3:3 by the flesh. Perhaps Paul has in mind not simply attempting to keep the law without the Spirit (Rom. 7:7–8:17) but also the attempting to gain favor with God by cutting the flesh in circumcision (Phil. 3:2, 3). In either case, Paul warns his readers against the attempt to win salvation by performing some work. Salvation comes only through God’s grace by faith in Jesus Christ (2:16).