Philippians 3:15

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let {G5426} us therefore {G3767}, as many as {G3745} be perfect {G5046}, be {G5426} thus {G5124} minded {G5426}: and {G2532} if in any thing {G1536} ye be {G5426} otherwise {G2088} minded {G5426}, God {G2316} shall reveal {G601} even {G2532} this {G5124} unto you {G5213}.

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:

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Paul's deeply personal and passionate declaration in [Philippians 3:12-14](/philippians/3-12-14 "Philippians 3:12-14 - Paul's Pursuit of the Prize"), where he articulates his relentless pursuit of Christlikeness, forgetting past achievements and pressing on toward the heavenly prize. [Philippians 3:15](/philippians/3-15 "Philippians 3:15 - The Mindset of the Mature") functions as a direct application and exhortation to the Philippian believers, urging them to internalize and emulate this same dynamic, forward-looking spiritual posture. It stands in stark contrast to the legalistic or self-righteous attitudes of the "dogs" and "evil workers" Paul warned against earlier in the chapter, particularly in [Philippians 3:2-11](/philippians/3-2-11 "Philippians 3:2-11 - Warning Against Legalism and Paul's Righteousness in Christ"), who relied on external circumcision or human accomplishments for their standing before God. Paul's call is for an internal transformation of mind and purpose, not a static state of perfection.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Philippi was a Roman colony, and its citizens prided themselves on their Roman identity and laws. This cultural backdrop often emphasized achievement, status, and adherence to prescribed norms. Within this context, Paul's message challenges a superficial understanding of "perfection" or "completeness" (which might have been associated with adherence to Jewish law or philosophical ideals) and redefines it in terms of spiritual maturity in Christ. The early church, still in its formative years, faced internal disagreements and external pressures. Paul's gentle yet firm approach in this verse, particularly his assurance of God's revelation for those "otherwise minded," speaks to a need for patience, unity, and divine guidance in a community where believers were at different stages of understanding and growth. The concept of "revelation" was vital for the nascent Christian community, as they relied on God's direct communication through apostles and the Holy Spirit to establish doctrine and practice.
* **Key Themes:** [Philippians 3:15](/philippians/3-15 "Philippians 3:15 - The Mindset of the Mature") contributes significantly to several major themes within the letter. Firstly, it underscores **Spiritual Maturity and Progress**, emphasizing that the Christian life is a journey of continuous growth, not a destination of sinless perfection. The "perfect" are those who are mature enough to grasp the ultimate goal of knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection, as articulated in [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Paul's Desire to Know Christ"). Secondly, it highlights the critical importance of a **Christ-Centered Mindset** (from the Greek _phronéō_), urging believers to adopt Paul's earnest pursuit of Christ, letting go of past failures or successes, and striving for what lies ahead. This mindset is foundational to Christian living. Thirdly, the verse powerfully affirms **Divine Guidance and Revelation**, assuring believers that God Himself will disclose truth and guide their understanding, particularly when there are differing perspectives. This theme of God's active role in sanctification and teaching His people is echoed throughout the New Testament, such as in [John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Holy Spirit Guides into All Truth"). Finally, it subtly promotes **Patience and Unity in Growth** within the Christian community, acknowledging that spiritual understanding develops at different rates and encouraging grace rather than judgment towards those who are still learning.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **perfect (Greek, _téleios'_):** This word, translated as "perfect," does not imply sinless perfection in this context, but rather spiritual maturity, completeness in purpose, or being "full-grown." It refers to believers who have progressed beyond spiritual infancy and are mature enough to understand and embrace the profound truths of the gospel and the ongoing pursuit of Christ, as Paul has just described. It signifies a readiness to move forward and a complete commitment to the Christian goal.
* **minded (Greek, _phronéō'_):** Derived from the Greek word for "mind" or "intellect," _phronéō_ means "to exercise the mind," "to entertain a sentiment or opinion," or "to be (mentally) disposed." It speaks to one's internal disposition, attitude, and the direction of one's thoughts and affections. To "be thus minded" means to adopt the specific, Christ-focused attitude and purpose that Paul has just exemplified in his own life.
* **reveal (Greek, _apokalýptō'_):** This verb literally means "to take off the cover" or "to uncover," and thus "to disclose" or "to make known." In a theological sense, it refers to God's act of unveiling spiritual truths that were previously hidden or not fully understood. It underscores God's active role as the source of all true spiritual understanding and His willingness to illuminate the minds of His sincere followers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded":** This opening clause is a direct exhortation from Paul. The "therefore" connects it to his preceding personal testimony of pressing on. The phrase "as many as be perfect" addresses those who are spiritually mature or complete in their understanding of the gospel's goal. Paul urges this group to adopt the very mindset (_phronéō_) he has just described—a mindset of relentless pursuit of Christ, forgetting the past and striving for the future prize. It is a call to align their inner disposition with the dynamic, forward-moving nature of Christian growth.
* **"and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded":** Paul demonstrates pastoral sensitivity and grace here. He acknowledges that not all believers, even among the "mature," may fully grasp this truth or may hold differing perspectives on certain aspects of their spiritual journey. The phrase "otherwise minded" suggests a divergence from the specific, Christ-focused mindset Paul is advocating, perhaps due to lingering legalistic tendencies, a misunderstanding of spiritual growth, or simply a slower pace of comprehension.
* **"God shall reveal even this unto you":** This is a powerful promise of divine intervention and guidance. Paul expresses confidence that God Himself will graciously intervene to clarify understanding and lead those who are sincere but "otherwise minded" into the full truth. It underscores God's commitment to the sanctification and spiritual education of His people, emphasizing that ultimate spiritual insight comes from Him. This also serves as an encouragement for patience and unity within the community, trusting God to bring all to a common understanding.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several effective literary devices in [Philippians 3:15](/philippians/3-15 "Philippians 3:15 - The Mindset of the Mature"). 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.

* [Hebrews 5:14](/hebrews/5-14 "Hebrews 5:14 - Maturity in Discernment")
* [John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides")
* [Romans 15:5](/romans/15-5 "Romans 15:5 - God of Endurance and Encouragement")

### 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
* **In what areas of my spiritual life do I need to adopt a more "forward-looking" mindset, letting go of past failures or successes?**
* **How does my understanding of "spiritual maturity" align with Paul's teaching here, and what steps can I take to grow?**
* **When I encounter differing spiritual perspectives among believers, how can I practice patience and trust in God's ability to reveal truth?**

### 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](/philippians/3-12-14 "Philippians 3:12-14 - Paul's Pursuit of the Prize"). 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](/romans/1-17 "Romans 1:17 - The Righteousness of God Revealed")). 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](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Teacher")), 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](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - The Humility of Christ")). He is the archetypal "perfect" one, who "for the joy that was set before him endured the cross" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus")). The "prize" that Paul presses toward is the full knowledge of Christ and conformity to His resurrection life ([Philippians 3:10-11](/philippians/3-10-11 "Philippians 3:10-11 - Knowing Christ and His Resurrection Power")). 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](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God, But Jesus Has Explained Him")) and through the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent to guide believers into all truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides")). 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](/colossians/1-28 "Colossians 1:28 - Presenting Everyone Mature in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 7:17

If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or [whether] I speak of myself.

Galatians 5:10

I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.

James 1:4

But let patience have [her] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

James 1:5

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Proverbs 2:3

Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, [and] liftest up thy voice for understanding;

Proverbs 2:6

For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth [cometh] knowledge and understanding.

1 Corinthians 2:6

¶ Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: