Philippians 3:12-15

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 3:15

As many as be perfect - As many as are thoroughly instructed in Divine things, who have cast off all dependence on the law and on every other system for salvation, and who discern God calling them from above by Christ Jesus; be thus minded; be intensely in earnest for eternal life, nor ever halt till the race is finished. The word τελειοι , perfect, is taken here in the same sense in which it is taken 1 Corinthians 14:20 ; : - Be not Children in understanding - but in understanding be... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 3:12

Verse 12 12Not as though I had already apprehended Paul insists upon this, 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 hinderances, had nevertheless not attained that object of aim, and that, on this account, he always aimed and eagerly aspired at something... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 3:13

Verse 13 13I reckon not myself to have as yet apprehended He does not here call in question the certainty of his salvation, as though he were still in suspense, but repeats what he had said before — that he still aimed at making farther progress, because he had not yet attained the end of his calling. He shews this immediately after, by saying that he was intent on this one thing, leaving off everything else. Now, he compares our life to a race-course, the limits of which God has marked out to... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 3:15

Verse 15 15As many as are perfect Lest any one should understand this as spoken of the generality of mankind, as though he were explaining the simple elements to those that are mere children in Christ, he declares that it is a rule which all that are perfect ought to follow. Now, the rule is this — that we must renounce confidence in all things, that we may glory in Christ’s righteousness alone, and preferring it to everything else, aspire after a participation in his sufferings, which may be... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:1-16

The true circumcision. Contemplated close of the Epistle. "Finally my brethren, rejoice in the Lord." It would seem that, at this point, the apostle contemplated bringing the Epistle to a close. He intimates that, in addition to what he has already said, he has only this further to say. He falls back on what has already been noticed as the key-note of the Epistle. Addressing them as his brethren, he calls upon them to rejoice in the Lord. He recognized no joy but what was in the Lord. We... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:12

Not as though I had already. attained, either were already perfect ; the R.V. renders this clause more accurately, not that ( I do not say that ) I have already obtained. The verb is not the same with that translated "attain" in Philippians 3:11 ; it means to get, to win a prize, as in 1 Corinthians 9:24 . The tense is aorist: "I say not that I did at once win the prize;" that is, at the time of his conversion. Compare the tenses used in 1 Corinthians 9:8 , "I suffered the loss... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:12-14

The apostle's confession of his imperfection and his method of Christian progress. There is a touching and instructive humility in the language of these verses. I. HIS CONFESSION OF IMPERFECTION . "Not as though I had already attained or have been made perfect;" and again," I count not myself to have apprehended." 1 . This argues a high estimate of a Christian ' s duty. There is no inconsistency in the consciousness of hidden imperfection and the thought of a lofty... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:12-14

Moral onwardness. The Grecian racecourse was well known to Paul and to all his readers, and hence he often uses it as a figure to illustrate the Christian life. The subject is spiritual advancement, onwardness in Divine excellence. The words suggest that this progress implies three things. I. A CONSCIOUS DISSATISFACTION WITH THE PRESENT . By this I mean, not dissatisfaction with the events and circumstances of life—Divine providences—this would be foolish and impious, but... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:12-14

The Christian race: conditions of victory. 1 . The recognition that we are not yet conquerors, and that every effort on our part is necessary if we would secure the prize. 2 . The knowledge that we are not running the race in our own strength, but that. we are seeking to seize upon a victory already designed for us. When we realize that Christ has grasped us we know that we are being upheld by him, and our confidence of final victory is no longer in ourselves, but in him. 3 . The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 3:12-16

St. Paul's humility. I. HE HAS NOT YET ATTAINED ; HE IS NOT PERFECT . 1 . The most advanced Christian is always the humblest. The nearer we draw to Christ, the more we feel our own unworthiness. The light of Christ's holiness, manifested in the hearts of his saints, brings out into clearer light the exceeding sinfulness of sin. 2 . But he is striving after perfection. The Christian knows his own weakness and sin, but he knows also that he is really following... read more

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