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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadMatthew Poole Commentary - Philippians 3:3 - 3:3
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In opposition to and confutation of the concision, he speaks of himself, and all true believers in the fellowship of the gospel, partakers of the same grace and Spirit with him, Phi_1:5,7 Php 2:1; and saith, we.
Are the circumcision; using a metonymy, are the circumcision now acceptable, and not displeasing to God, i.e. we are what is really signified by it, and therefore as to the main intent of it are the circumcised (it being usual to put circumcision for circumcised, Act_11:2 Rom_3:30 4:12 15:8 Gal_2:7,8,9,12 Col 4:11 Tit_1:10): he doth not mean with respect to carnal circumcision, i.e. which is outward in the flesh, but which is inward in the Spirit, Rom_2:28,29, made without hands by the circumcision of Christ, with whom we are buried in baptism, Col_2:11,12; and being Christ’s are Abraham’s spiritual seed, and heirs of the promise, Gal_3:29.
Which worship God in the spirit; i.e. who have cut off all carnal confidence of salvation in any external services, (which they of the concision contend for), and do worship God, not with carnal, but spiritual worship, such as now under the gospel he doth require, Joh_4:23,24 Ro 1:9; from a renewed heart; {Joh_3:8 1Pe_3:15} yielding peculiar adoration to the Lord our God, with a sincere mind, and by the assistance of his Spirit in the exercise of faith and love, Rom_8:5,6,26,27 Eph 3:16,17 6:18 Heb_10:22; according to the same rule he hath prescribed, Phi_3:16, with Rom_12:1,2 Ga 6:16, in and through Christ, Heb_13:15.
And rejoice in Christ Jesus; in whom alone (not in Moses also, as false teachers would join them) glorying we trust for acceptance with God, 2Co_5:9 Gal_6:14; in communion with whom is ground of rejoicing through Christ, who is the substance or body of Mosaic shadows, Phi_3:9.
And have no confidence in the flesh; and not rest, or trust, or place our hope in any carnal or external privilege or performance, or any other besides Jesus Christ, to commend us to God, Gal_3:2,11-13.