith
3. obedience
4. service
5. perseverance
See Special Topic at Eph. 4:24.
3:10 “the power of His resurrection”
This must refer to believers’ new life in Christ. This series of phrases in v.
10 may reflect Paul’s sufferings for the gospel (cf. II Cor. 4:7-12,16; 6:4-10;
11:23-28) which included his current imprisonment.
Others see all these phrases in v. 10 as aspects of
believers’ mystical union with Christ or their Christlike maturity. As Jesus was
perfected by the things He suffered (cf. Heb. 5:8) so believers are matured by
suffering (cf. Rom. 5:1-5).
▣ “the fellowship of His sufferings” Suffering is a
common theme of the Christian experience of the first several centuries as it is
in many societies in the world today (cf. Rom. 8:17; I Thess. 3:3; II Tim. 3:12;
I Pet. 3:14; 4:12-19). As believers share Jesus’ victory, they also share His
ministry (cf. Matt. 10:24; Luke 6:40; John 13:14-16; 15:20; 17:18; 20:21; II
Tim. 3:12). See Special Topic: Koinōnia at 2:1.
▣”being conformed to His death” This is a
present passive participle. Believers must be dead to sin and self and
alive to God (cf. Matt. 16:24-26; Rom. 6:1-11; Gal. 2:20; Col. 3:3). True life
is preceded by death to the old life!
3:11 This is a third class
conditional sentence which meant probable future action. Verse 11 must be
interpreted in light of verse 10. This phrase does not express doubt about
salvation, but humility!
▣”I may attain” Here again is the dialectical or
paradoxical model of Paul’s theology. Paul knew he was a Christian and that as
Christ was raised by the Spirit so he would also be raised (cf. Rom. 8:9-11).
However, Paul saw salvation not only as a past completed event (cf. Acts 15:11;
Rom. 8:24; II Tim. 1:9; Titus 3:5), but also an ongoing process (cf. I Cor.
1:18; 15:2; II Cor. 2:15) and ultimately in a future consummation (cf. Rom.
5:9,10; 10:9; I Cor. 3:15; Phil. 1:28; I Thess. 5:8-9; Heb. 1:14; 9:28).
Christianity is resting in the character and gift of God in Christ and an
aggressive, constant, vigorous life of grateful service to God (cf. Eph. 2:8-9
and 10). George E. Ladd’s A Theology of the New Testament, pp. 521-522,
has a good discussion on this subject.
▣”resurrection” This is an unusual compound term. It
is found only here in the NT. It is literally “out of the dead into
resurrection life.” Paul has been discussing the intimate personal
relationship between himself and the resurrected Christ. He longed for the
end-time day when he, too, would experience physical resurrection as he already
had experienced spiritual resurrection (cf Rom. 6:4-11; II Cor. 5:17; I John
3:2). This is part of the “already but not yet” tension of the Kingdom of God,
the overlapping of the two Jewish ages.
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 3:12-16
12Not that I have already obtained it or have
already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which
also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13Brethren, I do not regard
myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what
lies behind and reaching forward to what lies
ahead, 14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call
of God in Christ Jesus. 15Let us therefore, as many as are perfect,
have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will
reveal that also to you; 16however, let us keep living by that same
standard to which we have attained.
3:12 “Not that I have already obtained it” Paul lived
in the tension of the present but not yet consummated Kingdom of God. He knew
Christ, he knew who he was in Christ, he knew he was accepted by Christ but he
struggled with Christlike living (cf. Romans 7). Paul had arrived but had not
fully arrived; he was complete but not fully complete.
Some ancient Greek manuscripts, P46, D*, and G,
add “or have been righteous.” This addition is also found in the Greek texts
used by Irenaeus and Ambrosiaster. However, the shorter text is supported by MSS
P61, א , A, B, Dc, K, and P as
well as the ancient translations, the Vulgate, the Syrian, and the Coptic.
NASB, TEV“or have already become perfect”
NKJV“or am already perfected”
NRSV“or have already reached the goal”
NJB“nor yet reached my goal”
This is a
perfect passive indicative with the implication that
something happened in the past which has become a settled state and this was
accomplished by God. The term itself meant
1. fully developed
2. fully equipped
3. complete
4. mature
5. adequate
It did not have the English connotation of perfection or sinlessness.
