Charles Ellicott Commentary Philippians 3:8

"Yea verily, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but refuse, that I may gain Christ," — Philippians 3:8 (ASV)

For the excellency of the knowledge.—The word “excellency” is used here strictly to indicate (as in 2 Corinthians 3:9–11) that the knowledge of Christ so surpasses all other knowledge, and indeed, all other blessings whatever, as to make them less than nothing. As Chrysostom says here, “When the sun has appeared, it is loss to sit by a candle.” The light of the candle in the sunlight actually casts a shadow. We learn how that knowledge is gained in Ephesians 3:17-18, That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith: that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may . . . know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge.

Dung.—The word appears to mean “refuse” of any kind. The sense adopted in our version is common. Dr. Lightfoot, however, quotes instances of its use for the fragments from a feast. He also remarks on the old derivation of the word from that which is “thrown to dogs.” Although this derivation is etymologically questionable, it shows the idea attached to the word. This use would fit well with the ideas suggested by the retort of the name “dogs” on the Judaizers.

I suffered the loss of all things.—There seems to be a play on words here. These things were (he has said) loss; he suffered the loss of them, and the loss of a loss is a “gain.”

That I may win (properly, gain) Christ, and be found in him.—The line of thought in these two clauses is like that of Galatians 4:9, Now that ye have known God, or rather are known of God. The first idea suggested by the context is that of “gaining Christ”—finding Him and laying hold of Him by faith. However, this, if taken alone, is unsatisfactory, as it rests too much on the action of man. Hence, St. Paul adds the words “and be found (of God) in Him,” which describes being drawn into union with Him by the grace of God, so that we may “dwell in Him, and He in us,” and be “found” abiding in Him in each day of God’s visitation.