Household Codes: The Meaning Then And Now
BIST 509 NEW TESTAMENT II PROFESSOR YINGER
The Household Codes
The Meaning Then and Now
Kandi Caines
4/4/2012
“The woman is ‘in all things inferior to the man’ said first century Jewish historian Flavius Josephus. It was in this oppressive context that Christianity was born.”1 When the Lord came to earth in the form of a man Jesus, the Lord chose to make a stand for women’s rights. These bold and liberal actions were embraced and repeated by his disciples; and are reflected in their writings. This lead to the new emerging Christian church having a reputation for its radical beliefs when it came to women. Yet many modern Christian churches continue to teach that God ordained a hierarchy relationship …show more content…
3:18-4:1 and Ephesians 5:2, bible scholars refer to these as the household codes (a cultural tradition in Greco-Roman times). In this paper I will be focusing on the Col household code (Col 3:18-4:1). I will explore what these household codes would have meant to the original hearers in light of our knowledge of the ancient household codes and how we are to implement them today.
In Greco Roman culture (the time in which Jesus and Apostle Paul lived), the management of one’s household was considered of primary importance; it was thought to be the key to a healthy community. It became common practice for the wise men and philosophers to write on household management policies and procedures. These instructions are known as ancient household codes, amongst the most recognized and quoted household code is Aristotle’s Politics, written about 335 BC, Aristotle …show more content…
3:18-4:1 is referred to as the first ‘Christian’ household rule;”7 as it was the first time, the household codes were incorporated in New Testament literature. “Many are of the view that the New Testament household codes display Hellenistic influence as outlined by Aristotle’s Politics.” 8 Balch argues that in incorporating the household codes into the NT, the authors employed what he calls a ‘selective inculturation.’ In this ‘selective inculturation’, the NT authors borrowed and adapted cultural traits from the donor culture, including even a model for family life.” “Balch argues that one of the most striking similarities between the NT texts and those having an Aristotelian influence was the teaching regarding the three-pairs of relationships: wife-husband, children-father (parents), and slaves-master. This is claimed to be a key identifier of the household management
The Household Codes
The Meaning Then and Now
Kandi Caines
4/4/2012
“The woman is ‘in all things inferior to the man’ said first century Jewish historian Flavius Josephus. It was in this oppressive context that Christianity was born.”1 When the Lord came to earth in the form of a man Jesus, the Lord chose to make a stand for women’s rights. These bold and liberal actions were embraced and repeated by his disciples; and are reflected in their writings. This lead to the new emerging Christian church having a reputation for its radical beliefs when it came to women. Yet many modern Christian churches continue to teach that God ordained a hierarchy relationship …show more content…
3:18-4:1 and Ephesians 5:2, bible scholars refer to these as the household codes (a cultural tradition in Greco-Roman times). In this paper I will be focusing on the Col household code (Col 3:18-4:1). I will explore what these household codes would have meant to the original hearers in light of our knowledge of the ancient household codes and how we are to implement them today.
In Greco Roman culture (the time in which Jesus and Apostle Paul lived), the management of one’s household was considered of primary importance; it was thought to be the key to a healthy community. It became common practice for the wise men and philosophers to write on household management policies and procedures. These instructions are known as ancient household codes, amongst the most recognized and quoted household code is Aristotle’s Politics, written about 335 BC, Aristotle …show more content…
3:18-4:1 is referred to as the first ‘Christian’ household rule;”7 as it was the first time, the household codes were incorporated in New Testament literature. “Many are of the view that the New Testament household codes display Hellenistic influence as outlined by Aristotle’s Politics.” 8 Balch argues that in incorporating the household codes into the NT, the authors employed what he calls a ‘selective inculturation.’ In this ‘selective inculturation’, the NT authors borrowed and adapted cultural traits from the donor culture, including even a model for family life.” “Balch argues that one of the most striking similarities between the NT texts and those having an Aristotelian influence was the teaching regarding the three-pairs of relationships: wife-husband, children-father (parents), and slaves-master. This is claimed to be a key identifier of the household management