“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:”
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from there we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ — politeuma (citizenship, commonwealth) is heavenly: Christians hold primary allegiance to the celestial city, not earthly state. This is counter-political: the Philippian audience (in a Roman colony) are told their real citizenship transcends Rome. 'Await a Savior' (apekdechomai sōtēra) is eschatological posture: they live in expectation. 'The Lord Jesus Christ' is the returning judge and savior. Heavenly citizenship makes earthly loyalties provisional.
Church Fathers on Philippians 3:20
Nothing is so incongruous in a Christian, and foreign to his character, as to seek ease and rest; and to be engrossed with the present life is foreign to our profession and enlistment. Your Master was crucified, and do you seek ease? Your Master was pierced with nails, and do you live delicately? Do these things become a noble soldier? Wherefore Paul says, “Many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ.”…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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