Philippians 3:13-14
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Paul isn't just saying he's not perfect yet; he's confessing that even his current spiritual achievements are just milestones, not the finish line. The real focus isn't on minimizing past spiritual wins, but on actively "forgetting" them (treating them as insufficient to stop pressing forward) and straining toward a future he hasn't yet reached.
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, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is in the midst of describing his fervent pursuit of Christ, even after a lifetime of dedication. He contrasts his own relentless drive with the spiritual complacency or self-righteousness he sees in others, emphasizing that he hasn't yet "arrived" at his ultimate goal. This verse serves as a pivotal declaration of his singular focus, setting the stage for his exhortation to others to fix their hope on the future glory found in Christ, rather than dwelling on past achievements or worldly enticements.
Paul talks about not having 'apprehended' or 'attained.' What does that mean for those of us who feel we've already come so far in our faith journey?
Paul uses powerful imagery from the Greek games to describe the Christian life. He says he hasn't 'apprehended' – hasn't fully grasped or reached the end goal. This isn't a sign of failure, but a recognition that the Christian life is a journey, not a destination.
The Prize Ahead
Paul's 'not yet' doesn't negate the 'already.' He's already been 'apprehended' by Christ (verse 12) – called into this race. But the prize, the full realization of Christlikeness and eternal glory, is still ahead. This 'already, not yet' tension is key to understanding his urgency.
Embracing Imperfection
This means we don't have to feel guilty for not being 'perfect.' Even Paul, a towering figure of faith, confesses he's still striving. True spiritual maturity isn't about reaching a static state of perfection, but about a dynamic pursuit of Christ.
Paul talks about 'forgetting what lies behind.' Does this mean we should erase our past, or is there a more strategic way to approach our history?
The 'forgetting' Paul speaks of isn't about amnesia or denial. It's a deliberate turning away from things that could hinder his forward momentum.
What to Forget
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The Purpose of Forgetting
This strategic forgetting liberates us. It frees up our energy and focus to press on toward the future God has called us to. It's about saying, 'Thank you, Lord, for how far you've brought me, but my eyes are now fixed on where you're taking me.'
Paul isn't just passively waiting; he's actively 'straining forward.' What does this intense, forward focus look like in everyday life?
The Christian life is an active pursuit, not a passive experience. Paul uses the word 'straining' (or 'reaching forth') – a word that implies intense physical exertion, like an athlete leaning with all their might toward the finish line.
One Thing is Essential
Paul’s strategy is clear: 'But one thing I do.' In a world that constantly pulls us in a million directions, he identifies a singular focus. This doesn't mean we only do one activity, but that all our activities are oriented around one ultimate goal: Christlikeness and the heavenly prize.
The Direction of Desire
This straining is fueled by desire for what's ahead – the higher calling, the prize of eternal life with God. It's a deep longing that propels us forward, making us willing to exert maximum effort. It's about aligning our will with God's will, fixing our gaze on Him and His promises.
Understand the original words
skopos · Greek Noun
The objective or finish line toward which the believer directs their life; it represents the ultimate purpose of God for the individual in Christ.
brabeion · Greek Noun
The reward given at the completion of a race; in the Christian life, it refers to the eternal glory and presence of God received at the end of the spiritual journey.
anō klēsis · Greek Noun phrase
The divine invitation that originates from God and draws the believer toward heaven; it is characterized by its high, heavenly nature.
The specific context of Philippians is debated among scholars, but its writing during periods of imprisonment highlights Paul's resilience and focus on Christ amidst hardship.
c. AD 50-52— this verse
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
While in Corinth during his second missionary journey, Paul likely wrote the letter to the Philippians, addressing common challenges faced by the early church.
c. AD 53-57
Paul's Imprisonment in Ephesus
Later, during his extended stay in Ephesus, Paul might have written Philippians as a letter of encouragement and instruction, possibly during a period of imprisonment.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Roman Imprisonment
Alternatively, Philippians may have been written from Rome during Paul's first Roman imprisonment, where he was under house arrest but still ministering.
This passage directly parallels Paul's metaphor of the Christian life as a race, highlighting the need for self-control and striving for an incorruptible prize, echoing Paul's 'one thing I do' focus.
Hebrews 12:1-2It encourages believers to 'run with endurance the race that is set before us' by looking to Jesus, reinforcing the theme of perseverance and keeping one's eyes fixed on a heavenly goal despite past struggles.
Romans 8:28-29This passage speaks to God's purpose in working all things for the good of those who love Him, and His foreknowledge and predestination to conform believers to the image of His Son, which is the ultimate 'ahead' Paul strains toward.
1 Timothy 6:12It calls believers to 'fight the good fight of faith' and 'lay hold on eternal life,' echoing Paul's intense pursuit and focus on the ultimate reward, contrasting with distractions from the past.
Galatians 5:7This verse speaks of 'running well,' but being hindered, suggesting that the act of 'forgetting what is behind' is crucial to maintaining progress in the faith and not being sidetracked by past achievements or failures.
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 isn't just saying he's not perfect yet; he's confessing that even his current spiritual achievements are just milestones, not the finish line. The real focus isn't on minimizing past spiritual wins, but on actively "forgetting" them (treating them as insufficient to stop pressing forward) and straining toward a future he hasn't yet reached.
Paul is in the midst of describing his fervent pursuit of Christ, even after a lifetime of dedication. He contrasts his own relentless drive with the spiritual complacency or self-righteousness he sees in others, emphasizing that he hasn't yet "arrived" at his ultimate goal. This verse serves as a pivotal declaration of his singular focus, setting the stage for his exhortation to others to fix their hope on the future glory found in Christ, rather than dwelling on past achievements or worldly enticements.
Paul is in the midst of describing his fervent pursuit of Christ, even after a lifetime of dedication. He contrasts his own relentless drive with the spiritual complacency or self-righteousness he sees in others, emphasizing that he hasn't yet "arrived" at his ultimate goal. This verse serves as a pivotal declaration of his singular focus, setting the stage for his exhortation to others to fix their hope on the future glory found in Christ, rather than dwelling on past achievements or worldly enticements.
"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, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." — Paul isn't just saying he's not perfect yet; he's confessing that even his current spiritual achievements are just milestones, not the finish line. The real focus isn't on minimizing past spiritual…
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Last reviewed October 2026
