Philippians 3:12-14

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Philippians 3:13

Brethren, I count not myself yet to have laid hold: but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before ...I count not myself yet to have laid hold ... See comment on this same thought expressed at the beginning of Philippians 3:12.Laid hold ... This was a favorite expression with Paul. He viewed the priceless gift of eternal life as a prize to be seized eagerly and without delay, something to be taken with determination never to let... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Philippians 3:14

I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.As Hendriksen expressed it, "Paul's intense yearning and striving for spiritual perfection is expressed now under the symbolism of the familiar foot race?[26] Commentators often illustrate this passage by bringing forward vivid accounts of the ancient Olympic contests in various cities of the ancient empire; but the modern Olympics which have been brought into millions of homes through the wonder of television... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Philippians 3:12

Philippians 3:12. Not as though I had already, &c.— "This I say not as if I had already attained to all that I wish to be, or were already perfected: for I am truly sensible how far I am from that consummate perfection of character, as well as of state, which the gospel teaches me to aspire after: but I pursue it, if by any means I may but reach that height of excellence for which also I am apprehended by Christ Jesus, whose condescending hand graciously laid hold on me in my mad career,... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Philippians 3:13-14

Philippians 3:13-14. Brethren, I count not myself, &c.— No, my brethren, I do not imagine that I am yet arrived at the goal; but this one thing I do: regardless of what is behind, and intent only to reach what is before, I press forward to the mark, for the prize to which God has called me from above by Christ Jesus. Heylin. Mr. Peirce thinks the most exact grammatical construction of the words is this, "I press after that one thing for which I have been apprehended by Jesus Christ, that I... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Philippians 3:12

12. Translate, "Not that I," c. (I do not wish to be understood as saying that, &c.). attained—"obtained," namely, a perfect knowledge of Christ, and of the power of His death, and fellowship of His sufferings, and a conformity to His death. either were already perfect—"or am already perfected," that is, crowned with the garland of victory, my course completed, and perfection absolutely reached. The image is that of a race course throughout. See 1 Corinthians 9:24 Hebrews 12:23. See TRENCH... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Philippians 3:13

13. I—whatever others count as to themselves. He who counts himself perfect, must deceive himself by calling sin infirmity (1 John 1:8); at the same time, each must aim at perfection, to be a Christian at all (Matthew 5:48). forgetting those things . . . behind—Looking back is sure to end in going back (Luke 9:62): So Lot's wife (Luke 9:62- :). If in stemming a current we cease pulling the oar against it, we are carried back. God's word to us is as it was to Israel, "Speak unto the children of... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Philippians 3:14

14. high calling—literally, "the calling that is above" (Galatians 4:26; Colossians 3:1): "the heavenly calling" (Hebrews 3:1). "The prize" is "the crown of righteousness" (1 Corinthians 9:24; 2 Timothy 4:8). 2 Timothy 4:8- :, "crown of life." 2 Timothy 4:8- :, "a crown of glory that fadeth not away." "The high," or "heavenly calling," is not restricted, as ALFORD thinks, to Paul's own calling as an apostle by the summons of God from heaven; but the common calling of all Christians to salvation... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Philippians 3:12

Paul had said that he had not already grasped the intimate knowledge of His Savior that he sought to obtain (Philippians 3:10). He did not want his readers to understand him as saying that his conversion brought him into the intimate personal relationship with Christ that he desired. At conversion his views about what is important in life changed drastically, however. He did not believe he was perfect. There are some Christians who believe that after conversion they do not sin (cf. 1 John... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Philippians 3:12-14

Paul’s persistent zeal 3:12-14 read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Philippians 3:13

Again Paul disclaimed having attained conformity to Christ. He viewed his experience as similar to a runner’s. He did not look back. The apostle did not mean that he refused to remember things that had happened to him in the past. He had just reviewed some of those things. He meant that he did not rest in his heritage (Philippians 3:5-7) or in his past attainments (Philippians 3:9-12). He had abandoned the unworthy goal that he had pursued in the past. Now he had a new goal toward which he was... read more

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