The close family relationship and the great family in the Bible Cover Image

Najbliższe pokrewieństwo a wielka rodzina w Biblii
The close family relationship and the great family in the Bible

Author(s): Tomasz Maria Dąbek OSB
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion
Published by: Uniwersytet Opolski
Keywords: Family; clan; redeemer; society; nation; Israel; Church; redemption; children of God

Summary/Abstract: In biblical Israel family relations were very important. God created man in the image of Himself - male and female (Gn 1:27). The woman is a helper suitable for man (Gn 2:21-23) and both are the unity. The children are continuation of the life of their parents (Si 30:3-6). Twelve tribes were descendants of the twelve Jacobs's sons and all Israel was one great family. The family duties were sacred as the holy war (cf. Dt 20:5.7; 24:5). God was for Israel as father or mother (cf. Dt 1:31; 8:56; Is 66:13; Hos 11:2s), redeemer of His debts (Gö´ël, Gô´ël - Is 41:14; 49:7; Iz 59:20; cf. Ps 19:15). In the New Testament Christ lived in the human family, but He taught that His true family are those who hear the words of God and put them into practice (Mt 12:46-50; Mk 3:31-35; Lk 8:19-21; 11:27s). No one who prefers father or mother, son or daughter to Jesus is worthy of Him (Mt 10:37; cf. Lk 14:26). He is opposed to divorce (Mk 10:2-12 par.) and ritual traditions opposite to help to father and mother (korban - Mt 15:4-6; Mk 7:10-12; Lk 18:20). His doctrine will be a cause of dissension in the families (Mt 10:35s; Lk 12:52s). In the Church of Christ all are brothers and sisters (cf. Ac 1:13.15s; 6:3; 9:30; 10:23; Rm 1:13; 8:1; 16:1 Co 1:1.10; 7:15; 9:5; 16:11s.15.20; 2 Co 11:8; Ga 1:2; 1 Th 1:4; 5:25-27; 2 Th 1:3; 1 Tm 5:2; Phm 2; Jm 2:15) as adopted children of God (Rm 8:15-17), brothers and sisters of Jesus - "the eldest of many brothers" (Rz 8:29). He is our Redeemer (Tt 2:14; cf. Mt 20:28; Mk 10:45; Lk 21:28; 24:21; Rm 3:24; 8:23; 1 Co 1:30; Ga 3:13; 4:5; Ep 1:7.14; 4:30; Col 1:14; Heb 9:12.15; 1 P 1:18) - by His Blood. The biblical references from "The New Jerusalem Bible", Garden City - New York 1985.

  • Issue Year: 2011
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 193-205
  • Page Count: 13
  • Language: Polish