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though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: (Philippians 3:4)

Paul is quick to refute anyone who might say that Paul did not have confidence in the flesh because he was not really qualified to take the stand he was taking. How would he know and understand their zeal and background?

He is about to submit his resume, autobiography, and pedigree as to his authority to speak on the subjects he has presented. He boasts at this point, but upon close inspection, one who reads this will see that his boasting will bring the reader back to Paul’s only true boast – “For consider your calling, brothers, that there were not many wise according to the flesh,[1] not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the insignificant things[2] of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that he might bring to nothing the things that are, so that no flesh might boast in the sight of God. But from him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”[3] – 1 Corinthians 1:26-31.

Though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. That is, what Paul meant was exceptional human advantages, for which he could have placed much trust. Paul was making it clear that he did not disregard human advantages because he was lacking in them while others possessed them (i.e., jealousy); instead, he saw those human advantages, while beneficial for human affairs, had no real value when it comes to salvation. His point is that if any other could have reliance on human advantages, he could the more so. But Paul had realized that these advantages did nothing or could do nothing in the outworking of his salvation. So, Christians are not to be dependent on their human advantages for the outworking of their salvation, for they are inadequate to obtain their salvation. If there were any kind of benefits for one’s salvation from human advantages, Paul would have possessed it. He had more advantages than most and could have used them to garner wealth, power, privileges, a far more manageable life. But those advantages were not going to bring him salvation. What advantages did Paul specifically have? He will specify this in the next verse.

[1] That is, human standards

[2] Or base things; Lit unborn; implying a lack of noble descent, inferior

[3] A quotation from Jer 9:24