Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical times, the hiring of houses refers to the practice of renting or leasing a dwelling place for temporary use. This concept is illustrated in various passages of Scripture, reflecting the socio-economic practices of ancient Israel and the surrounding regions.Biblical References: One of the notable instances where houses were hired is found in the New Testament, specifically in the Acts of the Apostles. The Apostle Paul, during his missionary journeys, often found himself in need of temporary lodging. In Acts 28:30, it is recorded: "Paul stayed there two full years in his own rented house, welcoming all who came to visit him." . This passage highlights the practice of renting a house for a specific period, in this case, two years, during which Paul continued his ministry while under house arrest in Rome. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Israel, as well as in the broader Greco-Roman world, the hiring of houses was a common practice, especially in urban areas. The need for temporary accommodation arose for various reasons, including travel, business, or, as in Paul's case, legal circumstances. Renting a house provided flexibility and was often more feasible than owning property, particularly for those who were not permanent residents of a city. The practice of hiring houses also reflects the transient nature of life for many individuals in biblical times. Pilgrimages, trade, and missionary work necessitated temporary lodging solutions. The ability to rent a house allowed individuals to establish a temporary base of operations, facilitating their work and ministry. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the hiring of houses can be seen as a metaphor for the transient nature of earthly life. Believers are often reminded that their true home is not in this world but in the eternal kingdom of God. The temporary nature of rented accommodation serves as a reminder of the Christian's pilgrimage on earth, echoing the sentiment found in Hebrews 13:14: "For here we do not have a permanent city, but we are looking for the city that is to come." . Furthermore, the example of Paul renting a house in Rome underscores the importance of hospitality and the strategic use of resources for the advancement of the Gospel. Despite being under house arrest, Paul utilized his rented home as a place of ministry, welcoming visitors and teaching about the kingdom of God. This demonstrates the principle of using one's circumstances, however temporary, for the glory of God and the spread of His message. Practical Considerations: In practical terms, the hiring of houses in biblical times involved agreements between the property owner and the tenant, similar to modern rental agreements. These arrangements would have included terms regarding the duration of stay, payment, and the responsibilities of both parties. The practice underscores the importance of stewardship and the wise use of resources, as well as the value of providing and receiving hospitality. In summary, the concept of houses being hired in the Bible provides insight into the daily lives of biblical figures, the socio-economic practices of the time, and the theological themes of pilgrimage and stewardship. Through the example of Paul and others, believers are encouraged to view their temporary dwellings as opportunities for ministry and service in the advancement of God's kingdom. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 28:30And Paul dwelled two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in to him, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Whether the Judicial Precepts were Suitably Framed as to the ... The First Christian Martyr Meditation i. Preparations for the Pasch Wesley visits Holland The Labours of John Cennick, 1739-1755. Jerusalem Matt. xix. 27 In Judaea How Herod and Sosius Took Jerusalem by Force; and what Death ... Return to Benares. Resources Summary of the Book of Exodus - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the doctrine of substitution? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about self-gratification / self-pleasure? | GotQuestions.org Houses: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Houses in Cities, Built in Streets Houses of Brick or Clay: Easily Broken Through Houses of Brick or Clay: Often Swept Away by Torrents Houses of Brick or Clay: Plastered Houses of Criminals, Desolated Houses: (Building of) of Great Prosperity Houses: (Built and not Inhabited) of Calamity Houses: (Insecurity of) of Earthly Trust Houses: (On a Rock) the Hope of Saints Houses: (On Sand) the Delusive Hope of Hypocrites Houses: (To Inhabit Those, Built by Others) Abundant Feelings Houses: Accessible from the Outside Houses: Admission To, Gained by Knocking at the Door Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Ceiled and Painted Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Hung With Rich Tapestries Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Inlaid With Ivory Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Large and Airy Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Warmed With Fires Houses: Built of Hewn or Cut Stone Houses: Built of Stone and Wood Houses: Custom of Fastening Nails, in Walls of, Alluded To Houses: Deep and Solid Foundations Required For Houses: Desolation of, Threatened As a Punishment Houses: Divided Into Apartments Houses: Doors of, How Fastened Houses: Doors of, Low and Small for Safety Houses: Entered by a Gate or Door Houses: had often Detached Apartments for Secrecy and for Strangers Houses: had often Several Stories Houses: Law Respecting the Sale of Houses: Often Broken Down to Repair City Walls Before Sieges Houses: Often Built on City Walls Houses: Serpents often Lodged in Walls of Houses: Sometimes Built Without Foundation Houses: Street Windows of, High and Dangerous Houses: The Courts of, Large and Used As Apartments Houses: The Flat Roofs of had often Booths on Them Houses: The Flat Roofs of had often Idolatrous Altars on Them Houses: The Flat Roofs of Often Covered With Week Grass Houses: The Flat Roofs of Resorted to in Grief Houses: The Flat Roofs of Surrounded With Battlements Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Devotion Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Drying Flax Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Exercise Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Making Proclamations Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Secret Conference Houses: Upper Apartments of, the Best, and Used for Entertainments Houses: when Finished Were Usually Dedicated Related Terms |
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