Note 12 at Phil. 3:7: Before Paul had met Christ he was proud of his many attainments within the Jewish religion (Gal. 1:14). He was circumcised and obeyed the law of Moses. Concerning the outward observance of the law he was blameless (v. 6). His natural descent from Abraham gave him favor, so he thought. All that was necessary for his salvation he had accomplished and done. He had done all the "do's" and avoided the "don'ts." But now he sees how wrong he was.

Natural circumcision was nothing. True circumcision is of the heart (see note 6 at v. 2, p. 1166). Natural descent means nothing, only the new creation (Gal. 6:15). Legalistic righteousness is to no avail and is as filthy rags (Isa. 64:6). Paul gladly renounced his faith in himself and his accomplishments that he might receive Christ by faith and all His accomplishments. The Living Bible paraphrases this verse as, "But all these things that I once thought very worthwhile-now I've thrown them all away so that I can put my trust and hope in Christ alone."