Philippians 3:15 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

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.

Therefore - resuming Philippians 3:3. Perfect - full-grown (no longer 'babes') in the Christian life (Philippians 3:3, 'worshipping God in the Spirit, having no confidence in the flesh') (1 Corinthians 2:6): established in the things of God; or, one fully fit for running (Bengel), observing the laws of the course (2 Timothy 2:5); sincere in seeking justification through Christ (Genesis 17:1). Though "perfect" in this sense, he was not yet 'made perfect' in the sense of Philippians 3:12; namely, 'crowned with complete victory,' and absolutely perfect.

Thus minded - having the mind described, Philippians 3:7-14: renouncing as loss all self-dependencies and legal confidences.

Otherwise minded - deficient somewhat in knowledge of self, and of the entirely gratuitous nature of the Gospel. 'He who thinks he has attained everything, hath nothing' (Chrysostom) Some thought to attain perfection by the law (Galatians 3:3), who needed the warning, Philippians 3:2, 'though, on account of their sincerity, Paul hopes confidently (as in Galatians 5:10) that God will reveal right-mindedness to them' (Philippians 1:9; Ephesians 1:17). Paul taught externally: God 'reveals' the truth internally by His Spirit (Matthew 11:25; Matthew 16:17; 1 Corinthians 3:6).

Unto you - who sincerely strive to do God's will (John 7:17; Ephesians 1:17).

Philippians 3:15

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.