Insights from Philippians 3:7-4:1
By Jonathan Mitchell
Paul makes instructive statements in this passage, which we will unpack in order to gain clarity as to what he was communicating to his listeners, in first century Philippi. This short study will examine this text, verse-by-verse, and in places cite other NT passages which give light to our investigation.
Philippians 3:
7. But to the contrary, whatever things (or: things which) were being gains (advantages; assets) to, for, or in, me, THESE things I have esteemed and now consider (or: regard) as a loss (a penalty; a forfeit; disadvantage; a bad bargain; a detriment) because of the Christ (or: on account of the Anointed One [= the Messiah] and the Anointing).This is a very broad pronouncement, but the prior verses of 3:1-6 offer us Paul's context, and vs. 4 gives us his focus: "trust and confidence, even within flesh," with vss. 5-6 presenting things that for him (in his time and culture) were examples of his potential confidence in the realm of the flesh (the natural life). But here, in vs. 7, he rejects confidence in the flesh realm and proclaims those "flesh advantages" as a loss for him... even a detriment for his new life, which is in Christ. Sadly, in our day, many Christians would consider such things as assets. They have missed Paul's message concerning a present living in the New Creation (2 Cor. 5:17).
8. But further - indeed, then, as a matter of fact - I even am habitually considering (or: regarding; deeming) all things (all; everything) to be a loss (a disadvantage; a bad bargain; damage; a forfeit; a penalty) because of (on account of; for the sake of) the thing that is constantly holding things above and thus having all-surpassing value and superiority: that which pertains to and comes from the experience of the intimate knowledge of my Lord, Jesus Christ (or: personal insight of, from, and which is, Christ Jesus, my Owner; [cf Jn. 17:3]) - because of, on account of, and for the sake of, Whom I undergo loss of (experience the forfeit of; receive as a disadvantage) all things (or: everything; the whole life-experience, environment and possessions) - and I continue considering (or: regarding; deeming) them to be [either] a lot of refuse and filth (pieces of dung; a pile of manure; excrement) [or] things that are cast away from the table to the dogs (garbage), to the end that I may have the advantage of Christ (or: could maintain the gain of [the] Anointing; enjoy the assets of and profit from [the Messiah]), [cf Isa. 53:11; 2 Cor. 5:2, 4; Rom. 5:9]
Well, now, he broadens the scope of his context beyond what he has just said, in vss. 5-7. He boldly says, "I even am habitually considering (or: regarding; deeming) all things (all; everything) to be a loss." Wow! Does he, perhaps, mean even things that are commonly considered to be "spiritual" advantages - like visions, Scriptural insights, grace-effects (often called "gifts" - 1 Cor. 12), etc.? Here, he does not specify, but he does give us what he considers to be "the thing that is constantly holding things above and thus having all-surpassing value and superiority." And what is this? It is, "that which pertains to and comes from the experience of the intimate knowledge of my Lord, Jesus Christ (or: personal insight of, from, and which is, Christ Jesus, my Owner; [cf Jn. 17:3])." This is "the object which he has in view," of which he speaks in vs. 14, below.
He continues, explaining that the loss of all things (which he has experienced) is "because of, on account of, and for the sake of," Jesus Christ, Whom and which he designates as having "the advantage of Christ," while considering all else as refuse and filth (etc.). He has set up contrasting categories: his former disadvantage, versus this new advantage, "Christ." The next verse goes on to explain "the gain of [the] Anointing, and the assets of, and profits from, [the Messiah]."
John Gavazzoni insightfully comments:"A thought about the ‘all things' that Paul counted as loss: might we interpret ‘all things,' as things, by the carnal mind, presumed to be possessed in and of themselves, especially reckoned as attainments by our efforts, not in union with Christ as gifts of His grace. In union with Him, even the most common elements of human life have been sanctified as included seminally in His experience which is ours in Him, therefore, I can thank Him for my food, for the sun and rain, for a good night's sleep, for the blessings of family, etc. Summation: we count all things, as credited to us as our possession, as loss, whereas, ‘He that hath the Son, hath [real, true, genuine] life.' All of God's gifts are found in the singular gift of God's Son, so that ignorance to that truth is at the heart of ‘the darkness and ignorance,' of which Paul wrote of elsewhere."
