Philippians 3:12

KJV

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

KJV (with Strong's)

Not {G3756} as though {G3754} I had already {G2235} attained {G2983}, either {G2228} were already {G2235} perfect {G5048}: but {G1161} I follow after {G1377}, if {G1499} that I may apprehend {G2638} that for {G1909} which {G3739} also {G2532} I am apprehended {G2638} of {G5259} Christ {G5547} Jesus {G2424}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It is not that I have already obtained it or already reached the goal — no, I keep pursuing it in the hope of taking hold of that for which the Messiah Yeshua took hold of me.

Berean Standard Bible

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

American Standard Version

Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect: but I press on, if so be that I may lay hold on that for which also I was laid hold on by Christ Jesus.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Philippians 3:12, the Apostle Paul humbly declares that he has not yet reached spiritual perfection or fully grasped the ultimate purpose for which Christ Jesus laid hold of him. Instead of resting on past achievements or present status, he expresses an unwavering commitment to press forward, actively pursuing the full realization of God's redemptive call in his life, striving to fully apprehend the divine purpose for which he was apprehended by Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Philippians 3 forms a crucial pivot in Paul's letter, shifting from expressions of joy and partnership in the gospel to a fervent warning against false teachers, particularly those advocating for salvation through adherence to the Law (often identified as Judaizers). Paul vehemently contrasts their reliance on human effort and fleshly credentials with his own profound experience of counting all his former advantages as "loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord" ([Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Paul's Renunciation of Earthly Gain")). Verse 12 directly follows Paul's passionate desire to "know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death" ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Paul's Desire to Know Christ")), serving as a realistic assessment of his current spiritual state—not yet having attained full conformity or resurrection power, but actively pursuing it. It then naturally leads into his famous declaration of pressing toward the mark in [Philippians 3:14](/philippians/3-14 "Pressing Toward the Mark").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote Philippians from prison, likely in Rome, around AD 60-62. The city of Philippi was a Roman colony, proud of its Roman citizenship and identity. This context is subtly reflected in Paul's later exhortation for believers to have their "citizenship in heaven" ([Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Our Citizenship in Heaven")). The specific threat of "Judaizers" (those who insisted on circumcision and adherence to Mosaic Law for salvation) was a persistent challenge in the early church, as seen in Galatians and Acts 15. Paul's personal testimony in Philippians 3, where he lists his impeccable Jewish credentials only to dismiss them as "dung," directly confronts this legalistic theology. His emphasis on an ongoing pursuit, rather than a completed status, countered any notion that one could earn or achieve spiritual perfection through works or ritual.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Philippians and Paul's broader theology. First, it underscores the theme of **sanctification as an ongoing process**, not a one-time event. Paul, despite his apostolic authority and profound spiritual experiences, openly admits to not having "already attained" or being "already perfect," emphasizing that spiritual maturity is a lifelong journey of growth. Second, it highlights the **supremacy and worth of knowing Christ**. All of Paul's striving is directed towards a deeper apprehension of Christ, reflecting his earlier declaration that "to live is Christ" ([Philippians 1:21](/philippians/1-21 "To Live is Christ")). Third, it illustrates the **divine initiative and human response** in salvation and discipleship. Christ "apprehended" Paul, initiating the relationship, and Paul's life is now dedicated to "apprehending" the purpose of that divine call, demonstrating a dynamic partnership between God's grace and human diligence. This pursuit is not self-effort for salvation, but a Spirit-empowered striving to live out the implications of a salvation already secured by grace.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **dé (Greek, _dé'_):** This primary particle, translated as "but," serves as a strong adversative, marking a clear contrast. It signals a shift from Paul's disclaimer of having already attained perfection to his active, ongoing pursuit. It emphasizes that despite his current state, his focus is on pressing forward, not on complacency.
