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How did cultural beliefs about kinship and identity help shape how first-century Christians related to God and to each other?
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3 Replies
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The family unit consisting of all in the home was essential for the survival of the family. Everyone had a role in furthering the family business. To that extent, divisions and rivalries were discouraged and even disallowed.
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Kinship in the first-century was very different than we view it today. At that time, kinship was more than just blood relations. It extended to all members of the household including natural, adopted, and slaves as well. This relationship was very important, and individualism (self-identity) was not particularly highly valued. The good of the family was of the utmost importance. Identity came from the role you filled within the family unit. God was seen as the ultimate father figure, overseeing all things.
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kinship, familial lines, how the household was governed and by whom, how you were seen in the community and who you were for example Jew or Gentile all played a part in the cultural beliefs. What you endured as a Christain depended on how you were viewed and accepted or not by the culture, however, your faith in God established your relationship with him and other believers as well.