¹⁴ I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous^(A) for the traditions of my fathers.^(B)

⁸ See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy,^(A) which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces^[a] of this world^(B) rather than on Christ.

⁵ They have known me for a long time^(A) and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect^(B) of our religion, living as a Pharisee.^(C)

⁸ Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him^(A) and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

⁴ though I myself have reasons for such confidence.^(A)

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: ⁵ circumcised^(B) on the eighth day, of the people of Israel,^(C) of the tribe of Benjamin,^(D) a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee;^{(E) 6} as for zeal,^(F) persecuting the church;^(G) as for righteousness based on the law,^(H) faultless.

³ “I am a Jew,^(A) born in Tarsus^(B) of Cilicia,^(C) but brought up in this city. I studied under^(D) Gamaliel^(E) and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors.^(F) I was just as zealous^(G) for God as any of you are today.

⁶ they are not to ‘honor their father or mother’ with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.

⁹ “I too was convinced^(A) that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose^(B) the name of Jesus of Nazareth.^(C)

² “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!”^(A)

³ Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?