Philippians 3:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Philippians 3:13
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,
Chapter Context
Philippians 3 is a friendship epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of worship, mercy, discipleship. Written during Paul's Roman imprisonment (c. 60-62 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church in this Roman colony maintained partnership with Paul despite his imprisonment.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Philippians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Philippians 3:13
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,
Analysis
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 (ἀδελφοί, ἐγὼ ἐμαυτὸν οὐ λογίζομαι κατειληφέναι· ἓν δέ, τὰ μὲν ὀπίσω ἐπιλανθανόμενος τοῖς δὲ ἔμπροσθεν ἐπεκτεινόμενος, adelphoi, egō emauton ou logizomai kateilēphenai; hen de, ta men opisō epilanthanomenos tois de emprosthen epekteinomenos)—Adelphoi ("brothers") marks solemnity. Ou logizomai kateilēphenai ("I do not count myself to have apprehended") reinforces v. 12's humility. Hen de ("but one thing")—singular focus. Two participles describe this focus: epilanthanomenos ("forgetting") ta opisō ("things behind")—past achievements/failures don't define; epekteinomenos ("stretching forward") tois emprosthen ("things ahead")—like runner straining toward finish. This athletic imagery (common in Paul: 1 Cor 9:24-27; 2 Tim 4:7) pictures focused, forward-oriented pursuit. No looking back—only pressing ahead.
Historical Context
Ancient athletic contests (Olympics, Isthmian games) were prominent in Greco-Roman culture. Runners trained intensely, raced naked to minimize drag, stretched toward finish line. Paul applies this to Christian life: singular focus, abandoning past, straining forward. Forgetting 'things behind' includes both pre-conversion credentials (vv. 5-6) and post-conversion achievements—neither define identity or destiny. Only Christ and His call matter (v. 14).
Reflection
- What 'things behind' (past sins or successes) do you need to forget to press forward?
- How does 'one thing I do' challenge cultural multitasking and divided attention?
- What does 'stretching forward' (epekteinomenos) look like practically in pursuing Christ?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Philippians 2:12, 3:8, 3:12, Psalms 27:4, 45:10, Luke 9:62