What Did People Do For Fun Or Entertainment In Bible Times?

What did people in biblical times do for fun or as entertainment?

Medicine for the Body

The proverbs say “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (17:22) and medical science has proven this to be true because when a person has lost all hope also has an increased risk for cancer, disease, and sickness. On the other hand, laughter or a cheerful heart is like a health elixir as “A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed” (Prov 15:13) and “The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear” (Prov 18:14)?

A License to Laugh

God made us in His own image (Gen 1:27) and I believe part of this image is the ability to laugh, even if at ourselves. It is so good for us to take some time to wind down and have some fun. Paul wrote that “whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col 3:17) so if you are having good, clean fun then you have God’s blessing on it “But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak” (1st Cor 8:9).

Roman Empire Games

There were many forms of entertainment in the Roman Empire but most of it was probably something that most in the early church never did. There were chariot races, Olympics, theatre, games, and activities close to soccer and stick ball which have been around for thousands of years. These activities were mostly for those who could afford to attend such events so it is highly unlikely that Christians in the first century took part in these games but that doesn’t mean it would have been wrong for them to do them. They still had other various forms of activities that they could do for entertainment.

Ancient Entertainment

The ancient world, which means those living in biblical times, could run races, could wrestle, box, horseback riding and races, swimming, hunting and fishing, but they also had board games too like Roman Chess, Backgammon, Dice, gambling games, and even Tic-tac-toe ( called “Terni Lapilli”) so they had many options for fun and entertainment. There were certainly parties with music, dancing, poetry reading, and other activities such as these but the Bible is silent on what the ancient nations of Israel and Judah did for fun and entertainment as well as what those in the early church did.

Conclusion

It is true that “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up” (Prov 12:25) so why not take a healthy dose of fun or entertainment? It will be like good medicine because “A glad heart makes a cheerful face” (Prov 15:13a). Fun and entertainment are gifts of God that He allows us to participate in and I believe He would encourage us all to spend time relaxing with your family and friends playing or participating in activities that everyone would enjoy and receive pleasure from.

Article by Jack Wellman

Jack Wellman is Pastor of the Mulvane Brethren church in Mulvane Kansas. Jack is also the Senior Writer at What Christians Want To Know whose mission is to equip, encourage, and energize Christians and to address questions about the believer’s daily walk with God and the Bible. You can follow Jack on Google Plus or check out his book Teaching Children the Gospel available on Amazon.