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-- in their practice, not in doctrine ( ; ; ).

‏ 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 (Psa 119:136), and Jeremiah's (Jr 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; He 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 (Psa 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.