Lectionary Thoughts: Philippians 3:14-21

Today's epistle reading in the BCP is Philippians 3:14-21.

I pursue [with my eye] on the goal for the prize of the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus.

The division of the reading is a bit strange, starting here in the middle of a train of thought. Paul has been talking about the fact that he is not yet assured of the resurrection. He has not yet attained to it. So he lives his life in pursuit of the resurrection.

Therefore, as many as are mature, think this way. And if you think something different, God will also reveal this to you. But [let us be sure to live] to the level we have [already] attained.

Although this entire passage is often taken to be about progressive sanctification or growth in grace, it is really only this part of the passage that actually is. Although Paul earlier had used the word "to perfect" in relation to the resurrection, he now shifts to another meaning of the word group, "mature."

Become imitators of me, brothers [and sisters] and watch those who walk similarly, since you have us as an example [to follow].

Stendahl noted long ago that passages like this one work against the idea that Paul felt like a miserable sinner. Rather he felt free to tell others to look at him as an example to follow. Do we? We should be confident enough in our commitment to God that we don't mind others following our lead, even if in our day we probably wouldn't suggest it to others.

For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ (with regard to whom we have often spoken to you and even now I speak with tears). Their end is destruction. Their god is their stomach. Their glory is in their shame. They think on earthly things.

These are puzzling verses as it is difficult to know to whom exactly Paul refers. Since Paul started off the chapter speaking of "the dogs," it is at least possible that he refers to Jewish opponents to the gospel. The reference to the stomach might then refer to food laws.

It is also possible that he refers to the Romans and those who have currently put him in prison. Since Paul is in prison as he writes, surely he refers to some of those involved in bringing him to his current state. This could once again be either the Romans or a certain type of Jewish opponent.

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform the body of our humiliation to a form like the body of his glory, according to the working of He who is also able to subject everything to him.

The mention of citizenship may push us more toward a Roman sense to those who are the enemies of the cross of Christ, since the idea of citizenship really applies more to the Roman world than to, say, Jerusalem. We also remember that Philippi was a Roman colony and thus that its citizens enjoyed Roman citizenship as well. The word savior itself was a word applied to Roman emperors like Augustus and was more of a Greco-Roman word.

The passage ends with what is surprising to many believers today, namely, that our resurrection bodies will be like Christ's resurrection body. And the political powers of this age, the ones that alienate us now, will be subject at Christ's coming to his rule.

Collect of the Day: Almighty and everlasting God, who are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and to give more than either desire or deserve: Pour on us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things whereof our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things which we are not worthy to ask, but through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ your Son our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.