Benj is a blessing. Benjudy is more than a blessing.

    Studying the social dynamics of the New Testament the theme of "Honor and Shame" comes into play. There are two types of Honor: Ascribed and Acquired.1 Ascribed is something one is born unto such as family, clan, ethnicity, etc. Both parents of Jesus, Joseph and Mary have ascribed Honor. Joseph's family line is from King David. Mary's family is from the tribe of Levi, a priestly family. Thus, Jesus' ancestors are both Kings and Priests.
   Acquired honour can be achieved in different ways such as winning public debates, where the verdict falls unto the public. Every interaction one makes could either increase or decrease his or her "Honor". Whenever Jesus interacts with a variety of people groups narrated in the gospel, it is an opportunity to gain more honour or become a public disgrace. The Jews wanted to trap him, but "[t]hey were unable to trap him in what he had said there in public. And astonished by his answer, they became silent."2 
    Generosity is one way to increase acquired honour. When an individual donates a huge amount of money for the welfare of the public. "Erastus, who is the city's director of public works"3 in Corinth4 gained fame by carving his name on the stone by the people. 
    This type of honor-giving and receiving system is way different for the 21st century in North America. There are things that society tends to neglect. Some people express honour through gifts. Some people express honour through time. Some people express honour by inviting them over to their house. However, not everyone has the same framework on how they view honour in their lives.


Footnotes:
1 Jerome H. Neyrey, The Social World of Luke-Acts: Models for Interpretation (Peabody: Hendrickson Publishers, 1991), 26.
2 Luke 20:26 (NIV)
3 Romans 16:23

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