Matthew Poole and continuators on Acts 7:8

8 And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcisied him the eighth day: and Isaac begat Jacob, and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.

Abraham, of whom he was speaking.

Of which Covenant, Circumcision was the sign and seal, by which on the part of Abraham and his seed, it was stipulated, that they should put off all carnal affections,

after the promise: so that the promises were not given for Isaacs sake; but Isaac was given for the promise sake: which made these things more fit to represent Gospel grace, which St. Stephen was Preaching of.

The heads of the Tribes, from whom they were denominated. Of this Genealogy, see Matth. 1.1, 2, &c. and the History of it in Genesis.

Marginal references: Gen. 17.9, 10.; Gen. 21.2, 3, 4.; Gen. 25.26.; Gen. 29.31, &c. and 30.5. and 35.23.