The concept of theatre, as understood in contemporary terms, does not have a direct equivalent in the biblical texts. However, the Bible does provide insights into the cultural and moral implications of theatrical performances, particularly through its teachings on the use of time, the influence of worldly entertainment, and the importance of edifying speech and actions.

Historical Context

In the ancient world, theatrical performances were a significant part of Greco-Roman culture. Theatres were venues for plays, musical performances, and public speeches. These events often included themes and practices that were contrary to the values upheld by the early Christian community. The apostle Paul, in his missionary journeys, would have encountered such cultural elements, especially in cities like Corinth and Ephesus, which were known for their grand theatres.

Biblical Principles

1. Use of Time and Edification: The Bible emphasizes the wise use of time and the importance of engaging in activities that build up the individual and the community. Ephesians 5:15-16 states, "Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." This passage encourages believers to be discerning about how they spend their time, suggesting that activities should be purposeful and edifying.

2. Influence of Worldly Entertainment: The Bible warns against conforming to the patterns of this world. Romans 12:2 advises, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This transformation involves a critical evaluation of cultural practices, including entertainment, to ensure they align with Christian values.

3. Speech and Conduct: The content of theatrical performances often includes language and themes that may not align with biblical teachings. Ephesians 4:29 instructs, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." This principle can be applied to the consumption of media and entertainment, encouraging believers to seek content that is wholesome and edifying.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

Theatre, as a form of entertainment, can be a medium for storytelling and cultural expression. However, from a biblical perspective, it is essential to discern the moral and ethical implications of the content being consumed. Philippians 4:8 provides a guideline for evaluating such content: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things."

Christian Engagement with Theatre

While the Bible does not explicitly address theatre, the principles outlined in Scripture guide believers in their engagement with all forms of entertainment. Christians are encouraged to be mindful of the impact that theatre and other media have on their spiritual lives and to choose content that aligns with their faith and values.Theatre

For the explanation of the biblical allusions, two or three points only require notice. The Greek term, like the corresponding English term, denotes the place where dramatic performances are exhibited, and also the scene itself or spectacle which is witnessed there. It occurs in the first or local sense in (Acts 19:29) The other sense of the term "theatre" occurs in (1 Corinthians 4:9)

Only mentioned in Acts 19:29, 31. The ruins of this theatre at Ephesus still exist, and they show that it was a magnificent structure, capable of accommodating some 56,700 persons. It was the largest structure of the kind that ever existed. Theatres, as places of amusement, were unknown to the Jews. 1. (n.) An edifice in which dramatic performances or spectacles are exhibited for the amusement of spectators; anciently uncovered, except the stage, but in modern times roofed.

2. (n.) Any room adapted to the exhibition of any performances before an assembly, as public lectures, scholastic exercises, anatomical demonstrations, surgical operations, etc.

3. (n.) That which resembles a theater in form, use, or the like; a place rising by steps or gradations, like the seats of a theater.

4. (n.) A sphere or scheme of operation.

5. (n.) A place or region where great events are enacted; as, the theater of war.

THEATRE

the'-a-ter (Acts 19:29, 31).

See GAMES.

2302. theatron -- a theater, a spectacle
... theater, a spectacle. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: theatron Phonetic
Spelling: (theh'-at-ron) Short Definition: a theatre, spectacle Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2302.htm - 7k

2300. theaomai -- to behold, look upon
... significantly (). [2300 () is the root of 2302 ("spectacle in a theatre"),
the root of the English term, "theatre."]. Word Origin ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2300.htm - 8k

2301. theatrizo -- to make a spectacle of
... Cognate: 2301 (from 2302 , "theatre") -- to ridicule, making a out of someone,
putting them on for and (used only in Heb 10:33). See 2300 (). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2301.htm - 7k

2334. theoreo -- to look at, gaze
... purpose of (). [2334 () is the root of the English term "theatre," ie where
people of an action (performance).]. Word Origin from ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2334.htm - 9k

2335. theoria -- a viewing, hence a spectacle
... Cognate: 2335 (the root of the English terms "theatre," "theatrical") -- a spectacle,
something watched ("beheld, concentrated on"), used only in Lk 23:48. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2335.htm - 6k

Differences as to the Theatre of Christ's Labours.
... CHAPTER VI. THE MIRACLES OF CHRIST CONSIDERED IN REGARD TO SUPERNATURAL AGENCY.
Section 109. Differences as to the Theatre of Christ's Labours. ...
/.../section 109 differences as to.htm

