Philippians 3:13 — English CSB 2017 - Christian Standard Bible
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead,
What Does This Mean?
In Philippians 3:13, the Apostle Paul is speaking to the believers in Philippi. He says he hasn't reached perfection and that his focus isn't on past achievements but on moving forward towards what's ahead.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're running a race, and instead of looking back at how far you've come or feeling proud about it, you keep your eyes fixed on the finish line. That's what Paul is saying here: he doesn’t dwell on past successes but keeps pushing forward towards his goal.
Historical Background
This verse was written by Apostle Paul around 60-62 AD to the Christians in Philippi. The letter aims to encourage and guide them, reflecting the challenges they faced as a fledgling Christian community amidst Roman culture.
Living It Out Today
A modern scenario could be someone who has achieved a degree but continues to learn and grow instead of resting on their laurels. They forget past achievements and focus on new opportunities for growth and service.