Philippians 3:15-16
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Paul encourages mature believers to maintain a singular focus on Christ, but he also graciously acknowledges that if anyone still sees things differently, God Himself will gently guide them toward that same focus. This shows a profound trust in God's ongoing work in His people, promising that even differing perspectives will eventually be illuminated by divine revelation.
Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is wrapping up his intense exhortation to press on toward the prize of Christ. He's just described his own relentless pursuit, urging the Philippians to follow his example, even as he acknowledges he hasn't "already attained" perfection. Now, he calls those who are mature in faith to embrace this same forward-focused mindset.
Paul calls the 'mature' to a specific mindset. What does it truly mean to be mature in Christ, and how does it shape our daily walk?
In Philippians 3:15, Paul addresses those he calls 'mature' (teleioi). This isn't about having all the answers or reaching a final, static state of perfection. Instead, it points to a Christian who is spiritually developed, experienced, and no longer a spiritual infant (as discussed in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3).
The Mature Mindset:
What happens when we don't quite 'get it'? Paul offers incredible hope that God Himself is involved in revealing truth, even to those who differ.
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Paul doesn't leave those who might be 'otherwise minded' in a hopeless state. He offers a profound assurance: 'if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.' This highlights God's patient, guiding hand in the lives of His people.
Divine Illumination:
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.
stoicheō · Greek Verb
The quality of staying the course, keeping, or maintaining a state of adherence to a standard or truth previously received or achieved. It implies a firm grasp of Christian doctrine and practice.
c. AD 55— this verse
Paul Writes Philippians
Paul, imprisoned in Rome, writes to the church in Philippi, a Roman colony in Macedonia. He expresses his deep affection for them and addresses issues of unity and steadfastness in faith.
c. AD 49
Council of Jerusalem
A pivotal council in Jerusalem addresses whether Gentile converts must follow Jewish law. The decision favors the Gentiles, a major step for the early church's inclusiveness.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
The central events of Christianity occur in Jerusalem, forming the foundation of the Gospel message.
c. AD 30s
Early Church Growth
Following Pentecost, the Christian movement rapidly expands, spreading from Jerusalem throughout the Roman Empire.
This passage calls believers to a transformed mind, urging them to live out God's will through renewed thinking, much like Paul encourages the Philippians to have a mature mindset focused on Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:6Here, Paul speaks of 'perfect' or mature believers who grasp spiritual truths, aligning with the idea in Philippians 3:15 that those who are mature have a particular way of thinking.
Galatians 5:25This verse directly links living by the Spirit with walking in step with the Spirit, reflecting the 'be thus minded' instruction in Philippians 3:15, which implies a Spirit-led way of thinking and living.
Hebrews 12:1-2This passage uses the imagery of a race and keeping our eyes on Jesus, echoing the 'pressing on toward the goal' and the focused mindset Paul advocates for mature believers in Philippians 3:15.
1 John 2:20This verse speaks of believers having an anointing from the Holy One that teaches them all things, connecting to the idea in Philippians 3:15 that God will reveal truth to those who are sincerely seeking Him, even if they are currently mistaken.
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…
Paul encourages mature believers to maintain a singular focus on Christ, but he also graciously acknowledges that if anyone still sees things differently, God Himself will gently guide them toward that same focus. This shows a profound trust in God's ongoing work in His people, promising that even differing perspectives will eventually be illuminated by divine revelation.
Paul is wrapping up his intense exhortation to press on toward the prize of Christ. He's just described his own relentless pursuit, urging the Philippians to follow his example, even as he acknowledges he hasn't "already attained" perfection. Now, he calls those who are mature in faith to embrace this same forward-focused mindset.
Paul is wrapping up his intense exhortation to press on toward the prize of Christ. He's just described his own relentless pursuit, urging the Philippians to follow his example, even as he acknowledges he hasn't "already attained" perfection. Now, he calls those who are mature in faith to embrace this same forward-focused mindset.
"Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained." — Paul encourages mature believers to maintain a singular focus on Christ, but he also graciously acknowledges that if anyone still sees things differently, God Himself will gently guide them toward th…
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Last reviewed October 2026
