Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
Translate, "Not that I," etc. (I do not wish to be understood as saying that, etc.).
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 I Corinthians 9:24; Hebrews 12:23. See TRENCH [Greek Synonyms of the New Testament].
I follow after—"I press on."
apprehend . . . apprehended—"If so be that I may lay hold on that (namely, the prize, Philippians 3:14) for which also I was laid hold on by Christ" (namely, at my conversion, Song of Solomon 1:4; I Corinthians 13:12).
Jesus—omitted in the oldest manuscripts. Paul was close to "apprehending" the prize (II Timothy 4:7-8). Christ the Author, is also the Finisher of His people's "race."
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing Philippians 3:12:
1 Corinthians 2:6-7
Galatians 4:9
Ephesians 4:13
Philippians 3:6
Philippians 3:15
Philippians 3:15
1 Timothy 6:12
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