Philippians - Verse-by-Verse Biblical Exegesis

Obj.) are (ellipsis) earthly (Acc. Appos.; as opposed to
heavenly, human viewpoint as opposed to divine viewpoint,
worldly).
WHO
Philippians 3:19 w-n to. te,loj avpw,leia w-n o` qeo.j h` koili,a kai. h` do,xa evn th/| aivscu,nh|
auvtw/n oi` ta. evpi,geia fronou/ntej
VUL
Philippians 3:19 quorum finis interitus quorum deus venter et gloria in confusione ipsorum
qui terrena sapiunt
LWB Philp. 3:20 So then, our citizenship [as spiritual aristocrats] exists in the heavens [as
opposed to the earth where we find ourselves], even from which we ourselves are eagerly
waiting for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ [at the rapture],
KW Philp. 3:20 For the commonwealth of which we are citizens has its fixed location in heaven
out from which we, with our attention withdrawn from all else, are eagerly waiting to welcome
the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, and to receive Him to ourselves,
KJV
Philippians 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the
Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
TRANSLATION HIGHLIGHTS
Paul has been contrasting the spiritual life (Latin: conversation) that he, Timothy and
Epaphroditus are living as opposed to the life the “enemies of the cross of Christ” are living. The
former live by divine principles, the latter live by cosmic principles. The former are living like
spiritual aristocrats in the heavens; the latter are living like unbelievers on the earth. Our
positional citizenship exists in the heavens (Static Present tense), and our goal is to convert that
position into our daily experience. Paul is therefore drawing a conclusion (inference) about our
Christian citizenship (politeuma) – that it is in heaven rather on earth. We live on earth as
citizens of a country, state and city; but we also have citizenship in heaven.
Some of us can’t wait to be in heaven face-to-face with the Lord. For those who are in fellowship
with the Lord, we are eagerly waiting for (Latin: expectant) His return at the rapture (Pictorial
Present tense). Why? Because we know that we will then be in heaven where we belong, instead
of on earth where we are strangers and sojourners. Dual citizenship is sometimes quite difficult,
wouldn’t you agree? As for myself, on the one hand I’d rather be with Christ in heaven than here
on earth; but on the other hand, there are days when I’m content to remain here and enjoy life
awhile longer.
REVELANT OPINIONS
"Eagerly awaiting" is not a personal qualifier for being raptured and is therefore not a proof text for
the Partial Rapture Theory. (J.D. Pentecost) The Christian is living in two spheres at the same time.