Matthew Poole and continuators on Philippians 3:12

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 .

By an elegant Anticipation and correction, lest any should conclude from what he had written, as if he were now arrived at the height he aim'd at in the excellency of the knowledge of Christ and a full and perfect stature in that body, or almost at the very pitch, he doth here make a modest confe[illegible: 1 letter]sion of his not attainment (whatever false Apostles might pretend to) 2 Cor. 10.12. & 12.6, 7. but of his earnest desire and utmost endeavour to be rais'd to the compleat holiness he was design'd to in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, Eph. 2.6.

He did pursue with all vigour as those labouring in the Agonisticks with all his might and main, not desponding of obtaining the goal, 1 Cor. 9.26. with 2 Cor. 4.8. with groanings and longings after utmost perfection, 2 Cor. 5.4, 6, 7. 2 Pet. 3.12. as those perfected in glory, Heb. 12.23.

If that or whether that (not as intimating any uncertainty, but his more earnest contending for holiness in the Christian race) I may lay hold on that attainment to be as holy as men shall be at the Resurrection.

Even as, or for which (as we render it well so, c. 4.10) i. e. For which end, or for this purpose to be perfectly sanctified and glorified at the Resurrection.

He was at his effectual calling laid hold on by Christ, being found in whom he was striving after perfection. This apprehended is a metaphor borrowed from those that run in a race, one taking hold of another to draw him after to win the prize as well as himself. He eyed Christ having taken him into his hand, as one that would not suffer him to be pluck't out by any opposers, Ioh. 10.28. He knew that Christ having brought him nigh unto God; and undertook to work such a measure of holiness in him, one day would compleatly glorifie him, so that whatever he pass'd through, nothing should be lost, Ioh. 6.39.

Marginal references: 1 Tim. 6.12.; Heb. 12.23.