John Calvin Commentary Philippians 3:6

"as touching zeal, persecuting the church; as touching the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless." — Philippians 3:6 (ASV)

As to the righteousness which is in the law, there can be no doubt he means by this the entire righteousness of the law, for it would be too narrow an understanding to interpret it exclusively as referring to the ceremonies. The meaning, therefore, is more general: that he cultivated an integrity of life, such as might be required from a man who was devoted to the law.

To this, again, it is objected that the righteousness of the law is perfect in the sight of God. For the sum of it is this—that men should be fully devoted to God, and what beyond this can be desired for the attainment of perfection? I answer that Paul speaks here of that righteousness which would satisfy the common opinion of mankind.

For he separates the law from Christ. Now, what is the law without Christ but a dead letter?

To make the matter plainer, I observe that there are two righteousnesses of the law. The one is spiritual—perfect love to God and our neighbors; it is contained in doctrine and never had an existence in the life of any person. The other is literal—such as appears in the view of men, while, meanwhile, hypocrisy reigns in the heart, and in the sight of God there is nothing but iniquity.

Thus, the law has two aspects; the one has an eye to God, the other to men. Paul, then, was in the judgment of men holy and free from all censure—a rare commendation, certainly, and almost unrivaled; yet let us observe in what esteem he held it.