Philippians 3:16

Nevertheless Better, with R.V., only; a word, like the Greek, of less contrast and easier transition.

attained Not the same Greek verb as that in Philippians 3:12, though R.V. (with A.V.) gives the same English. The verb here is properly used, in classical Greek, of anticipation (so 1 Thessalonians 4:15), arrival beforehand, rapid arrival. Later, and so ordinarily in N.T., it loses much at least of this speciality, and means little besides "to reach," "to arrive." Still, a shadow of the first meaning may be traced in most places; a suggestion of an arrival which is either sudden, or achieved in spite of obstacles. The latter idea would be in place here, where the metaphor of the race with its difficulties is still present; as if to say, "whereunto we have succeededin arriving." The verb is in the aorist, but the English perfect is obviously right.

let us walk by the same&c. The Greek verb is in the infinitive, "to walk"; a frequent idiomatic substitute for the mood of command or appeal. Apparently this construction is always used in address to others(see Alford here), and thus we should render "walk ye&c." The verb here rendered "walk" means not only movement on the feet in general, but orderly and guided walking, stepping along a line. The appeal is to take care of Christian consistency in detail, up to the full present light, on the unchanging principles of the Gospel, which are essentially "the same" for all. And there is a reference, doubtless, in the words "the same," to the Philippians" tendency to differences of opinion and feeling.

The words after "by the same" are an excellent explanation, but not part of the text. Read, in the same [path or principle].