“If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.”
That I may know him and the power of his resurrection and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death — the ultimate goal (hina) of knowing Christ is threefold: experiential knowledge (ginōskō), the power of resurrection, and participation in suffering. 'Power of his resurrection' (dynamis tēs anastaseōs autou) is not theoretical but transformative force. 'Share his sufferings' (koinōnia tōn pathēmatōn) is mystical participation: Paul's suffering becomes Christ's ongoing work. 'Becoming like him in his death' (symmorphizomai tō thanatō) is conformity to Christ's form through death-participation. Resurrection hope rests on suffering participation.
Church Fathers on Philippians 3:11
In our contests with heretics, we must make the attack with minds in vigor, that they may be able to give exact attention. I will therefore begin nay present discourse where the last ended. And what was that? Having enumerated every Jewish boast, both those from his birth, and those that were from choice, he added, “Howbeit, what things were gain to me, these have I counted to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord; for whom I suffered the loss of…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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