{7} Let us therefore, as many as be {m} perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

(7) The conclusion of this exhortation standing upon three members: the first is, that those who have profited in the truth of this doctrine should continue in it. The second is, that if there are any who are yet ignorant and do not understand these things, and who doubt of the abolishing of the Law, they should cause no trouble, and should be gently waited for, until they also are instructed by the Lord. The third is, that they judge the false apostles by their fruits: in which he does not doubt to set forth himself as an example.

(m) He said before that he was not perfect. So that in this place he calls those perfect who have somewhat profited in the knowledge of Christ and the Gospel, whom he sets against the rude and ignorant, as he himself expounds in Php 3:16.

People's New Testament

3:15 As many as be perfect. It cannot mean perfect in the absolute sense, for he declares that he is not perfect, and surely the Philippians were not in advance of the apostle who admonishes them. See Php 3:12. Meyer says the Greek word here ( teleioi ) means mature, well developed, not children in Christ. Let such as are so far advanced

be thus minded. Show the spirit indicated in 3:7-14 If in anything ye are otherwise minded. If you have not the mind to count all else as refuse in contrast with Christ, etc.

God shall reveal even this unto you. Will bring you to this state of mind. Of course this clause shows that he does not address those whom he believes to be perfect.

Wesley's Notes

3:15 Let us, as many as are perfect - Fit for the race, strong in faith; so it means here. Be thus minded - Apply wholly to this one thing. And if in anything ye - Who are not perfect, who are weak in faith. Be otherwise minded - Pursuing other things. God, if ye desire it, shall reveal even this unto you - Will convince you of it.

Scofield Reference Notes

Margin perfect

See Scofield Note: "Mt 5:48".

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

15. therefore-resuming Php 3:3. "As many of us then, as are perfect," that is, full grown (no longer "babes") in the Christian life (Php 3:3, "worshipping God in the Spirit, and having no confidence in the flesh"), 1Co 2:6, fully established in things of God. Here, by "perfect," he means one fully fit for running [Bengel]; knowing and complying with the laws of the course (2Ti 2:5). Though "perfect" in this sense, he was not yet "made perfect" (Greek) in the sense intended in Php 3:12, namely, "crowned with complete victory," and having attained absolute perfection.

thus minded-having the mind which he had described, Php 3:7-14.

otherwise minded-having too high an opinion of yourselves as to your attainment of Christian perfection. "He who thinks that he has attained everything, hath nothing" [Chrysostom]. Probably, too, he refers to those who were tempted to think to attain to perfection by the law (Ga 3:3): who needed the warning (Php 3:3), "Beware of the concision," though on account of their former piety, Paul hopes confidently (as in Ga 5:10) that God will reveal the path of right-mindedness to them. Paul taught externally God "reveals" the truth internally by His Spirit (Mt 11:25; 16:17; 1Co 3:6).

unto you-who sincerely strive to do God's will (Joh 7:17; Eph 1:17).

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

3:12-21 This simple dependence and earnestness of soul, were not mentioned as if the apostle had gained the prize, or were already made perfect in the Saviour's likeness. He forgot the things which were behind, so as not to be content with past labours or present measures of grace. He reached forth, stretched himself forward towards his point; expressions showing great concern to become more and more like unto Christ. He who runs a race, must never stop short of the end, but press forward as fast as he can; so those who have heaven in their view, must still press forward to it, in holy desires and hopes, and constant endeavours. Eternal life is the gift of God, but it is in Christ Jesus; through his hand it must come to us, as it is procured for us by him. There is no getting to heaven as our home, but by Christ as our Way. True believers, in seeking this assurance, as well as to glorify him, will seek more nearly to resemble his sufferings and death, by dying to sin, and by crucifying the flesh with its affections and lusts. In these things there is a great difference among real Christians, but all know something of them. Believers make Christ all in all, and set their hearts upon another world. If they differ from one another, and are not of the same judgment in lesser matters, yet they must not judge one another; while they all meet now in Christ, and hope to meet shortly in heaven. Let them join in all the great things in which they are agreed, and wait for further light as to lesser things wherein they differ. The enemies of the cross of Christ mind nothing but their sensual appetites. Sin is the sinner's shame, especially when gloried in. The way of those who mind earthly things, may seem pleasant, but death and hell are at the end of it. If we choose their way, we shall share their end. The life of a Christian is in heaven, where his Head and his home are, and where he hopes to be shortly; he sets his affections upon things above; and where his heart is, there will his conversation be. There is glory kept for the bodies of the saints, in which they will appear at the resurrection. Then the body will be made glorious; not only raised again to life, but raised to great advantage. Observe the power by which this change will be wrought. May we be always prepared for the coming of our Judge; looking to have our vile bodies changed by his Almighty power, and applying to him daily to new-create our souls unto holiness; to deliver us from our enemies, and to employ our bodies and souls as instruments of righteousness in his service.