The Pulpit Commentary on Philippians 3:4

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Though I might also have confidence in the flesh; literally, though having myself confidence in the flesh also; that is, as well as in Christ. The apostle had both grounds of confidence: the one he renounces for the other; but no man could accuse him of despising that which he did not himself possess.

If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more. He claims the privileges of the Jew; they are his by right, but he counts them loss for Christ.

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commentaryMatthew Henry on Philippians 3:1-11Sincere Christians rejoice in Christ Jesus. The prophet calls the false prophets dumb dogs, Isa 56:10; to which the apostle seems to refer. Dogs, for their malice against faithful professors of the gospel of Christ, bar…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Philippians 3:1-21EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Philippians 3:1-16The true circumcision. Contemplated close of the Epistle. "Finally my brethren, rejoice in the Lord." It would seem that, at this point, the apostle contemplated bringing the Epistle to a close. He intimates that, in ad…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryFalse Confidence Renounced. (a. d. 62.)FALSE CONFIDENCE RENOUNCED. (A. D. 62.) The apostle here proposes himself for an example of trusting in Christ only, and not in his privileges as an Israelite. I. He shows what he had to boast of as a Jew and a Pharisee…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Philippians 3:4-11The example of St. Paul. I. WHAT HE RENOUNCED. All confidence in the flesh. 1. He enumerates the privileges of the Jew, and claims them as his own. He had the seal of circumcision, the inheritance of the covenant; he wa…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Philippians 3:4-8The cost and the value of personal Christianity. "Though I might also have confidence in the flesh," etc. Notice— I. THE COST WHICH THE APOSTLE PAID FOR HIS CHRISTIANITY. Metaphorically he sold a property that he at one…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Philippians 3:4-7Pride of birth and breeding. Having touched on the subject of self-confidence, Paul can quote his own experience on the point. For many years he thought he might plume himself even more than other men on his pedigree an…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Philippians 3:4-7The apostle's estimate of his high privileges as a Jew. The Judaists arrogated to themselves high privileges by virtue of their descent. The apostle shows that they can claim no superiority of privilege above himself, t…Joseph S. Exell and contributors