Last week, I heard this: “Are you an American?” Asked some stranger while I was breakfasting at Huong Sen, Saigon. Unimpressed, I responded, “Yes, I’m from New York.” Surprised, the inquiring man, who incidentally looked somewhat like me, continued, “Really, you don’t sound like it, or, ummm….act like it.”
“Oh, I’m Teacher Paul, of Buffalo, Western New York,” and I continued while revealing to him my Buffalo Bills shirt… “go Bills.” The inquiring foreigner (a Canadian) seemed content and continued with small talk.
Later, in recalling the conversation in my mind, I wondered why I identified myself from New York, but specifically as Paul, of Buffalo. Normally, I would’ve said, “Paul, from Buffalo.” Some small prepositions are interesting: of vs. from.
Perhaps I had been studying the phrase Jesus used, “learn of me” (KJV) – stated as “learn from me” in the confusing NIV – and it spilled over into my own vocabulary choice. I’m from Buffalo (point of origin); but my accent, manners, and certain characteristics (Bills shirt) reveal I’m still associated with Western New York.
I’m of Buffalo.
Paul (Saul) identified himself as “…a Jew of Tarsus” - he used of, not from. Tarsus was not merely a starting point: oh no, Paul presently had characteristics that specifically pertained to the Tarsus region — he spoke Greek for example (then Hebrew when he addressed Jews).
From- indicating origin, starting point
Of - associated with, specifically pertaining to
Notice that Aquila was born in Pontus (northern Turkey) and found in Corinth “…lately come from Italy…depart from Rome…” (Acts 18:2) . From Italy, from Rome; but being an Asian, as Paul, he exhibited little that pertained to Rome. He was from Italy, not of Italy, not of Rome. Note: If you’re preaching this, go to John 15:19 “…ye are not of this world…” [they were however, from it].
Now back to Matthew 11:29: Jesus didn’t say ‘learn from me’ he said learn of me (never mind the modern versions)! Learn of the the particular characteristics that pertain to me: my yoke, my burden, my rest. Make these lessons, these characteristics, ever present in your life (of); not merely a starting point (from), but a living proof!
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