Nevertheless, we must live up to what we have already attained.
Parallel translations
- WEB Nevertheless, to the extent that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule. Let us be of the same mind.
- KJV Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.
- NKJV Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.
- NASB however, let’s keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.
- NLT But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Believers should live consistently by the truth they have already grasped and stay united in mind. Progress builds on faithful obedience to known truth.
Overview
Paul urges the Philippians not to let differences fracture them but to walk in step with the gospel they already hold in common. Spiritual growth is not abstract; it means living out what has truly been received. The call to 'be of the same mind' reinforces the letter's theme of unity grounded in Christ (2:2).
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 13
- Col 2:6Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him,
- Rev 3:3Remember, then, what you have received and heard. Keep it and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know the hour when I will come upon you.
- Rev 2:4–5But I have this against you: You have abandoned your first love.
- Gal 6:16Peace and mercy to all who walk by this rule, even to the Israel of God.
- Phil 1:27Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending side by side for the faith of the gospel,
- Heb 10:38–39But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.”
- Rom 15:5Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you harmony with one another in Christ Jesus,
- Phil 4:2I urge Euodia and Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.
- Phil 2:2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose.
- 2 Pet 2:10–20Such punishment is specially reserved for those who indulge the corrupt desires of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and self-willed, they are unafraid to slander glorious beings.
- Eph 5:2–8and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.
- Rom 12:16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but enjoy the company of the lowly. Do not be conceited.
- Gal 5:7You were running so well. Who has obstructed you from obeying the truth?
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
The one who, being in the form of God, emptied himself to the point of death on a cross and was exalted to the name above every name — the joy and prize of the believer.
How Philippians 3:16 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.