Friendly Social Gathering Place

The market place as a social gathering place. Business transactions are usually preceded by a social visit with the customer. The important people as well as the ordinary people love to come there and meet their friends and greet them in true Oriental fashion, which always takes much time. JESUS said to his disciples: "Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the market places" (Mark 12:38). Discussions of various kinds are entered into at the market. The Apostle Paul took advantage of such an opportunity when he was at Athens. "Therefore disputed he . . . in the market [place] daily with them that met with him" (Acts 17:17). The market place was an ideal location for heralding the gospel. [Manners And Customs of Bible Lands]