3:5 the eighth day. Paul was circumcised in accordance with Gen. 17:12.

of Israel. See Rom. 9:3, 4; 11:1.

of the tribe of Benjamin. Paul, formerly Saul of Tarsus, may have been named for King Saul, also from Benjamin (1 Sam. 9:1, 2).

a Pharisee. Paul’s life was one of scrupulous obedience to the law, both the Torah and associated Jewish traditions (Acts 22:3; 26:5; Gal. 1:14).