Philippians 3:17-4:1
Chapter 3
17
Paul’s Example
Unite in imitating me, brothers and sisters, and observe those who walk according to our way of life.18
For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. I have told you this many times, and now I say it with tears:
19
they are headed for destruction; their stomachs are their gods, and they are proud of what should be their shame. They only think about earthly things.
20
But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for the Savior from there, Jesus Christ, the Lord.
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He will transform our humble bodies to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control.
Chapter 4
1
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, you are my glory and crown; be steadfast in the Lord.
Commentaries
Paul’s Example.
With urgent and affectionate words, Paul offers his life as an example to the Philippians, contrasting sharply with the behavior of the “enemies of the cross of Christ” (18), who seek security in purely human rites and performances (1 Cor 1:22ff), place excessive importance on dietary observances (cf. Rom 16:18), and take pride in circumcision (19). The Apostle’s relentless struggle is not against harmless rites, but against the underlying idolatry in these religious practices—everything that, being perishable and temporary, still takes on an outsized importance in our lives, shrinking our horizon and preventing higher aspirations. Paul sees the hope of Jesus Christ’s final victory symbolized in the future resurrection “that will transform our mortal body, making it like his glorious body” (21).