Bible Strands
Philippians 3:18
For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Philippian church, placing this warning immediately after commanding them to follow his example and observe those who walk according to his pattern.
The words — περιπατοῦσιν (peripatousin) literally means "are walking" or living out a manner of life, while πολλοὶ (polloi) identifies the subject as "many" who stand opposed to the cross.
The thread — The motif of walking as a spiritual posture appears in Ephesians 4:17 and Isaiah 8:11, while the contrast between external conformity and internal reality echoes Galatians 6:12.
Why it lands — The text states that many actively live as enemies of the cross, demanding the reader examine their own conduct against the pattern Paul established.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
Cross-references
- Ephesians 4:17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.
- Isaiah 8:11 For this is what the LORD has spoken to me with a strong hand, instructing me not to walk in the way of this people:
- Galatians 6:12 Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. They only do this to avoid persecution for the cross of Christ.
- Jeremiah 13:17 But if you do not listen, I will weep in secret because of your pride. My eyes will overflow with tears, because the LORD’s flock has been taken captive.
- Galatians 1:7 which is not even a gospel. Evidently some people are troubling you and trying to distort the gospel of Christ.
- Galatians 2:14 When I saw that they were not walking in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all, “If you, who are a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?”
- Ephesians 5:5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person (that is, an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
- Philippians 1:4 In every prayer for all of you, I always pray with joy,
- Philippians 1:15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:6 and no one should ever violate or exploit his brother in this regard, because the Lord will avenge all such acts, as we have already told you and solemnly warned you.