Philippians 3:7

“But what things were gain to me, etc.] As circumcision, and the observance of the ceremonial law, which he thought were necessary to salvation; and his natural and lineal descent from Abraham, which he supposed entitled him to the favour of God, and eternal life, as well as to outward privileges; and his being of that strict sect of religion, a Pharisee, which he doubted not, being brought up and continued in, would secure to him everlasting happiness; and his zeal in persecuting the church of Christ, in which he thought he did God good service, and merited heaven for himself; and his legal righteousness, which he fancied was perfect, and so justified him in the sight of God, and rendered…”

“gain--rather as Greek, "gains"; including all possible advantages of outward status, which he had heretofore enjoyed. I counted--Greek, "I have counted for Christ's sake loss." He no longer uses the plural as in "gains"; for he counts them all but one great "loss" (Mat 16:26; Luk 9:25).”

“But what things were gain to me - The advantages of birth, of education, and of external conformity to the law. “I thought these to be gain - that is, to be of vast advantage in the matter of salvation. I valued myself on these things, and supposed that I was rich in all that pertained to moral character and to religion.” Perhaps, also, he refers to these things as laying the foundation of a hope of future advancement in honor and in wealth in this world. They commended him to the rulers of the nation; they opened before him a brilliant prospect of distinction; they made it certain that he could rise to posts of honor and of office, and could easily gratify all the aspirings of his ambition.…”

“But all these things, which I then accounted gain, which were once my confidence, my glory, and joy, those, ever since I have believed, I have accounted loss, nothing worth in comparison of Christ. Philippians 3:8”

“3:7-8 As a Christian, Paul now regarded these things (3:5-6) as worthless because of what Christ has done: A believer’s relationship with God is defined by knowing Christ (cp. 3:10; John 17:3) and nothing else. The only important thing is to gain Christ, thus receiving the gift of eternal salvation (cp. John 3:16; 1 Jn 5:11-13). By comparison, all other things are meaningless garbage (or excrement).”

“Phi 3:4-6, Phi 3:8-10; Gen 19:17, Gen 19:26; Job 2:4; Pro 13:8, Pro 23:23; Mat 13:44-46, Mat 16:26; Luk 14:26, Luk 14:33, Luk 16:8, Luk 17:31-33; Act 27:18, Act 27:19, Act 27:38; Gal 2:15, Gal 2:16, Gal 5:2-5 Philippians 3:8”