Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.Titus 3:13
Paul calls Zenas "the lawyer." The meaning of this is, that, previous to his becoming a Christian, he had been a Jewish lawyer. The lawyers were that class of Jewish teachers who were specially learned in the Mosaic Law, and who interpreted that Law, and taught it to the people.
They are met with again and again in the Gospels, where they frequently came into contact with Christ, usually in a manner hostile to Him. For example, "A certain lawyer stood up and made trial of him, saying, Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" (Lk 10:25). our Lord replied to him on his own ground, asking, "What is written in the law? how readest thou?" Regarding this class of teachers as a whole, it is recorded that "the Pharisees and lawyers rejected for themselves the counsel of God" (Lk 7:30). The term nomikos, "lawyer," applied to Zenas, is in the Gospels varied by nomodidakalos, "a teacher of the law," and by grammateus, "a scribe": all three terms describe the same persons. Before his conversion to Christ, Zenas had been a lawyer, one of the recognized expounders of the Law of Moses.
A different view of Zenas' occupation is taken by Zahn (Introduction to the New Testament, II, 54), who says that in itself nomikos could denote a rabbi, quoting Ambrosiaster, "Because Zenas had been of this profession in the synagogue, Paul calls him by this name." But Zahn gives his own opinion that "since the Jewish scribe who became a Christian, by that very act separated himself from the rabbinic body, and since the retention of rabbinic methods and ways of thinking was anything but a recommendation in Paul's eyes (1 Tim 1:7), Zenas is here characterized, not as legis (Mosaicae), doctor, but as juris peritus. The word denotes not an office, but usually the practical lawyer, through whose assistance e.g. a will is made, or a lawsuit carried on. Plutarch applies this name to the renowned jurist Mucius Scaevola."
Zenas became a Christian and Paul still referred to him as a lawyer. Zenas understood the Mosaic law and Christ's fulfillment of that law. He continued his practice as a practical lawyer doing wills and such as referred to before. So in such, he became the first Christian lawyer. He must have been a good friend of Paul's cause he wanted him near him at a time so close to the end of his life. Paul was unselfish as ever, solicitous that Zenas and Apollos be comfortably provided for on their intended journey. He is full of affectionate regard for them, interested in their welfare at every step; while he himself is far distant in another country, he remembers them with tender and sympathetic friendship. Doubtless the two friends reciprocated his affection.
A question I wrestled with for a long time was whether a man could be a Christian and a lawyer? I had planned on going to law school at one time, and this question confounded me. Now I know the answer is yes.
And though my time horizon has passed for me to practice law. I serve the ultimate power attorney of all, who pleads poor sinners cases before God everyday. He's easy to contact, for He's just one prayer away, and his services are all pro-bono, that means he incurred the cost.
Jesus himself, defends me against the devils accusations in God's high court. His evidence is infallible, He simply points to the cross.
by
Lance Gargus
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12 comments:
Since all of our so-called "man-made" laws are actually of our Heavenly Father in one way or another, how could it not be righteous for someone to be a lawyer and a Christian? It is, however, in the practice of law where things get sticky. For in far too many cases (quite literally), it is more about legal maneuvering than a pursuit of truth and justice.
i know a lot of christian lawyers here in our country, but i really don't know how they are, inside the courtroom:)
Great and informative post as usual!
I believe everything is written in our natural spirit to honest, but when legal maneuvering comes into play somewhere it all goes wrong. We often see cases like that on the news here in South Australia.
Yes, absolutely...I believe it's possible. I don't feel being an attorney is exclusive to walking with the Lord, as long as one remembers that God is sovereign - not the law.
Lance, it's never too late to pursue a dream!
This was really interesting. I have met a few Christian Lawyers and they are very nice and know the law well. I think a Christian could do most jobs very well and be respected for their honesty as well.
Love and Blessings,
AngelBaby
And he casts no stones.
Actually, going by my personal experience, they should be making doctor jokes, not lawyer jokes! Of course I've known some wonderful physicians but also, frankly, some exceptionally egotistical ones.
Interesting post! Thanks for all the background. I had never really paid much attention to Zenas.
You know, I've had similar questions regarding whether Christians could be lawyers. Very good post. I'm sorry you weren't able to fulfill your dream of becoming a lawyer, but I'm sure God allowed it for a good reason somehow. Thanks for another excellent post and have a blessed day!
Hi Lance! Hope you're up for a little fun! I was "tagged" by my friend, Tracy, for a little blog game and I'm passing it on to 8 of my friends - you included! Here's how to play:
The Rules: 1) Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves. 2) People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules. 3) At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names. 4) Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them they're tagged and to read your blog.
I hope you'll have fun with it...I did!
Fishhawk makes an astute point about differences in theory and practice. Human beings create everything in their lives. You choose any label and evolve into your vision of a role. If law is your calling, so be it.
To judge is to criticize on what you presume to be moral grounds. Lawyers are often seen as self-appointed judges. This role may seem inappropriate or contrary to how a person would live a righteous life. Take a closer look:
Matthew 7:1a states: “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” The politically-correct, liberal view is that Christians are not to judge others. And yet, if you read on, you realize this initial scripture is often misunderstood. Verse 5 of Matthew Chapter 7, clarifies the real warning Jesus gives us is not that all judging is wrong – just hypocritical judging.
"For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.” - Matthew 7:1-5
Thus, no role you choose for yourself is right or wrong. Rather, you shape how you live based on personality and feelings. If you permit emotions to control your behaviour, then this raises your attention to another factor which shapes how you view this world.
Hi Lance, I hope it is alright if I put you in my blogroll. If it is not alright let me know and I will change it, OK?
Love and Blessings,
AngelBaby
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