APPREHEND AND COMPREHEND

Apprehend is used two ways in scripture just like it is used now. One, is to be arrested or seized or taken into one’s possession. The other meaning is similar and is to lay hold of, or attain.

With these definitions in mind, it is more easily understood what the apostle Paul wrote when he said,

“Not that I have already apprehended (attained), or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things that are behind and reaching forward to those things that are ahead.”

Out of the same idea comes the conclusion of apprehend which is comprehend. This means to have mental or spiritual perception or capacity to hold and contain. We comprehend what we have apprehended. Like Paul, we may not have it all yet, but we are pressing on and pressing in to get the rest of it. We are reaching forward to the things ahead.

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain.” Jesus