Phili 3:18-19 | JFB | STEP | 18. many walk —in such a manner. Follow not evildoers, because they are "many" ( ). Their numbers are rather a presumption against their being Christ's "little flock" ( ). often —There is need of constant warning. weeping — ( ). A hard tone in speaking of the inconsistencies of professors is the very opposite of Paul's spirit, and David's ( ), and Jeremiah's ( ). The Lord and His apostles, at the same time, speak more strongly against empty professors (as the Pharisees), than against open scoffers. enemies of the cross of Christ

Philippians 3:18-19

18. many walk—in such a manner. Follow not evildoers, because they are "many" (Ex 23:2). Their numbers are rather a presumption against their being Christ's "little flock" (Lu 12:32).

often—There is need of constant warning.

weeping— (Ro 9:2). A hard tone in speaking of the inconsistencies of professors is the very opposite of Paul's spirit, and David's (Ps 119:136), and Jeremiah's (Jer 13:17). The Lord and His apostles, at the same time, speak more strongly against empty professors (as the Pharisees), than against open scoffers.

enemies of the cross of Christ—in their practice, not in doctrine (Ga 6:14; Heb 6:6; 10:29).

19. destruction—everlasting at Christ's coming. Php 1:28, "perdition"; the opposite word is "Saviour" (Php 3:20).

end—fixed doom.

whose god is their belly— (Ro 16:18); hereafter to be destroyed by God (1Co 6:13). In contrast to our "body" (Php 3:21), which our God, the Lord Jesus, shall "fashion like unto His glorious body." Their belly is now pampered, our body now wasted; then the respective states of both shall be reversed.

glory is in their shame—As "glory" is often used in the Old Testament for God (Ps 106:20), so here it answers to "whose God," in the parallel clause; and "shame" is the Old Testament term contemptuously given to an idol (Jud 6:32, Margin). Ho 4:7 seems to be referred to by Paul (compare Ro 1:32). There seems no allusion to circumcision, as no longer glorious, but a shame to them (Php 3:2). The reference of the immediate context is to sensuality, and carnality in general.

mind earthly things— (Ro 8:5). In contrast to Php 3:20; Col 3:2.