Philippians 3 18

Philippians 3:18 kjv

(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:

Philippians 3:18 nkjv

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:

Philippians 3:18 niv

For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.

Philippians 3:18 esv

For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.

Philippians 3:18 nlt

For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ.

Philippians 3 verses

Philippians 3 18 Meaning

This verse speaks of enemies of the cross of Christ, whose ultimate destination is destruction. Their focus is on earthly matters, and they find their glory in shame, in contrast to Paul's focus on heavenly things and glory found in Christ.

Philippians 3 18 Context

In Philippians chapter 3, Paul contrasts his own intense pursuit of Christ with the lives of certain individuals he refers to as "enemies of the cross of Christ." These individuals seem to be those within the Philippian church who, perhaps through a misunderstanding of grace, advocated for a relaxed lifestyle that was not aligned with the transformative power of the gospel. They might have been teaching a form of antinomianism or focusing on external religious practices rather than inward transformation. Paul, having experienced profound change through Christ, finds his glory in humility and service, a stark contrast to those whose focus remains on earthly desires and perceived status. This verse serves as a stark warning about the consequences of adhering to a worldly mindset despite professing faith.

Philippians 3 18 Word analysis

• "For many": Refers to a significant number of people, though not necessarily all believers. It signifies a prevalent issue.

• "walk" (Gk. peripateo): Implies conduct, lifestyle, and behavior. It describes the manner of life someone lives.

• "of whom": Refers back to the "many" who walk in a certain way.

• "I have told you": Paul emphasizes that he has previously warned the Philippian believers about these individuals and their teachings.

• "often": Suggests this is not a new concern but a recurring issue Paul has addressed.

• "and now weep": Expresses Paul's deep sorrow and grief over their condition and the detrimental effect they have on the church. This is a powerful emotional descriptor.

• "I tell you even now": Paul reiterates his message with a sense of urgency.

• "enemies" (Gk. echthros): Indicates active hostility and opposition. These are not merely indifferent people but actively against the core message of the cross.

• "of the cross": Refers to the message and power of the cross of Christ, which involves suffering, humility, and separation from the world.

• "of Christ": Links their enmity directly to Christ himself and his saving work.

• "Whose": Introduces a description of these enemies.

• "end" (Gk. telos): Refers to the final outcome, destination, or destruction.

• "is" (Gk. esti): States a present reality about their ultimate destiny.

• "destruction" (Gk. apoleia): Signifies ruin, perdition, or loss. It implies eternal separation from God and a complete end to well-being.

• "God" (Gk. theos): Refers to the one true God.

• "is" (Gk. estin): Connects their god to their desires.

• "their": Possessive pronoun indicating ownership or focus.

• "belly" (Gk. koilia): Represents their physical appetites, desires, lusts, and anything that brings them carnal satisfaction. It is used metonymically for indulgence.

• "and": Conjunction connecting the belly to their glory.

• "whose": Introduces another characteristic of these enemies.

• "glory" (Gk. doxa): That in which they boast or take pride.

• "is" (Gk. is): Connects their glory to their shame.

• "in" (Gk. en): Indicates the sphere or object of their shame.

• "their": Possessive pronoun.

• "shame" (Gk. aischune): Disgrace, ignominy. Here, it signifies things that ought to bring them to a state of self-abhorrence, yet they boast in them. This highlights a twisted moral compass.

• "who": Introduces the following clause about their mindset.

• "mind" (Gk. phronema): The way of thinking, disposition, attitude, and focus of the mind.

• "set on" (Gk. to euphtimata): Focus on, contemplation of, and setting one's affection upon.

• "enemies of the cross of Christ": This phrase encapsulates a core antagonism towards the suffering, humility, and self-denial inherent in the gospel, which the cross represents. It signifies a rejection of Christ’s atoning sacrifice and its implications for Christian living.

• "Whose end is destruction": This establishes a definitive consequence for those living according to their fleshly desires. The term apoleia suggests not annihilation but ruin and eternal loss.

• "God is their belly": This stark imagery portrays a complete reversal of proper devotion. Instead of God being the object of worship and pursuit, carnal appetites and physical gratification have replaced God. This reflects a life dominated by sensory pleasure and immediate gratification.

• "glory in their shame": This highlights a profoundly disordered moral perspective. Things that should rightly bring disgrace (like unbridled indulgence or immoral practices) are instead sources of pride and boasting for these individuals. It points to a perverted value system where ungodliness is celebrated.

• "who mind earthly things": This phrase summarizes their orientation. Their thoughts, desires, and affections are fixed on temporal, earthly concerns rather than the eternal, heavenly realities. This is the opposite of Paul's focus described in the preceding verses (3:20).

Philippians 3 18 Bonus section

The description of "enemies of the cross" is a serious indictment. The cross signifies death to self and the world, and resurrection to new life in Christ. Those whose "end is destruction" and whose "belly is their god" are characterized by a consuming pursuit of pleasure and self-interest, placing it above spiritual devotion and obedience to God. Their "glory in their shame" points to a culture that devalues godly living and elevates the carnal and the dishonorable, a timeless warning against societal or individual compromises with sin. The apostle Paul's sorrow ("weep") underscores the spiritual tragedy of such a life. This is not merely a philosophical error but a spiritual rebellion with eternal consequences. Their mindset (Gk. phronema) being set on earthly things is a direct contrast to the Christian calling to set their minds on things above (Colossians 3:2).

Philippians 3 18 Commentary

Paul expresses deep sorrow, "weep," over those whose lives stand in stark opposition to the transformative power of the cross. He contrasts their focus on earthly appetites ("belly") and finding glory in shameful practices with the believer's heavenly citizenship and hope in Christ. Their ultimate destination is ruin ("destruction") because their highest allegiance and focus are not on God but on self-gratification and worldly approval, even when it leads to disgrace. This calls believers to examine their own desires and boast in what truly brings glory to God, rather than in temporary, earthly, or shameful things.