Monday, April 24, 2006

Philippians 3:12

Textus Receptus:
ουχ οτι ηδη ελαβον η ηδη τετελειωμαι διωκω δε ει και καταλαβω εφ ω και κατεληφθην υπο του χριστου ιησου

King James:
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.

Comments:
attained: Paul uses the same word to describe his future receiving of the resurrection that he uses to describe Christ's relinquishment of heaven to take the form of a servant in chapter 2:7. Christ released heaven to receive death on Paul's behalf. Paul releases this life to receive heaven through Christ's provision.

perfect: Paul acknowledges here that he is not perfect, while in verse 15 that he is. The only conclusion to be drawn is that he is incomplete (imperfect) in not having obtained the resurrection but secure (perfect) in having been assured his future in the resurrection.

follow after: He will use the same word to describe pressing toward the mark in verse 14. There is more commitment and energy in this word than simply "following." "Pursuing" might be a good way to get the point across.

I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended: Christ fully has Paul, explaining the perfection of verse 15. But Paul has a ways to go before he fully realizes Christ's work in him, explaining the imperfection of this verse.

Expanded Paraphrase:
I long for the full realization of perfection which will come with the resurrection, but know that I have not grasped it yet--I have not been completed yet. But I am pursuing that perfection because my highest goal in life now is to realize fully that for which Christ saved me. I am yet completely but not complete in Him.

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