What does Philippians 3:21 mean?

Explanation

Philippians 3:21 speaks of a transformative hope that is central to the Christian faith.

The apostle Paul is offering the believers in Philippi an assurance that, at the end of time, they will undergo a radical change.

This change will transform their 'vile body' – meaning their humble, weak, and mortal bodies subject to sin and decay – into a glorious body that mirrors the resurrection body of Jesus Christ.

This verse underscores the power of Christ to bring everything under His control and emphasizes the belief in bodily resurrection, where the faithful will receive incorruptible bodies for eternity.

Historical Context

The Book of Philippians is one of Paul's Prison Epistles, written around AD 60-62 while he was under house arrest in Rome.

The church at Philippi was the first Christian congregation established by Paul in Europe.

At that time, Christians faced both internal and external pressures.

They were dealing with hostile societal attitudes as well as false teachings that might have led them astray from the foundational Christian beliefs.

This scripture reflects Paul's intent to remind the Philippians of the resurrection and the transformation to come, offering encouragement and reinforcing their hope in Christ despite their circumstances.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse can be understood from different perspectives.

The traditional Christian view sees it as a promise of the resurrection of believers, consistent with the doctrine of the last things (eschatology).

It also reflects the belief in the transformative power of Christ.

A more liberal theological interpretation might view the passage as metaphorical, seeing the 'vile body' as representing our current existence with its limitations and the 'glorious body' as a symbol of the new life in Christ, not necessarily tied to a physical transformation but rather a spiritual one.

Some scholars might suggest that Paul, influenced by his Jewish heritage, is reinforcing the Pharisaic belief in a physical resurrection, which was a point of contention among different religious sects of Judaism.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse can offer comfort and hope to Christians by providing a broader perspective on life and its troubles.

It encourages believers to hold onto their faith, looking forward to the transformation that awaits them, and prompts them to live in a manner that reflects the glory to come.

It can also be a reminder to treat the body with respect as the future transformed body will be glorious and holy.

Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 15:52-53: "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."
• Romans 8:23: "And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body."
• 1 John 3:2: "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."

Language Study

The Greek word for 'vile' used in this verse is ταπεινώσει (tapeinōsei), which can mean humble, lowly, or of low degree.

The term for 'body' is σώματι (sōmati) which refers to the physical body. 'Fashioned like unto' comes from the Greek word σύμμορφον (summorphon), which implies something that is made similar or conformed to. 'Glorious' translates from the Greek δόξας (doxas) which can mean brightness, splendor, or glory and is typically associated with divine qualities.

This linguistic analysis helps to understand the magnitude of the transformation being promised.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader cultural and religious context of the ancient world, the concept of a bodily transformation or resurrection was not unique to Christianity. Various mystery religions and sects within Ancient Greece and Egypt also had myths surrounding death and rebirth.

However, in these mystery religions, the focus was often on individual spiritual ascension or immortality of the soul rather than a collective resurrection of the body.

External religious cultures, like those of the Greco-Roman world, often viewed bodily resurrection as foolishness, preferring the idea of the immortality of the soul separated from the corrupt physical body.

In contrast, Paul's Jewish heritage affirmed the resurrection of the body, making his teaching align more so with Jewish eschatological expectations than with Greek philosophical concepts.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, the transformation described in this verse goes beyond the natural laws as we understand them.

The concept of turning a 'vile' or mortal body into an imperishable and glorified one challenges our empirical understanding of life and death. The notion of resurrection defies the biological finality of death.

However, for those of faith, science and miracles are not necessarily in opposition; rather, miracles are seen as events that are beyond scientific explanation, potentially indicating divine intervention.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer interpretations of Philippians 3:21:

• John Calvin saw this as referring to the power of Christ over all things, who can renew our fallen nature to a blessed immortality.
• Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes the scope of God's power and the assurance that God will transform the believers' lowly bodies to be like Christ's glorious body.
• The Pulpit Commentary highlights the dualism of the passage - contrasting the current state of Christian bodies with their future state, and the power of Christ to effect such a transformation.

These commentaries generally reinforce the Christian eschatological hope in bodily resurrection and the ultimate victory of Christ over all creation.