“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.”
As to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless — zelos (zeal) for God drove his persecution of Christians: he thought he served God. 'Persecutor of the church' (diōkō tēn ekklēsian) shows his violence was directed at Christ's body. 'Righteousness under the law' (dikaiosynē...tēn nomikon) means ethical achievement measured by Torah compliance. 'Blameless' (amemptos) suggests external observance without inward transformation. These are the works-righteousness credentials he will renounce.
Church Fathers on Philippians 3:7
In our contests with heretics, we must make the attack with minds in vigor, that they may be able to give exact attention. I will therefore begin nay present discourse where the last ended. And what was that? Having enumerated every Jewish boast, both those from his birth, and those that were from choice, he added, “Howbeit, what things were gain to me, these have I counted to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord; for whom I suffered the loss of…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
Publish a reflection on this verse
No reflections on this verse yet. Be the first to write one!