Photo Gallery

Photo 13.1

This is a fresco of the divine Victory crowning a warrior who has succeeded in defeating his competitors (from Pompeii’s macellum).

Photo 13.2

This dagger and sheath was discovered in Herculaneum — just one of many similar artifacts discovered in the Vesuvian towns.

Photos 13.3 and 13.4

Pompeii’s walls testify to its own history of combat. These northern defensive walls show the marks of ballistic projectiles catapulted against them by Roman forces in the Social War of 91–89 BCE, as in photo 13.3. One of Pompeii’s twelve defensive towers is shown in photo 13.4.

Photos 13.5 and 13.6

Chapter 13 of In Stone and Story takes time to discuss social combat in the courts. The courts of Pompeii were held in the basilica. These two photos give further indication of the powerful austerity of the court context, with massive columns (holding up a roof structure) accentuating the gravitas of the Roman legal system.

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Class Activities

Read the text of the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:30–37) or of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) and “translate” its characters, themes, and storyline into a modern setting. How are the nuances of each character or theme best interpreted to combat a modern “ethic of detachment”? Are there themes which are untranslatable? What images would have especially poignant meanings for the first-century Jesus-followers?

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Discussion Questions

1. How do the ancient gladiatorial games compare with modern forms of violent entertainment? What is different? What is similar?
2. What impressions does this chapter give regarding the ancient Roman court system? What are its similarities and differences to modern, Western judicial systems? Do you think Paul would change his perspective regarding courts if he were to see how the courts operate where you live?
3. How do aspects of modern culture encourage an “ethic of detachment”? What are the ways people either subscribe to this ethic or fight against it?

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