All things bear record · Philippians
8 witnesses of Christ here.
Lord — Master and rightful ruler; in Paul's letters the title of the risen Jesus, carrying the weight of the divine name
Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. Philippians 3:1
Paul's steady counsel: find joy in the Lord Jesus.
How we know: the chapter heading names Him
Jesus — 'Jehovah saves'; Christ — 'the Anointed One'
For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Philippians 3:3
True covenant people rejoice in Christ Jesus rather than trusting outward marks like circumcision.
How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Philippians 3:7–9
Paul gave up his status and his confidence in keeping the law to gain Christ; true righteousness comes through faith in Christ, not our own merit.
How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; Philippians 3:10–11
Paul wants to know Christ personally — sharing in His sufferings and death so that he may also share in the resurrection Christ's rising makes possible.
How we know: the chapter heading names Him
Jesus — 'Jehovah saves'; Christ — 'the Anointed One'
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12–14
Christ has taken hold of Paul, so Paul keeps pressing forward toward the prize of God's calling in Christ Jesus.
How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him
(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Philippians 3:18
Those who live for appetite and earthly things set themselves against the cross — against Christ's atoning death.
How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him
Saviour — the one who rescues and delivers
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Philippians 3:20
Our true citizenship is in heaven, and we watch for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, to come from there.
How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it
Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. Philippians 3:21
At His coming Christ will resurrect and transform our mortal bodies to be like His own glorified body, by the power that rules all things.
How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it