Tuesday 10 August 2021
- Bible Book:
- Philippians
Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of those who mutilate the flesh! For it is we who are the circumcision, who worship in the spirit of God and boast in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh – even though I, too, have reason for confidence in the flesh. (vs 2-4)
Background
Philippians is in the New Testament and is one of several letters written by the apostle Paul. Before our study passage today, Paul has been commending his fellow workers, Timothy and Epaphroditus to the Philippians. After the study passage today the letter talks about Paul pressing on to his goal.
Dogs were considered the lowest of the low. Jews referred to Gentiles as 'dogs'. Here Paul uses 'dogs' to refer to Jews who have a problem with the fact that Gentiles are not circumcised. Circumcision was prescribed by the Jewish law and took place on the eighth day after the birth of a boy. Circumcision was an outward sign, something of the 'flesh'. Jacob, Abraham’s grandson, had 12 sons, from whom the 12 tribes of Israel were formed. Benjamin was the youngest and became the most prominent of the tribes, from whom Paul was descended. Paul was himself a Jew and a Pharisee and his zeal led him to persecute Christians until his conversion. The way in which Paul refers to Jews in this passage does not justify anti-semitism. Paul wants to convey a message that the life of faith is not about outward appearances, but about a relationship with Jesus Christ. In other words, it is not about law, but about grace. The reference to the Resurrection refers to the hope that Jesus brought through his being raised from the dead; it is therefore not about having the right family connections.
To Ponder:
- It is often tempting to judge people or churches by their outward appearances. How can we guard against doing this, in the light of Philippians 3:1-11?
- In verse 10 Paul speaks of wanting to know Christ and to become like him in his death. What does this mean for you in today’s world?