Philippians 3

Philippians 3:1

IN the Lord] namely, in his graces or with a spirituall joy which Christ creates in the hearts of believers, in the communion of himselfe The same] as you have heard of me, either by word of month or by other letters.

Philippians 3:2

Of dogges] of prophane and unclean persons, Rev. 22. 25. whether it be meant in general, or whether it have a particular relation to false Doctours, who had their lives stained with many vices, Galatians 6:13. Philippians 3:19. Evil workers] namely, from from false Doctours and Pastours Of the concision] the Italian, of the cutting, off; from seducers who impose the observation of circumcision, as a thing necessary to salvation, and as a part of mans righteousnesse before God, Acts 15:1. Galatians 5:2. Now this sect being vulgarly called by the name of circumcision, the Apostle in disdain cals it (concision.) as if he should say, that cutting which they desired was no more a sacrament of Gods covenant, but a meer cutting off from it, Galatians 5:2; Galatians 5:4. and an incision or wound of the consciences, and a rending of the Church.

Philippians 3:3

For we are] I give them that hatefull name which they deserve, for the name of circumcision doth not belong to the Jewdaizing Jewes, but to us true Christians, who say, that mans holinesse and Gods service consists in spiritual things, and all our confidence, joy, and honour before God is in the benefit of Christ onely, who fulfils in us by the imputation of his righteousnesse, and by vertue of his Spirit, that whereof circumcision is but a signe in the bodie. See Rom. 2. 28, 29. and 4. 11 In the flesh] namely, in external and bodily things, or in any humane righteousnesse out of Christ, all which things are called carnal in reproach and contempt, as contrariwise any thing that is Christs, and in Christ is called Spirit.

Philippians 3:4

Though] If that I would imitate them, and lay open my glorious titles amongst the Jewes, I should go farre beyond them.

Philippians 3:5

Circamcised] He seemes to mean that he was a Jew borne, and not a proselite, as his adversaries were Touching the Law] namely, in regard of the doctrine and exposition of the Law, which was different amongst the Jewish sects, others take the word Law for a religious rule.

Philippians 3:6

Concerning zeal] namely, for a proof of my fervent affection to the Jewish Religion Which is in the Law] namely, which a man can obtain without Christ, studying and keeping himselfe to the Law, to be approved of and justified before God, and is nothing but an outward discipline, an imperfect resemblance, a dead picture of righteousnesse before men, and cannot subsist before God, Romans 4:2.

Philippians 3:7

Were gain] which by a false judgement I imagined might much helpe me in things concerning everlasting saluation I counted] by a spirituall judgement after my conversion and illumination Losse] dangerous allurements of hypocrisie, and hurtfull illusions of vain confidence For Christ] namely, to embrace him alone, and set all my righteousnesse and life in Him, who in the effect of justification cannot be mixed with workes, and with the Law, Gal. 2. 21. and 5. 2. 4.

Philippians 3:8

And I count] I have not onely renounced all manner of confidence, estimation of these workes and observances, as they are used amongst the Jewes, which being out of Christ are not onely of no value, but pernicious; but I also hold that in Christianitie which I now professe; Christ gives them no vertue of merit nor dignitie, and that now they are onely but a harmefull superstition For the excellencie] namely, to give place in my heart to this onely and soveraigne meanes of obtaining righteousnesse and life, which is faith in Christ, and cause him onely to raigne in me, by a total and voluntary disannulment of my selfe Suffered the losse] I have quite given over all manner of confidence and good opinion of these vain things, for to put it all in Christ who is mine onely Treasure.

Philippians 3:9

Be found] by God in his judgement In him] ingrafted in him by faith, and united to him by the spirit, and as it were all wrapped up and covered with his righteousnesse. See Romans 8:1. By faith] the Greek phrase doth signifie a condition required, as Acts 3:16.

Philippians 3:10

That I may know] that being justified by faith in Christ, I may feel and prove the vertue of his Spirit, and operation in me, in the mortification of my flesh and of sin, and in the raising again, and vivifying of the new man in holinesse of life by vertue of the conformitie of the death and resurrection of Christ. See Romans 6:4-6. Others referre this to the last and perfect knowledge and fruition of Christ, which believers shall have in Heaven, by the resurrection of the members in vertue, and to the resemblance of Him who is the Head, after we have been partakers of afflictions and death in this world, as Rom. 8. 11. 17. 29. 2 Timothy 2:11-12

Philippians 3:11

If by any meanes] this terme doth not implie any doubt, but a strong endeavour and desire I might] if by a continuall mortification I could attain to blessed immortalitie, in which I shall be wholly raised up from sin, to live to God alone, which is as a signe and reward of my spiritual race.

Philippians 3:12

Not as though] Let no man believe that I am as a divine man or an Angel, and that I am arrived to the end of my race, and of my combates. See 2 Corinthians 12:6. Either were] this other terme is taken from those who amongst the Heathen after many purifyings and preparations, made themselves capable of the sight and participation of certain great idolatrous mysteries.Am apprehended] this other terme is taken from those who run a race, who sometimes did drag after them, and helpe to run some friends of theirs, to make them win the second wager or reward: or from the custome of compelling men which they met by the way, Matthew 5:41. the meaning is, Christ hath taken me, and possesseth me with his Spirit. See Son 1:4. John 6. 44. and 12. 32.

Philippians 3:13

Those things] namely, the world and the concupiscence thereof, and whatsoever is contrary to Gods kingdom, and all Pharisaical righteousnesse, and such like meanes which I heretofore followed, all which I have renounced, to presse with all my strength towards the marke of salvation, by the race of faith in Christ.

Philippians 3:14

In Christ Jesus] that is to say, I strive thus by the power which Christ lends me, or Christ being the onely meanes for to attain to this end.

Philippians 3:15

Perfect] See upon 1 Corinthians 2:6. Be thus minded] to forsake all other meanes and confidence of salvation to cleave unto Christ onely Otherwise minded] through weaknesse of faith or unaffected ignorance, there being in those beginnings many believers that did bear great devotion, and did much reverence to those Jewish ceremonies Reveal] will enlighten and strengthen you in the knowledge of the pure truth of the Gospel.

Philippians 3:16

Neverthelesse] Let us live peaceably, and regulately, in a well tuned harmonie, notwithstanding this diversitie of mindes in such things agreeing in the rest of the doctrine, of which being fully perswaded, we have gone together thus forward in it.

Philippians 3:17

Marke them] take it for an assured signe of good pastours, when they studie to conforme themselves to mine example in all things.

Philippians 3:20

For our] He proves that such as set their hearts upon earthly things cannot chuse but fall into eternal perdition and ignominie; namely, because the propertie and glorie of all believers to whom onely salvation belongeth, is to live in this world as if they lived in Heaven, where they sit with Christ, Ephes. 2. 6. and therefore they do bend all their thoughts and desires that way, Matth. 6. 20, 21. Others reade it, But we live, &c.