[Propertalk] Fw: 2016, October 16 ~ Genesis 32:22-31 & 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 - scripture in context

[Joe Parrish]

Forwarded: 

 

http://www.scriptureincontext.org/2016-october-16-genesis-3222-31-2-timothy-
314-45/

 

2016, October 16 ~ Genesis 32:22-31 & 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5             

 

by Thomas O'Brien

Genesis 32: 22-31

 

The background to today's reading includes Jacob's supplanting his older
brother, Esau, by tricking Isaac into giving him the blessing that properly
belonged to Esau. Many years passed, and Jacob was very wealthy. He learned
that Esau was coming to meet him with an army of 400 men. To protect his
wealth, he divided his herds into two parts (so one part could escape if
necessary), prayed to Yahweh, and sent gifts to Esau. In today's reading, on
the night before he expected to meet Esau, Jacob wrestled with a "man" all
through the night. The angel/man/God changed Jacob's name from Jacob
("supplanter") to Israel ("one who strives with God"). Reflecting the
antiquity of the story, the divine being vanished before sunrise.

 

In ancient Israel, "naming" something gave a person control over what was
named. For this reason, the divine being did not respond to Jacob's
question, "Please tell me your name" (v. 29). At the end of the story, Jacob
changed the name of the place to Peniel ("face of El") because he had seen
God face to face. In Hebrew, words ending in "el" are "God Words." "El" was
one of the oldest names for God in the Middle East. Examples include
Gabriel, Daniel, Rachel, Temple Beth-el, Israel, and the like.

 

2 Timothy 3:14-4:5

 

The Letters to Timothy and Titus are called "Pastoral Letters" because they
concern the internal life, governance and behavior of the early Christian
churches and their members. Most scholars agree they were written in the
early Second Century in Paul's name by some of his followers (Paul died in
64 CE). Writing something in someone else's name was a common practice in
the First and Second Centuries. By the Second Century, the Jesus Follower
Community was more institutionalized and concerns about "heresy" had arisen.

 

2 Timothy is more personal than 1 Timothy. In today's reading, the author,
writing as Paul, continued to urge Timothy to be firm in his faith and to
recognize that Scripture is inspired by God. Emphasizing the dangers of
false belief, he urged Timothy to continue his ministry.

 

Tags: Esau, Israel, Jacob, Jesus Follower, Paul, Peniel, Timothy, Titus,
Yahweh

 

 

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