Philippians 3:7-8 NIV

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:1-16

The true circumcision. Contemplated close of the Epistle. "Finally my brethren, rejoice in the Lord." It would seem that, at this point, the apostle contemplated bringing the Epistle to a close. He intimates that, in addition to what he has already said, he has only this further to say. He falls back on what has already been noticed as the key-note of the Epistle. Addressing them as his brethren, he calls upon them to rejoice in the Lord. He recognized no joy but what was in the Lord. We... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:4-7

The apostle's estimate of his high privileges as a Jew. The Judaists arrogated to themselves high privileges by virtue of their descent. The apostle shows that they can claim no superiority of privilege above himself, though he finds in these very privileges a quite insufficient ground of religious confidence. I. HE REPUDIATES SACRAMENTAL EFFICACY . "Circumcised the eighth day." He was thus distinguished alike from the proselyte, who was circumcised on his conversion, and from... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:4-7

Pride of birth and breeding. Having touched on the subject of self-confidence, Paul can quote his own experience on the point. For many years he thought he might plume himself even more than other men on his pedigree and his personal rower. He had lived in the haze of self-satisfaction, and could quote a genealogy and personal record second to none. It becomes amusing in a Pharisee of the first century, and yet we have people who are just as ridiculous in their pride of birth and of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:4-8

The cost and the value of personal Christianity. "Though I might also have confidence in the flesh," etc. Notice— I. THE COST WHICH THE APOSTLE PAID FOR HIS CHRISTIANITY . Metaphorically he sold a property that he at one time valued beyond, all price, and that his countrymen regarded as the wealthiest inheritance. Here he gives a summary of the distinguished privileges which belonged to him. 1 . He refers to his Church status. "Circumcised the eighth day."... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:4-11

The example of St. Paul. I. WHAT HE RENOUNCED . All confidence in the flesh. 1 . He enumerates the privileges of the Jew , and claims them as his own. He had the seal of circumcision, the inheritance of the covenant; he was brought up in the Hebrew learning; he belonged to the strictest sect; he was zealous; he had lived a blameless life. In outward grounds of confidence no man could surpass him. He had all the privileges that could issue from the Judaism of the time. 2 ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:7

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ ; literally, but such things as used to be gains to me , those I have counted as loss for Christ ' s sake. He used to regard these outward privileges, one by one, as so many items of gain; now he has learned to regard them, all in the aggregate, as so much loss because of Christ. They were loss because confidence in outward things tends to keep the soul from Christ. τοῦ γὰρ ἡλίου φανέτος , says Chrysostom, ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:7-8

All loss for Christ is gain. No one of the early Christians was favored with richer religious endowments or with higher rank than those enjoyed by St. Paul, and no one was called to make more heavy social and ecclesiastical sacrifices in entering the Church. Yet the apostle regarded his former wealth of privileges as so much loss because it was a hindrance to his receiving true wealth in Christ, and the winning of Christ as not simply a balance of profit, but as wholly a gain; so that,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:8

Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss . He holds fast the truth which he once learned; he still counts all things as loss in comparison with the one thing needful. The particles used here (see Winer, sect. liii.) correct and strengthen the assertion of the last verse, both as to time, "I count," and as to extent, "all things," not only the privileges mentioned above . For the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord . The preposition may be rendered "for the sake of,"... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:8

The excellency of the knowledge of Christ. "I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord." I. THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST . 1 . It implies a knowledge of the way of salt , afloat , the Word of God being our guide. ( Romans 10:17 .) Eternal life hinges upon it. "This is life eternal, to know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" ( John 17:3 ). It is by this knowledge we are justified. "By his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:8-9

The knowledge of Christ the one thing needful. I. WHAT IT IS . To know him is to know God, and to know God is eternal life. It is not knowledge abo u t him, but knowledge of him, that we need. We must know him as we know a person. II. HOW WE MUST SEEK THIS . All things that hinder us from obtaining this knowledge must be surrendered. Even such things as we have hitherto made a boast of must go if they are preventing us from knowing him. Our reputation for... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:1-16

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:4-7

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:4-7

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:4-8

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:4-11

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:7

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:7-8

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:8

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:8

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:8-9

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