Philippians 3:13
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Paul emphasizes that he's not focusing on his past achievements, even his significant spiritual victories, but is actively "forgetting" them to press forward. This isn't about ignoring God's past grace, but about refusing to let any accomplishment become a resting point, instead using it as a launching pad for future growth.
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is talking about his own spiritual journey, admitting that even with all his accomplishments and zeal, he hasn't "arrived" yet. He's shifting from what he's already done and achieved in his Christian life to what still lies ahead, using the imagery of a runner pushing toward the finish line. He emphasizes this single, forward-looking focus as the key to his continued pursuit of Christ and the heavenly prize.
Paul, the great apostle, admits he hasn't 'arrived.' What does this mean for us when we feel like we're falling short?
Paul uses powerful imagery from the Greek games to describe the Christian life. He's not saying he hasn't achieved anything. He has received Christ, been transformed, and accomplished incredible ministry. But he insists that he hasn't reached the ultimate goal: full conformity to Christ and the final prize of eternal glory.
The 'Apprehended' Reality
Paul states, 'I do not consider that I have apprehended.' This 'apprehending' refers to fully grasping or obtaining the prize, the ultimate victory and perfection that awaits believers. It's a future reality, not a present possession, even for someone as spiritually mature as Paul.
The Ongoing Pursuit
Instead of focusing on what's missing, Paul declares, 'But one thing I do.' This highlights a decisive shift in focus. He isn't paralyzed by his imperfections. He chooses to actively pursue the goal, understanding that spiritual growth is a lifelong journey, not a destination already reached.
Paul advises 'forgetting what lies behind.' Does this mean ignoring our past, good or bad?
The command to 'forget those things which are behind' is not about erasing memories or denying past experiences. Instead, it's a strategic redirection of our focus. Our past, whether filled with achievements or failures, can become a stumbling block if we dwell on it improperly.
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Moving Beyond Past Successes
Dwelling on past spiritual victories or accomplishments can lead to pride and complacency. Paul, a renowned apostle, refuses to rest on his laurels. He doesn't want past successes to satisfy him or hinder his future pursuit of Christ.
Releasing Past Failures
Equally, lingering on past sins, mistakes, or regrets can lead to discouragement and a sense of hopelessness. This 'forgetting' isn't about denial but about releasing the grip these past events have on our present motivation. We bring our past to God for forgiveness and healing, but we don't let it define our forward momentum.
The Purpose of Forgetting
This intentional forgetting serves to keep our eyes fixed on the goal. It prevents us from being distracted by what has already happened, allowing us to pour all our energy into the present pursuit of Christ.
Paul doesn't just forget the past; he 'strains forward.' What does this intense effort look like for us?
The phrase 'straining forward' (or 'reaching forth') is incredibly dynamic. It paints a picture of intense physical exertion, like an athlete pushing their body to its absolute limit.
Total Commitment
This isn't a casual stroll; it's a full-out sprint. Paul is giving everything he has. Every muscle, every fiber of his being is directed towards the goal. This signifies a complete commitment of one's life and strength to pursuing Christlikeness and the heavenly prize.
A Focused Direction
The imagery also emphasizes direction. The athlete leans forward, eyes fixed on the finish line. Similarly, Christians are called to direct all their energies and aspirations toward the future hope and calling in Christ. This focus prevents aimless wandering or distraction.
The Prize Ahead
What is Paul straining for? The 'prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.' This is the ultimate reward – a full participation in God's glorious kingdom, a perfected state, and eternal fellowship with Him. This glorious future fuels the present striving.
The letter to the Philippians was written while Paul was imprisoned, offering a powerful perspective on endurance and unwavering focus on Christ even amidst hardship and the looming reality of his own potential death.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
During his extensive ministry in Corinth, the Apostle Paul would have been writing letters, including the one to the Philippians, during periods of intense spiritual labor and significant opposition.
c. AD 53-55
Paul Imprisoned in Ephesus
Paul's long stay in Ephesus likely involved further reflection and writing. During this time, the challenges and triumphs of his ministry would have been fresh in his mind.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul's First Roman Imprisonment
While under house arrest in Rome, Paul wrote several epistles, including Philippians. This period of confinement, though restricting, allowed for deep theological reflection and correspondence with churches like Philippi.
c. AD 64
Traditional Date of Paul's Martyrdom
While debated, many traditions place Paul's death around this time, following his release and re-arrest. This ultimate sacrifice serves as a backdrop to his writings about pressing on for Christ.
This passage uses the same athletic imagery of running a race to emphasize the need for self-control and striving for an imperishable reward, directly paralleling Paul's focus on pressing forward.
Romans 12:2It calls believers to a transformation that involves a renewal of the mind, which is essential for moving past old ways of thinking and embracing God's will, much like Paul's 'forgetting what is behind'.
Hebrews 12:1-2This passage directly references the imagery of a race, urging believers to lay aside hindrances and fix their eyes on Jesus, the ultimate prize and source of strength, echoing Paul's forward-looking perspective.
Galatians 5:7Paul here addresses the Galatians' previous interference in their spiritual progress, implying that setbacks or past failures shouldn't derail the present pursuit of truth and righteousness.
1 Timothy 6:12This verse commands believers to 'fight the good fight of faith' and 'take hold of the eternal life,' which mirrors Paul's determined pursuit of the prize despite not yet having fully attained it.
barnesPhilippians 3:13: "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,"
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended - That is, to have obtained that for which I have been called into the service of the Redeemer. There is something which I strive after which I have not yet gained. This statement is a confirmation of the opinion that in the previous verse, where he says tha…
meyerPhilippians 3:13: "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,"
Php 3:13-14 . Once more, and with loving earnestness ( ἀδελφοί ), Paul says what he had already said in Php 3:12 with οὐχ ὅτι … καταλάβω ; and in doing so, he brings more into relief in the first portion the element of self -estimation, which in his own case he denies; and, in the second part, he sets fort…
Paul emphasizes that he's not focusing on his past achievements, even his significant spiritual victories, but is actively "forgetting" them to press forward. This isn't about ignoring God's past grace, but about refusing to let any accomplishment become a resting point, instead using it as a launching pad for future growth.
Paul is talking about his own spiritual journey, admitting that even with all his accomplishments and zeal, he hasn't "arrived" yet. He's shifting from what he's already done and achieved in his Christian life to what still lies ahead, using the imagery of a runner pushing toward the finish line. He emphasizes this single, forward-looking focus as the key to his continued pursuit of Christ and the heavenly prize.
Paul is talking about his own spiritual journey, admitting that even with all his accomplishments and zeal, he hasn't "arrived" yet. He's shifting from what he's already done and achieved in his Christian life to what still lies ahead, using the imagery of a runner pushing toward the finish line. He emphasizes this single, forward-looking focus as the key to his continued pursuit of Christ and the heavenly prize.
"Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead," — Paul emphasizes that he's not focusing on his past achievements, even his significant spiritual victories, but is actively "forgetting" them to press forward. This isn't about ignoring God's past gra…
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Last reviewed October 2026
