Charles Ellicott Commentary Philippians 3:16

"only, whereunto we have attained, by that same [rule] let us walk." — Philippians 3:16 (ASV)

Let us walk . . .—In this verse the last words appear to be an explanatory gloss. The original reads as follows: Nevertheless—concerning that to which we have attained—let us walk by the same. The word “walk” is always used of pursuing a course deliberately chosen. (Romans 4:12; Galatians 5:25.)

The nearest parallel (from which the gloss is partly taken) is Galatians 6:16, As many as walk by this rule, peace be upon them. In this passage there seems to be the same double reference which has pervaded all St. Paul’s practical teaching. He is anxious for two things—that they should continue in one course, and that all should continue together. In both senses he addresses the “perfect;” he wants them to understand that they have attained only one thing—to be in the right path, and that it is for them to continue in it; he also urges them to refrain from setting themselves up above “the imperfect;” for the very fact of division would mark them as still carnal, mere babes in Christ (1 Corinthians 3:1–4).