“Biblical Characters – Our Father Abraham, the Father of the Patriarchs and the Prophets

The lecture presents our father Abraham as a central example in the Holy Bible: a man whom God called at age 75, whose real life began with a living relationship with the Lord, and who became distinguished by blessing, faith, and priestly service within the family. He demonstrated both religious devotion and human weakness along the way.

Main idea

• Abraham is a man called by God; he left Ur of the Chaldees, abandoned idol worship, and responded to the Lord’s call to follow the land that God would show him.

• His true life began from his calling (from age 75) and he spent a hundred years in relationship with God according to Scripture.

• He served as a priest in the family, built altars, offered sacrifices, and called upon the name of the Lord wherever he went; the altar is a symbol of worship and communion with God.

Spiritual and educational dimensions (from a Coptic Orthodox perspective)

• Relationship with God is more important than origin or personal history: true life is measured by a person’s relationship with the Lord, not by age or past.

• Separation from the sins of peoples and holding to the altar and the tent symbolize holiness and spiritual pilgrimage: the call to withdraw from sharing in the sins of the world and to live as an honored stranger before God.

• Faith and obedience despite doubt and weakness: Abraham showed great faith but also fell into moments of fear and weakness (such as telling Sarah to be his sister in Egypt); God intervenes and completes.

• Integration of character: gentleness and humility, together with courage and chivalry (rescuing Lot and confronting kings), showing that one saint can embody love, compassion, courage, and priestly service.

Key events and troubles of his life

• His calling and leaving Ur, migrating to Canaan, and living in tents with altars.

• The famine and his descent to Egypt where his fear led to sin when Sarah was taken to Pharaoh, then God prospered him and he became wealthy.

• The family problem with Lot and the separation because of wealth, then rescuing Lot when he was taken captive.

• The trial of wealth and spoils, and the contrast between the one who chooses lush land (Lot) and the one who lifts his eyes to receive God’s blessing (Abraham).

• His meeting with Melchizedek who blessed him, and Abraham giving tithes as a sign of respect for the priesthood.

Brief spiritual conclusion
Abraham is a living example of God’s calling that changes a person’s course: a call to leave idol worship and live the spiritual Egypt (the tent and the altar), to cling to the blessing that comes from God, while acknowledging human weakness and relying on God’s intervention. The core message is: faith, obedience, and withdrawal from the world’s sins yield blessing and the presence of God in a person’s life.

For better translation support, please contact the center.