What does Philippians 3:7 mean?

Explanation

Philippians 3:7 posits an apostolic perspective on material and secular accomplishments in light of spiritual devotion to Christ.

Paul the Apostle, the author of this letter to the Philippians, reflects on his past life and the achievements that he once considered valuable.

Before his conversion to Christianity, Paul was a Pharisee and had attained a considerable reputation within Judaism (Philippians 3:5).

However, in this verse, he reevaluates those accomplishments and regards them as "loss" when compared to the surpassing worth of his relationship with Jesus Christ.

The deeper meaning suggests a radical reorientation of values, where spiritual enlightenment and connection with Christ take priority over worldly success and recognition.

Historical Context

The Epistle to the Philippians is one of Paul's prison letters, believed to have been written while he was in prison in Rome around 61-63 AD.

At the time, Paul had already been through significant experiences as a Christian missionary and had endured much for his faith.

His audience, the Christians in Philippi, were living in a Roman colony in Macedonia, a setting where Roman citizenship and civic achievements were highly esteemed.

Paul addresses them to offer guidance and encouragement amidst persecution and internal disputes.

By sharing his own shift in values, Paul sets an example for the Philippians to follow.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Philippians 3:7 emphasizes the concept of 'kenosis', which refers to the emptying of oneself. This aligns with the kenosis of Christ, who emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant (Philippians 2:7).

Theologically, the verse suggests that believers should emulate the self-emptying of Jesus by renouncing their own merits and accomplishments for the sake of gaining Christ.

Different traditions interpret this verse in ways that reflect their own emphasis on salvation, sanctification, discipleship, or eschatological hope.

Practical Applications

Philippians 3:7 invites individuals to consider what they value and to reassess the priorities in their lives.

The implication is practical: one is challenged to prioritize spiritual growth and the development of a personal relationship with Christ above the pursuit of worldly accolades.

This extends to the abandonment of ego, ambition, and the desire for control in favor of humility, service to others, and trust in divine guidance.

Cross-References

• Philippians 3:8 "Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord."
• Galatians 2:20 "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me."
• Matthew 16:26 "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"
• 1 Corinthians 2:2 "For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of Philippians 3:7 are:

• "gain" (κέρδη / kerdea): traditionally signifies profit or advantage.
• "counted" (ἥγημαι / hegēmai): means to consider or regard something in a specific manner.
• "loss" (ζημίαν / zēmian): denotes damage or detriment, often in a financial sense, but metaphorically used here to signify something of negative value in comparison to knowing Christ.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison to ancient religious systems, Paul's message in Philippians 3:7 is countercultural.

Many ancient myths and religions emphasized the accumulation of wealth, power, or honor as ultimate goals.

However, in the Hebrew tradition and subsequently in Christianity, the emphasis is often on the rejection of these worldly pursuits for spiritual or moral development (seen in stories like the rich young ruler in the Gospels).

This message of spiritual priority can be paralleled with some Eastern religious philosophies where enlightenment or spiritual progress is placed above material gain.

Scientific Perspectives

Philippians 3:7 does not directly engage with scientific concepts, but it opens up a dialogue about the human understanding of value, fulfillment, and purpose, which are subjects of interest in psychology.

Research in positive psychology, for instance, examines how values and goals relate to personal well-being and life satisfaction, often finding that intrinsic values such as personal growth and relationships lead to greater happiness than extrinsic values like financial success or popularity.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various perspectives on Philippians 3:7.

Some commentaries focus on the literary context of the verse within Paul's argument in Philippians, noting that Paul is setting up a contrast between confidence in the flesh and faith in Christ.

Others examine the autobiographical elements of the verse, discussing how Paul's personal transformation exemplifies the transformative power of the Gospel.

Additionally, some scholars delve into the socio-rhetorical implications, considering how Paul's renunciation of his own status and achievements would have been heard in the context of a status-conscious Roman society.

Generally, the consensus among commentators is that Paul sees his former gains not merely as neutral, but as a hindrance to his relationship with Christ when they are the focus of his identity and purpose.