Credentials are important … and no less so to Paul—although the importance of them changed for Paul. Here he substantiated his previous claim that if anyone could boast in the flesh (that is, their ability to keep the Law of Moses, see verse 4), he would have a far better resume to do so. His list of accomplishments or fortunate life situations is noteworthy.

His Jewish pedigree was impeccable (see Galatians 1:8), beginning from his early childhood. His parents had him circumcised in strict accordance with the command to Moses, on the eighth day (Gen 17:12). Thus he was a Jew by birth, not a proselyte (i.e. convert). As such, he was a covenant member of the nation of Israel. His standing as a Jew might have been questioned by some who were natives of the land of Israel. They may have thought that since Paul was born in Tarsus, a Gentile city, and not born in Israel that maybe his Jewishness was suspect. After all, he was thoroughly conversant in the Greek culture. But Paul insisted that he was as Hebrew as one can get (“a Hebrew of Hebrews”). He was a member of the tribe of Benjamin, the only tribe to side with Judah during the divided Monarchy. That tribe was considered an aristocratic leader among the others and in fact was the tribe of the first king of Israel, Saul.

Paul had been a Pharisee, and as such had a reputation for strict adherence to the Law. No one could question his passion for defending the Law of Moses and harassing any who would dare to contravene it. Particularly well known was his persecution of the new movement, called the church. Then in a startling statement of former self-righteousness, he claims that when measured by the Law, he saw himself as being without sin, blameless. At the least, he felt that others saw him that way, and probably they did.

If ever there was an individual who had made a good case for becoming righteous by living a righteous life, it was Paul in his pre-conversion days. But why is he saying all this? Is he trying to make himself look good in the eyes of others, to prove he is better? No, not at all! Remember he had been addressing the teachings of those who urged believers to adopt the Law of Moses and be circumcised. Paul was saying that he went that route of keeping the Law, and he presented himself as the finest specimen of that way of living. But, this is a lead-in to his main point—how worthless it all really was.