What does Philippians 3:14 mean?

Explanation

Philippians 3:14 presents a metaphor that the Apostle Paul uses to describe the Christian life as a race which requires focus and perseverance.

In a literal sense, Paul speaks of "pressing toward the mark," which suggests straining forward or pursuing a goal diligently. This imagery of a race is used to depict the effort and commitment required in the Christian journey.

The "mark" refers to the goal or finish line that a runner aims to reach.

In the context of this verse, this is not a physical mark but a spiritual one, the "high calling of God in Christ Jesus." This high calling is understood as the ultimate purpose God has for believers, which is to be found in perfect unity and fellowship with Him through Jesus Christ.

The "prize" alludes to the rewards that await believers at the end of their earthly lives, which is eternal life and the fullness of joy in the presence of God.

The concept here is that, like an athlete strives for the victor's reward, so should Christians pursue their spiritual goals with similar intensity and determination.

Historical Context

Philippians is an epistle written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Philippi, one of the early centers of Christianity.

Paul is believed to have written this letter while he was in prison, probably in Rome, and it is dated around 61-63 AD.

The Philippian church had a special place in Paul's heart as it was the first church he established on European soil.

The time was characterized by Roman rule, where athletic games such as the Olympic Games and the Isthmian Games were common and celebrated aspects of society.

References to athletic contests would be familiar and resonant to his readers.

Paul uses this familiar metaphor to teach them about the Christian life, employing it as an illustration of how believers should live faithfully and with endurance.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Philippians 3:14 provides profound insights into soteriology (the study of salvation), eschatology (the study of last things), and sanctification (the process of becoming holy).

• Soteriology: The verse emphasizes the believer's journey toward salvation, indicating that one's salvation is not merely a past event but involves an ongoing process that culminates in complete redemption.

• Eschatology: The "prize" speaks to the ultimate hope of Christians: the return of Christ and the believer's resurrection to eternal life, highlighting the future aspect of the Christian faith.

• Sanctification: The active pursuit of the "mark" suggests ongoing personal effort in cooperation with the divine work of the Holy Spirit to grow in Christlikeness.

From different Christian traditions, interpretations may vary slightly.

For example, Catholic theology may emphasize the cooperative aspect of grace and works in pursuit of the prize, while Protestant theology might highlight grace alone as the means by which the prize is obtained, with works being a response to grace.

Practical Applications

In the context of daily living, this verse encourages individuals to:

• Live with purpose and direction, focusing on the ultimate goals of their faith rather than being distracted by temporal affairs.
• Persevere through life's challenges and hardships, maintaining faith and hope in Christ.
• Engage in self-discipline, much like an athlete, to cultivate spiritual maturity.
• Recognize that setbacks are not the end but part of the journey that requires continual effort and reliance on God's strength.

Cross-References

• 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."
• 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,"
• 2 Timothy 4:7 - "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:"

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of Philippians 3:14 include:

• "Press" (Greek: διώκω, diōkō): often used to mean "pursue" or "chase after," carrying the connotation of an intense effort or pursuit.
• "Mark" (Greek: σκοπός, skopos): refers to the goal or target, indicating the direction of one's attention or aim.
• "Prize" (Greek: βραβεῖον, brabeion): a term commonly used for the award given to victors in athletic games.
• "High calling" (Greek: κλῆσις ἄνω, klēsis anō): literally translating to "upward call," which suggests a divine summons that originates from heaven.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The imagery of a race and prize in Philippians 3:14 can be compared to other ancient myths where heroes undergo tests or challenges to achieve a great reward or immortality. Similarly, many ancient religions had concepts of striving for an afterlife reward through various deeds or rituals.

However, the Christian concept of the "high calling" is unique in its personal relational aspect with a monotheistic God and the centrality of Jesus Christ in facilitating this relationship.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives might look at the human need for purpose and the psychological benefits of having clear goals and striving to achieve them.

Modern research in psychology supports the idea that having a sense of purpose can contribute to better mental health and well-being, paralleling the teachings of Philippians 3:14 about living a life aimed at a meaningful spiritual goal.

Commentaries

Different biblical scholars and theologians have commented on Philippians 3:14:

• Matthew Henry's Commentary focuses on the diligence and determination Paul displays, asserting that Christians should emulate this level of zeal in their spiritual life.
• The Pulpit Commentary notes the single-mindedness required in the Christian life, as indicated by Paul's use of athletic imagery.
• Barnes' Notes on the Bible describes the verse as encompassing the whole Christian life as a journey toward the eternal life promised in Christ.
• John Calvin's Commentaries discuss the distinction between the earthly and the heavenly.

He emphasizes that Christians should direct their endeavors towards the heavenly calling to obtain the immortal crown.