Running The Race

[JohnDB]

Paul talks about "running the race towards Christ"

But running in the Ancient Near East was completely undignified. No respectable Adult ran ever...they walked.

The most famous instance of "running" was when Peter ran to the Tomb of Jesus.

But...

This is the Bible Study forum.

Anyone interested in looking at other instances where adults "ran" in the scriptures in either the Old Testament or parables in the New?

 

[face2face]

Paul talks about "running the race towards Christ"

But running in the Ancient Near East was completely undignified. No respectable Adult ran ever...they walked.

The most famous instance of "running" was when Peter ran to the Tomb of Jesus.

But...

This is the Bible Study forum.

Anyone interested in looking at other instances where adults "ran" in the scriptures in either the Old Testament or parables in the New?

Abraham serving the angels hasted!

 

[Bob]

Thank you for your interesting question.
(And the interesting cultural tidbit.)

Well, we know the Greeks loved to run, so this phrase from Paul would have meant sense to his audience.

What about the Old Testament? See 1 & 2 Samuel for examples of soldiers running after or from enemies. Also, a king might have soldiers run in front of his chariot, as did the pretender to the throne, Absalom (2 Samuel 15). Thus: you ran when the circumstances warranted.

Blessings.

 

[Lambano]

See "Son, Prodigal"

 

[JohnDB]

See "Son, Prodigal"

This one is also especially interesting.

It was considered a complete disgrace to lose all your money to the Gentiles. And a son taking his share of family money also is shameful.
So...in this instance...
It is as if ALL propriety had been lost at this point for the family....a little running certainly won't make things any worse.

 

[JohnDB]

Abraham serving the angels hasted!

And that story....I love it. Abraham is 99 years old in the story. His running is not going to be the same as a 30-somethings speed or agility. He is heavy set and old. But that the scriptures said that he ran is completely outside the box to get Sarah (and her servants) to knead up 60-75 lbs of fine, wheat flour to make Matzo .(expensive stuff) While he kills a fitted calf and gets wine brought out. He is going to throw an impromptu feast.
How he recognized God is not revealed. But that he did is outstanding.

 

[face2face]

@JohnDB

"I want to die like Grandpa, peacefully and in his sleep. Not like the passengers in his car who were all screaming and panicking"

He wasn't running!

 

[face2face]

And that story....I love it. Abraham is 99 years old in the story. His running is not going to be the same as a 30-somethings speed or agility. He is heavy set and old. But that the scriptures said that he ran is completely outside the box to get Sarah (and her servants) to knead up 60-75 lbs of fine, wheat flour to make Matzo .(expensive stuff) While he kills a fitted calf and gets wine brought out. He is going to throw an impromptu feast.
How he recognized God is not revealed. But that he did is outstanding.

He saw three men who showed every sign of being weary and in need of refreshment, and he hastened to help them. This is implied by the word used to describe them, enoshim (men), implying weak, mortal men. That is how they appeared to Abraham, and their condition excited his sympathy and sense of hospitality. Psa. 9:20

Terrify them, Lord! Let the nations know they are mere mortals Ps 9:20.

Another: Note how many times Rebekah ran in Genesis 24 compare Acts 8:36 (she represents those who seek the Gospel Truth)

 

[Bob]

Thank you all for your insights.

Re the Prodigal Son: if it was considered undignified to run in that culture, it would have been thought extraordinary by Jesus audience that the father (Father!) ran toward the son. Did they get it? Perhaps a few.

This is just one example in Jesus‘ parables that would have engaged/amazed/astounded the listeners and have made the parables so memorable, not only as stories but deep lessons as well.

Blessings.