3:3
The Judaisers were putting “confidence in the flesh”. They were doing this literally, and it can also be taken as putting confidence in human effort. “It is we who are the circumcision”. In the Old Testament circumcision was the sign that they belonged to the covenant. Things have now changed. It is those who serve by the Spirit (rather than the flesh), who put their confidence in Christ (not in themselves or their observance of the Law) who belong to the covenant, these are the signs of belonging to the covenant with God.
3:4
Paul was not saying this because he was a “failed Jew” If Paul was going to enter a “confidence in the flesh” contest he would win hands down. He could outdo anyone in these terms, but he had no wish to do so. Most importantly, he knew that it was futile, for the only one who needs to be satisfied is God, and our own efforts are utterly inadequate for the task.
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