Philippians 3:18-19

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Philippians 3:17-21

He closes the chapter with warnings and exhortations. I. He warns them against following the examples of seducers and evil teachers (Phil. 3:18, 19): Many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ. Observe, 1. There are many called by Christ's name who are enemies to Christ's cross, and the design and intention of it. Their walk is a surer evidence what they are than their profession. By their fruits you shall know them,... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Philippians 3:17-21

3:17-21 Brothers, unite in imitating me, and keep your gaze on those who live, as you have seen us as an example. For there are many who behave in such a way--I have often spoken to you about them, and I do so now with tears--that they are enemies of the Cross of Christ. Their end is destruction: their god is their belly; that in which they glory is their shame. Men whose whole minds are earthbound! But our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly await the Lord Jesus Christ as... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philippians 3:18

For many walk ,.... אחרניאית , "otherwise", as the Syriac version adds; and which truly explains the words, and gives the sense; they walked not as the apostle and his followers; they walked as men, as carnal men, 1 Corinthians 3:3 , according to the course of the world, after their ungodly lusts, Ephesians 2:2 ; or according to the rites and ceremonies of the Mosaic dispensation, and not uprightly, and according to the truth of the Gospel: and there were many that walked so; the road... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philippians 3:19

Whose end is destruction ,.... Everlasting destruction, the destruction of both body and soul in hell, Matthew 10:28 ; and this is the end, the reward and issue of bad principles and practices; the broad roads of sin and error lead to destruction, Matthew 7:13 ; however pleasing such ways may be to men, the end of them is eternal death; destruction and misery are in all the ways of profaneness and heresy; not only immoralities, but heresies, such as strike at the efficacy of Christ's... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 3:18

For many walk, etc - The Judaizing teachers continue to preach, who wish to incorporate circumcision, and other ordinances of the law, with the Gospel. They are the enemies of the cross of Christ - They rather attribute justification to the Levitical sacrifices, than to the sacrificial death of Christ; and thus they are enemies to that cross, and will not suffer persecution for its sake. They please the world, and are in no danger of reproach. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 3:19

Whose end is destruction - This is the issue of their doctrine and of their conduct. They are here described by three characters: Their god is their belly - they live not in any reference to eternity; their religion is for time; they make a gain of godliness; and live only to eat, drink, and be merry. Their glory is in their shame - they lay it down as a proof of their address, that they can fare sumptuously every day, in consequence of preaching a doctrine which flatters the passions... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 3:18

Verse 18 18For many walk The simple statement, in my opinion, is this — Many walk who mind earthly things, meaning by this, that there are many who creep upon the ground (195), not feeling the power of God’s kingdom. He mentions, however, in connection with this, the marks by which such persons may be distinguished. These we will examine, each in its order. By earthly things some understand ceremonies, and the outward elements of the world, which cause true piety to be forgotten, I prefer,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 3:19

Verse 19 19Whose end is destruction He adds this in order that the Philippians, appalled by the danger, may be so much the more carefully on their guard, that they may not involve themselves in the ruin of those persons. As, however, profligates of this description, by means of show and various artifices, frequently dazzle the eyes of the simple for a time, in such a manner that they are preferred even to the most eminent servants of Christ, the Apostle declares, with great confidence (199),... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:17-19

The Christian minister must set an example to his flock. I. TRUE SHEPHERD GOETH BEFORE HIS SHEEP . He should be able to say, like the apostle, "Be ye followers of me, as I also am of Christ." For the preacher's words have little influence if they are not enforced and illustrated by his life. A real earnest Christian life is a living power; its light shines before men; it leads others to glorify that God from whom all true religion comes. For it proves the truth of God's Word... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:17-21

Celestial citizenship. Paul, having urged the duty of forgetting the things behind, now speaks of his own example still more pointedly. He has been minding this rule and walking before men as an illustration of its power. And in this occupation with the future his idea has been that he is a citizen of heaven, and is conducting himself daily as one who belongs to that better country. But, while advancing to the statement of this celestial citizenship, he pauses parenthetically over the... read more

Group of Brands