Philippians 3:13

KJV

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,

KJV (with Strong's)

Brethren {G80}, I {G1473} count {G3049} not {G3756} myself {G1683} to have apprehended {G2638}: but {G1161} this one thing {G1520} I do, forgetting {G1950} those things {G3303} which are behind {G3694}, and {G1161} reaching forth unto {G1901} those things which are before {G1715},

Complete Jewish Bible

Brothers, I, for my part, do not think of myself as having yet gotten hold of it; but one thing I do: forgetting what is behind me and straining forward toward what lies ahead,

Berean Standard Bible

Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,

American Standard Version

Brethren, I count not myself yet to have laid hold: but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Philippians 3:13, the Apostle Paul articulates a profound spiritual posture, declaring that despite his immense spiritual experiences and apostolic calling, he has not yet fully "apprehended" or attained the ultimate spiritual perfection. Instead, he reveals a singular, unwavering focus: intentionally releasing the past—whether accomplishments or failures—and intensely straining forward with determined effort towards the future, specifically the ultimate prize of knowing Christ and experiencing the fullness of God's calling. This verse encapsulates the dynamic, forward-looking, and humble pursuit characteristic of the mature Christian life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Philippians 3:13 stands as a pivotal statement within Paul's broader argument in Philippians chapter 3. Preceding this verse, Paul vehemently warns against false teachers who promote salvation through adherence to the Law and human effort, contrasting their legalism with the true righteousness found only in Christ Jesus. He recounts his own impeccable Jewish credentials, only to declare them "loss" and "rubbish" for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ ([Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul's Renunciation of Former Gains")). He then expresses his passionate desire to "know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings" ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Paul's Desire to Know Christ")). Verse 12 clarifies that he has not "already obtained" or "already been made perfect," setting the stage for verse 13, which explains the active, ongoing pursuit required to press towards the goal mentioned in [Philippians 3:14](/philippians/3-14 "Philippians 3:14 - The Prize of the Upward Call"). Thus, verse 13 serves as a bridge, explaining the *how* of spiritual progress in light of the *what* (the prize) and the *why* (the surpassing worth of Christ).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians from prison, likely in Rome, around A.D. 60-62. Philippi was a Roman colony, and its citizens prided themselves on their Roman citizenship and values, including discipline, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. This context makes Paul's use of athletic imagery, particularly the metaphor of a race, highly relatable to his audience. The Greco-Roman world was familiar with athletic games (like the Isthmian Games) where runners strained every muscle, fixed their gaze on the finish line, and disregarded everything behind them to win the prize. Furthermore, the presence of Judaizers—those who insisted on circumcision and adherence to the Mosaic Law for salvation—was a significant concern, prompting Paul to emphasize that true righteousness and spiritual progress come not from human effort or past achievements but from faith in Christ and a forward-looking pursuit of Him.

