Philippians 3:8
Verse
Context
Righteousness through Faith in Christ
7But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ.8More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.
Sermons
Corrie Ten BoomCorrie Ten Boom
Jonathan Edwards
Hans R. WaldvogelCorrie Ten BoomHans R. WaldvogelSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I count all things but loss - Not only my Jewish privileges, but all others of every kind; with every thing that men count valuable or gainful, or on which they usually depend for salvation. The excellency of the knowledge of Christ - That superior light, information, and blessedness which come through the Gospel of Jesus Christ; justification through his blood, sanctification by his Spirit, and eternal glory through his merits and intercession. These are the blessings held out to us by the Gospel, of which, and the law, Jesus Christ is the sum and substance. I have suffered the loss of all things - Some translate δι' ον τα παντα εζημιωθην, for whom I have thrown away all things - I have made a voluntary choice of Christ, his cross, his poverty, and his reproach; and for these I have freely sacrificed all I had from the world, and all I could expect from it. And do count them but dung - The word σκυβαλα means the vilest dross or refuse of any thing; the worst excrement. The word shows how utterly insignificant and unavailing, in point of salvation, the apostle esteemed every thing but the Gospel of Jesus. With his best things he freely parted, judging them all loss while put in the place of Christ crucified; and Christ crucified he esteemed infinite gain, when compared with all the rest. Of the utter unavailableness of any thing but Christ to save the soul the Apostle Paul stands as an incontrovertible proof. Could the law have done any thing, the apostle must have known it. He tried, and found it vanity; he tried the Gospel system, and found it the power of God to his salvation. By losing all that the world calls excellent, he gained Christ, and endless salvation through him. Of the glorious influence of the Gospel he is an unimpeachable witness. See the concluding observations on the 9th chapter of the Acts, (Act 9:43 (note)) on the character of St. Paul.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Yea doubtless--The oldest manuscripts omit "doubtless" (Greek, "ge"): translate, "nay more." Not only "have I counted" those things just mentioned "loss for Christ's sake, but, moreover, I even DO count ALL things but loss," &c. for the excellency--Greek, "On account of the surpassing excellency (the supereminence above them all) of the knowledge of Christ Jesus." my Lord--believing and loving appropriation of Him (Psa 63:1; Joh 20:28). for whom--"on account of whom." I have suffered the loss--not merely I "counted" them "loss," but have actually lost them. all things--The Greek has the article, referring to the preceding "all things"; "I have suffered the loss of them all." dung--Greek, "refuse (such as excrements, dregs, dross) cast to the dogs," as the derivation expresses. A "loss" is of something having value; but "refuse" is thrown away as not worthy of being any more touched or looked at. win--Translate, to accord with the translation, Phi 3:7, "gain Christ." A man cannot make other things his "gain" or chief confidence, and at the same time "gain Christ." He who loses all things, and even himself, on account of Christ, gains Christ: Christ is His, and He is Christ's (Sol 2:16; Sol 6:3; Luk 9:23-24; Co1 3:23).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss,.... Not only the things before mentioned, but anything, and everything else but Christ, or that stood in competition with him, or were short of him; as his natural and acquired parts; the whole compass of learning he had attained to; all that honour, credit, reputation, and popularity he was in for knowledge and devotion; all worldly substance, the comforts of life, and life itself; and all his righteousness since conversion, as well as before; of this no doubt could be made by those who knew him, his principles and his practices: and all this for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: "by the knowledge of Christ" is not meant subjectively the knowledge that is in Christ, or which he has of others, either as God or man; but objectively, that knowledge which believers have of him, who know him not only in his person, as God over all, but as a Saviour and Redeemer, and as theirs; they know him in all his relations, and particularly as their Lord, not by creation only, but by redemption and grace, as the apostle did, putting an emphasis on these words, "my Lord"; thereby expressing his faith of interest in him, his great affection for him, and cheerful subjection to him. And this knowledge is not general, but special, spiritual, and saving; it is a knowledge of approbation of Christ above all others; a fiducial one, which has faith in him joined with it, and is both experimental and, practical, and, at least at times, appropriating; and though imperfect, it is progressive and capable of being increased, and will at last be brought to perfection. It is attained to, not by the light of nature, nor by the help of carnal reason, nor by the law of Moses, but by the Gospel of the grace of God, as a means; and the efficient cause of it is Father, Son, and Spirit; the Father reveals Christ in his saints; the Son gives them an understanding to know him; and the Spirit is a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him; and this knowledge is very excellent: a spiritual knowledge of Christ is more excellent than a general and notional one, or than a knowledge of Christ after the flesh; and the knowledge of Christ under the Gospel dispensation, though the same in nature, is more excellent than that which was under the legal dispensation, by promises, prophecies, and the ceremonial law, in degree, extensiveness, and clearness; but the most excellent knowledge of Christ is that of the saints in heaven; yea, even there is an excellency in what the saints have here on earth, and a superior one to all other knowledge, if the author and original of it is considered: it is not of ourselves, nor by the assistance of men; it is not in the book of nature, nor in the schools of the philosophers; it is not of earth, nor earthly, but it comes from afar, from above, from heaven, from God the Father of lights; it is a free grace gift, a distinguishing one, and is very comprehensive, unspeakable, and unchangeable: and as to the object of it, it is Christ, the chiefest among ten thousands; who made the heavens, earth, and seas, and all that in them are, the sun, moon, and stars, men and beasts, birds and fishes, fossils, minerals, vegetables, and everything in nature; and therefore the knowledge of him must be superior to the knowledge of everything else; and, which adds to its excellency, it makes Christ precious, engages faith and confidence in him, influences the life and conversation, humbles the soul, and creates in it true pleasure and satisfaction; when all other knowledge fills with self-love, pride, and vanity, and increases sorrow; whereas this is not only useful in life, but supports, as under afflictions, so in the views of death and eternity; through it grace is received now, and by it glory hereafter; for it is the beginning, earnest, and pledge of eternal life. Well may the believer count all things but loss for it, as the apostle did; who adds, for further confirmation of what he had asserted, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things; he dropped all confidence in his carnal privileges, and civil, ceremonial, and moral righteousness, for Christ and his righteousness; he parted with all for this pearl of great price; he lost his good name, credit, and reputation among men, and suffered afflictions and persecutions in various shapes; he lost the comforts of life, being often in cold and nakedness, in hunger and thirst, and was ready to suffer the loss of life itself for professing and preaching Christ: and do count them but dung; or dog's meat; see Phi 3:2; what is fit only to be cast to dogs, as the word signifies; and intends every thing that is base, mean, and worthless; as the faeces of men, the dregs and lees of liquor, the falling of fruit, chaff, stubble, the dross of metals, dung, and what not: so he esteemed his carnal descent; his form and sect of religion, and zeal in it; his ceremonial and moral righteousness before and after conversion; and everything of the creature, or what was his own, and but flesh; being of the same opinion with the church of old, who reckoned her righteousnesses, the best, and the whole of them, as "filthy rags". The apostle next expresses his end and views in this, that I may win Christ; not get an interest in him, for this he had already, and he knew he had, and that he should never lose it; and besides, an interest in Christ is not a thing that begins in time, but commenced from all eternity; and is not gotten at all, not by good works, nor repentance, nor faith; for these, if right and genuine, are the fruits and effects of an interest in Christ, but is what is freely given. The apostle's meaning is, either that he might gain or acquire a larger knowledge of Christ; and he cared not what pains he took, what expenses he was at, nor what loss he sustained for what he esteemed the most excellent, and for which he had already suffered the loss of all things; and if he had had more to lose, he could willingly part with it for more of this knowledge; compare Phi 3:10; or his sense is, that he might gain by Christ, or that Christ might be gain to him, as he found him to be, and as he is to every believer; who by parting with all for Christ, gains much by him, as a justifying righteousness, acceptance with God, peace, pardon, life, grace, and glory.
Philippians 3:8
Righteousness through Faith in Christ
7But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ.8More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Testimony - Part 1
By Corrie Ten Boom9.2K30:23TestimonyMAT 10:22JHN 13:34ROM 5:5ROM 12:20EPH 4:6PHP 3:82TI 1:7In this video, a woman shares her personal experience of being imprisoned by the Nazis for hiding Jewish people in Holland. She spent 11 months in prison, including time in solitary confinement and a concentration camp where her sister died. Despite the difficult circumstances, she credits God for keeping her sweet and tender. She shares a message of encouragement to the audience, reminding them that suffering for Jesus is a privilege and that God will provide the strength needed in those moments. She concludes by reading a passage from 1 Peter 4:12, emphasizing the joy that awaits those who share in Christ's sufferings.
