But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord… —Philippians 3:7-8.
Paul had accomplished great things in his mind, during his spiritual life as a teacher and Pharisee before he became a Christian. His devotion to God and the Word of God was legendary. He persecuted Christians because he thought they were blasphemers. But when he came to Jesus, he counted his past accomplishments as little more than garbage compared to knowing Christ and the grace he had received from God because of Jesus. Paul found salvation in Jesus, not just from sin and death, but salvation for a life of grace and power so that all people could be redeemed and find hope in Jesus.