Antinoos Statue
Dedications
Freedom Declarations
Stadium

The content on this website is maintained by Robert Myallis, pastor at Zion's Lutheran Church, of Jonestown, PA. 

The photos were taken by Emily Myallis, a diaconal minister in the ELCA who also serves at Zion's Lutheran.

This website and travel to Greece was made possible by a grant from the Fund for Theological Education, which provides grants to assist the education and formation of Christian  leaders from numerous denominations.

Bible quotes are taken from the New Revised Standard Version, unless cites otherwise.

The above photo of Greece comes from NASA; The icon of Saint Paul comes from George Mitrevski's website. 

 

 

Dedications

This plaque (the white is reconstruction) indicates that Domitian, a Roman Emperor, rebuilt part of the temple at his own expense. As can be seen throughout Greece, people dedicated things to the general public and put their name on it.

The second picture is of a rock on the side of the temple to Apollo where the Oracle resided. This stone says: "Delphi gives Xiois the first right." The town of Xiois, which gave money for the reconstruction of the temple, could basically "cut in line" when it came to the oracle. Even then, money talked.  For another example of this, see the Odeion in Athens.

How are these dedications significant for understanding wht world of Saint Paul?

In Greco-Roman society, those with money were expected to use it for public construction but also receive honor in return.

At least some of new Christians had wealth and status. Furthermore, many were involved in trade and owned slaves. (One of Paul's letters is a personal request for the manumission of a slave he has converted in prison).

As with Pagan temples, Christians might have expected to use their wealth to assist the poorer members of the community by building things, perhaps even to their own glory or to afford them greater status in the culture.

How is Paul remixing his culture?

Paul calls the Corinthians to give to their poorer Christians in Jerusalem. Such a call for generosity would not be inconsistent with the mores of the wealthy in Corinth. However, instead of calling Christians to place their name over everything they do, or to give money to appease the wrath of God, he calls on them to

Through the testing of this ministry you glorify God by your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ and by the generosity of your sharing with them and with all others. (2nd letter to the Corinthians, chapter 9:13)

The glory in this case, does not belong to the one giving the gift, but to God.

source:
info on dedications:  Delphi Museum, July 2006.