TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
Complete Jewish Bible
Therefore, as many of us as are mature, let us keep paying attention to this; and if you are differently minded about anything, God will also reveal this to you.
Berean Standard Bible
All of us who are mature should embrace this point of view. And if you think differently about some issue, God will reveal this to you as well.
American Standard Version
Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye are otherwise minded, this also shall God reveal unto you:
World English Bible Messianic
Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, think this way. If in anything you think otherwise, God will also reveal that to you.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Let vs therefore as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if yee be otherwise minded, God shall reueile euen the same vnto you.
Young's Literal Translation
As many, therefore, as are perfect--let us think this, and if in anything ye think otherwise, this also shall God reveal to you,
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In the KJVVerse 29,437 of 31,102
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Commentary on Philippians 3 verses 15–16
15 ¶ Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.
The apostle, having proposed himself as an example, urges the Philippians to follow it. Let the same mind be in us which was in blessed Paul. We see here how he was minded; let us be like-minded, and set our hearts upon Christ and heaven, as he did. 1. He shows that this was the thing wherein all good Christians were agreed, to make Christ all in all, and set their hearts upon another world. This is that whereto we have all attained. However good Christians may differ in their sentiments about other things, this is what they are agreed in, that Christ is a Christian's all, that to win Christ and to be found in him involve our happiness both here and hereafter. And therefore let us walk by the same rule, and mind the same thing. Having made Christ our all, to us to live must be Christ. Let us agree to press towards the mark, and make heaven our end. 2. That this is a good reason why Christians who differ in smaller matters should yet bear with one another, because they are agreed in the main matter: "If in any thing you be otherwise minded - if you differ from one another, and are not of the same judgment as to meats and days, and other matters of the Jewish law - yet you must not judge one another, while you all meet now in Christ as your centre, and hope to meet shortly in heaven as your home. As for other matters of difference, lay no great stress upon them, God shall reveal even this unto you. Whatever it is wherein you differ, you must wait till God give you a better understanding, which he will do in his due time. In the mean time, as far as you have attained, you must go together in the ways of God, join together in all the great things in which you are agreed, and wait for further light in the minor things wherein you differ."
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 15–16. Public domain.
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Clement of AlexandriaAD 215
The Instructor Book 1
And yet he reckons himself perfect, because he has been emancipated from his former life, and strives after the better life, not as perfect in knowledge, but as aspiring after perfection. Wherefore also he adds, "As many of us as are perfect, are thus minded"
TertullianAD 220
De Corona
Or do you think that every believer is entitled to originate and establish a law, if only it be such as is agreeable to God, as is helpful to discipline, as promotes salvation, when the Lord says, "But why do you not even of your own selves judge what is right? " And not merely in regard to a judicial sentence, but in regard to every decision in matters we are called on to consider, the apostle also says, "If of anything you are ignorant, God shall reveal it unto you; " he himself, too, being accustomed to afford counsel though he had not the command of the Lord, and to dictate of himself as possessing the Spirit of God who guides into all truth.
TertullianAD 220
On Fasting
"And if," says (the apostle), "there are matters which ye are ignorant about, the Lord will reveal to you." Accordingly, setting out of the question the confirmer of all such things, the Paraclete, the guide of universal truth, inquire whether there be not a worthier reason adduced among its for the observing of the ninth hour; so that this reason (of ours) must be attributed even to Peter if he observed a Station at the time in question.
Hippolytus of RomeAD 235
Hippolytus Exegetical Fragments
For, by progressing in virtue, and attaining to better things, "reaching forth to those things which are before," according to the word of the blessed Paul, we rise ever to the higher beauty. I mean, however, of course, spiritual beauty, so that to us too it may be said hereafter, "The King greatly desired thy beauty."
