Not that I have already obtained all thisPaul acknowledges his own spiritual journey and growth, emphasizing humility. This phrase reflects the Christian understanding that sanctification is a lifelong process. Paul, despite his significant contributions to the early church, admits he has not yet reached spiritual perfection. This humility is a model for believers, reminding them that no one is beyond the need for growth and transformation. The "all this" refers to the resurrection and complete transformation into Christ's likeness, as discussed earlier in
Philippians 3.
or have already been made perfect
The concept of perfection here is about spiritual maturity and completeness in Christ. In the Greco-Roman world, perfection often implied a state of completeness or fulfillment of purpose. Paul contrasts this with the Christian journey, which is ongoing. Theologically, this aligns with the doctrine of sanctification, where believers are progressively conformed to the image of Christ. This phrase also counters any notion of spiritual elitism, emphasizing that even apostles are on a journey toward holiness.
but I press on
Paul uses athletic imagery, common in his writings, to describe the Christian life as a race or pursuit. The Greek word for "press on" suggests vigorous and determined effort. This reflects the cultural context of the Isthmian Games, similar to the Olympics, which were familiar to his audience. The Christian life requires perseverance and dedication, akin to an athlete striving for victory. This imagery is also found in1 Corinthians 9:24-27, where Paul speaks of running the race to win the prize.
to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me
This phrase highlights the reciprocal nature of the Christian calling. Christ's initiative in "taking hold" of Paul refers to his conversion experience on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). It underscores the idea of divine election and purpose. Believers are called to actively pursue the purpose for which they were saved, which is to become like Christ and fulfill God's will. This reflects the biblical theme of God's sovereignty and human responsibility working together in the process of salvation and sanctification.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PaulThe apostle who authored the letter to the Philippians. He is expressing his ongoing pursuit of spiritual maturity and Christlikeness.
2.
PhilippiA city in Macedonia where the church to whom Paul is writing is located. It was the first European church founded by Paul.
3.
Christ JesusCentral figure of Christianity, whose life and teachings Paul is striving to emulate and whose purpose Paul seeks to fulfill in his own life.
Teaching Points
The Journey of FaithPaul acknowledges that he has not yet reached perfection, highlighting the ongoing nature of the Christian journey. Believers should recognize that spiritual growth is a continuous process.
Pressing OnwardThe phrase "press on" (Greek: di?k?) implies an active and determined effort. Christians are called to actively pursue their spiritual goals with perseverance and dedication.
Purpose in ChristPaul seeks to "take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." This underscores the importance of understanding and pursuing God's purpose for our lives, which is rooted in our relationship with Christ.
Humility in GrowthBy admitting he has not yet obtained perfection, Paul models humility. Believers should maintain a humble attitude, recognizing their need for continual growth and reliance on God's grace.
Christ-Centered FocusThe ultimate goal of the Christian life is to become more like Christ. Our efforts and pursuits should be centered on Him, aligning our lives with His teachings and example.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Philippians 3:12?
2.How can we "press on" in our spiritual journey like Paul in Philippians 3:12?
3.What does "not that I have already obtained" teach about Christian humility?
4.How does Philippians 3:12 connect with Hebrews 12:1's call to perseverance?
5.In what ways can we "take hold of that for which Christ took hold"?
6.How can Philippians 3:12 inspire us to pursue personal spiritual growth daily?
7.What does Philippians 3:12 reveal about the nature of spiritual maturity and growth?
8.How does Philippians 3:12 challenge the concept of perfection in Christian life?
9.In what ways does Philippians 3:12 encourage perseverance in faith?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Philippians 3?
11.Who was Gregory of Nyssa in theology and philosophy?
12.What does the Bible say about setting goals?
13.What is the upward call of God?
14.Can one achieve a state of sinless perfection?What Does Philippians 3:12 Mean
Not that I have already obtained all this“Not that I have already obtained all this…” (Philippians 3:12)
Paul has just spoken of knowing Christ, sharing His sufferings, and experiencing the power of His resurrection (3:10-11). He wants readers to understand:
• He does not consider the knowledge of Christ a completed project. Like2 Peter 3:18 urges, he keeps “growing in grace.”
• The resurrection life he longs for is still future (1 Corinthians 13:12).
• Humility keeps him from complacency, echoing1 Corinthians 9:24 where believers run so as to win the prize.
or have already been made perfect“…or have already been made perfect…” (Philippians 3:12)
Perfection (complete Christ-likeness) awaits glorification:
•Romans 8:29-30 shows God’s purpose: conforming believers to Christ in glory.
•1 John 3:2-3 reminds us that when He appears “we will be like Him,” yet meanwhile we purify ourselves.
•Hebrews 10:14 affirms that Christ’s one offering “has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified,” highlighting an already/not-yet tension—positionally perfect, practically in progress.
but I press on“…but I press on…” (Philippians 3:12)
The verb signals determined pursuit, not passive waiting:
•Hebrews 12:1-2 calls believers to run with endurance, fixing eyes on Jesus.
