Philippians 3:7-4:13

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Philippians 3:4-8

The apostle here proposes himself for an example of trusting in Christ only, and not in his privileges as an Israelite. I. He shows what he had to boast of as a Jew and a Pharisee. Let none think that the apostle despised these things (as men commonly do) because he had them not himself to glory in. No, if he would have gloried and trusted in the flesh, he had as much cause to do so as any man: If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof to trust in the flesh, I more, Phil. 3:4. He had as... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Philippians 3:4-7

3:4-7 And yet it remains true that I have every ground of confidence from the human point of view. If anyone has reason to think that he has grounds for confidence in his human heritage and attainments, I have more. I was circumcised when I was eight days old: I am of the race of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin: I am a Hebrew, born of Hebrew parents. As far as the Law goes, I was a Pharisee: as for zeal, I was a persecutor of the Churches: as for the righteousness which is in the Law, I was... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Philippians 3:4-7

So far Paul has been stating the privileges which came to him by birth; now he goes on to state his achievements in the Jewish faith. (i) He was a Hebrew born of Hebrew parents. This is not the same as to say that he was a true Israelite. The point is this. The history of the Jews had dispersed them all over the world. In every town and in every city and in every country there were Jews. There were tens of thousands of them in Rome; and in Alexandria there were more than a million. They... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philippians 3:7

But what things were gain to me ,.... As circumcision, and the observance of the ceremonial law, which he thought were necessary to salvation; and his natural and lineal descent from Abraham, which he supposed entitled him to the favour of God, and eternal life, as well as to outward privileges; and his being of that strict sect of religion, a Pharisee, which he doubted not, being brought up and continued in, would secure to him everlasting happiness; and his zeal in persecuting the church... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 3:7

But what things were gain - The credit and respect which I had, as being zealously attached to the law, and to the traditions of the elders, I counted loss for Christ - I saw that this could stand me in no stead; that all my acts of righteousness were nothing on which I could depend for salvation; and that Christ crucified could alone profit me; for I found that it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sin. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 3:7

Verse 7 7.What things were gain to me He says, that those things were gain to him, for ignorance of Christ is the sole reason why we are puffed up with a vain confidence. Hence, where we see a false estimate of one’s own excellence, where we see arrogance, where we see pride, there let us be assured that Christ is not known. On the other hand, so soon as Christ shines forth all those things that formerly dazzled our eyes with a false splendor instantly vanish, or at least are disesteemed. Those... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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

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