Philippians 3:17

“Brethren, be ye imitators together of me, and mark them that so walk even as ye have us for an ensample”

“Be ye imitators together of me”: See 1 Corinthians 11:1. He urges them to imitate his attitude, which has already been expressed (Philippians 3:7-14) and detailed. “Should not brothers show that they belong to the same spiritual family, and are, therefore, really brothers?” (Hendriksen p. 179). Paul is not being arrogant, rather God inspired him to write this. In addition, the ultimate example to imitate has already been given, that being Christ (Philippians 2:5ff), and Paul has already admitted his own lack of perfection and need for further spiritual growth. “And mark them”: “Be on the look out for” (Jackson p. 73). “That so walk even as ye have us for an ensample”: “Mark those who walk according to my example” (Con). “And notice those who live by the example you get from me” (Mof). Other good examples of the attitude just expressed are closer to home. “Us”: This term would include Timothy and Epaphroditus. “Thus, upon Paul and his companions and upon the many in Philippi who are living similar lives, the readers are urged earnestly to fix their attention as upon men who are safe guides for Christian conduct” (Erdman p. 127). The church will always need "good examples" of applied Christianity..