A.T. Robertson Commentary Philippians 3
A.T. Robertson Commentary
Philippians 3
A.T. Robertson Commentary
Philippians 3
"Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not irksome, but for you it is safe." — Philippians 3:1 (ASV)
Finally (το λοιπον). Accusative of general reference, literally, "as for the rest." So again in 4:8. It (or just λοιπον) is a common phrase towards the close of Paul's Epistles (2 Thessalonians 3:1; 2 Corinthians 13:11). In Eph 6:10 we have του λοιπου (genitive case). But Paul uses the idiom elsewhere also as in 1 Corinthians 7:29; 1 Thessalonians 4:1 before the close of the letter is in sight. It is wholly needless to understand Paul as about to finish and then suddenly changing his mind like some preachers who announce the end a half dozen times.
To write the same things (τα αυτα γραφειν). Present active articular infinitive, "the going on writing the same things." What things? He has just used χαιρετε (go on rejoicing) again and he will repeat it in 4:4. But in verse 2 he uses βλεπετε three times. At any rate Paul, as a true teacher, is not afraid of repetition.
Irksome (οκνηρον). Old adjective from οκνεω, to delay, to hesitate. It is not tiresome to me to repeat what is "safe" (ασφαλες) for you. Old adjective from α privative and σφαλλω, to totter, to reel. See Ac 21:34.
"Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the concision:" — Philippians 3:2 (ASV)
Beware (βλεπετε). Three times for urgency and with different epithet for the Judaizers each time.
The dogs (τους κυνας). The Jews so termed the Gentiles which Jesus uses in a playful mood (κυναριοις, little dogs) to the Syro-Phoenician woman (Matthew 15:26). Paul here turns the phrase on the Judaizers themselves.
The evil workers (τους κακους εργατας). He had already called the Judaizers "deceitful workers" (εργατα δολιο) in 2 Corinthians 11:13.
The concision (την κατατομην). Late word for incision, mutilation (in contrast with περιτομη, circumcision). In Symmachus and an inscription. The verb κατατεμνω is used in the LXX only of mutilations (Leviticus 21:5; 1 Kings 18:28).
"for we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God, and glory in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh:" — Philippians 3:3 (ASV)
For we (ημεις γαρ). We believers in Christ, the children of Abraham by faith, whether Jew or Gentile, the spiritual circumcision in contrast to the merely physical (Romans 2:25–29; Colossians 2:11; Ephesians 2:11). See Ga 5:12 for αποτεμνειν (to cut off) in sense of mutilation also.
By the Spirit of God (πνευματ θεου). Instrumental case, though the dative case as the object of λατρευω makes good sense also (worshipping the Spirit of God) or even the locative (worshipping in the Spirit of God).
No (ουκ). Actual condition rather than μη with the participle.
In the flesh (εν σαρκ). Technical term in Paul's controversy with the Judaizers (2 Corinthians 11:18; Galatians 6:13f.). External privileges beyond mere flesh.
"though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh: if any other man thinketh to have confidence in the flesh, I yet more:" — Philippians 3:4 (ASV)
Might have (εχων). Rather, "even though myself having."
Confidence (πεποιθησιν). Late word, condemned by the Atticists, from πεποιθα (just used). See 2 Corinthians 1:15; 3:4.
"circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;" — Philippians 3:5 (ASV)
Thinketh to have confidence (δοκε πεποιθενα). Second perfect active infinitive. Old idiom, "seems to himself to have confidence." Later idiom like Mt 3:9 "think not to say" and 1 Corinthians 11:16, "thinks that he has ground of confidence in himself."
I yet more (εγω μαλλον). "I have more ground for boasting than he" and Paul proceeds to prove it in the rest of verses 5,6.
Circumcised the eighth day (περιτομη οκταημερος). "In circumcision (locative case) an eighth day man." Use of the ordinal with persons like τεταρταιος (John 11:39). Ishmaelites were circumcised in the thirteenth year, proselytes from Gentiles in mature age, Jews on the eighth day (Luke 2:21).
Of the stock of Israel (εκ γενους Ισραηλ). Of the original stock, not a proselyte.
Benjamin (Βενιαμιν). Son of the right hand (that is, left-handed), son of Rachel. The first King, Saul (Paul's own Hebrew name) was from this little tribe. The battle cry of Israel was "After thee, O Benjamin" .
A Hebrew of the Hebrews (Εβραιος εξ Εβραιων). Of Hebrew parents who retained the characteristic qualities in language and custom as distinct from the Hellenistic Jews (Acts 6:1). Paul was from Tarsus and knew Greek as well as Aramaic (Acts 21:40; Acts 22:2) and Hebrew, but he had not become Hellenized.
A Pharisee (Φαρισαιος). In distinction from the Sadducees (Galatians 1:14) and he continued a Pharisee in many essential matters like the doctrine of the resurrection (Acts 23:6). Cf. 2 Corinthians 11:22.
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