Philippians 3:6

Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

Concerning {G2596} zeal {G2205}, persecuting {G1377} the church {G1577}; touching {G2596} the righteousness {G1343} which {G3588} is in {G1722} the law {G3551},{G1096} blameless {G273}.

in regard to zeal, a persecutor of the Messianic Community,
in regard to the righteousness demanded by legalism, blameless.

as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless.

as touching zeal, persecuting the church; as touching the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless.

Commentary

Context

Philippians 3:6 is part of a powerful autobiographical section where the Apostle Paul recounts his former life and credentials as a devout Jew before his conversion to Christ. He lists these impressive achievements not to boast, but to demonstrate that he now considers them "loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:8). In this verse, Paul emphasizes two key aspects of his pre-conversion identity: his fervent dedication to Judaism and his meticulous adherence to the Mosaic Law. This serves as a stark contrast to the true righteousness found only in Christ, which he elaborates on in the subsequent verses.

Key Themes

Zeal and Persecution

Paul's statement, "Concerning zeal, persecuting the church," highlights his intense, misdirected passion. Before his encounter with the risen Christ, Paul (then Saul) was a fierce opponent of Christianity, believing it to be a dangerous heresy against the traditions of his fathers. His zeal for Judaism led him to actively seek out and persecute believers, even consenting to the death of Stephen (Acts 8:1). This shows that zeal, however fervent, must be grounded in truth and proper understanding, not merely human conviction.

Legal Righteousness

The phrase "touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless" reveals Paul's impeccable standing under the Mosaic Law. As a Pharisee, Paul meticulously observed the commandments, traditions, and rituals, striving for perfection in his outward conduct. The Greek word for "blameless" (amemptos) suggests that, from a human perspective and according to the legal standards of the day, no one could find fault with his adherence to the law's requirements. However, Paul later clarifies that this human righteousness is utterly insufficient to gain favor with God, contrasting it with the righteousness that comes from God through faith in Christ.

Linguistic Insights

  • Zeal (Greek: zΔ“los): This term denotes intense fervor, passion, or even jealousy. In Paul's case, it was a burning passion for Jewish tradition and what he perceived as God's honor, tragically leading him to oppose God's true work.
  • Blameless (Greek: amemptos): This signifies being without fault or reproach, particularly in an external, legal sense. It emphasizes that Paul fulfilled all the outward requirements of the law to an exemplary degree, making him irreproachable by human standards.

Practical Application

Philippians 3:6 offers several profound lessons for believers today:

  1. The Danger of Misguided Zeal: Paul's example reminds us that sincere conviction and intense passion are not enough; they must be directed by God's truth. Zeal without knowledge can lead to harm, as Paul's persecution of the church clearly demonstrated (Romans 10:2-3).
  2. The Insufficiency of Legalism: Even the most perfect adherence to rules and regulations cannot provide true righteousness before God. Paul, who was "blameless" by the law, understood that external performance cannot atone for sin or transform the heart. This underscores the need for salvation by grace through faith alone.
  3. God's Transforming Grace: Paul's journey from persecutor to apostle is a powerful testament to God's boundless grace. No matter how deeply someone has opposed God or relied on their own efforts, God's grace is sufficient to bring about profound transformation and new life in Christ.
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Cross-References

  • Galatians 1:13 (10 votes)

    For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:

  • Galatians 1:14 (10 votes)

    And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

  • Acts 8:3 (9 votes)

    As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed [them] to prison.

  • Acts 26:9 (7 votes)

    I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

  • Acts 26:10 (7 votes)

    Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against [them].

  • Acts 22:3 (5 votes)

    ΒΆ I am verily a man [which am] a Jew, born in Tarsus, [a city] in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, [and] taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

  • Acts 22:4 (5 votes)

    And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.