Philippians 3:14
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Paul isn't just running a race; he's stretching forward, a dynamic action that implies straining every fiber to reach something specifically positioned "above." This "high calling" isn't merely a general invitation, but a heavenly goal actively pulling him upwards, and the prize isn't just a reward, but the culmination of this divine, upward pull.
Paul is describing his intense pursuit of spiritual maturity, comparing it to an athlete racing towards a finish line. He's just explained how he's leaving behind his past achievements and failures, not to rest on his laurels or dwell on regrets, but to focus solely on Christ. This verse then clarifies why he's so driven: it's all about reaching for the ultimate prize promised by God through Jesus.
Paul uses a vivid image of athletic competition. What does it truly mean to 'press on' in our faith journey?
The apostle Paul likens the Christian life to a footrace in an ancient stadium. The Greek word he uses, epekteinomenos, paints a picture of intensely stretching oneself forward, reaching beyond current limits.
The Unfinished Race
Paul isn't talking about coasting or resting on past accomplishments. He's actively striving, pushing himself towards a distant goal. This isn't about perfection in thinking, but action – a continuous, eager pursuit. The eye leads, drawing the hand, which pulls the foot forward. It’s a dynamic process!
Keeping Your Eyes on the Prize
The focus isn't just on running hard, but on running in the right direction. The 'mark' wasn't just the finish line, but a specific line on the track. Straying meant disqualification. For us, this means staying focused on God's path, not getting sidetracked by worldly distractions.
What exactly is this 'prize' Paul is running for? It's more than just a reward; it's deeply connected to God's initiative.
The 'prize' Paul is striving for is intrinsically linked to the 'upward call of God in Christ Jesus.' This isn't a reward earned by our running, but the ultimate fulfillment of God's initiative in calling us.
God's Initiative, Our Response
This 'calling' is 'high' or 'heavenly' – it originates from God above and is directed toward heaven. It’s a call to salvation, to a new identity, and ultimately, to eternal glory with Christ. Paul’s pursuit is fueled by the certainty that God Himself initiated this call and apprehended him for it.
The Prize of Union
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.
This passage directly uses the metaphor of a footrace, just like Philippians 3:14, emphasizing the need for disciplined effort to win an incorruptible crown, echoing Paul's pursuit of the 'prize'.
Hebrews 12:1-2It describes believers as running a race with endurance, looking to Jesus as the 'pioneer and perfecter of our faith,' which parallels Paul's focus on the goal and the 'upward call'.
2 Timothy 4:7-8Paul here reflects on his own life's race, stating he has 'kept the faith' and looks forward to the 'crown of righteousness' that will be given to him, mirroring the prize Paul is pressing toward in Philippians.
Colossians 3:1-2This passage encourages believers to 'set their minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth,' reinforcing the 'upward call' and the heavenly nature of the prize Paul is striving for.
barnesPhilippians 3:14: "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
I press toward the mark - As he who was running a race did. The "mark" means properly the object set up at a distance at which one looks or aims, and hence the goal, or post which was set up at the end of a race-course, and which was to be reached in order that the prize might be won. Here it means that which is at the end of the Christian race - in heaven. For the prize - The prize of the race…
vincentPhilippians 3:14: "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
One thingI do is supplied. Some supply I count, which is less appropriate, since what follows is concerned with action rather than with thinking or reckoning.Reaching forth (ἐπεκτεινόμενος)Only here in the New Testament. Ἑπί direction, after; ἐκ forth; τείνω to stretch. Rev., stretching forward. The metaphor is that of the footrace. Bengel says: "The eye outstrips and draws onward the han…
Paul isn't just running a race; he's stretching forward, a dynamic action that implies straining every fiber to reach something specifically positioned "above." This "high calling" isn't merely a general invitation, but a heavenly goal actively pulling him upwards, and the prize isn't just a reward, but the culmination of this divine, upward pull.
Paul is describing his intense pursuit of spiritual maturity, comparing it to an athlete racing towards a finish line. He's just explained how he's leaving behind his past achievements and failures, not to rest on his laurels or dwell on regrets, but to focus solely on Christ. This verse then clarifies why he's so driven: it's all about reaching for the ultimate prize promised by God through Jesus.
Paul is describing his intense pursuit of spiritual maturity, comparing it to an athlete racing towards a finish line. He's just explained how he's leaving behind his past achievements and failures, not to rest on his laurels or dwell on regrets, but to focus solely on Christ. This verse then clarifies he's so driven: it's all about reaching for the ultimate prize promised by God through Jesus.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Philippians 3:14 is available in the Sola app.
"I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." — Paul isn't just running a race; he's stretching forward, a dynamic action that implies straining every fiber to reach something specifically positioned "above." This "high calling" isn't merely a g…
