[Greek] θέατρον (theatron), [Latin] theatrum, [Latin] spectaculum: theater, spectacle, a place for a public show, amphitheater, general audience room, place where games and dramatic spectacles are shown, spectators; Acts 19:29,31, 1Cor.4:9
The amphitheater in Ephesus
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means theater (amphitheater), spectators, and spectacle (play). In the Stoic perspective, the deity becomes a spectator of the wise man fighting misfortune and encountering conflict. Plato’s Symposium 194a states “How forgetful I should be, after noticing your and many spirit as you stepped upon the platform with your troop; how you sent a straight glance at the vast assembly.” Polybius’ Histories 3.91.10 states “If the Carthaginians succeeded in fixing their quarters in these plains, they would have the advantage of a kind of theater, in which to display the terrors of the power. They would make a spectacle also of the cowardice of their enemies.” Polybius’ Histories 5.15.2 states “But as the drinking went on, and grew less moderate, being forced to do just as the others did, they show themselves in their in true colors.” Herodotus’ The Histories 6.21 states “The Athenians made clear their deep grief for the taking of Miletes in many ways. When the Phrynichus wrote a play entitled ‘The Fall of Miletus’ and produced it, the whole theater fell to weeping.”
Old Testament: Although not explicitly stated, this term makes references to the spectacles of Job and other Jews. Job’s sufferings become a spectacle to angels and men. In 3Macc 5 Ptolemy seeks to have the Jews killed by elephants. God causes Ptolemy to oversleep, causing him to forget his anger against the Jews. But after an impassioned prayer by Eleazar, God sends two angels to prevent this. Ptolemy honors the Jews with various immunities and a banquet. The Jews request and receive permission to return home.
New Testament: This term means spectacle and amphitheater. Paul presents the Christians’ struggles (and persecutions) as a spectacle to the world. Paul contrasts his own suffering with the Corinthians’ folly. Paul, influenced by Hellenism, borrows the term ‘spectacle’. The silversmiths in Ephesus riot in response to Paul saying that these gods (made by human hands) are not gods at all. The people rushed into the amphitheater. Paul wanted to go before the crowd. Fear for Paul’s safety, the disciples advised him not to venture into the theater. Rather than as a spectator, God is intimately connected with the Christians’ weakness and struggles.
Scripture:
“For as I see it, God has exhibited us apostles as the last of all, like people sentenced to death, since we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and human beings alike.” 1Cor.4:9
Paul presents the Christians’ sufferings and persecution as a spectacle to the world. Paul makes reference to the Hellenistic term as a spectacle.
“The city was filled with confusion, and the people rushed with one accord into the theater, seizing Gaius and Aristarchus, the Macedonians, Paul’s traveling companions.” Acts 19:29
By saying that the gods (made by hand) were not gods at all, Paul provoked a riot among the silversmiths in Ephesus. The people rushed into the theater.
Conclusion:
Theater, theatrical, theatric, spectacle
It was interesting to discover that this term also means spectacle, play, and spectators. Essentially, this term illustrates the qualities of a person, group, or crowd. In addition to convening political events, the theater presents plays illustrating the human condition (greed, fame, and tragedy, etc).
In the Old Testament culture, it is interesting to note that Job’s struggles were an spectacle to men and angels. The persecution or martyrdom of Jews or Christians can appear as a spectacle in any era in history.
In the New Testament culture, Paul presents the Christians’ persecution and struggles as a spectacle to the world. Paul draws upon the Hellenistic term ‘spectacle’. Paul provokes a riot among the silversmiths we he claims that those gods made by hands are not gods.
In modern times, many aspects of social media also report about and illustrate the human social condition. Sometimes, social media presents, creates and provokes spectacles in various walks of life. This brings to mind the concept of a meme. Interestingly, in 1976 the atheist Richard Dawkins developed the notion of a meme, an idea or behavior that spreads across people in a culture. Therefore, an internet meme is a piece of media, often humorous, that spreads rapidly through the internet. It is really fascinating how, why and when a meme occurs as as result of someone’s actions or words. You never know when a meme will occur.
So just get the popcorn and sit back and enjoy the show!
