What does Philippians 3:20 mean?

Explanation

Philippians 3:20 emphasizes the Christian principle that believers belong to a heavenly domain, even while they are living on Earth.

The phrase "For our conversation is in heaven" uses the word "conversation," which, in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, refers not to verbal discussion but to one's way of life or citizenship.

Thus, the verse implies that the true home and allegiance of Christians are with God in heaven.

"From whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ," points to the anticipation of Christ's return. This reflects early Christian eschatology, where there was an expectation that Jesus would return from heaven to Earth to save his followers and establish God's kingdom fully.

Hence, the deeper meaning involves living a life in anticipation of, and preparation for, Jesus Christ's second coming, which also reinforces the Christian hope and promise of eternal life.

Historical Context

Philippians was written by the Apostle Paul, around AD 61, while he was in prison, possibly in Rome. The letter was addressed to the congregation in Philippi, a city in Macedonia (present-day Greece), which had a significant population of Roman citizens and veterans.

The concept of citizenship would have resonated well with them, given their own context and pride in Roman citizenship. Paul used this cultural understanding to relate to the superior citizenship of heaven.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse illustrates several key Christian doctrines:

• The nature of believers as citizens of heaven implies that their primary allegiance is to God's kingdom rather than to earthly nations.
• The expectancy of Christ's return, or Parousia, is central to Christian eschatology.
• This verse highlights the Christian emphasis on hope, suggesting that no matter the earthly circumstances, there is a future glory that awaits believers.

Different denominational perspectives might emphasize various aspects of this, with some more heavily focusing on the eschatological hope, while others use it to underscore living a life reflective of heavenly values.

Practical Applications

Philippians 3:20 serves as a reminder to Christians to focus on heavenly principles in their daily lives, suggesting that their actions should reflect their ultimate allegiance to God.

The anticipation of Jesus' return can motivate believers to live in a way that is pleasing to God, upholding values such as love, justice, and integrity.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 2:19: "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;"
• Colossians 3:1-2: "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

• 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17: "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word translated as "conversation" is "πολιτεύμα" (politeuma), which more accurately translates to 'citizenship' or 'commonwealth'.

"Saviour" is from "σωτήρ" (soter), referring to a deliverer or preserver. Understanding these terms sheds light on how believers view their identity and their expectancy of salvation through Christ.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of citizenship and allegiance to the empire was paramount.

Paul's contrast of earthly citizenship with heavenly citizenship can be seen as a radical reorientation of primary loyalty from the Roman Empire to the Kingdom of God.

In other religious traditions, there may also be concepts of allegiance to a divine realm or awaiting a salvific figure, but these are contextually and theologically distinct from the Christian perspective.

Scientific Perspectives

The dialogue between scientific perspectives and this verse is more philosophical than empirical.

Modern cosmology does not engage with the concept of heaven as a physical location but rather as a possible metaphysical reality.

Science may provide insights into the universe that can inform a believer's sense of wonder and reverence for creation but does not directly intersect with eschatological beliefs or the anticipation of a divine savior.

commentaries

Commentaries on this verse bring attention to its eschatological implications.

Renowned biblical scholars like Gordon D.

Fee and Ralph P.

Martin highlight that Paul underscores the tension Christians live in, being inhabitants of Earth but holding citizenship in heaven.

They note the ethical call to live in a manner worthy of this heavenly citizenship.

Meanwhile, John Calvin remarks on the believer's need to detach from earthly vanities, looking to Christ for ultimate fulfillment.

Contemporary scholars often focus on how this verse speaks to Christian identity and hope in the ongoing presence of Christ's spirit and the future promise of transformation.