* **diṓkō (Greek, _diṓkō'_):** Translated as "I follow after," this verb literally means "to pursue," "to chase," or "to press forward." It conveys an intense, active, and relentless effort, often used in the context of hunting or running a race. Paul is not passively waiting for perfection but is actively and diligently pursuing it, indicating a purposeful and strenuous exertion in his spiritual journey.
* **katalambánō (Greek, _katalambánō'_):** Rendered as "apprehend" and "am apprehended," this significant verb means "to lay hold of," "to seize," "to grasp fully," or "to overtake." Its double use in the verse is crucial: Christ "seized" Paul for a divine purpose, and Paul's life mission is now to "seize" or fully grasp and realize that very purpose. It speaks of a decisive and powerful act of taking possession, both by Christ and by Paul in response.
* **teleióō (Greek, _teleióō'_):** Translated as "perfect," this word means "to complete," "to accomplish," or "to consummate (in character)." In this context, it refers to having reached the ultimate goal or a state of spiritual maturity and fulfillment, rather than moral sinlessness. Paul acknowledges he has not yet reached the final, completed state of Christ-likeness or resurrection glory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect:"** Paul begins with a clear and humble disclaimer. He explicitly states that he has not yet reached the ultimate goal ("attained") nor has he achieved a state of complete spiritual maturity or final consummation ("perfect"). This sets a tone of spiritual realism, countering any potential misinterpretation that he claims a finished work or a state of sinless perfection in this life. It underscores the ongoing nature of sanctification.
* **"but I follow after,"** This clause introduces Paul's active and intense response to his current, imperfect state. The "but" (dé) signals a strong contrast. Instead of complacency or despair, Paul is engaged in a vigorous, purposeful pursuit. The verb "follow after" (diṓkō) implies a relentless chase, like a runner pressing towards the finish line, signifying his unwavering commitment to spiritual growth and the fulfillment of God's purpose.
* **"if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus."** This is the core of Paul's motivation. His pursuit is driven by the desire to "apprehend" (katalambánō) or fully grasp and realize the very purpose for which Christ Jesus had already "apprehended" (katalambánō) him. It highlights the divine initiative in his salvation—Christ laid hold of him—and Paul's corresponding lifelong mission to fully understand and embody the implications of that divine calling, which ultimately involves conformity to Christ's image and participation in His resurrection life.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several significant literary devices in this verse. **Contrast** is prominent, as he juxtaposes his current, imperfect state ("not...attained, either...perfect") with his active, forward-moving pursuit ("but I follow after"). This contrast emphasizes the dynamic nature of the Christian life—acknowledging present reality while striving for future completion. The device of **repetition** is powerfully used with the word "apprehend" (katalambánō), appearing twice. This creates a strong rhetorical link, highlighting the reciprocal relationship between Christ's initial act of seizing Paul and Paul's subsequent lifelong endeavor to grasp the full implications of that divine seizure. It underscores the idea that our pursuit is a response to God's prior action. Finally, there is an implied **metaphor** of a race or pursuit, particularly with the phrase "I follow after" (diṓkō), which suggests a runner intensely chasing a goal. This metaphor is made explicit later in the chapter in [Philippians 3:14](/philippians/3-14 "Pressing Toward the Mark"), reinforcing the idea of focused, disciplined effort in the Christian walk.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Philippians 3:12 is a profound statement on the nature of Christian sanctification and the believer's ongoing pursuit of Christ-likeness. It teaches that spiritual maturity is not an instantaneous achievement but a lifelong process of growth and transformation. Paul's humility in admitting his own imperfection serves as a vital safeguard against spiritual pride and legalism, affirming that even the most advanced believers are still on a journey. The verse beautifully articulates the interplay between divine grace and human responsibility: Christ's sovereign act of "apprehending" Paul initiates his salvation and calling, and Paul's diligent "following after" and "apprehending" is his Spirit-empowered response to live out that divine purpose. This pursuit is fueled by the surpassing worth of knowing Christ, aiming for a deeper, experiential knowledge of Him and conformity to His image, ultimately anticipating the full glorification and resurrection life.

