For we are the circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and boast in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh, (Philippians 3:3)

Paul in this verse (and the preceding) uses rhyming words in the Greek (κατατομή katatomē), or mutilate in verse 2 and (περιτομή peritomē), or circumcision here in verse 3) to contrast the difference between false and true circumcision. Paul is showing great contempt for those who are outwardly putting on the appearance of teaching the truth with those who are in reality teaching the full truth of God.^[1] Circumcision has no spiritual value in and of itself. Some had no heart for God but merely followed the Law. They rested in the rite without the reality and trusted in the sign without any substance. They replaced the new birth of salvation with that of circumcision.

Paul said, “We are the circumcision” meaning that those who place their trust in Christ have the true circumcision – the spiritual circumcision of the heart. True circumcision is spiritual, not physical; inward, not outward; and a reality, not a rite.^[2]

We then find a polysyndeton^[3] in this verse – emphasizing three great fundamental principles, causing us to dwell in our thoughts about each one. We as Christians should worship (Greek latreuo)^[4] spiritually by the Spirit of God (John 4: 23,24); and making Jesus Christ the source of our joy, our glory or boasting (Greek katakauchaomai); and holding no trust or confidence (Greek pepoithesis) in our flesh.

Thus, Paul is saying that the true circumcision is to “worship by the Spirit of God, and boast in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.” It is “a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.” – Romans 2:29.

More in-depth Insights

For we are the circumcision. Christians are the circumcision. Genuine Christians possess the truth of the circumcision. This is a circumcision of the heart of the Christian, who is worshiping God by the Spirit, which produces an outward display of our faith, abandonment of our fallen flesh, that is, our fallen nature, which is bent toward evil. Instead, we lead a life of pure ad spiritual worship of God. Salvation is no longer dependent on the outward observance of circumcising the flesh but rather the inward circumcision of the heart. – Cf. Romans 2:28-29.

Who worship in the Spirit. The Bible closely links the Holy Spirit and truth. The Spirit is the Spirit of truth, and he guides into all truth (15:26; 16:13). His anointing is true (1 Jn. 2:27), and his witness is true, for, like Jesus, the Spirit is truth (5:6). To worship in the Spirit is thus to worship in truth (Jn. 4:23f.). This means supremely not worshiping in spirituality or with pure ideas, but worshiping in conformity with the reality of God revealed in Jesus by the Spirit. Yet, one should not forget that truth in this revelatory sense also implies correct doctrine (1 Jn. 2:21) and proper conduct (3 Jn. 3).

Boast in Christ Jesus. Christians have now repudiated the fallen flesh and have become true worshipers of God. Circumcision of the flesh was a sign of the covenant between God and the nation of Israel. Circumcision of the heart is a sign of the new covenant between God and spiritual Israel. (Lu 1:72; Ac 3:25; 7:8; Ro 9:4; 11:27; Heb 8:6-10; 9:6, 15; 12:24) The expression “Israel of God” found but once in Scripture, refers to spiritual Israel instead of the natural offspring of Jacob, his name having been changed to Israel. (Gen. 32:22-28) Through the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ, natural Jews and Gentiles were included in the “Israel of God,” spiritual Israel through circumcision of the heart, not circumcision of the flesh.

And have no confidence in the flesh. We should have no confidence in the fallen flesh, that is, our fallen nature. We are no longer dependent on circumcision of the flesh but rather circumcision of the heart for our salvation. The Christian hope of a righteous standing before God and eternal life is not found in the ritual circumcision of the flesh or advantages that one might gain through a birthright or human efforts or conforming to the ceremonial aspects of the Mosaic Law. None of these things will lead to salvation or offer us any hope. The hope for the Christian lies with their faith in the ransom sacrifice.

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[1] Study Paul’s comments in Romans 2:28-29; Colossians 2:11; and Ephesians 2:11.

[2] Jerry Falwell, Edward E. Hindson and Woodrow Michael Kroll, , Liberty Bible Commentary, ed. Jerry Falwell, Edward E. Hindson and Woodrow Michael Kroll (Nashville, Tenn.: Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers, 1983). Page 2445.

[3] The repetition of the word “and” at the beginning of successive clauses. E. W. Bullinger, Figures of Speech used in the Bible (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House, 1968). E. W. Bullinger, Figures of Speech used in the Bible (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House, 1968). Page 210.

[4] To render religious service or homage – W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger and William White, Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1996). Page 686.