Buckeye First Assembly

Pater Familias

PATER FAMILIAS In Bible times, a phrase described the way families operated. Though it was not necessarily practiced in Hebrew families, the Roman families, and gentiles in general, followed the practice of what was called pater familias. It meant, loosely, “father family leader.” The pater familias had great power and absolute authority in the family, choosing how much someone would work; how much would be spent; and even if a family member would live or die. Our heavenly Pater always chooses for us to live and blesses us with family.