Wk 1: Paul's World- "Jew, Greek, Roman"

If the law was followed obediently, than righteousness would be extended to all

Paul conducted much of his mission travels in what were known as "free" cities of this culture

Influenced language, mythology, philosophy, art, education, architecture and more

Respected many gods & considered you an atheist if you did not share their "open & welcome" perspective

Their larger set of laws governed how households behaved

Liked to set up "client kings"- local rulers with limited power, but who answered to them

Following the law was the highest form of obedience

Just too big and powerful- no one could muster an army to face them.

Though one city had the most sacred worship site, smaller more mobile sites existed throughout

The most strict followers believed that obedience reflected faithfulness

How Paul makes his arguments might reflect rhetoric of this group

Their practices reinforced their identity- "this is how we know who we are"

Occupied other lands, forced them to pay taxes and enlist in their army

There was really only two ways to look at everything: clean and unclean

In its common form was considered the universal language

Due to the depth and reach of its influence, all lived like them

One day in particular restricted all activity

Being considered one of them had many citizenry benefits.