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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Philippians 3:6 as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/philippians/3-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/50_Php_03_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Philippians 3:6 - Righteousness through Faith" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/philippians/3-6.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/philippians/3-6.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/philippians/">Philippians</a> > <a href="/philippians/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 6</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/philippians/3-5.htm" title="Philippians 3:5">◄</a> Philippians 3:6 <a href="/philippians/3-7.htm" title="Philippians 3:7">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/philippians/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/philippians/3.htm">New International Version</a> as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. <a href="/nlt/philippians/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault. <a href="/esv/philippians/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. <a href="/bsb/philippians/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless. <a href="/blb/philippians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> according to zeal, persecuting the church; according to righteousness in the Law, having become faultless. <a href="/kjv/philippians/3.htm">King James Bible</a> Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. <a href="/nkjv/philippians/3.htm">New King James Version</a> concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. <a href="/nasb_/philippians/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. <a href="/nasb/philippians/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. <a href="/nasb77/philippians/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. <a href="/lsb/philippians/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. <a href="/amp/philippians/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> as to my zeal [for Jewish tradition], a persecutor of the church; and as to righteousness [supposed right living] which [my fellow Jews believe] is in the Law, I proved myself blameless. <a href="/csb/philippians/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> regarding zeal, persecuting the church; regarding the righteousness that is in the law, blameless. <a href="/hcsb/philippians/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> regarding zeal, persecuting the church; regarding the righteousness that is in the law, blameless. <a href="/asv/philippians/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> as touching zeal, persecuting the church; as touching the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless. <a href="/cev/philippians/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> And I was so eager I even made trouble for the church. I did everything the Law demands in order to please God. <a href="/erv/philippians/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> as touching zeal, persecuting the church; as touching the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless. <a href="/gwt/philippians/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> When it comes to being enthusiastic, I was a persecutor of the church. When it comes to winning God's approval by keeping Jewish laws, I was perfect. <a href="/gnt/philippians/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> and I was so zealous that I persecuted the church. As far as a person can be righteous by obeying the commands of the Law, I was without fault. <a href="/isv/philippians/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> As for my zeal, I was a persecutor of the church. As far as righteousness in the Law is concerned, I was blameless. <a href="/msb/philippians/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless. <a href="/net/philippians/3.htm">NET Bible</a> In my zeal for God I persecuted the church. According to the righteousness stipulated in the law I was blameless. <a href="/nheb/philippians/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless. <a href="/wbt/philippians/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; with respect to the righteousness which is by the law, blameless. <a href="/wey/philippians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> as to zeal, a persecutor of the Church; as to the righteousness which comes through Law, blameless. <a href="/web/philippians/3.htm">World English Bible</a> concerning zeal, persecuting the assembly; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/philippians/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> According to zeal—persecuting the Assembly! According to righteousness that is in law—becoming blameless! <a href="/blb/philippians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> according to zeal, persecuting the church; according to righteousness in the Law, having become faultless. <a href="/ylt/philippians/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> according to zeal persecuting the assembly! according to righteousness that is in law becoming blameless! <a href="/slt/philippians/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For zeal, driving out the church; for justice in the law, not to be found fault with.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/philippians/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> According to zeal, persecuting the church of God; according to the justice that is in the law, conversing without blame. <a href="/cpdv/philippians/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> according to zeal, I persecuted the Church of God; according to the justice that is in the law, I lived without blame. <a href="/nabre/philippians/3.htm">New American Bible</a> in zeal I persecuted the church, in righteousness based on the law I was blameless. <a href="/nrsvce/philippians/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/philippians/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And because, concerning zeal, I was a persecutor of the church; and according to the standards of righteousness of the law, I was blameless. