Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Philippians 3:11

"if by any means I may attain unto the resurrection from the dead." — Philippians 3:11 (ASV)

The form of this statement poses a problem for interpreters, perhaps suggesting that, though Paul is hopeful of experiencing the resurrection, he has some doubt about it. This is difficult to harmonize with his strong affirmations of faith elsewhere (e.g., 1 Corinthians 15:1–34). Some have explained the expression as an indication of Paul’s humility. But it is also possible to regard the clause as expressing sincere expectation rather than doubt.

“The resurrection from the dead” is not the usual NT expression for this event. Its use here suggests Paul is thinking not in terms of a general resurrection of the righteous and the wicked, but of believers only (cf. Revelation 20:4–15). He is uncertain whether he will participate in the resurrection because he will have died by then, or whether he will receive his transformed body without dying because the Lord comes before his death (see 1 Thessalonians 4:13–17).