Should parents be revered, honored and obeyed? Did Jesus obey his parents? Did early Christians act toward their parents in ways that would have earned them the admiration or scorn of their neighbors? What characteristics were common of family life in the early church? By exploring the nature of households in the anicent Greco-Roman world, this illuminating study prsents a new understanding of ancient Christian domestic life that is both compelling and instructive. Divided into six parts, this book covers key aspects of ancient family life, from meals and child rearing to women's roles and the lives of slaves. Three concluding chapters explore the implications of the research for theological education today.