Page 136 - Biblical Backgrounds

bride, the church. They spoke Greek and Aramaic. Vos also notes that the Jewish population “buried
their dead, rather than cremating them, as Romans commonly did.” 183

In Asia Minor, the gymnasium was used to educate students. Some would then go on to university. It is
clear that girls were able to learn, but it is not clear to what extent. 184

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 Cyprus 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 abroad. Some cities had to import grain, but imports primarily consisted of luxury goods.” 185
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 that statue and ritual equipment were not selling as they used
to. Those who had a livelihood making these items wanted to protect their income. The same will be
true of politicians, witch doctors, and false teachers today. Expect opposition from those whose
message of Christ will undermine.

The Imperial Cult:
Some have said that observing the seasons and feasts in Galatians and Colossians does not talk about
Jewish feasts and rituals but rather the Imperial Cult or a local deity. This is a possibility, if not probable,
for multiple reasons. First, the audience Paul is reaching is both Jews and Gentiles. Second, the culture in
which they were located was Roman-ruled and Hellenistic. The major feasts and festivals would not
have been Jewish. It would have been related to the imperial cult or a local deity. Third, the backlash
received in these Gentile cities was often for not taking part in or undermining their established religious
worship.

Miracles as confirmation of divine approval:
In the time of the early church, the approval of the gods was sought through displays of power. Paul
displayed the power of the Holy Spirit in this way on multiple occasions. In Cyprus, he temporarily

183 Ibid, p. 503.

184 Ibid, p. 532.
185 Ibid, p. 536.

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