First Century Culture - Part 3

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?