CyprianAD 258
Epistle LXII
To neglect these things any further, and to persevere in the former error, what is it else than to fall under the Lord's rebuke, who in the l psalm reproveth, and says, "What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant into thy mouth, seeing thou hatest instruction and castest my words behind thee? When thou sawest a thief, thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers." For to declare the righteousness and the covenant of the Lord, and not to do the same that the Lord did, what else is it than to cast away His words and to despise the Lord's instruction, to commit not earthly, but spiritual thefts and adulteries? While any one is stealing from evangelical truth the words and doings of our Lord, he is corrupting and adulterating the divine precepts, as it is written in Jeremiah. He says, "What is the chaff to the wheat? Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, who steal my words every one froth his neighbour, and cause my people to err by their lies and by their lightness." Also in the same prophet, in another place, He says, "She committed adultery with stocks and stones, and yet for all this she turned not unto me." That this theft and adultery may not fall unto us also, we ought to be anxiously careful, and fearfully and religiously to watch. For if we are priests of God and of Christ, I do not know any one whom we ought rather to follow than God and Christ, since He Himself emphatically says in the Gospel, "I am the light of the world; he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." Lest therefore we should walk in darkness, we ought to follow Christ, and to observe his precepts, because He Himself told His apostles in another place, as He sent them forth, "All power is given unto me in heaven and earth. Go, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." Wherefore, if we wish to walk in the light of Christ, let us not depart from His precepts and monitions, giving thanks that, while He instructs for the future what we ought to do, He pardons for the past wherein we in our simplicity have erred. And because already His second coming draws near to us, His benign and liberal condescension is more and more illuminating our hearts with the light of truth.
Hilary of PoitiersAD 367
ON THE TRINITY 11.24
If we, because of the tendency to err that lies within the human condition, take the meaning of anything for granted, we are not to refuse increase of understanding through grace.… For the apostle has already explained the thought of those whose thought is perfect. As to those who think otherwise concerning God’s revelation, he hopes that their thoughts will be brought to perfection.
Gaius Marius VictorinusAD 370
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 3.15
Assuming that this statement is complete and self-contained and need not be linked to his subsequent words, I think it must be understood as follows: “If there is anything in what I have said that you construe or understand in a different way, I allow your understanding to develop.” Remember that he is speaking of the perfect, for so he says so: “we who are perfect.” … “In due time ‘God will reveal this to you,’ since both what you understand and what I have said are fitting.”
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on Philippians 12
"Let us, therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded," saith he. "And if in anything ye are otherwise minded, even this shall God reveal unto you." What sort of thing? That we should "forget the things which are behind." Wherefore it belongs to him who is perfect not to consider himself perfect. How therefore sayest thou, "as many as are perfect"? For tell me, are we minded as thou art? For if thou hast not attained nor art perfected, how dost thou command those that are perfect to be so minded as thou art, who art not yet perfect? Yea, for this, saith he, is perfection. And "if ye are in anything otherwise minded, even this shall God reveal unto you." That is, if any one considers that he has attained all excellence. He puts them on their guard, not by speaking directly, but what saith he? "If in anything ye are otherwise minded, even this shall God reveal unto you." See how humbly he saith this! God shall teach you, i.e. God shall persuade you, not teach you; for Paul was teaching, but God shall lead them on. And he said not, shall lead you on, but "shall reveal," that this may rather seem to spring from ignorance. These words were spoken not concerning doctrines, but concerning perfection of life, and our not considering ourselves to be perfect, for he who considers that he hath apprehended all, hath nothing.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
ON THE PERFECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTEOUSNESS 19
All of us who are running the race perfectly should be aware that we are not yet perfect. The hope is that we may receive perfection in the place to which we are now running perfectly.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
ON TWO LETTERS OF PELAGIUS 3.19
