In the pervasive social dynamic regulating the acquisition of honor that we call challenge-and-riposte, the delivery of a gift represented a challenge to the recipient requiring an appropriate response if shame was to be avoided and honor maintained. To make a gift was not an innocuous and friendly social gesture (as in most northern European and North Atlantic cultures today), but the opening gambit in an exchange that could soon take a nasty turn -Esler (Conflict and Identity in Romans). Did you receive the gift of grace? Also, think of Pauls statement in Romans 12:20 in light of this cultural truth: No, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by doing so you will heap burning coals upon his head In light of the culture, giving stuff to your (social) enemy put them in debt to you in order to maintain their honor.
Posted on: Sun, 28 Dec 2014 09:56:51 +0000
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