A seeming contradiction
We may not therefore lay these expressions aside, seeing they are the words of God and not of man. But we may, and ought to, explain the meaning of them, so that those who are sincere of heart may not err to the right hand or to the left (Deuteronomy 5:32) from the mark of the prize of their high calling (Philippians 3:14). And this is the more needful to be done, because in the verse already repeated the apostle speaks of himself as not perfect: Not, says he, as though I were already perfect (Philippians 3:12). And yet immediately after, in the fifteenth verse, he speaks of himself, yea and many others, as perfect. Let us, says he, as many as are perfect, be thus minded (Philippians 3:15).
1771 text
3. We may not therefore lay these expressions aside, seeing they are the words of God, and not of man. But we may, and ought to explain the meaning of them; that those who are sincere of heart, may not err to the right-hand or to the left, from the mark of the prize of their high calling. And this is the more needful to be done, because in the verse already repeated, the apostle speaks of himself as not perfect: not, saith he, as tho’ I were already perfect. And yet immediately after, in the fifteenth verse, he speaks of himself, yea and many others, as perfect. Let us, saith he, as many as be perfect, be thus minded.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 40 in the 1771 Works. Philippians 3:12.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.