Philippians 3:17
Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul urges the Philippians to "join in imitating me" not out of arrogance, but because he himself is imitating Christ. He then immediately shifts from "me" to "us," pointing to a group of faithful believers as living examples, reminding us that true spiritual leadership involves humbly reflecting Christ through a community of faith.
Paul is urging the Philippians to unite in living out the faith he has modeled, warning them to pay close attention to those who follow this same Christ-like pattern. This comes right after he's described his own relentless pursuit of Christ, contrasting it with those who are living contrary to the gospel, setting the stage for a stark warning about false teachers in the following verses.
Paul calls the Philippians to 'imitate me,' but what does this mean for us today? Who are we called to follow, and how closely?
The Apostle Paul, a seasoned spiritual leader, urges the Philippians to become 'joint imitators' alongside him. This isn't about blindly following a person, but about imitating a life lived in faithful pursuit of Christ. Paul himself points to Christ as the ultimate example (1 Corinthians 11:1), meaning our imitation of human leaders is always secondary and conditional on their allegiance to Jesus.
A Humble Invitation to Community
The Greek word for 'followers together' (symmimetai) highlights a communal aspect of discipleship. Paul isn't demanding solitary imitation, but inviting them to join him in a shared journey of following Christ. This emphasizes that spiritual growth is often a group endeavor, where we learn from and encourage one another.
Not everyone who claims to follow Christ is a good example. How do we 'mark' those who are truly walking in faith?
Paul doesn't just tell the Philippians to follow him; he instructs them to 'mark' (or closely observe) those who walk according to the example they have in him and his companions. This calls for discernment.
Look for a Life of Faith
To 'mark' someone means to observe them with care, not to find fault, but to identify their pattern of life. Paul is directing them to people whose conduct aligns with the apostolic teaching and example – those who are living out the Gospel.
The Contrast of Lives
This verse, situated within a larger discussion, implicitly contrasts these positive examples with others who are walking a different path, perhaps those who are 'enemies of the cross of Christ' (Philippians 3:18). The call to observe is a call to identify and emulate lives that genuinely reflect Christ's teachings and Paul's faithful example.
Understand the original words
adelphos · Greek Noun
A term of endearment used by the apostles to denote the equality and spiritual family relationship among believers in the Body of Christ.
symmimētēs · Greek Noun/Verb implication
The act of mimicking or following the lifestyle, character, or pattern of another, particularly as they reflect the nature of Christ. It implies active engagement in adopting godly conduct.
peripateō · Greek Verb
A distinctively Christian way of life or behavior; the practical manifestation of a person’s inward spiritual state or belief system.
typos · Greek Noun
A model, type, or pattern intended to be copied or followed; in theology, it refers to the life of an apostle or believer that aligns with the gospel.
Paul's call to imitate him and observe others who follow his example comes from a place of deep pastoral care, rooted in his own life modelled after Christ and his experience with the challenges and divisions faced by early churches.
c. AD 49
Council of Jerusalem
A pivotal council where apostles debated whether Gentile converts needed to follow Jewish law, establishing a precedent for inclusivity.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
Paul spends significant time here, establishing a church and facing opposition. This period likely included writing letters like 1 & 2 Corinthians, where he discusses leadership and spiritual examples.
c. AD 57
Writing of 1 Corinthians
In this letter, Paul addresses divisions and calls believers to imitate him as he imitates Christ, setting a pattern for his later teachings.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
Paul writes the letter to the Philippians from prison, likely during this period, offering encouragement and addressing issues within the church.
This passage directly echoes Paul's instruction, stating 'Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ,' emphasizing that human examples are only valid as they reflect Christ.
1 Thessalonians 1:6Here, Paul commends the Thessalonians for following his example and that of the Lord, showing that imitating faithful leaders who follow Christ is a key aspect of spiritual growth.
1 Peter 5:3This verse parallels Paul's idea by urging elders not to 'domineer over those in your charge,' but to be examples to the flock, highlighting the importance of godly leadership through example.
Titus 2:7Paul instructs Titus to show 'yourself in all respects to be a model of good deeds,' reinforcing the principle that leaders and mature believers should set a positive example for others to follow.
gillPhilippians 3:17: "Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample."
Brethren, be followers together of me,.... Not that the apostle set up himself as the head of a party, which is what he always blamed in others; he did not assume a dominion over the faith of men, or seek to lord it over God's heritage; nor did he desire any to be followers of him, any further than he was a follower of Christ; and in what he was, whether in doctrine or practice,…
barnesPhilippians 3:17: "Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample."
Brethren, be followers together of me - That is, live as I do. A minister of the gospel, a parent, or a Christian of any age or condition, ought so to live that he can refer to his own example, and exhort others to imitate the course of life which he had led. Paul could do this without ostentation or impropriety. They knew that he lived so as to be a proper example for others; a…
Paul urges the Philippians to "join in imitating me" not out of arrogance, but because he himself is imitating Christ. He then immediately shifts from "me" to "us," pointing to a group of faithful believers as living examples, reminding us that true spiritual leadership involves humbly reflecting Christ through a community of faith.
Paul is urging the Philippians to unite in living out the faith he has modeled, warning them to pay close attention to those who follow this same Christ-like pattern. This comes right after he's described his own relentless pursuit of Christ, contrasting it with those who are living contrary to the gospel, setting the stage for a stark warning about false teachers in the following verses.
Paul is urging the Philippians to unite in living out the faith he has modeled, warning them to pay close attention to those who follow this same Christ-like pattern. This comes right after he's described his own relentless pursuit of Christ, contrasting it with those who are living contrary to the gospel, setting the stage for a stark warning about false teachers in the following verses.
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c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome and Persecution
This event led to increased persecution of Christians, likely influencing Paul's emphasis on steadfastness and hope in his later letters.
"Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us." — Paul urges the Philippians to "join in imitating me" not out of arrogance, but because he himself is imitating Christ. He then immediately shifts from "me" to "us," pointing to a group of faithful be…
