ACC ~ Philippians 3 v1 - 3

OVERVIEW:

Paul shows special concern for the Philippians in their despondency (CHRYSOSTOM). Those of the circumcision party are like dogs barking and attacking (AMBROSIASTER, CHRYSOSTOM). Paul urges them not to place any confidence in salvation by works (MARIUS VICTORINUS). He coins the ironic term concision (CHRYSOSTOM). Christians have the true circumcision of the heart (AMBROSIASTER). In such matters the Spirit illumines Scripture’s deeper meaning (DIDYMUS THE BLIND).

3:1a | Rejoice in the Lord

COMFORTING DESPONDENCY. CHRYSOSTOM: Despondency and worry deprive the soul of its vitality. They put an immoderate strain upon the soul. For this reason Paul comforts the Philippians, who were in great despondency because they did not know how things stood with Paul. They thought him already dead. … Note that he does not introduce his exhortation immediately, but after having heaped praises on them and expressed his wonder he praises them once again. HOMILY ON PHILIPPIANS 11.3.1-3.

3:1b | Writing the Same Things

READINESS TO REPEAT WHAT IS NECESSARY. AMBROSIASTER: He shows the concern that he feels for their faith walk. He repeats to them what is necessary for their benefit. EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 3.1.

3:2a | Wariness About Attackers

BARKING AND ATTACKING DOGS. AMBROSIASTER: He uses this name for those who, in envy of the Gentiles, have overthrown them by their evil conversation and persuaded them to be circumcised. These he says should be absolutely avoided and rejected. They are like dogs that first bark and then mutilate the flesh with savage bites. EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 3.2.

GENTILES ONCE STRANGERS. CHRYSOSTOM: The Jews are no longer children. The Gentiles were once called dogs but now these [Judaizing Christians] are. Why so? Because, just as the Gentiles were once strangers to Christ and God, so these have now become. And he alludes to their stubborn shamelessness and their great tenacity against the faithful. HOMILY ON PHILIPPIANS 11.3.1-3.

3:2b | Looking Out for Evil Workers

THE FALSE HOPE FOR SALVATION BY WORKS. MARIUS VICTORINUS: Divine Scripture speaks of dogs which are of use and are defenders of the church, as David teaches in Psalm 68, saying that these dogs are sated with the blood of enemies in the temple of God. And here he speaks of the opposite kind of dogs, who are obviously the Jews, because they are “workers” and “evil workers.” For works are the sole exercise of their lives, without any knowledge of God, and from their works they hope for salvation. EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 3.1-3.

3:2c | Beware of Those Who Mutilate the Flesh

WORDPLAY ON CIRCUMCISION. CHRYSOSTOM: The Jews attached great solemnity to circumcision. … Therefore Paul mutilates its name and says, “Beware of the concision.” He refrains from saying that circumcision is evil, that circumcision is superfluous, so as not to alarm these people, but he conveys his point more wisely, turning them away from the act indeed but being gracious in his words, or rather more intent upon the issue. … He does not say that we try this circumcision and see whether it is better. He does not even give it the name circumcision. For what is he saying? “That circumcision is mutilation.” For when this happens unlawfully, it is nothing but a curtailment of the flesh, a “concision.” Either this was the reason or else it was because they were trying to cut up the church in pieces. HOMILY ON PHILIPPIANS 11.3.1-3.

3:3 | Worshiping God, Glorying in Christ Jesus

THE TRUE CIRCUMCISION. AMBROSIASTER: It is evident that those who are faithful are circumcised in their own hearts. By cutting away the cloud of error, they see and recognize the Lord of creation. This is what it means to “serve in the Spirit” and “glory in the Lord Jesus Christ.” EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 3.4.

THE SPIRIT ILLUMINES SCRIPTURE. DIDYMUS THE BLIND: The word spirit signifies above all a deeper and mystic meaning in the holy Scriptures. … This construction is supported by [the verse] “We are the circumcision, who serve the Spirit of God and do not trust in the flesh. ” ON THE HOLY SPIRIT 249.