I simply can't wait for tonight's Greek class to begin. We'll be learning Greek second declension nouns that include such important words as "angel," "apostle," "sinner," "servant," "God," and even "Jesus." In case you didn't know, in my Greek classes we jump in feet first. When you study Greek with me you don't stand by the banks catching little guppies. You quickly dive deeply and before you know it you're in way over your head and the waves are huge and the currents are strong. But the rewards are out of this world!
I wish I could do a complete word study tonight of each and every one of our Greek vocabulary words. Take apostolos for example. What is an apostle you ask? It's very simple. He's a special messenger with a special message sent on a special mission. Got it? Moreover, he was empowered by the one who sent him. Want a great example of what I'm talking about? Look no further than the magnificent movie 1917.
As you recall, this film is a visceral portrayal of two young British soldiers tasked with delivering a crucial message across enemy lines during WWI. The message they carried could potentially save thousands of lives. The plot unfolds as a race against time. Their journey quickly becomes a crucible testing their courage and resilience. Both are willing to risk their lives for the greater good. If that doesn't sound like a New Testament apostle, I don't know what does!
Schofield, the movie's hero, initially seems less invested in the message but slowly discovers his sense of duty. The denouement of the film occurs when he eventually succeeds in delivering his message to Colonel MacKenzie of the 2nd Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment. The attack is thankfully called off.
Schofield's hand injury sustained early in the film underscores the ever-present danger of war. He descends into no-man's land, the fiery ruins of Écoust, and a corpse-strewn stream -- a Dante-esque underworld of horrors if ever there was one. Interestingly enough, the scene where he runs across the battlefield as the first wave of soldiers charged was unscripted in the moment when he accidentally bumps into other soldiers. These real collisions were used in the final cut.
While the war is the background to the movie, Schofield's "apostolic" mission becomes the focal point of meaning. Despite being cautious and war-weary, his sense of duty and urgency transforms him from a cynical survivor into a determined savior.
Like you, I was completely blown away by 1917. I felt like I was right there with Blake and Schofield. The film captures not only the sheer terror of war but also the way messengers navigated the chaotic battle to deliver their life-saving orders.
Sounds a lot like the life of Paul the "apostle," doesn't it?