A question was emailed to me:
In Philippians 3:13 Paul says: “Brothers, 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,”
In the last part of the verse, what is he talking about? Is he talking about his past confidence in the flesh?
Also, was it possible that Paul ever heard Jesus teach? Just curious…
Answer:
In Philippians 3:7 Paul had written that he has counted whatever was gain to him as loss now. And so I think it is most likely that verse 12 is referring to his past life. In 3:8 Paul writes that he counts all things to be loss because it is so much greater to know Christ. In 3:3-6: Paul writes that he has more reasons than any to place confidence in the flesh. Paul writes about is Jewish “pedigree” or Jewish lineage. He writes about his education and background. But now in 3:12: Paul begins to say that he is pressing forward to what lies ahead. He is straining or reaching forward to what is ahead.
So, as a point of application, what do we need to put away? What do we need to forget about in our past in order to follow closer to Christ and serve Him more full?

As far as the second question is concerned. I know of no evidence that Paul ever saw Jesus teach.

blessings in Christ, Steve