Confidence in the Flesh
4 though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If any other man thinks that he has confidence in the flesh, I yet more: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the assembly; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless.
Before dismissing credentials, Paul lists his own — and they are better than his opponents'.
Though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else thinks that he has confidence in the flesh, I yet more.
The argument requires the boast. A man dismissing advantages he never had would carry no weight, so Paul establishes that he is discarding a full hand rather than an empty one.
Four items are inherited. Circumcised the eighth day — on schedule, not a convert. Of the stock of Israel. Of the tribe of Benjamin, which gave Israel its first king and stayed loyal at the division. A Hebrew of Hebrews — a Jew of the diaspora who kept the language and the ways.
Three are achieved. Concerning the law, a Pharisee — the strictest party Acts 26:5. Concerning zeal, persecuting the assembly, which he never softens anywhere 1 Corinthians 15:9. Concerning the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless.
That last claim is the boldest, and it is not a claim to sinlessness. Measured by the standard his opponents were urging, nobody could fault him — which is precisely what makes the next two verses devastating rather than sour.
settled What this mark means