Time Travel – Paul’s
Missionary Journey
This
latest tour package includes a tour of Greece, a taste of the ancient Greek language
“Koine Greek”. Athens though may not be the best city to learn this ancient
sounding Greek, the Koine dialect, but is the best landing site for our flight.
Upon
landing at Athens airport, our team got into a big argument because the one
team member is “a last minute man” and is getting on the nerve of the other
team members. So our team leader decided that before the team can proceed, it
is best that the team work out its difference. Thus a research on Matthew
18:15-20 “When a brother sin against you…”
Learning point 1:
Beauty of Koine Greek
Greek
language is so rich in its expression. “You” in the English is “you”, but in
Greek, “σοι” (you singular) or “ὑμῖν”
(you plural) depending on its usage; change completely how the sentence is
understand. Such beauty.
Learning point 2:
Matthew 18:18-20
Jesus
says in Matthew 18:18-20, have always been quoted out of context. Is Jesus
simply giving us a “signed blank cheque” to cash in “whatever” we agreed upon
on earth? Or it there more truth to Jesus’ teaching? Understanding Greek helps
as key Greek words are researched and clearer understanding attained. The
context of Matthew 18:18-20 lied in its prevailing verses 15-17, which talk on
the issue of sin. Not just anyone, but a brother within the community of faith.
This
helps the team work out our disagreement, understanding each other and
accepting each other. We are all different and in our difference generates a
beautiful rainbow colour, combining all our different unique colours to create
the ‘pure white colour’. Amen.
Therefore,
the team have to confront with humility. Forgive each other, a necessity. Reconcile
as a family. And then Matthew 18:20 can become a reality, “For whenever 2 or 3
are gather together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Whenever, 2
or 3 are gather discussing about Jesus or the Word of God, Jesus will be there
to give us understanding.
Next stop à
Israel.
The team sail across the Mediterranean
Sea to the land flowing with milk and honey: Israel. Disembarking at the
seaport in Tel Aviv, at the Immigration and Custom Checkpoint, this sign that
reads (וֵלכֹםְ תֹ יִשְׂרָאֵל) – Welcome to Israel.
Hebrew is a rather funny looking language, a line here
and a square there. And with many dots litter all over the sentence. But this
is the language of Yahweh. This is how Yahweh communicates with His people, the
Jews. So let’s see what we can learn about this language and people and this
culture.
Learning point 1: Hebrew,
a sound language
Recently,
someone shared with me the story of Timothy, how he was a mamzer, an outsider
and thus cannot participate in the local synagogue celebration though his
mother was a Jew. And how difficult it was for Timothy to learn the Hebrew
language because he cannot participate in the celebrations in local synagogue.
Having
learned Hebrew, I have doubts over this claim, because the Hebrew language is a
sound language. So Timothy can still learned and master his Hebrew language not
in the synagogue, but from his mother, who follows the Jewish culture of
teaching young Timothy at home, even though Timothy’s father is Greek. That’s
why Paul reminded Timothy in his letter so recall the teaching of his mother
and grandmother.
Though
I now know a little about the Hebrew language, I am still learning, though I
think my friend may have heard the story of Timothy wrongly, but I must be
humble to point out what I have learned to him as part of our mutual learning
experienced.
Learning point 2: Hebrew
language and culture
Without
understanding the language, cannot understand the culture, cannot understand
the actual meaning of their words and phrases. Learning how to search for the
meanings of the Hebrew word though burdensome is very useful indeed. The searches
give a wide possibility of meaning and application to the word.
Upon
leaving Israel, our Jewish brothers and sisters send the team off with this
song:
Shalom
ִִֻֻChaverim (Goodbye, My friend) – שַׂלֹם
הַבֶרִם
שַׂלֹם הַבֶרִם *2 שַׂלֹם
שַׂלֹם לֶהִתרָהת *2 שַׂלֹם שַׂלֹם
Shalom Shalom *2
Lehitraot Shalom Shalom
2* Chaverim Shalom
Goodbye,
my friend. Have Peace….. Shalom!
