For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Our conversation - our life as citizens х politeuma (G4175), from politeuomai (G4176): Philippians 1:27; Acts 23:1]. The antithesis to Philippians 3:19 favours this translation, rather than 'our citizenship' [which would be politeia (G4174)], or than 'our commonwealth' (Ellicott): which last would require 'is heaven' instead of "is IN heaven" (cf. Ephesians 2:6; Galatians 4:26; Hebrews 12:22; Revelation 21:2; Revelation 21:10). We are but pilgrims on earth; how then should we "mind earthly things?" (Hebrews 11:9-10; Hebrews 11:13-16; Acts 22:28: cf. Luke 10:20.) Two circumstances make the frequent use of 'citizenship' (Philippians 1:27; Philippians 4:3) an appropriate image in writing to Philippi:
(1) It was a Roman colony, possessing, besides local privileges, Roman citizenship, of which the people were naturally proud.
(2) Paul himself at Philippi had made a remarkable use of his citizenship (Acts 16:37-39): a happy illustration of our state absent on earth, but enjoying the protection and civic privileges of heaven.
The grand distinction between the worldly and believers is, these alone regard earth as their temporary, heaven as their true and everlasting home.
Is, х huparchei (G5225)] - 'has its existence.'
In heaven - Greek, 'in the heavens.'
Look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus - `We wait for [so apekdechetai, constantly and patiently, Romans 8:19; Romans 8:23] the Lord Jesus as a (i:e., in the capacity of a) Saviour;' completing "salvation" by redeeming the body (Hebrews 9:28; 1 Corinthians 1:7). That He is "the Lord," now exalted above every name, assures our expectation (Philippians 2:9-11). Our High Priest has gone up into the Holy of holies not made with hands, there to atone for us. As the Israelites stood outside the tabernacle, expecting Aaron's return (cf. Luke 1:21), so must we look unto the heavens, expecting Christ thence.