Exposition of Philippians 3:7-11 and Its Application
Exposition of Philippians 3:7-11
Philippians 3:7-11 reads: "But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith — that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead" [4].
Literary Context
This passage is part of Paul's autobiographical reflection in Philippians 3, where he contrasts his former life under the law with his current life in Christ. The surrounding verses (Philippians 3:1-6 and 3:12-14) emphasize the importance of rejoicing in the Lord and pressing on toward the goal of knowing Christ [3].
Historical Setting
The letter to the Philippians was written by Paul during his imprisonment, likely in Rome around 61-63 AD. The Philippians were a community Paul had founded during his second missionary journey (Acts 16:9-40). The letter is characterized by its warm tone and Paul's deep affection for the Philippian church [5].
Key Terms and Exegetical Decisions
The passage is rich in significant terms, including "gain" (κέρδη, kerde), "loss" (ζημία, zemia), and "rubbish" (σκύβαλα, skubala), which Paul uses to describe his attitude toward his former privileges and achievements. The term "righteousness from God" (δικαιοσύνη θεοῦ, dikaiosunē theou) is also crucial, as it highlights the distinction between a righteousness based on the law and one that comes through faith in Christ [4].
One major exegetical decision in this passage involves understanding the nature of Paul's "gain" and "loss." Paul's former "gain" refers to his Jewish heritage and accomplishments under the law, which he now considers as "loss" or "rubbish" in comparison to the value of knowing Christ. This radical revaluation underscores the surpassing worth of Christ [1].
Range of Interpretations
According to Calvin, Paul's statement about counting all things as "rubbish" signifies the extreme contempt he has for his former life, emphasizing the surpassing value of knowing Christ [4]. The Tyndale House commentary notes that Paul's pursuit of Christ is characterized by a deep longing to know him and be conformed to his death, highlighting the transformative power of the resurrection [6].
Application and Tradition
The passage has been influential in Christian tradition, particularly in discussions about the nature of righteousness and the Christian life. It has been used to emphasize the importance of faith in Christ over adherence to the law. In Reformed theology, this passage is often cited to support the doctrine of justification by faith alone [4].
The concept of "knowing Christ" in Philippians 3:10 has also been a subject of reflection. According to the Tyndale House commentary on Philippians, this knowledge involves a deep, personal relationship with Christ, characterized by sharing in his sufferings and being conformed to his death [6].
The passage concludes with Paul's expression of his desire to attain the resurrection from the dead, a theme that is echoed in other Pauline letters (e.g., 2 Timothy 2:18). This eschatological hope underscores the Christian's ultimate goal and motivation [2].
Sources
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Philippians 3:7 cross-references: Genesis 19:17, Genesis 19:26, Job 2:4, Proverbs 13:8, Proverbs 23:23, Ecclesiastes 3:6, Matthew 13:44, Matthew 16:26, Mark 10:50, Luke 14:26, Luke 14:33, Luke 16:8, Luke 17:31, Acts 27:18, Acts 27:38, Galatians 2:15, Galatians 5:2, Philippians 3:4, Philippians 3:8”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Philippians 3:11 cross-references: Psalms 49:7, Luke 14:14, Luke 20:35, John 11:24, Acts 23:6, Acts 26:7, Acts 27:12, Romans 11:14, 1 Corinthians 9:22, 1 Corinthians 9:27, 2 Corinthians 11:3, 1 Thessalonians 3:5, 2 Thessalonians 2:3, Hebrews 11:35, Revelation 20:5”
- Philippians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Philippians 3 (introduction): The apostle exhorts the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord, Phi 3:1. And to beware of false teachers, Phi 3:2. Shows that Christians are the true circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, Phi 3:3. And that himself had more reason to trust in the flesh than any of the Jews, Phi 3:4-6. But that he counted all things loss for Christ, Phi 3:7-11. He longs after a conformity to Christ in his death, and presses onward to the attainment of his high calling, Phi 3:12-14. Exhorts them to be like-minded, Phi 3:15-17. Warns them against certain persons who ”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, section 89.1: Table of Contents Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians Translator's Preface Dedication to the 1581 English Edition Commentary on Philippians The Argument Chapter 1 Philippians 1:1-6 Philippians 1:7-11 Philippians 1:12-17 Philippians 1:18-21 Philippians 1:22-26 Philippians 1:27-30 Chapter 2 Philippians 1-4 Philippians 2:5-11 Philippians 2:12-16 Philippians 2:17-24 Philippians 2:25-30 Chapter 3 Philippians 3:1-6 Philippians 3:7-11 Philippians 3:12-17 Philippians 3:18-21 Chapter 4 Philippians 4:1-3 Phi”
- Philippians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Philippians 1:7: 1:7 You share with me the special favor of God: Perhaps their lives were blessed because of Paul’s suffering and witness; perhaps they had suffered together with him (see 1:29).”
- Philippians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Philippians 3:17: 3:17 pattern your lives after mine: Paul’s serious pursuit of Christ and the life to which God had called him (3:7-14; 4:9; 1 Cor 4:6, 16-17; 11:1; 2 Thes 3:7-9) contrasts markedly with that of the enemies of Christ who are described next (Phil 3:18-19).”