Philippians 3:19 - Idolatry of the Flesh and Shame
Philippians 3:19 - Idolatry of the Flesh and Shame
Philippians 3:19 (NASB) reads, "whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things" [1]. This verse is part of a larger passage where Paul warns the Philippians about false teachers and their destructive influence.
The literary context of Philippians 3:19 is a warning against those who live in a way that is contrary to the gospel. Paul contrasts the heavenly-mindedness of believers with the earthly-mindedness of those who are enemies of the cross of Christ (Philippians 3:18-19). The surrounding verses emphasize the importance of pressing on towards the goal of knowing Christ and being conformed to his image (Philippians 3:10-14).
The historical setting of Philippians is a letter written by Paul to the church in Philippi, likely during his imprisonment in Rome around 61-63 AD. The Philippians were a predominantly Gentile church, and Paul's letter addresses various issues, including the threat of false teachers [3].
The key terms in Philippians 3:19 carry significant weight in understanding the verse. The phrase "whose god is their appetite" (ὧν ὁ θεὸς ἡ κοιλία, hōn ho theos hē koilia) suggests that the false teachers' desires and appetites have become their deity, replacing the true God. The word "appetite" or "belly" (κοιλία, koilia) is often associated with gluttony and sensuality [4]. The phrase "whose glory is in their shame" (ἡ δόξα ἐν τῇ αἰσχύνῃ, hē doxa en tē aischynē) indicates that they find pride in things that are actually shameful.
One major exegetical decision in interpreting Philippians 3:19 is understanding the identity of those being described. The verse is likely referring to false teachers or Judaizers who were promoting a gospel contrary to Paul's message. Their "end is destruction" (τὸ τέλος ἀπώλεια, to telos apōleia), indicating that they are under God's judgment [3, 4].
The range of interpretations for Philippians 3:19 varies among commentators. According to Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, the "destruction" refers to "everlasting at Christ's coming" [4]. Adam Clarke interprets the verse as describing individuals who live for temporal gain and pleasure, with no regard for eternity [5]. The Tyndale House commentary suggests that the phrase "their god is their appetite" may refer to greed, sensuality, or self-interest [3].
The concept of idolatry is closely related to Philippians 3:19. The idea that one's "god is their appetite" is a form of idolatry, where earthly desires replace the worship of the true God. Torrey's Topical Textbook defines idolatry as "worshipping other gods" or "serving other gods" [2]. In the context of Philippians 3:19, this idolatry is manifest in the false teachers' focus on earthly things and their gluttony or sensuality.
The passage has functioned in tradition as a warning against false teachers and the dangers of living a life focused on earthly desires. Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes the importance of heeding Paul's warning against those who are "enemies of the cross of Christ" [6].
The theme of shame in Philippians 3:19 is also significant. The false teachers "glory in their shame," indicating a reversal of the normal values associated with honor and shame. This is echoed in other biblical passages, such as Ephesians 4:19, where those who are hardened in their hearts have "no sense of shame" [7]. In contrast, believers are called to glory in Christ and to seek heavenly things.
Sources
- Philippians “Philippians 3:19 (NASB) — whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Idolatry — Forbidden -- Ex 20:2,3; De 5:7. Consists in Bowing down to images. -- Ex 20:5; De 5:9. Worshipping images. -- Isa 44:17; Da 3:5,10,15. Sacrificing to images. -- Ps 106:38; Ac 7:41. Worshipping other gods. -- De 30:17; Ps 81:9. Swearing by other gods. -- Ex 23:13; Jos 23:7. Walking after other gods. -- De 8:19. Speaking in the name of other gods. -- De 18:20. Looking to other gods. -- Ho 3:1. Serving other gods. -- De 7:4; Jer 5:19. Fearing other gods. -- 2Ki 17:35. Sacrificing to other gods. -- Ex 22:20. Worshipping the true God by an image, & c. -- Ex 32:”
- Philippians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Philippians 3:19: 3:19 Their god is their appetite may refer to their greed, their sensuality, or their self-interest (cp. Rom 16:18). • they brag about shameful things: This is best understood as a reference to immorality rather than to pride in being circumcised. • Eternal destruction is the ultimate judgment of God for those who reject Christ and live self-centered, sinful lives (see 2 Thes 1:8-9; cp. Phil 1:28; Matt 7:13; Rom 9:22; 1 Cor 1:18; 2 Thes 2:10; 1 Tim 6:9; 2 Pet 2:3, 13; Jude 1:10; Rev 11:18). • They are unable to see beyond this life (cp. John 12:25; 1 Jn 2:15-”
- Philippians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Philippians 3:19: destruction--everlasting at Christ's coming. Phi 1:28, "perdition"; the opposite word is "Saviour" (Phi 3:20). end--fixed doom. whose god is their belly-- (Rom 16:18); hereafter to be destroyed by God (Co1 6:13). In contrast to our "body" (Phi 3:21), which our God, the Lord Jesus, shall "fashion like unto His glorious body." Their belly is now pampered, our body now wasted; then the respective states of both shall be reversed. glory is in their shame--As "glory" is often used in the Old Testament for God (Psa 106:20), so here it answers to "”
- Philippians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Philippians 3:19: Whose end is destruction - This is the issue of their doctrine and of their conduct. They are here described by three characters: 1. Their god is their belly - they live not in any reference to eternity; their religion is for time; they make a gain of godliness; and live only to eat, drink, and be merry. 2. Their glory is in their shame - they lay it down as a proof of their address, that they can fare sumptuously every day, in consequence of preaching a doctrine which flatters the passions of their hearers. 3. They mind earthly things - their whole study and a”
- Philippians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Philippians 3:17: He closes the chapter with warnings and exhortations. I. He warns them against following the examples of seducers and evil teachers (Phi 3:18, Phi 3:19): Many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ. Observe, 1. There are many called by Christ's name who are enemies to Christ's cross, and the design and intention of it. Their walk is a surer evidence what they are than their profession. By their fruits you shall know them, Mat 7:20. The apostle warns people against such, (1.) Very frequen”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 4:19: 4:19 no sense of shame: The hardness of unbelievers’ hearts is reflected in their moral insensitivity and sexual immorality (see Rom 1:21-31).”