Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Philippians 3:20

Textus Receptus:
ημων γαρ το πολιτευμα εν ουρανοις υπαρχει εξ ου και σωτηρα απεκδεχομεθα κυριον ιησουν χριστον

King James:
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

Comments:
conversation: This word is not the one usually translated (in the King James) into English as "conversation." This word is from a Greek word meaning "citizenship." It is the same word Paul uses in chapter 1:27. The point is to contrast the enemies' focus on the world with the disciples' true citizenship in heaven.

is: This word is more packed with meaning than the normal copulative. In this case, as in the other passage in Philippians with this word, chapter 2:6, it implies an original, natural submission to something else. In this case, believers are under heaven literally and teleologically--it sets the pattern of their lives.

we look for the Saviour: Colossians 3:1-4 makes the same connection between disciples' anticipation of Christ's return and their transformation here and now.

Expanded Paraphrase:
The reason you can follow me and others who give you the same example is that we are citizens of heaven. Because our hope is there, so is our purpose. It is from there that we will see our Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ, return to save us from this world. So it is to there that we look now for deliverance from bondage to the destruction inherent in living for this world.

References:
Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

Philippians 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

Colossians 3:1-4 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

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