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
1Co 9:24;
Heb 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,
Php 3:14)
for which also I was laid hold on by Christ" (namely, at my
conversion,
So 1:4;
1Co 13:12).
Jesus--omitted in the oldest manuscripts. Paul was close to
"apprehending" the prize
(2Ti 4:7, 8).
Christ the Author, is also the Finisher of His people's "race."
JFB.
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