认识基督最宝贵

弟兄姊妹,你们要靠主喜乐!我再把这些事写给你们,对我来说并不麻烦,对你们却有好处。 你们要提防那些犬类,那些作恶的人,那些鼓吹必须受割礼[a]才能得救的人。 因为真正受割礼的人是我们这些靠着上帝的灵敬拜、以基督耶稣为荣、不倚靠自身条件的人。 其实我也可以靠自身的条件。如果别人觉得可以靠自身的条件,我更可以。 我出生后第八天就受了割礼,我是以色列人,属于便雅悯支派,是地地道道的希伯来人。论守律法,我是法利赛人; 论热心,我曾经迫害教会;论律法要求的义,我是无可指责的。 但是为了基督,我从前以为有价值的,现在认为毫无价值。 不但如此,我看万事都毫无价值,因为认识我主基督耶稣最宝贵。我为祂失去了一切,我把失去的一切视为垃圾,好得到基督, 与祂联合。我成为义人不是因为遵行律法,而是因为信靠基督。这义从上帝而来,以信为基础。 10 我渴望认识基督和祂复活的大能,与祂一同受苦,甚至到死的地步[b] 11 这样我无论如何都可以从死里复活。

直奔标竿

12 这并不是说我已经得到了或者纯全了,我还要竭力追求,或者可以达到基督耶稣要我达到的目标。 13 弟兄姊妹,我并非以为自己已经得到了,我只专注一件事,就是忘记背后,努力向前, 14 直奔目标,要赢得上帝借着基督耶稣从天上呼召我去得的奖赏。 15 我们中间成熟的基督徒都应该有这样的看法。即使你们在什么事上看法不同,上帝也必让你们明白。 16 然而,我们长进到什么程度,就照着什么程度去行。

17 弟兄姊妹,你们要一同效法我,也要向那些以我们为榜样的人学习。 18 我已经多次告诉你们,现在又流着泪提醒你们:有许多人行事为人与基督的十字架为敌。 19 他们的神就是自己的肚腹,他们以自己的羞耻为荣,只想着地上的事,他们的结局是灭亡。 20 我们却是天上的国民,殷切等候从天降临的救主,就是主耶稣基督。 21 那时,祂要以降服万物的大能将我们这卑贱的躯体改变成像祂那样荣耀的身体。

Footnotes

  1. 3:2 割礼”参见创世记17章;希腊文用夸张的字眼描述割礼,有讽刺之意。
  2. 3:10 甚至到死的地步”或译“效法祂的死”。

As to the rest, Achim b’Moshiach of mine, have simcha in Adoneinu [1:25; 2:18,28,29; 4:4]. To keep writing the zelba thing [l:4,18; 1:25; 2:2,17,18, 28,29] to you is not an irksome bother to me, but for you it is a te’udat bitachon (safeguard).

Be shomer and on your guard and watch out for those [unclean, prowling] kelevim (dogs Ps 22:17(16),20; Rv 22:15), watch out for the evil po’alim (workers), watch out for the “circummutilators” (Ga 6:12).

For we are the Bnei HaMilah [Ro 2:29; Co 2:11-12], the ones whose avodas kodesh is by the Ruach Hakodesh [Yn 4:23; Ro 8:4] and whose kavod is in Moshiach Yehoshua and who take no bitachon in the basar,

Even though I could be having bitachon also in the basar. If any other person thinks he has grounds to have bitachon in the basar, I have more (2C 11:18-12:10):

Bris milah on the eighth day [Lk 1:59; 2:21]; from Bnei Yisroel by birth; of the tribe of Benjamin; a speaker of Lashon HaKodesh, Ivrit of Ivrit-speaking horim, a Hebrew of Hebrews (2C 11:22); with regard to the Torah, from the kat haPerushim (Ac 23:6; 26:5);

With regard to kin’a (zealousness), persecuting the Adat HaMoshiach (Ac 8:3; 22:4; 26:9 11); with regard to tzidkat HaTorah, [3:9; Ro 2:27-29, as opposed to the tzidkat Hashem], I was medakdekim bmitzvot unreproachable [i.e., hairsplittingly and rigorously observant, glatt kosher, frumkait, and shomer mitzvot].

