But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Philippians 3:20
What does Philippians 3:20 mean?
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Philippians 3:20
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Paul highlights that our "citizenship" isn't just about where we're going, but about our current belonging to a heavenly commonwealth. This means our true identity and allegiance are already rooted in God's realm, shaping how we live now while we wait for Christ's return as our Savior.
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul contrasts true believers with the "enemies of the cross" he just described. He explains that while those people are focused on earthly desires, Christians have their "citizenship" (or "commonwealth") in heaven, meaning their true home and identity are with God. This heavenly perspective fuels their eager anticipation for Jesus' return as their Savior.
Paul uses a powerful word here that's been translated in a few ways. What does it really mean for our 'citizenship' to be in heaven?
The Greek word Paul uses, politeuma, is more than just our daily chat or how we act. It describes the entire system of government, the community, and the laws that define us.
More Than Just Manners
Think of it like this: If you're a citizen of one country, you're subject to its laws, you hold its passport, and you identify with its people, even when you're traveling abroad. Christians are citizens of heaven, with all the rights and responsibilities that entails, even while living on Earth.
We're told our citizenship is in heaven, and from there we 'await' someone. Who is it, and why is this waiting so important?
The verse doesn't just state our heavenly citizenship; it connects it directly to an active expectation. We are not just passive residents of heaven; we are actively looking forward to Christ's return.
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The Focus of Our Hope
This waiting isn't meant to make us inactive. Instead, it fuels our present lives, reminding us that our ultimate home and our complete redemption are yet to come. It's the certainty of His coming that shapes our perspective on earthly matters.
Understand the original words
politeuma · Greek Noun
Refers to a colony or the status of being a citizen of a sovereign power; for Christians, it describes the identity, allegiance, and legal status believers hold in the kingdom of God while living on earth.
apekdechomai · Greek Verb
A state of eager anticipation and patient, hopeful watching for a promised future event—in this context, the Second Coming of Christ.
sōtēr · Greek Noun
One who rescues or delivers; a title for Jesus Christ, emphasizing His divine mission to save His people from sin, judgment, and death.
Paul uses the well-understood concept of Roman citizenship to contrast the believer's ultimate allegiance and hope, which lies not in an earthly empire but in a heavenly one, awaiting Christ's return.
c. 49 BC
Roman Citizenship Law
The concept of Roman citizenship (politeuma) was highly valued, granting legal rights, privileges, and a sense of belonging to a vast empire. This legal framework was well understood by Paul and his audience.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
The foundational events of Christianity: Jesus' death and resurrection, signifying victory over sin and death and establishing the basis for heavenly salvation.
c. AD 33-40
Ascension of Jesus
After his resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven, a pivotal event reinforcing the belief that Christ is now in God's presence and will return from heaven.
c. AD 55-57— this verse
Paul writes Philippians
Paul, likely imprisoned in Rome, writes to the church in Philippi, addressing internal divisions and external pressures. He contrasts the earthly focus of some with the heavenly hope of believers.
Late 1st century AD
New Testament writings solidified
The Gospels and Epistles, including Philippians, were circulated and recognized, shaping the early Christian understanding of citizenship in God's heavenly kingdom and the expectation of Christ's return.
This passage speaks of the 'Jerusalem above' as our mother, directly paralleling the idea that our true 'citizenship' or 'commonwealth' is heavenly, not earthly.
Hebrews 11:13-16These verses describe believers as 'strangers and exiles on earth' who are 'looking for a better country, that is, a heavenly one,' which strongly echoes the sentiment of having our citizenship in heaven and awaiting our Savior.
Colossians 3:1-4This passage urges believers to 'seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God' and to 'set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth,' directly supporting the concept of heavenly citizenship and its implications for our focus.
Ephesians 2:19This verse states that believers are 'fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,' reinforcing the idea of belonging to a heavenly community and thus a heavenly citizenship.
Titus 2:13This verse speaks of 'waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,' which directly connects to the expectation of Christ's return mentioned in Philippians 3:20 as the reason for our heavenly focus.
barnesPhilippians 3:20: "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:"
For our conversation is in heaven - That is, this is true of all who are sincere Christians. It is a characteristic of Christians, in contradistinction from those who are the "enemies of the cross," that their conversation is in heaven. The word "conversation" we now apply almost entirely to oral discourse. It formerly, however, meant conduct in general, and it is usually empl…
gillPhilippians 3:20: "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:"
For our conversation is in heaven,.... The Ethiopic version renders it, "we have our city in heaven"; and the words may be truly rendered, "our citizenship is in heaven"; that is, the city whereof we are freemen is heaven, and we behave ourselves here below, as citizens of that city above: heaven is the saints' city; here they have no continuing city, but they seek one to come…
Paul highlights that our "citizenship" isn't just about where we're going, but about our current belonging to a heavenly commonwealth. This means our true identity and allegiance are already rooted in God's realm, shaping how we live now while we wait for Christ's return as our Savior.
Paul contrasts true believers with the "enemies of the cross" he just described. He explains that while those people are focused on earthly desires, Christians have their "citizenship" (or "commonwealth") in heaven, meaning their true home and identity are with God. This heavenly perspective fuels their eager anticipation for Jesus' return as their Savior.
Paul contrasts true believers with the "enemies of the cross" he just described. He explains that while those people are focused on earthly desires, Christians have their "citizenship" (or "commonwealth") in heaven, meaning their true home and identity are with God. This heavenly perspective fuels their eager anticipation for Jesus' return as their Savior.
"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ," — Paul highlights that our "citizenship" isn't just about where we're going, but about our current belonging to a heavenly commonwealth. This means our true identity and allegiance are already rooted…
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Last reviewed October 2026