… a Hebrew of Hebrews…
Summary: Paul’s description of himself as a “Hebrew of Hebrews” is not just a casual reference. The phrasing itself echoes Hebrew history and culture.
I am fairly certain that no one has ever claimed to be a “Norwegian of Norwegians.”
My parents were both Scandinavian, but pure bloodlines are not something that our culture values these days. It is okay to be part this and part that. Most of us are of mixed blood.
Hebrews are different. Unlike any other people on earth, the Hebrew genealogical record spans centuries. Being a Hebrew, a descendant of Abraham, keepers of the Law given through Moses, makes them special.
So how do you say that?
As it turns out, being Hebrew includes special ways of saying things to make sure you understand that something is extra special or extra pure. Jesus, for example, is not just our King or our Lord. He is the “King of kings” and “Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16).
When the Bible describes the location where the Ark of the Covenant was kept, it does the same thing. The tabernacle was holy, but the place inside the tabernacle set apart for the Covenant was extra holy. God called this place the “Holy of Holies” (Exodus 26:33, AMP).
Paul’s claim has to do with everything about him. Being a “Hebrew of Hebrews” is special. As far as we know, there is no mixed blood in Paul’s lineage.
When the Jews were exiled in the sixth century B.C., they were forced to adapt to other cultures. Many spoke the language of the land where they lived, and their children no longer spoke Hebrew.
Paul did.
Being born a Jew did not guarantee that all Jews believed the same thing. The Sadducees did not believe in an afterlife, while the Pharisees did. Some Jews don’t believe in God at all! During the time of the kings, we read that the Israelites of the north worshiped golden calves (1 Kings 12:28). Even in Judah, many of the kings turned to idol worship (2 Chronicles 33:22).
Paul, a true Hebrew, stayed faithful to God. He was extremely zealous for God, a Pharisee, and thoroughly trained in the law (Acts 22:3).
Paul had it all.
Pure bloodline. Hebrew-speaking. A Pharisee trained in every aspect of the law.
Paul was indeed a “Hebrew of Hebrews.”
Application: Purity matters to God.
Food for Thought: What makes a person a Christian of Christians?
What makes a person a Christian of Christians?
1 John 2:5, But whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him.
Matthew 19:21, Jesus said to him, If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.
I believe many will be very surprised when in heaven we will see the many truly Christian followers of Jesus Christ gathered at His feet.
Only Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit can create a Christian of Christians.
They are the quiet people, possibly drive an old car, may wear the same suit or dress to church each Sunday. Always have time to listen to the problems of others, and express kindness toward all. They have truly given themselves to Jesus and are overlooked by many who jabber about themselves, while the Christians of Christians focus on serving Him over themselves.
They have been left on earth, in our churches as examples to us all.
Thank you, Ron.
Nicely said! I love the image you paint of God’s treasures left among the rest of us to point the way. You are one such treasure for me! 🙂
Such an interesting question.
I think a Christian of Christians is someone who not only has faith in the work of the cross and is saved by that faith, but someone who earnestly follows the Lord as a disciple who pursues Christ in a deeper daily relationship characterized by obedience and the fruit of the Spirit. Paul described what I am thinking in the book of Philippians. A passage in the context that we are looking at. In other words, I think he is about to tell us.
Philippians 3: 7 – 14: But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in a Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Thank you, Brother.
Yes, I think you are on to something. It is not only about what we believe, but how we engage with our God.
(By the way … did anybody get the picture today??? 🙂 )
I have to assume it has something to do with “brew.” 😉
Bingo!
When all else fails … Pun! 🙂
What makes a person a Christian of Christians?
That is an interesting question.
Truly becoming a living sacrifice; dedicating the whole self: mind, body, and spirit to God.
Romans 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Truly doing all for His Glory; even the most ordinary activities and humble expressions are done with Christ in mind.
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Truly surrendering all to Christ with no divided loyalty; all worldly desires are set aside and the desire to serve Christ is forefront.
Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
“Truly becoming a living sacrifice; dedicating the whole self: mind, body, and spirit to God.”
Thank you, Chris.
I’ve been thinking of Charlie Kirk in relation to this question. He had a unique combination of gifts and used them as fully as I imagine was possible.