Wealth in Ancient Ephesus and the First Letter to Timothy: Fresh Insights from Ephesiaca by Xenophon of Ephesus

A recent analysis of the mid-first century C.E. text Ephesiaca by Xenophon of Ephesus, combined with socio-rhetorical methodology, offers fresh insights into the social context and cultural norms of the wealthy in ancient Ephesus. This research challenges traditional interpretations of wealth-related teachings in 1 Timothy (e.g., 2:9-15; 3:1-13; 6:1-2a; 6:2b-10; 6:17-19) by revealing overlooked evidence that reshapes our understanding of the Sitz im Leben of Ephesus' elite. The study also highlights rare terms and themes in Ephesiaca that parallel those in 1 Timothy, providing new avenues for biblical interpretation.

Hoag, G. G. (2015). Wealth in Ancient Ephesus and the First Letter to Timothy. https://doi.org/10.1515/9781575068329