Jesus Counsels Flavius about Greek Culture 

Jesus visited the home of Flavius, a Greek proselyte who collected many valuable art treasures. Flavius was concerned that Jesus would disapprove of so many supposed “graven images,” but Jesus surprised him by accepting and appreciating the beauty of Flavius’ collection of art.

Jesus assured Flavius that Moses’ warnings about idolatry were meant for the times long ago when idol worship was an issue among early generations of believers. In the new age, Jesus explained, God would be revealed in the Son, erasing all confusion regarding supposed idols of gold or stone. All believers can enjoy art and beauty while still worshiping God.

Flavius was so favorably impressed by Jesus’ words that he submitted to baptism the next day. Later, he brought sixty friends to break bread with Jesus, many of whom also became believers.

Flavius, a Greek Jew, was an art lover who had gathered exquisite treasures from his travels. He had a beautiful home rich with art and other precious examples of beauty. Falvius was a proselyte of the gate or someone who lived among the Jewish people and adhered to some Jewish laws and customs but did not fully convert to Judaism. When Flavius invited Jesus to his beautifully adorned home in Jerusalem, he feared Jesus might disapprove of the many sculptures and art pieces on display because of the Old Testament teachings regarding idolatry. Instead, Jesus showed great interest and asked many questions about the collection.

Seeing Flavius' surprise, Jesus explained that appreciation for beauty, created by God and crafted by humans, should not be condemned. He clarified that Moses' prohibitions against idolatry were misunderstood by later generations and were meant for a different time when people struggled with idol worship. Jesus emphasized that the coming kingdom would focus on the sincere worship of God and loving service to others rather than prohibitions against idolatry.

Jesus further explained that God would be revealed through the Son in the new age, making it clear that art and beauty could be enjoyed without confusing them with idols of gold or statues of stone. Enjoying such man-made examples of beautiful art need never interfere with the intelligent worship of God.

Moved by Jesus' teachings, Flavius went to Bethany the next day to be baptized by John’s disciples. Upon returning to Jerusalem, he hosted a feast for Jesus, inviting sixty friends, many of whom also embraced Jesus' message.