Filipenses 3
Hilary of Poitiers · Comentário Patrístico (catena)
Filipenses 3:15
If we, because of the tendency to err that lies within the human condition, take the meaning of anything for granted, we are not to refuse increase of understanding through grace.… For the apostle has already explained the thought of those whose thought is perfect. As to those who think otherwise concerning God's revelation, he hopes that their thoughts will be brought to perfection. — ON THE TRINITY 11.24
Filipenses 3:20
If it should be the case that both the blessed and the impious have an end and that end is understood as annihilation, the end makes religion and impiety equal. The common end of both would consist simply in not being. And where is our "hope in heaven" if our end simply makes us nonexistent? If hope is said to be owed to the saints and an end to the impious, even then the end cannot be simply annihilation. For how could it be a punishment of impiety to have no awareness whatever of the punishments that avenge it? Would not one who is annihilated not know the cause of his suffering? Better to distinguish a continuing place reserved for the blessed and another prepared for the wicked. — ON THE TRINITY 11.28
Filipenses 3:21
"The power that enables him to subject all things to himself" consists in the transition from one nature to another nature. Insofar as it ceases to be its previous nature, it becomes subject to its new nature. It does not stop existing but advances in existing. It ceases to be the old nature and becomes the new nature. It is subdued by transformation as it passes into the fashion of the new kind that it has assumed. — ON THE TRINITY 11.35