Pressing Toward the Heavenly Goal; Stand Firm
Philippians 3:12-4:1
Phil.3.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Ουχ: PART
- οτι: CONJ
- ηδη: ADV
- ελαβον: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- ηδη: ADV
- τετελειωμαι: VERB,perf,mp,ind,1,sg
- διωκω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- δε: CONJ
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- και: CONJ
- καταλαβω: VERB,aor,act,subj,1,sg
- εφ᾽ω: PREP+REL,dat,sg,neut
- και: CONJ
- κατελημφθην: VERB,aor,pass,ind,1,sg
- υπο: PREP
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Philippians 3:13-14 (structural): Immediate context and continuation: Paul explains how he 'forgets what lies behind and strains forward' and 'presses on toward the goal'—the same pursuit and goal-oriented language as 3:12.
- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (verbal): Uses athletic imagery and disciplined striving ('run', 'strike the body', 'make oneself a slave') comparable to Paul's language of pressing on and not having yet attained.
- Hebrews 12:1-2 (thematic): Calls believers to 'run with endurance the race set before us' fixing eyes on Jesus—echoing the motif of persevering pursuit and a heavenly goal found in Phil 3:12.
- Philippians 1:6 (thematic): 'He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion' complements 3:12's emphasis on Christ's activity in Paul ('for which Christ Jesus also laid hold of me') and the ongoing process toward completion.
- 2 Timothy 4:7 (thematic): Paul's later summary—'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race'—resonates with the same vocational striving and goal-oriented metaphor in Phil 3:12, even as 3:12 stresses not yet having attained.
Alternative generated candidates
- Not that I have already attained or am already perfect; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus laid hold of me.
- Not that I have already obtained it or have already been perfected; but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
Phil.3.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- αδελφοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- εμαυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- ου: PART,neg
- λογιζομαι: VERB,pres,mid,ind,1,sg
- κατειληφεναι·εν: VERB,aor,pass,inf
- δε: CONJ
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- μεν: PART
- οπισω: ADV
- επιλανθανομενος: VERB,pres,mid,part,nom,sg,m
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- δε: CONJ
- εμπροσθεν: PREP
- επεκτεινομενος: VERB,pres,mid,part,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- Isaiah 43:18-19 (allusion): “Do not remember the former things… I am about to do a new thing” — echoes the motif of leaving the past behind and embracing God’s new action, paralleling Paul’s call to forget what is behind.
- Luke 9:62 (thematic): “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” — similar admonition not to look back but to press forward in commitment, reflecting Paul’s ‘forgetting what lies behind.’
- Hebrews 12:1-2 (thematic): “Let us run with endurance the race set before us… and lay aside every weight” — shares the athletic/disciplinary imagery of discarding hindrances and pressing on toward the goal.
- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (verbal): Paul’s race metaphor (“run in such a way as to win,” disciplined training) parallels Philippians’ language of pressing/straining toward a goal and self-discipline in pursuit of the prize.
- Philippians 3:14 (structural): Immediate continuation of 3:13 — “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” — directly completes the thought of forgetting the past and straining forward.
Alternative generated candidates
- Brothers, I do not count that I have laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and stretching forward to what lies ahead,
- Brothers, I do not consider that I have already taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,
Phil.3.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- κατα: PREP
- σκοπον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- διωκω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- εις: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- βραβειον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- ανω: ADJ,gen,sg,f
- κλησεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- Χριστω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- 1 Cor 9:24-27 (verbal): Paul uses athletic imagery of running for a prize and disciplining the body—direct verbal parallel to ‘press on toward the prize.’
- Heb 12:1-2 (thematic): Calls believers to run the race with endurance, fixing eyes on Jesus; parallels the pursuit of the heavenly goal/upward call.
- 2 Tim 4:7-8 (thematic): ‘Finished the race’ and the crown of righteousness echo the motif of striving toward a divinely awarded prize.
- Eph 4:1 (thematic): Urges living ‘worthy of the calling,’ resonating with the language of God’s call in Christ and the ethical-eschatological aim of Paul’s pursuit.
- Col 3:1-2 (thematic): Exhorts Christians to seek things above and set minds on the heavenly, matching the upward orientation of the call and goal in Philippians 3:14.
Alternative generated candidates
- I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
- I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Phil.3.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- οσοι: PRON,nom,pl,m
- ουν: CONJ
- τελειοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- φρονωμεν·και: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- ετερως: ADV
- φρονειτε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,pl
- και: CONJ
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- θεος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- αποκαλυψει·: VERB,fut,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 13:9-12 (thematic): Both passages contrast present partial understanding with fuller revelation to come — truth and insight that are not yet fully known will be revealed.
- 1 John 2:27 (thematic): Speaks of the divine anointing/teaching that reveals truth to believers; parallels Paul’s assurance that God will disclose to those who think otherwise.
- Ephesians 4:13 (verbal): Uses the same root idea of 'maturity' or 'perfection' (teleios) and links this status with attaining full knowledge and unity in faith, echoing Phil. 3:15’s appeal to the 'perfect'.
