1.
Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
Verse 1
To write the same things; to repeat the cautions and instructions which he had given them when present.--Is not grievous; is not painful.
2.
Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
Verse 2
Dogs; a reproachful term, designating arrogant and dangerous men.--The concision; the spirit which insisted upon the spiritual efficacy of the Jewish rite of circumcision.
3.
For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
Verse 3
We are the circumcision; that is, the true children of Abraham, and people of God. The term is used in a similar manner in Romans 2:28,Romans 2:29.--No confidence in the flesh; no trust in such outward bodily rites.
4.
Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
5.
Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
Verse 5
The eighth day; the regular time appointed by the law. (Genesis 17:12.)
6.
Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
Verse 6
Concerning zeal; in respect to zeal.--The righteousness which is in the law; the fulfilment of all the outward Mosaic rites.
7.
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Verse 7
Were gain to me; were prized and valued.
8.
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
Verse 8
But loss for, &c.; of no value in comparison with.
9.
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
10.
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
Verse 10
Know--the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings; experience the powerful influences of his resurrection, and share his sufferings.--Being made conformable unto his death;--ready to follow him in his death.
11.
If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
12.
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Verse 12
Were already perfect; had perfected or completed my course so as to attain the final reward.--Apprehend; receive.
13.
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
Verse 13
I count not; I consider not.
14.
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
15.
Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
Verse 15
As many as be perfect; all those whose Christian characters are advanced and mature.--Be otherwise minded; if they have not attained to the views above inculcated.
16.
Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.
17.
Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
18.
(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19.
Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
20.
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
21.
Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.