Philippians 3:8-9
Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul doesn't just consider his past achievements worthless; he calls them "rubbish" or "dung" (skubala) – something utterly foul and discarded. This extreme word choice reveals his intense conviction that nothing else can compare to the surpassing value of truly knowing Christ.
Paul is contrasting the "gain" he found in Christ with the things he previously considered valuable, like his heritage and adherence to the law. He's explaining that for the unparalleled worth of truly knowing Jesus, he willingly gave up everything, even counting those former achievements as worthless garbage. This profound transformation sets the stage for him to then explain his ongoing pursuit of Christ, not just as a past decision but as a present and future reality.
Paul doesn't just say he gave things up; he declares it was 'because of the surpassing worth' of knowing Jesus. What makes this knowledge so incredibly valuable?
Paul uses strong language to express the sheer superiority of knowing Christ. It's not just a piece of information; it's a profound, transformative relationship.
A Knowledge That Outshines Everything
The 'excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord' is the driving force. This isn't theoretical knowledge; it's an intimate acquaintance with the Savior. It's knowing Him as Lord, as Prophet, Priest, and King, who reigns in the heart and guides life.
The Sun Outshines the Candle
Commentators compare this to the sun outshining a candle. Once you've experienced the brilliance of Christ's presence and truth, everything else pales in comparison. All other knowledge, status, or possessions become insignificant.
More Than Information, It's Relationship
This knowledge isn't just about facts; it's about a personal, ongoing encounter with Christ. It transforms how we see ourselves, God, and the world.
Paul doesn't just deem his former advantages 'loss'; he calls them 'rubbish' or 'dung.' What does this extreme language reveal about his reevaluation?
The intensity of Paul's language reflects the radical nature of his conversion and his commitment to Christ.
From Gain to Garbage
Paul lists his impressive credentials in Philippians 3:5-7 – a Pharisee, circumcised, blameless under the law. He previously considered these valuable assets. However, upon encountering Christ, he reclassifies them entirely.
The Ultimate Sacrifice
He uses the word 'dung' (Greek: skubala), a strong term for refuse or excrement. This signifies that his former privileges were not just worthless but offensive and utterly to be discarded in comparison to gaining Christ. He actively 'suffered the loss of all things' for Christ's sake.
Understand the original words
skybalon · Greek Noun
Excrement, refuse, or garbage; used figuratively to describe something utterly worthless, discarded, and repulsive when compared to the value of knowing Christ.
pistis · Greek Noun
Believing, trusting, or firm persuasion in God's promises and the person of Jesus; it is the instrument through which God's grace and righteousness are received.
Paul's declaration in Philippians 3:8 isn't just a personal reflection; it's a powerful statement forged in the crucible of his conversion and extensive ministry. Having abandoned his former status and privileges as a devout Jew for Christ, he views everything else as worthless rubbish in comparison to the profound, life-transforming knowledge of Jesus.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Paul's Conversion
Saul of Tarsus, a zealous Pharisee actively persecuting early Christians, has a dramatic encounter with the resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus. This event radically transforms his life and beliefs.
c. AD 33-47
Paul's Early Ministry and Travels
After his conversion, Paul spends time in Arabia and Damascus before beginning his missionary journeys, preaching the gospel in Antioch, Cyprus, Asia Minor, and Greece. He establishes numerous churches and faces significant opposition.
c. AD 49
Council of Jerusalem
A pivotal meeting where leaders in the early church, including Paul and Peter, debate whether Gentile converts must follow Jewish law. The council affirms that salvation comes through faith in Christ, not adherence to the Law.
c. AD 50-52
Ministry in Corinth
These parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price show the immense value that makes a person willing to give up everything they possess to obtain it, mirroring Paul's sentiment in Philippians 3:8.
Luke 14:26-27Jesus states that if one does not hate their family and even their own life in comparison to Him, they cannot be His disciple, echoing the extreme sacrifice and re-evaluation of possessions Paul describes.
