Just who Paul is arguing against in the beginning of Philippians 3 has been rich fodder for many scholarly debates. There is no indisputable evidence identifying these opponents. Still, some logical and probable extrapolations can be made. Paul's derogatory reference to these opponents in verse 2 as "dogs" strongly suggests they are Gentiles, not Jews. These Gentiles have apparently adopted the rite of circumcision, possibly as a semi-magical initiation ritual.

Obviously this group understands neither Judaism nor Christianity a doubly irritating fact to Paul who is both Jew and Christian. In verses 4-6, Paul's description of his Jewish heritage thus pulls double duty. While he denies that his current "confidence" stems from his Jewishness or fleshly righteousness, Paul makes it clear that…