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/philippians/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> In zeal, a persecutor of the church, in righteousness of The Written Law I was without indictment.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/philippians/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> as it respects zeal, persecuting the church; as it respects righteousness which is by law, blameless. <a href="/godbey/philippians/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> in reference to zeal, persecuting the church, according to righteousness which was in the law being blameless. <a href="/haweis/philippians/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> respecting the law, a Pharisee; with regard to zeal, persecuting the church; as touching the righteousness which is by the law, blameless. <a href="/mace/philippians/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> if zeal is to be regarded, I persecuted the church; if the integrity prescrib'd by the law, I am without reproach; <a href="/wey/philippians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> as to zeal, a persecutor of the Church; as to the righteousness which comes through Law, blameless. <a href="/worrell/philippians/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> as to zeal, persecuting the assembly: as to the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. <a href="/worsley/philippians/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> as to zeal persecuting the church, as to the righteousness of the law blameless: but those things, <a href="/parallel/philippians/3-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mXomUhcrPbg?start=567" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/philippians/3.htm">Righteousness through Faith</a> …5circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6<a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kata (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">as to</a> <a href="/greek/2205.htm" title="2205: zēlos (N-ANS) -- From zeo; properly, heat, i.e. zeal (figuratively, of God), or an enemy, malice).">zeal,</a> <a href="/greek/1377.htm" title="1377: diōkōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- To pursue, hence: I persecute. A prolonged form of a primary verb dio; to pursue; by implication, to persecute.">persecuting</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1577.htm" title="1577: ekklēsian (N-AFS) -- From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.">church;</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kata (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">as to</a> <a href="/greek/1343.htm" title="1343: dikaiosynēn (N-AFS) -- From dikaios; equity; specially justification.">righteousness</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3551.htm" title="3551: nomō (N-DMS) -- From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.">the law,</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: genomenos (V-APM-NMS) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude."></a> <a href="/greek/273.htm" title="273: amemptos (Adj-NMS) -- Blameless, free from fault or defect. Irreproachable.">faultless.</a> 7But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/8-3.htm">Acts 8:3</a> But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison. <a href="/galatians/1-13.htm">Galatians 1:13-14</a> For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how severely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. / I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. <a href="/acts/22-4.htm">Acts 22:4-5</a> I persecuted this Way even to the death, detaining both men and women and throwing them into prison, / as the high priest and the whole Council can testify about me. I even obtained letters from them to their brothers in Damascus, and I was on my way to apprehend these people and bring them to Jerusalem to be punished. <a href="/acts/26-9.htm">Acts 26:9-11</a> So then, I too was convinced that I ought to do all I could to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. / And that is what I did in Jerusalem. With authority from the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were condemned to death, I cast my vote against them. / I frequently had them punished in the synagogues, and I tried to make them blaspheme. In my raging fury against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them. <a href="/1_timothy/1-13.htm">1 Timothy 1:13</a> I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy. <a href="/romans/10-2.htm">Romans 10:2</a> For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge. <a href="/galatians/1-23.htm">Galatians 1:23</a> They only heard the account: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” <a href="/1_corinthians/15-9.htm">1 Corinthians 15:9</a> For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-22.htm">2 Corinthians 11:22</a> Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. <a href="/acts/9-1.htm">Acts 9:1-2</a> Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord. He approached the high priest / and requested letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. <a href="/acts/22-3.htm">Acts 22:3</a> “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but raised in this city. I was educated at the feet of Gamaliel in strict conformity to the law of our fathers. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today. <a href="/acts/26-5.htm">Acts 26:5</a> They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I lived as a Pharisee, adhering to the strictest sect of our religion. <a href="/romans/9-31.htm">Romans 9:31-32</a> but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. / Why not? Because their pursuit was not by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, <a href="/matthew/23-15.htm">Matthew 23:15</a> Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You traverse land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are. <a href="/john/16-2.htm">John 16:2</a> They will put you out of the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.zeal.<a href="/2_samuel/21-2.htm">2 Samuel 21:2</a> And the king called the Gibeonites, and said unto them; (now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn unto them: and Saul sought to slay them in his zeal to the children of Israel and Judah.)