"... For those who belong to the group around the apocalyptic seer, the description in Philippians 3:20–21 reveals to them the only true perspective, the hope they have of transformation into heavenly bodies ... This passage contains a set of unusual conceptions. Πολίτευμα is a term drawn out of antique political theory and practice describing “a body of citizens with political rights.” A person belonging to the πολίτευμα is per definition active in the politics of a given group or community, which means that this person may vote, take part in public assemblies and the public cult, and may receive, give thanks for and spend benefactions. Platonic-Stoic philosophy developed the conception of the heavenly politeuma. On the one hand, it portrays the heavens as the ultimate example of political order, which is to be imitated by humankind. On the other hand, the heavens are also the true home of the wise from which they have come and to which they shall return after their educational sojourn on earth. Philippians 3:20–21 does not, however, speak of a homeward ascent for believers. On the contrary, “a body of politically active citizens” seems already to exist in heaven (ἐν οὐρανοῖς ὑπάρχει). This very much calls to mind the community of the Dead Sea, which saw itself as already taking part in the heavenly assembly of angels ... The assembly of the angels has a cultic character, yet its description asסוד takes up political language, and thus, reflects antique conceptions of the cultic functions performed by politically elected representatives ..."