Philippians 3:18-19
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Paul's tears underscore that these "enemies" aren't necessarily outright rejectors of Christ, but rather professing believers whose lives—characterized by seeking comfort or indulgence rather than suffering with Christ—contradict the very meaning of the cross. Their lifestyle, though perhaps not openly defiant, amounts to a hidden enmity against Christ's sacrificial, self-denying way.
For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing Christians in Philippi, warning them to follow his example of striving toward spiritual perfection, not others who are living contrary to the gospel. He's previously spoken about these individuals, and now, with deep sorrow, he reveals that they are in fact "enemies of the cross of Christ." This implies their lifestyle actively opposes the core message and demands of Jesus' sacrifice, likely focusing on worldly desires rather than spiritual transformation.
Why would Paul weep while writing to a church he loved? The answer lies in the painful reality of people within the community who were dangerously misguided.
Paul's tears are not for external enemies, but for those inside the church who had strayed.
A Father's Grief
Paul’s repeated mention of speaking about this issue, both often in the past and now, highlights his deep concern. The added detail of him weeping emphasizes the emotional weight of this problem. It wasn't a minor disagreement; it was a matter of profound sorrow that people who professed faith were living in a way that contradicted the very core of the gospel.
The Pain of Deception
This weeping reveals a pastor's heart, one that grieves over the potential spiritual ruin of individuals and the damage they cause to the witness of the church. It’s a reminder that true spiritual leadership involves not just teaching truth, but also deeply caring for the flock, even when it hurts.
What does it truly mean to be an 'enemy of the cross'? It’s not always about outright denial, but often a subtle, dangerous drift.
Being an 'enemy of the cross' isn't typically about openly rejecting Christ, but about living in ways that betray the cross's purpose.
Living Contrary to the Cross
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Paul links this 'enmity' to a specific way of life – their 'walk.' This isn't about believing the wrong doctrine, but about living out a life that is incompatible with the radical demands of the cross. For these individuals, it meant their focus was not on the sacrifice and transformative power of Christ's death, but on other things.
Seeking Comfort Over Sacrifice
The commentary suggests these were often people with 'Epicurean tendencies' or those who sought justification through adherence to the Law rather than through Christ's finished work. They aimed to avoid the suffering and self-denial that true discipleship often entails. Their lives prioritized worldly comfort and personal desires over the suffering and self-crucifixion that following Christ requires.
Paul warns against following the many. Why is imitation of the majority so dangerous in the Christian life?
The fact that 'many' are walking this dangerous path is a significant warning sign.
The Peril of Popularity
Paul's use of 'many' suggests that this wrong way of living wasn't a fringe issue but a prevalent trend within the church. It implies that being part of a large group doesn't automatically make a path safe or correct. The allure of conforming to popular opinions or lifestyles within a community can be incredibly deceptive.
Imitation and Its Consequences
Following the crowd, especially when that crowd is heading away from the core truths of the gospel, can lead to spiritual disaster. These individuals, though perhaps still attending church, were essentially living as strangers to the true meaning of Christ's sacrifice. Their lives gave evidence that they had not truly embraced the transforming power of the cross.
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.
apōleia · Greek Noun
The state of eternal ruin, separation from God, or spiritual perdition that results from a life lived in rebellion against God.
koilia · Greek Noun
Refers to self-indulgence, greed, and the pursuit of sensual gratification. It describes a lifestyle where fleshly desires have become the ultimate object of worship.
epigeios · Greek Adjective
A state of being deeply invested in, or preoccupied with, the material, temporal, and fallen world rather than the spiritual and eternal kingdom of God.
The warning against 'enemies of the cross' in Philippians takes on added weight when we remember Paul's circumstances: imprisoned, likely facing intense pressure from false teachers, and aware of growing persecution against believers. He weeps not just over doctrinal error, but over lives that were missing the costly, transforming reality of Christ's sacrifice.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
During his extended stay in Corinth, Paul established a strong church. It is likely he wrote his first letter to the Corinthians during this period, which addressed issues of division and immorality.
c. AD 54-57
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
Paul spent a significant amount of time in Ephesus, a major city in Asia Minor. From here, he likely wrote letters to churches like Philippi, addressing various theological and practical challenges.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
While under house arrest in Rome, Paul wrote several epistles, including Philippians. This period allowed him to reflect on the challenges facing the churches he had planted.
c. AD 61— this verse
Letter to the Philippians Written
Paul, while imprisoned in Rome, writes his letter to the church in Philippi. He addresses internal divisions and warns against false teachers who distort the gospel.
c. AD 64
Persecution Under Nero Intensifies
Following the Great Fire of Rome, Emperor Nero blamed Christians, leading to increased persecution. This context would have made adherence to the cross, with its message of suffering, even more challenging.
This passage describes those who 'want to make a good showing in the flesh' and compel others to be circumcised, directly paralleling the 'enemies of the cross' who rely on external measures rather than Christ's finished work.
Romans 8:5-8It starkly contrasts those who 'set their minds on the flesh' with those who set their minds on the Spirit, highlighting the fundamental spiritual divide that characterizes those who are 'enemies of the cross'.
2 Corinthians 11:15This verse warns of 'false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ,' a description that fits the deceptive nature of those Paul wept over, who acted as enemies of the cross while possibly appearing as something else.
Philippians 3:19This verse immediately follows and clarifies Paul's statement, detailing that these enemies of the cross 'have as their god their appetite, and glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things,' revealing the ungodly 'walk' Paul mourned.
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 underscore that these "enemies" aren't necessarily outright rejectors of Christ, but rather professing believers whose lives—characterized by seeking comfort or indulgence rather than suffering with Christ—contradict the very meaning of the cross. Their lifestyle, though perhaps not openly defiant, amounts to a hidden enmity against Christ's sacrificial, self-denying way.
Paul is addressing Christians in Philippi, warning them to follow his example of striving toward spiritual perfection, not others who are living contrary to the gospel. He's previously spoken about these individuals, and now, with deep sorrow, he reveals that they are in fact "enemies of the cross of Christ." This implies their lifestyle actively opposes the core message and demands of Jesus' sacrifice, likely focusing on worldly desires rather than spiritual transformation.
Paul is addressing Christians in Philippi, warning them to follow his example of striving toward spiritual perfection, not others who are living contrary to the gospel. He's previously spoken about these individuals, and now, with deep sorrow, he reveals that they are in fact "enemies of the cross of Christ." This implies their lifestyle actively opposes the core message and demands of Jesus' sacrifice, likely focusing on worldly desires rather than spiritual transformation.
"For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things." — Paul's tears underscore that these "enemies" aren't necessarily outright rejectors of Christ, but rather professing believers whose lives—characterized by seeking comfort or indulgence rather than su…
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Last reviewed October 2026
