Section 6
meaning is that the elementary principles be come our walk. Among the ancient Greeks, there were, as there are today, societies or organizations which followed certain basic principles. There are also basic principles, basic elements, involved in being a Christian. These elements should be come a Christian's walk. This was Paul's concept in using this particular word for walk in 3:16.
We have pointed out that this word is derived from a word which means to range in regular line or march in military rank. Paul uses this term in Romans 4:12, where he speaks of "those who walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham." To walk in the steps of Abraham's faith is to conform to his faith, to conform our selves to certain virtue or piety. This Greek word is very rich in meaning.
GAINED BY CHRIST TO GAIN CHRIST
Paul's main thought in 3:16 is that, as Chris tians, the most important principle of our Christian life should be to pursue Christ. Pur suing Christ, therefore, should be the major principle according to which we walk. Paul has already indicated this in verse 12 by saying that he pursues in order to lay hold of that for which he has also been laid hold of by Christ Jesus.