Philippians 3:18

Citizenship in Heaven · Philippians 3:17–21
Read Philippians 3

Translations

Modern
For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.
Traditional
(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:
Literal
For many walk—of whom I told you often, and now I say even weeping—as enemies of the cross of Christ,
Latin
Multi enim ambulant, quos sæpe dicebam vobis (nunc autem et flens dico) inimicos crucis Christi:

Original

Greek
English
For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.

Notes

Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ: The identity of the enemies is not certain. They may have been:

  1. Jews or Jewish Christians who were proud of their circumcision (as in 3:2) and who emphasized Judaism in a way that did not agree with the message of the cross of Christ;

  2. false believers living in a worldly and immoral way (see 3:19); or

  3. people who claimed to believe but rejected Paul’s teaching that the good news centers on Christ’s death on the cross (see 1 Corinthians 1:23; compare Romans 9:33; 1 Peter 2:8).

Using himself as an example, Paul encourages the Philippians to pursue Christ and the hope of heaven with determination and strength.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul)

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Philippians, Letter to the

Topics

Covetousness: General Scriptures Concerning Cross: Figurative Denial of Christ in Practice Fame Hypocrisy: General Scriptures Concerning Love: Exemplification of the Love of Man for Man Titles and Names of the Wicked: Enemies of the Cross of Christ Warning before Destruction Weeping of Paul Worldliness: General Scriptures Concerning