Matthew Poole and continuators on Philippians 3:5

5 [illegible: 1 letter] Circumcised the eighth day , of the stock of Israel , of [illegible: 1 letter] the tribe of Benjamin , an Hebrew of the Hebrews : as touching the law, a Pharisee .

Or there was, or I had the eighth day Circumcision; so it may by a usual supply of the Verb be read, (as also what follows) without a Metonymie. He begins with his birth Privilege, intimating that he was not proselyted, but Born within the pale of the Church, and dedicated to God under the seal of the Covenant at the day of God's appointment, Gen. 17.12.

Not sprung from Ethnic Parents, not an Ishmaelite, or Edomite, but a genuine Israelite Rom. 11.1. 2 Cor. 11.22.

Of that more honest division where the Temple stood, Ios. 18.28. of the tribe of Benjamin the Son of beloved Rachel, and his Father's Darling, Gen. 44.20. Rev. 21.10. under God's special protection, Deut. 33.12. forward in the Reformation, Ezra, 1.5.

A true descendant by Iacob, from Abraham the Father of the faithfull, called an Hebrew (Heber joined not in building) Babel Gen. 10.21, 25. & 14.13. 1 Sam. 4.6. signifying that he was of the truly ancient Lineage which retained the Hebrew Tongue, Ioh. 8.33, 39. Act. 22.2. Rom. 4.12. 2 Cor. 11.22.

By Religion and stricter observation of the Law, according to the prescript most in vogue, of that Sect which for Learning, knowledge of the Scripture, and reputation for Holiness, was the most eminent, Act. 26.5. yea, and his Father was of this Order before him, Act. 23.6.