Philippians 3:18

KJV

(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, [that they are] the enemies of the cross of Christ:

KJV (with Strong's)

(For {G1063} many {G4183} walk {G4043}, of whom {G3739} I have told {G3004} you {G5213} often {G4178}, and {G1161} now {G3568} tell {G3004} you even {G2532} weeping {G2799}, that they are the enemies {G2190} of the cross {G4716} of Christ {G5547}:

Complete Jewish Bible

For many — I have told you about them often before, and even now I say it with tears — live as enemies of the Messiah’s execution-stake.

Berean Standard Bible

For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.

American Standard Version

For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Philippians 3:18, the Apostle Paul issues a grave warning to the church in Philippi, expressing profound sorrow over individuals whose conduct and priorities fundamentally contradict the core message and transformative power of the Gospel. These individuals, whom Paul has often warned about, and now laments with tears, are identified as "enemies of the cross of Christ," signifying their opposition not necessarily through direct persecution, but through a lifestyle that undermines the very essence of Christ's atoning sacrifice and its call to self-denial and new life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial section of Paul's letter where he passionately contrasts true righteousness, found only in Christ, with false confidence derived from human achievement or legalistic observance. Having just urged the Philippians to [imitate his own pursuit of Christ](/philippians/3-17 "Philippians 3:17 - Paul's Call to Imitation") and to follow those who live according to this example, Paul immediately pivots to warn against those whose lives are antithetical to this path. The verse serves as a stark counterpoint to Paul's earlier declaration of counting all things loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus his Lord ([Philippians 3:7-11](/philippians/3-7-11 "Philippians 3:7-11 - Paul's Pursuit of Christ")). The subsequent verse, [Philippians 3:19](/philippians/3-19 "Philippians 3:19 - The Fate of the Enemies of the Cross"), elaborates on the tragic characteristics and ultimate destruction awaiting these enemies, further emphasizing the urgency and gravity of Paul's warning.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Philippi was a Roman colony, proud of its Roman citizenship, and its inhabitants were often influenced by Roman cultural values, including a focus on honor, status, and material prosperity. The specific identity of these "enemies of the cross" is debated among scholars, but they likely represent a group (or groups) whose behavior, rather than explicit doctrine, betrayed the Gospel. They could have been Judaizers, emphasizing circumcision and law-keeping over Christ's finished work, or antinomians, who, misunderstanding Christian liberty, indulged in fleshly desires. Given Paul's emphasis on their "belly" and "shame" in the following verse, a strong case can be made for those who prioritized worldly appetites and self-indulgence over the self-sacrificial call of the cross. Paul's deep emotional connection to the Philippian church, which he founded, underscores his profound anguish over any threat to their spiritual well-being.

* **Key Themes:** Philippians 3:18 contributes significantly to several key themes within the letter. First, it highlights the **centrality of the cross** in Christian theology and practice. For Paul, the cross is not merely a historical event but the defining characteristic of Christian life, demanding self-denial and a reorientation of priorities. Second, it addresses the theme of **true versus false righteousness**, contrasting Paul's single-minded pursuit of Christ's righteousness with the self-serving or worldly pursuits of these "enemies." Third, Paul's "weeping" underscores the theme of **pastoral anguish and genuine concern** for the spiritual state of believers, even those who stray. This deep emotional expression reveals the profound love and responsibility Paul felt for the churches he served, echoing his concern for other communities like those in [Galatia](/galatians/1 "Galatians 1 - Paul's Rebuke of False Teachers") or [Corinth](/1_corinthians/5 "1 Corinthians 5 - Dealing with Immorality"). Finally, the verse implicitly touches upon **discipleship and imitation**, serving as a negative example against which true followers of Christ are to measure their lives, reinforcing the call to "walk" in a manner worthy of the Gospel ([Philippians 1:27](/philippians/1-27 "Philippians 1:27 - Living Worthy of the Gospel")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **walk (Greek, _peripatéō'_):** This verb, G4043, literally means "to tread all around" or "walk at large." Figuratively, as used here, it signifies one's manner of life, conduct, or deportment. Paul is not merely talking about physical movement but the entire trajectory and character of these individuals' lives. Their "walk" or lifestyle is what reveals their true allegiance.
* **weeping (Greek, _klaíō'_):** G2799 is a strong verb indicating a loud wail or sob, distinct from silent crying. Paul's use of this word conveys profound grief, sorrow, and anguish. It is not an expression of anger or condemnation but of deep heartbreak over the spiritual demise and destructive path of these individuals, and the potential harm they could inflict on the church.
* **enemies (Greek, _echthrós'_):** G2190, derived from a root meaning "to hate," describes someone who is hateful (passively, odious) or actively hostile. When used as a noun, it refers to an adversary. Here, it denotes a deep-seated antagonism. These individuals are not merely misguided or mistaken; their very way of life is fundamentally opposed to, or hostile towards, the principles and power embodied by the cross of Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"(For many walk,"**: Paul introduces the reason for his warning. The term "walk" (peripatéō) signifies a consistent lifestyle or manner of conduct. The "many" implies that this is not an isolated issue but a widespread problem, indicating a significant number of people whose lives are characterized by this opposition.
* **"of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping,"**: This clause reveals Paul's persistent pastoral concern and the depth of his emotional pain. He has repeatedly warned the Philippians about these individuals, indicating an ongoing struggle or recurring threat. The phrase "even weeping" powerfully conveys his profound sorrow, demonstrating that his warnings stem from love and anguish, not anger or judgment. His tears underscore the gravity of their spiritual condition and the destructive consequences of their path.
* **"[that they are] the enemies of the cross of Christ:"**: This is the core identification. These individuals are not necessarily external persecutors of Christianity, but rather those whose lives, priorities, or teachings undermine the very essence of Christ's atoning work on the cross. The "cross of Christ" represents not only His sacrificial death for sin but also the call to self-denial, humility, and a life transformed by His power. To be an "enemy" of the cross means to live in a way that fundamentally opposes its saving power, its ethical demands, or its transformative impact, often by prioritizing self-indulgence, worldly gain, or a works-based righteousness.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful **literary devices** in this verse to convey his urgent message. The use of **pathos** is particularly prominent, as Paul explicitly states he is "weeping." This direct expression of intense emotion is designed to evoke a similar sense of sorrow and urgency in his readers, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the depth of his pastoral concern. There is also a strong element of **contrast** implied: Paul's own life, characterized by a single-minded pursuit of Christ and a willingness to suffer for the Gospel, stands in stark opposition to the "walk" of these enemies. The phrase "enemies of the cross" functions as a potent **metaphor**, vividly describing their spiritual antagonism. It's not a literal battle against a wooden structure, but a profound ideological and lifestyle opposition to everything the cross represents: atonement, self-sacrifice, humility, and redemption. Finally, the repetition of "I have told you often, and now tell you" serves as a form of **emphasis**, highlighting the persistent nature of the threat and Paul's consistent warnings, thereby underscoring the critical importance of his message.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Philippians 3:18 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of authentic Christian discipleship and the ever-present danger of internal opposition to the Gospel. It underscores that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but a life lived in conformity to the self-sacrificial pattern of Christ's cross. Those who are "enemies of the cross" are not necessarily atheists or external persecutors, but often individuals who, while perhaps claiming some form of religious adherence, live in a manner that fundamentally negates the cross's call to humility, self-denial, and spiritual transformation. Their "walk" reveals a heart still enslaved to worldly desires, fleshly appetites, or human boasting, thereby nullifying the power and implications of Christ's ultimate sacrifice. Paul's weeping highlights the pastoral heart of God, deeply grieving over those who reject the path of life, even when they are seemingly within the community of faith.

