Phili 3:18 | TNotes | STEP | 3:18 The identity of the enemies is not known; they might have been (1) Jews or Jewish Christians proud of their circumcision (as in 3:2 ), whose emphasis on observant Judaism contradicted the cross of Christ ; (2) pseudo-believers living a worldly, immoral life (cp. 3:19 ); or (3) professing believers who had rejected Paul’s cross-centered view of the Good News. Christ’s crucifixion as a criminal was scandalous and offensive to many (see 1 Cor 1:23 ; cp. Rom 9:33 ; 1 Pet 2:8 ).

d1 Cor 1:23►

eRom 9:33►

f1 Pet 2:8►

‏ Philippians 3:18

3:18 ^a The identity of the enemies is not known; they might have been (1) Jews or Jewish Christians proud of their circumcision (as in 3:2 ^b), whose emphasis on observant Judaism contradicted the cross of Christ; (2) pseudo-believers living a worldly, immoral life (cp. 3:19 ^c); or (3) professing believers who had rejected Paul’s cross-centered view of the Good News. Christ’s crucifixion as a criminal was scandalous and offensive to many (see 1 Cor 1:23 ^d; cp. Rom 9:33 ^e; 1 Pet 2:8 ^f).