Philippians 3:15
Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul acknowledges that even mature believers might have a subtle viewpoint that's off-kilter, but instead of condemning it, he trusts that God Himself will lovingly bring them into the full truth. This shows his deep confidence in God's ongoing work of revelation within His people, correcting errors not with harsh judgment, but with divine illumination.
Paul is wrapping up his argument about true righteousness found in Christ, urging the Philippians to focus on the heavenly prize rather than earthly achievements or legalistic rules. He's just described his own relentless pursuit, forgetting the past and straining forward. He then calls those who are spiritually mature to adopt this same mindset, acknowledging that God will guide anyone who still sees things differently.
Understand the original words
teleios · Greek Adjective
Those who have reached spiritual adulthood or fullness; individuals who exhibit a proper understanding of the gospel and a consistent commitment to spiritual progress.
This passage speaks about restoring those who have fallen into error with gentleness, which aligns with Paul's hopeful tone in Philippians 3:15 that God will reveal truth to those who are 'otherwise minded.'
1 Corinthians 2:6Paul distinguishes between 'infants in Christ' and the 'mature' or 'perfect' here, mirroring the distinction he makes in Philippians 3:15 between those who are mature and those who might think differently.
Romans 8:28This verse assures believers that God works all things for good for those who love Him, which provides a comforting backdrop to Paul's trust that God will ultimately guide those who are 'otherwise minded' toward truth.
Ephesians 1:17The plea for God to grant wisdom and revelation here connects with Paul's expectation in Philippians 3:15 that God Himself will reveal what is needed to those who are still learning.
Hebrews 5:14This passage discusses the difference between those who are 'inexperienced' and those who are 'mature' in their understanding of righteousness, echoing the sentiment in Philippians 3:15 regarding spiritual maturity and differing perspectives.
vincentPhilippians 3:15: "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."
Toward the mark (κατὰ σκοπὸν)Rev., goal. Bear down upon (κατά). Σκοπός mark, only here in the New Testament. See on look, Philippians 2:4. Used in the classics of a mark for shooting at, or as a moral or intellectual end. A somewhat similar figure occurs 1 Timothy 1:6; 1 Timothy 6:21; 2 Timothy 2:18, in the verb ἀστοχέω to miss the a…
barnesPhilippians 3:15: "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."
Let us therefore, as many as be perfect - see the notes at Philippians 3:12 . Or, rather, those who would be perfect; or who are aiming at perfection. It can hardly be supposed that the apostle would address them as already perfect, when he had just said of himself that lie had not attained to that state. But those whom he addressed might…
Paul acknowledges that even mature believers might have a subtle viewpoint that's off-kilter, but instead of condemning it, he trusts that God Himself will lovingly bring them into the full truth. This shows his deep confidence in God's ongoing work of revelation within His people, correcting errors not with harsh judgment, but with divine illumination.
Paul is wrapping up his argument about true righteousness found in Christ, urging the Philippians to focus on the heavenly prize rather than earthly achievements or legalistic rules. He's just described his own relentless pursuit, forgetting the past and straining forward. He then calls those who are spiritually mature to adopt this same mindset, acknowledging that God will guide anyone who still sees things differently.
"Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you." — Paul acknowledges that even mature believers might have a subtle viewpoint that's off-kilter, but instead of condemning it, he trusts that God Himself will lovingly bring them into the full truth. Th…
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