Warning Against Evil Workers
Philippians 3:1-4
In Paul’s second missionary travels, the Lord indicated that He wanted Paul to head to Macedonia (Acts 16:9,19), which by the way has affected all of our lives in the West. Philippi was in fact the very first congregation ever established on European soil. Paul wanted to reassure them that they would by victors if only they had the same attitude if Christ instead of conceited pride. (Phil. 2:5-11) What was taking place in Philippi was the teachings of evil workers or JUDAIZERS which means to “live like Jews.” These teachers were teaching that non-Jewish believers had to follow the Jewish law which of course is not true. In most Paul’s letters, he was constantly confronting false teaching: He argued with Jews who wanted to force non-Jewish followers of Christ to be circumcised, and he also engaged with other factions such as the Gnostics, and fake Christians. There isn’t much difference today, we still must contend with the same attitudes against Jesus and His followers. We have plenty of false teacher and false prophets. In fact, Constantine was instrumental in co-opting the Jewish birthright into the Roman church. Such is another discussion concerning the transference of God’s chosen people from the Jews to the gentile Christian church, and I’ll leave that for a later discussion.
| Scripture | Commentary |
|---|---|
| Philippians 3:1— “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.” | Seems Paul wrote an earlier letter to the Philippians and is saying he’s writing the same things as before. Most likely, because of the false Jewish teachers who were trying to have the gentile believers follow the Jewish covenant of circumcision. Paul sending the same teaching again is for their own good as he continues to remind them that we are under a new covenant. |
| Philippians 3:2— “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation!” | Dogs The Greek word used here was commonly used in a derogatory manner in the first century, and I would imagine still is. Paul also informs the Philippians once again that circumcision of the flesh is a mutilation indicating that non-Jews who undergo circumcision for salvation\conversion purposes are mutilating themselves, because the work of Christ has rendered circumcision unnecessary. |
| Philippians 3:3— “For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh” | In Jewish tradition, circumcision was the sign of being in a covenant relationship with God. Paul asserts here that the sign of being God’s people is the true circumcision and worshiping in Spirit and in truth gives boasting in the work of Christ and not themselves a boast. Christ Jesus Refers to trusting in Him as the defining indicator of God’s people.
Any confidence in the flesh means converts are relying on circumcision and the law to confirm one’s favor with God. |
| Philippians 3:4— “though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so…” | Any confidence in the flesh Paul states he can do so more, and if anyone has impeccable credentials under the Jewish law, Paul says that is me. |
Php 3:1–4 (MSG) “And that’s about it, friends. Be glad in God! I don’t mind repeating what I have written in earlier letters, and I hope you don’t mind hearing it again. Better safe than sorry—so here goes. Steer clear of the barking dogs, those religious busybodies, all bark and no bite. All they’re interested in is appearances—knife-happy circumcisers, I call them. The real believers are the ones the Spirit of God leads to work away at this ministry, filling the air with Christ’s praise as we do it. We couldn’t carry this off by our own efforts, and we know it—even though we can list what many might think are impressive credentials.”
Bottom line is don’t be taken in by those who want to lead you on a different path other than the one chosen for you by Christ. Remember, there is but one covenant with Jesus. The old and new cannot be intermixed.
Mike Kovach
5 October 2021
The Christian Underground Journal
TheChristianUndergroundJournal@gmail.com
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