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Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents
3:17-21 A Call to Follow Paul's Example of Commitment to Jesus as Lord. Paul calls the Philippians to imitate him, a common theme in his letters (cf. 1 Cor. 4:16; 11:1; 2 Thess. 3:7-9). Paul's intent is not for the Philippians to focus on him per se but rather for them to join him in humble, radical dependence on Christ.
3:17 While Paul is not yet perfected, he is confident enough in his Christian walk to ask the Philippians to join in imitating me and other mature Christians. Much Christian growth comes through imitation of other Christians (4:9; 1 Cor. 11:1; 2 Thess. 3:8-9; 1 Tim. 4:12, 15-16; 2 Tim. 3:10-11; Heb. 13:7; 1 Pet. 5:3).
3:18-19 The enemies of the cross could be the Judaizers of v. 2 or "worldly" people in general. Their destiny is final judgment (destruction), they worship themselves (their belly), and they are consumed with earthly things.
3:21 Transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body echoes 2:5-11. Those who follow Christ's example of service will share in his vindication and glory as well. Perfection will come only at the resurrection (cf. 3:11-12; 1 Cor. 15:12-28). To subject all things to himself is messianic language drawn from the OT (e.g., Ps. 8:6; 110:1).