▣ “I press on” This is a
present active indicative. This was originally a hunting
term meaning “to pursue an animal.” It came to be used metaphorically of a foot
race. Paul did not pursue salvation (cf. Rom. 9:30) but a maturity, a
Christlikeness (cf. Rom. 6:4-9).
NASB“in order that I may lay hold of that
for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus”
NKJV“that I may lay hold of that for
which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me”
NRSV“to make it my own, because Christ
Jesus has made me his own”
TEV“to win the prize for which Christ
Jesus has already won me to himself”
NJB“in the attempt to take hold of the
prize for which Christ Jesus took hold of me”
This section starts with a
third class conditional sentence
(using ei instead of ean) which means probable future action (cf.
v. 11). It can refer to (1) salvation (v. 9); (2) Christlikeness (v. 10); or (3)
resurrection (v. 11).
This is a strong Greek word. Paul was “snatched” by Christ
on the road to Damascus (cf. Acts 9:1-22; 22:3-16; 26:9-18). The One whose
followers he persecuted now confronted him as the resurrected Lord. Theology and
personal experience merged! Paul now sought to be like those and Him whom he
once attacked.
3:13 “I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet”
This is a Perfect active infinitive. This term is used
three times in vv. 12-13. Paul strove to be mature in Christ but he knew that he
fell short of Christlike maturity (cf. Romans 7). Yet the great truth of the
gospel is that in Christ he (and all believers) were already complete (justified
and sanctified, cf. Rom. 8:29-30).
The terms “regard,” “impute,” or “reckon” (cf. Rom 4:3;
6:11; I Cor. 13:5) all refer to a mental affirmation whereby fallen mankind
understands the gospel and chooses to live in light of its new truth and new
worldview in Christ!
There is a manuscript variation in this sentence with the
word “yet” versus “not.” The ancient texts are split between these two options.
The best explanation is that scribes changed Paul’s “not” to “not yet” because
they perhaps thought he was being too modest. Like most manuscript variations
this affects interpretation very little.
▣ “forgetting what lies
behind” This is a present middle
(deponent) participle. Paul started over spiritually. He
had left his Jewish past. However, because it is
present tense this phrase may include his Apostolic work
or present imprisonment. His spiritual standing before God was not based on
human performance, past or present!
▣ “reaching forward to what
lies ahead” This is another present middle (deponent) participle. This is the first in a series of athletic terms. It
meant “a runner stretching for the goal.” It is an intensified compound with two prepositions, epi and ek. Paul vigorously lived a life
of gratitude. After being saved his intensity level remained high but the motive
was radically changed from self-effort to gospel service.
3:14 This is a series of athletic metaphors. They
show us the strenuous effort needed for the Christian life (cf. I Cor. 9:24,27;
Heb. 12:1).
▣ “upward call of God” See
Special Topic: Called at Eph. 4:1.
3:15 “as many as are perfect” This is the same term
“perfect” as v. 12 but Paul is using it in two different senses. Christians can
be mature without being sinless (cf. I Cor. 2:6; 14:20; Eph. 4:13; Heb. 5:14;
6:1).
▣ “let us. . .have this attitude” Paul often refers
to the mental processes. Paul uses several of the Greek words for reasoning or
thinking. This is a present active subjunctive of “phroneō“
(cf. 1:7; 3:15,19); “ginosko” (cf.1:12); “psuchē” (cf. 1:27); “noēma“
(cf. 4:7); “logizomai” (cf. 4:9); “manthano” (cf. 4:9, 11).
Believers are to worship God with their minds (cf. Deut. 6:23, quoted in Matt.
22:36-38; Mark 12:29-34; Luke 10:27-28). True Christianity cannot be
anti-intellectual. However, we must not trust in our fallen human reasoning, but
in God’s self disclosure (Scripture).
▣”if” This is a first class conditional sentence, which is assumed to be true from
the author’s perspective or for his literary purposes. There were those in the
fellowship who did have a “different attitude.”
▣ “God will reveal that also to you” There is
disagreement among believers about many aspects of the faith. Paul felt
confident that the new covenant which involved an indwelling Spirit, a new
heart, and a new mind would eventually inform and reform all believers (cf. Jer.
31:31-34; Ezek. 36:26-27; John 6:45; Eph. 1:17; I Thess. 4:9; I John 2:27).
In context this phrase reveals Paul’s view about the
authority of his message. He felt he was led by the Spirit (cf. I Cor. 2:10;
7:10-12; 11:23; 14:37-38; II Cor. 10:8; 12:1; Gal. 1:12,16; 2:2; II Thess.
