More are of the varied nationalities met in that
commercial and luxurious center. Most are of plebeian blood.
There are smiths and mechanics; there are stone cutters, workers in
mosaics, and decorators. There are slaves from the very palace of
Tiberius. There is Amon from Egypt, who sells his jewelry down in
the Nova Via. There is Polemon, the Grecian shopkeeper, in the
Clivus Victoriae. There is Onesimus, the servant of Philemon, from
Colossae. There are Amplias and Epaenetus and Stachys, the
particular friends of the Gentile apostle. There is, as well,
Pomponia Graecina, that woman of noble blood, who accepts the
Christ. An ever-increasing company it is.
In their assemblies, on the first day of the week, Quintus has his
influential place. He listens to the reading of the older
Scriptures; he celebrates with the gathered company the eucharistic
suppers and agapae; he keeps with them the Easter celebration, in
memory of Him who shall give them eternal life. In emblem of their
faith the sign of the fish is on their evening lamps.
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