Philippians 3:12 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

¹² [It is] not that I have already arrived at the goal [of spiritual maturity], or have already been made perfectly [righteous], but I am pushing onward in order to take hold of what Christ Jesus took hold of me for [i.e., to receive all that Christ intended for me].

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

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.

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

¹² Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) and make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me and made me His own.

American Standard Version (1901)

¹² 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.

Common English Bible

¹² It’s not that I have already reached this goal or have already been perfected, but I pursue it, so that I may grab hold of it because Christ grabbed hold of me for just this purpose.

Catholic Public Domain Version

¹² It is not as though I have already received this, or were already perfect. But rather I pursue, so that by some means I might attain, that in which I have already been attained by Christ Jesus.

Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version

¹² Not as though I has already attained, or were already perfect; but I follow after, if I may by any means apprehend, wherein I am also apprehended by Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:12 Cross References

Matthew 5:48

Therefore, you must [attempt to] be complete, just as your heavenly Father is [already] complete.”

Acts 9:15

But the Lord replied to him, “Go on your way, for Saul is someone I have especially chosen to carry my name to the [unconverted] Gentiles, kings and the Israelites.

Romans 8:39

nor [things] above, nor [things] below, nor any [other] created thing will be able to separate us from God’s love [for us], revealed through Christ Jesus our Lord [Note: The idea of this passage is “Regardless of what happens to us, God still loves us”].

1 Corinthians 13:10

but when that which is complete comes [i.e., the full revelation of God’s will, contained in the New Testament Scriptures], then the partial will be abolished [i.e., the supernatural gifts, which provided only part of the revealed will of God, will cease to be exercised].

1 Corinthians 13:12

For now [i.e., during the church’s infant state] we see in a mirror [Note: God’s word is elsewhere likened to a mirror. See James 1:22-25] indistinctly [i.e., because of having only partial knowledge and prophecy], but then [i.e., when the church matures and has the completed Scriptures], we will see face to face [i.e., clearly]. Now I have [only] partial knowledge, but then I will have full knowledge, just as [God has] full knowledge of me.

1 Corinthians 9:24

Do you not know that [although] everyone runs in a race, only one person wins the prize? So, you should run in order to win.

2 Corinthians 13:9

For we are glad when we are weak and you are powerful. And we are also praying for your complete restoration [i.e., to spiritual maturity]

2 Corinthians 7:1

[So], since we have these promises [See 6:16-18], dear ones, we should purify ourselves from everything that pollutes [our] body and spirit while living lives completely separated [from sin], out of reverence for God.

Galatians 5:17

For what your body wants is in conflict with what the Holy Spirit wants [for you], and what the Holy Spirit wants conflicts with what your body wants, for these [two desires] are contrary to one another, so that you do not [always] do what you [really] want to.

Ephesians 1:4

Even before the creation of the world God chose us, who are in [fellowship with] Christ, to be dedicated [to Him] and to be without just blame in His sight. Out of love

Ephesians 4:12

for the purpose of equipping the saints [i.e., God’s holy people] for the work of serving [others], in order to build up the [spiritual] body of Christ [i.e., the church].

Philippians 1:1

[This letter is from] Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus, [and is being sent] to all the saints [i.e., God’s holy people] who are at Philippi [Note: This is a town in present-day northeastern Greece, and the first place in Europe where Paul established Christianity], along with the overseers [Note: These men were also called elders, shepherds or pastors] and deacons.

Philippians 3:16

So, we should continue living by the same [standard] that we have [already] attained.

Philippians 3:3

For we [Christians] are the [true] circumcision [i.e., the real “Jews” in God’s eyes. See Rom. 2:28-29]. We worship by means of God’s Holy Spirit [i.e., are empowered and motivated by the Holy Spirit], and boast in [the person and work of] Christ Jesus, and [we] place no confidence in the flesh [i.e., in any outward ritual or status for salvation].

Philippians 3:8

What is more, I consider everything to be a loss compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus [as] my Lord, for whose sake I have suffered the loss of all things. [I now] consider [all of] them to be trash, in order to gain Christ

1 Thessalonians 5:15

Make sure that no one does anything wrong [back] to someone who wrongs him, but always look for something good you can do for one another and for everyone.

2 Thessalonians 2:13

But we ought to thank God for you always, brothers [who are] dearly loved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning [Note: Some manuscripts use the Greek word for “first fruits” instead of “beginning” here, but it is difficult to know in what sense the Thessalonian Christians were “first”], in order to be saved through being set apart by the Holy Spirit and through belief of the truth [of the Gospel].

1 Timothy 5:10

having a reputation for doing good deeds, [such as] bringing up children, showing hospitality to strangers, washing the feet of the saints [i.e., God’s holy people], assisting people in trouble and devoting herself to doing all [other] kinds of good deeds.

1 Timothy 6:19

[In that way] they will store up for themselves a treasure [of never ending rewards] for providing a solid foundation for the future, so that they can take hold of the true life [i.e., in heaven].

Hebrews 12:14

Actively seek to live in peace with all people. And be dedicated to God, because no one will see God without this.

Hebrews 12:23

and to the church of the firstborn ones [i.e., those who have received an inheritance from their Father], whose names are recorded in heaven. [See Luke 10:20]. [You have come] to God, who is the Judge of all people, and to the spirits of righteous people who have become [morally] perfect [i.e., that great company of God’s people who have gone on to their heavenly reward],

Hebrews 13:21

equip you with every good deed for doing God’s will. [May He] work in us [to accomplish] what is very pleasing in His sight through [the power of] Jesus Christ. May there be praise to Him forever and ever. May it be so.

James 3:2

For we all make mistakes in many areas [of life]. If anyone does not make a mistake in what he says, he is a perfect person, capable of keeping a tight rein on his whole life also.

1 Peter 5:10

And the God who bestows every unearned favor [upon His people], who invited you to partake of His eternal splendor through Christ Jesus, will restore, confirm, strengthen and stabilize you people [in the faith], after you have gone through a brief time of suffering.

2 Peter 3:18

But grow in the unearned favor and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May He be honored both now and forever. May it be so.