Problem: In this verse, Paul calls on those who “are perfect” (kjv) to act as he did, but only three verses earlier he claimed that he was not “already perfect” (v. 12), but that he was still pressing on to attain perfection. Which one should we believe?
Problem: Paul calls the Jews “dogs.” Does this the support the fact that Christianity was really birthed out of anti-Semitism?
Problem: Some critics assert that Paul appears to be wrapping up his letter in 3:1 (“Finally, my brethren…”). However, Paul continues to write for another two chapters. Then, in Philippians 4:8, we read that Paul repeats himself by saying “finally…” all over again. In addition, Polycarp (2nd century) refers to the “letters” (plural) of Paul to the Philippians (To the Philippians, 3.2). Is Philippians really a letter that was spliced together? Continue reading →
Problem: In the Book of Acts, Paul healed the sick and even raised the dead (Acts 20:9–10). On one occasion he even healed everyone in an entire city (Acts 28:9). But here, he apparently could not even heal a needed coworker.
Problem: Some interpreters claim that this passage teaches salvation by works. Paul writes, “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12). Does this mean that Christians have to “work” for their salvation?
Problem: Universalists use this passage to demonstrate that “every knee to bow” (Phil. 2:10). Does this mean that all people will come to Christ in the end?
Problem: Some cultists point out that Jesus “emptied Himself” (v.7) of his deity, when he came to Earth. Did Jesus really cease to be God?
CLAIM: Some critics or cultists argue that this passage implies that God has a physical “form” in heaven. However, God is a disembodied mind without physical form. Which is true?
Problem: Paul seems to say that Jesus “emptied Himself” of His deity or “equality with God” (vv. 6–7), becoming “a man” (v. 8). But elsewhere Jesus claimed to be God on earth (John 8:58; 20:28). But how could Jesus be God while on earth if He left His deity aside to become man?
Problem: Some critics point out that Paul was considering suicide, while he was imprisoned. He was considering whether or not to “choose” death (v.22). By making this a choice, critics argue that this implies suicide. Is this the case?