Philippians 3:17

KJV

¶ Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

KJV (with Strong's)

Brethren {G80}, be {G1096} followers together {G4831} of me {G3450}, and {G2532} mark {G4648} them which walk {G4043} so {G3779} as {G2531} ye have {G2192} us {G2248} for an ensample {G5179}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Brothers, join in imitating me, and pay attention to those who live according to the pattern we have set for you.

Berean Standard Bible

Join one another in following my example, brothers, and carefully observe those who walk according to the pattern we set for you.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Philippians 3:17, the Apostle Paul issues a profound exhortation to the believers in Philippi, urging them to collectively imitate his Christ-centered life and to carefully observe others who walk according to this same godly pattern. This verse serves as a powerful call to intentional discipleship, emphasizing the critical role of spiritual examples in the Christian journey and the necessity of discerning those whose lives genuinely reflect the pursuit of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a pivotal section of Paul's letter, immediately following his deeply personal and passionate discourse on his relentless pursuit of Christ. In [Philippians 3:12-16](/philippians/3-12-16 "Philippians 3:12-16 - Paul's Pursuit of Christ-Likeness"), Paul articulates his unwavering commitment to pressing toward the goal of knowing Christ more fully, attaining righteousness not by law but through faith, and experiencing the power of His resurrection. He humbly admits he has not yet "arrived" but encourages all mature believers to adopt this same mindset of forward spiritual momentum. Against this backdrop of intense Christ-focus and spiritual striving, Paul presents himself and his fellow workers (like Timothy and Epaphroditus) as tangible models for the Philippians to emulate. This instruction also serves as a stark contrast to the "enemies of the cross of Christ" whom he will lament in [Philippians 3:18-19](/philippians/3-18-19 "Philippians 3:18-19 - Enemies of the Cross"), highlighting the urgent need for discernment in following true examples.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Philippi was a Roman colony, and its citizens prided themselves on their Roman identity and customs. The concept of imitation (Greek: *mimēsis*) was prevalent in both Greco-Roman and Jewish thought. In philosophical schools, students would imitate their teachers' lives and doctrines. In Judaism, disciples followed the patterns set by revered rabbis and prophets. Paul, in this context, does not present himself as an infallible deity but as a faithful disciple of Christ, whose life provides a concrete, accessible example of what it means to live out the gospel. The Philippian church faced external pressures from paganism and internal threats from false teachers (likely Judaizers, who emphasized law-keeping for salvation, and possibly antinomians, who advocated for lawless living). Paul's call to imitate him and "mark" others was therefore crucial for the church's theological purity and practical holiness, providing a clear standard against competing influences.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [Philippians 3](/philippians/3 "Philippians 3 - Paul's Pursuit of Christ") is the supreme value of knowing Christ and gaining righteousness through Him, contrasting with any human achievement or religious pedigree. Within this chapter, [Philippians 3:17](/philippians/3-17 "Philippians 3:17 - Be Followers of Paul") contributes significantly to several key themes. **Imitation and Discipleship** are central, as Paul explicitly calls for a collective following of his example, which he elsewhere clarifies is an imitation of Christ Himself (cf. [1 Corinthians 11:1](/1_corinthians/11-1 "1 Corinthians 11:1 - Imitate Me as I Imitate Christ")). This highlights the importance of spiritual mentorship and the practical outworking of faith. The theme of **Godly Example** underscores the power of a visible, consistent Christian life as a living pattern for others. Finally, **Discernment** is crucial, as believers are instructed to "mark" or carefully observe those whose lives genuinely align with the apostolic pattern, distinguishing them from those who might lead astray, a warning echoed in [2 Peter 2:1-3](/2_peter/2-1-3 "2 Peter 2:1-3 - False Teachers Among You").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Brethren (Greek, _adelphós'_):** From G80, meaning "a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote." Paul frequently uses this term to address fellow believers, emphasizing their familial bond in Christ. It establishes a tone of loving exhortation rather than authoritarian command, appealing to a shared identity and common purpose within the Christian community.
* **followers together (Greek, _symmimētḗs'_):** From G4831, meaning "a co-imitator, i.e. fellow votary." This compound word, combining "together with" (syn) and "imitator" (mimētēs), emphasizes a collective, shared act of imitation. It's not just individual discipleship but a communal commitment to follow a specific pattern of life. Paul invites them to join him in his pursuit of Christ, implying a mutual journey.
* **mark (Greek, _skopéō'_):** From G4648, meaning "to take aim at (spy), i.e. (figuratively) regard." This verb implies a careful, deliberate, and attentive observation, not a casual glance. It suggests fixing one's gaze on something with a view to understanding or emulating it. In this context, it calls for active discernment and intentional identification of those whose lives genuinely embody the gospel.
* **ensample (Greek, _týpos'_):** From G5179, meaning "a die (as struck), i.e. (by implication) a stamp or scar; by analogy, a shape, i.e. a statue, (figuratively) style or resemblance; specially, a sampler ("type"), i.e. a model (for imitation) or instance (for warning)." Here, it denotes a pattern, model, or blueprint. Paul presents his life and the lives of those like him as a tangible standard or mold by which the Philippians can measure their own conduct and shape their spiritual walk.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Brethren, be followers together of me":** Paul opens with a term of endearment, "Brethren," fostering a sense of shared identity and mutual respect. The core command, "be followers together of me," is an imperative that calls the entire community to a collective imitation of Paul's life. This is not an act of self-aggrandizement but an invitation to adopt his Christ-centered values, priorities, and conduct, which he has just detailed in the preceding verses (e.g., counting all things as loss for Christ, pressing toward the goal).
* **"and mark them which walk so":** This clause introduces a crucial element of discernment. The conjunction "and" links the command to imitate Paul with the imperative to "mark" or carefully observe others. "Them which walk so" refers to those whose lives consistently align with the pattern Paul has set—a life characterized by the pursuit of Christ, humility, self-sacrifice, and obedience to the gospel. This implies that not all who claim to be followers of Christ truly embody His principles, necessitating careful observation by the believers.
* **"as ye have us for an ensample":** This final phrase provides the standard for both imitation and discernment. Paul explicitly states that he and his companions (e.g., Timothy, Epaphroditus) serve as the "ensample" or model. Their lives are the living blueprint, the tangible demonstration of what it means to "walk so." This provides a clear, accessible, and authoritative pattern for the Philippian believers to follow, grounding the abstract call to Christ-likeness in concrete, observable human examples.

