Philippians 3:12

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Context

In Philippians chapter 3, the Apostle Paul issues a strong warning against false teachers who emphasized human effort and adherence to the law for salvation (often called Judaizers). He contrasts his own impeccable Jewish credentials, which he now considers "loss for Christ," with the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:7-8). Verse 12 serves as a pivotal statement in this argument, demonstrating that even he, a prominent apostle, did not claim to have reached spiritual perfection or fully grasped all of God's purposes for him. It sets the stage for his declaration of pressing on towards the goal in Philippians 3:14.

Key Themes

  • Humility and Spiritual Realism: Paul openly admits he has not "attained" or become "perfect." This counters any notion of instant or effortless spiritual maturity and highlights the ongoing nature of the Christian walk. It is a powerful reminder that even the most devout believers are still on a journey of growth and sanctification.
  • Ongoing Pursuit of Christ: The phrase "I follow after" signifies an active, relentless pursuit. Christian life is not passive; it involves intentional effort and dedication to grow in grace and knowledge of Christ. This continuous striving is central to the believer's experience.
  • The Purpose of God's Call: Paul's desire is to "apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus." This speaks to the divine initiative in salvation – Christ "laid hold" of Paul – and Paul's corresponding human response to fully grasp and live out the purpose of that divine call. This purpose includes conformity to Christ's image and participation in His resurrection life (Philippians 3:10).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "apprehend" (katalambanō) is significant here. It means "to lay hold of," "to seize," or "to grasp fully." Paul uses it twice in quick succession: he wants to fully grasp ("apprehend") the purpose for which Christ had already "laid hold" of him ("apprehended"). This emphasizes a reciprocal action – Christ initiated the relationship by seizing Paul for a divine purpose, and Paul's life is now dedicated to fully understanding and living out that purpose. The term "perfect" (teleioō) here refers to having reached the ultimate goal or completion, not necessarily moral sinlessness, but a state of spiritual maturity and fulfillment.

Practical Application

Philippians 3:12 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that:

  1. Growth is a Process: Spiritual maturity is a journey, not a destination achieved overnight. We should not be discouraged by our imperfections but motivated to continue growing in Christ.
  2. Active Pursuit is Key: Our faith requires active engagement. We are called to "follow after" Christ, diligently seeking to know Him more deeply and live according to His will. This aligns with the concept of running the Christian race with perseverance.
  3. Living Out Our Calling: Just as Christ apprehended Paul for a purpose, He has called every believer to a unique purpose within His kingdom (Ephesians 2:10). This verse challenges us to prayerfully discern and actively pursue the specific calling God has placed on our lives, striving to fully apprehend the reason for our salvation and spiritual journey.

Reflection

Paul's words in Philippians 3:12 resonate deeply with the experience of faith. They prevent spiritual pride while simultaneously inspiring diligent pursuit. It's a call to embrace the journey of sanctification, continually striving to conform to the image of Christ and fulfill the divine purpose for which we were called.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back