Philippians 3:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Philippians 3:15
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.
Chapter Context
Philippians 3 is a friendship epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, judgment, worship. Written during Paul's Roman imprisonment (c. 60-62 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church in this Roman colony maintained partnership with Paul despite his imprisonment.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Philippians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Philippians 3:15
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.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References God: John 7:17, Colossians 4:12
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 35:8, Matthew 5:48, Romans 15:1, 1 Corinthians 2:6, 14:20, Galatians 5:10