Wealth in Ancient Ephesus and the First Letter to Timothy

A recent analysis of the mid-first century C.E. text Ephesiaca by Xenophon of Ephesus, often overlooked in New Testament scholarship, offers fresh insights into the social dynamics and cultural norms of wealth in ancient Ephesus. By employing a socio-rhetorical methodology, this study compares Ephesiaca with five key passages from 1 Timothy (2:9–15; 3:1–13; 6:1–2a; 6:2b–10; and 6:17–19), revealing rare terms and themes that challenge contemporary interpretations of wealth in biblical texts. The research enriches our understanding of the economic and social context of Ephesus, providing a more nuanced 'Sitz im Leben' for wealthy elites during this period.

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