Beware, beware, beware

Philippians 3:2 tells us of three fiends of which to be aware and beware! “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.”

Beware (βλέπετε be) means to be on guard against; be cautious and alert to the dangers of; be wary or careful.

We can understand this of one class of men described in three aspects, cf. Phil. 3:3ff.

• in character, dogs
• in works, evil
• in the spirit, uncircumcised

Notice these texts of scripture:

• τοὺς κύνας Revelation 22:15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. Matthew 7:6; 2 Kings 8:13 (despicable person)
• τοὺς κακοὺς ἐργάτ 2 Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. workers - They have a zeal, but not according to knowledge.
• τὴν κατατομήν (a cutting off; the cutting in pieces) Ephesians 2:11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; Galatians 5:12 I would they were even cut off which trouble you.
• wanting in the inner, spiritual circumcision

May we bravely and cautiously heed Paul’s warning.