Philippians 3:2 – Three Minute Bible

September 12, 2025September 12, 2025

Philippians 3:2a – Old and New

a stone bridge between to land masses. The side of the bridge spells out the word "HISTORY." It is a symbolic connection between the old a the new. In the middle of the bridge is the cross and the on the cross is Jesus. (Grok)

For it is we who are the circumcision…

Summary: Understanding what Paul means by “we who are the circumcision” requires a brief look back at the history of the Bible.

In the Old Testament, circumcision was given by God to Abraham and every male that was with him (Genesis 17:10). When we talk about circumcision of the flesh in the Old Testament sense, we are talking about something that is uniquely male. Interestingly, when we talk about circumcision in the New Testament sense, it can apply to both men and women.

September 11, 2025September 11, 2025

Philippians 3:2 – Fighting Words

AI Picture of vicious "dogs" to illustrate Paul's words. (Grok)

Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh.

Summary: Paul’s use of name-calling serves a specific purpose, and it might not be what you expect.

There is a saying I remember from childhood when someone had harsh words to say about someone else — they would say, “Them’s fighting words!” If somebody were to call you a “dog,” you might feel inclined to defend your honor. If so, that is because “dog,” “evildoer,” and “mutilator of the flesh” all fall into the “fighting words” category.