* [Galatians 6:14](/galatians/6-14 "Galatians 6:14 - Glorying in the Cross"): "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world."
* [1 Corinthians 1:18](/1_corinthians/1-18 "1 Corinthians 1:18 - The Message of the Cross"): "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God."
* [Romans 8:7](/romans/8-7 "Romans 8:7 - The Mind Set on the Flesh"): "Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's tearful warning in Philippians 3:18 resonates deeply with believers today, serving as a powerful call to introspection and discernment. It challenges us to examine our own "walk"—our daily lives, priorities, and affections—to ensure they are truly aligned with the radical implications of the cross of Christ. Are we embracing the self-denial, humility, and sacrificial love that the cross embodies, or are we, perhaps subtly, prioritizing our own desires, worldly comforts, or human achievements in a way that undermines its transformative power? This verse reminds us that genuine faith is evidenced not just by what we say, but by how we live. Furthermore, Paul's profound sorrow models for us a truly compassionate pastoral heart. It calls us to grieve over those who stray from the truth, to warn them with love and tears rather than anger or judgment, and to earnestly pray for their repentance and restoration. It is a reminder that the spiritual battle is not just against external forces, but often against subtle corruptions within the church that can lead souls away from the life-giving power of Christ's sacrifice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways might my own "walk" or lifestyle subtly contradict the message of the cross?**
* **What worldly priorities or fleshly desires might I be elevating above the call to self-denial and devotion to Christ?**
* **How can I cultivate a more compassionate and tearful heart for those who are straying from the truth, rather than a judgmental one?**
* **What does it truly mean for me, personally, to "take up my cross daily" in my contemporary context?**

### FAQ
**Who are these "enemies of the cross of Christ" that Paul refers to?**

Answer: Paul is likely not referring to external persecutors of the church, but rather to individuals, possibly even within the Christian community or those who claim to be religious, whose lifestyle and priorities fundamentally contradict the core message of the cross. As indicated in the following verse ([Philippians 3:19](/philippians/3-19 "Philippians 3:19 - The Fate of the Enemies of the Cross")), their characteristics include having their "God is their belly" (prioritizing sensual appetites or material gain), glorying "in their shame" (boasting in things that should cause shame), and having their "mind on earthly things." These could include legalists who rely on human effort rather than Christ's finished work, or antinomians who abuse Christian liberty for self-indulgence. Their "enmity" is expressed through a life that negates the cross's call to self-sacrifice, humility, and transformation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Philippians 3:18, though a warning against those who oppose the cross, ultimately magnifies the centrality and redemptive power of Christ's work. The very concept of being an "enemy of the cross" highlights the profound significance of what Christ accomplished there. The cross is the ultimate demonstration of God's love ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")) and the means by which humanity is reconciled to God ([2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18-19 "2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). Those who are "enemies" reject or undermine the self-emptying humility of Christ, who, though in the form of God, did not consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, but [emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, and became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience"). Their focus on earthly things stands in stark contrast to Christ's heavenly focus and His call for His followers to [seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seeking God's Kingdom"). Ultimately, the cross is the victory over sin and death ([Colossians 2:14-15](/colossians/2-14-15 "Colossians 2:14-15 - Christ's Triumph on the Cross")), and to be its enemy is to stand against the very means of salvation and the transformative power of the resurrected Christ, whose return will bring ultimate judgment upon all who oppose His redemptive work ([Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Philippians 3:20-21 - Our Heavenly Citizenship and Christ's Return")).

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

Ephesians 4:17

¶ This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

Isaiah 8:11

For the LORD spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying,

Galatians 6:12

As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.

Galatians 1:7

Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

Galatians 2:14

But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before [them] all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?

Jeremiah 13:17

But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for [your] pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the LORD'S flock is carried away captive.

Philippians 1:4

Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,