Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
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Bede
AD 735
Judea does not signify the entire nation, but part of it, that is, the tribe of Judah and Benjamin, especially in distinction from Samaria, Galilee, Decapolis, and other regions in the same province. There, although all spoke one language, Hebrew, nevertheless each region had a distinct local way of talking. Proselytes, that is, foreigners, was the term applied to those who, although their origin was from the pagan nations, preferred to choose circumcison and Judaism.
Here is mention made of nations that were hostile to them, Cretans, Arabians, Egyptians, Persians: and that they would conquer them all was here made manifest. But as to their being in those countries, they were there in captivity, many of them: or else, the doctrines of the Law had become disseminated [among] the Gentiles in those countries. So then the testimony comes from all quarters: from citizens, from foreigners, from proselytes.
For upon whom else have the universal nations believed, but upon the Christ who is already come? For whom have the nations believed,-Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and they who inhabit Mesopotamia, Armenia, Phrygia, Cappadocia, and they who dwell in Pontus, and Asia, and Pamphylia, tarriers in Egypt, and inhabiters of the region of Africa which is beyond Cyrene, Romans and sojourners, yes, and in Jerusalem Jews,
