Philippians 3:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Philippians 3:20
20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Chapter Context
Philippians 3 is a friendship epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of redemption, worship, creation. 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 demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 3:20
20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Analysis
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ (ἡμῶν γὰρ τὸ πολίτευμα ἐν οὐρανοῖς ὑπάρχει, ἐξ οὗ καὶ σωτῆρα ἀπεκδεχόμεθα κύριον Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν, hēmōn gar to politeuma en ouranois hyparchei, ex hou kai sōtēra apekdechometha kyrion Iēsoun Christon)—To politeuma ("citizenship, commonwealth")—believers are citizens of heaven, not earth. This is potent in Roman colony Philippi, where citizenship was prized. En ouranois hyparchei ("exists in heaven")—present reality, not future hope. Ex hou...apekdechometha ("from which we eagerly await")—apekdechomai ("wait eagerly, expect") combines anticipation and patience. Sōtēra...kyrion Iēsoun Christon ("Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ")—titles claiming deity and salvation, countering emperor-worship (Caesar was called sōtēr kai kyrios, "savior and lord").
Historical Context
Philippi was Roman colony (colonia) with ius Italicum—citizens enjoyed Roman law/privileges despite living far from Rome. Paul subverts this: Christians' true citizenship is heavenly; earthly cities are temporary. This is radical: Rome claimed ultimate allegiance; Paul claims heaven's. Politeuma appears in Stoic philosophy (cosmopolitanism) and Jewish texts (Philo), but Paul gives it eschatological, christological meaning. The Savior/Lord titles directly challenge Caesar's claims—only Jesus saves and rules.
Reflection
- How does recognizing 'our citizenship is in heaven' (politeuma en ouranois) reshape earthly priorities?
- What does it mean to 'eagerly await' (apekdechometha) Christ's return in daily living?
- How does confessing Jesus as Savior and Lord challenge contemporary idolatries and false gospels?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master
Cross-References
- References Jesus: 1 Corinthians 1:7, Ephesians 2:6, 1 Thessalonians 1:10
- Salvation: Hebrews 9:28
- References Lord: 2 Corinthians 5:8, 2 Timothy 4:8
- Parallel theme: Galatians 4:26, Ephesians 2:19, Colossians 1:5, Hebrews 12:22