3:13

forgetting the things behind: The Greek word for “forgetting” that Paul here uses can mean “to be unconcerned about.” Obviously, “the things behind” had not been erased from Paul’s memory, for he had just listed some of them. (See study note on Php 3:5.) Rather, on becoming a Christian, Paul focused on what lay ahead of him, much as a runner focuses on the part of the racecourse that lies before him. (See study note on stretching forward to the things ahead in this verse.) Paul’s choice of focus helped him to forget, or to be unconcerned about, “the things behind,” namely, the advantages and prospects that he had once enjoyed as a staunch proponent of Judaism. He refused to dwell on them because they no longer mattered to him.​—See study note on Php 3:8.

stretching forward to the things ahead: Paul’s wording suggests that he is likening himself to a runner, perhaps indirectly referring to athletes in the Greek games. (See study notes on 1Co 9:24.) This imagery was familiar to the Greco-Roman world, and runners were often represented in statues or portrayed on vases. A runner in a footrace would not focus on what was behind him; doing so would only slow him down. Second-century Greek writer Lucian used similar imagery, saying: “A good runner from the moment that the [starting] barrier falls thinks only of getting forward, sets his mind on the finish and counts on his legs to win for him.” The runner would strenuously put forth every effort to reach his goal, the finish line. Paul remained focused, not on the worldly goals he had left behind, but on the reward ahead of him.​—See study note on Php 3:14.