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

17 Become fellow imitators of me, brothers, and observe those who walk in this way, just as you have us as an example. 18 For many live, of whom I spoke about to you many times, but now speak about even weeping, as the enemies of the cross of Christ, 19 whose end is destruction, whose God is the stomach, and whose glory is in their shame, the ones who think on earthly things. 20 For our commonwealth exists in heaven, from which also we eagerly await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our humble body to be conformed to his glorious body, in accordance with the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Appeal for Unity

So then, my beloved and greatly desired brothers, my joy and crown, thus stand firm in the Lord, dear friends.