Philippians – Chapter 3

New Testament21 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 3 of Philippians begins: "As to the rest, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not wearisome, but to you is necessary." Across its 21 verses, two threads run through the text: justice and care for the poor and suffering and trial. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1As to the rest, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not wearisome, but to you is necessary.

2Beware of dogs: beware of evil workers: beware of the concision.

3For we are the circumcision, who in spirit serve God and glory in Christ Jesus, not having confidence in the flesh.

4Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other thinketh he may have confidence in the flesh, I more:

5Being circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews. According to the law, a Pharisee:

6According to zeal, persecuting the church of God: According to the justice that is in the law, conversing without blame.

7But the things that were gain to me, the same I have counted loss for Christ.

8Furthermore, I count all things to be but loss for the excellent knowledge of Jesus Christ, my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things and count them but as dung, that I may gain Christ.

9And may be found in him, not having my justice, which is of the law, but that which is of the faith of Christ Jesus, which is of God: justice in faith.

10That I may know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings: being made conformable to his death,

11If by any means I may attain to the resurrection which is from the dead.

12Not as though I had already attained, or were already perfect: but I follow after, if I may by any means apprehend, wherein I am also apprehended by Christ Jesus.

13Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended. But one thing I do: Forgetting the things that are behind and stretching forth myself to those that are before,

14I press towards the mark, to the prize of the supernal vocation of God in Christ Jesus.

15Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing you be otherwise minded, this also God will reveal to you,

16Nevertheless, whereunto we are come, that we be of the same mind, let us also continue in the same rule.

17Be ye followers of me, brethren: and observe them who walk so as you have our model.

18For many walk, of whom I have told you often (and now tell you weeping) that they are enemies of the cross of Christ:

19Whose end is destruction: whose God is their belly: and whose glory is in their shame: who mind earthly things.

20But our conversation is in heaven: from whence also we look for the Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ,

21Who will reform the body of our lowness, made like to the body of his glory, according to the operation whereby also he is able to subdue all things unto himself.

Important Verses in Philippians 3

As to the rest, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not wearisome, but to you is necessary.

Philippians 3:1

According to zeal, persecuting the church of God: According to the justice that is in the law, conversing without blame.

Philippians 3:6

And may be found in him, not having my justice, which is of the law, but that which is of the faith of Christ Jesus, which is of God: justice in faith.

Philippians 3:9

Whose end is destruction: whose God is their belly: and whose glory is in their shame: who mind earthly things.

Philippians 3:19

Historical Context

Philippians addresses the faithful church at Philippi, taught to rejoice in the Lord always within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 3 of 4 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 21 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The passage starts with these words: "As to the rest, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not wearisome, but…" It concludes: "Who will reform the body of our lowness, made like to the body of his glory, according to the operation whereby also he…" The wider setting of Philippians is this: Written in chains to his beloved first European church, Philippians overflows with joy—the word appears sixteen times. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: About AD 61-62.

Who Wrote It

The Apostle Paul, writing from prison

When It Was Written

About AD 61-62

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, this chapter addresses specific questions facing early Christian communities. A pivotal line is verse 1: "As to the rest, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not wearisome, but to you is necessary." The passage repeatedly touches on justice and care for the poor.

Catholic exegesis reads Philippians 3 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. the Christ hymn reveals His divine nature and humility (CIC 461). St. Athanasius and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 791).

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that Rejoice in the Lord always. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Philippians 3 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • Suffering, united to Christ, becomes a path of purification and deeper trust in God.
  • Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.

Reflection for Today

Sacred Scripture presents Philippians Chapter 3 as a unique stage in salvation history, not merely as background to other books.

St. Irenaeus and other Fathers of the Church meditated on texts like this one, seeing in them instruction for the spiritual life. the Christ hymn reveals His divine nature and humility (CIC 461). The passage calls believers to grasp that Rejoice in the Lord always.

Let Philippians Chapter 3 deepen your love for the Eucharist, where the Word made flesh continues to feed His people. The same Christ who speaks in Scripture offers Himself sacramentally on the altar.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Philippians Chapter 3 about?

Philippians 3 contains 21 verses. It opens with "As to the rest, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not wearisome, but…" and closes with "Who will reform the body of our lowness, made like to the body of his glory, according to the operation whereby also he…". The book as a whole is epistle.

What is a key verse in Philippians 3?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "As to the rest, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not wearisome, but to you is necessary." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Philippians and when?

The Apostle Paul, writing from prison. About AD 61-62.

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