John Calvin Commentary Philippians 3:12

"Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect: but I press on, if so be that I may lay hold on that for which also I was laid hold on by Christ Jesus." — Philippians 3:12 (ASV)

Not as though I had already apprehended. Paul insists upon this, so that he may convince the Philippians that he thinks of nothing but Christ — knows nothing else — desires nothing else — is occupied with no other subject of meditation. In connection with this, there is much weight in what he now adds — that he himself, while he had given up all hindrances, had nevertheless not attained that object of aim, and that, for this reason, he always aimed and eagerly aspired to something further. How much more was this incumbent on the Philippians, who were still far behind him?

It is asked, however, what it is that Paul says he has not yet attained? For unquestionably, as soon as we are by faith ingrafted into the body of Christ, we have already entered the kingdom of God, and, as it is stated in Ephesians 2:6, we already, in hope, sit in heavenly places. I answer that our salvation, in the meantime, is in hope, so that the inheritance indeed is secure; but we nevertheless do not yet have it in possession.

At the same time, Paul here looks at something else — the advancement of faith, and of that mortification which he had mentioned. He had said that he aimed and eagerly aspired to the resurrection of the dead through fellowship in the Cross of Christ. He adds that he has not yet arrived at this.

At what? At the attainment of having entire fellowship in Christ’s sufferings, having a full taste of the power of his resurrection, and knowing him perfectly. He teaches, therefore, by his own example, that we ought to make progress, and that the knowledge of Christ is an attainment of such difficulty that even those who apply themselves exclusively to it nevertheless do not attain perfection in it as long as they live.

This, however, does not detract at all from the authority of Paul’s doctrine, since he had acquired as much as was sufficient for discharging the office committed to him. In the meantime, it was necessary for him to make progress, so that this divinely-furnished instructor of all might be trained to humility.

As also I have been apprehended. He has inserted this clause by way of correction, so that he might ascribe all his endeavors to the grace of God. It is not of much importance whether you read as, or insofar as; for the meaning in either case remains the same — that Paul was apprehended by Christ, so that he might apprehend Christ; that is, that he did nothing except under Christ’s influence and guidance. I have chosen, however, the more distinct rendering, as it seemed to be optional.