Reflections on Paul

Number 5

Paul uses imagery that remains powerful to us today even though we live in very different times. The use of the word libation can, however, lead to a little confusion since the term is not seen in the same perspective as it was then. There is a popular tavern here in my home town called the Libation Station and it is just like any tavern – people gather in social atmosphere to share some alcoholic beverages. We think of libations as being nothing more than just of drinks.

Paul, however, was referring to something completely different than just pouring out a bottle of the good stuff. Typical of Paul, he was likely connecting two different concepts. Take a peek at Genesis 35:14. Here find Jacob pouring out a libation of oil on a sacred pillar. The Greet root of libation, liebein,  refers to sacrifice. Jacob made a sacrifice of oil to God. There is an even large perspective to consider. The practice of libation was very wide spread through antiquity particularly in ancient Greece. Our Phillipian friends might not catch the Old Testament reference but they would surely catch the inference that Paul was pouring his life blood out as a sacrifice to God. To them the practice of libation would be as commonplace as making a toast at a wedding is to us.

Peace