Philippians 3:9
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Philippians 3:9
9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
Chapter Context
Philippians 3 is a friendship epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of judgment, righteousness, love. 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 addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. 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 3:9
9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
Analysis
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith (καὶ εὑρεθῶ ἐν αὐτῷ, μὴ ἔχων ἐμὴν δικαιοσύνην τὴν ἐκ νόμου ἀλλὰ τὴν διὰ πίστεως Χριστοῦ, τὴν ἐκ θεοῦ δικαιοσύνην ἐπὶ τῇ πίστει, kai heurethō en autō, mē echōn emēn dikaiosynēn tēn ek nomou alla tēn dia pisteōs Christou, tēn ek theou dikaiosynēn epi tē pistei)—Heurethō en autō ("be found in Him") is eschatological: at judgment, be united with Christ. Two righteousness-types contrast: emēn dikaiosynēn tēn ek nomou ("my own righteousness from law")—self-generated, inadequate; versus tēn ek theou dikaiosynēn epi tē pistei ("righteousness from God based on faith")—imputed, sufficient. Dia pisteōs Christou could be subjective (Christ's faithfulness) or objective (faith in Christ); likely both. This is Reformation's heart: justification by faith alone, apart from works (Rom 3:21-28).
Historical Context
Paul's doctrine of imputed righteousness revolutionized soteriology. Against Judaism (self-righteousness through law-keeping) and paganism (merit through philosophy/virtue), Paul taught God-given righteousness received by faith. This became Reformation's sola fide. Philippians 3:9 is clearest NT statement of imputed righteousness—God's righteousness credited to believers through union with Christ by faith alone.
Reflection
- What is the difference between 'my own righteousness' and 'righteousness from God by faith'?
- How does union with Christ ('found in Him') relate to imputed righteousness?
- Where might you be tempted toward self-righteousness rather than trusting Christ's righteousness alone?
Word Studies
- Faith: πίστις (Pistis) G4102 - Faith, belief, trust
Cross-References
- References Christ: Romans 8:1
- Faith: Romans 1:17, Galatians 2:16
- Righteousness: Ecclesiastes 7:20, Isaiah 53:11, Jeremiah 23:6, 33:16, 1 Corinthians 1:30, 2 Corinthians 5:21