Philippians 3:15
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse encourages "mature" believers to maintain a singular focus on Christ, but it also extends grace to those who might still be "otherwise minded." This isn't a dismissal of differing views, but a hopeful acknowledgment that God Himself will continue to illuminate and correct where needed, assuring us that genuine spiritual growth is a divine process.
Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is wrapping up his encouragement to the Philippian believers to press on towards the goal of Christ. Having just shared his own passionate pursuit of spiritual maturity, he now exhorts those who are mature in faith to share this same mindset. He acknowledges that some might think differently on certain points, but expresses confidence that God will guide them into truth.
Paul calls the 'mature' to a certain mindset. But what does 'mature' really mean in the Christian life?
Paul uses the term 'perfect' (or mature) here not to describe someone who has arrived at a final, flawless state. Instead, he's talking about those who are spiritually developed, who have a deep understanding and commitment to Christ.
Think of it like an athlete who has trained hard and is skilled, but still pushes themselves to get better. They aren't 'perfect' in the sense of never needing to train again, but they have a level of dedication and insight that sets them apart.
Paul includes himself among these mature believers, yet he immediately follows up by saying he hasn't 'already attained' perfection (v. 12). This shows that true Christian maturity isn't about claiming to be flawless. It's about having a mindset that continually presses forward towards Christ, acknowledging that there's always more to learn and grow into.
What happens when believers don't quite see eye-to-eye with Paul's 'mature' perspective? Paul offers a surprisingly gracious answer.
Paul doesn't condemn those who might think differently. He acknowledges that even among mature believers, or perhaps those aspiring to maturity, there might be areas of misunderstanding or differing viewpoints.
His confidence lies in God's faithfulness. He states, 'if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.' This is a powerful promise!
It means that for those who are sincerely seeking God and striving towards Christ, God Himself will step in. He will illuminate their minds, correct their errors, and guide them into a fuller understanding of His truth. This isn't about waiting for a sudden mystical experience, but about God's ongoing work in leading His people through His Spirit and His Word.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
teleios · Greek Adjective
Those who have reached spiritual adulthood or fullness; individuals who exhibit a proper understanding of the gospel and a consistent commitment to spiritual progress.
This passage echoes the call to a renewed mind ('be transformed by the renewal of your mind') that is central to Paul's exhortation in Philippians 3:15, emphasizing a distinct way of thinking for those who are mature in Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:6Paul distinguishes between 'mature' (teleioi) believers and spiritual infants, aligning with the 'Let those of us who are mature' in Philippians 3:15 and suggesting that maturity involves a deeper understanding of God's ways.
Hebrews 5:11-14This passage highlights the concept of spiritual maturity, contrasting 'babes in Christ' with those who are 'mature' and have 'trained' their senses. This connects to the 'mature' in Philippians 3:15 who are expected to have a clearer understanding.
1 John 2:20The idea that believers have an 'anointing from the Holy One' and know all things relates to the promise in Philippians 3:15 that God will reveal further understanding to those who are otherwise minded, implying an ongoing work of divine illumination.
Colossians 1:28Paul speaks of presenting everyone mature in Christ, which resonates with the mature believers in Philippians 3:15 who are striving for a goal. It underscores the progressive nature of Christian growth and the pursuit of completeness in Christ.
vincentPhilippians 3:15: "Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you."
Toward the mark (κατὰ σκοπὸν)Rev., goal. Bear down upon (κατά). Σκοπός mark, only here in the New Testament. See on look, Philippians 2:4. Used in the classics of a mark for shooting at, or as a moral or intellectual end. A somewhat similar figure occurs 1 Timothy 1:6; 1 Timothy 6:21; 2 Timothy 2:18, in the verb ἀστοχέω to miss the a…
barnesPhilippians 3:15: "Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you."
Let us therefore, as many as be perfect - see the notes at Philippians 3:12 . Or, rather, those who would be perfect; or who are aiming at perfection. It can hardly be supposed that the apostle would address them as already perfect, when he had just said of himself that lie had not attained to that state. But those whom he addressed might…
The verse encourages "mature" believers to maintain a singular focus on Christ, but it also extends grace to those who might still be "otherwise minded." This isn't a dismissal of differing views, but a hopeful acknowledgment that God Himself will continue to illuminate and correct where needed, assuring us that genuine spiritual growth is a divine process.
Paul is wrapping up his encouragement to the Philippian believers to press on towards the goal of Christ. Having just shared his own passionate pursuit of spiritual maturity, he now exhorts those who are mature in faith to share this same mindset. He acknowledges that some might think differently on certain points, but expresses confidence that God will guide them into truth.
Paul is wrapping up his encouragement to the Philippian believers to press on towards the goal of Christ. Having just shared his own passionate pursuit of spiritual maturity, he now exhorts those who are mature in faith to share this same mindset. He acknowledges that some might think differently on certain points, but expresses confidence that God will guide them into truth.
"Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you." — The verse encourages "mature" believers to maintain a singular focus on Christ, but it also extends grace to those who might still be "otherwise minded." This isn't a dismissal of differing views, bu…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
