Life in the First Century

Life in the First Century

Understanding what the culture was like back in James’ day is critical for us to understand his letter. If we don’t have the background, we’ll miss out on the richer meaning and significance that it can bring to our lives.

When you think of 1^st Century Palestine (Israel) what comes to mind?

Here’s a look at some of their culture. What are some similarities/differences to today’s world?

 

FAMILY

The family was the center of the social structure with the husband as the spiritual and legal representative; multiple generations of family and extended family lived together in one house (or additions to an original house).

FOOD

Staple food consisted of bread, cheese, fruits, nuts, and mostly fish or chicken. Pork was considered unclean (and off-limits) for Jews.

LANGUAGE

The common language in the Roman Empire was Greek, however, at the time, it was common for Jews to also use Hebrew, Aramaic, and Latin. Jesus’ everyday language was Aramaic.

ECONOMY

The economy was supported by three major elements: agriculture (olives, dates, vineyards, grains, and so forth), trade spurred by the close proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, and large building projects. There was a large disparity between the rich and the poor.

GOVERNMENT

The Roman Empire controlled most of the known world. Many local governing entities were allowed relative freedom, but always under the eye of the larger empire. Jews resisted Roman rule and longed for a Messiah who would overthrow the government and set up a kingdom on earth.

EDUCATION

For a Jew, religion, law, ethics, and education went hand-in-hand. There was no separation of any element. Each informed an affected the other. Greeks focused on science, arts, language, and physical training.

SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT

In Rome, track and field became popular, as did wrestling and boxing. Early board games included early versions of chess, checkers, and backgammon.

One thing that we’re going to talk about further is their RELIGION.

Read these verses:

Acts 14: 8-13

Acts 19: 23- 28

Acts 28:11

What do these passages have in common? What do these tell you about the religion of the 1^st Century Christians?

There were 12 main/major gods and goddesses in the Greek and Roman mythology – each was to be appeased, honored, and worshiped. Making gods happy was a lifelong pursuit: making sacrifices, holding festivals in the god’s honor, establishing temples for worship, does this and other similar acts of tribute.

+ Other gods from other countries

+ Rituals, superstitions, philosophy, traditions

=These comprise their beliefs at that time.

How do you think these religious practices affect the Jewish people? The 1^st Century Christians? Those who chose to follow ONE God instead of many?

What are some words that may describe the Christians at James’ time? Confused, disillusioned, polytheistic, dissatisfied; they must have a skewed worldview, opposing lifestyles, a need for truth. – SOUND FAMILIAR??

While 2000 years may have passed, we face similar problems today.

Those people James wrote to were often ridiculed for their faith in the one, true God, instead of participating in the cultural or state-mandated worship. While our country doesn’t force whom or what to follow—drawing the line in the sand for Christ will draw criticism and even ridicule.

In James’ time, there were many “distractions”, this is true also as of today. Without a strong relationship with Jesus, one could easily be confused by the philosophies, worldviews, and religions that permeate the hallways at your school; the music one listens to, the movies one watches, etc.

Why do you think, having this in mind, this background info on religion is important as you study James?