"... There is good evidence, however, that in the generation after Paul's death the proper use of wealth remained a critical issue for the church and that this concern arose as a result of the continued leadership of the well-to-do. Colossians 3:5 includes in a lists of vices "greed which is idolatry." Commentators have interpreted this as part of a traditional rhetorical list which is loosely connected with the first vice of the series, fornication (porneia), an instance of cribbing from the undisputed Pauline letters, a reference to Matthew 6:24, or as an example of shorthand rabbinic exhortation. A more satisfactory explanation is to interpret the phrase in light of the social context in which wealthier householders are responsible for the leadership of the community. It was probably included for more than rhetorical effect: the presence of a hierarchical household code in 3:18—4:1 permits one to conclude that the patterns Paul established in his community continued after his death. It seems likely that the exhortation against greed will have had an important role in reminding well-to-do leaders of their primary allegiance to the church, especially when business concerns would have tempted them to form close associations with outsiders ..."