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.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
as though
G3754
ὅτι
as though
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
2 of 20
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τετελείωμαι
perfect
G5048
τετελείωμαι
perfect
Strong's:
G5048
Word #:
7 of 20
to complete, i.e., (literally) accomplish, or (figuratively) consummate (in character)
διώκω
I follow after
G1377
διώκω
I follow after
Strong's:
G1377
Word #:
8 of 20
compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κατελήφθην
I am apprehended
G2638
κατελήφθην
I am apprehended
Strong's:
G2638
Word #:
12 of 20
to take eagerly, i.e., seize, possess, etc. (literally or figuratively)
ἐφ'
that for
G1909
ἐφ'
that for
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
13 of 20
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
ᾧ
which
G3739
ᾧ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
14 of 20
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κατελήφθην
I am apprehended
G2638
κατελήφθην
I am apprehended
Strong's:
G2638
Word #:
16 of 20
to take eagerly, i.e., seize, possess, etc. (literally or figuratively)
ὑπὸ
of
G5259
ὑπὸ
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
17 of 20
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Psalms 138:8The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.2 Corinthians 7:1Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.Hosea 6:3Then 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.Isaiah 51:1Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.Ephesians 1:4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:Hebrews 13:21Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.Philippians 3:16Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.Hebrews 12:14Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:2 Peter 3:18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.James 3:2For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
Historical Context
Paul's balance between 'already' and 'not yet' refutes both perfectionism and antinomianism. Against perfectionists claiming sinless arrival, Paul confesses ongoing pursuit. Against antinomians presuming grace without growth, Paul demonstrates passionate striving. The Damascus Road 'apprehending' by Christ (katelēmphthēn) reordered Paul's entire existence toward Christ's purposes. His life became quest to fulfill Christ's call.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance confidence in Christ's finished work with recognizing you haven't 'already attained'?
- What has Christ 'apprehended' you for—His purpose in arresting your life's trajectory?
- How does recognizing Christ's initiative enable rather than eliminate human pursuit?
Analysis & Commentary
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 (Οὐχ ὅτι ἤδη ἔλαβον ἢ ἤδη τετελείωμαι, διώκω δὲ εἰ καὶ καταλάβω, ἐφ' ᾧ καὶ κατελήμφθην ὑπὸ Χριστοῦ [Ἰησοῦ], Ouch hoti ēdē elabon ē ēdē teteleiōmai, diōkō de ei kai katalabō, eph' hō kai katelēmphthēn hypo Christou [Iēsou])—Ouch oti ēdē ("not that already") corrects potential misunderstanding of vv. 10-11. Elabon ("I attained") and teteleiōmai ("I have been perfected") Paul denies—he's not claiming arrival. Diōkō ("I pursue, press on") uses athletic/military metaphor. Katalabō ("I may lay hold of") balances pursuit with goal. Eph' hō kai katelēmphthēn hypo Christou ("that for which I was laid hold of by Christ")—Paul pursues what Christ purposed in arresting him (Acts 9). Divine initiative (Christ's apprehending) precedes and grounds human response (Paul's pursuing).