To be honored at the funeral

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The Funeral Games

Homer poetically details in his writings the character traits of the ancient Greek warriors and their relationships with their gods; the literary work in the Iliad serves as an excellent metaphor for life, emphasizing the importance of physical ability, courage, bravery, and allegiance to one's nation and people in the service of the community but the reader of Homer is called to the attention of the common tragedy of battle-hardened idols that of the epic end of the road for most when the weight of one's years will plant wearisomely upon the shoulders of us all.

Recorded in The Iliad, Book 23, a great warrior has died, and games are held in the dead hero's honor, called the funeral games. Such games were native to ancient Greek culture, including chariot racing, wrestling, gladiatorial sports, running, discus throwing, and javelin throwing (Butler & Dirda, 2013, pp. 364-386). Achilles, the coordinator of the event to honor the deceased Patroclus, his fallen brother-in-arms, sets aside prizes for a great chariot race, a boxing and wrestling match, as well as a gladiator event, a sprint, a spear throw, and a javelin throw.

One of the main characters, a young, vibrant warrior named Antilochus, hails from a warrior lineage and is the son of a former great soldier named Nestor. In the epic poem, Achilles sets aside prizes for the young champions who would rise to compete. The poem also tells of Achilles setting aside a gift for Antilochus' father, Nestor, as a gift of honor, respect, and recognition for an older warrior who can no longer perform as he once did in his youth.

The old warrior receives a small token of appreciation, an ornamental urn, from the event coordinator, Achilles. Achilles tells the aged Nestor that he will hand him an award like this. However, Nestor can no longer compete for it, as his legs and arms are no longer fit for a foot pursuit or striking an opponent. However, Nestor is reminded by his son and of his current greatness; Nestor is reminded of the fleeting youthful vigor, endurance, and strength but is now more able to guide, mentor, and coach with skill younger gladiators than himself and is fitting given the context of the romanticized story of heroics and bravery (Butler & Dirda, 2013, pp. 364-386).

Physical Training Limited Benefit

It is essential to recall what Paul wrote to Timothy, as much has been commented on, allowing the reader to delve deeply and widely into commentary; see the reference below. However, the following essay aims to dissect one element of Paul's charge to Timothy for training himself. It applies to all, that is, training in godliness. However, physical training is of some value. The extent of this essay does not aim to preach or be pastoral, for that is reserved for others more qualified and educated who are more apt to write about such things than the author of this blog. However, an affinity for strength training is a subject matter close to the heart of the blog author, a veteran and a current healthcare provider. Pursuing a disciplined approach is an ongoing pursuit, faltering yet striving to be a disciple and admittedly stumbling to be reverent.

William Barcley points out his theological approach when interpreting the letter to Timothy, noting that people generally seek and search for structure and order. However, they often inaccurately think that spiritual codes of belief are equivalent to God and truth, and are catching, enticing, and convincing. Much is created through error and confusion because they are, first and foremost, unchristian and extrabiblical teachings (Barcley, 2005, p. 133). For more information, refer to the reference list below.

We read that the letter was written by a man who formerly gave those Jesus followers during the early days of the church a hard time, which would be a meager descriptor, he was an arrogant man living in unbelief, that is, not believing that Jesus was who he said he was (The Holy Bible, New International Version, 1999, 1 Timothy 1: 13), but Paul now emphasizes the importance of growing in character such as running after trying to be right in the eyes of God, practicing faithful living, being kind, compassionate and loving to others, running with endurance towards spiritual goals, being gentle to others not from a position of pride or arrogance but out of a desire to help and serve knowing that God is observant (The Holy Bible, New International Version, 1999, 1 Timothy 6: 11-12).

The call of the hour is to persevere faithfully. When it comes to training, training to be godly supersedes physical training. However, it is postulated that in this life, strength is necessary to be useful, helpful, and an asset that God can use. As followers of Jesus, we acknowledge that our current physical bodies are perishable and will not last; the similarity between Homer's epic poem and Paul's letter to Timothy rings true for the modern-day pilgrim. 

We all know that our physical bodies will not last forever, and being physically fit, attractive, and beautiful will ultimately have its limits because death is inevitable for all. Being Godly will serve in the life to come (Barcley, 2005, p. 138), something that one must eventually begin to devote considerable effort, time, and energy to, especially as we age. 

References:

Barcley, W. B. (2005). A study commentary on 1 and 2 Timothy. Evangelical Press. 2025, https://archive.org/

Butler, S., & Dirda, M. (2013). The Iliad and the Odyssey: Homer. Barnes & Noble.

The Holy Bible: New International Version. (1999). Cornerstone Bible Publishers. (original work published 1973)