For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
For {G1063} we {G2249} are {G2070} the circumcision {G4061}, which {G3588} worship {G3000} God {G2316} in the spirit {G4151}, and {G2532} rejoice {G2744} in {G1722} Christ {G5547} Jesus {G2424}, and {G2532} have {G3982} no {G3756} confidence {G3982} in {G1722} the flesh {G4561}.
For it is we who are the Circumcised, we who worship by the Spirit of God and make our boast in the Messiah Yeshua! We do not put confidence in human qualifications,
For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—
for we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God, and glory in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh:
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Colossians 2:11
In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: -
Romans 7:6
But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not [in] the oldness of the letter. -
Deuteronomy 30:6
And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live. -
Galatians 6:13
For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. -
Galatians 6:15
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. -
Romans 2:25
For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. -
Romans 2:29
But he [is] a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision [is that] of the heart, in the spirit, [and] not in the letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but of God.
Context of Philippians 3:3
In Philippians 3:3, the Apostle Paul continues his strong admonition from the preceding verse, where he warns against "dogs," "evil workers," and those who mutilate the flesh (Philippians 3:2). These terms are directed at the Judaizers, a group that insisted Gentile Christians must observe Jewish laws, particularly circumcision, to be truly saved or fully righteous before God. Paul emphatically contrasts their outward, legalistic approach with the true spiritual reality of Christian faith. This verse serves as a foundational statement for Paul's subsequent autobiographical account of his own former reliance on "the flesh" and his ultimate rejection of it for Christ.
Key Themes and Messages
Paul declares that true believers are "the circumcision." This is a radical redefinition of a core Jewish identity marker. For Paul, physical circumcision, which marked one as belonging to God's covenant people in the Old Testament, has been superseded by a spiritual reality. This spiritual circumcision is not a physical act but an inward work of the Holy Spirit, marking a heart set apart for God and cleansed from sin. This concept is echoed in Romans 2:29 and Colossians 2:11, emphasizing a transformation of the heart rather than external rites.
The phrase "worship God in the spirit" highlights that genuine worship is not about adherence to rituals or outward performances, but an inner, Spirit-led communion with God. It emphasizes a dynamic, heartfelt relationship rather than mere formal observance. This resonates with Jesus' teaching that true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth.
Paul states that believers "rejoice in Christ Jesus." Our boast, our joy, our confidence, and our source of righteousness are found exclusively in the person and work of Jesus Christ. This is a direct counterpoint to boasting in human achievements, lineage, or religious merit. This joy is not fleeting but a deep, abiding confidence in what Christ has accomplished. The call to rejoice in the Lord always is a recurring theme in Philippians.
The culmination of Paul's statement is the emphatic declaration, "and have no confidence in the flesh." Here, "flesh" (Greek: sarx) refers not merely to the physical body, but to human effort, self-righteousness, ancestry, religious observance, or any other external advantage or achievement that one might rely on for spiritual standing before God. Paul will elaborate on his own impressive "fleshly" credentials in Philippians 3:4-6, only to count them as loss for the sake of Christ. This theme is central to Paul's theology of justification by faith, apart from works of the law, as seen in Galatians 2:16 and Romans 3:28.
Linguistic Insights
The term "circumcision" (Greek: peritomē) is used by Paul to denote the true spiritual reality of being set apart for God, in contrast to the physical rite. This highlights a shift from an external sign of the Old Covenant to an internal transformation under the New Covenant. The word "spirit" (Greek: pneuma) here refers to the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that true worship is enabled and guided by Him, rather than being a mere human endeavor. "Flesh" (Greek: sarx) is a significant Pauline term that often signifies human nature apart from God's grace, or human effort and pride, which are insufficient for salvation or true righteousness.
Practical Application
Philippians 3:3 calls believers today to examine the source of their confidence and worship. Do we rely on our good deeds, religious background, social status, or personal achievements for our standing with God? Or do we, like Paul, place our complete trust and joy in Christ Jesus alone? This verse challenges us to ensure our worship is a genuine, Spirit-led engagement with God, flowing from a transformed heart, rather than a performance of rituals or traditions. It reminds us that our true identity and spiritual security are found solely in our relationship with Christ, freeing us from the need to prove ourselves through human effort or external marks.