_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ Philippians 3:1. FINALLY.—Lit. “as to the rest.” The apostle had intended to bring his letter to a close, but something of which We have no information leads him to warn his readers against Judaizers and their methods. He resumes his farewell at Philippians 4:8, yet... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ Philippians 3:4. THOUGH I MIGHT ALSO HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THE FLESH.—They will never be able to say he “speaks evil of that which he knows not.” “If there is any profit in that direction,” he might say, “I will set my foot as far as who goes farthest.” An _argumentum... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ Philippians 3:9. THROUGH THE FAITH OF CHRIST.—Better without the article as R.V. Faith is the medium by which righteousness comes. THE RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH IS OF GOD.—Which originates from God as the fount of all righteousness. BY FAITH.—R.V. margin, “upon”; that is,... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ Philippians 3:12. NOT AS THOUGH I HAD ALREADY ATTAINED.—The word for “attained” may possibly refer to the turning-point in St. Paul’s history, and so the phrase would mean, “not as though by my conversion I did at once attain.” This interpretation, which is Bishop L... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ Philippians 3:17. FOLLOWERS TOGETHER OF ME.—He does not, as some ungracious pastors do, show the steep road to perfection whilst himself staying at the wicket-gate. Like the good Shepherd he leadeth his sheep. Philippians 3:18. FOR MANY WALK … THE ENEMIES OF THE CRO... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ Philippians 3:20. FOR OUR CONVERSATION IS IN HEAVEN.—“Our” is emphatic, contrasting with the “earthly things” just named. “Conversation” is that to which we most readily turn, as the needle trembles to the pole. Our hearts are with our treasure, and that is far away... [ Continue Reading ]