Philippians 3:12
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Philippians 3:12
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.
Chapter Context
Philippians 3 is a friendship epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of judgment, obedience, holiness. Written during Paul's Roman imprisonment (c. 60-62 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church in this Roman colony maintained partnership with Paul despite his imprisonment.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Philippians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Philippians 3:12
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.
Analysis
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).
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.
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?
Cross-References
- References Jesus: Hebrews 13:21, 2 Peter 3:18
- Parallel theme: Philippians 3:16, Psalms 138:8, Isaiah 51:1, Hosea 6:3, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Ephesians 1:4