Philippians 3:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Philippians 3:6
6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
Chapter Context
Philippians 3 is a friendship epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of obedience, salvation, 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 essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. 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 3:6
6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
Analysis
As touching the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless (κατὰ νόμον Φαρισαῖος, κατὰ ζῆλος διώκων τὴν ἐκκλησίαν, κατὰ δικαιοσύνην τὴν ἐν νόμῳ γενόμενος ἄμεμπτος, kata nomon Pharisaios, kata zēlos diōkōn tēn ekklēsian, kata dikaiosynēn tēn en nomō genomenos amemptos)—Three religious achievements: (5) Kata nomon Pharisaios ("according to law, a Pharisee")—strictest sect (Acts 26:5), meticulous law-observers. (6) Kata zēlos diōkōn tēn ekklēsian ("according to zeal, persecuting the church")—zēlos ("zeal") meant violent devotion (Num 25:11-13; 1 Macc 2:26-27). Paul's persecution proved zealous orthodoxy (Acts 8:3; 9:1; Gal 1:13). (7) Kata dikaiosynēn...amemptos ("according to law-righteousness, blameless")—outwardly faultless law-keeping. Amemptos ("blameless") doesn't claim sinlessness but irreproachable external observance.
Paul's seven credentials (vv. 5-6) are structured: four by birth (ethnic/ritual), three by choice (sect/zeal/righteousness). He climaxed religious achievement. Yet vv. 7-8 declare it all worthless—shocking claim proving gospel's supremacy over works-righteousness.
Historical Context
Pharisees numbered ~6,000 in Jesus's day, obsessively devoted to oral law traditions (Josephus). Paul studied under Gamaliel, leading rabbi (Acts 22:3). His persecution of Christians demonstrated theological conviction: he viewed Christianity as heresy threatening Judaism. 'Blameless' doesn't mean perfect but scrupulous external observance—Pharisees parsed Mosaic minutiae (Matt 23:23). Paul achieved the Judaizers' ideal—and pronounced it worthless.
Reflection
- How could Paul claim 'blameless' righteousness if all have sinned (Rom 3:23)?
- Why does zealous religious activity (even persecution) fail to commend us to God?
- What religious achievements might you secretly trust rather than Christ's righteousness alone?
Word Studies
- Righteous: δίκαιος (Dikaios) G1343 - Righteous, just
Cross-References
- Righteousness: Matthew 5:20, Luke 1:6
- Word: Acts 21:20, Romans 7:9
- Parallel theme: 2 Kings 10:16, Matthew 23:25, Acts 8:3, 26:5, 1 Corinthians 15:9, 1 Timothy 1:13