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Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: 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 aimed 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 confession of his not attainment, (whatever false apostles might pretend to), 2Co_10:12 12:6,7; but of his earnest desire and utmost endeavour to be raised to the complete holiness he was designed to,
in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, Eph_2:6.
But I follow after; he did pursue with all vigour, as those labouring in the agonistics, with all his might and main, not desponding of obtaining the goal, 1Co_9:26, with 2Co_4:8; with groanings and longings after utmost perfection, 2Co_5:4,6,7 2Pe_3:12; as those perfected in glory, Heb_12:23.
If that I may apprehend that; 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.
For which; even as, or for which, ( as we render it well so, Phi_4:10), i.e. for which end, or for this purpose, to be perfectly sanctified and glorified at the resurrection.
I am apprehended of Christ Jesus; 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 plucked out by any opposers, Joh_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 completely glorify him, so that, whatever he passed through, nothing should be lost, Joh_6:39.