I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Read it in contextPress toward the mark
Start reading at Philippians 3:12 (Philippians 3:12 to Philippians 3:21).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul denies having already attained and calls the readers to imitate the forward pursuit, contrasting it with conduct opposed to the cross.
3:12Not 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.
3:13Brethren, 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,
3:14I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
3:15Let 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.
3:16Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.
3:17Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
3:18(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
3:19Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
3:20For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
3:21Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Paul is the principal author, with Timothy named alongside him in the greeting. Biblical references: Philippians 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Philippians 3:1–3:21): Paul warns the Philippian believers about harmful teachers and urges them to follow faithful examples in pursuing Christ. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? All the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, including their bishops and deacons. Biblical references: Philippians 1:1. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Press toward the mark. Read Philippians 3:12 through Philippians 3:21 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Paul denies having already attained and calls the readers to imitate the forward pursuit, contrasting it with conduct opposed to the cross. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? Paul writes in bonds and discusses possible release, death, and planned visits. The letter does not identify a calendar date or directly name the prison city. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The saints at Philippi are addressed; Paul's present confinement is described without a named city in the letter. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Press toward the mark (Philippians 3:12 to Philippians 3:21).
Start reading at Philippians 3:12. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Christ's humility and obedience, Paul's desire to know Him, and the hope of bodily transformation shape the exhortation. Read the account of Christ's humility in its call to the same mind rather than as permission to import an unstated philosophical scheme. See Philippians 2:5, Philippians 2:8, Philippians 3:10, Philippians 3:21. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Serve with humility, pursue unity, and remain faithful amid difficulty. Contentment and strength should be read in the circumstances Paul describes, not as a promise of unlimited personal achievement. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Philippians 3
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul and Timothy address the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons. Paul's imprisonment and the church's partnership form the setting for calls to unity, humility, endurance, and contentment.
Connection to the wholePaul contrasts inherited and achieved credentials with the surpassing value of knowing Christ and sharing in His resurrection and sufferings.
Connection to the wholePaul denies having already attained and calls the readers to imitate the forward pursuit, contrasting it with conduct opposed to the cross.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Philippians
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul and Timothy address the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons. Paul's imprisonment and the church's partnership form the setting for calls to unity, humility, endurance, and contentment.