What does Philippians 3:18 mean?

Explanation

Philippians 3:18 is a part of the apostle Paul's letter to the church at Philippi, wherein he expresses a sorrowful warning.

In this verse, Paul speaks of 'many' who 'walk', a metaphorical way of describing the way they live their lives, as being enemies of the cross of Christ.

The repetition of the phrase "of whom I have told you often" emphasizes that this wasn't the first time Paul had warned the Philippians about these individuals.

His statement "and now tell you even weeping" underscores both the seriousness with which he issues the warning and the deep emotional distress it causes him.

As enemies of the cross, these individuals he speaks of are opposing the message of the crucifixion of Jesus, which is central to Paul’s gospel and teachings about salvation and redemption.

The verse suggests there is a moral and spiritual danger posed by those living in opposition to what the cross represents - sacrifice, redemption, and the ethos of the Christian faith.

Historical Context

The Epistle to the Philippians was composed by Paul while he was in prison, generally believed to be around AD 62.

Philippi was a Roman colony in Macedonia, and the church there was one of the first that Paul established in Europe.

The historical context for this verse includes the early Christian Church's struggle against both Judaizers, Jewish Christians who taught that Gentile Christians must observe the Mosaic law, and others who may have advocated for a more licentious lifestyle, misunderstanding the freedom offered by the Gospel.

These groups represented ideological threats to the Gospel as preached by Paul, who emphasized justification by faith in Christ alone, rather than by adherence to the law or indulgence in the flesh.

Theological Insights

Theologically, Philippians 3:18 brings forth the concept of antithesis between the cross of Christ and worldly or legalistic values.

From an orthodox Christian viewpoint, the “enemies of the cross” could be understood as those who reject the idea of salvation through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection.

The verse may also confront the easy-believism or moral relativism that was present in the ancient world, just as it is today. In more liberal interpretations, it can be read as a call to authentic discipleship, advocating for a life that reflects the self-giving love symbolized by the cross.

Practical Applications

This verse can serve as a solemn reminder for individuals to evaluate the direction of their lives and the values by which they live.

It encourages self-reflection among believers to consider whether they are aligning with or opposing the principles symbolized by the cross, such as humility, sacrifice, and obedience to God.

In daily life, one may use this verse to emphasize the importance of living in a manner consistent with Christian faith, avoiding behaviors and ideologies that stand in contrast to the Gospel message.

Cross-References

• Galatians 6:14: "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."
• 2 Timothy 4:3-4: "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."
• 1 Corinthians 1:18: "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God."

Language Study

In the Greek text, the term "walk" (περιπατοῦσιν, peripatousin) refers to conduct or way of life, suggesting a continuous action.

The phrase “enemies of the cross of Christ” (ἐχθροὺς τοῦ σταυροῦ τοῦ Χριστοῦ, echthrous tou staurou tou Christou) includes the word “enemies” (ἐχθροὺς, echthrous) which signifies hostility, indicating a deliberate opposition rather than a mere difference of opinion.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader Greco-Roman world, crucifixion was a method of execution associated with shame and dishonor.

The cross, therefore, as a religious symbol, was counter-cultural.

Comparatively, within other ancient religions and myths, there may be parallels as to how other faith traditions viewed sacrificial offerings or suffering-deities.

However, in the Christian context, the cross stands unique as the symbol of God's self-sacrificial love for humanity, a concept distinct from those found in other ancient mythologies.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific discourse generally does not intersect directly with the symbolic interpretations of religious texts.

However, an understanding of psychological and sociological dynamics can offer insight into how individuals and groups become "enemies of the cross." For instance, cognitive dissonance theory can explain why individuals oppose beliefs that challenge their existing worldview, and group dynamics studies might shed light on how collective ideologies can stand in opposition to Christian principles.

Commentaries

Commentators on Philippians 3:18 offer varied insights:

• John Chrysostom, an early Church Father, pointed out the gravity of the situation and Paul's weeping as reflecting the seriousness of these individuals' actions against the church.
• Matthew Henry’s commentary suggests that these enemies might profess Christianity but, by their lives, deny and even destroy its true essence.
• The Expositor's Bible Commentary refers to these adversaries as having a focus on earthly things, which is expanded on in the following verse (Philippians 3:19), therefore signaling a departure from the spiritual essence of Christianity as communicated by Paul.

Each commentary stresses the importance of aligning one’s life with the core message of the Gospel as opposed to opposing it through contradictory behavior or beliefs.