³ For it is we who are the circumcision,^(A) we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus,^(B) and who put no confidence in the flesh— ⁴ though I myself have reasons for such confidence.^(C)

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

⁷ But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss^(K) for the sake of Christ. ⁸ What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing^(L) Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ^(M)