Uncritical advocates of gift societies should ponder Stefan Joubert’s summary of the benefactions of Augustus ( Paul As Benefactor: Reciprocity Strategy and Theological Reflection in Paul’s Collection (Wissunt Zum Neuen Testament, 2) , p. 26):
“After inheriting the military Heeresclientel from his (step)father, Julius Caesar, he moved swiftly to enlarge his clientele in order to include, not only the army (as military clientele), but also all inhabitants of the Empire (as political clientele). In this regard Augustus’ acceptance of the honorary title pater patriae in 2 BCE was intended to incorporate all subjects under his ‘paternal protection.’ Augustus presented himself as the defensor plebis , the champion of the ordinary people. In his Res Gestae , published posthumously, he in fact boasts about his enormous benefactions, claiming to have given large amounts of money, as well as grain and entertainment to his people, amounting to something like 600 million cesterces .”
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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