Philippians 3:13

Brethren. Paul uses this form of address to arrest his readers’ attention. He reviews the ground already covered in the preceding verses.

Count. Gr. logizomai, “to think,” “to reckon” (see on Rom. 3:28), generally used in connection with reasoning. Paul is emphasizing his estimate of his own spiritual state in relationship to the divine standard held before him.

To have apprehended. See on v. 12.

This one thing I do. Literally, “one thing,” which is defined in the following clauses. Paul’s one purpose was to fulfill the Lord’s purpose in calling him. He suffered from no divided aim. He did not seek both for wealth and honor here and for salvation and a crown hereafter. From his singleness of purpose there came his deep spirituality and success in his ministry.

Forgetting. That is, disregarding or intentionally putting out of mind, rather than being forgetful.

Those things. Rather, “the things,” Paul knows that past victories, no matter how glorious, are not enough to ensure present or future safety.

Reaching forth. Gr. epekteino, “to stretch out toward,” a figure drawn from the races in which the runner strains toward the goal with body bent forward and hand and foot outstretched. The figure vividly portrays Paul’s single-minded dedication to the course laid out for him by Christ. Such dedication leaves no time for curious, regretful backward looks.

Things which are before. Paul does not enumerate the things he has in mind, but they are implied in his reasoning, and are covered by v. 14. To the runner in a race the only object worthy of attention is the winning post, and so it was with Paul in his spiritual course. He fixed his eyes on the goal of eternal life and an inheritance in the world beyond. A clear vision of this goal will stimulate the Christian faithfully and cheerfully to run the race that is set before him (Heb. 12:1, 2).