9. and thus, can be found (or: would be discovered to actually be) within Him (or: in union with Him; centered in Him) - not continuing having (or: holding) my [previous] flowing-together, pointed-out way (or: my rightness, fairness and equity; my relationships; my way of what is right; my own righteousness) from out of the Law or custom [cf Ps. 143:2; Isa. 64:6; Rom. 10:3] - but to the contrary, this [Way pointed-out which was a rightwising deliverance] through means of Christ's Faithfulness (or: the trust-conviction which is Christ; the faith of and from [the Messiah]): the flowing-together rightwising, eschatological deliverance into the new covenant fairness of rectified relationships within the Way pointed out [which is] forth from out of the midst of God as a source (or: the just Act from the midst of God), based upon that Faithfulness (or: [Christ's/God's] loyal allegiance; or: the Trust and confident faith), [cf Gal. 2:16; 2 Cor. 5:3, 8; 2 Pet. 1:1]
The first clause of this verse is subordinate to the context of what Paul has just said, in vs. 8, "that I MAY have (etc.)," and should be understood in the light of vs. 13, below: "I am not [other MSS: not yet] calculating (logically considering; reckoning; viewing) myself to have fully received." We suggest that when he said, "can be found within Him," he was taking a humble stance with regard to his own position in Christ, as is evidenced by vs. 13. He does not claim this as his personal achievement, but knows that Christ repeatedly visits His called-out communities and walks among them (Rev. 2:1), evaluating their conditions (Rev. 2 and 3). He wants Christ's visit to find him "abiding in the Vine" (Jn. 15:1ff), and NOT continuing in his former way of life that was based on the Law and Jewish customs. Rather, to be found in the rightwising that is based upon Christ's Faithfulness.
On offer are other possible renderings of the genitive/ablative phrase "Christ's Faithfulness," which are: "the trust-conviction which is Christ (genitive of apposition)," or, "the faith of (genitive of possession or character) and from (ablative) [the Messiah]." That Faithfulness is defined by Paul as: "the flowing-together rightwising, eschatological deliverance into the new covenant fairness of rectified relationships within the Way pointed out [which is] forth from out of the midst of God as a source (or: the just Act from the midst of God)." Christ's just Act (submission to the cross) brought this "rightwising (turning in the right direction) eschatological (ending of the old age; inauguration the new age/creation) deliverance (setting the captives free from their spiritual death), etc.," came "forth from out of the midst of God as a source."10. and from this, to come to intimately, and with insight, experientially know Him, and this Ability - even the Power (means of Influence, natural Faculties, and inherent Properties) - of, and from, His resurrection, and also this (or: the; [other MSS: a]) common existence (equally-belonging participation; common Being; shared partnership, associated sharing and fellowship; contribution) of the results, and from the effects, of His experiences [note: these include good times/feelings and passions, as well as sufferings] - being a person that is being continuously conformed by (being progressively brought together with the form of; being habitually configured to) His death, [cf Col. 1:24; 1 Pet, 4:13]
This is a continuation of his thoughts in vs. 9, focusing on the goal of knowing Christ in an intimate, experiential way, which will unfold into experiencing the Power and Ability of Christ's resurrection. Take note of the alternate meanings of the word usually only rendered as "power." Experiencing Christ intimately not only yields insight into Him, but it also yields ability and a means of influence. We can experience the "inherent Properties" of His resurrection. Added to these is the realization of our "common existence" with Him (cf 1 Jn. 4:17b): the "equally-belonging participation, common Being, shared partnership, associated sharing/fellowship, and contribution of the results, and from the effects, of His experiences."
The phrase "common existence" is from the compound Greek word "koinonia," from the adjective "koinos" (common; equal; shared; associated) plus the present participle of the verb "to exist; to be" (Greek: on), plus a noun ending, "-ia."A branch of a Vine has the same "common existence" with the Vine. The parenthetical expansion offers other uses of this term: equally-belonging participation, shared partnership, etc.
This common existence is "of the results, and from the effects, of His experiences." His experiences included everything involved with His incarnation... from His birth to His death and resurrection. This noun is also used to refer to suffering, which may well be Paul's central thought, since he continues by speaking of "His death." The dative phrase which follows the passive verb ("being continuously conformed") is often rendered "to His death." While this is a legitimate rendering, we prefer reading it as an instrumental dative, "by His death." Another option for this dependent clause is, "being progressively brought together with the form of His death." Jesus said that His disciples needed to pick up their crosses and follow Him (Mat. 16:24).
