Philippians 3:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Philippians 3:17
17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
Chapter Context
Philippians 3 is a friendship epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of judgment, worship, love. Written during Paul's Roman imprisonment (c. 60-62 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church in this Roman colony maintained partnership with Paul despite his imprisonment.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Philippians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Philippians 3:17
17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
Analysis
Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample (Συμμιμηταί μου γίνεσθε, ἀδελφοί, καὶ σκοπεῖτε τοὺς οὕτως περιπατοῦντας καθὼς ἔχετε τύπον ἡμᾶς, Symmimētai mou ginesthe, adelphoi, kai skopeite tous houtōs peripatountas kathōs echete typon hēmas)—Symmimētai mou ginesthe ("become fellow-imitators with me")—symmimētai (compound: syn, "together" + mimētēs, "imitator") calls for corporate imitation. Skopeite ("observe, mark") means careful attention. Tous houtōs peripatountas ("those who walk thus")—identify faithful examples. Typon hēmas ("us as pattern/example")—typos ("type, pattern, model") is blueprint to follow. Paul boldly offers himself as model (1 Cor 4:16, 11:1; 1 Thess 1:6). This isn't arrogance but pastoral responsibility—he embodies Christ-pursuit (vv. 12-14) visibly.
Historical Context
Ancient education emphasized imitation of teachers/heroes. Philosophers modeled virtue; disciples imitated. Paul Christianizes this: imitate me as I imitate Christ (1 Cor 11:1). Personal example was primary pedagogy in orality-based culture with limited literacy. Timothy and Epaphroditus (ch. 2) exemplified Christ-hymn values; Paul now calls Philippians to imitate his Christ-pursuit. Moral formation required visible, embodied examples, not just abstract teaching.
Reflection
- Can you say 'be imitators of me' without arrogance—and if not, why not?
- Who are the faithful examples you 'mark' (skopeite) and imitate in your church?
- How are you living as a 'pattern' (typos) worthy of others' imitation?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Philippians 4:9, Romans 16:17, 1 Corinthians 4:16, 1 Thessalonians 1:6, 2 Thessalonians 3:7, 3:9