Philippians 3 15

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 verses

Philippians 3 15 Meaning

Philippians 3:15 calls believers who are spiritually mature to adopt Paul's mindset of constant pursuit of Christ and His righteousness, recognizing that Christian life is a journey, not an arrived destination. It also graciously assures those who may hold different views on spiritual progress or doctrine that God Himself will illuminate and reveal the truth to them.

Philippians 3 15 Context

Philippians 3:15 directly follows Paul's profound personal confession in verses 7-14, where he declared everything earthly a loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. He detailed his own commitment to pressing on toward the prize, admitting he had "not yet attained" it but constantly "straining forward." This verse thus serves as an appeal and a call to his readers to adopt this very mindset of humble, continuous pursuit, particularly to those who might consider themselves "perfect" or spiritually advanced. The broader context of Philippians encourages unity, joy, and resilience in the face of external pressures and internal disagreements, countering both legalistic self-righteousness (from Judaizers, often referred to in chapters 3) and a potential over-confidence or complacency within the church itself.

Philippians 3 15 Word analysis

• "Let us therefore": Connects this exhortation to the preceding discussion, specifically Paul's personal example of persistent pursuit of Christ. It implies a logical consequence of his spiritual testimony in verses 12-14.
• "as many as are perfect" (Greek: τέλειοι - teleioi): This does not mean sinless perfection. Instead, it refers to spiritual maturity, completeness in understanding, or those who have been fully instructed in the faith. Paul likely refers to believers who consider themselves spiritually mature enough to grasp deeper truths, differentiating them from spiritual "babies." He includes himself among them (cf. 1 Cor 2:6, Heb 5:14).
• "be thus minded" (Greek: τοῦτο φρονῶμεν - touto phronômen): This imperative urges believers to adopt the specific mindset, attitude, or way of thinking that Paul just articulated – namely, the active and continuous pursuit of Christ, acknowledging that full attainment is yet future. It's about having the right spiritual orientation.
• "and if in anything": A gracious and humble concession. Paul acknowledges that even among "perfect" or mature believers, there might be differing perspectives or understandings on certain issues or the specific nature of Christian pursuit.
• "ye be otherwise minded" (Greek: ἑτέρως φρονεῖτε - heterôs phroneite): Implies having a different opinion, view, or spiritual perspective than what Paul has just outlined (the humble, pressing-on mentality). It's a gentle way of addressing potential disagreement without harsh judgment.
• "God shall reveal" (Greek: ἀποκαλύψει - apokaly psei): Highlights divine intervention and teaching. Paul reassures believers that if their understanding differs from the correct spiritual path, God Himself, not just Paul's argument, will ultimately disclose and clarify the truth to them. It underscores God's role as the ultimate instructor.
• "even this unto you": Specifies that God will reveal this particular matter where there is disagreement or incomplete understanding. It offers a promise of further spiritual illumination from the Lord.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, be thus minded": This phrase functions as an inclusive call to mature believers to align their thinking with Paul's example of humble, persistent spiritual growth. It implies that true maturity understands the journey is ongoing.
• "and if in anything ye be otherwise minded": This displays Paul's pastoral patience and humility. He recognizes that spiritual journeys are individual, and even mature believers can hold differing (and potentially incorrect) views without necessarily being malicious or entirely misguided. It provides room for intellectual and spiritual disagreement without immediate condemnation.
• "God shall reveal even this unto you": This promise reinforces God's sovereignty and His desire to guide His people into all truth. It places the ultimate responsibility for revelation and correction on God, encouraging trust in divine teaching rather than relying solely on human persuasion or forcing immediate conformity. It suggests a process of ongoing spiritual enlightenment.

Philippians 3 15 Bonus section

• This verse provides a powerful lesson in Christian humility and charity in theological discourse. Instead of immediately judging or ostracizing those who hold slightly different (but not heretical) views on matters of spiritual experience or practice, Paul advises patience and trust in God's revelatory power.
• The promise "God shall reveal even this unto you" implies that genuine seekers of truth, even if currently holding a different opinion, will ultimately be guided by the Holy Spirit. This highlights the dynamic and progressive nature of spiritual understanding in a believer's life.
• Paul himself modeled the attitude of being "otherwise minded" when he was Saul, zealously pursuing a different understanding of God's righteousness, until God revealed the truth of Christ to him (Phil 3:4-6, Acts 9). This adds a personal layer to his appeal.
• It serves as a counterpoint to both spiritual complacency (thinking one has arrived) and theological intolerance (condemning those who genuinely seek but hold differing views). It advocates for conviction with kindness and reliance on divine teaching.

Philippians 3 15 Commentary

Philippians 3:15 stands as a remarkable testament to Paul's pastoral grace and profound trust in God's ongoing work in believers. He begins by addressing the "perfect" (spiritually mature) among them, inviting them to fully embrace his strenuous yet joyful pursuit of Christ, rather than settling into a false sense of spiritual accomplishment. This aligns with his repeated emphasis throughout Philippians on progressive sanctification and pressing toward the ultimate prize. What distinguishes this verse is Paul's gracious approach to potential dissent or varying perspectives. Instead of issuing a stern correction or condemnation for those who might hold different views on their spiritual status or methods, he assures them that God Himself will graciously provide the necessary clarity and revelation. This demonstrates immense wisdom, fostering unity and patience within the church. It reminds us that spiritual illumination is ultimately from God, encouraging believers to seek Him for deeper understanding and discouraging dogmatic disputes over secondary matters. The verse offers a blueprint for how believers should interact, exhibiting both conviction in truth and compassion for those still learning, with an abiding faith in God's ability to teach and unify His children.