Philippians 3:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

NIV: and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

NASB: if somehow I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

CSB: assuming that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead.

NLT: so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!

KJV: If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

NKJV: if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

In addition to the three traits Paul gave in verse 10, he adds one additional area to conclude this passage. Paul has already noted one form of resurrection, as well as suffering and death. Here, we find a focus on obtaining resurrection. What did Paul have in mind? Many views have been given regarding what Paul means by this peculiar phrase. The most likely views include either the rapture (1 Corinthians 15:50–58; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18), or that faithful believers will have a better resurrection in the future than other believers. While these are legitimate points, it is uncertain whether this is Paul's intended meaning in this verse.

The simplest view follows Paul's progression in the previous verse: 1) resurrection (new life in Christ), 2) sufferings, 3) death, 4) and resurrection from the dead (a future reference to the resurrection of the dead). Though this is consistent with the view of the rapture, Paul does not appear to be specific to the rapture itself in these words and speaks more generally about his future resurrection from the dead.

Philippians 3:1–11 warns Christians about the influence of false teachers, particularly those who add legalism on top of the gospel. Paul describes his impressive credentials, showing that he has the right to consider himself ''justified'' according to the traditional Jewish view. And yet, knowing what he does of Christ, Paul sees all of those accomplishments as garbage. Faith alone saves, and fellowship with Christ is all that truly matters.

Paul details his impressive Jewish resume. None of his critics or challengers could boast the pedigree carried by Paul. He mentions this only to emphasize how little such things mean, next to faith in Christ. Paul's language here is sharp and to the point. He then explains how a Christian's focus ought to be purely on Christ, just as a runner concentrates on their goal in order to run effectively. Rather than looking to the past, or to ourselves, we ought to look forward, to an eternity with the Lord.

In chapters 1 and 2, Paul explained how Christians should respond to hardships. Since Christ was willing to obey God, even to the point of death, we should do the same. Complaining and worry have no place in the life of a saved believer. Chapter 3 makes a bold contrast. Paul's credentials, according to Jewish tradition, were impeccable. And yet, for him, none of those accomplishments are worth anything next to fellowship with Christ. For this reason, Christ is to be the sole focus of the believer. This sets up Paul's final greetings and instructions in chapter 4.

Philippians is Paul's discussion of living the Christian life. In this letter to the church of Philippi, Paul highlights themes such as joy and glory. He also puts great emphasis on how a Christian's thinking—their attitude—affects the way they live out their faith. Paul is very thankful for the support of the Philippian church, but is also concerned about the influence of various false teachers. This letter is less theological than most of his other writings, and more practical.

Accessed 11/21/2024 10:39:33 AM