Matthew Poole and continuators on Acts 26:7

7 U[illegible: 1 letter]to which promise our twelve tribes instantly serving God day and night, hope to come: for which hopes sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.

So St. Paul still reckons them, notwithstanding that Ten Tribes had been led captive, without returning again to this day. Yet, 1. There were many left by the King of Assyria in their own Land; and tho for a while they joyned themselves unto the Samaritans rather than to the Iews, yet a Century or two before our Saviours time, they returned to the Jewish Religion and Worship; at least a very many of them. 2. Tho the Ten Tribes never returned (as Tribes) intirely back again; yet many of them doubtless had that love for their Religion and Countrey, as they took all opportunities of coming back. 3. At their first defection in Ieroboam's time, God touched the hearts of a great many, who rather changed their Habitation than their Religion: So that St. Iames might well dedicate his Epistle to the Twelve Tribes, for there were some who at the dispersion were scattered out of every Tribe.

Now these with great intention and earnestness of desire, (as when any stretcheth himself to his utmost length to take hold of ought) endeavoured to obtain that very Salvation which God had promised, and the Gospel revealed.