So what exactly is Paul talking about in Philippians 3?
For the Greek: https://biblehub.com/interlinear/philippians/3.htm
Is the standard translation of Philippians 3:4-6 correct? Here Paul is listing off all of his credentials as a Jew under the law. He's saying that he meets all the criteria of traditional Judaism, but goes on to say that he views faith in Jesus as more important than all of those things.
But, being "a persecutor of the assembly" doesn't fit here. What is that supposed to mean? Even if we take ekklēsia to refer specifically to Jesus worshipers, it does not fit with any of the other criteria he's listed out. "According to zeal, persecuting the assembly?"
As I've noted, ekklēsia could just as easily have referred to Jewish worshipers, there is nothing that inherently identifies ekklēsia as distinctly separate from traditional Jewish bodies.
Is "persecute" really the right translation for διώκων here? The word diókó can apparently have both positive and negative connotations: https://biblehub.com/greek/1377.htm
Can this not instead be read, "as to zeal, a devout follower of the assembly", or "as to zeal, I am eager for the assembly" ? Or is that impossible?
I'll break this down more.
Look at what Paul is listing out here:
1) circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews;
2) as to the Law, a Pharisee;
3) as to zeal, a persecutor of the church;
4) as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.
Items 1, 2, and 4 are all positive credentials in accordance with established Jewish traditions/values. #1) I am circumcised of the tribe of Benjamin. #2) I'm a Pharisee #4) I am a follower of the Law. But what about #3? One of these things is not like the others. #3 has nothing to do with Jewish traditions.
But, if instead we read:
1) circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews;
2) as to the Law, a Pharisee;
3) as to zeal, a devout follower of the assembly;
4) as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.
Now this all fits. I am circumcised, I'm a Pharisee, I'm a devout participant in the assembly, and I follow the law.
This is a list of qualifications that show he meets the traditional criteria of being considered a devout Jew. "Persecuting the church" has nothing to do with this.