The Interplay Between Hospitality and Patronage in the Greco-Roman World and Its Implications for Reading Third John

This dissertation will seek to explore the social concepts found within the Book of Third John, examining the intricate and nuanced relationship between hospitality and patronage in early first-century Christian communities. By employing a comprehensive approach that integrates historical, cultural, and theological methodologies, this study aims to delve deeply into the multifaceted roles these practices played in shaping the social, spiritual, and theological framework of the early Church. Specifically, this dissertation seeks to address the following questions: How did first-century Christian communities navigate the interplay between hospitality and patronage as reflected in Third John? How did these practices influence communal identities, contribute to power dynamics within these societies, and foster essential connections that facilitated the growth and spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Furthermore, this study will assess how these interactions not only supported traveling teachers and missionaries but also served as practical expressions of faith, reflecting the theological imperatives of mutual care, love, and unity. This exploration will highlight how these principles of hospitality and patronage reinforced the communal bonds of the early Church while providing a platform for advancing the mission of spreading the Gospel across diverse and often challenging cultural landscapes.