Philippians 3:6
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Concerning zeal - As to my zeal for Pharisaism, I gave the fullest proof of it by persecuting the Church of Christ; and this is known to all my countrymen. Touching the righteousness - And as to that plan of justification, which justification the Jews say is to be obtained by an observance of the law, I have done every thing so conscientiously from my youth up, that in this respect I am blameless; and may, with more confidence than most of them; expect that justification which the law appears to promise.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Concerning--Translate as before and after, "As touching Zeal" (compare Act 22:3; Act 26:9). blameless--Greek, "having become blameless" as to ceremonial righteousness: having attained in the eyes of man blameless legal perfection. As to the holiness before God, which is the inner and truest spirit of the law, and which flows from "the righteousness of God by faith," he on the contrary declares (Phi 3:12-14) that he has not attained perfection.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Concerning zeal, persecuting the church,.... The Vulgate Latin version adds, "of God", as in Gal 1:13. The apostle was very zealous of the traditions of the elders, and for the law of God, and towards God also; though his zeal was not according to knowledge, but blind, ignorant, and furious; which pushed him on to persecute the followers of Christ, and the church of Christ at Jerusalem more especially, in a very violent and outrageous manner; he held the clothes of those that stoned Stephen, Act 7:58; he consented unto his death, Act 8:1; he made havoc of the church at Jerusalem, haling men and women to prison, Act 8:3; he continued breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of Christ, Act 9:1; gave his voice against them when put to death, punished them frequently in the synagogues by scourging them, Act 26:10, and compelled them to blaspheme the name of Christ; was exceeding mad against them, pursued them to strange cities, Act 26:11, and persecuted the church of God exceedingly, more than anyone single person besides, Touching the righteousness which is in, the law, blameless. This he mentions last, as including the whole of his righteousness, civil, ceremonial, and moral; and which he fancied was so perfect, that whatever righteousness was in the law, or required by it, he had it, and to such a degree, that he was blameless before God and men; that he was justified by it in the sight of God, and could not justly be found fault with by any, or be charged with any defect in his obedience, either to the moral or ceremonial law; which must arise from great ignorance of the righteousness of God, and the strictness of his justice, and of the law of God, and the purity, spirituality, and extent of it, which reaches to the thoughts of the heart, and the first motions of sin; and of himself, the plague of his own heart, of the sin of lust, and of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, in every instance of it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:6 I harshly persecuted the church (see Acts 8:1-3; 9:1-2, 21; Gal 1:13): His actions demonstrated his zeal for Judaism, to which the Good News of Jesus was seen as a threat. • Paul’s righteousness, as judged by human standards, was another indication of his zeal for the law (see also Gal 1:14; for Paul’s later Christian view, cp. Rom 3:23; 7:14-25).
Philippians 3:6
Righteousness through Faith in Christ
5circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;6as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Basics) 16. Keeping the Tenth Commandment
By Zac Poonen4.4K13:08EXO 20:17MAT 6:33ROM 7:7ROM 8:2PHP 3:6HEB 8:7In this sermon, the speaker explores the difference between being religious and being spiritual. They emphasize the importance of honesty as the first step towards true spirituality. The speaker highlights that God gave the Ten Commandments not because they could make people spiritual, but to expose sin and test humanity's response. They explain that external righteousness is not enough, and God desires inner purity of motive. The speaker encourages listeners to be honest about their sin and seek forgiveness and cleansing through the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Tenth Commandment
By Zac Poonen2.0K1:08:46CommandmentPHP 3:6HEB 12:10In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal journey of seeking reality in his faith and how God has led him in India. He emphasizes the importance of honesty and transparency in our relationship with God and with one another. The speaker highlights the need for husbands and wives to walk in the light and be honest with each other. He also mentions the danger of giving young people the impression that Christians don't face the same struggles they do. The sermon references Psalm 51 and Romans 7 to illustrate the importance of honesty and the transformation that can come through the new covenant.
(Galatians) Ch2:1-Ch4:7
By Zac Poonen1.4K1:18:13GAL 3:8PHP 3:6In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the concept of being under the new covenant of Christ. They explain that when we were children, we were held in bondage under the restrictions of the law, similar to how a child is restricted from certain things for their own safety. However, Jesus came to set us free from this childlike state and to help us grow into mature sons of God. The speaker emphasizes that living under grace allows us to have victory over sin and receive the Holy Spirit, who communicates grace to us and helps us overcome our weaknesses. The sermon also touches on the purpose of the law and how it was given to reveal our sinfulness and protect us from falling into gross sin, but it could not make us righteous in our hearts.
