JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

February 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your question concerning Paul's referring to himself as a Jew, when he was actually from the tribe of Benjamin.

The word Jew came to be applied in two ways. It refers to any descendant of the literal tribe of Judah. Jew is a nickname; it is merely a shortened form of Judah.

But, Jew also referred to anyone who refused to join the rebellion at the time the twelve tribes split into two separate kingdoms. As it turned out, all of the tribes with the exception of Judah, Levi, and Benjamin -- formed the northern kingdom under the rule of Jeroboam. Their national name became Israel. The three remaining tribes, under King Rehoboam, formed the southern kingdom, called Judah. You may read of Benjamin's alignment with Judah in I Kings 12:21.

Paul was a descendant of Benjamin. Nationally, however, he was a citizen of the kingdom or house of Judah. Thus, he was both a Jew and a Benjamite.

If you have not done so, you may wish to request a copy of the booklet THE UNITED STATES AND BRITAIN IN PROPHECY. It explains in greater detail the division of the twelve tribes into two kingdoms. It is free upon request.

Whenever we may assist you further with your study of the Bible, we hope you will let us know. It is our pleasure to serve you.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT