If you want an insider’s view of church (and society) life in New Testament times, read 1 Timothy. There you’ll find some things you won’t necessarily hear from the pulpit today.
I’ve handed over (Hymenaeus and Alexander) to Satan so that they can be taught not to speak against God. (1:20)
I want women to enhance their appearance with clothing that is modest and sensible, not with elaborate hairstyles, gold, pearls, or expensive clothes. (2:9)
I don’t allow a wife to teach or control her husband. (2:11)
Don’t correct an older man, but encourage him like he’s your father. (5:1)
Elders who lead well should be paid double, especially those who work with public speaking and teaching. (5:17)
Discipline those who are sinning in front of everyone so that all the others will be afraid. (5:20)
Those who are under the bondage of slavery should consider their own master worthy of full respect. (6:1)
Given all this, what do you imagine it was like to be a Christian in the 1st century AD? The letters Paul wrote to Timothy are inspiring and insightful; however, in the midst of that inspiration and insight, there are definitely some things that are culture bound. There are also some things that, viewed in light of the whole of the New Testament (which they didn’t have at the time of Paul’s writing), would have been edited or omitted.
In 2000 years, when people look back at the church of our era, what will they think?