Let us Pass on Now to Theatrical Exhibitions, which we have ...
... So as we went on from the origin of the "Ludi" to the circus games, we shall now
direct our course thence to those of the theatre, beginning with the place of ...
/.../tertullian/the shows or de spectaculis/chapter x let us pass.htm

The Indwelling Spirit Fully and Forever Satisfying.
... What satisfaction is there in money, or worldly pleasure, in the theatre or the
opera or the dance, in fame or power or human learning, when some loved one is ...
/.../the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter x the indwelling spirit.htm

Let them Perish from Thy Presence, O God, as Perish Vain Talkers ...
... If a man deliberate whether he should go to their conventicle or to the theatre,
these Manichees cry out, Behold, here are two natures: one good, draws this way ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter x let them perish.htm

He Refutes the Opinion of the Manich??ans as to Two Kinds of Minds ...
... If any one deliberate whether he should go to their conventicle, or to the theatre,
those men [673] at once cry out, "Behold, here are two natures,"one good ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter x he refutes the opinion.htm

Concerning the Three Kinds of Theology According to Varro, Namely ...
... "The first theology," he says, "is especially adapted to the theatre, the second
to the world, the third to the city ... But where is the theatre but in the city? ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 5 concerning the three kinds.htm

Conflict Between the Christians and Jews at Alexandria: and Breach ...
... When therefore Orestes the prefect was publishing an edict"for so they are accustomed
to call public notices"in the theatre for the regulation of the shows ...
/.../chapter xiii conflict between the christians.htm

Chrysostom as Deacon, Priest and Preacher at Antioch. AD 381-398.
... church. The prevailing vices even among Christians were avarice, luxury,
sensuality, and excessive love of the circus and the theatre. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/chapter vi chrysostom as deacon priest.htm

Five Catechetical Lectures the Same Author,
... Be not interested in the madness of the theatre, where thou wilt behold the wanton
gestures of the players [2369] , carried on with mockeries and all ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/five catechetical lectures the same.htm

The City of God
... gods. The first"that of the theatre, as he calls it, or fabulous mythology,
adapted to poets, dramatists, sculptors, and jesters. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/ii the city of god.htm

Theatre (2 Occurrences)
... The ruins of this theatre at Ephesus still exist, and they show that it was a
magnificent structure, capable of accommodating some 56,700 persons. ...THEATRE. ...
/t/theatre.htm - 8k

Herod (45 Occurrences)
... 19). On the second day of a festival held in honour of the emperor Claudius,
he appeared in the great theatre of Caesarea. "The ...
/h/herod.htm - 57k

Urged (44 Occurrences)
... (WEY NAS). Acts 19:31 and some of the Asiarchs also, who were his friends, sent
to him and urged him not to throw himself into the theatre. (DBY NAS). ...
/u/urged.htm - 19k

Uproar (33 Occurrences)
... Acts 19:29 The riot and uproar spread through the whole city, till at last with
one accord they rushed into the Theatre, dragging with them Gaius and ...
/u/uproar.htm - 16k

Officials (229 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Acts 19:31 A few of the public officials, too, who were friendly to him,
sent repeated messages entreating him not to venture into the Theatre. ...
/o/officials.htm - 36k

Journeying (36 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Acts 19:29 And the town was full of noise and trouble, and they all came
running into the theatre, having taken by force Gaius and Aristarchus, men of ...
/j/journeying.htm - 17k

Gaius (5 Occurrences)
... During a heathen outbreak against Paul at Ephesus the mob seized Gaius and Aristarchus
because they could not find Paul, and rushed with them into the theatre. ...
/g/gaius.htm - 10k

Friendly (17 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Acts 19:31 A few of the public officials, too, who were friendly to him,
sent repeated messages entreating him not to venture into the Theatre. (WEY). ...
/f/friendly.htm - 11k

Fellow-travellers (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 19:29 And the whole city was filled with confusion, and they rushed with one
accord to the theatre, having seized and carried off with them Gaius and ...
/f/fellow-travellers.htm - 6k

Traveling (22 Occurrences)
... Acts 19:29 and the whole city was filled with confusion, they rushed also with one
accord into the theatre, having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians ...
/t/traveling.htm - 12k

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