Wealth in Ancient Ephesus and the First Letter to Timothy: Fresh Insights from Ephesiaca by Xenophon of Ephesus

by Gary G. Hoag

Overview

Scholars are divided in their views about the teachings on riches in 1 Timothy. Evidence that has been largely overlooked in NT scholarship appears in Ephesiaca by Xenophon of Ephesus and suggests that the topic be revisited. Recently dated to the mid-first century C.E., Ephesiaca brings to life what is known from ancient sources about the social setting and cultural rules of the wealthy in Ephesus and provides details that enhance our knowledge of life and society in that place and time.

In this volume, Hoag introduces Ephesiaca and employs a socio-rhetorical methodology to explore it alongside other ancient evidence and five passages in 1 Timothy (2:9–15; 3:1–13; 6:1–2a; 6:2b–10; and 6:17–19). His findings augment our modern conception of the Sitz im Leben of the wealthy in Ephesus. Additionally, because Ephesiaca contains some rare terms and themes that are found in 1 Timothy, this groundbreaking research offers fresh insight for biblical reading and interpretation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781575068299
Publisher:	Penn State University Press
Publication date:	10/16/2015
Series:	Bulletin for Biblical Research Supplement , #11
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	280
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.03(d)

Table of Contents

Introduction: Reading the Teachings on Riches in 1 Timothy

View 1: Consistent with New Testament Teachings on Riches

View 2: Inconsistent with Other New Testament Teachings on Riches

View 3: Alternating in Relationship to Other New Testament Teachings on Riches

Scope and Aim of the Book

1. Ephesiaca by Xenophon of Ephesus and Socio-Rhetorical Interpretation

Ephesiaca by Xenophon of Ephesus

Socio-Rhetorical Interpretation

2. The Social Setting and Cultural Rules of the Wealthy in Ephesus in the First Century C.E.

The Wealthy in Ephesus, The First and Greatest Metropolis of Asia

Cultural Rules, the Wealthy in Ephesus, and Ephesiaca

Sitz im Leben for the Wealthy in Ephesus in Light of Ephesiaca

3. Wealth, Women, and 1 Timothy 2:9–15

Inner Texture of 1 Timothy 2:9–10

Intertexture

Ideological Texture

Sacred Texture

Reading 1 Timothy 2:9–15 in Light of Ephesiaca

4. Greed, Stewardship, and 1 Timothy 3:1–13

Inner Texture of 1 Timothy 3:1–13

Intertexture Analysis

Ideological Texture

Sacred Texture

Reading 1 Timothy 3:1–13 in Light of Ephesiaca

5. Slaves, Masters, and 1 Timothy 6:1–2a

Inner Texture of 1 Timothy 6:1–2a

Intertexture

Ideological Texture

Sacred Texture

Reading 1 Timothy 6:1–2a in Light of Ephesiaca

6. False Teachers, Godliness, and 1 Timothy 6:2b–10

Inner Texture of 1 Timothy 6:2b–10

Intertexture

Ideological Texture

Sacred Texture

Reading 1 Timothy 6:2b–10 in Light of Ephesiaca

7. Wealthy Ephesians, Real Life, and 1 Timothy 6:17–19

Inner Texture of 1 Timothy 6:17–19

Intertexture

Ideological Texture

Sacred Texture

Reading 1 Timothy 6:17–19 in Light of Ephesiaca

Summary and Conclusion

Bibliography

Index of Ancient and Modern Authors

Index of Scripture

Index of Other Ancient Sources