17 Brothers and sisters, (A)join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the (B)pattern you have in us. 18 For (C)many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even as I (D)weep, that they are the enemies of (E)the cross of Christ, 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their [a](F)appetite, and whose (G)glory is in their shame, who (H)have their minds on earthly things. 20 For (I)our [b]citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly (J)wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 who will (K)transform the body of our lowly condition into (L)conformity with [c]His (M)glorious body, (N)by the exertion of the power that He has even to (O)subject all things to Himself.

Think of Excellence

Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, [d]whom I (P)long to see, my joy and crown, (Q)stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

Footnotes

  1. Philippians 3:19 Lit belly
  2. Philippians 3:20 Lit commonwealth
  3. Philippians 3:21 Lit the body of His glory
  4. Philippians 4:1 Lit and longed for

True and False Teachers

17 Join together in imitating me, brothers, and pay close attention to those who live by the example we have set for you.[a] 18 For I have often told you, and now tell you even with tears, that many live as enemies of the cross of the Messiah.[b] 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on worldly things.

20 Our citizenship, however, is in heaven, and it is from there that we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus, the Messiah.[c] 21 He will change our unassuming bodies and make them like his glorious body through the power that enables him to bring everything under his authority.

Closing Exhortations

Therefore, my dear brothers whom I long for, my joy and my victor’s crown, this is how you must stand firm in the Lord, dear friends.

Footnotes

  1. Philippians 3:17 Lit. the example you have in us
  2. Philippians 3:18 Or Christ
  3. Philippians 3:20 Or Christ