Philippians 3:17

Be followers. The clause may be literally translated, “be ye unitedly imitators of me.” Paul has been counselling his converts about their mental attitudes, and now presents his own life as an example that they may well emulate. He knew that he had followed God’s will in turning away from the past and reaching out for the things that were yet before him. He knew that it was right to continue to press on with zeal and not abandon the means of growth that had contributed so much to his Christian life. Therefore, he felt perfectly free to encourage his Philippian friends to follow his example. He was in no wise trying to take their attention from Christ and turn it to himself, but rather to lead them to Christ through his own Christ-like life (cf. 1 Cor. 4:16; 1 Thess. 1:6).

Mark. Gr. skopod (see on ch. 2:4).

Them which walk so. While it is true that Christ is the only One whose example can be followed in all things, the experiences of others can serve as an encouragement or as a deterrent to us. There were those in the church who were endeavoring to live in the way Paul had described, renouncing all confidence in the flesh and aiming to win the prize. The exhortation here is to observe with a view to imitating those who so lived. Such imitation brings inspiration and involves no adoration (cf. John 8:39). The examples of godly men and women can inspire us to a closer walk with God (cf. 1 Cor. 4:16; Ed 146).

Us. That is, Paul, Timothy, Epaphroditus, and other Christian workers known to the Philippians.

Ensample. Gr. tupos (see on Rom. 5:14), from which we get our word “type.”