Philippians 3:15 kjv
Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
Philippians 3:15 nkjv
Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.
Philippians 3:15 niv
All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.
Philippians 3:15 esv
Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.
Philippians 3:15 nlt
Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you.
Philippians 3 15 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Philippians 3:10 | "that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death" | Paul's desire for Christlikeness |
| Romans 8:17 | "if indeed we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified with him." | Suffering leading to glory |
| Colossians 1:28 | "Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ." | Goal of mature believers |
| 1 Corinthians 2:6 | "Yet we impart wisdom when among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away." | Wisdom among the mature |
| Hebrews 6:1 | "Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God," | Moving toward maturity |
| Ephesians 4:13 | "until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ," | Attaining fullness in Christ |
| Galatians 5:10 | "I have confidence in you through the Lord that you will adopt a different mind, but the one who is troubling you will bear his judgment, whoever he may be." | Shared mindset and judgment |
| 1 Peter 5:10 | "And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." | God's role in strengthening believers |
| Romans 12:2 | "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." | Renewal of the mind |
| 1 Corinthians 13:10 | "but when the proper time comes, what is perfect will come, and all that is partial will cease." | The coming of perfection |
| John 17:3 | "And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." | Knowing God is eternal life |
| Proverbs 2:3-5 | "Yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it like for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God." | Seeking knowledge of God |
| Matthew 5:6 | "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." | Hunger for spiritual things |
| Romans 12:3 | "For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned." | Sober judgment and humility |
| 1 Corinthians 9:24 | "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it." | Running to win |
| Philippians 3:12 | "Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make my own that for which Christ Jesus also made me his own." | Continuing to strive for perfection |
| Philippians 4:7 | "and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." | Peace through knowledge of Christ |
| Acts 20:24 | "But I do not account my life of any value nor as dear to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." | Finishing one's course |
| Romans 5:18 | "Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men." | Justification through Christ |
| Colossians 1:9 | "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding" | Filled with knowledge of His will |
Philippians 3 verses
Philippians 3 15 Meaning
This verse emphasizes the mindset of mature believers who have apprehended Christ's purpose for their lives. It signifies a shared aspiration and a humble disposition among those who walk with God, aiming for the highest spiritual attainment—knowing Christ deeply. This understanding guides their earthly journey, leading them towards perfection in Christ.
Philippians 3 15 Context
In Philippians 3, Paul is contrasting his former self—a zealous Pharisee who trusted in his own righteousness—with his present pursuit of Christ. He warns the Philippian believers against legalism, those who insist on adhering to the Mosaic Law for salvation and spiritual maturity. Paul presents himself as an example of one who has "apprehended" Christ and is pressing on toward the goal. Verse 15 reflects the community of believers who share this common aspiration and humility, encouraging them to maintain this advanced spiritual perspective. Historically, this letter was written from prison, highlighting Paul's enduring hope and focus on Christ even in suffering.
Philippians 3 15 Word Analysis
- "Let us, therefore,": Indicates a logical conclusion from what has just been said (Phil 3:12-14).
- "Let us": A strong exhortation, a call to collective action. It signifies agreement and common purpose within the Christian community.
- "as many as are perfect,": Refers to mature believers, not those who have attained sinless perfection but those who are striving toward spiritual completeness in Christ, possessing a "perfected" heart attitude and aim.
- "perfect" (Gk. teleios): Fully grown, mature, complete. It doesn't mean flawless but having reached a high level of spiritual maturity and completeness in Christ. It’s a state of being made whole.
- "be thus minded": To have this same disposition or mindset.
- "thus minded" (Gk. houtōs phroneō): To think in this particular way; to hold this common understanding and purpose. It's about having a unified perspective focused on Christ.
- "and if in anything ye be otherwise minded,": Addresses any believers who may not yet share this advanced understanding or attitude.
- "otherwise minded" (Gk. heteros chrōmenoi): Literally, "thinking differently" or holding a different opinion/perspective.
- "God shall reveal even this unto you.": A reassuring promise that God, in His grace, will enlighten and guide those who are sincere but may not yet fully grasp this mature perspective. God is the revealer of truth to the humble.
- "reveal" (Gk. apokalyptō): To uncover, to make known. It emphasizes divine revelation and the gracious work of God in enlightening His people.
- "unto you": Directing this assurance to the individuals or the community as a whole.
Word Group Analysis
- "perfect" / "minded": The phrase links maturity with a specific mindset. True maturity involves a consistent and focused way of thinking about spiritual priorities, specifically aiming at Christlikeness.
- "thus minded" / "otherwise minded": This highlights a potential diversity of thought within the church, but with a hopeful resolution through God's revelation to those who are sincerely seeking. It implies a spectrum of spiritual understanding within the community, but also an assurance of unity through divine guidance.
Philippians 3 15 Bonus Section
The "perfection" mentioned here is not about being free from sin or having arrived at a final state of sinless perfection. Instead, it refers to a state of spiritual maturity, wholeness, and being fully developed in Christ. This is consistent with Paul's own acknowledgment in verse 12 that he has not yet "apprehended" all that Christ apprehended him for, indicating an ongoing journey. The promise of God's revelation is a testament to His patient and loving approach to His people, meeting them where they are and drawing them closer to Himself. It speaks of the organic nature of spiritual growth within the body of Christ, where shared purpose and divine enlightenment lead to increasing unity and conformity to Christ.
Philippians 3 15 Commentary
This verse serves as a gentle but firm call to spiritual maturity and unity in the church. Paul addresses those who have truly embraced Christ and are pressing toward spiritual perfection (not sinless perfection, but completeness in Christ). He exhorts them to maintain a shared, elevated perspective focused on knowing Christ more deeply. For those who might still hold onto lesser things or a different mindset, Paul offers a gracious assurance: God Himself will reveal His will and truth to them if they are genuinely seeking Him. This passage underscores that spiritual growth is a process involving effort, a cultivated mindset, and reliance on God's ongoing revelation, leading to unity among believers. It’s a profound expression of shared purpose in Christ-centered living.
Practical Usage Example: Believers are encouraged to actively pursue deeper knowledge of Christ, aligning their thoughts and actions with His will, and to patiently pray for and support those in the faith who may still be growing in understanding, trusting God to reveal Himself to them.