Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served Him far more!
2 Corinthians 11:22-23
It is interesting what Paul does here. He starts by outlining his pedigree.
This section presents some difficulties or a challenge to crack Paul’s code. Why does Paul do that? Stop and think about the words he has used. Are they Hebrews? Israelites? Descendants of Abraham? Aren’t these terms synonymous? Don’t they all mean the same thing? Why then does Paul stack them as he does? What’s the point in doing that? Why not just choose one of them? After choosing one, get rid of the others. Some would say, well Paul was not known for his economy of words (and neither is Ian). What is the difference between Hebrews // Israelites // Descendants of Abraham? They all mean the same. Do they? Or is something else going on here? Why does Paul use all three like this when just one would suffice? Why not branch out as he did in Philippians to other aspects of his lineage?
I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law.
Philippians 3:5
Why not say something like he said in Phil 3:5 again? Isn’t there much more to Paul than just his Hebrew roots? And why emphasize them like this with three synonyms all strung together?
Well you know what I am going to say now, don’t you? If you have been following the Gems for long enough to know it is time to dig for yourself, using all the resources at your disposal. Go to it. Back in the next Gem; same time, same channel.
It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
Anon
Are you a child of God? Is there a family resemblance? Are you like your Father?
Anon
Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
Anon