11. since this is how I can fully meet face-to-face, commensurately participate in, and reach down into the midst of (or: if, as is the case, in some way I would attain the level [to be] into the midst of; or: if in fact, by any means I may arrive and meet with the corresponding sphere that has a view to) the full resurrection (or: the arising and standing back up again from out of the midst; or: the out-resurrection) - the one [arising] forth from out of the midst of dead folks. [cf Dan. 12:2-3; 1 Cor. 15:41-42; 2 Cor. 4:14; 5:4; Eph. 2:1; Heb. 11:35]
Being conformed by His death was how Paul "[could] fully meet face-to-face, commensurately participate in, and reach down into the midst of the full resurrection." We suggest that the "dead folks" were the same people who were "dead in trespasses and sins" (Eph. 2:1). The "full resurrection" referred to being "jointly roused and raised (or: suddenly awakened and raised) [us] up together, and caused [us] to sit (or: seats [us]; = enthroned [us]) together in union with, and among, the ruling heavenly people, and within the things situated upon the imposed heavens, in union with Christ Jesus" (Eph. 2:6).
12. [Now this is] not because I already received [this] (or: grasped or laid hold of it; or: obtained) or even have been already finished, brought to the purposed goal and destiny, matured and perfected. But yet, I am consistently pursuing (running swiftly in order to catch), since, also, I can fully receive, seeing that, in fact, I WAS fully received and taken (or: if, as is the case, I would take down by the hand, fully seize, gain possession, and forcefully grasp upon [this] in which I also WAS taken down by hand, fully seized, forcefully grasped, and taken possession of) by, and under [the control of], Christ Jesus. [cf 1:6, above; Acts 9:3-8; 1 Tim. 6:12; Heb. 12:23]
Paul explains the first sentence of this verse, in the next verse (13). He knows that he is still a work in progress. But the focus of his thoughts are his present state of "consistently pursuing" so that he could "fully receive" (take by hand, fully seize, gain possession, and fully grasp), "seeing that, in fact, [he] WAS fully received and taken." Notice the expanded rendering: "taken down by hand, fully seized, forcefully grasped, and taken possession of." Then he makes it clear that it was Christ Jesus who acted upon him. Paul did not choose this... read about his "conversion experience" in Acts 9.
13. Brothers (Womb-mates; = Fellow believers)! I am not [other MSS: not yet] calculating (logically considering; reckoning; viewing) myself to have fully received (or: taken it down by hand, seized, fully grasped or gotten hold of it in order to have it), so as to presently possess, yet [there is] one thing: by habit, completely forgetting and taking no notice of (or: constantly fully-disregarding), on the one hand, the things behind (or: at [my] back; cf vss. 4-8, above; = the old covenant and customs), and on the other hand, constantly reaching and stretching myself out upon the things in front (or: ahead), [cf 2 Cor. 5:17; Heb. 6:1]
Following Jesus is an active life of following Him on His Path. Paul is not resting upon his conversion experience, but rather he is moving on in "the upward calling"(vs. 14, below). Furthermore, he knew that "the old things had passed away (the Law, the temple cultus, the old covenant) and new things had come into being (2 Cor. 5:17). He was following Christ, Who was always in front of him, as we read in Heb. 12:2,
"turning [our] eyes away from other things and fixing them unto (or: looking off, with undivided attention, into the midst of) Jesus, the Inaugurator (First Leader; Prime Author) and Perfecter (Finisher; the Bringer-to-maturity-and-fruition; He who purposes, completely carries through, and accomplishes the destiny) of this (or: the aforementioned) faith, trust, confidence and loyal allegiance, Who, instead of, and in place of, the Joy continuously lying before Him, remained under a cross (or: in the position on the opposite side from the happiness lying in the forefront within Him, and lying ahead for Him, endured an execution pole for suspending [His] body) - disdaining shame (or: thinking nothing of [the] disgrace) - and has sat down and now continues seated, remaining at the right of (or: = in union with the place of receiving at; = at the place and sphere of prominence, power and honor, which is) God's throne." [cf Rom. 13:12; Eph. 4:22; Gal. 4:9ff]
15. Therefore - AS MANY AS [are] people who ARE mature (ones who HAVE reached the goal, being finished and complete; [cf 1 Cor. 2:6ff]) - WE should constantly be of this frame of mind (have this attitude and opinion; think this way; be minding and paying attention to this; [cf Gal. 5:10]). And if, in any respect or topic, you folks continue thinking differently (or: are continuing differently minded; keep on being mentally inclined otherwise; are habitually having a different attitude or opinion), God will also proceed in progressively unveiling this to you (or: uncovering and revealing, or disclosing, this for and among you folks). [cf 1 Cor. 13:10-11]
Here, Paul leaves the door open, affirming that some folks ARE mature, HAVE reached the goal, and are finished and complete - even though he does not assume this for himself. But, notice the "WE" of the following clause. The mature in Christ should have the frame of mind and way of thinking which he presented to his listeners in vss. 13-14, above. And, even for those who do not yet have this perspective, he affirms to them that God "will also proceed in progressively unveiling this to you (or: uncovering and revealing, or disclosing, this for and among you folks)."
