Philippians 3:15
Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
Original Language Analysis
οὖν
us therefore
G3767
οὖν
us therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 16
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
τέλειοι
be perfect
G5046
τέλειοι
be perfect
Strong's:
G5046
Word #:
3 of 16
complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with g3588) completeness
φρονεῖτε
Let
G5426
φρονεῖτε
Let
Strong's:
G5426
Word #:
5 of 16
to exercise the mind, i.e., entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain d
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
φρονεῖτε
Let
G5426
φρονεῖτε
Let
Strong's:
G5426
Word #:
10 of 16
to exercise the mind, i.e., entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain d
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 7:17If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.Galatians 5:10I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.1 Corinthians 2:6Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:Isaiah 35:8And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.Colossians 4:12Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.1 Corinthians 14:20Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.Matthew 5:48Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.Hebrews 5:14But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.Colossians 1:28Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:Romans 15:1We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Historical Context
Ancient philosophers debated perfection's attainability. Stoics claimed sages achieved perfection; Skeptics denied knowability of truth. Paul's middle way: maturity recognizes imperfection and pursues growth. 'God shall reveal' trusts Spirit's illuminating work (John 16:13; 1 Cor 2:10-12). Early church had diverse maturity levels; Paul calls for unity in pursuit while allowing Spirit to correct misunderstandings over time.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you be 'perfect' (teleios—mature) while acknowledging you haven't 'already attained' (v. 12)?
- What theological or practical issues might require waiting for God to 'reveal' clarity?
- How do you balance strong conviction with gracious patience toward less mature believers?
Analysis & Commentary
Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you (Ὅσοι οὖν τέλειοι, τοῦτο φρονῶμεν· καὶ εἴ τι ἑτέρως φρονεῖτε, καὶ τοῦτο ὁ θεὸς ὑμῖν ἀποκαλύψει, Hosoi oun teleioi, touto phronōmen; kai ei ti heterōs phroneite, kai touto ho theos hymin apokalypsei)—Teleioi ("perfect, mature") seems paradoxical after v. 12 ("not already perfect"). Resolution: teleioi here means spiritually mature, not sinlessly perfect. Mature believers recognize they haven't arrived (v. 12) and press forward (vv. 13-14). Touto phronōmen ("let us think this")—adopt this mindset. Ei ti heterōs phroneite ("if you think differently")—Paul allows for disagreement but trusts ho theos...apokalypsei ("God will reveal")—divine illumination corrects error. This balances strong conviction with gracious patience toward those at different maturity stages.