Testimony - Part 2
By Corrie Ten Boom7.5K13:23TestimonyMAT 28:19JHN 7:38ACT 1:8ROM 8:14EPH 5:18PHP 3:8COL 1:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of relying on the power of the Holy Spirit. He shares stories to illustrate how the Holy Spirit can provide comfort and strength in times of fear and darkness. The speaker also highlights the need for obedience and surrender to God, pointing to Jesus' finished work on the cross as the answer to our redemption. He encourages believers to be right with God and with others, allowing the love of God to flow through them by the power of the Holy Spirit. The sermon concludes with a reminder that the Holy Spirit empowers believers to be witnesses and make disciples, and that it is through the Holy Spirit's work in us that we can fulfill this commandment.
Attributes of God (Series 1): God's Immanence and Immensity
By A.W. Tozer7.1K53:16Attributes of GodPSA 27:8ISA 40:31MAT 16:25MRK 8:36ACT 2:1PHP 3:8COL 3:3In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the marvel of how things in the world are held together. They share personal anecdotes about their younger brother's fear of falling up and their own wonder about the stability of nations. The speaker then comes to the realization that everything in existence has its being in the love of God, who created and sustains it. They emphasize the importance of having faith in God and finding solace in His love and protection. The sermon concludes with a call to seek God through prayer and to prioritize Him above worldly possessions.
The Life of David Brainerd - Part. 1
By Jonathan Edwards6.8K1:02:37Audio BooksPSA 73:25PSA 84:10PSA 119:11MAT 22:37PHP 3:8HEB 12:22REV 14:3In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares their personal journey of seeking salvation and experiencing conviction of their sinfulness. They describe moments of feeling the gate to heaven was impossible to enter, but also times of hope and diligence in their pursuit of God. The speaker recounts a specific day of fasting and prayer where God revealed the true state of their heart and the impossibility of self-deliverance. They also share moments of intense anguish and fear of judgment, but ultimately find peace and joy in surrendering to God's sovereignty and seeking His glory.
Seeking God
By Hans R. Waldvogel6.5K15:09Seeking GodJER 2:8JER 29:13MAT 6:33MAT 7:72CO 5:20PHP 3:82TI 4:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God with one's whole heart. He uses the example of a woman searching for a lost piece of money to illustrate the determination and persistence required in seeking God. The preacher also highlights the uniqueness of the apostle Paul, who confidently declares that a crown of righteousness awaits him because he has lived a righteous life. The sermon concludes with a call to seek God constantly and attentively, entering into one's own heart and soul to find Him.
Surrendered Will
By Corrie Ten Boom5.6K49:26SurrenderPSA 46:10ISA 40:31MAT 6:33MAT 11:28JHN 14:6ROM 10:9PHP 3:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of simplicity in understanding and following the teachings of Jesus. He shares a personal experience of using the slogan "KISS" (Keep it simple stupid) to communicate with individuals who overcomplicate matters. The speaker also mentions a time when he received letters about Christians being killed in Africa, which led him to reflect on his own life and seek guidance from God. He highlights the need for surrendering to Jesus and living a victorious life, free from sin. The sermon concludes with a story from the speaker's time in a concentration camp, where he and his companion found solace in taking walks before roll call.
Audio Sermon: Seeking God
By Hans R. Waldvogel5.5K15:102CH 15:2PSA 27:8PSA 105:4PRO 4:23JER 29:13MAT 6:33MAT 7:7PHP 3:8HEB 11:6JAS 4:8
This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking and finding God with our whole hearts, highlighting the transformative power of truly knowing God. It challenges listeners to not settle for superficial blessings or experiences but to press through to a deep, intimate relationship with God. The speaker urges a dedicated pursuit of God, drawing from biblical examples like the woman searching for a lost coin and the need for ministers and believers to truly know the Lord in their service.
Christ Precious to Believers
By C.H. Spurgeon4.6K44:04Faith and SufferingThe Preciousness of ChristROM 8:37PHP 3:81PE 2:7C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the unparalleled preciousness of Christ to believers, reflecting on his own journey of faith and the transformative power of Jesus in the lives of those who trust in Him. He articulates that Christ is not only intrinsically precious but also becomes increasingly valuable through the believer's experiences of need, suffering, and ultimate hope in Him. Spurgeon challenges listeners to evaluate their faith by considering how precious Christ is to them, asserting that true believers will find Him to be their greatest treasure, even amidst trials and tribulations. He concludes with a heartfelt invitation for all to recognize and embrace the love of Christ, which surpasses all earthly treasures.
