Philippians 3:12 Meaning: Not Yet Perfect
Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, that I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus.
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 that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect: but I press on, if so be that I may lay hold on that for which also I was laid hold on by Christ Jesus.
Not that I did already obtain, or have been already perfected; but I pursue, if also I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by the Christ Jesus;
Not that I have already obtained [the prize], or am already perfected; but I pursue, if also I may get possession [of it], seeing that also I have been taken possession of by Christ [Jesus].
Meaning in one sentence
Paul admits he hasn't reached perfection, but presses on because Christ has already taken hold of him for a purpose. Learn what that means for you today.
Context
Paul writes from a Roman prison, and his heart is full of joy. But in chapter 3 the tone shifts. He warns against teachers who say human effort earns God's favor. He then lists his own religious résumé, birth, training, zeal, and calls it all rubbish compared to knowing Christ. Now he describes what that knowledge looks like: not a one-time event, but a lifelong race. He has not arrived. He is not yet perfect. But he keeps running, because Christ first ran after him.
Key Words
Three Greek words carry the weight here. First, the verb behind “obtained” (elabon) is a past action with a definite moment, Paul is not talking about something that gradually slipped away. He did not grab the prize when he was converted. Second, “perfect” (teteleiōmai) is a perfect passive: I have been completed. In the ancient games, this word described a runner crossing the finish line and receiving the crown. Paul says he is not there yet. Third, “press on” (diōkō) is the same verb used for chasing an enemy or hunting prey. It is intense, continuous effort. But notice the exchange: Paul has been “apprehended” (katelēmphthēn) by Christ, an aorist passive that shows Christ did the grabbing first. So all this straining is a response to being caught. You chase because you have already been caught.
How Christians Read This Verse
Across traditions, this verse is read as a sobering check on spiritual pride. Wesleyan Christians see Paul denying entire sanctification as a final state before glory, there is always more grace to receive. Reformed believers emphasize that perfection belongs to the life to come, not this one. Many Catholic readers understand “perfection” as the ultimate goal of union with God, a journey that continues until death. Early church writers sometimes linked “perfected” with martyrdom, the final seal of faithfulness. All agree: Paul is not saying he is perfect; he is saying he runs because Christ has him.
A common misunderstanding
Some read “I press on” as Paul working to earn his salvation, as if he doubts whether Christ has really saved him. In fact, Paul’s whole argument runs the other way. Christ already “apprehended” him, laid hold of him on the Damascus road. The pressing on is not to get God’s attention, but to reach the goal for which God got hold of him. Effort flows from grace, not toward it.
Living This Out
This week, when you feel stuck in an old habit or frustrated by slow growth, remember: you are not meant to have arrived yet. That is not an excuse to coast. Paul’s example shows you can be honest about your incompleteness and still strain forward. Try this: each morning, name one way Christ has already taken hold of you, a promise, a provision, a rescue. Then ask Him what one step you can take today toward that goal He has in mind.
Main takeaway: Because Christ has already taken hold of you, you can press on toward the goal without fear of failure.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Paul loved Jesus, but he knew he wasn’t finished yet. He kept trying to love Jesus more. Jesus already had hold of him, like holding your hand, so Paul wasn’t afraid to keep going.
For ages 9, 12
Have you ever started something exciting, like a big project or learning a new skill, but felt like you weren’t very good at it yet? Paul felt that way about following Jesus. He hadn’t “arrived” or become perfect. But he also didn’t give up. He says, “I press on.” Why? Because Jesus already grabbed hold of him first. You don’t have to be perfect to keep going. You just have to let Jesus hold you and take the next step.
Questions People Ask
Does Philippians 3:12 mean Christians can never be perfect?
Paul is speaking about final, complete perfection, the goal of the resurrection life. He says he has not reached that yet. Many Christians believe that while we grow in holiness, ultimate perfection (complete freedom from sin and full conformity to Christ) is received at Christ's return or at our own death. This verse encourages humility and ongoing effort, not despair.
What does 'apprehended' mean in Philippians 3:12?
The Greek word 'katalambanō' means to lay hold of, seize, or grasp. Here it is in the passive voice: Paul was 'laid hold of' by Christ Jesus, a strong, personal, purposeful grip. It points to his conversion and calling on the road to Damascus. Christ grabbed him for a reason, and now Paul spends his life trying to grab that same purpose.
What race is Paul referring to in Philippians 3?
Paul uses the metaphor of the Olympic games, which the Philippians knew well. The runner strains toward the finish line to win the prize. Paul says he forgets what is behind (past failures or achievements) and stretches forward. The prize is 'the high calling of God in Christ Jesus', full resurrection life and eternal communion with God.
If Paul wasn't perfect, how could he tell others to be perfect?
In Philippians 3:15, Paul says 'as many as are perfect' should think this way. The word 'perfect' there has a different sense: mature, adult, complete in understanding. He is distinguishing between those who are mature in their faith (who agree that they haven't fully arrived) and those who think they have already reached the finish line. So even the 'mature' press on.
Does this verse contradict Jesus's command to 'be perfect'?
Jesus said 'Be perfect, as your Heavenly Father is perfect' (Matthew 5:48). That command sets the goal: wholehearted love for God and neighbor. Paul's statement doesn't contradict it; he is showing that no one (not even an apostle) has fully reached that goal yet. The command stands as the target; Paul’s confession is the honest reality of the journey toward it.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study