Philippians 3:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Philippians 3:10
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
Chapter Context
Philippians 3 is a friendship epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of hope, sacrifice, redemption. Written during Paul's Roman imprisonment (c. 60-62 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church in this Roman colony maintained partnership with Paul despite his imprisonment.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Philippians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Philippians 3:10
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
Analysis
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death (τοῦ γνῶναι αὐτὸν καὶ τὴν δύναμιν τῆς ἀναστάσεως αὐτοῦ καὶ τὴν κοινωνίαν παθημάτων αὐτοῦ, συμμορφιζόμενος τῷ θανάτῳ αὐτοῦ, tou gnōnai auton kai tēn dynamin tēs anastaseōs autou kai tēn koinōnian pathēmatōn autou, symmorphizomenos tō thanatō autou)—Tou gnōnai ("to know," infinitive of purpose) is Paul's consuming passion. Threefold knowing:
- tēn dynamin tēs anastaseōs ("power of resurrection")—present experience of resurrection-life (Rom 6:4; Eph 1:19-20)
- koinōnian pathēmatōn ("fellowship of sufferings")—sharing Christ's sufferings (Col 1:24; 2 Cor 1:5)
- symmorphizomenos tō thanatō ("being conformed to His death")—dying to self (Gal 2:20).
Knowing Christ is experiential, costly, transformative—not mere intellectual assent.
Historical Context
Ancient philosophy pursued knowledge (gnōsis) through reason and contemplation. Paul's 'knowledge' is relational union producing conformity to Christ's death-resurrection pattern. Gnostics later claimed secret knowledge; Paul's knowledge is public gospel embraced by faith and lived through suffering. Resurrection power isn't triumphalism but cruciformity—dying and rising with Christ (Rom 6:1-11).
Reflection
- How do you experience 'the power of His resurrection' in daily life?
- What does 'fellowship of His sufferings' look like practically in your context?
- How are you being 'conformed to His death'—dying to self and sin?
Word Studies
- Resurrection: ἀνάστασις (Anastasis) G386 - Resurrection, rising
Cross-References
- Resurrection: Colossians 3:1, 1 Peter 1:3
- Parallel theme: Philippians 3:8, John 17:3, Romans 8:17, 2 Corinthians 1:5, 13:4, Galatians 2:20