What does it mean to 'be followers together of me' in Philippians 3:17?
It means Paul urges the Philippians to join together in imitating him and those who walk as examples, willingly following their pattern for the sake of the gospel. Since they had experienced God's saving grace, suffered for the gospel, and given up much, they should follow Paul's example.
Les teaches that in Philippians 3:17 Paul says, “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them who walk so as you have us for an example.” Paul had a warm spot for the Philippians because they nursed him back to strength after he nearly went into physical death in Philippi. He points to himself, Timothy, Titus, and so forth as examples. Because they had experienced God’s saving grace, suffered for the sake of the gospel, and given up so much, Paul says, “Be willing to follow me for the sake of the gospel.” So “be followers together of me” means joining with others in following Paul’s example and marking those who walk the same way. Les also connects this to Galatians 4:11-12, where Paul says, “I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labor in vain. I beseech you, be as I am, for I am as you are.” They had received him as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus, despite the infirmities of his flesh.
Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
More Questions
Why does Paul tell the Philippians to be followers of him?
Paul can say 'be willing to follow me' because the Philippians had experienced God's saving grace, had suffered for the sake of the gospel, and had given up so much for the gospel, so he calls them to follow him for the sake of the gospel.
What does Paul tell the Philippians to do in Philippians 3:17?
Paul commands the brethren to be followers together of him and to mark those who walk as he and his companions (Timothy, Titus) walked, having them as an example.