3:14). This was another way to reflect his sense of apostolic authority.
This could be interpreted in two
ways: (1) God will reveal His truth to errant believers or (2) God will reveal
to believers those who are errant in their doctrine or practice. In context #2
seems best.
3:16
NASB“however, let us keep living by the same
standard to which we have attained”
NKJV“Nevertheless, to the degree that we have
already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind”
NRSV“Only let us hold fast to what we have
attained”
TEV“However that may be, let us go forward
according to the same rules we have followed until now”
NJB” Meanwhile, let us go forward
from the point we have each attained”
This verse is Paul’s admonition to
continue to live as Christians (cf. Eph. 4:1, 17; 5:2,15). Believers are
justified and sanctified by God’s gift through faith in Christ, but they must
continue to strive toward Christlike maturity (cf. II Cor. 3:18).
There is a series of additions to the verse in the ancient
Greek manuscripts. The shortest text (NASB and NRSV) is found in the Greek
manuscripts P16, P46, א*,
A, B. The UBS4 gives this shorter text an “A” rating (certain). The
Textus Receptus adds “let us be of the same mind” (NKJV) which is found in MSS אc, K, and P. There are several other additions which
seems to show the scribal tendency to modify and add to this verse.
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 3:17-4:1
17Brethren, join in following my example, and
observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. 18For
many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they
are enemies of the cross of Christ, 19whose end is destruction,
whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame,
who set their minds on earthly things.
20For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait
for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;
21who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity
with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to
subject all things to Himself.
4:1Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long
to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my
beloved.
3:17 “Join in following my example” This verse has two
present imperatives. Paul is encouraging them to follow
him as he followed Christ (cf. 4:9; I Cor. 4:16; 11:1; I Thess. 1:6; II Thess.
3:7,9). This phrase is logically linked to vv. 15-16. Notice how Paul’s example
is expanded to include his missionary team and possibly Epaphroditus
(“my”-“us”).
▣ “Example” See Special Topic following.
3:18 “for many walk of whom I often told you” There
were, and are, false teachers in the church. In this book they could be either
Judaizers (cf. 3:2-16), as in the book of Galatians and Acts 15, or Gnostics
(cf. I John 2:18,22; 4:1-6). The only way to protect oneself from error is to
know, embrace, and live the truth! False teachers are sharp, logical,
articulate, and attractive people. Trust the Son; follow the Book; yield to the
Spirit!
▣ “even weeping” This is a term for intense grief
(cf. Matt. 2:18; 26:75; Mark 5:38-39; John 11:31; James 4:9; 5:1). Paul took no
joy in others who were in moral or theological error.
▣ “enemies of the cross of Christ” There is
uncertainty about the identity of these “enemies of the cross.” The phrases used
by Paul are so intense they seem to refer to the unbelieving false teachers of
3:2-16. The sins listed in v. 19 do not fit legalistic Jews, but Greek
antinomian false teachers or possibly Christian converts who have reverted to
former pagan lifestyles (cf. Col. 2:16-23; II Pet. 2:20-22). The context favors
the last option. But, if so, the contrast of v. 20 implies that Paul thought
they were not truly saved (cf. Matt. 7:13; I John 2:19; II Pet. 2:1-22; Rev.
2:4-5; 10-11; 16-17; 25-26; 3:2,5,11,21).
Be careful that your systematic (denominational,
experiential, cultural) theology does not interpret this text. Literary context
and the original author’s intent must be the major criteria. The NT is not a
systematic presentation of truth but an eastern, paradoxical genre. The NT
regularly presents truths in seemingly contradictory pairs (paradox). The
Christian life is a tension- filled life of assurance and hope as well as
responsibility and warning! Salvation is not a product but a new life!
3:19
NASB, NKJV,
NRSV“whose end is destruction”
TEV“they are going to end up in hell”
NJB“they are destined to be lost”
These were sincere, informed,
religious people. Paul uses this term
apōleia to describe God’s ultimate judgment (cf. 1:28; Rom. 9:22; II
Thess. 2:3; I Tim. 6:9). However, in the Gospels it must be admitted that it was
used in the sense of “wasted” (cf. Matt. 26:8; Mark 14:4). Therefore, it is
impossible to know to whom Paul is referring (believers or nonbelievers).
