This study examines the moral teachings of first-century Roman Christianity and Roman Stoicism, and compares the two. The study falls into three main parts: Part I introduces and discusses the moral teaching of Roman Stoicism, that is, of Seneca, Musonius Rufus, and Epictetus. Part II presents the moral teaching of Roman Christianity, that is, as it is represented in Paul's Letter to the Romans, the First Letter of Peter, and the First Letter of Clement. On the basis of Parts I and II, then, Part III examines the similarities and differences between Roman Stoicism and Roman Christianity in ter ... More

This study examines the moral teachings of first-century Roman Christianity and Roman Stoicism, and compares the two. The study falls into three main parts: Part I introduces and discusses the moral teaching of Roman Stoicism, that is, of Seneca, Musonius Rufus, and Epictetus. Part II presents the moral teaching of Roman Christianity, that is, as it is represented in Paul's Letter to the Romans, the First Letter of Peter, and the First Letter of Clement. On the basis of Parts I and II, then, Part III examines the similarities and differences between Roman Stoicism and Roman Christianity in terms of morality. This is done under the headings of five main themes, including questions of Christian and Stoic views about (1) a particular morality or way of life as proper worship of the deity; (2) certain individuals (like Jesus and Socrates) as paradigms for the proper way of life; (3) the importance of mutual love and care; (4) non-retaliation and ‘love of enemies’; and (5) the social dimension of ethics. It is concluded that there is a fundamental similarity between the moral teachings of Roman Christianity and Roman Stoicism. The most basic difference is found in the ethical scope of the two: While the latter teaches unqualified universal humanity, the former seems to condition the ethical scope in terms of religious adherence.