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NewsongLA Roman House Churches

Small Group Study Guide

Adapted and referenced from Roman House Churches

for Today by Reta Halteman Finger

WELCOME to this Small Group study guide which will take you through what life was like for

early Christians of New Testament house churches through the study of the book of Romans. And as

you may see, there are many comparable aspects to our life today as seen in the 1st Century church.

We will learn how they began with prayer, listened with care, ate together, served one another and

the community and shared their stories with each other. The intent of this guide is to reflect on Paul’s

letter to the Romans as if we were these Christians at Rome. Our hope is that this guide will help you

facilitate group discussion as you dig into what life was like in 1st Century Rome through the words of

Paul. Some questions to ponder in the reading:

• What was Paul’s purpose in writing this section of scripture?

• What would it have meant to this community and how they lived?

• What do these Scriptures ask us to live out in our communities today?

Instructions for Study Guide Use

This Small Group Study can be facilitated in 2 ways:

• Facilitator and Discussion: A session leader expands upon the background information for

each session and leads the group in discussion questions.

• Small Group Role Play: Utilizing the roles as provided at the end of the study, each person

will embody that character from a particular Roman House Church using the Character

sketches. (You can find role sketches at the end of this study.) As a group you will read

through the Scriptures and background info presented and discuss the questions while in

character of the role you have been assigned.

5 Week Small Group Breakdown 1. SESSION 1 - Establishing the House Church in Rome

a. 1st Century Churches & Churches of Today

b. Begin with Prayer about what God would have your small group embody as part of your

study in the book of Romans.

2. SESSION 2 - Sharing Your Story: Salvation as A Gift for All

a. Grace & Salvation: A Gift for All

3. SESSION 3 - Listen with Care: Living in Love within a Diverse Christian Community

4. SESSION 4 - Serve in Love: Serving & Loving Amidst Differing Social Standards

5. SESSION 5 - Eat Together: A Roman Agape Meal

a. As part of this Session you may want to partake in a Roman Agape Meal as described

in the study. You may choose to bring your own food or you may choose to bring foods

according to the roles you take on throughout the study. Recipes are provided at the

end of this study utilizing common foods of the 1st Century house churches.

SESSION 1: Establishing the House Church in Rome

THE GOAL: Through this session you will dive into Roman House Churches of the 1st Century. You will see

how they worshiped God, loved one another, served & did life together as a community of believers. You

should begin to see how comparable, yet different house churches are to how we do life together today as

Christians. A goal for your time together today is to set the stage for the weeks ahead & pray about what God

would desire for you to embody within your small group as a result of this study.

Read Romans 1:1-17

“Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,2 which he promised

beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from

David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of

holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace

and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, 6 including

you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.”

“To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our

Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith

is proclaimed in all the world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that

without ceasing I mention you 10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last

succeed in coming to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen

you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. 13 I do not

want you to be unaware, brother’s that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been

prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. 14 I am

under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So I am eager to

preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.”

16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the

Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is

written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Historical Context around the Book of Romans The Book of Romans was written by the Apostle Paul around 57 A.D.

• Paul is likely not the first to bring the Gospel to Rome as there are already several communities there.

Instead Paul hopes to transform the house churches that already reside there.

• The flow of Paul’s letter follows the pattern of ancient Jewish stories of slavery & rescue. Humanity is in

exile due to the entrance of sin & death in the world. Even the Jewish Law could not defeat death &

bring life. But God has come to rescue both Jews & Gentiles through the death & resurrection of Jesus.

A new worldwide family is being created. The offer of life through Jesus remains for all, however, & in

the end God’s mercy will triumph over judgement.

• This book confronts issues such as sin, salvation, redemption, justification, grace and reconciliation.

WELCOME to 1st Century Rome! A place of cool marble floors in upper class homes to tiny rooms in tenements where families crowd together to

sleep, talk and eat. A place where streets twist and turn as tiny shops dot the landscape. Where animals and

carts creak and rumble along the streets as people go about their daily commute. There has been a

transformation in Rome though, as formerly exiled Jewish individuals return to try to reestablish their lives in

this bustling city, amidst persecution and isolation of their people.

Prior to the writing of Paul’s letter to the Romans, Jewish people had been exiled from Rome around 41-53 C.E

by Emperor Claudius. When Claudius expelled all Jewish leaders, both Christian and traditional Jews, he

forbade meetings in synagogues. Of those Christians who remained in Rome, a majority would have been

Gentiles or lower-class Jews. Since they could no longer meet in the synagogues they began meeting in

private homes or tenement apartments.

Many of these believers were slaves or lower-class free persons, many of whom couldn’t read. A few believers

were upwardly mobile slaves who worked in imperial households. Some were Jews, but most were Gentiles.

And still, some tended to be conservative while others were more liberal. They were together Jew and Gentile,

Greek and Roman, Slave and Free doing life together in these groups. This is Rome of 57 A.D. where we find

these small groups of believers meeting to pray and share table fellowship in celebration of the risen Christ.

Paul was convinced that God had called him to take the gospel from one end of the Roman Empire to the

other. He wrote to these Christians because they were racially and culturally diverse and he believed that the

gospel of Christ had the power to break down dividing walls between Jews and Gentiles, conservatives and

liberals, as well as slaves and free person. Since he was a Jew first his message of the promised Jewish

Messiah in Jesus would connect with the Jews of these communities. He believed that through this letter

reconciliation and transformation could occur, and if they were able to experience unity in diversity that it could

be a powerful witness to those who have yet to know of this risen savior.

House Churches in the 1st Century

• Beginning Question: When you picture Roman House Churches of the 1st Century what do you picture?

As we have learned, people could not meet in the synagogues anymore. In fact, much of their lives were lived

outside and with little privacy. This is what made their participation in house churches so valuable. It was a

time where they could step away from all the demands of life and commune with a few fellow Christian

believers. As a result, many people took to meeting in private homes to worship God and experience

community. This is much like our small group gatherings today.

Living Arrangements in 1st Century Rome:

Wealthy Homes: In 1st Century Rome many homes of the wealthy had many rooms. Not only did these

homes house the owner and his family, but it would have quarters for the servants and their family as well.

House Churches that met in these homes would often meet in a space approximately 300-400 square feet and

could hold approximately 30-40 people.

Tenement Housing: Most people in Rome did not live as comfortably as those in a higher economic class.

In fact, 3% of the population of Rome occupied 1/3 of the residential space in the city. The rest of the people

were crowded into huge tenements called insulae. They were 4-5 stories high with dark rooms off long interior

hallways. The higher one climbed, the smaller the rooms became (some were down to 30-35 square feet) and

the cheaper the rent. The larger rooms of these tenements were about 300 square feet on the lower floors and

were often subdivided so several families could share the rent. Housing was very cramped and as a result

many people did life outside of their home and thus had little privacy. Homes were often for sleeping and

storing of their few belongings. Because of this many of these people sought refreshment from the busy life in

public by attending small house churches with other believers.

Class and Societal Structures in the Roman Empire

1st Century Rome was a society that observed a strong hierarchy of leaders and class structures. To understand the diversity and disunity Paul speaks to in Roman’s we must take a look at the social institutions and classes that structured the Roman society.

Three major institutions of the Roman society:

• Politeia (Politics)which is the city community.

• Oikonomia (Economics) which is the household community.

• Koinonia (Fellowship Community) which is a voluntary association with a group that helped to meet

deeper emotional needs where people would gather because of a common interest.

o All sense of hierarchy was wiped away & all came to know God in these communities not

because of wealth, status or good works but by responding to God’s grace expressed in Jesus

Class Structures of the Roman society:

• Senatorial Class à The top class comprised of 2,000th of 1% of the people. These people did not work for

a living as they inherited wealth, had property rentals and other means of obtaining money.

• Equestrian Class à Comprised of less than 1/10th of 1%. These people didn’t work for a living as they

inherited wealth, property rentals and other means of obtaining money.

• Middle Class à Otherwise known as the aristocrats whom didn’t engage in commerce and industry as it

was beneath their dignity.

• Slave or poor Freedpersons Class à This comprised a vast majority of people who had no choice but to

participate in ordinary labor within society

o No Roman Empire society ever imagined a society without slaves since they were the economic backbone of the Empire. Out of a 6 million population count in 1st Century Italy, approximately 2 million people were slaves.

Slavery in the Roman Empire

• Slavery was not based on race but often how a person became a slave was:

o They were captured as victims of war.

o They became a slave through breeding and family ties.

o They incurred debt and then sold themselves into slavery

o They were exposed to it such as in the case of unwanted infants.

• Slaves had no family and were not able to marry since marriages between slaves were not seen as

official by the empire.

• They did not often have much education and were often not able to read or write.

• They had no possessions since they were the possession. The only thing they had that was theirs was

their work, labor or skills.

Discussion Questions:


• What would it have meant to this community and how they lived?

• What similarities arise between 1st Century Roman House Churches and how we do life in Christian

communities today? What are some differences?

• Given the similarities, or differences, of communities in the 1st Century to ours today what prayers

does this prompt us to pray for our own communities, families, churches, government and society?

• What do these Scriptures and this Information about 1st Century Rome ask us to live out in our

communities today?

Begin with PRAYER: Pray about what God would have your group embody as a result of this session on the context of 1st Century Roman society in relation to Romans Chapter 1.

SESSION 2: Salvation as a Gift for All

THE GOAL: Throughout this session you will dive into what Paul means when he says the Gospel is a gift

for all. In this time together, if you are role playing, you will choose a role from those provided (at the end of this

guide) and portray this role in your discussion. As you read the scriptures and the background information keep

in mind the instincts, background, motivations and influences that may guide this person to respond in a certain

way to the discussion questions at the end.

Read Romans 1:16-17

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who

believes: first to the Jew, then the Gentile. For in the Gospel the righteousness of God is revealed – a

righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.”

Meaning of Righteousness

• The Greek word dikaioo (di-kai-O-o) can be translated “to make righteous” or in short form we

say “to justify”. Righteous conveys to us a sense of goodness, wholeness, integrity, & upright

living. When we look at justification, we tend to see it as a legal term meaning we are

considered good even though we’ve done wrong.

• Paul proves in this letter that God has made both Jew and Gentile righteous through salvation

by faith alone.

• How do you view righteousness and justification in regards to salvation? What does righteousness mean to you?

Read Romans 3:21-31

“But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law of the

Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no

difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified

freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of

atonement through the shedding of his blood – to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his

righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished. He did this

to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who

have faith in Jesus.”

“Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of

the law that requires faith. For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. Or

is God the God of the Jews only? Is he not the God of the Gentiles too? Yes, of the gentiles too, since there is

only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. Do we

then nullify the law by this faith? Not at all. Rather, we uphold the law.”

Salvation through Christ: Paul, after showing that everyone has sinned, in Romans 2, now shows

how everyone can be transformed through righteousness in Jesus Christ. Paul then uses 3 phrases

to explain how salvation through Christ works.

1. Romans 3:24 “through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus”, Redemption refers to buying

slaves and releasing them from captivity, a term appropriate for all the slaves who were members of

house church groups in Rome.

2. Romans 3:25a “God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement through the shedding of his blood”

Christians with a Jewish background would have best understood this phrase because it refers to the

sprinkling of blood on the altar in the Jerusalem temple on the Day of Atonement (Lev 16:12-15).

Jewish Christians regarded the blood of animals as replaced by Jesus blood, through which they could

now be forgiven.

3. Romans 3:25b “He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left

the sins committed beforehand unpunished.” For Christians with less contact with Judaism, such

unconditional forgiveness would have been most meaningful. But “pass over” can also mean “leave

unpunished.” God’s overlooking Gentile sins may have been hard for some Jews to swallow, since

they had so often been victims of Gentile oppression and brutality throughout their historical past.

Paul goes on to further talk about salvation by faith alone in Romans 10:8-13

“But what does it say? The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,’ that is, the message

concerning faith that we proclaim: if you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that

God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and

it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, ‘Anyone who believes in him

will never be put to shame.’ For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile – the same Lord is Lord of all

and richly blesses all who call on him, for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Discussion Questions: If you are role playing, using the character you are assigned:

• What would these Scriptures mean to you based on the background information given for your

particular role?

• How do you as Jews or Gentiles feel about being included in the statement in Romans 1:16-17? Is it

discriminatory that Paul says, “Jews first”? Do Jews feel Gentiles should not be included?

• As Jews or Gentiles do you consider yourself a part of the gospel? Why or why not would you consider

yourself a part of the gospel?

If you are not role playing, use these questions below:

• What was Paul’s purpose in writing this section of scripture? What would it have meant to this

community and how they lived?

• As seen in the information provided, each person in the 1st Century given their background,

affiliations, class structure and even religious beliefs may have viewed the Scriptures differently. If

this is true, then what would these Scriptures have meant to this group of people and how they did

life together? What would it mean to the Gentiles / Slaves / the poor / educated / uneducated within

this community?

• What do these Scriptures and this Information ask us to live out in our communities today?

• How does this discussion about salvation by faith alone for ALL who believe in Jesus Christ

transform, inspire or enhance your own salvation story? And from this revelation how does it prompt

you to share your story with people both Christian and non-Christian?

SESSION 3: Living in Love within a Diverse Christian Community

THE GOAL: Throughout this session you will dive into what it means to live in a diverse community of

believers and how Paul instructs the Roman Christians to live it out. If you are role playing, you will choose a

role from those provided (at the end of this guide) and portray this role in your discussion. As you read the

scriptures and the background information keep in mind the instincts, background, motivations and influences

that may guide this person to respond in a certain way to the discussion questions at the end.

Read Romans 12 “A Living Sacrifice” Ethics for Christian Communities

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve of what

God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of

you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same

function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in

accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give

encouragement; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.

Practice hospitality.”

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those

who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud but be willing to associate with people of

low position. Do not be conceited.”

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far

as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for

God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is

hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on

his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.”

• **BOLD words/phrases are attributes to living in a Christian Community

Background Information:

Paul begins this chapter with a reminder that the gospel is the power of God for salvation to both Jews and

Greeks, that living by faith means living by faith. That all believers are part of a larger group of Christians and

all a part of the people of God. There is no differentiation between Jew or Gentile, slave or free, Greek or

Roman affiliation.

Paul then continues by presenting various attributes of Christian communities with hopes of bringing unity and

transformation amongst this group. He urges them to not be influenced by patterns of this world but to be

transformed and to live differently. It may have been hard for early Christians to resist the patterns of the world

in the 1st Century because most governments in the Roman Empire at this time were thoroughly pagan and

undemocratic in nature.

In the midst of a complex society both politically and personally, Paul articulates a redefinition of the people of

God as one unified body. The boundary markers of circumcision, dietary restrictions and sacrificial system is

no longer valid for every Christian.

• In Romans 12:1-2 Paul urges believers to:

o Instead of an offering of animals as sacrifice, Roman Christians were to give their own bodies

through their actions & their behavior as a sacrifice to promote love to their:

§ Own Christian community.

§ Outward into society.

§ And even to their enemies.


• In Romans 12:1-2 Paul asks Christians to “offer our bodies as a living sacrifice,” instead of offering

animal sacrifices, as was common in Judaism. How do you feel about this new way of living and

worshiping God based on your own background?

• How are your spiritual gifts working in your own House Church? What spiritual gifts do you see

operating in each other? How is it building up of your community in unity?

• Those of you in a role of higher status, do you “associate with the lowly” as in Romans 12:16? Do you

live at peace with everyone, Christian or non-Christian? How do you feel about loving and doing good

to your enemies?


• What are some "patterns of this world” that Paul warns believers about in v1? (Both in today’s society

and in the 1st Century Roman society) • Paul speaks about using spiritual gifts within the Christian community of believers. How are spiritual

gifts working and operating in each other within your Small Group? How do these differing gifts help to

build up your community in unity?

• Given the diverse community of believers in both economic class, religious background and traditions

kept that we see in 1st Century Rome, how does Romans 12 speak to you about how to live amidst

diversity?

o What do you think it meant to 1st Century Jews / Gentiles / Slaves / the poor / educated /

uneducated within this community?


• How does this discussion on living within a diverse community prompt you to more readily listen with care to the stories of those throughout your own community of believers? What are some ways we can

better understand and love one another in the midst of diverse lifestyles / beliefs / backgrounds?

SESSION 4: Serving in Love amidst differing Social Standards

THE GOAL: Throughout this session you will dive into loving and living together in community when conflict

arises, or disagreement occurs. If you are role playing, you will choose a role from those provided (at the end

of this guide) and portray this role in your discussion. As you read the scriptures & the background information

keep in mind the instincts, background, motivations & influences that may guide this person to respond in a

certain way to the discussion questions.

Class and Societal Structures in the Roman Empire

1st Century Rome was a society that observed a strong hierarchy of leaders and class structures. Not only

were people identified by their religious beliefs, but also by their cultural background, societal status they

identified with. To understand the diversity and disunity Paul speaks to in Roman’s we must take a look at the

social institutions and classes that structured the Roman society.

Three major institutions of the Roman society:

• Politeia (Politics)which is the city community.

• Oikonomia (Economics) which is the household community.

• Koinonia (Fellowship Community) which is a voluntary association with a group that helped to meet

deeper emotional needs where people would gather because of a common interest.

o All sense of hierarchy was wiped away and all came to know God in these communities not because of wealth or status or good works but by responding to God’s grace as expressed in Jesus Christ.

Class Structures of the Roman society:

• Senatorial Class à The top class comprised of 2,000th of 1% of the people. These people did not work

for a living as they inherited wealth, had property rentals and other means of obtaining money.

• Equestrian Class à Comprised of less than 1/10th of 1%. These people didn’t work for a living as they

inherited wealth, property rentals and other means of obtaining money.

• Middle Class à Otherwise known as the aristocrats whom didn’t engage in commerce and industry as

it was beneath their dignity.

• Slave or poor Freedpersons Class à This comprised a vast majority of people who had no choice but

to participate in ordinary labor within society

o No Roman Empire society ever imagined a society without slaves since they were the economic backbone of the Empire. Out of a 6 million population count in 1st Century Italy, approximately 2 million people were slaves.

Slavery in the Roman Empire

• Slavery was not based on race but often how a person became a slave was:

o They were captured as victims of war.

o They became a slave through breeding and family ties.

o They incurred debt and then sold themselves into slavery

o They were exposed to it such as in the case of unwanted infants.

• Slaves had no family and were not able to marry since marriages between slaves were not seen as

official by the empire.

• They did not often have much education and were often not able to read or write.

• They had no possessions since they were the possession. The only thing they had that was theirs was

their work, labor or skills.

Jewish Believers in Rome

• Had been exiled from Rome by Emperor Claudius between 41-53 C.E. They later slowly began to

return to Rome around the time of the writing of Paul’s letter and trying to reestablish their lives there

amidst persecution and isolation.

o They were not accepted as part of the Jewish community because non-Christian Jews saw

them as false Jews and heretics deserving of punishment. Many were persecuted or killed by

the order of Jewish authorities as a result of their beliefs.

• Jewish people once had prominence and influence in the early days of Christianity with the 12 apostles

all being Hebrews. There is a threat towards favoritism and pride as they saw themselves a special

people compared to the Gentiles. They were less likely to extend grace and mercy to a Gentile.

• They tended to still abide by the Mosaic Law of eating traditional Kosher foods, observing Jewish

holidays and sacrifice rituals.

Gentile Believers in Rome

• Many Gentiles were first attracted to Jesus Christ because of his miracles, healings, resurrection and

reputation.

• They would have been unfamiliar with much of the Scriptures and Jewish history and tended to have

low regard for the Jewish law. They had lower concern with observing the Mosaic Law which caused

some contention between them and their Jewish brothers and sisters within their communities.

• They would be more familiar with various other religions and practices throughout the Roman empire

and may be still influenced by these.

Amidst this complex climate of the Roman Empire, Christianity was spreading beyond the Gentiles

because of various appeals:

1. The person of Jesus Christ: His life, teachings, healings, death, resurrection and ascension were

told and retold within various communities throughout the Empire.

2. Brotherly Love (Greek: philia) revealed through the Christian Communities (Greek:

koinonia): Within these communities everyone was accepted – Jew / Gentile / Slave / Free / Male /

Female / Roman / Greek – and all on the same footing. The society at that time was heavily male

dominated and according to social status. This left women, slaves and the poor out of engaging in

much of the Roman society at the time. In Christianity, the poor and needy were cared for and women

were not only accepted but became leaders as seen through the names in Romans 16. (example:

Priscilla a prominent leader within a Roman house church) 3. Strength of Conviction: This strength of their conviction in the gospel of Jesus Christ cut through

the multitude of other religious choices in the ancient world. The reality of the Spirit’s presence now and

the certainty of the resurrection of the body and the coming reign of Christ contrasted strongly with the

vague hints of future bliss promised by other religions. This good news helped many in this time endure

persecution and martyrdom without flinching, which attracted others to the faith. 4. Ethical Emphasis: This practice of agape love transformed and inspired communities to serve one

another in love and compassion.

Read Romans 14:1-15:7

“Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. One person’s faith allows

them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything

must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge

the one who does, for God has accepted them. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own

master, servants stand or fall. They will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.”

“One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them

should be fully convinced in their own mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord.

Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the

Lord and gives thanks to God.”

“For none of us lives for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So,

whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. For this very reason, Christ dies and returned to life so that He

might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.”

“You then, why do you judge your brother and sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all

stand before God’s judgement seat. It is written: ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before

me & every tongue will acknowledge God.’ So, then each one of us will give an account of ourselves to God.”

“Therefore, let us stop passing judgement on one another. Instead make up your mind not to put any stumbling

block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that

nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. If

your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your

eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. Therefore, do not let what you know is good be spoken of as

evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the

Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.

“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the

work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes

someone else to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else that will cause your

brother or sister to fall.”

“So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not

condemn himself by what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating

is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.”

Romans 15:1-7

“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should

please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written:

‘The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.’ For everything that was written from the past was

written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they

provide, we may have hope.

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other

that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mine and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord

Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ has accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”

Context of the “Strong” and “Weak” in the book of Romans

Back in the 1st Century what to eat, traditions kept and what holy days to observe were critical issues at the

time given the climate of the Roman Empire. With the return of the Jews from exile and the addition of Gentiles

into Christianity, traditions were turned all around. Within this complex group people were unsure of what to

observe and what not to observe.

Observance of Traditions:

• In Paul’s discussion it is believed he is referring not to meat offered to idols as he states in 1

Corinthians 8 & 10, but actually to a problem within Rome. At the time, the “strong” are Roman

Christians who emphasize freedom from the Torah (more likely the Gentiles) and the “weak”

are (mostly) Jewish Christians who believe it is important to observe Jewish holy days and

dietary practices.

• Where do we see this same scenario played out in today’s Christian Communities?

Reference to Social Status:

• The social composition of the city of Rome in the 1st Century was one where the “strong” or the

“weak” may have to do with social status.

• The “strong” either Roman citizens or foreign-born people who take pains to live as Roman as

possible. They are most likely freepersons who have risen in status or have property holdings

above people of their own class. They have some authority over those equal to or below them

in social status.

• The “weak” are foreigners or those who sympathize with foreign religions and cultures (such as

Judaism). They are meticulous in religious observance. They have less property than others of

their social class and rank. They also do not exercise authority over those considered by

Roman society to be below them in rank.

• Where do we see this same scenario played out in today’s Christian Communities?

Paul’s Solution:

At its bottom, arguing over matters of lifestyle comes down to a power struggle. Those who are “strong” tend to

have more power; their response then is to scorn and despise the “weak. On the other side of things, the

“weak” may be using their dietary or calendar laws to judge and condemn the “strong” as a way to exercise

their limited power. Paul responds by urging the Christians to accept and welcome each other just the way they

are, without arguing about it or pressuring each other to change.


• What is Paul’s main idea in this section and what principles does he offer to deal with lifestyle

differences among Christians? Do you agree or disagree with his solution?

• Does the idea of mutual tolerance obligate the “strong” to practice the same rules as the “weak” or vice

versa? If your character identifies with “strong” or “weak” are you willing to change your behaviors to

benefit the community?

o Which behaviors of yours would you have to add or give up in order to bring unity to your

community?

• What does “mutual edification” meant to you as a Christian? What does it mean to your house church

community?



• What principles does Paul offer to deal with lifestyle differences among Christians? Do you agree or

disagree with his solution?

• What does “mutual edification” meant to you as a Christian? What does it mean to your community?

• Given the diverse community of believers in both economic class, religious background & traditions

kept seen in 1st Century Rome, how does Romans 14 speak to you about how to live amidst diversity? o What do you think it meant to 1st Century Jews / Gentiles / Slaves / the poor / educated /

uneducated within this community?


• How does this discussion on living within a diverse community amidst conflict and disagreement prompt

you to serve with love those in your own community of believers?

• What are some ways we can better love and serve one another in the midst of diversity & conflict?

SESSION 4: A Roman Agape Meal

THE GOAL: Throughout this session you will dive into what a Roman Agape Meal is & how these house

churches in the 1st Century ate together in unity. If you are role playing, you will choose a role from those

provided (at the end of this guide) & portray this role in your discussion. As you read the scriptures & the

background information keep in mind the instincts, background, motivations & influences that may guide this

person to respond in a certain way to the discussion questions.

PREPARING FOR SESSION 5:

• You may consider in preparation for this study to organize a potluck meal bringing dishes to

share with each other while you study together.

• You may also consider bringing foods similar to what would be served in the 1st Century house

churches. A list of foods and recipes are included at the end of this session.

o Example: You could bring a food appropriate to your assigned role’s social status,

relative to wealth or poverty within their household, or one appropriate to your person’s

specific religious traditions or convictions held.

• As part of your meal you may want to participate in sharing the Eucharist (Communion)

together as a community, utilizing grape juice and crackers or bread. Instructions are below for

facilitating this portion of your meal together.

Read Romans 15:7-13

“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. For I tell you that Christ

has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might

be confirmed and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy.

“As it is written: ‘Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing the praises of your name.’ Again it

says, ‘Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.’ And again, ‘Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; let all the peoples

extol (praise) him.’”

And again, Isaiah says, ‘The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the

Gentiles will hope.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may

overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Discussion Question:

• When you think of the word “potluck” what comes to mind? What memories are brought up of

your own experience with meals together? We have all at some point in our lives participated in a pot luck meal. Regardless of your experiences with it,

we all can agree that eating together is a wonderful way to converse, connect and catch up with each other

and our lives.

The association of worship, fellowship and eating together has a long history in Scripture. Jesus himself

seemed to always on his way to a meal, eating a meal or coming from a meal with others. His last memory of

his time with his disciples before he went to the cross was in fact a Passover meal together. Christians have

reenacted this meal for almost 2000 years and will continue to do so until the day when we eat together in

Jesus’ presence in the New Creation.

1st Century Christians ate together often when they met for worship and fellowship. And during these meals

they would celebrate with the common food of the day, bread & diluted wine. It was a holy time, often with

meager food but with a sense of oneness with each other & living in the presence of Christ.

Other times these meals were filled with strife, selfishness and resentment. Eating together and sharing the

Eucharist can draw people together but it can also drive them apart.

• In Corinth, conflict arose where wealthy believers refused to share their food with those who had

nothing to contribute (1 Corinthians 11:20-22).

• In Rome, conflict arose because food had become a bone of contention among the competing Christian

house groups due to social class, religious background and traditions kept.

o Some of these points of disagreement potentially arose between those who observe certain holy

days and those who don’t, as well as those who hold to specific dietary restrictions (ex. Kosher).

The Roman Agape Meal à The Eucharist (Communion)

They would often begin with the Eucharist (Communion) which consists of diluted wine and dark bread. They

would remind themselves of the importance of Communion as found in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took

bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in

remembrance of me.’

“In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this,

whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you

proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

Before partaking in the bread, they may read together the “blessing of the broken bread”:

• We give you thanks, our Father for the life and knowledge you have made known to us through Jesus,

your servant. Just as this broken bread was scattered upon the mountains and then was gathered

together and became one, so may your church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into

your kingdom; for yours is the glory and the power through Jesus Christ forever.

Before sharing the cup of wine, they may read together:

• We give you thanks, our Father, for the holy vine of David your servant, which you have made known to

us through Jesus, your servant, to you be the glory forever. Amen

Context for the Roman Agape Meal

Types of food not appropriate for those with certain convictions or social status:

• If you are a Jew or Gentile who feels keeping the Jewish Law is important, then you would: o Avoid pork, ham, or bacon; rabbit, camel, reptiles or amphibians. (Deut 14:3-8)

o Avoid mixing meat with dairy products (example: cheeseburgers or beef stroganoff) (Exod.

23:19 & Exod. 34:26)

o Drain all blood out of meat (Lev. 17:10-11; Acts 15:20)

o Avoid insects, except locusts (Lev. 11:20-23)

o Avoid any meat that has been offered to idols.

• If you are of poor or low social status, then you would:

o Bring no meat of any kind as they couldn’t afford it.

o Bring recipes made from barley, wheat or lentils. Some of these people depend on government

allotment of food which provides them with a small allotment of wheat & oil.

o Because of their poverty, they may not be able to bring anything due to their lack of ability to

money or food.

What types of food are appropriate at a Roman Meal:

• In addition to the recipes listed in the following pages, these foods are appropriate as is and can be

served at these house church meals:

o Grains: dark bread, pita bread, wheat crackers, rice, bulger wheat, lentils.

o Fruits and Vegetables: cauliflower, asparagus, onions, beans, tomatoes, broccoli, zucchini,

eggplant, peppers, okra, cabbage, turnips, olives, dates, lettuce, oranges, grapefruit, grapes,

raisins, figs.

o Dairy: milk (preferably goat’s or camel’s milk, or cow’s milk accepted) cheese, yogurt, cottage

cheese, eggs.

o Beverages: grape juice (diluted with water if your poor), wine (usually diluted with two parts

water; and brought only by those who have no conscience against it.).

o Other: nuts, seeds, honey.

***If you are sharing this meal while in character remember:

• Only to eat the foods your conscience and traditions approve of.

• If you are poor and never have the opportunity to eat meat, you may be tempted to indulge yourself

even at the expense of others.

• If you are conservative or judgmental, keep an eye out for what others are eating and drinking.

• If you have a problem with meat offered to idols, ask those who brought meat if its “kosher”.

• If you are more libertarian and don’t care what others think, eat whatever you want – unless you take to

heart Paul’s words about not wanting to cause a brother or sister to stumble.


• Was it hard to maintain your role and to resist the temptation to indulge in the foods offered?

• What types of things did you have to think of when partaking in the agape meal and what motivations

did or didn’t you have to partake in certain foods?

• What does “May the God of hope fill you with all joy & peace as you trust in him, so that you may

overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” mean to your character? Your house church?


• What are some common conflicts that may arise when eating together today? Where can unity arise

when eating together is presented with a diverse group of people (ex. Backgrounds, religious

traditions, dietary restrictions and etc.)

• What questions might food and traditions arouse for us today? (ex: guilt for overeating, questions on

morality of drinking alcohol or eating unhealthy foods or boycotting certain foods due to companies the

produce them or other reasons, guild for throwing away food when starvation stalks many people

around the world)

• Given the diverse community of believers in both economic class, religious background and traditions

kept that we see in 1st Century Rome, how does Romans 15 speak to you about how to live amidst

diversity? What do you think it meant to 1st Century Jews / Gentiles / Slaves / the poor / educated /

uneducated within this community? • What do these Scriptures and this Information ask us to live out in our communities today?

Roman House Church Character Sketches

Listed below are the character sketches pertaining to people who participated in these 1st Century House Churches found in the Book of Romans.

You do not have to use all the characters or both house churches. If you would like to stick with a single house church, you may choose to double up on character roles depending on the number of

people within your small group.

The House Church of Priscilla & Aquila Priscilla

• She is the primary leader in this house church who has many skills and is knowledgeable in reading and teaching. She attended school as a child as part of a noble Roman family.

• She supports Paul’s outlook in many of his letters and comes across as someone of even handedness and with wisdom.

• She often speaks of past experiences she and Aquila have had with Paul and helps to explain some of Paul’s personality “quirks” and passion for sharing the Gospel.

Aquila

• Aquilla is Priscilla’s husband and co-leads this house church. • He is from a Jewish background which means he understands Paul’s concerns to maintain

continuity with Jewish history. • He is often more sympathetic to those who want to keep the Jewish laws than Paul himself is. • He supervises the leatherworking awning business which helps to support his household.

Felicia

• She serves as a manager of the day-to-day activities of Priscilla and Aquila’s household. She plans meals and supervises clothes making in the household.

• She is non-Jewish and feels that the Jewish law is of little importance for herself. • Within this household and group, she makes effort to shop for some of the foods that Jewish

members of the household can eat without a guilty conscience. (EX. Kosher food)

Olympius

• He has a liberal perspective and is a Gentile member of the household of Priscilla and Aquila. • He often takes trips to obtain or sell awnings for the household business. • Although he is a Gentile, he has been converted through stories of the miracles of Jesus and

by the power shown in God raising him from the dead. These stories sounded more impressive to him than those of the old Roman gods and goddesses.

• He does not see any reason for anyone to keep the Jewish laws. But he does appreciate a chance to rest on the Sabbath when in Jewish company.

Aurelia

• She is a young Gentile slave with no biological family connections. As an infant, she was exposed by unknown parents who did not want another girl and was rescued and raised by a slave in Priscilla and Aquila’s household.

• She is a weaver for Aquila’s awning business. • She has taught herself to read and write and shows great leadership ability. • She has a good grasp of the gospel and is able to follow Paul’s line of argument. • She does struggle though between her status as slave and the egalitarian claims of the gospel.

Epaenetus

• Pronounced (ep-a-NEET-us) • He is an acquaintance of Priscilla and Aquila who was expelled from Rome 8 years earlier. • He is conservative by nature in keeping with the Jewish holy days and dietary laws. • He is a butcher and knows how to prepare meat and other foods, so they are Kosher. • He wants to become a part of this household church spiritually and economically as the

household’s butcher.

Theotekna

• Pronounced (thee-o-TEK-na) • She is a Gentile slave from another household who becomes friends with Aurelia and

embraces the gospel. She attends the daily worship and eucharistic (communion) services in the household of Priscilla and Aquila.

• Her master is not a Christian, so she has to take time off from her duties in order to attend events at Priscilla and Aquila’s household.

• Her master also is physically abusive to her and has raped her many times. This is a legal right of the slaveowner back in the 1st Century Roman Empire.

The House Church of Aristobulus

Eutuchas

• Eutuchas is an accountant and assistant to the head administrator for the household of Aristobulus. He is well trained in business & keeps the books for the household Italy vineyards.

• His Jewish parents were slaves freed in their later years, but he was born while they were still in slavery, so he has become a slave through his family.

• He is circumcised and keeps the Jewish law as much as possible • He has heard of Jesus through Aquila, a client of his master and sees Jesus Christ as Messiah in the

spiritual sense.

Kalandria

• She is a slave and in a long-term relationship with Eutuchas. They are not legally married, since slave marriages are not officially recognized by the Empire at that time. Regardless, they live together with 2 children.

• Kalandria is a hairdresser and attendant for the mistress and her daughters. • She was found as an infant and raised by a poor family who sold her to a slave trader when she was 12

years old. Since then she has been with the household of Aristobulus. • She observes Jewish religious practices because Eutuchas is Jewish but has heard of Jesus Christ

through him.

Seleucus

• He is a waiter for his master and family. • He does not have much education and speaks only Greek and recently was brought to Aristobulus’

household as a slave. • Eutuchas and Kalandria have introduced him to Christianity and are teaching him to read and count in

his spare time. As a result of his background he does not see the Jewish law as important.

Gaia

• She is a Greek slave who grew up in the household of Aristobulus. • She is wife of Herodes. Together they have one living child who was sold into slavery at the

age of 10. • She has a great memory, reads at a functional level and has great leadership potential. • She believes in Judaism and was baptized as a Christian through the witness of Eutuchas and

Kalandria.

Roman House Church Meal Recipes

Tabooli Salad

2 cups bulgur wheat 1 tablespoon dried mint 8 scallions, finely chopped ½ cup olive oil 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped 3 lemons, juiced 3 large firm ripe tomatoes, finely chopped Salt and pepper to taste.

Mix all ingredients and serves 6-8 people

Cold Vegetable Mix

1 small eggplant, peeled and cubed 4 tablespoons olive oil 2 large zucchinis, cubed ½ teaspoon garlic powder 1 bell pepper, cut into strips Salt and pepper to taste 2 stalks of celery, diced 3 tablespoons parsley, chopped 2 large tomatoes, seeded and chopped 1/3 cup ketchup 1 small hot pepper, dried ½ lemons, juiced

In a large skillet lightly salute vegetables in oil. Add garlic powder, salt, pepper, parsley,

ketchup & lemon juice. Cover & simmer for 5 minutes. Allow to cool, chill & serve. Serves 4 people.

Middle Eastern Cole Slaw

3 teaspoons frozen orange juice, defrosted Salt and pepper to taste 1 lemon, juiced ½ table spoon grated lemon peel 3 tablespoons water ½ medium cabbage, shredded 1 teaspoon sugar

Prepare dressing of orange juice, lemon juice, water, sugar, salt and pepper. Add lemon peel

to cabbage. Pour dressing over cabbage, toss, chill and serve. Serves 4-6 people.

Cucumber Walnut Salad

4 tablespoons olive oil Salt and pepper to taste ½ lemon, juiced 2 medium cucumbers, peeled and finely diced 1 teaspoon dried mint 1 cup walnuts, chopped 1/8 teaspoon sugar 1 green pepper, seeded and finely chopped

Prepare dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, mint, salt and pepper. Pour over remaining ingredients,

toss and serve. Serves 4-6 people.

Spinach Salad

1 pound fresh spinach 1 teaspoon ground mustard seed ¼ cup plain yogurt Salt and pepper to taste 3 tablespoons olive oil 5 or 6 radishes, sliced 2 tablespoons vinegar 1-2 hard boiled eggs, sliced

Wash and trim spinach, drain and chop coarsely. Prepare dressing of yogurt, olive oil, vinegar, mustard seed,

salt and pepper. Use this to dress spinach. Garnish with radishes and hard boiled eggs. Serves 4 people

Spiced Cabbage

1 medium onion, sliced Salt and pepper to taste 1 medium cabbage, shredded 1 teaspoon ginger 3 tablespoons butter ½ cup plain yogurt

Fry onion and cabbage with salt, pepper and ginger in butter for 15 minutes, or until tender.

Dress with yogurt and serve. Serves 4-6 people.

Basic Bulgur

1 cup coarse bulger wheat 2 cups meat broth 2 tablespoons olive oil Salt and pepper to taste

Sauté bulger in olive oil. Add seasoned stock (broth), cover and simmer 30 minutes, or

until bulger is tender. Serves 2-3 people.

Spiced Bulger

1 cup bulger wheat 3 firm ripe tomatoes, chopped 1 medium onion, finely chopped ¼ teaspoon coriander ¼ cup pine nuts Salt and pepper to taste 4 tablespoons butter

Place bulger in bowl and pour 1 cup boiling water over it. Cover and allow to soak 60 minutes.

(or cook bulger as directed on box) Sauté onion and pine nuts in 1 tablespoon butter.

Add tomatoes and seasonings. Simmer for 5 minutes, adding a little water if needed to

prevent burning. Add bulger and the remaining butter. Stir well and heat thoroughly and serve.

Serves 3-4 people.

Lentils and Squash

1 butternut or acorn squash 1 large onion, sliced 4 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 cup lentils ½ teaspoon cumin Salt and pepper to taste

Halve squash and scoop out seeds. Wash and reserve seeds for later roasting or discard.

Either peel squash or dice flesh or scoop out with melon baller. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet.

Sauté squash for 3 minutes. Add lentils, salt, pepper and just enough water to cover.

Cover and simmer 20 minutes or until tender.

In a separate skillet, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter and fry onion until golden.

Stir in lemon juice and cumin into squash and lentils. Remove to serving dish & top with fried onions.

Serves 4-6 people.

Egg Salad

6 hard boiled eggs 1 medium red onion, sliced thin 2 tablespoons olive oil ½ lemon, juiced 1/8 teaspoon sugar Salt and pepper to taste 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped

Slice eggs and arrange on platter. Arrange onion on top of eggs.

Prepare dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, sugar, salt and pepper. Pour over salad and

garnish with chopped parsley. Serves 4-6 people.

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