16. Moreover (or: Regardless), into that which we precede [others] (or: into what we went before in; into what we come ahead so as to arrive at; = unto whatever stage we have reached) in the very same thing [our goal is] to be habitually drawn into a straight line and consistently advance orderly, within our ranks (or: = keep in line on this very path). [cf Gal. 6:16] [Aleph2 and other MSS add phrases to read as follows: Besides, into what we outstrip {others}, by the same standard (measuring rod; rule) {it is for us} to habitually advance in line (i.e., frame our conduct in an orderly routine; or: consider the elements and observe the rudimentary principles by the same standard) - to constantly be intent on and keep thinking of the same thing (or: be of the same frame of mind and attitude)]. [1 Cor. 15:23]
In the first textual reading, he gives the admonition to those who have advanced in maturity [cf Eph. 4:12-15] to stay the course, moving in a straight line toward the Goal (Christ, as in Heb. 12:2, above). The other manuscript reading adds the admonition to "constantly be intent on and keep thinking of the same thing (or: be of the same frame of mind and attitude)."
17. Brothers (Folks from the same womb; Family; Siblings), be progressively birthed to be joint-imitators from, and of, me (or: unite in becoming my co-imitators), and continually keep a watchful eye on, attentively observe, and take note of, those habitually walking about thus (i.e., those who live their lives in this manner), in the same line as (or: just as; according as) you folks continue having US as a pattern (model; example; type). [cf 1 Pet. 5:3]
Paul presents himself, and others who live as he does, as examples after which to pattern their lives.
18. For you see - I was often telling you about them, yet now I am also presently weeping (lamenting) in saying it (laying it out) - many continue walking about (i.e., are living their lives) as enemies of the cross of (or: from) the Christ (the Anointed One's execution-stake and suspension-pole), [Rev. 3:9]
He points out to his listeners that they should keep him, and those like him, as the model for a follower of Christ, since there are many people who live their lives "as enemies of the cross of (or: from) Christ." It is interesting that he did not just say "enemies of Christ." Was the "many," to whom he pointed, those who rejected the idea of a crucified Messiah (e.g., the Jews), or those who rejected the idea of Christ's death and resurrection - as being unnecessary or unbelievable? Or, were they folks who were opposed to a religion that was centered on the cross? [cf 1 Cor. 2:2]
There is another way of reading the last phrase of this verse: reading the Greek as in the ablative case, rather than the genitive (both cases are spelled the same way). As an ablative, it is speaking about the cross that Christ gives us to bear (Mat. 16:24b). These folks see no need for obeying the "hard sayings" which Jesus taught... no need for discipleship or existentially "following" Christ in their daily lives... no need for denying the self. Paul categorizes these as "enemies of the cross" (whichever way we read the Greek text).
19. whose goal (the end, closing act, final stage, result, and the finished discharge [of the lives; or of this path], of whom) [is] ruin and loss (or: waste and destruction), whose god [is their] cavity (or: belly; guts; or: = appetite) and [whose] reputation (or: assumed appearance; glory; or: opinion; supposition) resides within their shame (disgrace; embarrassment) - people continually thinking about (habitually being intent on; constantly minding) the things existing on the earth (or: pondering [situations] on the land; or: focused on terrestrial [matters]; or: = folks whose minds are earthbound and centered in their natural lives). [Rom. 8:6-8; Hos. 4:7; 7:13]
These "enemies" end up in ruin and loss, or waste (of their lives) and destruction (rather than having a completed "building" from all their work). Their focus is on the flesh realm, rather than on a life in the Spirit. Rather than focusing on the upward call, to a higher realm of living, they are continually thinking about the things of this natural life on the earth. They live wasted lives. Some of these may be endeavoring to build God's temple, but the materials they use are wood, hay and stubble - which will not survive God's Fire. Paul spoke of this in 1 Cor. 3:
15. If anyone's work will be burned down, he or she will proceed in incurring a loss (sustaining the damage; forfeiting), yet he himself, or she herself, will be saved (rescued and delivered; healed; restored; made whole; kept safe), and as in this way - through means of Fire! [cf 1 Cor. 5:5; Job 2:6, LXX; Isa. 4:4-5; Mal. 3:2-3; Mat. 3:11b]
These folks will experience shame, disgrace and embarrassment.
