Philippians 3:12

Not as though. Literally, “not that,” that is, by this I do not mean to say that (cf. ch. 4:11,17).

Attained. Gr. lambano, “to receive,” “to obtain” (cf. 1 Cor. 9:24, where lambano is used of gaining a prize). Paul is referring to all of his Christian experience, up to that moment of time, and acknowledging that he had not yet completely fulfilled the holy desires expressed in Phil. 3:9, 10. He may thus hope to correct the spiritual pride which seems to have disturbed the unity of the Philippians (ch. 2:2-4).

Were already perfect. Or, “have already been perfected.” By his use of “attained” Paul has covered his past experience; he now refers to his present condition and disclaims having reached that stage of perfection that God designed him to attain and which he himself desires. He is still in the process of working out his own salvation (see on ch. 2:12).

Follow after. Or, “am pursuing,” “am pressing on.” Perhaps Paul refers to the race that is clearly introduced in v. 14.

If that I may. This phrase expresses purpose or aim rather than doubt.

Apprehend. Gr. katalambano, “to lay hold of,” “to obtain” (see on John 1:5; Rom. 9:30). In the Greek katalambano is preceded by kai, “also,” which implies that Paul intended not only to pursue but also to obtain.

That for which. A reference to the purpose Christ had in mind when He accomplished Paul’s conversion (Acts 9:15, 16; 26:16-18).

Am apprehended. Or, “was laid hold of,” that is, at the time of his conversion. Paul knew that Christ had laid hold on him for a purpose, and the apostle was determined to fulfill that design by grasping that for which Christ had laid hold on him. It is the Christian’s duty to press on always in the Christian race, because that is the purpose for which Christ called him. God laid hold, for example, on Saul the son of Kish, and on the rich young ruler, but they did not press on to achieve the objective for which they had been called.