Freedom From Addictions
By Neil T. Anderson4.3K40:33AddictionsMAT 6:33ROM 8:22CO 5:17EPH 4:16PHP 3:8HEB 10:10In this sermon, the speaker, Dick, emphasizes the importance of learning in committed relationships. He shares a powerful experience where he gathered a group of people in a mountain setting and had them express appreciation for one another while washing each other's feet. He also discusses a man who struggled with discipling others because he did not have a personal connection with them. Dick highlights the need for community and relationships in the process of learning and transformation, rather than just acquiring knowledge.
Preaching on Alcohol
By Billy Sunday4.2K02:22PRO 11:4MAT 6:33MRK 8:36PHP 3:81JN 2:15
This sermon emphasizes the need for righteousness and the importance of turning to Jesus for true fulfillment and purpose. It highlights the consequences of seeking satisfaction in material things like alcohol, luxury cars, or fame, and the emptiness that follows. The message calls for a shift in focus towards God and righteousness rather than worldly desires.
Intimate Union
By Art Katz3.6K35:43ReconciliationMAT 5:39MAT 22:37GAL 2:20EPH 5:31PHP 3:81JN 1:7REV 3:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of intimate union with Christ Jesus. He highlights the example of the apostle Paul, who considered everything else as loss compared to the knowledge and experience of being united with Christ. The speaker emphasizes that this union is not just a technical or superficial relationship, but a deep and vital joining with Christ in his suffering, crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection. The speaker also mentions the need for self-denial and delayed gratification in our relationships, contrasting it with the casual and indifferent attitude many have towards God.
His Immensity - Part 1
By A.W. Tozer3.5K17:32ImmensityPRO 14:12MAT 7:13MAT 16:25MRK 8:36JHN 14:6PHP 3:8COL 3:3In this video, the speaker discusses the concept of God's imminence and how we don't have to go far to find God because He is present in everything. The speaker mentions a formula that emphasizes the idea that God is right here with us. They also read a couple of Bible verses that highlight the importance of losing our lives for Christ in order to find true life. The speaker references a book called "The Revelation of Divine Love" written by Julian 600 years ago, where she describes a vision of a small object representing all of creation. The speaker concludes by mentioning their intention to occasionally quote from old books throughout the series.
Dependence Upon the Lord
By K.P. Yohannan3.1K25:59Dependence1SA 16:7PRO 16:18ISA 64:6MAT 23:121CO 3:7PHP 3:8JAS 4:10In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the destruction of a printing press and the loss of valuable materials. He emphasizes the importance of humility and exalting God in all aspects of life. The speaker cautions against using external accomplishments to make oneself important or special, as God values the why behind our actions more than the results. The sermon concludes with a story about a man named William Curry who experienced great loss but ultimately learned to depend on the Lord rather than his own abilities.
His Immensity - Part 3
By A.W. Tozer3.1K22:49ImmensityPSA 46:10ISA 64:1MRK 8:36PHP 3:8COL 3:3HEB 4:9REV 21:4In this sermon, the preacher addresses the deep longing and emptiness that exists within every human soul. He emphasizes that even though people may have fame, success, and worldly pleasures, they still cry out for something more. The preacher suggests that this longing can only be satisfied by a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. He encourages the audience to seek God in silence and prayer, and to prioritize their spiritual well-being over worldly pursuits. The sermon concludes with a call to surrender the world and find true fulfillment in Jesus alone.
Ger-09 Dead and Crucified With Christ
By Art Katz2.7K50:07Crucified With ChristMAT 16:24ROM 3:241CO 1:302CO 5:21PHP 3:8COL 1:18In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the powerful work of the cross in impressive churches in Nashville, Tennessee and New Zealand. These churches were willing to give up everything they had and rely on their own abilities, but their success was not glorious. The speaker observes that these churches eventually fell and emphasizes the importance of surrendering oneself to obtain all that God is. The sermon highlights the need for humility and the recognition that all glory belongs to God alone.
A Revival Sermon (Compilation)
By Compilations2.7K41:43CompilationsPSA 44:1ISA 59:1ISA 59:9HAB 3:4MAT 6:33PHP 3:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the negative influence of worldly distractions, particularly television, on one's spiritual life. He argues that giving one's heart to worldly things leads to enslavement, while giving one's heart to God brings freedom. The preacher expresses his frustration with hearing opinions and desires to hear more preaching about Jesus Christ with the authority of God. He then quotes Isaiah 59:1-4 to explain why the gospel is not spreading and why believers are living in spiritual poverty. The sermon concludes with a plea for repentance and a reminder that God's hand is not shortened, but our sins have separated us from Him.