20. You see, OUR citizenship (result of living in a free City [cf Gal. 4:26]; or: commonwealth-effects; political realm) continues inherently existing (or: continues humbly ruling; continuously subsists; repeatedly has its under-beginning) resident within the midst of [the] atmospheres (or: heavens; [cf Col. 3:1; Heb. 12:22]), from out of where (or: from which place) we also continuously receive and take away, as in our hands, from out of a Deliverer (a Savior; a Rescuer; One who keeps us safe; One restoring us to the health and wholeness): [the] Lord (or: a Master), Jesus Christ, [cf Rom. 8:23ff; Gal. 5:5; 1 Cor. 1:7; 2 Cor. 5:1ff; Tit. 2:13; Heb. 9:28, JMNT]
Paul uses a political metaphor to describe the realm of existence in Christ... and this is where believers now live their lives - in the Spirit of God. Read Gal. 4:26, Col. 3:1 and Heb. 12:22. From out of this realm (the heavens and our atmospheres) we CONTINUOUSLY receive (take away, as in our hands) from out of Christ, our Savior. Now the KJV has "look for" instead of "receive from out of." The NRSV offers "we are expecting" for this verb. The Greek is the present tense of "apekdechomai." The verb "dechomai" simply means "to receive; to take in the hand." The prefix "apek-" is a preposition which means "away from out of the midst." We are to now be constantly receiving LIFE from out of Jesus Christ. This is not speaking about some future advent. It is a present reality... for those who have their focus on Jesus Christ.
The verb of the first clause is in the future tense, but - in Greek - the future tense is durative, like the imperfect tense and the present tense. It indicates ongoing, repeated or progressive action. This verb can mean: • a change of position or posture • a refashioning or remodeling • a change of outward fashion, mode of circumstance, condition, form-appearance, character, role, phase, configuration or manner. I have indicated the ongoing action by rendering it, "will continue changing..." or: "will be progressively refashioning..." Pondering each of these potential meanings can expand our perspectives of this verse.
Christ, by His Spirit (Who/Which also dwells within His called-out folks) and by His Word, will be progressively refashioning, remodeling and transfiguring our body from the humiliation, to be conformed to the body of His glory. This is what happens as we walk the Path within Him who is the Way. We have much to anticipate as we live our lives here. Now the first question that we need to ask is, What body is it to which he is referring? Is it our individual physical body, or is it the corporate body of Christ? Reading the personal pronoun as in the genitive of apposition, it reads "the body which is us." His body is a corporate body (1 Cor. 12:12) and this is the body of His glory (Christ in you the expectation of glory - Col. 1:27). Recall John 17:22,
"And I, Myself, have given to them (or: in them), and they now possess, the glory (the notion; the opinion; the imagination; the reputation; the manifestation which calls forth praise; the assumed appearance) which You have given to Me, and which I now possess, to the end that they may continuously exist being one correspondingly as (just as; according as; on the same level as; in the same sphere as) We [are] one."
That glory was not an outward glory, but an inward one, just as His working is an inward one. It was the glory that the Father had given to Him, which He then possessed, but could not be seen outwardly.
The words "down from" is the Greek "kata," which as you see has a broad semantic range. If we use the meaning of "in the sphere of," this corresponds to His inward working - where the transfiguration and remodeling take place. The meaning "along the lines of" says the same thing, as does "following the pattern of." It is not an outward, physical transformation, but an inward one - of which he is here speaking - "the inwardly-centered operation."