(Through the Bible) Acts 24-25
By Chuck Smith1.4K1:09:16DAN 12:2MAT 22:29JHN 5:39ACT 8:35ACT 24:16PHP 3:6HEB 10:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making a decision for Jesus Christ, particularly during the teenage years. He explains that nine out of ten Christians became Christians as teenagers before negative brain patterns were established. The speaker uses the example of Felix, who trembled under conviction but ultimately passed off the decision. He also discusses how repeated actions create patterns in the brain, making it harder to break bad habits. The sermon concludes with the message that it is necessary to submit one's life to Jesus Christ and receive forgiveness and cleansing.
New Covenant - the Root of Sin - Part 2
By Zac Poonen1.3K08:39ROM 8:3PHP 3:6This sermon emphasizes the difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, highlighting how the law of the Old Covenant could only cut off the fruit of sin but not change the nature of the tree, while the New Covenant through Jesus lays the axe to the root. It challenges believers to move beyond external righteousness, seeking the approval of men, to embrace the righteousness that comes through dependence on Christ in the New Covenant, recognizing that our own righteousness is like filthy rags before God.
Chief of Sinners
By Joshua Daniel80128:30PSA 51:10PRO 28:13JHN 8:34ACT 7:58ROM 6:6GAL 2:20PHP 3:61TI 1:152TI 3:11JN 1:9This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the need for a deep understanding of sin, the significance of the cross in crucifying our old selves, and the call for moral responsibility and revival in a world plagued by selfishness, greed, and moral decay. It challenges the complacency and lack of awareness of sin in society, urging a return to the core message of Christ's salvation for sinners. The speaker highlights the importance of acknowledging personal sinfulness and the transformative power of the cross in daily life.
Sin and Salvation
By Sadhu Sundar Singh1PSA 139:7MAT 1:21MAT 11:28LUK 19:10JHN 3:14JHN 6:55JHN 10:10JHN 16:22PHP 3:6REV 21:23Sadhu Sundar Singh delves into the concept of sin, explaining that it is the act of disobeying God's will and choosing to follow one's desires instead. He emphasizes that sin is not a creation of God but rather a delusive and destructive state of being, leading many astray. Through the incarnation and redemption, God's boundless love is revealed, offering a way for sinners to be rescued from darkness and find eternal joy in heaven. Sundar Singh also addresses the misconception that salvation can be earned through good deeds, highlighting the need for repentance and a new life in Christ to bear lasting fruit and receive true peace and eternal life.
The Forgiveness of Sins
By Andrew Murray1GEN 17:1JOB 1:1LUK 1:5EPH 4:1PHP 3:61TH 3:131TI 4:7HEB 8:71JN 3:1The preacher delves into the meaning of 'Blameless' (amemptos) in the Bible, emphasizing the concept of being irreproachable and faultless before God and man. This term is used to describe individuals who live lives of purity and righteousness, free from legitimate accusations. The desire is for believers to stand blameless before the Lord, both externally and internally, when He returns to judge. Examples like Zacharias, Job, and Abram illustrate what it means to be blameless in the sight of God.
Justified
By Anton Bosch0EZK 18:4ROM 1:17ROM 3:20ROM 5:1ROM 10:101CO 6:92CO 5:21PHP 3:61TI 1:15REV 1:5Anton Bosch delves into the heart of the book of Romans, emphasizing the concept of being justified by faith, which sparked the reformation in Martin Luther. He explains the significance of being justified and the connection to righteousness, highlighting that God's righteousness is the standard we must meet. Despite our efforts to be righteous by human standards, only God's righteousness is perfect and necessary for salvation.
The Accepted Man
By John Nelson Darby0Transformation through the SpiritAcceptance in ChristLUK 10:27JHN 3:20JHN 17:4ACT 7:55ROM 5:202CO 3:2GAL 3:10EPH 2:2PHP 3:6HEB 1:3John Nelson Darby emphasizes the distinction between the accepted man, Jesus Christ, and the natural man, who is blind to his own condition and lacks the moral motives of Christ. He explains that true acceptance before God is found only in Christ, who embodies the character that God delights in, contrasting this with the self-seeking nature of humanity. Darby urges believers to recognize their identity as 'epistles of Christ,' transformed by the Spirit, and to find liberty in their relationship with God rather than fear. He highlights the futility of trying to attain heaven through the law, which only reveals sin and condemnation, and points to Christ as the Mediator who provides true acceptance. Ultimately, he calls for Christians to reflect Christ's love and character in their lives, becoming living testimonies of His grace.
