Look Out For Dogs

“Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord, to write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. Look out for dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh” (Phil 3.1-2).


Sadly, there are always people who stand in the way of kingdom progress. In Paul’s day, the Judaizing teachers had a substantial influence on both Jewish and Gentile converts. The destruction caused by their doctrine was enough to cause Paul to write about them on numerous occasions, this passage being one example. These men tried to destroy Paul’s reputation and the work he was accomplishing for the Lord. If we want growth to continue we must look out for individuals who share similar traits with the “dogs” Paul referred to. These individuals are more interested in ruining reputations, than finding and teaching truth. To borrow the words of Jesus, They will “travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte” (Mt 23.15). They want to win people to their side so they can, “boast in [their] flesh” (Gal 6.13). They believe the ends justify the means. Therefore, they will falsely accuse (as they did Jesus, and Stephen), judge motives, and speak evil of another without full knowledge of the situation. Paul dealt with these problems often during his ministry.

On the other hand, those who facilitate growth are “eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,” not destroy it. Of course, this doesn’t mean division will never occur. Certainly some will depart, and we must be careful to handle these situations properly, but we shouldn’t actively seek out division as if we want it to happen. “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way...” (Eph 4.15). The truth will offend some, even when it is spoken in love, because people love “the darkness rather than the light” (Jn 3.19). The truth does not need to be barked, it is actually more powerful when spoken in love.