Quite a number of readers have expressed either by letter or in conversation differing

points of view, problems or theories regarding the "out-resurrection" of Phil. 3:, but in

no instance has the bearing of the epistle as a whole been given its true place. If the

scope of an epistle be ignored, isolated verses can soon be found to substantiate a theory

which cuts across the true scope, but if the scope of the epistle be given its full place, a

positive contribution to the exposition of any one verse is obtained and the accuracy or

falsity of an interpretation is more surely detected.

We are happy in the knowledge that no reader of The Berean Expositor requires

proof of this assertion. It has been our continuous practice in all studies to place before

the reader the structure of any part of Scripture under review, so that the true scope of the

passage shall be discovered. Much light can also be obtained by observing parallel

passages. Putting this into practice, as a side-light upon the question of the distinctive

purpose of the epistle to the Philippians, we draw attention to the evident parallel that is

found between Philippians and Hebrews.

To avoid possible misunderstanding, let us say at once that we do not believe that

Hebrews ministers to the One Body, neither do we teach that Philippians and Hebrews

deal with the same thing. What we do see is that in both epistles there is the outworking

of a common principle found both in old and new testaments, in kingdom and in church,

and to discover this is the surest and first step to the understanding of any one verse in

either epistle.

Both the epistles to the Philippians and to the Hebrews revolve round two common

focal points, viz., PERFECTION and PERDITION, and these alternatives dominate the

whole message. Salvation from sin is not in view in Hebrews; the gospel is not preached

in Philippians. In both epistles it is assumed that those addressed are saved people, and

the epistle urge them to "go on", not to "draw back", to "work out" and attain to those

things that "accompany salvation".

The key references in Hebrews are 6: 1 and 10: 39. Those of Philippians are

3: 11, 18 and 19.

Some readers may fail to find "perdition" in Phil. 3:, and we therefore draw

attention to the fact that "perdition" in Heb. 10: 39 and "destruction" in Phil. 3: 19 are

translations of the one Greek word apoleia. The primitive meaning of apoleia is seen in

Matt. 26: 8 where it is translated "waste". Perfection, teleiotes, conveys the concept,