Commentators overwhelmingly explain that the original Greek word, 'politeuma,' means 'citizenship' or 'commonwealth.' This was a powerful metaphor for the Philippians, who were proud citizens of the distant city of Rome. For Christians, our primary identity, allegiance, and values are not rooted in this world but in heaven, where Christ our King resides. We are, as other scriptures say, 'aliens and strangers on earth.'