Read Verse Keyword Strong's
Prev

Philippians 3:18

Next

(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:

(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}:

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.

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

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

Philippians 3:18 presents a solemn warning from the Apostle Paul to the church in Philippi, expressing his deep sorrow over individuals whose lives contradict the very essence of the Gospel message. This verse highlights a significant spiritual danger within the early Christian communities, a concern that remains relevant for believers today.

Context

This verse comes towards the end of Paul's discourse on true righteousness and his single-minded pursuit of Christ, contrasting his own commitment with those who rely on fleshly achievements or worldly standards. Paul has just exhorted the Philippians to imitate him and those who walk according to his example. Immediately following this verse, Paul describes the tragic end of these "enemies of the cross," whose "end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame" (Philippians 3:19).

Key Themes

  • The Nature of "Enemies of the Cross": Paul is not primarily speaking of external persecutors but of those who, perhaps even claiming to be believers, live in a manner that fundamentally opposes the principles and power of Christ's sacrifice. Their lifestyle, priorities, and teachings deny the transformative impact of the cross, often prioritizing self-indulgence, worldly desires, or a legalistic approach over genuine faith and humble obedience.
  • Paul's Pastoral Anguish: The phrase "now tell you even weeping" reveals the depth of Paul's emotional pain and genuine pastoral concern. His tears underscore the gravity of the situation and the destructive path these individuals were on, not just for themselves but also for their potential influence on the church. This weeping signifies his deep love and compassion, even for those who stray.
  • The Centrality of the Cross: By calling them "enemies of the cross," Paul emphasizes that the cross of Christ is the absolute center of Christian faith and life. It represents atonement, reconciliation, self-denial, and new life. To be an enemy of the cross is to reject its saving power and its call to a transformed existence.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "enemies of the cross" is echthrous tou staurou. The word echthrous (enemies) implies a deep-seated antagonism, not just a casual disagreement. It suggests that their actions and way of life are fundamentally hostile to what the cross stands for. Paul's "weeping" (Greek: klaion) is a strong term, indicating profound grief and sorrow, reflecting his sincere heartbreak over the spiritual condition of these individuals and the potential harm they posed to the body of Christ.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless warning and a call to introspection for believers today:

  • Discerning True Faith: It encourages Christians to be discerning, recognizing that not everyone who professes faith lives in accordance with the Gospel. True faith is evidenced by a life transformed by the power of the cross, marked by self-denial and devotion to Christ, not by worldly pursuits or fleshly desires.
  • Living Out the Cross: The commentary implicitly calls believers to embrace the full implications of the cross – a life of humility, sacrifice, and obedience to Christ. To live otherwise is to be an "enemy" of its transforming power.
  • Compassionate Concern: Paul's weeping reminds us of the importance of genuine pastoral care and concern for those who are straying or living contrary to the truth. It calls us to pray for and, where appropriate, lovingly confront those on a dangerous path, motivated by sorrow rather than anger.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ephesians 4:17 (10 votes)

    ¶ 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 (9 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • Galatians 2:14 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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