Philippians 3:4-8 contains a list of Paul's "qualifications" for being considered a righteous Jew. In every conceivable way, Paul was an exemplary Jew. He uses this to contrast with the greatness of knowing Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])
#### Special concepts in this chapter ####
##### Dogs #####
In the ancient Near East, dogs were used as an image to refer to people in a negative way. Not all cultures will use the term "dogs" in this way and some cultures may have positive connotations associated with dogs.
##### Resurrected Bodies #####
Very little is known about what people will look like in heaven. It is apparent from this chapter, people will have bodies and they will be free from sin. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/heaven]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])
#### Important figures of speech in this chapter ####
##### Prize #####
Paul uses an extended illustration to describe the Christian life. The goal of the Christian life is attempting to grow in likeness to Christ until a person dies. This goal can never be perfectly achieved but must be strived for.
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