2 Corinthians 11:22 - Exposition

Hebrews . In the strictest sense those who still understood and spoke Aramaic, not Hellenists of the dispersion, who no longer knew the sacred language. (For the use of the word, see Acts 6:1 ; Philippians 3:4 .) Israelites . Jews, not only by nation, but in heart and feeling (see John 1:48 ; Acts 2:22 , etc.; Romans 9:4 ; Romans 11:1 ). The seed of Abraham. Alike literally and spiritually (see John 8:33-53 ; Romans 9:7 ; Romans 11:1 ). It may seem strange that St. Paul should have found it necessary to make this statement; but his Tarsian birth and Roman franchise may have led to whispered innuendoes which took form long afterwards in the wild calumny that he was a Gentile who had only got himself circumcised in order that he might marry the high priest's daughter (Epiphan., 'Haer.,' 30:16).