Let us now ponder the implications of the final clause of this verse, concerning His "functioning energy and inward working": to be continuously able (or: to progress with Power and means of Influence) also to subjoin and align The Whole, for shelter, in Himself. The verb is the infinitive of "hupotasso," and is commonly rendered "to subject," which is a legitimate translation. On offer, in my translation, are rather these meanings: to subjoin; to align; to create shelter; to append; to arrange everything under for control and support. This is all happening "in Himself," "to Himself," "by Himself," "for Himself," and very importantly, "with Himself." After all, "in Him we can live, and are moved, and exist" (Acts 17:28).
Now we have, by tradition, been programmed to think of this verse as referring a physical change... e.g., a new "glorified" physical body. Some have thought of this as being a "resurrected body." We suggest that one example of this could be Jesus, on the Mount of Transfiguration. Paul, in 2 Cor. 5:1, informs us that:
"we constantly have (continuously hold; presently possess) a dwelling structure or place (a building for an abode; or: a household; = a family or a possession) forth from out of the midst of God: an eonian act of building a roofed house (or: a covered building for dwelling - a home - having qualities and character which pertain to the Age [of the Messiah]; a structure of edification of, for, and pertaining to, the eras and ages) - not made by hands [cf Heb. 9:1-8, 11; Dan. 2:34, 45; Eph. 2:11; Col. 2:11] - resident within these atmospheres (or: in union with the heavens)." [cf 2 Cor. 6:16; 1 Tim. 3:15; Heb. 9:24; Rev. 21:10]
He was referring to our bodies, or perhaps, to our corporate body - a household.
If we take the meaning of the verb as "changing the position and the posture of our body," this could be seen as the present reality of Eph. 2:6, where we have been raised up and seated with Christ. In vs. 10, above, Paul made reference to having the power of His resurrection. Let us take a short journey, into 1 Cor. 15, where Paul also speaks of bodies, resurrection and Christ:
42. Thus also (or: In this way too) [is] the resurrection of the dead people. It is habitually (repeatedly; presently; one after another) being sown within corruption (or: in union with decay and ruin; in perishability); it is being habitually (or: presently; repeatedly; one after another) awakened and raised up within incorruption (non-decayability; imperishableness).
43. It is constantly being sown within dishonor (in union with lack of value; in the midst of worthlessness), it is being habitually (or: repeatedly; constantly; one after another; progressively) awakened and raised up within, and in union with, power and ability.
44. It is habitually (continually; repeatedly; presently) being sown a body having the qualities and characteristics of a soul (a soulish body; or: = a body animated by soul); it is habitually (repeatedly; constantly; presently; one after another) being awakened and raised up a spiritual body (a body having the qualities and characteristics of the Breath-effect). Since there is a soulish body (or: = body animated by soul), there also is (or: exists) a spiritual one (or: = one animated by spirit).[comment: note the germinal connection between the two - they are a progression of the same body]
45. Thus also (or: In this way also), it has been written, "The first human (or: man), Adam, came for existence (or: was birthed) into [being] a living soul" [Gen. 2:7]; the Last Adam into [being] a continuously life-making (life-engendering; life-creating; life-giving) Spirit (or: Breath-effect).
Now note the connection of resurrection with power, in vs. 43. Next, in vs. 44, we see that it is "being awakened and raised up A SPIRITUAL BODY." Then he tells us that there is a natural body that pertains to the soul - the one which is sown - and there is a spiritual one - the one that is resurrected, and consider my note that this is a progression of the same body. It is like the seed that fell into the ground. Note also the present tense of the verbs: habitually, repeatedly, constantly, presently, one-after-another. This, again, is an ongoing process that was happening in Paul's day, as it has ever since the resurrection of Jesus.
Now note vs. 45 which Paul is relating both to resurrection and to the two bodies. We have the first human, Adam (the soulish person) and we have the Last Adam Who is a continuously life-making, life-creating, life-giving, Spirit. The resurrected person is a spirit. This is the spiritual body (the "afterwards" person of vs. 46). The first Adam was corporate humanity, in this context; the Last Adam is the corporate spiritual body of Christ, with Jesus as its Head.
Next, let us look further in 1 Cor. 15,
48. As [is] the person made of and having the character and quality of moist soil or mud (pourable dirt; soil), of such sort also [are] the people [who are] made of and have the character and quality of moist soil or mud (soilish folks); and likewise, as [is] the Heavenly Person (or: the one made of and having the quality and character of the supra-heaven), of such sort also [are] the supra-heavenly people - those made of and having the quality and character of the supra-heaven (or: finished and perfected atmosphere).
