I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14)

The word Paul used here that is translated mark is the Greek word (σκοπός skopos; from σκέπτομαι skeptomai) and means a mark on which to fix the eye. It is the object that one aims toward. In archery, one sets his eye upon the bull’s eye at the center of the target and makes that his goal – the focus of what he is aiming at. Paul likewise is speaking of the bull’s eye mark that we should be setting our focus on.

His goal (mark) causes Paul to make a concerted effort to gain the prize (βραβεῖον brabeion; from βραβεύς brabeus) the meaning is a prize bestowed in connection with the games. The use of the Greek word eis in this passage indicates the position of the goal. The prize is not the calling of God but is being bestowed in relation to this calling.

Hebrews 3:1 speaks of the heavenly calling as being for all believers.^[1] This, in turn, should direct our thoughts and actions, our desires heavenward.^[2] It is a call from heaven and a call to heaven. It was a call to be like Christ and one day to be with Christ.

Paul was not running for salvation. Salvation is not the prize Paul is speaking about. The Scriptures make it extremely clear that salvation is a gift. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this[3] is not of your own doing, it is the gift of God; ⁹ not a result of works, so that no man may boast.” Salvation is not won at the race, our works do not achieve it, and it is not something that we need to strive for. Salvation is strictly a gift offered that we accept.

Because Christ has become everything to Paul, Paul is running the daily race for the prize. The call is to be like Christ, the striving to be Christlike. The prize he is striving for is to come in at the finish in a way that he will not be ashamed before the umpire^[4] when he arrives. Paul understood that someday Christ would appear, and when He did appear, Paul wanted to be unashamed in His presence. John spoke of this in 1 John 2:28 “And now, little children, remain in him, so that when he appears, we may have confidence[5] and not be ashamed before him at his coming.”

One day, we will all stand before the judgment (βῆμα bēma) seat of Christ, not to determine if we have access to God, but to give an account of our life as a believer.^[6] To be able to stand unashamed before our Savior, welcomed warmly with His open arms.

More in-depth Insights

I press on toward the goal. This is what the runner of a footrace would do. The (σκοπός skopos; from σκέπτομαι skeptomai) mark in the footrace refers to the goal (post) in the distance that one sets his eyes or mind on, which is at the end of the race, and must be achieved if there is to be a prize. Of course, Paul is using the terms herein to refer to the goal in the Christian race, eternal life.

For the prize. In the Greek footrace games, the prize was but a fading garland of leaves. The prize (crown) for which a Christian strives was the reward of eternal life. (1Pe 1:3-4; 5:4) We must be cautioned, though, with a little background coupled with Scripture. The runners in the Greek games went through extremely strenuous training with strict, harsh discipline. Those who cared for the athletes would closely monitor diet and behavior. The race judges strictly enforced the rules, and there were no excuses or exceptions. A runner might win the race but be disqualified because he had violated the rules, so all the training was for nothing. The apostle stated: “And also if anyone competes[7] he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” (2Ti 2:5) The runners of the Greek Games kept their eyes directed toward the goal at the finish line, focused on the prize. Paul ran his Christian race being single-minded wholehearted in his determination and focus. (Ga 2:2; Php 2:16; 3:14) As Paul is not at the end of his race for life, he could say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” – 2Ti 4:7-8.

Of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. God has called Paul and all Christians to good and virtuous efforts, to run in a race for life that brings true honor and glory on both him and us, to attain eternal life and an imperishable crown. It is an (ἄνω anō) upward call extending or moving toward a higher place, that is, from heaven. Prov. 15:24 says, “The path of life leads upward to the man with insight,[8] that he may avoid Sheol[9] beneath.” Paul has been called by God through Christ Jesus to “receive the unfading crown of glory.” (1Pe 5:4) The goal post is placed before him and yet above him in the heavens. It can be his if he does not grow faint, tire out, or look back at the things left behind. It requires his maximum determination, and the exertion right now might seem mountainous and arduous to some, but in the grand scheme of things, it is worth more than any effort we could ever give, eternal life.

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[1]  “Therefore, holy brothers and companions in a heavenly calling…” (HCSB)

[2]  Paul speaks of this to Timothy in his letter – 2 Timothy 4:7-8 – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸ There is reserved for me in the future the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved His appearing.”

[3] That is, this salvation

[4]  The word brabeion (prize above) is in close relation to the word for umpire or the one who arbitrates or rules.

[5] The Greek word (παρρησία parrēsia) literally means freedom of speech or outspokenness. The sense is boldness in being willing to undertake activities that involve risk or danger, primarily being honest and straightforward in attitude and speech.

[6]  Consider verses such as Romans 14:10 “for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ,” and 2 Corinthians 5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”

[7] Lit wrestle; to compete in an athletic contest

[8] Insight (בִּינָה binah; שֶׂכֶל sekel or שֵׂכֶל sekel) is the ability to see into a situation. One who possesses insight acts with wisdom, caution, and discretion. Insight is closely related to understanding, but there is a fine distinction between the two terms. Says the Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament: “While bin [understanding] indicates ‘distinguishing between,’ [sa·khal′] relates to an intelligent knowledge of the reason.” (R. L. Harris, 1980, Vol. 2, p. 877) Conclusion: there is the process of thinking through a complex arrangement of thoughts resulting in wise dealing and good practical common sense. Another result is the emphasis upon being successful. Insight gives a person the ability to look into something, be prudent and cautious in decision-making, act prudently, be reasonable, rational, and sensible when considering something. A person with insight can think through a complex situation, which results in a wise decision because he uses good practical common sense.

[9] Sheol: (שְׁאֹל sheol) Sheol occurs sixty-six times in the UASV. The Greek Septuagint renders Sheol as Hades. It is the grave. It has the underlying meaning of a place of the dead, where they are conscious of nothing, awaiting a resurrection, for both the righteous and the unrighteous. (Gen. 37:35; Psa. 16:10; Ac 2:31; John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15) It corresponds to “Hades” in the NT. It does not involve torment and punishment.

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