Re- Why I Hate Religion, but Love Jesus || True Christianity
By Leonard Ravenhill2.5K06:05MAT 16:241CO 6:19GAL 2:20PHP 3:8COL 3:23
This sermon emphasizes the concept of complete surrender to Jesus Christ, likening it to being nailed to the cross and losing all personal rights and desires. It delves into the idea of being a bond slave of Jesus, having no will or rights of one's own, and living entirely for Jesus in every aspect of life. The speaker highlights the importance of passion in preaching over professionalism, the dangers of commercialism in ministry, and the prevalence of spiritual immaturity despite the abundance of resources available. The sermon concludes with a call to sacrificial living, obedience, and a warning against complacency in spiritual matters.
All to Jesus Compilation (Full Version)
By Compilations2.5K27:17ISA 6:3MAT 6:24MAT 11:28MAT 16:24LUK 9:23LUK 14:262CO 5:17GAL 2:20PHP 3:8JAS 4:4
This sermon emphasizes the importance of true surrender to Jesus Christ, highlighting the need to move beyond a superficial understanding of salvation to a deep, transformative relationship with Him. It challenges believers to prioritize Christ above all else, including relationships, ambitions, and worldly desires. The sermon underscores the necessity of encountering the holy, sovereign God and living solely for His glory, forsaking all for the sake of following Christ wholeheartedly.
Cross Talk Show 1 - Part 2
By K.P. Yohannan2.4K09:48PRO 22:4MAT 6:19MAT 9:37ROM 10:131CO 1:311CO 9:162CO 5:14PHP 3:8COL 3:11JN 2:15
This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility and recognizing that all success and accomplishments come from God. It highlights the need to focus on knowing and loving Jesus above all else, with a deep longing to reach the lost world out of love for Him. The speaker, Dr. K.P. Yohannes, shares personal stories and reflections on how his life is dedicated to serving God and spreading the gospel, driven by a desire to know Jesus more intimately.
(Through the Bible) Romans 9-10
By Chuck Smith2.4K1:22:06Through The BibleMAT 6:33ROM 8:38ROM 11:26PHP 3:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of sharing the message of peace and salvation to the nations. He highlights the love of God, who gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him can have eternal life and become children of God. The speaker emphasizes the responsibility of believers to proclaim this message and bring glad tidings of good things. He also mentions that God still has a plan to bring salvation to the Jewish people. The sermon concludes with a blessing for the listeners to experience the power, presence, and glory of God in their lives and to grow in faith through studying His word.
John the Baptist
By Leonard Ravenhill2.3K1:55:04MAL 3:1LUK 1:10JHN 1:32JHN 17:6ACT 2:2EPH 5:18PHP 3:8HEB 1:3JAS 1:22JAS 3:8
This sermon emphasizes the need for a sudden, unexpected visitation of the Holy Spirit to bring revival and transformation. It highlights the importance of seeking Christ above seeking miracles or manifestations, and the necessity of being stripped of self before being filled with the Holy Spirit. The speaker shares powerful testimonies of individuals encountering God's presence and experiencing radical life changes through surrender and seeking God wholeheartedly.
Obsessed by Stephen Manley
By Compilations2.3K06:22MAT 22:37LUK 9:23GAL 2:20PHP 3:8COL 3:1
This sermon emphasizes the importance of having an intimate and all-encompassing relationship with Jesus, mirroring the deep connection Jesus had with the Father. It challenges believers to make Jesus the center of their lives, with an unwavering focus on His will and a passionate obsession with Him. The message stresses that Jesus must be the ultimate priority, love, and obsession in one's life, requiring complete dedication and surrender.
Asking the Tough Questions
By Eric Ludy2.2K07:30MAT 6:21MAT 10:39MAT 16:24MRK 8:34LUK 9:23LUK 14:33ROM 12:1PHP 1:21PHP 3:8HEB 11:6
This sermon challenges listeners to examine what truly motivates them in life, whether it is the pursuit of material wealth (gold) or a deeper relationship with God. It questions the level of trust and obedience individuals have towards God, urging them to surrender fully and unconditionally. The speaker emphasizes the willingness to sacrifice personal comforts, reputation, and even life itself for the sake of serving God and advancing His kingdom.
