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17 Join with others in being imitators of me,[a] brothers, and observe those who thus conduct themselves according to the model you have in us.(A) 18 For many, as I have often told you and now tell you even in tears, conduct themselves as enemies of the cross of Christ.(B) 19 Their end is destruction. Their God is their stomach; their glory is in their “shame.” Their minds are occupied with earthly things.(C) 20 But our citizenship[b] is in heaven, and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.(D) 21 He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body by the power that enables him also to bring all things into subjection to himself.(E)

VI. Instructions for the Community[c]

Chapter 4

Live in Concord. Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved.(F)

Footnotes

  1. 3:17 Being imitators of me: not arrogance, but humble simplicity, since all his converts know that Paul is wholly dedicated to imitating Christ (1 Cor 11:1; cf. also Phil 4:9; 1 Thes 1:6; 2 Thes 3:7, 9; 1 Cor 4:6).
  2. 3:20 Citizenship: Christians constitute a colony of heaven, as Philippi was a colonia of Rome (Acts 16:12). The hope Paul expresses involves the final coming of Christ, not a status already attained, such as the opponents claim.
  3. 4:1–9 This series of ethical admonitions rests especially on the view of Christ and his coming (cf. Phil 4:5) in Phil 3:20–21. Paul’s instructions touch on unity within the congregation, joy, prayer, and the Christian outlook on life.

17 Join together in following my example,(A) brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.(B) 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears,(C) many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.(D) 19 Their destiny(E) is destruction, their god is their stomach,(F) and their glory is in their shame.(G) Their mind is set on earthly things.(H) 20 But our citizenship(I) is in heaven.(J) And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,(K) 21 who, by the power(L) that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies(M) so that they will be like his glorious body.(N)

Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for,(O) my joy and crown, stand firm(P) in the Lord in this way, dear friends!