- Colossians 1:28 (verbal): Paul’s goal of presenting everyone 'perfect' in Christ parallels the Phil. appeal to the mature/complete mindset and the process of revelation and instruction toward that maturity.
Alternative generated candidates
- Let those who are mature have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal it to you.
- Let those then who are mature hold this view. If in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.
Phil.3.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- πλην: PREP
- εις: PREP
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- εφθασαμεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,pl
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- στοιχειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
Parallels
- Philippians 3:15 (structural): Immediate context: Paul contrasts the mind of the mature with the admonition to 'hold fast to what we have attained'—the two verses form one exhortation about persevering in the same conviction.
- 1 Corinthians 15:2 (verbal): Uses similar language of 'holding fast/standing' to the message received (τὸ εὐαγγέλιον ... ἐν ᾧ καὶ στέκεσθε), echoing the idea of keeping to what one has already attained.
- Colossians 2:6–7 (thematic): Calls believers to continue living in Christ 'as you received Christ Jesus'—the same theme of perseverance and remaining rooted in what was already attained in Christ.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:15 (verbal): Paul urges the Thessalonians to 'stand firm and hold to the traditions' they were taught (στήκετε καὶ κρατεῖτε), paralleling the command to retain what has been reached.
- Hebrews 3:14 (thematic): Speaks of sharing in Christ 'if we hold our original confidence firm to the end,' a parallel stress on persevering in the attained standing with Christ.
Alternative generated candidates
- Only let us hold true to what we have already attained.
- Nevertheless, let us walk by the same rule to which we have attained.
Phil.3.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Συμμιμηται: NOUN,voc,pl,m
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- γινεσθε: VERB,pres,mid/pass,imp,2,pl
- αδελφοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- σκοπειτε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,pl
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- ουτω: ADV
- περιπατουντας: VERB,pres,act,ptc,acc,m,pl
- καθως: CONJ
- εχετε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- τυπον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ημας·: PRON,acc,pl,1
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 4:16 (verbal): Paul uses the same imperative 'be imitators of me' (παρακαλῶ οὖν ὑμᾶς μιμηταί μου γίνεσθε), directly paralleling the call to follow his example.
- 1 Corinthians 11:1 (verbal): Another explicit injunction 'Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ' (μιμηταί μου γίνεσθε, καθὼς κὶ γὼ Χριστοῦ), reinforcing imitation of Paul's Christ-like pattern.
- Ephesians 5:1 (thematic): Calls believers to imitation ('Be imitators of God')—the broader theme of following an exemplar undergirds Paul's appeal in Philippians 3:17.
- Hebrews 13:7 (thematic): Advises remembering leaders and 'considering the outcome of their conduct, imitate their faith,' paralleling Philippians' emphasis on observing and emulating exemplary Christian behavior.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:6 (verbal): Commends the Thessalonians as having 'become imitators of us and of the Lord'—a similar description of converts who follow Paul's and Christ's example.
Alternative generated candidates
- Brothers, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.
- Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.
Phil.3.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- πολλοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- γαρ: PART
- περιπατουσιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- ους: PRON,acc,pl,m
- πολλακις: ADV
- ελεγον: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,pl
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- νυν: ADV
- δε: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- κλαιων: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,pl,m
- λεγω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- εχθρους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- σταυρου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Galatians 5:11-12 (thematic): Paul reproaches those who trouble the Galatians by promoting circumcision—opponents of the gospel whose actions put them at odds with the saving significance of Christ’s cross, similar to Paul’s description of 'enemies of the cross.'
- 1 Corinthians 1:18 (verbal): Speaks of the cross’s message as 'foolishness to those who are perishing,' highlighting hostile reaction to the cross that parallels Philippians’ depiction of people opposed to the cross of Christ.
- Galatians 6:14 (thematic): Paul’s contrast of boasting only in the cross of Christ underscores the centrality and honor of the cross for believers and implicitly contrasts them with those who reject or oppose it—those he calls enemies in Phil 3:18.
- Matthew 10:38 (thematic): Jesus’ call to 'take up your cross' defines true discipleship; Phil 3:18’s portrait of people hostile to the cross stands in direct tension with Jesus’ demand for cross-bearing loyalty.
- Luke 14:27 (thematic): Similarly stresses the necessity of carrying one’s cross to be Jesus’ disciple, providing a scriptural background for understanding why rejection or avoidance of the cross marks one as opposed to Christ, as in Phil 3:18.
Alternative generated candidates
- For many walk—of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping—who are enemies of the cross of Christ.
- For many walk—of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping—that they are enemies of the cross of Christ.
Phil.3.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- τελος: NOUN,nom,sg,n
- απωλεια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- ων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- θεος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- κοιλια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- δοξα: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- αισχυνη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- επιγεια: ADJ,acc,pl,n
- φρονουντες: PART,pres,act,nom,pl,m
Parallels
- Romans 16:18 (verbal): Uses the same motif of serving the belly (γαστέρα/γαστρὶ): those who gratify the flesh instead of Christ — verbal parallel linking self‑indulgence with ungodliness and deception.
