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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Philippians 3:17
What does Philippians 3:17 mean?
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Philippians 3:17
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Paul doesn't just say "copy me," but "join together in imitating me." This highlights that the Christian life isn't meant to be solitary; we are called to pursue holiness as a community, finding strength and encouragement in one another as we follow Christ together.
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)
Paul has just passionately described his own pursuit of Christ, urging the Philippians to join him in pressing forward, not resting on past achievements but striving for the heavenly prize. He then encourages them to not only imitate him but also to observe and follow others within the church who are living according to the same Christ-centered example he and his companions set. This prepares the way for a stark warning against those who walk differently, ultimately revealing their destructive path.
Paul urges the Philippians to follow him, but not in a way that lifts himself up. What does it mean for a leader to offer themselves as an example?
Paul uses a unique word here, 'joint imitators' (symmimētai), emphasizing that he isn't asking them to follow him blindly. Instead, he's inviting them to join him in his pursuit of Christ.
Leading by Example
Beyond imitating Paul, the Philippians are told to 'mark' others. Who should we be watching, and why?
The instruction to 'mark them' (skopeite) means to observe carefully, to pay attention to their lives. This isn't about casual observation but discerning imitation.
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Who to Watch
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.
The letter to the Philippians was written by Paul from prison, likely in Rome. This verse is a direct encouragement to the church he founded years earlier, urging them to unity and godly living, especially in light of the presence of those who claim Christian freedom but live licentiously, and contrasted with those who truly follow Christ.
c. AD 47-49
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul, Silas, and Timothy travel through Asia Minor and into Greece, establishing churches in cities like Philippi.
c. AD 50-52
Founding of the Philippian Church
Paul preaches in Philippi, leading to the conversion of Lydia and the jailer, forming the core of the church addressed in this letter.
c. AD 57— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
Paul is imprisoned in Rome, but is able to write letters to various churches, including Philippians, from house arrest.
c. AD 57
Epaphroditus's Visit
Epaphroditus, a representative from the Philippian church, travels to Rome to support Paul, becoming ill and then returning to Philippi.
This passage directly echoes Paul's call for imitation, stating 'Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ,' which reinforces the idea that following Paul is a means to following Christ.
1 Thessalonians 1:6Here, the believers are described as having 'become imitators of us and of the Lord,' showing that imitation of spiritual leaders and Christ were a recognized pattern of Christian life.
1 Peter 5:3This verse provides a complementary perspective by instructing elders not to 'domineer over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock,' highlighting the leadership role of setting a Godly example.
Titus 2:7Paul instructs Titus to 'show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,' which aligns with the principle of leaders setting a clear, positive example.
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 doesn't just say "copy me," but "join together in imitating me." This highlights that the Christian life isn't meant to be solitary; we are called to pursue holiness as a community, finding strength and encouragement in one another as we follow Christ together.
Paul has just passionately described his own pursuit of Christ, urging the Philippians to join him in pressing forward, not resting on past achievements but striving for the heavenly prize. He then encourages them to not only imitate him but also to observe and follow others within the church who are living according to the same Christ-centered example he and his companions set. This prepares the way for a stark warning against those who walk differently, ultimately revealing their destructive path.
Paul has just passionately described his own pursuit of Christ, urging the Philippians to join him in pressing forward, not resting on past achievements but striving for the heavenly prize. He then encourages them to not only imitate him but also to observe and follow others within the church who are living according to the same Christ-centered example he and his companions set. This prepares the way for a stark warning against those who walk differently, ultimately revealing their destructive path.
"Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us." — Paul doesn't just say "copy me," but "join together in imitating me." This highlights that the Christian life isn't meant to be solitary; we are called to pursue holiness as a community, finding stre…
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Last reviewed October 2026