Philippians 3:17 - Exposition

Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample ; rather, as R.V., imitators together. They are to unite, one and all, in imitating him. In 1 Corinthians 11:1 he gives the ground of this advice, "As I also am of Christ." Mark , here in order to imitate; elsewhere (as Romans 16:17 ) in order to avoid. He changes the singular number to the plural, modestly shrinking from proposing himself alone as their example. But "ensample" is still singular, because they all (Timothy, Epaphroditus, etc.) present the same image, all imitating Christ. Observe the change of metaphor: hitherto the Christian life has been compared to a race; now he speaks of walking; literally, walking about ( περιπατεῖν ), moving hither and thither in the daily path of life.