Philippians 3:18
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Paul's tears highlight that "enemies of the cross" aren't always outsiders, but can be those within the church whose lives contradict Christ's sacrifice by indulging sin or prioritizing earthly desires over spiritual transformation. This reveals a profound sorrow over the damage caused when those claiming to follow Christ live in opposition to His core message.
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)
Paul is calling the Philippian believers to follow his example of pressing onward in their faith, contrasting this with those who live in a way that opposes Christ's sacrifice. He's specifically pointing out a group within the church who, despite their profession, are living as "enemies of the cross," a difficult truth he shares with deep sorrow. This warning immediately follows his encouragement to imitate him and other godly examples, highlighting the stark difference between genuine followers of Christ and those who undermine the cross's true meaning through their lifestyle.
Paul's words here aren't just stern; they're laced with deep sorrow. What does it mean to weep over others' spiritual state, and why is it so serious?
Paul's tears reveal the profound grief that comes from seeing people who are part of the community of faith 'walk' in ways that are actually hostile to the very core of the Gospel. He's not just disappointed; he's heartbroken. This sorrow stems from:
The Danger of Deception
Many who outwardly appear to be followers are inwardly estranged from the power of the cross. They might be following familiar routines or even specific doctrines, but their lives are not aligned with Christ's sacrifice and its implications.
The Cost of Compromise
These individuals, often referred to as having 'Epicurean tendencies' or being swayed by 'Judaic formalism,' were likely seeking comfort, worldly acceptance, or a blend of legalistic rules rather than the transformative freedom found in Christ's finished work. This compromise makes them 'enemies' not necessarily in outward hostility, but in the fundamental opposition of their lifestyle to the cross's message of dying to self and sin.
A Call to Vigilance
Paul's tears underscore the urgency. It’s a call for us to be discerning, not to judge harshly, but to feel the weight of spiritual wandering and to pray for those who are deceived.
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What makes someone an 'enemy of the cross'? It's a strong term! Let's uncover what Paul means by this stark description.
Being an 'enemy of the cross of Christ' isn't just about outward rebellion. In this context, it describes those whose lives fundamentally oppose the work and implications of Christ's sacrifice.
Living in Opposition
Paul uses the 'cross' as a shorthand for the entire gospel message – Christ's atoning death and the transformation it brings. Those who live contrary to this message, even while professing faith, are enemies of the cross. This can manifest as:
Not Always Overt Opposition
It’s crucial to understand that Paul isn't necessarily talking about people openly denouncing Christianity. Instead, he's pointing to a more subtle, yet deeply damaging, form of enmity: the lifestyle that negates the gospel's demands for holiness and self-denial.
Paul warns against imitating 'many.' Why is following the majority in the church potentially dangerous, and what should guide our imitation instead?
Paul's urgent warning isn't just about identifying 'enemies of the cross'; it's about guiding the Philippian believers away from potentially destructive influences within their own community.
The Peril of Uncritical Association
Paul urges believers to 'keep your eyes on those who walk according to the pattern you have from us' (Philippians 3:17). The verse before us highlights the danger of the opposite: 'For many walk...' This implies that the path these 'many' are on is not the right one, and it is perilous to follow their example.
Imitating the Wrong Role Models
There were likely individuals in the Philippian church whose lives didn't reflect the genuine gospel. They might have been respected, influential, or simply numerous, making them seem like safe people to follow. Paul insists that their walk is characterized by opposition to the cross, meaning their lifestyle and priorities were subtly or overtly at odds with Christ's teachings and example.
The True Pattern of Imitation
Instead of conforming to the majority or those who exhibit worldly or compromising lifestyles, Christians are called to imitate those who are faithfully following Christ. This pattern is rooted in the apostle's own life and teachings, and ultimately, in Christ Himself. The focus should be on those whose lives demonstrate a genuine pursuit of Christlikeness, a cruciform life, and a heavenly perspective.
Understand the original words
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.
The 'enemies of the cross' Paul weeps over were not necessarily outsiders but likely members within the church who, by their actions and teachings, undermined the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice, emphasizing worldly desires or legalistic practices instead.
c. AD 49
Council of Jerusalem
The Council of Jerusalem addressed the issue of whether Gentile believers needed to follow Jewish law, including circumcision. While it affirmed their salvation by faith, the debate and its aftermath likely fueled ongoing tensions regarding adherence to Jewish practices within the early church.
c. AD 50-62
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
During his extended ministry in Ephesus, Paul encountered various factions and false teachings. This period likely solidified his understanding of the dangers posed by those who distorted the gospel, including those who emphasized human effort or legalism over Christ's finished work.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment and Writing Philippians
While imprisoned, likely in Rome, Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians. He was reflecting on his life and ministry, and the challenges faced by the church, including internal divisions and external pressures.
c. AD 60-62
Internal Division in Philippi
The Philippian church, though beloved by Paul, faced internal strife. Some members were promoting a distorted version of the gospel, possibly influenced by Judaizers or those with an 'Epicurean' tendency, leading Paul to warn the believers against them.
This passage parallels the 'enemies of the cross' by highlighting the true glory found in the cross, implying that those who oppose its message or spirit are fundamentally at odds with Christ's work.
Romans 8:5-8The text here contrasts those who set their minds on the flesh with those who set their minds on the Spirit, which aligns with Paul's condemnation of believers living in ways that are contrary to the cross's call for holiness.
Galatians 5:11Paul directly addresses the offense of the cross, indicating that preaching it often leads to persecution, and those who try to avoid this offense by seeking other means of righteousness are, in effect, enemies of the cross.
Matthew 10:38Jesus' teaching on taking up one's cross shows that true discipleship involves suffering and self-denial, a path directly opposed by those who live for worldly comfort and desires, making them enemies of the cross.
1 Corinthians 1:18This verse declares that the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but the power of God to believers, directly contrasting the 'enemies of the cross' with those who understand its salvific purpose.
vincentPhilippians 3:18: "(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:"
Many walkNo word is supplied describing the character of their walk; but this is brought out by enemies of the cross of Christ, and in the details of Philippians 3:19. The persons alluded to were probably those of Epicurean tendencies. This and Judaic formalism were the two prominent errors in the Philippian church.
barnesPhilippians 3:18: "(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:"
For many walk - Many live, the Christian life being often in the Scriptures compared with a journey. In order to induce them to imitate those who were the most holy, the apostle says that there were many, even in the church, whom it would not be safe for them to imitate. He evidently here refers mainly to the church at Philippi, though it may be tha…
Paul's tears highlight that "enemies of the cross" aren't always outsiders, but can be those within the church whose lives contradict Christ's sacrifice by indulging sin or prioritizing earthly desires over spiritual transformation. This reveals a profound sorrow over the damage caused when those claiming to follow Christ live in opposition to His core message.
Paul is calling the Philippian believers to follow his example of pressing onward in their faith, contrasting this with those who live in a way that opposes Christ's sacrifice. He's specifically pointing out a group within the church who, despite their profession, are living as "enemies of the cross," a difficult truth he shares with deep sorrow. This warning immediately follows his encouragement to imitate him and other godly examples, highlighting the stark difference between genuine followers of Christ and those who undermine the cross's true meaning through their lifestyle.
Paul is calling the Philippian believers to follow his example of pressing onward in their faith, contrasting this with those who live in a way that opposes Christ's sacrifice. He's specifically pointing out a group within the church who, despite their profession, are living as "enemies of the cross," a difficult truth he shares with deep sorrow. This warning immediately follows his encouragement to imitate him and other godly examples, highlighting the stark difference between genuine followers of Christ and those who undermine the cross's true meaning through their lifestyle.
"For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ." — Paul's tears highlight that "enemies of the cross" aren't always outsiders, but can be those within the church whose lives contradict Christ's sacrifice by indulging sin or prioritizing earthly desir…
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Last reviewed October 2026
