Ephesians 3
Philippians 3 is a passage in which the Apostle Paul confesses his faith journey and the change in his values, and it speaks to the believers of the Philippian church with messages of spiritual vigilance and encouragement. Paul emphasizes the preciousness of knowing Jesus Christ and the uselessness, before God, of what people have to brag about in a human sense. He also likens the Christian life in this world to a race run with full speed, and he makes clear that the ultimate goal is union with Christ and citizenship in heaven.
1verseFor this cause I, Paul, am the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles,
2verseif it is so that you have heard of the administration of that grace of God which was given me toward you,
3versehow that by revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I wrote before in few words,
4verseby which, when you read, you can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ,
5versewhich in other generations was not made known to the children of men, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit,
6versethat the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of his promise in Christ Jesus through the Good News,
7verseof which I was made a servant according to the gift of that grace of God which was given me according to the working of his power.
8verseTo me, the very least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
9verseand to make all men see what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things through Jesus Christ,
10verseto the intent that now through the assembly the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places,
11verseaccording to the eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
12verseIn him we have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in him.
13verseTherefore I ask that you may not lose heart at my troubles for you, which are your glory.
14verseFor this cause, I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15versefrom whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
16versethat he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner person,
17versethat Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, to the end that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
18versemay be strengthened to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and height and depth,
19verseand to know Christ’s love which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20verseNow to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
21verseto him be the glory in the assembly and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Structure and Flow
- Warning (verses 1–3): Paul delivers a message warning against legalistic teachers, emphasizing that true circumcision is not of the body but of serving God spiritually.
- A new understanding of boasting (verses 4–11): Paul mentions his Jewish background and the righteousness of the law, confessing that when compared with knowing Christ, all of those things have become harmful to him. He explains that righteousness is truly obtained only through faith in Christ.
- The spiritual race (verses 12–16): Paul says that although he has not yet been made complete, he keeps moving forward without interruption according to the mission Christ has given. He urges believers to forget what lies behind and to run toward the goal ahead.
- Citizenship in heaven (verses 17–21): Paul encourages believers to follow his example of faith and reminds them that our citizenship is in heaven. He also expresses hope that Jesus Christ will transform our lowly bodies into glorious bodies.
The Overall Meaning of Philippians 3
This chapter points out the limits of a life that makes legalistic deeds and human achievements the foundation of faith. Paul shows that the center of faith is personal, experiential knowledge of Jesus Christ. He also describes the life of following Christ as being like a race that presses on toward the ultimate purpose, even while admitting present shortcomings. As those who have citizenship in heaven, believers are reminded that the value of this world is only temporary, and the passage contains an exhortation to hold on to true glory and hope in Christ.
Meditation Points
- What am I using as my boast in faith? Reflect on what true boasting, which Paul emphasized, actually is.
- If there are any legalistic ways of thinking or outward standards that repeat themselves during my faith journey, take time to examine what they might be.
- Reflect on how you can apply the attitude of the "race"—pressing forward toward Christ—into your own life.
Applying It to Myself
- Focus on the core of faith—not on outward actions or human achievements, but on knowing Jesus Christ and the relationship with Him.
- Do not remain stuck in past accomplishments and mistakes; instead, make a decision to run anew each day according to Christ’s grace.
- Remember that the glory of this world is only temporary, and commit to living with ultimate hope, since we are citizens of heaven.
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