Philippians 3:20-4:1
What is written? (ESV)
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
What does it say?
Our citizenship is in heaven, from which we await our Savior, Jesus Christ, who will change our physical bodies to be like His glorious body with the same power that allows Him to subject all things to Himself. Because of this brethren – you who I love and long for and are my joy and crown – stand firm in Christ.
What is its immediate context?
Paul is urging them to “rejoice in the Lord” (vs 1) in spite of the false teachers among them. He has just expressed his own striving to attain “the resurrection from the dead” (vs 11). This is what he has “not yet obtained” (vs 12) but continues to “press on toward.”
How Philippians 3:20-4:1 is applied across Bible answers
What happens next in the Bible?
Paul says we are waiting for Jesus to return from heaven, who, at that time, will "transform our lowly body",8
Paul has just finished pointing out those who "walk as enemies of the cross of Christ" (vs 18) and says "Their end is destruction." (vs 19)
Where is Jesus today?
Jesus is in heaven, from where He will return to "transform our lowly body".
Will there be a physical bodily resurrection?
Our "lowly" (e.g. physical) bodies will be changed into a "glorious body" upon the Savior's return1 by His "power".
