A commentary of M. John Calvin upon the Epistle to the PhilippiansA commentarie of M. Iohn Caluine vppon the Epistle to the Philippians

Touching that ordinary circumcision, it was had in great estimation, and beside, it was a token of their kindred, whereof he addeth afterward. For in strangers there was not the like reason, for after they were become Proselytes, they were circumcised being young men, or men grown to perfection, and sometimes also being old men. He saith therefore that by kindred he is an Israelite. He showeth the tribe, not (in my judgement) that the tribe of Benjamin had more excellency than the rest, but to confirm the credit of his kindred. Hither also appertain that which he addeth again that he is An Hebrew of the Hebrews: for this was ⟨p. 63⟩an old name wherewith Abraham is adorned by Moses in Genesis. 14, 13. The sum therefore is, that Paul from his very original was borne of the seed of Jacob, so that from thence he might reckon his grandfathers and great grandfathers. According to the law a Pharisee. After that he had disputed of the nobility of his stock, he descendeth now unto peculiar gifts of his person (as they call them.) Commonly it is sufficiently known, that the sect of the Pharisees in opinion of holiness and doctrine, was famous above the rest, of that sect he showeth that he was. It is a common opinion that they were called Pharisees of division: but I rather allow that which I heard sometime of Capito, a man of holy memory, that they had their name from hence, because they boasted that they excelled in the gift of interpreting the Scripture, for Phares among the Hebrews is Interpretation. When others professed themselves to be learned, these men had rather be called Pharisees, who were skilful in the interpretation of old writers. And truly it is manifest, that under the colour of antiquity, they corrupted the whole Scripture by their glosses, yet because they kept still certain interpretations delivered by the hands of their fathers, the greatest honour was given unto them. But what mean this clause, According to the law: for truly, there is nothing more contrary to the law of God, than sects, for there one truth of God is delivered, which is the bond of unity. Moreover, that all sects sprung up when Jonathan was high Priest, Josephus witnesseth in his first book of Antiquities, and 13. Chapter.

Touching that ordinarie circumcision, it was had in great estimation, and beside, it was a token of their kindred, whereof he addeth afterward. For in strangers there was not the like reason, for after they were become Proselites, they were circumcised being yong men, or men growne to perfection, and sometimes also being old men. He saith therefore that by kindred he is an Israelite. He sheweth the tribe, not (in my iudgement) that the tribe of Beniamin had more excellencie than the rest, but to confirme the credite of hys kindred. Hether also appertaine that whyche hée addeth agayne that hée is An Hebrewe of the Hebrewes: for this was