"The first chapter of Matthew begins with giving a genealogy of Jesus Christ; and in the third chapter of Luke there is also given a genealogy of Jesus Christ. Did these two agree, it would not prove the genealogy to be true, because it might nevertheless be a fabrication; but as they contradict each other in every particular, it proves falsehood absolutely. . . .The book of Matthew gives (i. 6), a genealogy by name from David, up, through Joseph, the husband of Mary, to Christ; and makes there to be twenty-eight generations. The book of Luke gives also a genealogy by name from Christ, through Joseph the husband of Mary, down to David, and makes there to be forty-three generations; besides which, there is only the two names of David and Joseph that are alike in the two lists." - Thomas Paine (The Age of Reason)
His argument here is, of course, the two lists do not agree. His assertion, therefore, is neither book can be trusted in any further details for they both begin with a bogus genealogy. I am not sure if Mr. Paine was scripturally ignorant or purposely presented the list in a deception to mislead.
Matthew, as a Levite, focuses on the Messiahship of Jesus in that he traces the legal line from Abraham through David, then Solomon and the royal line, to Joseph, the legal father of Jesus (Matthew 1:1-17) and the husband of Mary.
Luke, as a physician, focuses on the humanity of Jesus. He traces the bloodline from Adam to Abraham, from Abraham the genealogy is identical to Matthew’s up to the House of David. Then Luke goes from David through Nathan (a different son of David) to Mary, the mother of Jesus (Luke 3:23-38). The reason Mr. Paine was seeing two lists with different names is that there are two lists. Each follows a different line until they merge at Abraham and then diverge again at David.
Mr. Paine in his overview of the Book of Ruth or I should say in his imaginary retelling of Ruth again using his lude assertions overlooks the implications that are relevant here in this text. Why was Jesus born in Bethlehem? The Book of Ruth is especially important because it answers that question. Bethlehem was established as the “House of David” because of the events in the Book of Ruth. That designation had implications for Joseph and Mary when Caesar Augustus ordered a special tax to be levied. It is beyond our minds to comprehend the working of God's providence in the accomplishing of all these things.
And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. (Luke 2:3-5) Bethlehem is where the shepherds were in their fields on that momentous night:
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. - (Luke 2:8-9) It is even possible that those fields were the fields of Boaz and Ruth, so even their fields could have played a part in the birth of Christ.
Let's remember Mr. Paine's overview of Ruth, "I come to the book of Ruth, an idle, bungling story, foolishly told, nobody knows by whom, about a strolling country-girl creeping silly to bed to her cousin Boaz. Pretty stuff indeed to be called the word of God." - Thomas Paine (The Age of Reason)
Mr. Paine who was so infatuated with the truth seems to have no problem when embellishing the Scriptures with his imagination. The truth is, Ruth is the ultimate love story in many ways. It is studied in some college classes just as an elegant piece of literature even when set apart from its supernatural origin. And the literary level is much respected. However, at the prophetic and personal levels, it can have a profound impact on every one of us.
It profiles the role of the kinsman-redeemer and it can often be difficult to comprehend that you and I are the beneficiaries of a love story that was written in blood on a wooden cross erected in Judea some 2,000 years ago. However, knowing the story of Ruth and it's ramifications, brings the sacrifice of Jesus, our Kinsman-Redeemer, into sharper focus.
In Ruth, we have this interesting case where a Gentile daughter-in-law, after the death of her husband, insists upon clinging to her Jewish mother-in-law. Numerous events occur prior to a famous scene on the threshing floor where Ruth makes the request of Boaz, a rich land owner, to take her as his bride. It is here in this account we can see the acceptance of the Gentiles into the Kingdom through Christ. Yes, it is by pure grace that Christ receives us unto himself making us his own. We do not earn this, but simply by trusting him, we are delivered and brought to serve him throughout the rest of our lives. Mr. Paine in his work in "The Age of Reason" was totally blind to the obvious hope that was before him.
May God bless each of you,
David
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