John Calvin Commentary Philippians 3:16

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

Nevertheless, so far as we have attained. Even the Greek manuscripts themselves differ as to the dividing of the clauses, for in some of them there are two complete sentences. If anyone, however, prefers to divide the verse, the meaning will be as Erasmus has rendered it. For my part, I rather prefer a different reading, implying that Paul exhorts the Philippians to imitate him, so that they may at last reach the same goal, so as to think the same thing, and walk by the same rule.

For where sincere affection exists, such as reigned in Paul, the way is easy to a holy and pious concord. Therefore, since they had not yet learned what true perfection was, so that they might attain it, he wishes them to be imitators of him—that is, to seek God with pure conscience, (2 Timothy 1:3) to claim nothing for themselves, and calmly to subject their understandings to Christ.

For in imitating Paul all these excellences are included: pure zeal, fear of the Lord, modesty, self-renunciation, teachableness, love, and desire for concord. He urges them, however, to be imitators of him together; that is, all with one accord and one mind.

Observe that the goal of perfection to which he invites the Philippians by his example is that they think the same thing, and walk by the same rule. He has, however, assigned the first place to the doctrine in which they should harmonize and the rule to which they should conform.