Apostle Paul's Preaching - Part 3
By Leonard Ravenhill2.1K15:04ROM 1:142CO 12:9PHP 1:27PHP 3:8PHP 4:6
This sermon emphasizes the passion and obsession required in preaching, highlighting the need for deep spiritual experiences and a heart that weeps for the congregation. It discusses the importance of enduring trials and weaknesses for the sake of Christ, finding pleasure in infirmities, and allowing the power of Christ to rest upon us. The sermon also touches on living a life that reflects the principles of the Gospel, being a role model for others, and finding peace in God amidst challenges.
Clothed by God
By Brian Brodersen2.0K1:02:02GEN 3:21EPH 2:8PHP 3:8TIT 3:5
This sermon delves into Genesis chapter 3, focusing on the aftermath of Adam and Eve's sin, their expulsion from the Garden of Eden, and God's provision of tunics of skin as a symbol of atonement through the shedding of innocent blood. It emphasizes the foundational importance of understanding sin, redemption, and acceptance with God based on His terms of grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I count all things but loss - Not only my Jewish privileges, but all others of every kind; with every thing that men count valuable or gainful, or on which they usually depend for salvation. The excellency of the knowledge of Christ - That superior light, information, and blessedness which come through the Gospel of Jesus Christ; justification through his blood, sanctification by his Spirit, and eternal glory through his merits and intercession. These are the blessings held out to us by the Gospel, of which, and the law, Jesus Christ is the sum and substance. I have suffered the loss of all things - Some translate δι' ον τα παντα εζημιωθην, for whom I have thrown away all things - I have made a voluntary choice of Christ, his cross, his poverty, and his reproach; and for these I have freely sacrificed all I had from the world, and all I could expect from it. And do count them but dung - The word σκυβαλα means the vilest dross or refuse of any thing; the worst excrement. The word shows how utterly insignificant and unavailing, in point of salvation, the apostle esteemed every thing but the Gospel of Jesus. With his best things he freely parted, judging them all loss while put in the place of Christ crucified; and Christ crucified he esteemed infinite gain, when compared with all the rest. Of the utter unavailableness of any thing but Christ to save the soul the Apostle Paul stands as an incontrovertible proof. Could the law have done any thing, the apostle must have known it. He tried, and found it vanity; he tried the Gospel system, and found it the power of God to his salvation. By losing all that the world calls excellent, he gained Christ, and endless salvation through him. Of the glorious influence of the Gospel he is an unimpeachable witness. See the concluding observations on the 9th chapter of the Acts, (Act 9:43 (note)) on the character of St. Paul.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Yea doubtless--The oldest manuscripts omit "doubtless" (Greek, "ge"): translate, "nay more." Not only "have I counted" those things just mentioned "loss for Christ's sake, but, moreover, I even DO count ALL things but loss," &c. for the excellency--Greek, "On account of the surpassing excellency (the supereminence above them all) of the knowledge of Christ Jesus." my Lord--believing and loving appropriation of Him (Psa 63:1; Joh 20:28). for whom--"on account of whom." I have suffered the loss--not merely I "counted" them "loss," but have actually lost them. all things--The Greek has the article, referring to the preceding "all things"; "I have suffered the loss of them all." dung--Greek, "refuse (such as excrements, dregs, dross) cast to the dogs," as the derivation expresses. A "loss" is of something having value; but "refuse" is thrown away as not worthy of being any more touched or looked at. win--Translate, to accord with the translation, Phi 3:7, "gain Christ." A man cannot make other things his "gain" or chief confidence, and at the same time "gain Christ." He who loses all things, and even himself, on account of Christ, gains Christ: Christ is His, and He is Christ's (Sol 2:16; Sol 6:3; Luk 9:23-24; Co1 3:23).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss,.... Not only the things before mentioned, but anything, and everything else but Christ, or that stood in competition with him, or were short of him; as his natural and acquired parts; the whole compass of learning he had attained to; all that honour, credit, reputation, and popularity he was in for knowledge and devotion; all worldly substance, the comforts of life, and life itself; and all his righteousness since conversion, as well as before; of this no doubt could be made by those who knew him, his principles and his practices: and all this for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: "by the knowledge of Christ" is not meant subjectively the knowledge that is in Christ, or which he has of others, either as God or man; but objectively, that knowledge which believers have of him, who know him not only in his person, as God over all, but as a Saviour and Redeemer, and as theirs; they know him in all his relations, and particularly as their Lord, not by creation only, but