Philippians 3:11 – “And so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul expresses his ultimate goal: to attain the resurrection from the dead. This is not a statement of doubt, as if Paul were unsure of his salvation. Rather, he is emphasizing his deep desire to fully experience the resurrection life that Christ has promised.

The word “somehow” does not mean Paul is uncertain about whether he will be resurrected. Instead, it reflects humility-he knows that his resurrection is entirely dependent on God’s power, not his own efforts. Paul has already made it clear that righteousness comes through faith in Christ, not through works (Philippians 3:9).

Paul is not just talking about life after death; he is longing for the final resurrection, when believers will be fully transformed and made like Christ. He wants to experience everything God has planned, both in the present (spiritual renewal) and in the future (bodily resurrection).

Historical Context

Paul wrote Philippians while imprisoned in Rome. He had already endured great suffering for Christ, and he knew that more hardships lay ahead. The early church lived with constant persecution, and many Christians were martyred for their faith.

In the Jewish and Roman world, belief in resurrection was controversial.

• The Jewish sect of the Sadducees rejected the idea of resurrection (Acts 23:8).
• The Greeks and Romans viewed bodily resurrection as foolish. Many believed in an afterlife, but they saw the body as corrupt and unnecessary after death.

But Paul boldly taught that resurrection is central to the Christian faith. Jesus was physically raised from the dead, and His followers will also be resurrected to eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:12-22).

Paul’s words in Philippians 3:11 reflect this hope. He is looking forward to the moment when he will be fully restored and glorified with Christ.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights three important biblical truths:

1. Resurrection is the ultimate hope of believers. Paul’s goal is not earthly success but eternal life with Christ (Romans 6:5).
2. Salvation is completely dependent on God’s power. Paul recognizes that resurrection is not something he can achieve-it is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9).
3. Spiritual transformation begins now but is completed in the future. Believers experience new life in Christ today, but we will not be fully perfected until we are resurrected with Him (Romans 8:23).

Literary Analysis

Paul uses a progression of thought in Philippians 3:7-11:

• Verse 7-8: Paul counts everything as loss compared to knowing Christ.
• Verse 9: Paul rejects his own righteousness and trusts in Christ’s righteousness.
• Verse 10: Paul desires to experience Christ’s resurrection power and to share in His sufferings.
• Verse 11: Paul looks forward to his final resurrection.

The phrase “attaining to the resurrection” (Greek: exanastasis) is unique. It literally means “the out-resurrection,” emphasizing the idea of being set apart. Paul is saying that he wants to fully experience everything that comes with being raised to new life in Christ.

Biblical Cross-References

• Romans 6:5 – “If we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.”
• 1 Corinthians 15:12-22 – Paul explains the importance of Christ’s resurrection and the future resurrection of believers.
• 2 Corinthians 4:14 – “Because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself.”
• Romans 8:11 – “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies.”
• Colossians 3:1-4 – Paul describes the resurrection life of believers, both now and in eternity.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Philippians 3:11 reminds us that this life is not the end-our real hope is in eternity with Christ.

Many people live as if this world is all there is, chasing after success, comfort, and security. But Paul shows us that our ultimate goal should be resurrection life with Jesus. This changes the way we think about:

• Suffering – Hardships are temporary; eternal life is permanent (2 Corinthians 4:17).
• Purpose – We live not for ourselves but for the glory of God (Colossians 3:2-3).
• Confidence – Our future is secure in Christ, no matter what happens in this life (John 11:25-26).

This verse challenges us to focus on eternity, not just the present.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in this verse because He promises to raise His people to eternal life.

• God’s love does not leave us in sin and death. He sent Jesus to conquer death and give us eternal life (John 3:16).
• God’s love assures us that suffering is not the end. No matter how difficult life is, resurrection is coming (Romans 8:18).
• God’s love gives us security. If we are in Christ, our future is certain-we will be raised with Him (John 10:28).

This verse shows that God’s love is not just for this life-it extends into eternity.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse is all about Jesus, because:

• Jesus is the first to be resurrected. His resurrection guarantees that believers will also be raised (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).
• Jesus’ resurrection power is at work in us. Even now, believers experience new life through Christ (Romans 8:11).
• Jesus is our ultimate goal. Paul’s longing to “attain the resurrection” is really a longing to be with Christ forever (Philippians 1:21-23).

Everything Paul hopes for is found in Jesus alone.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does Paul’s desire for resurrection challenge the way you think about life and eternity?
2. Do you live with a focus on eternal things, or do you get caught up in temporary concerns?
3. What does it mean to “attain the resurrection” in your daily life?
4. How does this verse give you hope in times of suffering?
5. In what ways does Christ’s resurrection power affect your life right now?

Paul’s words in Philippians 3:11 remind us that our ultimate hope is not in this world but in the resurrection life that Jesus promises. If we belong to Christ, we can live with confidence, knowing that our future is secure in Him.