Acts 20:24Paul declares he does not consider his life worth anything to himself if he can finish his race and ministry, directly correlating with his willingness to count all things loss for Christ's sake.
Romans 8:18This verse speaks of present sufferings not being worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed, highlighting the future hope that motivates believers to see current losses as insignificant.
Colossians 2:8-10Paul warns against being taken captive by hollow and deceptive philosophies, emphasizing that believers are complete in Christ, reinforcing the 'surpassing worth' of knowing Him above all else.
vincentPhilippians 3:8: "Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,"
Yea doubtless (ἀλλὰ μὲν οὖν)Ἁλλὰ but, Philippians 3:7, puts that verse in direct contrast with the preceding verse. Ἁλλὰ yea or verily, in this verse affirms more than the preceding statement, while οὖν therefore (not rendered), collects and concludes from what…
barnesPhilippians 3:8: "Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,"
Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss - Not only those things which he had just specified, and which he had himself possessed, he says he would be willing to renounce in order to obtain an interest in the Saviour, but everything which could be imagined. Were all…
Paul doesn't just consider his past achievements worthless; he calls them "rubbish" or "dung" (skubala) – something utterly foul and discarded. This extreme word choice reveals his intense conviction that nothing else can compare to the surpassing value of truly knowing Christ.
Paul is contrasting the "gain" he found in Christ with the things he previously considered valuable, like his heritage and adherence to the law. He's explaining that for the unparalleled worth of truly knowing Jesus, he willingly gave up everything, even counting those former achievements as worthless garbage. This profound transformation sets the stage for him to then explain his ongoing pursuit of Christ, not just as a past decision but as a present and future reality.
Paul is contrasting the "gain" he found in Christ with the things he previously considered valuable, like his heritage and adherence to the law. He's explaining that for the unparalleled worth of truly knowing Jesus, he willingly gave up everything, even counting those former achievements as worthless garbage. This profound transformation sets the stage for him to then explain his ongoing pursuit of Christ, not just as a past decision but as a present and future reality.
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A Calculated Exchange
This wasn't a rash decision but a deliberate, calculated exchange. The immense value he found in Christ made all previous gains seem like absolute loss. He was willing to give up everything earthly to gain everything heavenly in Christ.
The ultimate aim of Paul's radical reevaluation isn't just to discard the old, but to secure something new and infinitely better. What does it mean to 'gain Christ'?
Paul's intense focus is on the acquisition of Christ Himself, not just the benefits He offers.
A Comprehensive Possession
To 'gain Christ' means to possess Him in His fullness. It encompasses having an interest in His person, His finished work on the cross, His ongoing ministry as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and the full benefits of His salvation – justification, sanctification, and eternal glory.
More Than a Transaction
This isn't merely an economic transaction of giving up one thing to get another. It's about a deep, vital union. Paul desires to be 'found in Him,' signifying a complete identification and abiding relationship where Christ is the sphere of his existence.
An Ongoing Pursuit
While Paul had already encountered Christ, the language of 'gaining' and 'being found' suggests a progressive, ongoing experience. It’s about continually appropriating more of Christ and being more deeply embedded in Him throughout life and into eternity.
Paul spends an extended period in Corinth, a major Roman city, establishing a strong church. During this time, he writes letters to churches like the Thessalonians, addressing practical issues and theological questions.
c. AD 55-57
Imprisonment in Ephesus or Caesarea
Paul faces arrest and imprisonment due to his ministry, a period where he likely composed several significant letters, including potentially 1 Corinthians and Romans. His teachings continue to be challenged by Judaizers.
c. AD 60-62
Imprisonment in Rome
Paul is under house arrest in Rome, awaiting trial. Despite his confinement, he continues to write letters (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon), offering encouragement and instruction to various churches.
"Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not hav…" — Paul doesn't just consider his past achievements worthless; he calls them "rubbish" or "dung" (skubala) – something utterly foul and discarded. This extreme word choice reveals his intense conviction…
