What was Saul proud of regarding his ancestry?
Saul was proud of his genealogy, and he likely could trace his ancestry clear back into the Old Testament economy. His father was evidently a man of influence, already a Roman citizen, so Saul was freeborn a Roman citizen—ancestry and status that fed his religious confidence.
Les explains that Saul profited in the Jews’ religion above many of his equals in his own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions. He notes that religion banks on tradition rather than doctrine. Saul was proud of his genealogy and probably was able to trace it clear back into the Old Testament economy. His father must have been some kind of man of influence, since he was already a Roman citizen; Paul later claimed he was freeborn, not one who had bought citizenship. Les connects all this to Saul’s religious fanaticism.