But what things were revach (gain, profit) to me, these things I considered loss, on account of Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach (Mt 13:44-46; Lk 14:33).

But even more so, I consider all to be loss on account of the excellency of the da’as of Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua Adoneinu [3:10; YIRMEYAH 9:23-24], on account of whom I suffered the loss of all things and I consider them as nothing, in comparison, that I may gain Moshiach [TEHILLIM 73:25],

And be found in him, not having my own Tzedek (selfachieved righteousness, by definition a self-righteousness) based on chumra (legalism [legalism itself a "merit" misinterpretation of the Torah]), but the Tzedek [YIRMEYAH 33:16] through emunah [Ro 3:21-22] in Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach, the Tzidkat Hashem based upon emunah [BERESHIS 15:6; Ro 9:30].

10 I want to have da’as of Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach, and of the gevurah (power) of the Techiyas HaMoshiach and the deveykus (attachment to G-d) of Moshiach’s yissurim (sufferings 1:29; Ro 8:17; Ga 6:17), being formed into the mode of being of Moshiach’s death [death to the sinful Olam Hazeh and the unregenerate basar Ro 6:3-5],

11 If somehow I may attain to the Techiyas HaMesim.

12 Not that already I obtained or already have been made shleimut, but I pursue this tachlis (final end, aim) that I may lay hold of [1Ti 6:12,19 cf. Pp 2:6] that for which I was laid hold of by Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua [Ac 9:5-6].

13 Achim b’Moshiach, I do not consider myself to have laid hold (3:12); but one zach (thing) I do, forgetting the things behind, and stretching forward to the things ahead,

14 According to the tachlis I pursue the prize of the Shomayim Aliyah ascent of Hashem, the upward k’riah (call) of HaShem b’Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua (2K 1:10; 2:12).

15 Therefore, as many as would be shleimut, let us think like this (2:5-8): and if in anything your machshavot (thoughts) are different [Mt 5:48; 2C 2:6], even this Hashem will reveal to you.

16 Fort (nevertheless), let us march in line with what we have attained, let us hold to the same [Ga 6:16].

17 Achim b’Moshiach, together be imitators of me [1C 4:16; 11:1]. Take note of the ones walking as you have a mofet in us [2:5-30; 1Th 1:7; 1K 5:3].

18 For many, of whom I was often telling you, and now also I say with weeping, walk as oyvim (enemies) of Moshiach’s Etz [DEVARIM 21:23; 27:26; Ga 3:13; 1C 1:23; Ga 6:12 cf Pp 2:8].

19 Their destined end [TEHILLIM 73:17] is churban (destruction, Gehinnom). Their g-d is their appetite [Ro 16:18], and their kavod, what they glory in, is their bushah (shame). Their machshavot are set on the Olam Hazeh [Ro 8:5-6].

20 But the torat haEzrakhut (citizenship-see 1:27) we conduct exists in Shomayim [Ep 2:6; MJ 12:22; Ga 4:26; 6:16], from where also we eagerly await a Moshi’a (Savior), a Go’el, Adoneinu Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua,

21 Who will transfigure the basar of our humiliation into the demut of the mode of being of the guf kavod of Moshiach, according to the pe’ulah (action, work—1:6; 2:13) of his ko’ach (power) [Ro 8:29;1C 15:43 53], even to the subjecting of all things to himself [1C 15:28]. T.N. The joyous tone of this letter is miraculous, given the fact that Rav Sha’ul is, as he is writing it, in danger of capital punishment by decapitation at anytime and without warning. But Sha’ul selflessly thinks about two quarreling women and the danger their quarrel poses to the kehillah in Philippi. He seems to have been leading up to this statement in 4:2: “I appeal to Euodias and I appeal to Syntyche, think the same thing in Adoneinu.” ]

No Confidence in the Flesh

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. Watch out for those dogs,(B) those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 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— 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: 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) as for zeal,(J) persecuting the church;(K) as for righteousness based on the law,(L) faultless.

