Philippians 3:17

17. Brethren, be ye imitators together of me, and mark them that so walk even as ye have us for an example.

Translation and Paraphrase

17. Be ye (all of you) fellow-imitators (imitators together) of me, (my) brothers, and be keeping your gaze upon those who are walking in this manner, according to (the manner which) ye have and see in us (as) a pattern.

Notes

1.

Philippians 3:17-21 forms a new subtopic in our outline, which we entitle Why Be Imitators of Paul. This section further develops the topic of chapter three, False Teachers Contrasted with Paul's example.

Two reasons in Philippians 3:18-21 are given for imitating Paul and marking (taking notice of) those who live by Paul's example:

(1)

Many people are enemies of the cross;

(2)

Our citizenship is in heaven.

We could say that Philippians 3:2-16 warns us to beware of the law-keepers, and Philippians 3:17-21 warns us to beware of the lawless.

2.

The Philippians were urgedboth as individuals and as a groupto imitate Paul. They were to be imitators together (KJV followers) of Paul. Paul could say what few preachers can: Imitate me. Compare 1 Corinthians 11:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:9.

3.

They were furthermore to mark (that is, note, or observe, or behold) those who were walking (that is, living) according to the example of Paul.

We should be very selective about our friends and the people we imitate. This might seem to contradict Matthew 7:1, which says, Judge not. However, Matthew 7:1 by no means forbids us to observe the conduct of people and to evaluate it. It only forbids us to form critical opinions of people on the basis of feelings and prejudice. Our instinctive emotional reactions toward people must be kept in check. However, observation of their deeds is necessary. By their fruits ye shall know them. (Matthew 7:16). He that doeth righteousness is righteous. He that doeth sin is of the devil. (1 John 3:7-8) Let us therefore mark (note) those who so walk as Paul walked for our example.

4.

Ensample means a pattern, type, or example. Ensample and example are close synonyms.