04/02/2008
3As I urged you when I went to Macedonia, remain in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach other doctrine 4or to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies. These promote empty speculations rather than God’s plan, which operates by faith. 5Now the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. 6Some have deviated from these and turned aside to fruitless discussion.
I recently began researching my genealogy. Actually, I am continuing some work my dad had begun. I can trace my paternal roots back to 1900. One of my grandmother’s families I can trace back to Germany, and another to France. I also went to visit the last town of residence of my great-great-grandfather. I was shown the location of his farm and where his house once stood. This was an exciting venture for me and I intend to continue as long as possible. But does this conflict with the verses above?
In Jewish culture, it was important for one to know his ancestry. Jesus’ earthly parents are traced all the way back to David. And in fact, we have the genealogy all the way back to Adam. So why would Paul be warning against this?
The answer lies in some subtleties of what Paul says. There were apparently some who wanted to be teachers who were more interested in the sound of their own voice than conveying truth and doctrine (see 1 Timothy 1: 6 – 7). Also, the Cabala was taught to older Jewish men and was a mystical branch of Judaism. The Cabala has given rise to things such as the word “abracadabra” – which is supposedly in itself, magical; also, the myths of Lilith – Adam’s supposed first wife, come from the Cabala. So possibly, some of these myths were creeping into the young Christian church.
Also, the Greek word translated as “pay attention to” in verse 4, really implies more of an obsession—persons who are consumed with genealogies and myths. So it would seem that in the church in Ephesus, Timothy needed to remain and keep an eye on these people so that the church would not spin off on some useless teaching. These futile teachings would serve only to divert the people’s attention from God.
Rather, teaching is intended to promote love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith. There is nothing wrong with following genealogies – or any other hobby -- as long as one keeps these in perspective not neglecting the virtues of faith.
Now look at your life; do you have any hobbies or obsessions that take your focus away from God?
Jeff Justus
Cleff Publishing
www.cleffpublishing.com
©2008 Cleff Publishing, all rights reserved.
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