#### Literary Devices
Philippians 3:17 employs several effective literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Imperative Mood**, as Paul issues direct commands ("be followers," "mark them"), underscoring the urgency and non-negotiable nature of his exhortation. This direct address creates a sense of immediate responsibility for the readers. Paul also uses **Metaphor** with the phrase "them which walk so," where "walk" (Greek: *peripatéō*) serves as a common biblical metaphor for one's manner of life, conduct, or spiritual journey. This vivid imagery helps the audience understand that the pattern to be observed is not merely intellectual assent but lived experience. Furthermore, the verse functions as a clear **Exhortation**, a strong encouragement to a particular course of action, rooted in Paul's pastoral concern for the Philippians' spiritual well-being. Finally, the verse is deeply **Didactic**, serving to teach and instruct the church on the practical aspects of discipleship, the importance of spiritual models, and the necessity of discernment in the Christian community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Philippians 3:17 is a profound statement on the nature of Christian discipleship and the role of spiritual example within the body of Christ. It underscores the theological truth that faith is not merely a set of beliefs but a lived reality, a "walk" that is observable and imitable. Paul's willingness to present himself as an "ensample" is rooted in his prior declaration that he himself imitates Christ, making his life a transparent conduit for Christ's character and mission. This highlights the vital importance of spiritual mentorship and the communal aspect of sanctification, where believers learn from and encourage one another in their pursuit of Christ-likeness. The command to "mark them which walk so" further emphasizes the critical theological principle of discernment, urging believers to carefully evaluate the lives and teachings of others against the standard of apostolic truth and Christ's example, safeguarding the purity of the gospel within the church.