- Titus 1:12 (verbal): Paul (quoting Epimenides) calls Cretans “lazy bellies” (γαστέρες ἀργαί); echoes the image of the belly as dominating impulse — a culturally rooted verbal parallel to “their god is their belly.”},{
Alternative generated candidates
- Their end is destruction; their god is their appetite; they glory in their shame, and they think about earthly things.
- Their end is destruction; their god is their belly; and they glory in their shame, setting their minds on earthly things.
Phil.3.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- γαρ: PART
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- πολιτευμα: NOUN,nom,sg,n
- εν: PREP
- ουρανοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- υπαρχει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- εξ: PREP
- ου: PART,neg
- και: CONJ
- σωτηρα: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- απεκδεχομεθα: VERB,pres,mid,ind,1,pl
- κυριον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- Ιησουν: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- Χριστον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
Parallels
- Eph.2.19 (verbal): Speaks of believers as 'fellow-citizens'/'members of God's household,' echoing the citizenship/polity language of Phil 3:20.
- Heb.11.16 (thematic): Describes longing for 'a country' that is heavenly and God preparing a city—parallel contrast between earthly and heavenly residence.
- Titus 2.13 (verbal): Explicitly anticipates 'the blessed hope' and the appearing of Jesus the Savior, closely matching Phil 3:20's waiting for the Lord Jesus Christ.
- 1 Pet.2.11 (thematic): Calls believers 'sojourners and exiles,' emphasizing Christian status as non‑citizens of this world and longing for a heavenly home.
- Col.3.1-2 (thematic): Exhorts believers to set their minds on things above where Christ is, reflecting the heavenly orientation and citizenship of Phil 3:20.
Alternative generated candidates
- But our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
- But our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
Phil.3.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ος: PRON,nom,sg,m
- μετασχηματισει: VERB,fut,act,ind,3,sg
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- σωμα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- ταπεινωσεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- συμμορφον: ADJ,acc,sg,n
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- σωματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- δοξης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- κατα: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- ενεργειαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- δυνασθαι: VERB,pres,mid,inf
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- υποταξαι: VERB,aor,act,inf,NA,NA
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- παντα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
Parallels
- Romans 8:29 (thematic): Speaks of believers being conformed to the image of the Son—parallel theme of transformation into Christlike/glorious form.
- 1 Corinthians 15:42-53 (verbal): Describes the resurrection transformation of the body from perishable/weak to imperishable/glorious—uses language of being changed/raised into a different bodily state.
- 2 Corinthians 3:18 (verbal): Believers are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory—directly echoes the motif of transformation into Christ's glory.
- Hebrews 2:8 (allusion): Speaks of all things being put in subjection under Christ (quoting Psalm 8); parallels Philippians' claim that God can subordinate all things to himself.
- Colossians 3:4 (thematic): When Christ appears, believers will appear with him in glory—resonates with the promise of being conformed to the body of his glory.
Alternative generated candidates
- who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him to subject all things to himself.
- who will transform the body of our humiliation to be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
Phil.4.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ωστε: CONJ
- αδελφοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- αγαπητοι: ADJ,voc,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- επιποθητοι: ADJ,voc,pl,m
- χαρα: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- στεφανος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- ουτως: ADV
- στηκετε: VERB,pres,mid,ind,2,pl
- εν: PREP
- κυριω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- αγαπητοι: ADJ,voc,pl,m
Parallels
- 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 (verbal): Paul uses the same metaphors of believers as his 'hope, joy, and crown' (or 'glory and joy'), paralleling his address to the Philippians as his 'joy and crown.'
- 1 Corinthians 16:13 (verbal): Short imperative to 'stand firm' (alongside watchfulness and strength) parallels Paul's command in Phil 4:1 to 'stand firm in the Lord.'
- Ephesians 6:10-13 (thematic): Calls for strength 'in the Lord' and to 'stand firm' against opposition; resonates with Phil 4:1's exhortation to remain steadfast in the Lord.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:15 (structural): Begins similarly ('So then, brethren') and issues the directive to 'stand firm' and hold traditions—paralleling Phil 4:1's formulaic address and standing/steadfast imperative.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore, my beloved brothers, whom I long for and love—my joy and crown—stand firm in the Lord, beloved.
- Therefore, my brothers whom I love and long for, my joy and crown—stand firm in the Lord, beloved.
Not that I have already obtained this, or am already perfect; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus laid hold of me.
Brothers, I do not consider that I have already taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Let those then who are mature have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal this also to you.
Only let us hold to what we have already attained.
Join me, then, in imitating me, brothers, and keep your eyes on those who live according to the example you have in us.
For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even weeping, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.
Their end is destruction; their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame—those who set their minds on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from there we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
He will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him to subject all things to himself.
Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown—stand firm in the Lord, beloved.