The apostle speaks of himself as both perfect and imperfect: imperfect when he considers how much righteousness is still wanting in him but perfect in that he does not blush to confess his own imperfection and makes good progress in order to attain it.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Philippians 3:15 serves as a profound exhortation to believers, particularly those who consider themselves spiritually mature, to adopt a specific Christ-centered mindset characterized by continuous pursuit and growth. Paul encourages a forward-looking perspective, emphasizing that true spiritual maturity involves an ongoing striving toward the ultimate prize of knowing Christ. Furthermore, the verse offers immense comfort and assurance, promising that God Himself will graciously reveal deeper truths and correct any misapprehensions to those who are sincerely seeking His will, fostering unity and progressive understanding within the body of Christ.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Paul employs several effective literary devices in Philippians 3:15. The verse begins with a clear Exhortation ("Let us therefore... be thus minded"), directly urging the readers to adopt a specific spiritual posture. There is an implicit Contrast drawn between those who are "perfect" (mature) and those who are "otherwise minded," highlighting different stages of spiritual understanding within the community, yet without condemnation. The entire passage, building on the preceding verses, utilizes Metaphor of a race or athletic pursuit, where the "mindset" is the internal disposition required to run that race effectively. Finally, the latter part of the verse functions as a profound Promise or Assurance, guaranteeing divine revelation to those who are seeking. This promise provides comfort and reinforces the sovereignty of God in the believer's spiritual growth journey.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Philippians 3:15 profoundly articulates the New Testament emphasis on progressive sanctification and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. It challenges any notion of spiritual stagnation or a final, static state of perfection achieved through human effort. Instead, it posits that even the "mature" are called to a dynamic, forward-looking pursuit of Christ, mirroring the very heart of the gospel—that our righteousness and completeness are found in Christ alone, and our growth is a response to His grace. The verse also highlights God's active role as the divine Teacher, assuring His children that He will illuminate their understanding and guide them into truth, fostering unity and patience within the body of Christ as believers grow at different paces. This divine promise underscores the gracious nature of God, who desires all His children to come to a fuller knowledge of Him.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Philippians 3:15 offers timeless guidance for every believer's spiritual journey. It calls us to embrace a mindset of continuous growth, recognizing that spiritual maturity is not a destination of sinless perfection but an ongoing, dynamic pursuit of Christ. We are encouraged to adopt Paul's forward-looking disposition, letting go of past regrets or self-righteousness, and fixing our eyes on the prize of knowing Christ more intimately. This verse also provides immense comfort and a framework for grace within the Christian community. When we encounter differing spiritual perspectives or find ourselves struggling with understanding certain truths, Paul assures us that God Himself will reveal what is needed. This fosters humility, reminding us that ultimate understanding comes from God, not solely from our intellectual efforts. It also encourages patience and love towards fellow believers, trusting God to lead each person in His perfect timing and method. Our application, therefore, involves cultivating a humble, teachable spirit, diligently seeking God's truth in His Word and prayer, and extending grace to others on their unique journeys of faith.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "perfect" mean in Philippians 3:15?
Answer: In this context, the Greek word téleios (G5046) translated as "perfect" does not refer to sinless perfection in an absolute sense. Instead, it signifies spiritual maturity, completeness in purpose, or being "full-grown." Paul is addressing those believers who have progressed beyond spiritual infancy and are mature enough to grasp the profound truths of the gospel and the ongoing pursuit of Christ, as he has just described in Philippians 3:12-14. It's about a readiness to move forward and a complete commitment to the ultimate Christian goal of knowing Christ.
Does this verse imply that God will always reveal everything immediately?
Answer: No, this verse does not imply instant or immediate revelation of all truths. Rather, it emphasizes God's ongoing, gracious work of revelation and guidance in the believer's life. Spiritual understanding often unfolds progressively, "from faith to faith" (Romans 1:17). The promise that "God shall reveal even this unto you" encourages patience, trust in His timing, and reliance on His methods, which include prayer, diligent study of Scripture, the illumination of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26), and the teaching within the community of faith. It reassures believers that if they are sincerely seeking, God will faithfully lead them into a fuller understanding.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Philippians 3:15 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "mindset" that Paul urges believers to adopt is fundamentally Christ's own mindset—one of complete obedience to the Father, self-emptying love, and resolute pursuit of God's will, even unto death (Philippians 2:5-8). He is the archetypal "perfect" one, who "for the joy that was set before him endured the cross" (Hebrews 12:2). The "prize" that Paul presses toward is the full knowledge of Christ and conformity to His resurrection life (Philippians 3:10-11). Furthermore, the promise that "God shall reveal even this unto you" is fulfilled through Christ, who is the very revelation of God (John 1:18) and through the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent to guide believers into all truth (John 16:13). Thus, the call to maturity, the specific mindset, and the promise of divine revelation all converge in Christ, who is both the goal of our pursuit and the means by which we attain it, ultimately leading to our presentation as "perfect in Christ" (Colossians 1:28).