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You asked

how did roman society typically understand 'favor' (gratia) and what was expected in return?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Luke 6:32-34

If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive back as much.

This passage is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Plain, presented in Luke's Gospel. He is speaking to his disciples and a large crowd, challenging conventional wisdom about human relationships and expectations of reciprocity.

What does it mean to offer generosity without any expectation of return, especially when it goes against common social customs?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

  • Matthew 5:46-47

    Jesus offers a parallel teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on loving enemies.

  • Proverbs 25:21-22

    This proverb encourages feeding an enemy, implying a form of generosity that might lead to a different outcome.

  • Romans 12:17-21

    Paul echoes a similar sentiment, advocating for overcoming evil with good rather than seeking vengeance.

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