If genealogies are important, then why does the New?

Question

Testament tell christians to avoid them? (1 timothy 1:4 )and (Titus 3:9)

Answer 1

Here's what a textbook I had on the New Testament has to say:
"The Jews had scrupulously preserved their genealogical tables, till the advent of Christ... but we are told that Herod destroyed the public registers: he, being an Idumean, was jealous of the noble origin of the Jews: and that none might be able to reproach him with his descent, he ordered the genealogical tables, which were kept among the archives in the temple, to be burned . . . From this time the Jews could refer to their geanlogies only from memory, or from those imperfect tables which had been preserved in private hands; and to make out any regular line from these, must have been endless and uncertain. It is probably to this the apostle refers; I mean the endless and useless labor which the attempt to make out these genealogies, must produce; the authentic tables being destroyed.
So we may well conclude that Paul's denunciation was towards doubtful and untruthful genealogies which had been tampered with for improper purposes.
Paul may also have had reference to the Jewish tendency to take great pride in theri ancestry and in their belief that genealogical descent was a proof of God's favor (John 8:37-45). This, Paul says, is a fable. God's favor is given on the basis of righteousness, not ancestry. "

Answer 2

The genealogies themselves were not the problem. The scripture in Timothy refers to not giving heed to endless genealogies nor to 'wrangling' or arguing over them. A bible commentary also adds that certain Jews often amplified the Old Testament genealogies, inventing names and weaving tales around them.

The bible is telling us to avoid foolish arguments knowing that they generate strife. 2 Timothy 2:24 states that "a servant of the Lord must not quarrel, but be gentle to all..." Arguments serve no good purpose and can even undermine the faith of those who hear you arguing.

Answer 3

Well, the New Testament begins with the genealogy of Jesus. However, I believe the point is that we are all descended from the same people, and we are all God's children. If we focus on genealogies too much, then we are putting up walls between those we percieve as family and those we perceive as strangers.

Answer 4

These verses are just saying don't become caught up with it, don't become obsessed with it. It's saying that is not more important than the Lord's work.

And keep in mind that geneology was more important in the old testament. The Pharisees were so stuck in the old laws, that they didn't see that the Savior was there in front of them.

Answer 5

The complaint by Paul is obviously addressed to a specific practice in the early church that he sees as harmful to to life of the church. Perhaps some where using geneologies to elevate their status. Paul has taught them that all are one in Christ so anything that divides the church must be avoided.
Geneologies in themselves arent a threat to the live of the church.

Answer 6

If genealogies are undesirable distractions, why do Matthew's Gospel and Luke's Gospel contain genealogies for Jesus?

Answer 7

Hmm! That's an interesting question, that I can only guess at. Perhaps it meant that back then, one's lineage was important and perhaps quibbled about. Such as debating whether someone was from a certain tribe... do you think that sounds about right?

Answer 8

These scriptures are basically telling us to avoid argument over the scriptures... that once you have presented the truth to them and they refuse to accept it then dont worry about it...

Answer 9

Those verses are talking about false teachers and the heresies they teach.

Answer 10

man you're dumb. people really twist what the scriptures really say!