Defining "morality" and "ethics"Dictionary definitions indicate that the English word
"moral" is etymologically derived from the Latin moralis,
which is a combination of two other Latin words, mos
referring to custom, tradition or habit, and alis which refers
to people. Moralis referred to "customs of the people."
Present usage of the English words "moral" and "morality"
has reference to compliance or conformity with a
conception of good or right behavior.
The English word "ethic" is etymologically derived
from the Greek word ethos that became the root of the
Latin word ethice. In the koine Greek usage of the first
century the word ethos referred to social custom or habit.
Contemporary English usage of "ethic" is essentially
synonymous with "morality," referring to the determination
of what is good or right and the social approval or
disapproval of such activities.
Since the Greek word ethos, the root of "ethic," is used
on three occasions within the New Testament we will first
consider those usages:
(1) Acts 16:21. Paul and Silas are in Philippi. Paul has
cast demons out of a young girl who was being used by
some men for a fortunetelling venture. The men complain