49. And correspondingly as we bear and wear the image of the dusty person, [p46 adds: doubtless] we can and should [B reads: will] also bear and wear the image of the supra-heavenly One (or: the One having the quality and character of the finished and perfected atmosphere).
Verses 48-49 describe humans transfigured to be conformed to His body of glory, and vs. 47 tells us that they are "[made] of heaven/atmosphere," this latter being parallel to the "made of moist soil and mud" of the first clause. The "made of heaven" is a figure for the spiritual. Having the quality and character of the supra-heaven and wearing His image is equivalent to being conformed to the body of His glory.
And further, we have 1 Cor. 15:51-54, 57,
53. For it continues being necessary (it is habitually binding) for this perishable and corruptible to instantly plunge (or: sink) in and clothe itself with (or: slip on; put on) incorruption and imperishability, and for this mortal (one that is subject to death) to instantly plunge and sink in and clothe itself with (or: put on; slip on as a garment) immortality (deathlessness; undyingness).
54. Now whenever this mortal instantly plunges and sinks in and then clothes itself with (or: slips on; puts on) the Immortality, then will come into existence (will be birthed; will take place) the word (the thought; the idea; the message; the saying) which has been written, "The Death was drunk down and swallowed into Victory (or: overcoming)!" [Isa. 25:8]
57. But grace and joyous favor [is] in God (or: by God) - the One PRESENTLY and progressively giving the Victory (or: the overcoming) to us, in us, and for us, through our Lord (Owner; Master), Jesus, [the] Christ!
So, we NOW have and possess the Victory - God has given it to us - that drank down and swallowed the Death. This is the final way of being conformed to His death (vs. 10, above), which ended in victory (the "out-resurrection" of vs. 11, above). Now this was a corporate event that coincided with His resurrection - and this was all the result of "the inward operation (energy; in-working) of the [conditions or situation for] Him to continuously be able (or: have power) also to humbly align (or: to subject; to subordinate; to arrange under so as to have full control of and support) The Whole (or: all things; everything) in Himself (to Himself; for Himself; by and with Himself)."
He is able to align the whole of humanity - as well as the whole universe - "in Himself, to Himself, for Himself, by Himself, and with Himself!" He refashions the whole body of humanity, as well as the universe (the new creation in Christ), to be birthed conformed to the body of His glory.
John Gavazzoni has shared this insightful summation on this topic:"In my opinion, when we get into Paul's head, we find that he considers there to be only 'one body,' and proceeding from that premise, he understands our individual bodies to be members of that one body. Our individual transformation can come about in relationship to the corporate body. I'm with you also on the matter of the relationship of the natural body to the spiritual body as one of procession. The spiritual body lies within the natural body as its intrinsic constitution. As I've pointed out a number of times, the corruptible 'it' that is planted in death, and the incorruptible 'it' that emerges in resurrection life, are the same 'it.' The natural body is not discarded in favor of the spiritual body, the spiritual body emerges out from within the natural, even from within its darkness. The body of Jesus of Nazareth, and the body of Christ, are the same body. The body of Jesus, would then be the Seed/DNA form of the ultimately emerged corporate body of Christ. All that He is becomes finally the reality of us all together united in Him."
Returning to Philippians, chapter 4 begins,
1. Consequently, my brothers (= fellow believers; Family) - loved ones and longed-for folks (people being missed, with a craving), my joy and winner's (or: festal) wreath - thus (in this way) you constantly stand within [the] Lord [= Christ or Yahweh]: [as or being] loved ones! (or, as an imperative: be habitually standing firm in this manner: in, or centered in and in union with, [the] Lord, [B adds: my] beloved!). [cf 1 Cor. 1:14; 1 Thes. 2:19]
The word "Consequently" refers back to what Paul had just been saying in the last part of chapter 3. Remember that this was a letter, and chapter breaks are an artificial addition to the text. Here, again, Paul expresses his emotional connection with those in Philippi, and here reveals that they themselves are the prize (winner's wreath) to which he referred in 3:14. He spoke of those in Thessalonica as his "glory and joy" (1 Thes. 2:20).
The form of the verb "stand" is either indicative or imperative, so I have given renderings as both. Paul is either affirming that fact that their stand is in the Lord, and thus by the Lord, or he is admonishing to stand firm in Him, as beloved ones. Either text makes sense in reference to their continued relationship to Him.
Jonathan
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