What is the meaning of Philippians 3:6? As to zeal “as to zeal” (Philippians 3:6) • Paul points to the burning passion that marked his pre-Christian life. In Acts 22:3 he reminds his hearers, “I was zealous for God as all of you are today.” • Zeal itself is commended in Scripture—Psalm 69:9 says, “For zeal for Your house has consumed me”—yet zeal needs right knowledge (Romans 10:2). • Paul’s testimony (Galatians 1:14) shows he “was advancing in Judaism… extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.” His intensity was genuine, but misdirected. • The verse tells us that religious fervor, no matter how sincere, can still miss God’s true purpose when it is not anchored in the gospel of Christ. Persecuting the church “persecuting the church” • Paul’s zeal expressed itself in violent opposition to believers: – Acts 8:3: “Saul began to destroy the church… dragging off men and women.” – Acts 9:1-2: he was “breathing out murderous threats.” • He later confesses, “I persecuted the church of God” (1 Corinthians 15:9; Galatians 1:13). • By listing this, Paul reminds the Philippians how far religious devotion can drift from God’s heart. What he once thought service to God was actually warfare against God’s people (Acts 26:9-11). • The grace of Christ turned this persecutor into an apostle, underscoring that salvation rests on God’s mercy, not human performance. As to righteousness in the law “as to righteousness in the law” • Paul refers to the legal righteousness obtainable through meticulous observance of Moses’ commands (Romans 10:5). • Like Zechariah and Elizabeth, who were “walking blamelessly in all the commandments” (Luke 1:6), Paul had outward conformity. • Philippians 3:5 details his credentials—circumcision on the eighth day, a Hebrew of Hebrews—showing he met every requirement expected of a devout Jew. • Yet Romans 3:20 declares that “no one will be justified” by the law; obedience, though commendable, cannot erase sin’s stain. Paul uses his own story to prove the point. Faultless “faultless” • In the eyes of his contemporaries Paul’s record was spotless. Acts 23:1 captures this self-assessment: “I have conducted myself before God in all good conscience to this day.” • “Faultless” speaks of external blamelessness, much like Job was called “blameless and upright” (Job 1:1). • Still, inwardly Paul lacked the true righteousness that comes only “through faith in Christ” (Philippians 3:9). His flawless résumé could not deal with the heart problem of sin. • By calling himself “faultless,” Paul sets up the dramatic contrast that follows in verses 7-9: everything once counted as gain he now regards as loss compared to knowing Christ. summary Philippians 3:6 showcases Paul’s pre-conversion life: fervent zeal, fierce persecution, meticulous law-keeping, and outward blamelessness. None of it brought him the righteousness God requires; only faith in Jesus did. The verse warns against trusting religious passion or performance and invites us to rest wholly in the surpassing worth of Christ. |
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