What does Philippians 3:13 mean?

Explanation

Philippians 3:13 is a verse where the Apostle Paul conveys his approach to spiritual growth and maturity. In the verse, he acknowledges that he has not yet reached the full understanding or perfection in Christ ("I count not myself to have apprehended").

However, he expresses a singular focus: forgetting the past ("forgetting those things which are behind") and striving towards the future ("reaching forth unto those things which are before").

This involves a conscious release of past achievements or failures and a steady pursuit of the goals set before him in his Christian faith.

The deeper meaning here is one of ongoing spiritual progress and the importance of focusing on continual growth rather than resting on previous experiences.

Historical Context

The book of Philippians was a letter written by Paul to the Christians in Philippi, a city in Macedonia.

Paul wrote this epistle from prison, possibly in Rome, around A.D. 62.

At this stage in his life, Paul had been through many trials, persecutions, successes in church planting, and profound spiritual experiences.

The context of Philippians 3 is that Paul is warning the believers against Judaizers who taught that faith in Christ needed to be supplemented with adherence to Jewish law. He emphasizes the superiority of faith in Christ above any legalistic righteousness or previous pedigree.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse reflects the doctrine of sanctification, the process by which believers are progressively made holy through their relationship with Jesus Christ.

It underscores the belief that spiritual maturity is a continuing journey rather than a one-time event.

Paul implies that even though he was an apostle, he had not achieved perfection and needed to press on in his faith.

Some theologians may also see this verse illustrating the doctrine of perseverance of the saints, indicating that true believers will continue to pursue God throughout their lives.

Others might emphasize how it speaks to the humility required to walk in faith, recognizing the distance yet to travel in Christian growth.

Practical Applications

Philippians 3:13 can be applied in several practical ways. It encourages believers to leave behind past regrets and successes, which can either lead to despair or complacency, respectively.

The verse instead promotes a forward-focused lifestyle that continuously seeks personal and spiritual development. This mindset can be transformative when applied to areas like forgiveness, goal setting, personal discipline, and faith in action.

Cross-References

• 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."
• Hebrews 12:1-2 - "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, 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."
• 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."
• Isaiah 43:18-19 - "Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert."

Language Study

The key phrases in Philippians 3:13 deserving of a closer look are "count not myself to have apprehended," "forgetting those things which are behind," and "reaching forth unto those things which are before."

• "Apprehended" (Greek: κατελήφθην, katelēphthēn): To take hold of, grasp, or attain.

Paul is stating he has not yet fully grasped the fullness of Christ.

• "Forgetting" (Greek: ἐπιλανθανόμενος, epilanthanomenos): To lose out of mind; to neglect to remember.

Paul talks about intentionally disregarding his past.

• "Reaching forth" (Greek: ἐπεκτείνομαι, epekteinomai): To stretch forward or strain toward something.

This symbolizes active and intentional effort towards a goal.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other religious traditions, there are similar themes of forgetting the past and striving towards a spiritual goal.

For example, in Buddhism, there is the concept of not clinging to past experiences as part of the path to enlightenment.

In Hinduism, the Bhagavad Gita speaks of action without attachment to the results, which parallels the idea of focusing on the path ahead without being hindered by past achievements or failures.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the concept of forgetting the past and focusing on future objectives can be compared to the psychological processes of letting go of negative memories and setting future goals, which is considered healthy for one's mental state.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, for instance, often encourages patients to reframe or release past traumas and focus on constructive future-oriented thinking.

Commentaries

Various Bible scholars and commentators offer diverse insights on Philippians 3:13:

• John Gill references the idea of a runner in a race as an analogy for Paul's sentiment, where looking back would impede performance.
• Matthew Henry emphasizes the necessity of a constant striving for perfection, despite it being out of our reach on earth.
• William Barclay speaks of the Christian life as being one of continual aspiration, with Paul setting the ultimate example of never being satisfied with spiritual progress.
• Albert Barnes highlights the human tendency to dwell on past achievements or failures and sees Paul’s words as an exhortation to focus on the present and future tasks in the Christian journey.

These commentaries exhibit a consensus that spiritual growth is a lifelong pursuit and that believers should aspire to move forward in their faith consistently.