Sunday, June 1, 2025

Sermon Notes

Households in the ancient world were highly structured organizations with very clear rules and roles. This was the case for individual households as well as larger organizations of households in clans or tribes. 

Being a part of a particular house or clan was a big deal. It gave identity, belonging, and a certain amount of authority. One’s role within the household or clan also had great significance in what one could do (or not do), how they were to act, who they could talk with, and what inheritance would be granted. There were distinct differences between children and adults, enslaved persons and free persons, daughters and sons, and even firstborn sons and any others. 

Children from birth to weaning, at age 3 or 4, were under the authority of their mother or nursemaid (depending on the family’s class). Gender was unimportant at this age (the Greek word for ‘child’ (teknon) is neuter). After that, especially in well-to-do households, the children would be given over to the authority of a Tutor or Disciplinarian. This would be a teacher who would instruct the child in the basics of reading and math, and perhaps in more advanced subjects of writing, philosophy, rhetoric, etc. Aristotle served as such a person for Alexander the Great.  

Finally, around age 12 or 13, when the child became an adult (adolescence would not exist for another 1800 years), they would be passed on to their parent. Sons, especially the firstborn, became an apprentice to their father, and expected to learn the family business, which they would one day inherit. Other sons might be apprenticed out to another trade. Daughters would learn how to run a household of their own one day. 

As we continue to read the letter from Paul to the Galatian Christians, we find that he uses this commonly understood metaphor to explain the role of the law and of faith, and to help us understand our place in it.

Questions

How do you understand the role of the law and that of faith?

What has it meant to be a part of the household that you grew up in?

What does it mean to be a part of the household of God?