Knowledge often highlights knowing facts or information.
Understanding includes factual information, but it carries meaning and application.
Experience takes on sharing in the same events or activities in order to gain full comprehension.
Paul wanted to know more than facts about Jesus. He wanted more than an understanding of what those facts meant and how they applied. He wanted to know Christ on the basis of experience.
The privilege of going through what Jesus experienced, “the power of His resurrection, the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,” meant more than book knowledge.
Imagine a leadership based on this knowledge, understanding, and experience.