Description
Book SynopsisScholars 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.
Table of ContentsIntroduction: 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
