Philippians 3:11

If by any means. These words hold an element of doubt to the degree that Paul had always recognized the possibility of a Christian’s defection from the faith (1 Cor. 10:12; Gal. 3:3; 5:4). He now, in humility, acknowledges that he is exposed to the same danger (cf. on 1 Cor. 9:27).

Attain. Gr. katantao, “to come to,” “to arrive at” (Acts 16:1; 27:12), but metaphorically, “to attain” (Eph. 4:13).

Resurrection of the dead. Paul anticipates sharing in the resurrection of the just (1 Thess. 4:13-18; 1 Cor. 15:51-57; see on Rev. 20:5, 6), but does not minimize the effort required, on the Lord’s part and on his own, to make such attainment possible.