Page 119 - Biblical Backgrounds student textbook

The Imperial Cult is highly important to understanding passages like Philippians 1:18-2:15. The Christians
were being persecuted, likely for not accepting the call to worship Caesar. They affirmed that Jesus was
Lord and savior, not Caesar. Paul told them to be faithful as it was, they would be delivered by the true
Lord and savior – Jesus. They were to work out this deliverance (2:12-13 - the term “saved” simply
means “deliverance” or “rescue” or “healed”, what the deliverance is from is to be determined by the
context) from persecution (1:29), so that they would shine like stars in a corrupt generation (2:14-15).
Philippians 2:12-13 is often made to talk about whether someone is genuinely a believer and going to
Heaven. If you understand the cultural background, this isn’t talking about that at all.

Social Order in Cypress and Asia Minor:

Howard Vos tells us that marriages were arranged in Cypress and Asia Minor. Often a dowry was
presented to the groom and he would give shower the bride with gifts. The practice of the bridegroom
giving gifts to the bride is seen as an image in Revelation 19:6-10 and 22:12 of how Jesus rewards His
bride the church. They spoke Greek and Aramaic. Vos also notes that the Jewish population “buried
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their dead, rather than cremating them, as Romans commonly did.”

In Asia Minor the gymnasium was used to educate students. Some would then go on to university. It is
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clear that girls were able to learn, but it is not clear to what extent.

Commerce in Cyprus and Asia Minor:

Commerce flowed through Cyprus and Asia Minor. Cyprus was a major stop in the shipping industry and
the travel industry between Palestine, Syria, Asia Minor, Greece, and Rome. The silk road which is often
referenced ran from China to Syria. As a result, much commerce flowed through Cypress to the rest of
the Hellenized and Roman world. Asia Minor’s commercial exports consisted of “Its chief agricultural
exports consisted of wine, oil, dried or preserved fruits, fish, timber, and marble. Textiles led among
manufactured products, but goods in bronze, iron, precious metals, and stone were also in demand
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abroad. Some cities had to import grain but imports primarily consisted of luxury goods.” Often skilled
men would travel and work in the regions where they went. Paul for instance was a tentmaker. He
would go to a new city, make tents for a living, speak in the local cultural centers, and meet with
converts to disciple them.

Other Connections to the Scripture:

The cult of Artemis:
Artemis was another name for Diana. The riot that took place in Ephesus was led by merchants who sold
statues to worshippers. The riot was commercially led. As people came to Christ, they would stop
seeking fertility from Diana. Which meant statue and ritual equipment was not selling as it used to.
Those who had a livelihood making these items wanted to protect their income. The same will be true of

161 Ibid, p. 503.

162 Ibid, p. 532.
163 Ibid, p. 536.

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