Meaning of Philippians 3:20

Paul, writing to the believers in Philippi, a Roman colony, emphasizes a radical reorientation of identity and allegiance. The phrase "our citizenship is in heaven" (politeuma) signifies that their ultimate belonging, their civic identity, and their legal rights are not rooted in their earthly location or any temporal power, but in the heavenly realm. This is not a passive acknowledgment but an active, lived reality that shapes their present existence and future hope. The anticipation of Christ's return is not merely a passive waiting but an eager expectation, fueled by the conviction that their true King will soon appear to inaugurate His full reign, bringing with Him the completion of their salvation and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

Context and Background

Philippi was a significant city in Macedonia, known for its Roman citizenship and military veterans who were granted land there. This Roman identity carried considerable privilege and status. Paul, therefore, uses a concept deeply understood by his audience to draw a profound contrast. The Philippian believers, many of whom were Gentiles, were likely familiar with the benefits and pride associated with being Roman citizens. Paul, however, redirects their focus, asserting that their true politeuma—their commonwealth, their constitution, their system of governance and belonging—resides in heaven. This serves as a counterpoint to those who might be "enemies of the cross of Christ" (Philippians 3:18) by focusing on earthly things, including their own perceived status or heritage.

Key Themes and Messages

• Dual Citizenship: The verse presents a concept of dual citizenship, but with a clear hierarchy. While the Philippians might have held Roman citizenship, their primary and eternal citizenship is heavenly. This implies that earthly allegiances, however important, are secondary to their relationship with God and their heavenly home.
• Transcendence of Earthly Identity: Paul challenges the tendency to anchor one's identity in nationality, social standing, or earthly achievements. He calls for a transcendent perspective, where one's ultimate identity is found in Christ and His heavenly kingdom.
• Eager Expectation: The "eagerly await" (apekdecometha) conveys a sense of active, hopeful anticipation. It's not a passive waiting but a longing and looking forward to the consummation of God's plan, which includes the glorious return of Jesus Christ.
• Christ as Savior and Lord: The verse identifies Jesus Christ as both the awaited "Savior" (Soter) and "Lord" (Kyrios). This highlights His role in delivering believers from sin and death and His ultimate authority and dominion over all things.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse offers profound spiritual significance for believers today. It calls for a reevaluation of our priorities, urging us to invest our lives in pursuits that have eternal value rather than exclusively focusing on transient earthly matters. Our "citizenship" in heaven means our ultimate allegiance is to God's kingdom, and our actions should reflect this. This perspective fosters resilience in the face of suffering and persecution, as our hope is anchored in a future reality that earthly troubles cannot diminish. It also cultivates a spirit of unity among believers, as our common heavenly citizenship transcends ethnic, cultural, and social divisions. The eager expectation of Christ's return serves as a powerful motivator for holy living and evangelism, as we long for His kingdom to be fully established and His reign to be universally recognized.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Philippians 3:20 is deeply interwoven with the overarching biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan. From the promise of a Seed who would crush the serpent's head (Genesis 3:15) to the establishment of a heavenly city, New Jerusalem, described in Revelation (Revelation 21:1-4), the Bible consistently points to a future, divine kingdom. Jesus Himself spoke of His kingdom not being of this world (John 18:36). The apostles, particularly Paul, expounded on this heavenly hope, emphasizing that believers are "seated with Christ in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 2:6) and are "fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household" (Ephesians 2:19). This verse encapsulates the culmination of God's promises, where His people, redeemed by Christ, will ultimately reside in His eternal presence and reign with Him.

Analogies

• Embassy: Imagine a nation having an embassy in a foreign land. While the embassy is physically located in the foreign country, its allegiance, laws, and ultimate authority reside with its home nation. Similarly, believers are "ambassadors for Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:20), representing a heavenly kingdom while sojourning on earth.
• Space Exploration: Think of astronauts on a mission to a distant planet. While they are physically on that planet, their ultimate home is Earth, and they eagerly await their return. Their mission's success is judged by their home country, and their ultimate future lies with their earthly origin. Believers are on a spiritual "mission" on Earth, with their ultimate home and destiny in heaven.
• Military Deployment: A soldier deployed in a foreign territory remains a citizen of their home country, subject to its laws and loyal to its flag. Their ultimate allegiance is to their nation, and they may eagerly await their return home. Believers are spiritual soldiers in God's service, with their true citizenship in heaven.

Relation to Other Verses

• John 14:2-3: Jesus promises, "My Father's house has many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." This directly supports the idea of a heavenly dwelling place prepared by Christ for His followers.
• Colossians 3:1-4: Paul instructs believers, "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." This echoes the theme of heavenly orientation and the future manifestation of believers with Christ.
• 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17: The passage describes the Lord's return: "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever." This vividly portrays the anticipated return of Christ that believers eagerly await.
• Hebrews 11:13-16: The author of Hebrews speaks of the patriarchs who "died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and welcomed them from a distance, and they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them." This provides historical and theological grounding for the concept of heavenly citizenship as a longing for a better, heavenly homeland.