* **Key Themes:** Philippians 3:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Philippians and Paul's theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Christian Maturity as a Dynamic Process**, emphasizing that spiritual growth is not a static state but an active, continuous journey of pursuit rather than a destination already reached. Secondly, it highlights the **Supremacy of Christ**, as all past achievements are deemed worthless in comparison to knowing Him, and all future striving is directed towards Him and the "upward call of God in Christ Jesus" ([Philippians 3:8](/philippians/3-8 "Philippians 3:8 - Loss for Christ") and [Philippians 3:14](/philippians/3-14 "Philippians 3:14 - The Prize of the Upward Call")). Thirdly, the verse exemplifies **Single-Minded Devotion**, advocating for an undivided focus on Christ, letting go of distractions and past hindrances. Finally, it powerfully illustrates the **Pursuit of Righteousness by Faith**, contrasting human attempts at self-justification with the divine provision of righteousness through Christ, which then motivates a life of determined, Spirit-empowered striving.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **apprehended (Greek, _katalambánō'_):** This verb means "to take eagerly, i.e., seize, possess, or attain fully." Paul's use of the perfect tense ("have apprehended") indicates a completed action with ongoing results. By stating "I count not myself to have apprehended," Paul humbly acknowledges that he has not yet fully grasped, seized, or attained the ultimate spiritual perfection or the complete realization of the resurrection life he desires in Christ. It implies that the goal is still ahead, not fully possessed.
* **forgetting (Greek, _epilanthánomai'_):** This middle voice verb means "to lose out of mind; by implication, to neglect." In this context, it signifies an intentional act of letting go or disregarding. It's not about literal amnesia, but about refusing to be defined or hindered by past experiences—whether they are past sins that bring guilt and condemnation, or past achievements that could lead to pride and complacency. This "forgetting" is an active spiritual discipline necessary for forward progress.
* **reaching forth unto (Greek, _epekteínomai'_):** This middle voice verb, derived from "upon" and "to stretch out," vividly describes "to stretch (oneself) forward upon." It paints a picture of intense, straining effort, like a runner leaning forward with every muscle engaged, extending towards the finish line. It conveys a sense of eager anticipation, determined exertion, and single-minded focus on what lies ahead, demonstrating Paul's active and passionate pursuit of the ultimate goal in Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended:"** Paul addresses his fellow believers ("Brethren"), establishing a pastoral and relatable tone. He then makes a deeply personal and humble confession: despite his profound spiritual experiences, revelations, and apostolic ministry, he does not consider himself to have fully grasped, seized, or attained the ultimate spiritual perfection or the complete resurrection life in Christ. This statement immediately disarms any notion of spiritual complacency or self-sufficiency, setting a precedent for continuous pursuit.
* **"but [this] one thing [I do],"** This phrase marks a sharp contrast ("but") with the previous statement of non-attainment. It introduces Paul's singular, undivided focus and determined course of action. The emphasis on "one thing" highlights the intensity and singularity of his spiritual pursuit, indicating that all other concerns are subordinated to this primary objective. It speaks to a life of focused intentionality, free from spiritual distraction.
* **"forgetting those things which are behind,"** This clause describes the necessary prerequisite for forward movement. "Forgetting" here is not literal amnesia, but an active, intentional release of the past. This includes both past failures (sins, mistakes, regrets that might paralyze) and past successes (achievements, spiritual high points, credentials that might foster pride or complacency). Paul understands that dwelling on either can hinder progress toward the future. It's about refusing to be defined or held captive by what has already transpired.
* **"and reaching forth unto those things which are before,"** This final clause describes the active, forward-looking posture. "Reaching forth" (or "straining forward") uses vivid athletic imagery, depicting a runner intensely leaning into the race, stretching every muscle toward the finish line. "Those things which are before" refer to the future aspects of salvation, the full knowledge of Christ, and the ultimate prize of God's upward call. This is a dynamic, determined, and anticipatory movement towards the ultimate goal, fueled by an unwavering focus on Christ and His future glory.

#### Literary Devices
Philippians 3:13 is rich with **Metaphor** and **Analogy**, primarily drawing from the world of athletics. The entire verse functions as an extended metaphor of a runner in a race. Paul's declaration of "reaching forth" (ἐπεκτείνομαι) vividly paints the picture of an athlete straining every muscle, leaning forward with intense focus towards the finish line, disregarding everything behind them. This **Imagery** of a race powerfully conveys the active, disciplined, and single-minded nature of the Christian life. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** ("not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do"), highlighting the shift from a state of non-attainment to one of active pursuit. Furthermore, the phrase "this one thing I do" employs **Emphasis** through its singular focus, underscoring the unwavering priority Paul places on his spiritual objective.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Philippians 3:13 is a cornerstone verse for understanding the nature of Christian sanctification and perseverance. It powerfully teaches that spiritual maturity is not a static state of arrival but a dynamic, lifelong process of growth and pursuit. Paul, arguably the most spiritually mature individual of his time, humbly admits his ongoing need to press forward, shattering any illusion of passive spirituality or the possibility of reaching a point where further growth is unnecessary. This verse underscores the eschatological tension of the "already and not yet"—believers are already saved and indwelt by the Spirit, but they are not yet fully conformed to Christ's image. It calls for an active, intentional, and disciplined engagement with the Christian journey, characterized by both humility regarding one's present state and fervent hope for future glorification. The "forgetting" of the past speaks to the liberating power of Christ over past failures and the dangers of resting on past successes, while "reaching forth" emphasizes the future-oriented hope and the ultimate goal of Christlikeness.

