I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Philippians 3:14
What does Philippians 3:14 mean?
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Philippians 3:14
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Paul isn't just running a race; he's "stretching himself forward," a unique phrase showing an intense, active reaching beyond his current grasp. This isn't about simply finishing, but about a dynamic pursuit of a prize that is an "upward" or "heavenly" calling, originating from God and found only in Christ Jesus.
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is describing his intense focus on Christ and the heavenly hope, contrasting it with those who focus on earthly things or past accomplishments. He emphasizes that even after a life of ministry, he continues to press forward, forgetting what's behind and straining toward the ultimate prize God has called him to in Christ. This pursuit is characterized by a relentless drive for greater conformity to Christ and the ultimate resurrection life.
Paul uses a vivid image of athletic competition. What exactly is he running toward, and why is it so important?
Paul paints a picture of intense focus, like an athlete in a stadium. He's not just casually strolling; he's 'pressing on' toward a 'mark' – the finish line. This isn't just about personal achievement; it's about reaching the ultimate goal set by God.
A Goal from Above
The 'mark' isn't a physical object on earth, but rather the 'upward call of God.' This refers to the heavenly destination and eternal reward that God calls believers towards through Christ Jesus. It's a calling that originates from heaven and directs our gaze and efforts heavenward.
The Prize That Awaits
The 'prize' isn't a fleeting earthly reward but an incorruptible, heavenly crown – the ultimate inheritance and glory promised to those who faithfully pursue Christ.
Paul mentions what he doesn't do. Why is forgetting the past so crucial for moving forward in faith?
The intensity of Paul's pursuit ('I press on') implies a deliberate turning away from the past. The original language suggests 'stretching oneself out' – an action of intense physical exertion where every fiber is engaged.
Letting Go of Yesterday
Paul isn't dwelling on past achievements or even past failures. Forgetting 'the things that are behind' means he's not resting on his laurels from his previous life or even his early Christian successes. These are intentionally left behind to focus entirely on what lies ahead.
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The Power of the Upward Call
This forward momentum is fueled by the power of the 'upward call.' It's a divine summons that pulls him forward, a constant reminder of the glorious destiny awaiting him in Christ Jesus. This heavenly perspective makes earthly distractions fade in importance.
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 imagery of a footrace in Philippians 3:14 resonates deeply when we consider the intense persecution faced by early Christians, including Paul himself. The 'prize' wasn't just a future hope but a powerful motivation to endure present hardships with steadfast faith.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
During his extensive ministry in Ephesus, Paul likely wrote his first letter to the Corinthians. This period was marked by intense spiritual warfare and opposition.
c. AD 55
Writing 1 Corinthians
Paul addresses divisions, immorality, and doctrinal issues within the Corinthian church. He uses strong athletic metaphors, particularly concerning the resurrection and Christian striving, which likely informed his later writings.
c. AD 57-59
Imprisonment in Rome
Paul's imprisonment in Rome, while restrictive, became a period of prolific writing. He penned letters to the Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon, often called the 'Prison Epistles'.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Writing Philippians
From Rome, Paul writes to the church in Philippi, a community he loved dearly. He encourages them amidst suffering and reminds them of the joy found in Christ, drawing heavily on the imagery of a footrace.
c. AD 64
Nero's Persecution
Following the Great Fire of Rome, Emperor Nero initiated the first major Roman persecution of Christians. This context of potential martyrdom and suffering underscored the urgency of Paul's message about perseverance.
This passage uses the same footrace analogy, highlighting the intense effort required to win an incorruptible crown, mirroring Paul's pursuit of the prize in Philippians.
Hebrews 12:1-2This passage directly parallels the imagery of a race, urging believers to throw off hindrances and fix their eyes on Jesus, the ultimate goal and source of endurance, echoing Paul's focus on the 'mark' and 'upward call'.
Colossians 3:1-2It speaks of setting your minds on things above, where Christ is seated, directly connecting to the 'upward call' and the heavenly prize Paul is striving for.
2 Timothy 4:7-8Paul reflects on finishing his race and keeping the faith, anticipating the 'crown of righteousness' that the Lord will award, reinforcing the theme of striving for a heavenly reward.
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 himself forward," a unique phrase showing an intense, active reaching beyond his current grasp. This isn't about simply finishing, but about a dynamic pursuit of a prize that is an "upward" or "heavenly" calling, originating from God and found only in Christ Jesus.
Paul is describing his intense focus on Christ and the heavenly hope, contrasting it with those who focus on earthly things or past accomplishments. He emphasizes that even after a life of ministry, he continues to press forward, forgetting what's behind and straining toward the ultimate prize God has called him to in Christ. This pursuit is characterized by a relentless drive for greater conformity to Christ and the ultimate resurrection life.
Paul is describing his intense focus on Christ and the heavenly hope, contrasting it with those who focus on earthly things or past accomplishments. He emphasizes that even after a life of ministry, he continues to press forward, forgetting what's behind and straining toward the ultimate prize God has called him to in Christ. This pursuit is characterized by a relentless drive for greater conformity to Christ and the ultimate resurrection life.
"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 himself forward," a unique phrase showing an intense, active reaching beyond his current grasp. This isn't about simply finishing, but about a dynamic…
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Last reviewed October 2026