Philippians 3:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.

NIV: Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh.

NASB: Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision;

CSB: Watch out for the dogs, watch out for the evil workers, watch out for those who mutilate the flesh.

NLT: Watch out for those dogs, those people who do evil, those mutilators who say you must be circumcised to be saved.

KJV: Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.

NKJV: Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation!

This verse is summarized by the words "look out." Paul is giving specific warnings about certain groups, who seem to have been troubling the Philippian Christians. Paul might have heard of these struggles from Epaphroditus, who had come to him from the Philippian church before falling ill (Philippians 2:25).

First, the Philippian Christians were warned about those Paul labels as "dogs." Unlike today's domesticated pets, dogs in first century Philippi were generally wild pack animals. They were aggressive scavengers and thieves, devouring whatever food they could find (Matthew 7:6; 15:26, 27; Mark 7:27, 28; Luke 16:21; 2 Peter 2:22; Revelation 22:15). False teachers, like those Paul will describe, are looking for their own interests. They are not truly part of the family of faith, but are seeking to take whatever they can get from others.

Second, the Philippians were warned against those who were actually doing evil: false teachers. This was a theme Paul also warned other groups of Christians about (2 Corinthians 11:13). One particular group Paul cautions against are the "Judaizers" (Titus 1:10). These were teachers who claimed that faith in Christ was not enough for salvation. These people added the requirements of the Old Testament law on top of the gospel. This focus on legalism turned the practice of circumcision from an act of obedience into a "mutilation" of the flesh.

In contrast, Paul refers to faith in Christ as the "true circumcision" in the next verse. These false teachers sought to promote adherence to the Torah as part of Christianity, something Paul spoke against. Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9), not by works, including works of the law.

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.