In Philippians 3:1-3, Paul continues his message about unity and humility in Christ while warning believers to “watch out” for those who would add requirements to salvation. Paul will speak about the issue of circumcision to address deeper questions of identity and belonging in God’s family. Paul says that there are schemes from people that want to detract us from the work of the Gospel. These people are described as:
• Dogs – This would refer to those of impure mind
• Evildoers – This refers to workers of evil or those who labor for that purpose.
• Mutilators of the flesh – These are people that Paul has talked about who push law and not grace as the prerequisite for being in God’s family.