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss(M) for the sake of Christ. 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) 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)

Footnotes

  1. Philippians 3:9 Or through the faithfulness of

Warning against Pride

So then,[a] my brothers, keep on rejoicing in the Lord. It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you; indeed, it is for your safety.

Beware of the dogs! Beware of the evil workers! Beware of the mutilators![b] For it is we who are the circumcision[c]—we who worship in the Spirit of God[d] and find our joy in the Messiah[e] Jesus. We have not placed any confidence in the flesh, although I could have confidence in the flesh. If anyone thinks he can place confidence in the flesh, I have more reason to think so.[f] Having been circumcised on the eighth day, I am of the nation of Israel, from the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews. As far as the Law is concerned, I was a Pharisee. As for my zeal, I was a persecutor of the church. As far as righteousness in the Law is concerned, I was blameless.

But whatever things were assets to me, these I now consider a loss for the sake of the Messiah.[g] What is more, I continue to consider all these things to be a loss for the sake of what is far more valuable, knowing the Messiah[h] Jesus, my Lord. It is because of him that I have experienced the loss of all those things. Indeed, I consider them rubbish[i] in order to gain the Messiah[j] and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the Law, but one that comes through the faithfulness[k] of the Messiah,[l] the righteousness that comes from God and that depends on faith. 10 I want to know the Messiah[m]—what his resurrection power is like and what it means to share in his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, 11 though I hope to experience the resurrection from the dead.

Pursuing the Goal

12 It’s not that I have already reached this goal or have already become perfect. But I keep pursuing it, hoping somehow to embrace it just as I have been embraced by the Messiah[n] Jesus. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself to have embraced it yet.[o] But this one thing I do: Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I keep pursuing the goal to win the prize[p] of God’s heavenly call in the Messiah[q] Jesus.

15 Therefore, those of us who are mature[r] should think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will show you how to think.[s] 16 However, we should live up to what we have achieved so far.

True and False Teachers

17 Join together in imitating me, brothers, and pay close attention to those who live by the example we have set for you.[t] 18 For I have often told you, and now tell you even with tears, that many live as enemies of the cross of the Messiah.[u] 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on worldly things.

20 Our citizenship, however, is in heaven, and it is from there that we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus, the Messiah.[v] 21 He will change our unassuming bodies and make them like his glorious body through the power that enables him to bring everything under his authority.

Footnotes

  1. Philippians 3:1 Or Furthermore
  2. Philippians 3:2 Lit. the mutilation; Lit. katatome (a cutting off)
  3. Philippians 3:3 Lit. peritome (a cutting around)
  4. Philippians 3:3 Other mss. read worship God in the Spirit
  5. Philippians 3:3 Or Christ
  6. Philippians 3:4 Lit. I more
  7. Philippians 3:7 Or Christ
  8. Philippians 3:8 Or Christ
  9. Philippians 3:8 Or dung
  10. Philippians 3:8 Or Christ
  11. Philippians 3:9 Or through faith in
  12. Philippians 3:9 Or Christ
  13. Philippians 3:10 Lit. To know him
  14. Philippians 3:12 Or Christ
  15. Philippians 3:13 Other mss. omit yet
  16. Philippians 3:14 Lit. the goal for the prize
  17. Philippians 3:14 Or Christ
  18. Philippians 3:15 Or perfect
  19. Philippians 3:15 Lit. show you this
  20. Philippians 3:17 Lit. the example you have in us
  21. Philippians 3:18 Or Christ
  22. Philippians 3:20 Or Christ