* [Hebrews 12:1](/hebrews/12-1 "Hebrews 12:1 - Running the Race with Perseverance")
* [1 Corinthians 9:24-27](/1_corinthians/9-24-27 "1 Corinthians 9:24-27 - Running to Win the Prize")
* [Romans 8:23-25](/romans/8-23-25 "Romans 8:23-25 - Groaning for Redemption")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Philippians 3:13 serves as a timeless challenge and encouragement for every believer. It calls us to adopt Paul's posture of humble, relentless pursuit in our own spiritual lives. We are often tempted to dwell on past mistakes, allowing guilt or regret to paralyze our progress, or conversely, to rest on past achievements, becoming complacent in our spiritual walk. Paul's command to "forgetting those things which are behind" is a powerful call to release both the weight of past failures and the pride of past successes, recognizing that neither should define our present identity or hinder our future trajectory in Christ. Instead, we are to fix our gaze forward, "reaching forth unto those things which are before," which means actively and intentionally striving to know Christ more deeply, to live more fully in His resurrection power, and to conform more completely to His image. This requires discipline, focus, and a willingness to stretch ourselves beyond our comfort zones, always anticipating the glorious prize of God's upward call. It reminds us that the Christian life is a journey of continuous transformation, demanding our active participation and unwavering devotion to the One who calls us forward.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "things which are behind" (whether failures or successes) might be hindering your present spiritual progress, and how can you intentionally "forget" them in light of Christ's grace?**
* **In what specific areas of your life are you being called to "reach forth" or strain forward in your pursuit of Christ?**
* **How can you cultivate a more single-minded focus on Christ in a world filled with distractions and competing priorities?**
* **What does "apprehending" Christ fully look like to you, and how does Paul's humility in this verse challenge your own understanding of spiritual maturity?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "I count not myself to have apprehended"?**
Answer: When Paul says, "I count not myself to have apprehended," he is humbly admitting that he has not yet fully attained or perfectly grasped the ultimate spiritual goal or the complete perfection that awaits believers in Christ. The Greek word for "apprehended" (katalambánō) implies seizing or taking hold of something fully. Despite his apostolic calling, profound revelations, and deep spiritual experience, Paul acknowledges that the full realization of Christ's likeness and the resurrection life is still a future hope, not a present, completed reality. This statement underscores the ongoing nature of sanctification and the pursuit of Christlikeness throughout a believer's life.

**Is "forgetting those things which are behind" about literal amnesia?**
Answer: No, "forgetting those things which are behind" (Greek: _epilanthánomai_) does not imply literal amnesia or a denial of one's past experiences. Instead, it refers to an intentional act of releasing or disregarding the past, so that it no longer defines, hinders, or holds one captive. This includes both past sins and failures, which might lead to guilt and condemnation, and past successes or achievements, which might lead to pride or complacency. Paul is advocating for a deliberate detachment from the past's power over the present, allowing the believer to press forward unencumbered towards the future in Christ. It's about refusing to dwell on or be limited by what has already occurred, in order to embrace what lies ahead in God's calling.

**What is the "one thing" Paul is doing?**
Answer: The "one thing" Paul is doing is the singular, focused pursuit of Christ and the ultimate prize of God's upward call, as described in [Philippians 3:14](/philippians/3-14 "Philippians 3:14 - The Prize of the Upward Call"). This singular focus involves intentionally "forgetting those things which are behind" and actively "reaching forth unto those things which are before." It represents a life wholly devoted to knowing Christ more intimately, experiencing the power of His resurrection, and pressing on toward the full realization of salvation and glorification. This "one thing" is the driving passion and unwavering purpose of his Christian life, subordinating all other concerns to this supreme goal.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Philippians 3:13, though describing Paul's personal pursuit, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in two profound ways. Firstly, the "prize" towards which Paul strains is none other than Christ Himself, and the "upward call of God" is "in Christ Jesus" ([Philippians 3:14](/philippians/3-14 "Philippians 3:14 - The Prize of the Upward Call")). Thus, the ultimate object of Paul's relentless pursuit is a deeper, fuller, and more complete union with Christ, culminating in the resurrection and glorification where believers will be fully conformed to His image ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to the Image of His Son")). Paul's striving is not towards an abstract ideal, but towards the living Lord who embodies all perfection and righteousness. Secondly, Christ Himself is the perfect embodiment of this "reaching forth" and "forgetting." Though without sin, Jesus "emptied himself," taking the form of a servant, and "humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" ([Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7-8 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")), laying aside His divine prerogatives to accomplish the Father's will. He perfectly fulfilled the mission set before Him, looking past the cross to the joy that was set before Him ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith")). His resurrection and ascension demonstrate the ultimate "apprehension" of the divine purpose, securing the very prize Paul and all believers pursue. Therefore, our ability to "forget" and "reach forth" is empowered by Christ's finished work and His indwelling Spirit, enabling us to run the race with our eyes fixed on Him, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 9:62

And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Hebrews 12:1

¶ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Hebrews 12:2

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Philippians 3:12

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

1 Corinthians 9:24

¶ Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

1 Corinthians 9:27

But I keep under my body, and bring [it] into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Psalms 27:4

One [thing] have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.