Philippians 3:17 kjv
Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
Philippians 3:17 nkjv
Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.
Philippians 3:17 niv
Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.
Philippians 3:17 esv
Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.
Philippians 3:17 nlt
Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example.
Philippians 3 17 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Phil 3:20 | For our citizenship is in heaven... | Echoes heavenly citizenship |
| Col 3:1-2 | If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above... | Direct parallel on seeking heavenly things |
| 1 Cor 1:7 | so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. | Waiting for Christ's revelation |
| Rom 13:11 | and do this, knowing the present time, that hour it is already the awake from sleep... | Urgency of present time in light of eternity |
| Heb 12:2 | looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith... | Fixing gaze on Christ as example |
| Matt 6:33 | But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness... | Prioritizing God's kingdom |
| 1 Pet 1:13 | Therefore, preparing your minds for action, be sober-minded... | Mental preparation for Christ's return |
| 2 Cor 4:18 | while we look not at the things that are seen but at the things that are unseen... | Focus on the unseen and eternal |
| Eph 2:6 | and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. | Shared heavenly status in Christ |
| Gal 5:24 | And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. | Denying earthly desires |
| 1 John 2:15 | Do not love the world or the things in the world. | Warning against worldly affections |
| Titus 2:13 | waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. | Hope in Christ's appearing |
| John 14:2-3 | In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? | Christ preparing a place in heaven |
| Acts 1:11 | Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? | Focus on Christ's ascension and return |
| Heb 11:13-16 | These all died in faith, not receiving what was promised, but having seen it and greeted it from afar... | Patriarchs as examples of heavenly vision |
| Rev 3:10 | Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world. | Endurance for the coming trial |
| Phil 1:27 | Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ... | Conduct reflecting the gospel |
| 1 Thess 4:17 | Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. | Meeting Christ in the air |
| Luke 21:36 | Watch therefore and pray always that you may be found worthy to escape all these things and to stand before the Son of Man. | Watchfulness and prayer for readiness |
| John 17:16 | They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. | Believers' distinctness from the world |
Philippians 3 verses
Philippians 3 17 Meaning
Believers are called to imitate the example of the Apostle Paul and others who steadfastly follow Christ, aiming to reach the heavenly citizenship promised by God. This involves setting their minds on things above, not on earthly possessions or achievements, living in anticipation of Christ's return.
Philippians 3 17 Context
This verse, Philippians 3:17, follows Paul's fervent exhortation in the preceding verses for believers to imitate him and other godly examples. Paul has just contrasted his own rigorous pursuit of Christ with the flawed righteousness of those who boast in earthly accomplishments and physical circumcision (Philemon 3:1-16). He identifies himself and his fellow "mature" believers (Philemon 3:15) as those who are single-minded in their devotion to Christ, looking forward to His return. Therefore, this verse serves as a call to action for the Philippian church to adopt the same mindset and behavior as Paul, orienting their lives towards the heavenly realm and the glorious reappearance of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 3 17 Word Analysis
- Join (Sustegkō - συμφήστε, sumpheste): Literally "to think together" or "to be of the same mind." It implies not just agreement but active participation and shared purpose.
- Me (emou - ἐμοῦ, emou): Referring to Paul himself, emphasizing his personal example as a pattern.
- As (hōs - ὡς, hōs): In the manner that, by which way.
- an example (hupodeigma - ὑπόδειγμα, hupodeigma): A pattern, a model, something shown forth for imitation.
- to you (hymin - ὑμῖν, humin): The recipients of Paul's letter, the church at Philippi.
- and (kai - καί, kai): Connecting clause.
- walk (peripateō - περιπατεῖτε, peripateite): This is a common New Testament metaphor for conduct, behavior, and lifestyle. It speaks to the way one lives out their faith day by day.
- so (houtōs - οὕτως, houtōs): In this manner.
- that (hina - ἵνα, hina): Purpose clause.
- you (hymeis - ὑμεῖς, humeis): You all.
- may have (echēte - ἔχητε, echēte): To possess or hold.
- such (toiauta - τοιαῦτα, toiauta): Of such a kind or character.
- a character (tropon - τρόπον, tropon): Manner, way, behavior, disposition.
Words-Group Analysis:
- "Join me as an example... walk so that you may have such a character" (3:17a): This phrase emphasizes Paul's call to the Philippians to adopt his conduct and mindset. It's an invitation to not just observe him but to actively emulate his life in Christ, aiming to possess a similar disposition and way of living.
- "Our citizenship is in heaven" (3:20b - contextually linked): While not directly in v. 17, this core truth from the preceding verse fuels the "joining" and "walking" described. Knowing their true home is heaven motivates believers to live a life distinct from worldly concerns and aligned with heavenly values.
- "Consider your behavior and manner of life": This entire concept is encapsulated by the verb "walk" (peripateite) and the noun "character" or "manner" (tropon). It’s about the ongoing, daily demonstration of their faith.
Philippians 3 17 Bonus Section
The imperative to "join" and "walk" with those who follow Christ points to the communal aspect of faith. Believers are not meant to journey alone. This also highlights the authority Paul claims as an apostle, not to be lorded over them, but to be a guide and an example as he himself followed the ultimate example, Jesus Christ. The context is deeply personal and relational, as Paul poured himself into the Philippian church. His willingness to be a model demonstrates his deep care for their spiritual maturity and ultimate salvation. The anticipation of Christ's return (from verse 20) is the driving force behind this earnest exhortation to a transformed life.
Philippians 3 17 Commentary
Paul urges the Philippians to look to him and to others who are genuinely following Christ as models for their own lives. This is not an appeal to follow men for their own sake, but to follow them as they follow Christ. The "joining" implies a collective solidarity in the pursuit of holiness. The instruction to "walk" is about the practical, daily outworking of their faith. The goal is to develop a "character" or disposition that reflects their heavenly citizenship and anticipation of Christ's return, not being conformed to earthly patterns but transformed by the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:2). It's a call to intentional living, marked by a Christ-centered perspective that prioritizes eternal realities over temporal pleasures or anxieties.
Practical Usage Examples:
- A believer consciously choosing to speak encouragingly to others, mimicking Paul's emphasis on joy and peace.
- Someone in a difficult situation refusing to complain, instead seeking God's will and trusting in His providence, like Paul in prison.
- A student prioritizing time for prayer and Bible study amidst academic pressures, reflecting the commitment to heavenly citizenship.