* [1 Corinthians 11:1](/1_corinthians/11-1 "1 Corinthians 11:1 - Imitate Me as I Imitate Christ")
* [Hebrews 13:7](/hebrews/13-7 "Hebrews 13:7 - Remember Your Leaders")
* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Philippians 3:17 presents a timeless challenge and encouragement for believers today. It compels us to consider whose lives we are following and, conversely, what kind of example we are setting for others. In an age saturated with diverse influences, the call to "mark them which walk so" is more crucial than ever, demanding a discerning eye to identify genuine Christ-followers whose lives align with biblical truth and godly character. This requires intentional observation, prayer, and a deep grounding in God's Word to distinguish authentic spiritual leadership from superficial or even harmful patterns. For those of us who are called to lead, teach, or simply live out our faith in public, Paul's example serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibility inherent in our Christian walk. Our lives are not merely our own; they are a living commentary on the gospel, a "typos" or pattern that others may consciously or unconsciously imitate. Therefore, we are exhorted to live with integrity, humility, and a relentless pursuit of Christ, knowing that our "walk" can either draw others closer to Him or lead them astray.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Whose example are you currently following in your spiritual journey, and why?**
* **In what specific ways does your daily "walk" reflect the example of Christ, or the godly patterns set by mature believers?**
* **How can you cultivate greater discernment in identifying those whose lives genuinely embody the Christian faith?**
* **What steps can you take to become a more consistent and Christ-like "ensample" for others in your sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**Is it arrogant for Paul to tell people to imitate him?**

Answer: No, it is not arrogant for Paul to tell the Philippians to imitate him. Paul consistently grounds his call for imitation in his own imitation of Christ. As he explicitly states in [1 Corinthians 11:1](/1_corinthians/11-1 "1 Corinthians 11:1 - Imitate Me as I Imitate Christ"), "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." Paul's life was a living demonstration of the gospel he preached, particularly his willingness to suffer for Christ, his relentless pursuit of Christ-likeness, and his abandonment of all earthly advantages for the sake of knowing Jesus (as detailed in [Philippians 3:4-11](/philippians/3-4-11 "Philippians 3:4-11 - Paul's Righteousness Through Christ")). He was not inviting them to follow him for his own glory, but to follow the Christ whom he embodied. His authority came from his apostolic calling and his genuine, transparent devotion to Jesus, making him a reliable and accessible "ensample" of Christian living.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Philippians 3:17, while calling believers to imitate Paul, ultimately points beyond Paul to Christ Himself as the supreme and perfect "ensample." Paul's life was not the end goal, but a living demonstration of what it means to truly follow Jesus. He had just articulated his profound desire to "gain Christ" and be found in Him, counting all things as loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus Christ his Lord ([Philippians 3:8](/philippians/3-8 "Philippians 3:8 - The Surpassing Worth of Christ")). Therefore, when Paul urges the Philippians to "be followers together of me," he is implicitly directing them to follow his Christ-centered values, priorities, and conduct. Jesus Himself issued the ultimate call to discipleship, saying, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" ([Matthew 4:19](/matthew/4-19 "Matthew 4:19 - Jesus Calls Disciples")). He is the embodiment of perfect obedience ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience")), selfless love ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")), and unwavering faith. The Christian's ultimate aim is to be conformed to the image of His Son ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to the Image of His Son")), and Paul's life served as a tangible, though imperfect, blueprint for that transformation, always redirecting the gaze to the one true pattern, Jesus Christ, who lives in believers and empowers them to walk as He walked ([1 John 2:6](/1_john/2-6 "1 John 2:6 - Walk as Jesus Walked")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Philippians 4:9

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

1 Corinthians 4:16

Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

1 Peter 5:3

Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

2 Thessalonians 3:9

Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.

1 Timothy 4:12

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Hebrews 13:7

Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of [their] conversation.

2 Thessalonians 3:7

For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;