Philippians 3:15

Philippians 3:15, in plain English

If you're spiritually mature, you'll embrace this mindset of pressing forward in Christ and not clinging to the past; and if you're still confused about priorities or truth, God Himself will guide you into clarity.

Why it's here

Paul is calling mature believers to adopt this perspective, and he's gently reassuring younger or uncertain believers that God isn't mad at them for not understanding everything yet. The Spirit will teach them. Paul trusts God's work in individual hearts. This is encouraging because it means growth doesn't depend on you figuring everything out alone.

Who's speaking

Paul

Where it sits in the story

This reflects the New Testament theme that God actively teaches His people through the Holy Spirit. You're not left to figure out the Christian life through willpower alone—the Spirit guides, corrects, and leads you into truth.

The scholarly reading

Paul appeals to spiritually mature believers to adopt this perspective of singular focus on Christ, assuring them that God will illuminate any remaining disagreements.

Language and setting

Paul distinguishes between the 'mature' (teleioi, those advancing toward eschatological perfection) and those who might think differently. Rather than arrogantly claiming exclusive truth, he expresses confidence in the Spirit's revelatory work—God will teach them.

Voice

Paul, addressing the mature within the community

Significance

This represents Paul's collaborative approach to doctrinal maturation, contrasting with more authoritarian approaches. It foreshadows Augustine's principle that 'in essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty.' It reflects the early church's confidence in the Spirit's guidance of doctrine.

13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,

14I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.

15All of us who are mature should embrace this point of view. And if you think differently about some issue, God will reveal this to you as well.

16Nevertheless, we must live up to what we have already attained.

17Join one another in following my example, brothers, and carefully observe those who walk according to the pattern we set for you.

Read all of Philippians 3 — Paul's credentials were flawless — and he counted them as garbage. Forgetting what's behind, he strains toward the prize with everything he has.