Philippians 3:2-4a
What is written? (ESV)
Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh — though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also.
What does it say?
Watch out for those practicing evil that require physical circumcision. We are the true, spiritual circumcision that worship in the Holy Spirit and glory in Christ, putting no confidence in our own efforts as I could more than any of them.
What is its immediate context?
Paul’s letter to the Christians at the church in Philippi, established during his second missionary journey. A big problem in the first-century church were those that were teaching that one had to be physically circumcised (e.g. become a Jew) in order to become a Christian.
How Philippians 3:2-4a is applied across Bible answers
Top 5: Images for baptism?
In calling out "those of the circumcision party" (Titus 1:10), Paul contrasts actual, physical circumcision with the spiritual circumcision of himself and his fellow brethren that were a part of the church in Philippi. NOTE: Spiritual circumcision is the 'de facto', assumed condition for Christians, a condition they only are in through baptism.2
