17 Brothers, (A)join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk (B)according to the example you have in us. 18 For (C)many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you (D)even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 (E)Their end is destruction, (F)their god is their belly, and (G)they glory in their shame, with (H)minds set on earthly things. 20 But (I)our citizenship is in heaven, and (J)from it we (K)await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform (L)our lowly body (M)to be like his glorious body, (N)by the power that enables him even (O)to subject all things to himself.

Therefore, my brothers,[a] whom I love and (P)long for, (Q)my joy and (R)crown, (S)stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

Footnotes

  1. Philippians 4:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 8, 21

Imitate Paul

17 Brothers and sisters, become imitators of me and watch those who live this way—you can use us as models. 18 As I have told you many times and now say with deep sadness, many people live as enemies of the cross. 19 Their lives end with destruction. Their god is their stomach, and they take pride in their disgrace because their thoughts focus on earthly things. 20 Our citizenship is in heaven. We look forward to a savior that comes from there—the Lord Jesus Christ. 21 He will transform our humble bodies so that they are like his glorious body, by the power that also makes him able to subject all things to himself.

Stand firm in the Lord

Therefore, my brothers and sisters whom I love and miss, who are my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord.

Loved ones,