[Greek] ἐμπορεύομαι (emporeuomai), [Latin] mercare, [Latin] negotiare: to exploit, to engage in business, to merchandize, to buy and sell, to fabricate, to cheat; Jas.4:13, 2 Pet.2:3
The agora becomes the cultural and commercial center in the Greco-Roman world
Background Information:
Greco-Roman agora: The agora was a central public space where the political, commercial, artistic, and spiritual life of the community took place. This is where the emporos (one on a journey) would sell his wares, products, and services to the customers. These traders and merchants would take their emporium (business) from one city to the next. In addition, philosophers and artisans would gather together in order to exchange ideas. The Romans later adapted this public space for non-commercial activities (in the Forum). These activities involved political debates, discussions, spiritual activities, and govt. and administrative duties.
Jewish agora: The synagogues served as important public assembly areas for the Jews. During the Diaspora, the Jews also associated in the agora throughout the cities of the Greek world. Synagogues were also established in various agoras. So, it is not surprising that Jewish merchants would eventually sell their wares in or near the Temple grounds. It is here that Jesus overturns the Jewish merchants’ tables. Jesus condemns these merchants for desecrating the Temple grounds.
New Testament: This term is primarily used in the sense of being in business and exploiting others. It is interesting to note that there is sometimes a common thread between false teachers and unscrupulous merchants: cheating or exploiting. In fact, Jesus contends with both adversaries. Peter makes mention of how past false teachers were punished and condemned by God. The fallen angels were condemned to hell. The godless generation of Noah was condemned with floods. The immoral cities of Sodom and Gamorrah were reduced to ashes.
Scripture:
“In their greed they will exploit you with fabrications, but from old their condemnation has not been idle and their destruction does not sleep.” 2 Pet.2:3
The false teachers will take advantage and exploit those Christian who are uncertain in their faith. Peter mentions that these false teachers follow the patterns of false prophets in the Old Testament.
“Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we shall go into such a town, spend a year there doing business, and make a profit’” Jam.4:13
James speaks of the uncertainty of life. This scripture provides evidence of travelling merchants in ancient times.
Conclusion:
Emporium, merchandise, merchant, negotiate, negotiation
The basic meaning of this term means to go on a passage (pore) or journey. The agora was the open public arena in the town where one could make a living. The merchant would either sell a product or provide a service. Paul offered his services as a tentmaker in the agora, as a means to support his ministry. Since there were not any existing office buildings, the agora was the logical place to conduct business (buying and selling).
The synagogue essentially becomes the agora for the Jews. Aside from the sacrilegious consequences of conducting business in a place of worship, sometimes the Jews did conduct business and commerce in the synagogue. This can help explain why Jesus gets upset by this activity.
It is also interesting to note that the false teachers and unscrupulous merchants express the same characteristics of exploiting and deceiving their target audience (customers or believers). They attempt to “sell them a bill of goods” in order to put one over them. So, in a sense, some things haven’t changed today. We have recently seen some characters who have taken advantage of victims from the hurricanes and floods.