NASB“whose god is
their appetite”
NKJV, NRSV“whose god is their belly”
TEV“because their god is their bodily
desires”
NJB“their god is their stomach”
This shows their tendency toward (1)
antinomian practices or (2) gluttony and materialism. This sounds more like
Greek false teachers (cf. Rom. 16:17-18) than Jewish legalists (cf. 3:2-6). TEV
may have captured the metaphorical meaning,”because their god is their bodily
desires.”
▣ “whose glory is in their shame” This could
refer to
1. the Judaizers’ emphasis on circumcision or
Jewish pride
2. the Gnostics’ emphasis on knowledge
3. the Libertines’ immoral lifestyle
These false teachers were proud of the very things for which they should have
been ashamed! The false teachers of the NT are often characterized by financial
and/or sexual exploitation.
▣ “who set their minds on earthly things” This shows
the origin of much of humanity’s religiosity (cf. Isa. 29:13; Col. 2:16-23;
3:1-2).
3:20
NASB, NKJV“For our citizenship is in heaven”
NRSV“But our citizenship is in heaven”
TEV“We, however, are citizens of heaven”
NJB“But our homeland is in heaven”
This verse is a contrast to vv.
18-19. The pronoun “our” is emphatic.
“Heaven” is plural (cf. II Cor. 12:2; Eph. 4:10; Heb. 4:14; 7:26) following the
Hebrew usage (shamayim). Possibly Paul was using the Roman colonial
status of this city as an illustration (cf. 1:27).
▣ “we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ”
Paul often uses this term “eagerly wait” in relation to the Second Coming (cf.
Rom. 8:19,23,25; I Cor. 1:7; Gal. 5:5; Heb. 9:28). Believers’ desire for the
Second Coming is one evidence of their relationship with Christ and an impetus
for Christlike living (cf. Rom. 8:19, 23; I Cor. 1:7).
Paul’s emphasis on the Lord’s return is recurrent, but his
understanding of the time element is ambiguous. There are several passages in
which Paul includes himself in the group who would be alive at the Second Coming
(cf. I Cor. 15:51-52; II Corinthians 5; Phil. 3:20; I Thess. 4:15,17). However,
there are other passages where he asserts a future return beyond his own
lifetime (cf. I Cor. 6:14; II Cor. 4:14 and especially II Thessalonians). It is
possible that the “we” of the first group of texts is literary, or that Paul’s
views on this subject developed. It is difficult to suppose that an inspired
author “developed” his theology. A better approach is to assert a dialectical
model. Paul, like all NT writers, asserted the certainty and “soon-ness” of the
Second Coming. Believers are to live in light of the any-moment return of the
Lord! However, Jesus (Matthew 24) and Paul (II Thessalonians 2) spoke of
historical events that must occur before the Second Coming. Both are somehow
true! The return of Jesus is a motivating hope of every generation of believers
but the reality of only one generation!
This is one of two times Paul calls Jesus “Savior” (cf. Eph.
5:23) before the Pastoral Letters (I Timothy, II Timothy, Titus), in which he
uses the title ten times. This term came to be a title for the Roman Emperor. In
Titus there is a parallel in the use of this term between God the Father and
Jesus the Son (cf. 1:3 vs. 1:4; 2:10 vs. 2:13; 3:4 vs. 3:6). The early
Christians were willing to face death rather than relinquish this title to the
Emperor. Both “Savior” and “Lord” were Imperial Roman titles used by Christians
exclusively for Jesus.
3:21 “who will transform the body of our humble state into
conformity with the body of His glory”
Paul put a positive emphasis on believers’ bodily existence (cf. II Cor.
5:1-10), both here and in heaven. This is referred to theologically as
glorification (cf. Rom. 8:30; I John 3:2), when salvation will be consummated
and fully realized. Our body of dust (cf. Ps. 103:14) will be exchanged and
remade (I Thess. 4:13-18) into a spiritual body like Jesus’ (cf. I Cor. 15:45; I
John 3:2).
▣ “He has even to subject all things to Himself” The
resurrected Christ is Lord of all (cf. I Cor. 15:24-28; Col. 1:20).
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you
are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk
in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in
interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you
think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be
thought provoking, not definitive.
1. Who is Paul referring to in verse 2?
2. Why does Paul give his Jewish credentials?
3. Practically, how does v. 10 relate to believers?
4. Are these false teachers saved?
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