3:14a

I press on: This is the same Greek word as Paul used in 3:12c. See note there. In terms of the race metaphor here, the phrase press on means to keep on running. Paul was comparing himself to a determined runner, going toward his goal and not looking back. What he meant was that he continued trying, to work hard to become more like Christ.

goal: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as goal means the “aim, end, object” of something. In the race metaphor, it refers to the finish line which each runner is trying to be the first to cross. But here Paul was probably referring to the thing he had been talking about in 3:10–13. His aim or goal was to become completely like Christ. This would include knowing him completely.

prize: A prize is a reward for winning a race or doing something well. The next note discusses what this prize was.

3:14b

of God’s heavenly calling: It is not clear how this clause connects back to “the prize” mentioned in 3:14a. There are two main possibilities:

(1) It identifies the prize. The prize was that God called Paul heavenwards to make him completely like Christ. For example:

the prize, which is God’s call…to the life above (Good News Translation)

(2) The prize that God called Paul heavenwards to receive. Paul did not identify the prize itself. (New International Version, New Living Translation (2004), New Century Version, God’s Word, Revised English Bible)

The first interpretation fits the context better here. So it is recommended that you follow it (1).

heavenly: The Greek word here literally means “upwards.”

in Christ Jesus: God can call or invite people to be with him in heaven because of what Christ has done for them. So you could translate 3:14b as:

God calls me to heaven ⌊to be with him⌋ because of ⌊what⌋ Christ Jesus ⌊has done for me⌋.

General Comment on 3:14

In some languages it may be helpful to reorder this verse. One way to do this would be:

I continue trying hard until God calls me to heaven because of Christ Jesus. In doing this I am ⌊like a runner⌋ racing toward the finish line to receive a prize.

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