ACC ~ Philippians 3 v12b

STRAINING IN PURSUIT. CHRYSOSTOM: He says not “I run” but “I press on.” Consider how the pursuer strains in his pursuit. He sees nothing, he thrusts away all who impede him with great force, he cherishes his mind, his eye, his strength, his soul and his body, looking at nothing other than the crown. HOMILY ON PHILIPPIANS 12.3.12.

NOW ACTIVELY PURSUING THE ONE WHO ONCE PURSUED ME. THEODORET: “It was he who first caught me in his net” Paul says in effect, “for I was fleeing him and was turned well away. He caught me as I fled. But now I in turn am the pursuer in my desire of catching him, that I may not be a disappointment to his saving work.” EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 3.12.

MAKING MY OWN THE ONE WHO MADE ME HIS OWN. MARIUS VICTORINUS: Christ by his sufferings has set free all who follow him. He embraces everyone, but especially those who follow. The one who wants to follow and embrace Christ is bound to follow Christ in all his sufferings. Only in this way may he embrace Christ as Christ embraces him. For if Christ set everyone free by his sufferings, he embraces everyone in his sufferings. EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 3.12.

Phil