What is the context?
Paul has expressed his desire to know Christ and attain the resurrection. He now says plainly that he has not already obtained all this or been made perfect. His pursuit begins with something Christ has done: Christ Jesus took hold of him.
He uses the picture of reaching toward a goal. Rather than treating what lies behind as the end of the story, he presses toward the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ. The direction of his life is forward toward Him.
Paul then includes the community in this way of thinking. The mature are to embrace it, while he trusts God to bring understanding where they think differently. They are to live up to what they have already attained.
The passage holds together real progress and continuing growth. Paul offers himself as someone still pursuing Christ, preparing for the following call to follow faithful examples together.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christians commonly read this as a call to persevere in the life Christ has begun, with humility about what remains to be completed. Wesley’s notes on verses 12–16 distinguish readiness for the race from its completed prize. The USCCB note likewise emphasizes that belonging to Christ does not mean a person has already reached the end of spiritual maturity. Both keep continued growth and trust in God in view.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
Romans 8:29–30 describes God’s purpose as conforming His people to the image of His Son and bringing them to glory. The growth Paul pursues serves that larger purpose.
The confidence expressed earlier in Philippians 1:6 also looks to God completing the work He began. The continuing effort described here belongs within that dependence on Him and the hope of completed life in Christ.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.