Philippians 3:11
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and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
If by any means--not implying uncertainty of the issue, but the earnestness of the struggle of faith (Co1 9:26-27), and the urgent need of jealous self-watchfulness (Co1 10:12). attain unto the resurrection of the dead--The oldest manuscripts read, "the resurrection from (out of) the dead," namely, the first resurrection; that of believers at Christ's coming (Co1 15:23; Th1 4:15; Rev 20:5-6). The Greek word occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. "The power of Christ's resurrection" (Rom 1:4), ensures the believer's attainment of the "resurrection from the (rest of the) dead" (compare Phi 3:20-21). Compare "accounted worthy to obtain the resurrection from the dead" (Luk 20:35). "The resurrection of the just" (Luk 14:14).
Open source ↗He cautions them against judaizing seducers (Phi 3:1-3) and proposes his own example: and here he enumerates the privileges of his Jewish state which he rejected (Phi 3:4-8), describes the matter of his own choice (Phi 3:9-16), and closes with an exhortation to beware of wicked men, and to follow his example (Phi 3:17-21).
Open source ↗3:11 To experience the resurrection from the dead is to be saved from judgment and receive eternal life (see Rev 20:4-6). Paul was aware of God’s holiness and the severity of the final judgment (Rev 20:11-15); he knew he must persevere in his pursuit of Christ and salvation (cp. Gal 5:5).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
The rest of the dead did not come back to life until the thousand years were complete. This is the first resurrection.
Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. It is because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.”
the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to realize as they earnestly serve God day and night. It is because of this hope, O king, that I am accused by the Jews.
Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused their release, so that they might gain a better resurrection.
I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ.
Martha replied, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
and you will be blessed. Since they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
Let no one deceive you in any way, for it will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness—the son of destruction—is revealed.
in the hope that I may provoke my own people to jealousy and save some of them.
No man can possibly redeem his brother or pay his ransom to God.