although (A)I myself could boast as having confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he is confident in the flesh, I have more reason: (B)circumcised the eighth day, of the (C)nation of Israel, of the (D)tribe of Benjamin, a (E)Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, (F)a Pharisee; as to zeal, (G)a persecutor of the church; as to the (H)righteousness which is in the Law, found (I)blameless.

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though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more!

I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.

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