<a href="/2_kings/10-16.htm">2 Kings 10:16</a> And he said, Come with me, and see my zeal for the LORD. So they made him ride in his chariot.<a href="/acts/21-20.htm">Acts 21:20</a> And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:persecuting.<a href="/acts/8-3.htm">Acts 8:3</a> As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.<a href="/acts/9-1.htm">Acts 9:1</a> And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,<a href="/acts/22-3.htm">Acts 22:3,4</a> I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day… touching.<a href="/matthew/5-20.htm">Matthew 5:20</a> For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.<a href="/matthew/23-25.htm">Matthew 23:25</a> Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.<a href="/mark/10-20.htm">Mark 10:20,21</a> And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ephesians/5-32.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/philippians/2-15.htm">Blameless</a> <a href="/philippians/1-1.htm">Church</a> <a href="/galatians/1-23.htm">Cruel</a> <a href="/acts/26-26.htm">Detail</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-9.htm">Faultless</a> <a href="/philippians/2-12.htm">Found</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-29.htm">Hate</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-19.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/philippians/3-5.htm">Law</a> <a href="/galatians/1-23.htm">Persecuting</a> <a href="/galatians/1-23.htm">Persecutor</a> <a href="/philippians/3-5.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/philippians/1-11.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/philippians/3-5.htm">Touching</a> <a href="/galatians/6-12.htm">Zeal</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/philippians/4-15.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/colossians/1-22.htm">Blameless</a> <a href="/philippians/4-15.htm">Church</a> <a href="/colossians/2-23.htm">Cruel</a> <a href="/colossians/2-18.htm">Detail</a> <a href="/colossians/1-22.htm">Faultless</a> <a href="/philippians/3-8.htm">Found</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-15.htm">Hate</a> <a href="/colossians/1-26.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/philippians/3-9.htm">Law</a> <a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Persecuting</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-13.htm">Persecutor</a> <a href="/philippians/3-15.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/philippians/3-9.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/colossians/2-21.htm">Touching</a> <a href="/colossians/4-13.htm">Zeal</a><div class="vheading2">Philippians 3</div>1. <a href="/philippians/3-1.htm">He warns them to beware of the false teachers;</a> 4. <a href="/philippians/3-4.htm">showing that himself has greater cause than they to trust in the righteousness of the law;</a> 7. <a href="/philippians/3-7.htm">which he counts as loss, to gain Christ and his righteousness;</a> 12. <a href="/philippians/3-12.htm">acknowledging his own imperfection and pressing on toward the goal;</a> 15. <a href="/philippians/3-15.htm">He exhorts them to be thus minded;</a> 17. <a href="/philippians/3-17.htm">and to imitate him,</a> 18. <a href="/philippians/3-18.htm">and to decline carnal ways.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/philippians/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/philippians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/philippians/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>as to zeal, persecuting the church; Paul's reference to his zeal highlights his fervent commitment to Judaism before his conversion to Christianity. Zeal was a highly valued trait in Jewish culture, often associated with figures like Phinehas (<a href="/numbers/25-11.htm">Numbers 25:11</a>) and Elijah (<a href="/1_kings/19-10.htm">1 Kings 19:10</a>), who were known for their passionate defense of God's honor. Paul's persecution of the church is documented in <a href="/acts/8-3.htm">Acts 8:3</a> and <a href="/acts/9.htm">Acts 9:1-2</a>, where he actively sought to imprison Christians. This persecution was driven by his belief that the followers of Jesus were blaspheming against God, a serious offense in Jewish law. His actions were in line with the Pharisaic tradition, which emphasized strict adherence to the law and the protection of Jewish religious purity. This historical context underscores the radical transformation Paul underwent after his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus (<a href="/acts/9-3.htm">Acts 9:3-6</a>).as to righteousness in the law, faultless. Paul's claim of being faultless in righteousness according to the law reflects his strict observance of the Mosaic Law. As a Pharisee, Paul would have been meticulous in following the 613 commandments found in the Torah, as well as the oral traditions that were later codified in the Mishnah. This adherence was not just about external compliance but also about maintaining a blameless reputation within the Jewish community. However, Paul later realized that this legalistic righteousness was insufficient for true salvation, as he explains in <a href="/romans/3-20.htm">Romans 3:20</a> and <a href="/galatians/2-16.htm">Galatians 2:16</a>, where he emphasizes faith in Christ over the works of the law. This shift highlights the New Testament theme of righteousness through faith, contrasting the old covenant of the law with the new covenant of grace through Jesus Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus)</a> The author of the letter to the Philippians, Paul was a Pharisee who zealously persecuted the early Christian church before his conversion to Christianity. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_church.htm">The Church</a> Refers to the early Christian community that Paul initially persecuted before becoming one of its most influential apostles. 3. <a href="/topical/p/pharisees.htm">Pharisees</a> A Jewish sect known for strict adherence to the Law of Moses. Paul was a Pharisee before his conversion. 4. <a href="/topical/p/philippi.htm">Philippi</a> A city in Macedonia where the church to whom Paul is writing was located. It was the first European church founded by Paul. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_law.htm">The Law</a> Refers to the Mosaic Law, which Paul followed rigorously before his conversion to Christianity.