First Century Culture (Part 3) - Societas
Could one word describe Paul - teacher? Apostle? Missionary? Theologian? How
about philanthropist? Well, the evidence is in his care for the poor. 2
Corinthians 8 and 9 urge saints to donate; then Paul risks his life to present
such charitable giving at Jerusalem (Acts 24:16-18). Where did that powerful
motivation come from? Perhaps the answer involves a sanctified sense of the
Roman law of ‘societas’, and ultimately leads us to review our own commitment
levels in service.
The main features of ‘societas’ were:
- Reciprocal partnership freely entered into for a shared concern or
particular goal (e.g. profit).
- Each had to contribute something and each shared equally in the outcome,
regardless of contribution, wealth or social class (rare in the biased Roman
courts).
- It continued until the goal was achieved and/or as long as the partners
remained 'of the same mind'.
The ‘Societas’ of Acts 15
Paul travelled to Jerusalem, concerned that two gospels existed – a 'Jewish
Jerusalem' one and 'Paul's Gentile' one – and thus his work might be hindered
(Gal. 2:1-11). Paul and Barnabas met with Peter, James, John and others to
discuss it.
A serious schism in the early church seems to have been avoided in a way that
reflected the then current ‘societas’ custom. Both parties saw each other as
equal fellow-workers in the same gospel, the preaching of which was their common
goal. As was common then (the social stigma in breaking a contract offering
sufficient 'security') the agreement was confirmed by giving and receiving the
'right hand of fellowship' (a handshake).
In addition to theological unity, practical unity was expressed, as shown in
Paul and Barnabas agreeing to remember the poor. Acts reports Barnabas selling
land to help the needy; although we know of no prior interest in Paul's case, he
saw that the Gentiles had received great spiritual wealth from the Jews and it
was only right that they should 'repay' by helping financially (Rom.
15:25-27).
Paul encountered reluctance and apathy to a collection for the poor, but he
doggedly persisted. Why? Because he'd entered into a ‘societas’ which he took
extremely seriously. This was no casual handshake – it was arguably the second
most important event of his life.
‘Societas’ and reception into the local church
All the early Christians could in fact enter into a ‘societas’ with everyone
else in the local church of God they were a part of; and further, with every
person in the fellowship of Churches of God worldwide! When? When received into
the Church of God! How? Presumably this was recognised by the offering and
receiving of the right hand of fellowship, making adding 3,000 in one day at
Pentecost quite feasible!
In any case, their association with their local assembly and the wider
fellowship of Churches was anything but casual; not a temporary thing, nor
aimless – there had to be a purpose and a goal in it for it to exist at all.
Just occupying a seat each week wouldn't suffice; nor would restriction to local
assembly matters. It was incumbent on them to participate in the wider
Fellowship in whatever opportunity arose – financial giving, corresponding with
people in other assemblies, supporting fellowship-wide initiatives, showing
hospitality to visitors, praying for each other. (Remember - everyone has to
bring something to the ‘societas’.)
Baptism is important but we risk under-playing the significance of the
addition part of the seven steps of Acts 2 v 41-42. It should be far from a mere
formality on the Sunday after the baptism. Addition is an extremely serious
business before God (don't forget it's the Lord Himself who does the adding) and
with each other. All of the benefits and obligations of collective service stem
from it.
The under-playing of addition seems rife across Christendom. But a
'supermarket mentality' – that picks a church which suits until circumstances
change or something more convenient or appealing comes along – has no basis in
the Bible. A by-product can be that little, if any, distinction is made between
those in the Church and those that aren't. Does it matter? Yes, for all must
truly have joined a ‘societas’ for the long haul with the same mind and the same
goals in mind! This begs two important questions: are you part of this
‘societas’ and what are you bringing to it?
Guarding the ‘Societas’
Another article would be needed to document the various goals of the 'Church
‘societas’', but we know that they won't all be completed until the Lord's
return, and (a sobering thought) perhaps not even then. And so the ‘societas’ is
still needed today, some 2,000 years after it first started.
But there are two main threats to its continued existence:
1) When someone voluntarily leaves, or, in discipline, has to be put away
from, the church, they automatically exit the ‘societas’ – they are unable to
work for the same goals with others in the church.
2) When those in the ‘societas’ no longer share a common purpose. Hence, in
one epistle, Paul implored Euodia and Syntyche, ‘to be of the’ same ‘mind in the
Lord’ (Phil. 4:10). Paul was concerned that, practically speaking, their
‘societas’ would end, even if on the surface it appeared to function.
The ‘societas’ is exceedingly precious, but fragile – it must be guarded.
People sometimes renew their wedding vows – the Beckhams are a famous recent
example – perhaps as they now see greater significance in them. Perhaps those
added to the Church should 'renew' the ‘societas’ periodically in the heart, and
ask: "What are the common goals I am in the ‘societas’ to achieve (locally and
globally) and what headway is being made?" Are they well defined or is it a case
of meandering along? How committed am I to its success?
‘Societas’ with Christ
Finally, in Philippians (2:1-5) we see another aspect; we are exhorted to
have the same mind as Christ, the logical extension being that we will then
effectively be in a ‘societas’ with Him. What an incredible prospect and
privilege! He brings so much to the partnership – His power, His love, the Holy
Spirit – yet He's not ashamed to call us His brethren, fellow workers for Him,
and joint heirs with Him (1 Cor. 3:9; Rom. 8:17; Heb. 2:11)
What are we bringing in return?
In 2012, the Churches of God (see www.churchesofgod.info) are represented by
over one hundred assemblies in many countries around the world on four
continents.