•1 Corinthians 9:26-27 pictures disciplined training, not aimless motion.
•Galatians 6:9 encourages perseverance, “for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Paul models holy dissatisfaction that fuels forward motion.
to take hold of that“…to take hold of that…” (Philippians 3:12)
What is “that”?
• Full conformity to Christ (Ephesians 4:13)
• The upward call and prize he will soon mention (Philippians 3:14)
• Present maturity and future resurrection wrapped together (Colossians 1:28)
He stretches toward everything God intends for him, refusing partial measures.
for which Christ Jesus took hold of me“…for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” (Philippians 3:12)
The pursuit is grounded in prior grace:
• On the Damascus road Jesus seized Paul’s life (Acts 9:3-6), provingJohn 15:16—“You did not choose Me, but I chose you.”
•Romans 8:28-29 links God’s calling with the purpose of conforming believers to His Son.
• Because Christ initiated, Paul’s effort is response, not self-generated heroics. He strives in the strength of the One who already owns him (Colossians 1:29).
summaryPaul admits he hasn’t reached the finish line, hasn’t arrived at perfect Christ-likeness, and hasn’t fully experienced resurrection life. Yet, confident that Jesus first laid hold of him, he refuses complacency and presses forward with single-minded resolve. The verse calls every believer to the same humble honesty, relentless pursuit, and grace-grounded confidence until the day we stand complete in Christ.
(12)
Not as though . . .--The tenses are here varied.
Not as though I ever yet attained, or have been already made perfect. To "attain," or
receive (probably the prize, see
Philippians 3:14), is a single act; "to be perfected" a continuous process. Clearly St. Paul has no belief, either in any indefectible grasp of salvation, or in any attainment of full spiritual perfection on this side of the grave. We may note our Lord's use of the word "to be perfected" to signify His death (
Luke 13:32), and a similar application of the word to Him in
Hebrews 2:10;
Hebrews 5:9; also the use of the words "made perfect" to signify the condition of the glorified (
Hebrews 11:40;
Hebrews 12:23). . . .
Verse 12. -
Not as though I had already. attained, either were already perfect; the R.V. renders this clause more accurately,
not that (1
. do not say that)
I have already obtained. The verb is not the same with that translated "attain" in ver. 11; it means to get, to win a prize, as in
1 Corinthians 9:24. The tense is aorist: "I say not that I did at once win the prize;" that is, at the time of his conversion. Compare the tenses used in ver. 8, "I suffered the loss of all things;" and ver. 12, "I was apprehended;" which both refer to the same time. The prize was gained in a moment; it needs the continued effort of a lifetime. St. Paul proceeds, using now the perfect tense, "Nor have I been already made perfect." He has not even now reached perfection; he is still working out his own salvation. There may be here a delicate allusion to the spiritual pride which seems to have disturbed the unity of the Philippians (see
Philippians 2:2-4).
But I follow after; rather,
Ipursue,
I press on.
If that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. The words rendered "for which" (
ἐφ ῷ) will admit three different interpretations:
(1) that of A.V., which implies the ellipse of the antecedent "that;"
(2) that given in the margin of R.V., "seeing that;" and
(3) that of the R.V., "for which," for which purpose (that is, that I may press on and persevere) I was also apprehended by Christ Jesus. All these translations are possible, and all give a good sense. Perhaps . . .
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
NotΟὐχ(Ouch)Adverb
Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.thatὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.I have already obtained [all this],ἔλαβον(elabon)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2983:(a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of.orἢ(ē)Conjunction
Strong's 2228:Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.have already been perfected,τετελείωμαι(teteleiōmai)Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 5048:From teleios; to complete, i.e. accomplish, or consummate.butδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.I press onδιώκω(diōkō)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1377:To pursue, hence: I persecute. A prolonged form of a primary verb dio; to pursue; by implication, to persecute.to take hold ofκαταλάβω(katalabō)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2638:From kata and lambano; to take eagerly, i.e. Seize, possess, etc.that for whichἐφ’(eph’)Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.ChristΧριστοῦ(Christou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547:Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.JesusἸησοῦ(Iēsou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424:Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.took hold of me.κατελήμφθην(katelēmphthēn)Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2638:From kata and lambano; to take eagerly, i.e. Seize, possess, etc.
Links
Philippians 3:12 NIVPhilippians 3:12 NLTPhilippians 3:12 ESVPhilippians 3:12 NASBPhilippians 3:12 KJV
Philippians 3:12 BibleApps.comPhilippians 3:12 Biblia ParalelaPhilippians 3:12 Chinese BiblePhilippians 3:12 French BiblePhilippians 3:12 Catholic Bible
NT Letters: Philippians 3:12 Not that I have already obtained (Philipp. Phil. Php.) 
