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The word translated "rejoice" in these verses is not the same. In v. 1 it is the same word as is rendered "rejoice" in Phil. 4:4, and means spiritual joy. In 3:3 it signifies to glory, or to make our boast in - a word the apostle often uses. For example, it is found in Romans 5:2-3, 11; 1 Cor. 1:31; Galatians 6:14, and in many other places. The examination of the connection of these several scriptures will at once reveal its significance. In Phil. 3:3 Paul has the Jewish teachers in his mind, who prided themselves upon their carnal rites and ordinances; and it is in contrast with all this, which only tended to exalt man, that he says, "We are the circumcision, who … rejoice [make our boast in] Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh." In 1 Cor. 1:31 the contrast is with human wisdom and human power, in which man naturally glories. For the Christian - man having been for ever set aside in judgment in the cross of Christ - everything is found in Christ glorified, the Man of God's counsels (v. 30), and hence it is the apostle says, "He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." The reader will find much profit and edification in reviewing the other examples cited. Turning again for a moment to Phil. 3:1 and 4:4, the lesson there is that in the Lord alone is our true spiritual joy to be found, and not only so, but also that it may always be found there, for the exhortation is, "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice." If we seek our joy in our experiences, or in Christian fellowship, we shall be infallibly disappointed; but, if we turn only to the Lord for it, we shall discover an overflowing fountain, the streams whereof, filling our own hearts, will run over in continual thanksgiving and praise. As another has said, "When through exercise of heart we are weaned from all other springs, His joy remains in all its purity, and our concern for others partakes of this same purity. Nothing, moreover, troubles this joy, because Christ never changes. The better we know Him, the better are we able to enjoy that which is ever enlarging through knowing Him. But He exhorts Christians to rejoice: it is a testimony to the worth of Christ, it is their true portion. Four years in prison chained to a soldier had not hindered his doing it, nor being able to exhort others more at ease than he."