Conclusion of Traps Satan Set for the Early Christians

Chariot races held in vast oblong arenas called circuses were doubtless very exciting, but they were unacceptable for Christians because the crowds often got violent. A third-century writer reported that some of the spectators came to blows, and Carcopino states that "astrologers and prostitutes had their place of business" under the arcades of the circus building. Clearly, the Roman circus was no place for Christians. -1 Corinthians 6:9, 10. 

What of the famous Roman baths? Certainly, there was nothing wrong with bathing to keep clean.  But many of the Roman baths were huge establishments that included massage rooms, gymnasiums, gaming rooms, and places to eat and drink. Although, theoretically, times were set aside for each sex to use the baths, mixed bathing was often tolerated. Clement of Alexandria wrote:  "The baths are opened promiscuously to men and women; and there they strip for licentious indulgence."  Thus, a legitimate institution could easily have been used by Satan as a trap for Christians.  Wise ones abstained.

Gambling was a favorite pass time among the people when the Roman Empire was at its height.  the early Christians could avoid the betting that went on at the chariot races by simply staying away from the circuses.  Minor gambling was also done illicitly in the back rooms of inns and taverns. Players bet on the odd or even numbers of pebbles or knucklebones held in the other players hand. Gambling added spice to people's lives, for it offered the hope of making easy money.  (Ephesians 5:5)  Furthermore, barmaids at such drinking places were often prostitutes, adding the danger of sexual immorality.  Such were some of the snares that Satan set for Christians who lived in the cities of the Roman Empire. Are things very different today?

Next time: Satan's Snares Today

From the Watchtower magazine, 2002