What is the context?
Paul again calls the believers to rejoice in the Lord and says that repeating his instruction is a safeguard. He then warns sharply against teachers whose emphasis on circumcision would lead people to put confidence in outward standing.
His contrast names three marks of the community to which he belongs: worship by God’s Spirit, glorying in Christ Jesus and no confidence in the flesh. The Greek verb for worship is latreuō (lah-TREW-oh). Thayer’s lexicon includes religious service and worship, and connects this verse with service prompted by God’s Spirit.
Paul can speak about outward credentials from experience. He lists his circumcision, Israelite ancestry, tribe, Pharisaic commitment, zeal and record under the law. This is the background against which the next paragraph will describe what he has come to value above those advantages: knowing Christ.
The warning targets the misplaced confidence being taught. Paul’s own identification as an Israelite is part of his explanation, and the passage should be read through that contrast rather than as contempt for an entire people.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christians commonly read this as a warning against resting one’s confidence before God in ancestry, ritual standing or personal credentials. Wesley’s note on verse 3 and the USCCB notes on verses 2–11 both connect the identity of God’s people with life in Christ, worship by the Spirit and a confidence that comes from God.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
Deuteronomy 30:1–10 speaks of Israel returning to the Lord and of God circumcising the hearts of His people so they will love Him. The concern for the heart is already present in the earlier Scriptures.
Romans 2:28–29 also connects circumcision of the heart with the Spirit. Galatians 3:26–29 describes people from different backgrounds belonging to Christ and sharing the promised inheritance through faith. These are supported connections with Paul’s emphasis here on what God’s Spirit does and the confidence found in Christ.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.