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/z/zeal_without_knowledge.htm">Zeal Without Knowledge</a> Paul's zeal in persecuting the church was misguided. True zeal for God should be informed by the knowledge of Christ and His teachings. <a href="/topical/r/righteousness_and_the_law.htm">Righteousness and the Law</a> Paul considered himself faultless in legalistic righteousness, yet he realized that true righteousness comes through faith in Christ, not adherence to the law. <a href="/topical/t/transformation_through_christ.htm">Transformation Through Christ</a> Paul's life exemplifies the transformative power of encountering Christ. His past zeal was redirected towards spreading the Gospel. <a href="/topical/e/evaluating_our_zeal.htm">Evaluating Our Zeal</a> Believers should assess their own zeal for God, ensuring it aligns with the truth of the Gospel and is not based on legalism or tradition. <a href="/topical/p/pursuing_true_righteousness.htm">Pursuing True Righteousness</a> Christians are called to pursue righteousness through faith in Jesus, rather than relying on their own efforts or adherence to religious laws.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/philippians/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6) Concerning zeal, persecuting the church.--The word "zeal" (as in <a href="/acts/22-3.htm" title="I am truly a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as you all are this day.">Acts 22:3</a>) is probably used almost technically to describe his adhesion to the principles of the "Zealots," who, following the example of Phinehas, were for "executing judgment" at once on all heathens as traitors, ready alike to slay or to be slain for the Law. He shows how in this he departed from the teaching of Gamaliel, when he was "exceedingly mad against" the Christians, and "persecuted them even unto strange cities."Touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.--The "righteousness in Law," which our Lord called "the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees" (<a href="/matthew/5-20.htm" title="For I say to you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.">Matthew 5:20</a>), is the righteousness according to rule, in which a man, like the rich young ruler, might think himself "blameless," and even hope to go beyond it in "counsels of perfection"--not the righteousness according to principle, which can never fulfil or satisfy itself. While St. Paul confined himself to the lower form of righteousness, he could feel himself "blameless;" but when he began to discern this higher righteousness in the Law, then, he felt the terrible condemnation of the Law, on which he dwells so emphatically in <a href="/context/romans/7-7.htm" title="What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. No, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, You shall not covet.">Romans 7:7-12</a>.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/philippians/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 6. - Concerning zeal, persecuting the Church. He was not only a Pharisee, but an energetic, zealous Pharisee; he carried out the principles of his sect, thinking that he did God service by persecuting those whom he counted as heretics. Touching the righteousness which is in the Law, blameless. As far as "the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees" went, the righteousness which is "in Law," which consists, that is, in the observance of formal rules; or which is "of Law" (ver. 9), which springs, that is, from such observance, St. Paul was found blameless. "Rara sane laus et prope singularis," says Calvin, quoted by Alford; "videamus tureen quanti eam fecerit." (For the whole of this passage, comp. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-21.htm">2 Corinthians 11:21, 22</a>.) <a href="/commentaries/philippians/3-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>as to κατὰ (kata) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). zeal, ζῆλος (zēlos) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2205.htm">Strong's 2205: </a> From zeo; properly, heat, i.e. 'zeal' (figuratively, of God), or an enemy, malice). persecuting διώκων (diōkōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1377.htm">Strong's 1377: </a> To pursue, hence: I persecute. A prolonged form of a primary verb dio; to pursue; by implication, to persecute. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. church; ἐκκλησίαν (ekklēsian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1577.htm">Strong's 1577: </a> From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation. as to κατὰ (kata) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). righteousness δικαιοσύνην (dikaiosynēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1343.htm">Strong's 1343: </a> From dikaios; equity; specially justification. under ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. [the] Law, νόμῳ (nomō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3551.htm">Strong's 3551: </a> From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively. faultless. ἄμεμπτος (amemptos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_273.htm">Strong's 273: </a> Blameless, free from fault or defect. Irreproachable. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/philippians/3-6.htm">Philippians 3:6 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/philippians/3-6.htm">Philippians 3:6 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/philippians/3-6.htm">Philippians 3:6 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/philippians/3-6.htm">Philippians 3:6 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/philippians/3-6.htm">Philippians 3:6 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/philippians/3-6.htm">Philippians 3:6 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/philippians/3-6.htm">Philippians 3:6 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/philippians/3-6.htm">Philippians 3:6 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/philippians/3-6.htm">Philippians 3:6 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/philippians/3-6.htm">Philippians 3:6 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/philippians/3-6.htm">NT Letters: Philippians 3:6 Concerning zeal persecuting the assembly (Philipp. Phil. 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