Book of Philippians - Chapter 3 - Verse 10
Meaning
The verse "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;" is one of the most poignant expressions of the apostle Paul's deepest desires. In this verse, Paul reveals his longing to have a deep and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. By knowing Him, Paul seeks to understand the power that comes from Christ's resurrection, as it is through this power that believers are able to overcome sin and death. Paul also desires to share in the sufferings of Christ, recognizing that true fellowship with Him requires a willingness to endure trials and tribulations. Ultimately, Paul's goal is to be conformed to the likeness of Christ's death, dying to self and living a life of sacrifice and obedience. This verse serves as a reminder to all believers of the transformative power of knowing Christ intimately, and the importance of sharing in both His triumphs and His sufferings.
Theological Overview
In the verse 'That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;', the theological interpretation revolves around the deep desire of the apostle Paul to truly understand and experience Christ in every aspect of his life. The phrase "that I may know him" emphasizes the importance of having an intimate relationship with Jesus, seeking to know Him not just intellectually but experientially. The reference to "the power of his resurrection" speaks to the transformative power that comes from Christ's victory over death, highlighting the hope and new life that believers can experience through Him. Additionally, the mention of "the fellowship of his sufferings" suggests that sharing in Christ's sufferings can lead to a deeper understanding of His love and sacrifice. Finally, the phrase "being made conformable unto his death" signifies the believer's willingness to die to self and fully submit to the will of God, following Christ's example of obedience and humility.