"Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an 'Hebrew of the Hebrews'; as touching the law, a Pharisee" Phillipians 3:5
2007-11-03 00:47:43 · 13 answers · asked by don_steele54 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Paul belonged to the tribe of Benjamin, a heritage greatly esteemed among the Jews. From this tribe had come Israel's first King, Saul (1 Samuel 10: 20-24). The tribes of Benjamin and Judah were the only two tribes to return to Israel after the Exile (Ezra 4:1). Paul was also a Pharisee, a member of a very devout Jewish sect that scrupulously kept its own numerous rules in addition to the laws of Moses. Jewish listeners would have been impressed by both of these credentials.
2007-11-03 05:51:10 · answer #1 · answered by Freedom 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
"... circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee;"
Philippians 3:5
which is to say, "I was circumcised on the eighth day. I'm a descendant of Israel. I'm from the tribe of Benjamin. I'm a pure-blooded Hebrew. When it comes to living up to standards, I was a Pharisee."
"a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law" = "pure-blooded Hebrew"
(according to which translation you use)
2007-11-03 01:53:05 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Circumcision was a requirement of God to the isrealite men under the dispensation or time of the law. It was to be done on the eighth day of a boys life as prescribed by Gods law.
Of the stock of isreal is referring to being born an isrealite not a convert to judaism, beyond that he was "of the tribe of benjamin" which was a favored tribe of the isrealite people. when the nation split in two, Judah, benjamin and most of levi stayed together in the southern kingdom. He was describing himself to be a true blue isrealite, born into it, raised in it and had thier religion, Of which he was a pharisee.
Pharisee's fought hardest against christ and his followers, they were bitter and fierce opponents of Jusus' teachings. Paul himself stood by and held the coats of those who stoned steven. He was on his way to damascus to inprison every christian he could find when that glorious light shone round about him. PRAISE GOD!!
2007-11-03 01:51:57 · answer #3 · answered by mark l 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Someone who followed the Law to the Letter. Religious,following the Old Testament.
2007-11-03 19:30:42 · answer #4 · answered by Isabella 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means that he was devout and kept the law to the nth degree. He was the best Hebrew around.
2007-11-03 00:53:38 · answer #5 · answered by William D 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The Saul who late became Paul was this man, today he would be called a Jesus freak, then he was a Jehovah Freak but when Jesus touched his heart and showed him the truth he believed and wholeheartingly for Jesus , a good example to us as to how we should be dedicated to the Lord,. As a Christian we need to be for Jesus one hundred percent in every thing we do.
2007-11-03 03:46:53 · answer #6 · answered by victor 7707 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It means a real Hebrew.
2007-11-03 01:02:04 · answer #7 · answered by yotg 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Someone who follows the old law And lets everyone know that he does.
2007-11-03 00:57:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Someone who followed the law to the T. A true JEW.
2007-11-03 03:07:50 · answer #9 · answered by full gospel shirley 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Paul was describing himself in this chapter and this particular scripture, and who he used to be before he encountered the risen Christ. He went on to encourage others not to follow his example, but to follow Christ. God bless you!!!
2007-11-03 02:46:24 · answer #10 · answered by Virginia B (John 16:33) 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