Philippians 3:12-13
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Paul clarifies he hasn't yet reached the finish line; he's not boasting about having already received the prize or being spiritually complete. Instead, he's actively pursuing that prize because Christ already seized him for it.
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is in the midst of describing his intense pursuit of Christ and all that comes with knowing Him, emphasizing that his conversion was a profound, transformative event where Christ "grasped" him. He clarifies that this pursuit isn't about claiming he's already reached the finish line or achieved absolute perfection, but rather about his ongoing, determined effort to fully grasp what Christ seized him for.
Paul speaks with incredible boldness about his life in Christ, yet here he admits he hasn't 'arrived.' What does it mean to be 'perfect' in faith, and why was Paul so sure he wasn't there yet?
Paul uses imagery from ancient Greek athletic games to describe the Christian life. He's not saying he hasn't started well or made any progress – far from it! His conversion and dedication were profound.
Even with his immense spiritual achievements and deep understanding of Christ, Paul viewed his current state as incomplete. He wasn't claiming to be sinless or to have reached the final heavenly reward. This wasn't about a lack of faith, but a realistic understanding of the ongoing journey.
Paul's relentless pursuit isn't just about his own effort. There's a powerful reason why he keeps running. What's the anchor for his persistent 'pressing on'?
The heart of Paul's motivation lies in the second half of the verse: 'because Christ Jesus has made me his own.' This flips the perspective from his effort to Christ's action.
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This transforms the Christian life from a self-improvement project into a divine rescue mission. Because Christ has claimed us, we are empowered and motivated to pursue the glorious destiny He has destined for us.
Understand the original words
teleios · Greek Adjective
A state of being brought to the intended end or goal of spiritual development; in this context, it refers to the final state of glorification, not moral sinlessness in the present life.
diōkō · Greek Verb
To exert intense effort toward a specific objective; a metaphor often used for athletic competition to describe the diligent pursuit of Christlikeness.
The intense imagery of striving and reaching for a prize in Philippians 3:12 stems from the context of ancient Greek athletic games, a cultural touchstone for the Philippian audience. Paul uses this metaphor to describe his relentless pursuit of Christ, highlighting that his ongoing effort is fueled by the fact that Christ already claimed him.
c. AD 33-36— this verse
Paul's Conversion on the Road to Damascus
While persecuting Christians, Saul of Tarsus has a dramatic encounter with the resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus. This event radically transforms him into the Apostle Paul, initiating his mission to spread the Gospel, particularly to the Gentiles.
c. AD 49
Council of Jerusalem
A pivotal gathering where early Christian leaders, including Paul and Peter, debate whether Gentile converts must adhere to Jewish law. The council affirms that salvation comes through faith in Christ, not adherence to the Law, a crucial affirmation for Paul's ministry.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
During his missionary journeys, Paul spends a significant amount of time in Corinth, a major Roman city. He establishes a strong church there, facing challenges and opposition, and later writes his letters to the Corinthians.
c. AD 55
Paul writes 1 Corinthians
Responding to divisions and issues within the Corinthian church, Paul writes his first letter. This letter addresses matters of spiritual gifts, order, and the resurrection, touching on themes related to Christian maturity and the body of Christ.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
Paul is under house arrest in Rome, awaiting trial. Despite his confinement, he continues to write letters (Epistles) to various churches, including Philippians, offering encouragement, guidance, and theological instruction.
c. AD 64-67
Paul's Martyrdom (Traditional)
Tradition holds that Paul was martyred in Rome during the reign of Emperor Nero. This event, if it occurred, would represent the ultimate completion of his life's race and his final 'perfection' in Christ.
This passage, like Philippians 3:12, uses the strong imagery of an athletic race to describe the Christian life, emphasizing the need for discipline and striving to win the prize.
Hebrews 12:1-2This passage directly parallels the 'running the race' metaphor, encouraging believers to persevere by looking to Jesus, the 'pioneer and perfecter' of faith, who endured the cross.
2 Timothy 4:7-8Here, Paul reflects on his life's journey with similar racing imagery, looking forward to the 'crown of righteousness' that awaits those who have fought the good fight and finished their course.
Romans 8:28While Philippians 3:12 focuses on the believer's pursuit, Romans 8:28 speaks to God's sovereign work, assuring that He works all things for good for those called according to His purpose, a purpose that includes making us conformed to the image of Christ.
Acts 26:16-18This passage recounts Paul's conversion experience, directly relating to the 'apprehended by Christ' part of Philippians 3:12, showing that Christ seized Paul to send him to open eyes and turn people to God.
barnesPhilippians 3:12: "Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus."
Not as though I had already attained - This verse and the two following are full of allusions to the Grecian races. "The word rendered 'attained' signifies, to have arrived at the goal and won the prize, but without having as yet received it" - The Pictorial Bible. The meaning here is, I do not pretend to have at…
meyerPhilippians 3:12: "Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus."
Php 3:12 . Οὐχ ὅτι ] By this I do not mean to say that , etc. See on 2 Corinthians 1:24 ; 2 Corinthians 3:5 ; John 6:46 . Aken, Lehre v. Temp. u. Mod . p. 91 ff. He might encounter such a misconception on the part of his opponents; but “in summo fervore sobrietatem spiritualem non dimittit apostolus,” Bengel. ἤδη…
Paul clarifies he hasn't yet reached the finish line; he's not boasting about having already received the prize or being spiritually complete. Instead, he's actively pursuing that prize because Christ already seized him for it.
Paul is in the midst of describing his intense pursuit of Christ and all that comes with knowing Him, emphasizing that his conversion was a profound, transformative event where Christ "grasped" him. He clarifies that this pursuit isn't about claiming he's already reached the finish line or achieved absolute perfection, but rather about his ongoing, determined effort to fully grasp what Christ seized him for.
Paul is in the midst of describing his intense pursuit of Christ and all that comes with knowing Him, emphasizing that his conversion was a profound, transformative event where Christ "grasped" him. He clarifies that this pursuit isn't about claiming he's already reached the finish line or achieved absolute perfection, but rather about his ongoing, determined effort to fully grasp what Christ seized him for.
"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behin…" — Paul clarifies he hasn't yet reached the finish line; he's not boasting about having already received the prize or being spiritually complete. Instead, he's actively pursuing that prize because C…
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Last reviewed October 2026
