If Paul was such a great rabbi, why didn’t he know these basic facts about the religion?
So, now Paul was lying about that, too?
If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. (Philippians 3:4-6)
We have no record of anyone disputing his words or calling him a liar back then. I imagine if the Jewish religious leaders were looking for anything to condemn him about, THAT would have been a juicy one!
I also read an article last year that the Toronto Blue Jays would win the AL East with ease. Not so not even close. If you believe your statement or the article then you have joined the "Paul of Tarsus is a liar club." Should we not take the testimony of Paul on his own heritage?
Philippians 3:(NASB)
2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; 3 for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh, 4 although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.
Seems Paul is clear on his ethnic/national heritage.
"Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission."