What does Philippians 3:9 mean?

Explanation

Philippians 3:9 speaks to the core of Christian theology concerning righteousness and how one is justified before God.

The Apostle Paul contrasts two types of righteousness: one based on following the Law (the Mosaic Law given to the Israelites), and the other based on faith in Christ Jesus.

Paul seeks to be found "in him," which means to be united with Christ and identified as belonging to him.

This union is contrasted with possessing his "own righteousness," which refers to a self-derived moral status based on adherence to the Jewish law.

Paul rejects this self-derived righteousness in favor of a righteousness "through the faith of Christ," implying a righteousness that is received from God on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ, rather than from fulfilling the law's requirements.

Historical Context

Philippians is a letter written by Paul while he was in prison, most likely in Rome, around 60-62 A.D.

This letter was addressed to the Christian community at Philippi, a city in Macedonia (northern Greece today).

During this time, there was a significant debate within the early church regarding whether non-Jewish converts to Christianity needed to follow Jewish laws and customs, particularly circumcision, to be fully Christian.

Paul firmly argued against this idea, promoting faith in Christ as sufficient for righteousness and salvation.

Theological Insights

There is abundant theological discourse around this verse:

• Justification by Faith: This is a central tenet in many Christian traditions, especially Protestantism, which teaches that humans are made righteous before God not by their own actions but through faith in Jesus Christ.
• Righteousness of God: Different theologies interpret whether this is a righteousness from God or a righteousness that belongs to God.

Some view it as the character of God imputed to believers; others as divine approval that comes from God.

• Works of the Law vs. Faith: This division is fundamental as it discusses what justifies a person before God.

The traditional Jewish view emphasized obedience to the Torah (Law), while Pauline theology emphasizes faith in Christ.

Practical Applications

In everyday life, this verse encourages individuals to:

• Rely on faith in Jesus for their standing before God, rather than their own moral or religious achievements.
• Approach God with humility, recognizing that salvation is not earned.
• Live out their faith with a focus on spiritual transformation rather than the mere observance of religious laws.

Cross-References

• Romans 3:22 - "Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:"
• Galatians 2:16 - "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."
• Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

Language Study

Key words analyzed from the original Greek are:

• Found in him (εὑρεθῶ ἐν αὐτῷ): To be discovered or recognized as being ‘in Christ’ - representing a close association with Jesus.
• Righteousness (δικαιοσύνην): Refers to the condition of being in right relationship with God.
• Faith of Christ (πίστεως Χριστοῦ): Can be taken as faith "in" Christ or "of" Christ.

It may mean faith in Christ's atoning work or the faithfulness exhibited by Christ, depending on interpretative perspectives.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This emphasis on a shift from law-based righteousness to faith-based righteousness has parallels in other religious transformations:

• In Buddhism's shift from ritual to the personal pursuit of enlightenment.
• In Islam's spiritual interpretations of Jihad vs. the physical struggle.

Such shifts often reflect a move from external practices towards internal spiritual transformation.

Scientific Perspectives

In scientific discourse, righteousness and faith are subjective concepts that are not empirically measurable.

However, the psychological impacts of religious beliefs on individual well-being are well documented. Modern psychology might examine the effects of holding a belief system that values inherent worth over accomplishments, as suggested by this verse.

Commentaries

• Matthew Henry Commentary: Suggests that Paul discarded his own legal righteousness to gain the righteousness through faith, stressing the impossibility of earning salvation.
• Benson Commentary: Emphasizes that the phrase "not having mine own righteousness" indicates that Paul considered the righteousness of the law to be properly his, while the righteousness through faith in Christ was to be received as a gift from God.
• The Pulpit Commentary: Analyzes the term "righteousness" in the verse in detail and highlights Paul's profound argument about how Christians receive righteousness from God, not by the law but by faith in Christ.