by redemption and grace, as the apostle did, putting an emphasis on these words, "my Lord"; thereby expressing his faith of interest in him, his great affection for him, and cheerful subjection to him. And this knowledge is not general, but special, spiritual, and saving; it is a knowledge of approbation of Christ above all others; a fiducial one, which has faith in him joined with it, and is both experimental and, practical, and, at least at times, appropriating; and though imperfect, it is progressive and capable of being increased, and will at last be brought to perfection. It is attained to, not by the light of nature, nor by the help of carnal reason, nor by the law of Moses, but by the Gospel of the grace of God, as a means; and the efficient cause of it is Father, Son, and Spirit; the Father reveals Christ in his saints; the Son gives them an understanding to know him; and the Spirit is a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him; and this knowledge is very excellent: a spiritual knowledge of Christ is more excellent than a general and notional one, or than a knowledge of Christ after the flesh; and the knowledge of Christ under the Gospel dispensation, though the same in nature, is more excellent than that which was under the legal dispensation, by promises, prophecies, and the ceremonial law, in degree, extensiveness, and clearness; but the most excellent knowledge of Christ is that of the saints in heaven; yea, even there is an excellency in what the saints have here on earth, and a superior one to all other knowledge, if the author and original of it is considered: it is not of ourselves, nor by the assistance of men; it is not in the book of nature, nor in the schools of the philosophers; it is not of earth, nor earthly, but it comes from afar, from above, from heaven, from God the Father of lights; it is a free grace gift, a distinguishing one, and is very comprehensive, unspeakable, and unchangeable: and as to the object of it, it is Christ, the chiefest among ten thousands; who made the heavens, earth, and seas, and all that in them are, the sun, moon, and stars, men and beasts, birds and fishes, fossils, minerals, vegetables, and everything in nature; and therefore the knowledge of him must be superior to the knowledge of everything else; and, which adds to its excellency, it makes Christ precious, engages faith and confidence in him, influences the life and conversation, humbles the soul, and creates in it true pleasure and satisfaction; when all other knowledge fills with self-love, pride, and vanity, and increases sorrow; whereas this is not only useful in life, but supports, as under afflictions, so in the views of death and eternity; through it grace is received now, and by it glory hereafter; for it is the beginning, earnest, and pledge of eternal life. Well may the believer count all things but loss for it, as the apostle did; who adds, for further confirmation of what he had asserted, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things; he dropped all confidence in his carnal privileges, and civil, ceremonial, and moral righteousness, for Christ and his righteousness; he parted with all for this pearl of great price; he lost his good name, credit, and reputation among men, and suffered afflictions and persecutions in various shapes; he lost the comforts of life, being often in cold and nakedness, in hunger and thirst, and was ready to suffer the loss of life itself for professing and preaching Christ: and do count them but dung; or dog's meat; see Phi 3:2; what is fit only to be cast to dogs, as the word signifies; and intends every thing that is base, mean, and worthless; as the faeces of men, the dregs and lees of liquor, the falling of fruit, chaff, stubble, the dross of metals, dung, and what not: so he esteemed his carnal descent; his form and sect of religion, and zeal in it; his ceremonial and moral righteousness before and after conversion; and everything of the creature, or what was his own, and but flesh; being of the same opinion with the church of old, who reckoned her righteousnesses, the best, and the whole of them, as "filthy rags". The apostle next expresses his end and views in this, that I may win Christ; not get an interest in him, for this he had already, and he knew he had, and that he should never lose it; and besides, an interest in Christ is not a thing that begins in time, but commenced from all eternity; and is not gotten at all, not by good works, nor repentance, nor faith; for these, if right and genuine, are the fruits and effects of an interest in Christ, but is what is freely given. The apostle's meaning is, either that he might gain or acquire a larger knowledge of Christ; and he cared not what pains he took, what expenses he was at, nor what loss he sustained for what he esteemed the most excellent, and for which he had already suffered the loss of all things; and if he had had more to lose, he could willingly part with it for more of this knowledge; compare Phi 3:10; or his sense is, that he might gain by Christ, or that Christ might be gain to him, as he found him to be, and as he is to every believer; who by parting with all for Christ, gains much by him, as a justifying righteousness, acceptance with God, peace, pardon, life, grace, and glory.