No Confidence in the Flesh

3 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again,^(A) and it is a safeguard for you. ² Watch out for those dogs,^(B) those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. ³ For it is we who are the circumcision,^(C) we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus,^(D) and who put no confidence in the flesh— ⁴ though I myself have reasons for such confidence.^(E)

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: ⁵ circumcised^(F) on the eighth day, of the people of Israel,^(G) of the tribe of Benjamin,^(H) a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee;^{(I) 6} as for zeal,^(J) persecuting the church;^(K) as for righteousness based on the law,^(L) faultless.

⁷ But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss^(M) for the sake of Christ. ⁸ What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing^(N) Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ^{(O) 9} and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law,^(P) but that which is through faith in^[a] Christ—the righteousness^(Q) that comes from God on the basis of faith.^{(R) 10} I want to know^(S) Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings,^(T) becoming like him in his death,^{(U) 11} and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection^(V) from the dead.

¹² Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal,^(W) but I press on to take hold^(X) of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.^{(Y) 13} Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind^(Z) and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on^(AA) toward the goal to win the prize^(AB) for which God has called^(AC) me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Following Paul’s Example

¹⁵ All of us, then, who are mature^(AD) should take such a view of things.^(AE) And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.^{(AF) 16} Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

¹⁷ Join together in following my example,^(AG) brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.^{(AH) 18} For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears,^(AI) many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.^{(AJ) 19} Their destiny^(AK) is destruction, their god is their stomach,^(AL) and their glory is in their shame.^(AM) Their mind is set on earthly things.^{(AN) 20} But our citizenship^(AO) is in heaven.^(AP) And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,^{(AQ) 21} who, by the power^(AR) that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies^(AS) so that they will be like his glorious body.^(AT)

Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for,^(AU) my joy and crown, stand firm^(AV) in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

² I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind^(AW) in the Lord. ³ Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers,^(AX) whose names are in the book of life.^(AY)

Final Exhortations

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!^{(AZ) 5} Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.^{(BA) 6} Do not be anxious about anything,^(BB) but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.^{(BC) 7} And the peace of God,^(BD) which transcends all understanding,^(BE) will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.^(BF) And the God of peace^(BG) will be with you.

Thanks for Their Gifts

¹⁰ I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.^(BH) Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. ¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content^(BI) whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,^(BJ) whether living in plenty or in want.^{(BK) 13} I can do all this through him who gives me strength.^(BL)

¹⁴ Yet it was good of you to share^(BM) in my troubles. ¹⁵ Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days^(BN) of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia,^(BO) not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;^{(BP) 16} for even when I was in Thessalonica,^(BQ) you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.^{(BR) 17} Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.^{(BS) 18} I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus^(BT) the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant^(BU) offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And my God will meet all your needs^(BV) according to the riches of his glory^(BW) in Christ Jesus.

²⁰ To our God and Father^(BX) be glory for ever and ever. Amen.^(BY)

Final Greetings

²¹ Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me^(BZ) send greetings. ²² All God’s people^(CA) here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

²³ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ^(CB) be with your spirit.^(CC) Amen.^[b]