What does Les say it means that Paul profited in the Jews' religion?
Paul profited monetarily in the Jews' religion, capitalizing on his religious position as a Pharisee and Sanhedrin member. He gained wealth above many equals, unlike his later ministry as apostle of grace, where he refused to get rich by ministry.
Les explains that when Paul says he profited in the Jews' religion, the only way to profit is monetarily. Paul, as a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin, profited above many equals. Les points to the archaeological dig of Caiaphas's ancient house, describing it as sumptuous with umpteen bathrooms, showing those people capitalized on their religious position, and Paul did too. But as apostle and preacher of the age of grace, Paul did the opposite: he would not let anyone accuse him of getting rich by his ministry. Les notes we see much of that today, recalling a friend who said he'd go into the ministry because it's easy money.
And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
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What does Paul mean when he says he profited in the Jews' religion?
When Paul says he 'profited' in the Jews' religion, he means monetary profit — he profited financially above many of his equals.