Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Philippians 3:10

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

But what is "By faith that I may know Him"? So then knowledge is through faith, and without faith it is impossible to know Him. Why how? Through it we must "know the power of His resurrection." For what reason can demonstrate to us the Resurrection? None, but faith only. For if the resurrection of Christ, who was according to the flesh, is known by faith, how can the generation of the Word of God be comprehended by reasoning? For the resurrection is less than the generation. Why? …

Homily on Philippians 11 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

So, knowledge comes through faith. For what reasoning will prove the resurrection to us? None, but faith. If the resurrection is known by faith, then how will the greater thing—the birth—be known by the mind? But why is it greater? Because there are many examples of resurrection, since many were raised even before Christ. But no one was born of a virgin. Therefore the righteousness that is from God consists in faith, that is, it rests upon it and has it as its foundation. …

Commentary on Philippians ↗

Ignatius of Antioch

The last times are come upon us. Let us therefore be of a reverent spirit, and fear the long-suffering of God, lest we despise the riches of His goodness and forbearance. For let us either fear the wrath to come, or let us love the present joy in the life that now is; and let our present and true joy be only this, to be found in Christ Jesus, that we may truly live. Do not at any time desire so much as even to breathe apart from Him. …

Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

The fruit is knowledge of Him and the power of His resurrection and to be in the company of His saints. These things can be explained in two ways according to the two forms of knowledge: in one way, in terms of knowledge available in this life. In that case one must know three things about Him: first, His person, namely, that He is true God and true man; hence he says, that I may know him: "Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father" (Jn. 14:9). …

Commentary on Philippians ↗