What does Philippians 3:17 mean?

Explanation

Philippians 3:17 urges believers to follow the example of the apostle Paul and to take note of others who live according to the pattern he set.

Here, Paul is encouraging the members of the church in Philippi to look to him as a model for how to live out their Christian faith.

The use of "followers together of me" implies that there is a collective action in the community to strive for imitation of Paul's way of life, which reflects the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Paul is not asking for personal adulation but rather directing the believers to his example of Christlikeness.

The term "mark them which walk" means they should observe and take heed of those who conduct themselves in a way that aligns with the values and behaviors he has demonstrated.

The phrase "as ye have us for an ensample" suggests that there is already an established pattern of behavior provided by Paul and his coworkers, which serves as a template for godly living.

Historical Context

Philippians is an epistle, or letter, that the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, which was a Roman colony in Macedonia, around AD 60-62.

This letter is one of Paul's prison epistles, suggested to have been written while he was under house arrest in Rome.

In this historical setting, early Christians were minorities in a vast Roman Empire, and they faced various forms of social pressure and persecution.

Paul’s exhortation to follow his example was crucial, given the numerous other influences that Christians of that era could be tempted to follow, including Jewish legalism, Hellenistic moral philosophy, or Roman imperial cults.

By singling out those who walked according to his example, Paul was clearly distinguishing between the Christian way of life and other ways that were prevalent in that society.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Philippians 3:17 carries several key insights:

• Imitation of Christ - Paul's life is an example because he imitates Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).

The call to follow Paul is effectively a call to follow Christ as Paul follows Him.

• Christian Leadership - There is a theological understanding in the New Testament that leaders are to be examples to the flock (1 Peter 5:3).

This reflects a shepherding model of leadership based on service and example rather than dominion.

• Discernment in Fellowship - The emphasis on marking those who walk correctly implies a need for discernment within the Christian community, recognizing those who live out their faith authentically.

Practical Applications

The teachings in Philippians 3:17 can be applied in several ways:

• Role Models - Believers are encouraged to identify and follow role models who embody the teachings and character of Christ.
• Personal Conduct - Followers of Christ must strive to live in such a way that their lives can be an example for others to imitate.
• Community Standards - Churches and Christian communities are reminded to uphold and honor those whose lives are consistent with the gospel.

Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 11:1 – "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."
• 2 Thessalonians 3:7,9 – "For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us."
• 1 Timothy 4:12 – "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
• 1 Peter 5:3 – "Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock."

Language Study

The original Greek text uses the term "συμμιμηταί" (symmimetai) for "followers together," which implies imitation in the context of companionship and mutual endeavor. To "mark" translates from "σκοπεῖτε" (skopeite), meaning to look at attentively, observe, or take heed.

The phrase "τύπον ἡμᾶς" (typon hemas) translates to "us for an ensample" or "us for a pattern," indicating a model to be replicated.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the wider Greco-Roman culture, it was common to have philosophical teachers who would be regarded as examples of virtuous living.

Paul's exhortation echoes this cultural practice but is rooted in the unique religious context of Christianity, which emphasizes a life transformed by faith in Christ.

In comparison to other religious interpretations, the Christian call for imitation is profoundly relational and grounded in the life and work of Jesus.

Scientific Perspectives

While there is no direct scientific perspective on this verse, modern psychology supports the importance of role models and imitation in human behavior and moral development.

Observing and emulating individuals who embody positive traits can be a powerful mechanism for learning and personal growth, which is a principle implicitly supported in this verse.

Commentaries

Commentators have viewed Philippians 3:17 as an extension of Paul's exhortation to unity and humility in Philippians 2:1-11.

John Calvin sees it as a warning against false teachers and a call to steadfastness to true apostolic doctrine.

Matthew Henry emphasizes the importance of role models in the Christian life and the blessing of having worthy examples to follow.

Other scholars have noted the verse’s relevance in addressing ethical and moral behavior in the community of faith.