Jamieson, Fausset & Brown

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 Co1 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, Phi 3:14) for which also I was laid hold on by Christ" (namely, at my conversion, Sol 1:4; Co1 13:12). Jesus--omitted in the oldest manuscripts. Paul was close to "apprehending" the prize (Ti2 4:7-8). Christ the Author, is also the Finisher of His people's "race."