Zeal Without Knowledge
By Theodore Epp0ZealRelationship With ChristMAT 7:1JHN 15:5ROM 10:21CO 13:1GAL 4:18EPH 2:8PHP 3:6COL 3:232TI 2:24TIT 2:14Theodore Epp discusses the concept of 'Zeal Without Knowledge' as exemplified by Paul, who, despite his fervent persecution of the church, was misguided in his understanding of God's will. Epp emphasizes that true Christian zeal should stem from a right relationship with Christ, rather than a mere opposition to others or their beliefs. He warns against measuring one's faith by what they oppose, highlighting that genuine zeal should lead to good works and a loving attitude towards others. The sermon calls for believers to reflect on their motivations and ensure their zeal aligns with the teachings of Jesus.
Misinformed Zeal
By A.W. Tozer0ZealDiscernment in FaithMAT 7:21JHN 4:24ROM 10:21CO 13:1GAL 4:18PHP 3:62TI 3:5TIT 2:14JAS 2:19REV 3:15A.W. Tozer addresses the concept of zeal in the Christian life, emphasizing that while true Christians should exhibit fervent zeal for God, it is possible to be zealous without being genuinely Christian. He critiques the notion that zeal alone is a marker of godliness, pointing out that many zealous individuals or groups, such as Jehovah's Witnesses and other religions, demonstrate fervor but are not aligned with biblical truth. Tozer warns that zeal must be accompanied by sound doctrine and a true relationship with Christ, as mere enthusiasm does not equate to righteousness. He highlights that even those with misguided zeal can be more fervent than true believers, underscoring the need for discernment in evaluating spiritual fervor.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Concerning zeal - As to my zeal for Pharisaism, I gave the fullest proof of it by persecuting the Church of Christ; and this is known to all my countrymen. Touching the righteousness - And as to that plan of justification, which justification the Jews say is to be obtained by an observance of the law, I have done every thing so conscientiously from my youth up, that in this respect I am blameless; and may, with more confidence than most of them; expect that justification which the law appears to promise.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Concerning--Translate as before and after, "As touching Zeal" (compare Act 22:3; Act 26:9). blameless--Greek, "having become blameless" as to ceremonial righteousness: having attained in the eyes of man blameless legal perfection. As to the holiness before God, which is the inner and truest spirit of the law, and which flows from "the righteousness of God by faith," he on the contrary declares (Phi 3:12-14) that he has not attained perfection.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Concerning zeal, persecuting the church,.... The Vulgate Latin version adds, "of God", as in Gal 1:13. The apostle was very zealous of the traditions of the elders, and for the law of God, and towards God also; though his zeal was not according to knowledge, but blind, ignorant, and furious; which pushed him on to persecute the followers of Christ, and the church of Christ at Jerusalem more especially, in a very violent and outrageous manner; he held the clothes of those that stoned Stephen, Act 7:58; he consented unto his death, Act 8:1; he made havoc of the church at Jerusalem, haling men and women to prison, Act 8:3; he continued breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of Christ, Act 9:1; gave his voice against them when put to death, punished them frequently in the synagogues by scourging them, Act 26:10, and compelled them to blaspheme the name of Christ; was exceeding mad against them, pursued them to strange cities, Act 26:11, and persecuted the church of God exceedingly, more than anyone single person besides, Touching the righteousness which is in, the law, blameless. This he mentions last, as including the whole of his righteousness, civil, ceremonial, and moral; and which he fancied was so perfect, that whatever righteousness was in the law, or required by it, he had it, and to such a degree, that he was blameless before God and men; that he was justified by it in the sight of God, and could not justly be found fault with by any, or be charged with any defect in his obedience, either to the moral or ceremonial law; which must arise from great ignorance of the righteousness of God, and the strictness of his justice, and of the law of God, and the purity, spirituality, and extent of it, which reaches to the thoughts of the heart, and the first motions of sin; and of himself, the plague of his own heart, of the sin of lust, and of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, in every instance of it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:6 I harshly persecuted the church (see Acts 8:1-3; 9:1-2, 21; Gal 1:13): His actions demonstrated his zeal for Judaism, to which the Good News of Jesus was seen as a threat. • Paul’s righteousness, as judged by human standards, was another indication of his zeal for the law (see also Gal 1:14; for Paul’s later Christian view, cp. Rom 3:23; 7:14-25).