* [Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Conformed to the Image of His Son")
* [1 John 3:2](/1_john/3-2 "We Shall Be Like Him")
* [Hebrews 12:1](/hebrews/12-1 "Running the Race with Perseverance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's humble yet determined declaration in Philippians 3:12 offers immense encouragement and a vital corrective for believers across all stages of their spiritual journey. It liberates us from the crushing burden of perfectionism, reminding us that even the greatest apostle did not claim to have "arrived." This truth fosters a healthy spiritual realism, allowing us to acknowledge our imperfections without being paralyzed by them. Instead, it calls us to an active, intentional, and lifelong pursuit of Christ. Our faith is not passive; it demands a diligent "following after," a continuous striving to know Him more deeply, to align our lives with His will, and to fully embrace the divine purpose for which He has called us. This means engaging with God's Word, cultivating prayer, seeking fellowship, and serving others, all with the aim of growing into the fullness of Christ. We are to run the race with perseverance, always looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, understanding that our ultimate perfection is a future hope, but our present pursuit is a present reality and privilege.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your spiritual life do you tend to feel like you "should have already attained" perfection, and how does Paul's humility in this verse challenge that expectation?**
* **What does "following after" Christ practically look like in your daily life, and what specific steps can you take to make that pursuit more intentional?**
* **How does understanding that Christ "apprehended" you first impact your motivation and effort in "apprehending" His purpose for your life?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "perfect" in this verse?**

Answer: When Paul says he has not "already attained" or "already perfect," he is not referring to moral sinlessness in this life, which he knows is an ongoing struggle for all believers. Instead, "perfect" (Greek: _teleióō_) here means having reached the ultimate goal or a state of completion and full maturity. In the context of Philippians 3, Paul is speaking of not yet having fully experienced the resurrection power, complete conformity to Christ's image, or the final glorification that awaits believers. He desires to "apprehend" the full purpose of Christ's call, which includes the ultimate transformation into Christ's likeness, a process that culminates in the future resurrection ([Philippians 3:21](/philippians/3-21 "Our Lowly Body Transformed")).

**Is Paul suggesting that salvation is earned through human effort?**

Answer: Absolutely not. Paul consistently teaches that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). In Philippians 3:12, his pursuit ("I follow after") is not an attempt to earn salvation, but a response to salvation already received. He explicitly states that he is striving to "apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus." The phrase "I am apprehended of Christ Jesus" signifies Christ's prior, sovereign, and gracious act of laying hold of Paul for salvation and a divine purpose. Paul's subsequent "following after" is his Spirit-empowered, grateful, and diligent response to live out the implications of that divine calling and to fully realize the spiritual transformation that God is working within him. It's the ongoing process of sanctification, not justification.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Philippians 3:12, while a deeply personal statement from Paul, finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Christ. Paul's relentless pursuit is not for an abstract ideal, but for a deeper, experiential knowledge of Christ Himself, and a fuller conformity to His image. The verse pivots on the truth that Christ first "apprehended" Paul, a powerful image of the divine initiative in salvation, where the sovereign Son of God reached out and claimed a persecutor for His own. This foundational act of Christ's grace is the wellspring of Paul's ongoing pursuit. The "perfection" Paul strives for is ultimately the full Christ-likeness and glorification that will be realized when believers are made fully like Him at His return ([1 John 3:2](/1_john/3-2 "We Shall Be Like Him")). Therefore, Paul's striving is a Christ-centered striving, a desire to fully embody the purpose for which the Risen Lord took hold of him—to live for Christ, to know Christ, and to be found in Christ, not having his own righteousness but that which is through faith in Christ ([Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Righteousness Through Faith in Christ")). The goal of this spiritual race is Christ, the power for the race is Christ, and the one who will ultimately bring us to the finish line, perfecting us, is Christ Himself ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Timothy 6:11

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

1 Timothy 6:12

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

2 Peter 1:5

¶ And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

2 Peter 1:8

For if these things be in you, and abound, they make [you that ye shall] neither [be] barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Psalms 138:8

The LORD will perfect [that which] concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, [endureth] for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.

Hosea 6:3

Then shall we know, [if] we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter [and] former rain unto the earth.

1 Peter 3:11

Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.