Section 2
factor. Hence, the Old Testament is based on the law, and the New Testament is based on Christ.
Paul was very knowledgeable concerning both the law and Christ. Through his years in Juda ism, he gained a detailed knowledge of the law. His knowledge was not that of an outsider, but of a very zealous insider. But by the time Paul wrote the book of Philippians, he had been trans ferred out from under the law into Christ. Fur thermore, he had both the knowledge and the experience of the wonderful, all-inclusive, and extensive Person of Christ. Paul lived in this Per son and could therefore speak of himself as a man in Christ (2 Cor. 12:2).
The phrase "as to" which may also be rendered "according to," is used three times in verses 5 and 6, referring to the law, zeal, and righteous ness. The phrase "on account of," which may also be rendered "because of," is also used three times, in verses 7 and 8, referring to Christ, the excellency of the knowledge of Christ, and Christ again. Christ stands in contrast to the law, the zeal for it, and the righteousness in it. The ex cellency of the knowledge of Christ and Christ Himself are in contrast to all other things, in cluding the law. On account of Christ and the excellency of the knowledge of Christ, Paul gave