Philippians 3:17-18
Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul urges the Philippians to unite in following his example, just as he follows Christ, and to pay close attention to others who live according to that same model. He is contrasting his life of humble reliance on Christ with those who, though claiming Christian freedom, actually live licentiously, serving their own desires rather than God. This leads into his serious warning about the ultimate destruction awaiting those who are enemies of the cross.
Ever felt pressure to conform? Paul flips that script, calling for a joint imitation. What does that look like in our faith walk?
Paul uses the Greek word 'symmimētēs' (συμμιμηταί), a unique term in the New Testament, meaning 'joint imitators' or 'those who imitate together'. This isn't about blind obedience to an individual, but a shared commitment to following Christ, with Paul and others as guides. He urges the Philippians to join with him in this imitation, implying a community effort. It's a call to unity, where believers encourage one another by pursuing the same Christ-centered life.
Think of it like a sports team. The coach sets the strategy, but players also learn from each other, pushing one another to improve and execute the game plan. Paul offers himself and his companions as examples, not as perfect idols, but as those actively striving, failing, and getting back up in pursuit of Christ. This 'togetherness' in imitation strengthens the whole body of believers.
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Paul tells us to 'mark' certain people. Is this a call for judgment or for guidance? Let's explore.
The word 'mark' (skopeite - σκοπεῖτε) here means to observe carefully, to pay close attention. It's not about finding fault or condemning, but about identifying those who are living out the faith consistently, those who are walking in a way that mirrors Paul's own example and, ultimately, Christ's example.
Paul contrasts those to be marked with others who are mentioned later in the chapter (Philippians 3:18-19) – those whose 'God is their belly' and whose 'glory is in their shame.' The exhortation is clear: identify and follow the positive examples, the ones who are 'walking so as you have us for an ensample.' These are the spiritual mentors, the steady believers whose lives provide a tangible illustration of the principles Paul has been teaching. In essence, Paul is saying, 'Look at those among you who are faithfully following Christ as I am, and learn from them.'
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.
echthros · Greek Noun
Those who oppose the saving work of Christ on the cross, often through legalism, licentiousness, or refusal to submit to His lordship, thereby acting against the gospel.
Paul's instruction to imitate him and observe others who walk according to his example arose in a context where divisions and false teachers were emerging, threatening the unity and integrity of the church.
c. AD 49
Council of Jerusalem
A significant council of early Christian leaders in Jerusalem decided that Gentile believers did not need to follow Jewish circumcision and law. This addressed a major point of tension and division.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
Paul spent a substantial amount of time in Corinth, a bustling Roman port city, establishing a church and facing various challenges. This period likely influenced his understanding of the opposition he faced.
c. AD 55-57
Writing of 1 Corinthians
In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul addressed serious issues of division, immorality, and doctrinal confusion, including dealing with those who claimed to follow him or other leaders, not Christ.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
During his house arrest in Rome, Paul wrote several letters, including Philippians, to churches he had founded. He faced trials and opposition but continued to minister and encourage believers.
c. AD 62-64
Emergence of Gnostic-like Teachers
Early forms of Gnosticism, which often distorted Christian teachings and led to licentious behavior or strict legalism, began to appear. Paul warns against these distorted views of Christian liberty.
This passage provides the foundational reason for Paul's instruction: believers should imitate him 'even as he also is of Christ,' establishing a clear hierarchy of example.
1 Thessalonians 1:6It shows the Philippians becoming 'imitators of us and of the Lord,' highlighting how imitating faithful leaders like Paul leads to an imitation of Christ himself.
1 Peter 5:3This verse parallels the idea of leaders serving as examples, urging elders not to 'domineer over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock,' underscoring the role of leadership in setting a spiritual pattern.
Philippians 3:10This verse speaks to the core of what Paul wants to be imitated: 'that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share in his sufferings,' showing the deep spiritual goal behind his own life's example.
Titus 2:7This passage instructs Titus to 'show yourself in all respects to be a model of good deeds,' reinforcing the responsibility of those in spiritual leadership to provide a tangible 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…
{ "references": [ { "reference": "1 Corinthians 11:1", "connection": "This passage directly echoes Paul's call to imitate him, but crucially grounds it in imitating Christ, establishing that human examples are valid only as they reflect Christ's own life." }, { "reference": "1 Thessalonians 1:6", "connection": "This verse shows the believers in Thessalonica imitating Paul and the Lord, demonstrating that following a spiritual leader is meant to lead one closer to God, not merely to the leader." }, { "reference": "1 Peter 5:3", "connection": "Peter exhorts elders to 'be examples to the flock,' reinforcing the principle that spiritual leaders are called to model godly behavior for those they lead, mirroring Paul's self-referential example." }, { "reference": "Philippians 3:12-14", "connection": "This immediately preceding passage details Paul's own striving for Christ, highlighting the very example he wants the Philippians to follow: a life of intense pursuit of Christ, not perfection or worldly gain." } ] }
Paul urges the Philippians to unite in following his example, just as he follows Christ, and to pay close attention to others who live according to that same model. He is contrasting his life of humble reliance on Christ with those who, though claiming Christian freedom, actually live licentiously, serving their own desires rather than God. This leads into his serious warning about the ultimate destruction awaiting those who are enemies of the cross.
Paul urges the Philippians to unite in following his example, just as he follows Christ, and to pay close attention to others who live according to that same model. He is contrasting his life of humble reliance on Christ with those who, though claiming Christian freedom, actually live licentiously, serving their own desires rather than God. This leads into his serious warning about the ultimate destruction awaiting those who are enemies of the cross.
"Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ." — { "references": [ { "reference": "1 Corinthians 11:1", "connection": "This passage directly echoes Paul's call to imitate him, but crucially grounds it in imitating Christ, establis…
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