Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Philippians 3:17

"Brethren, be ye imitators together of me, and mark them that so walk even as ye have us for an ensample." — Philippians 3:17 (ASV)

In the early years of the church, believers needed practical guides for conduct. So Paul urged the Philippians to join together in imitating his conduct (see also 1 Corinthians 11:1). Such advice was not egotism, for Paul’s emphasis was always strongly Christological (e.g., 1 Corinthians 11:1). Furthermore, Paul here includes others in this model by urging his readers to take note of those who were living in conformity with “the pattern we gave you” (v.17)—i.e., the high standard outlined in vv.7–16. And by “we,” Paul includes not only himself but Timothy and perhaps Epaphroditus. Hence, he was not claiming a unique superiority.