…circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee…
Philippians 3:5 NIV
A Pharisee
Canada’s legal system is based on a combination of common law and civil law. The common law is law that is not written down as legislation. Common law evolved into a system of rules based on precedent. This is a rule that guides judges in making later decisions in similar cases. Civil codes contain a comprehensive statement of rules. Many are framed as broad, general principles to deal with any dispute that may arise. Unlike common-law courts, courts in a civil-law system first look to a civil code, then refer to previous decisions to see if they are consistent.
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We first meet the man who would become Paul the apostle in Acts 7 at the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. We later discover this early persecutor of the church had a lengthy and impressive resume. He would speak about it in Philippians 3:5: “…circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee…” Paul’s religious credentials are impressive. We will discover that in the verses that follow, however, Paul declares all of it as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. What this reminds us is that our identity in Christ is not built on heritage, achievements, or religious performance. How often do we cling to titles, traditions, or accomplishments to validate our worth? Paul’s example calls us to release anything that competes with Christ for our heart’s devotion. True righteousness is not earned—it’s received through faith. Let your heart echo Paul’s desire—to gain Christ, to be found in Him, and to press on toward the goal of eternal life.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley