Customs and Culture of the Bible
The Bible was written in cultures very different from our own. Explore customs, institutions, daily practices and figures of speech that help explain what biblical writers and their first readers would have understood.
188 customs found
Roads, Inns and Lodging
Travelers could rely on relatives, private hospitality, simple stopping places, or commercial lodging depending on route, period, and circumstances.
Primary Scripture: Luke 10:30-35
Roman Citizenship
Roman citizenship carried valued legal privileges and status, including protections in judicial procedure that could matter greatly when a citizen faced punishment or trial.
Primary Scripture: Acts 22:25-29
Roman Compulsory Service and the Second Mile
Imperial authorities could requisition people, animals, or transport for official service. This background illuminates Jesus' command to go a second mile and the forcing of Simon of Cyrene to carry Jesus' cross.
Primary Scripture: Matthew 5:41
Roman Crucifixion
Crucifixion was a Roman execution designed not only to kill but to punish publicly, deter others, and degrade the condemned. Its shameful social meaning is essential to New Testament references to the cross.
Primary Scripture: John 19:16-37
Roman Military Units and the Centurion
A centurion was a professional Roman officer associated with a centuria, a unit whose actual strength was not always exactly one hundred men.
Primary Scripture: Matthew 8:5-13
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