What I don’t like about the word “homosexual” here is that it has a whole set of connotations, some of which are not appropriate. The physical aspect—man-on-man sex—sure. The “sexual orientation” aspect, I have no idea—people seem to argue about how much of a cultural construct sexual orientation is, and how closely the Greco-Roman concepts matched ours. The cultural aspects—gay pride parades, Queer Studies, stereotypes involving Judy Garland and Broadway shows—are clearly not applicable to Paul. I don’t know what is. I am skeptical that anyone knows. References appreciated!

I think it’s noteworthy that Paul used two words instead of just one: if a modern person wanted to condemn homosexuality, s/he would say “homosexuals” or “gays,” not “tops and bottoms” or “butch and femme.” I don’t know how to interpret that, beyond the observation that it’s one more piece of evidence that Paul’s culture was not ours.

In the case of αρσενοκοιται, malakoi and arsenkoitai, it’s fairly well established that these a references to homosexuals and homosexuality. It is also often forgotten that male homosexuality was both common and condoned in Rome. It does not surprise me that Paul and others would speak against it as a means of differentiating Christians from Romans. Similar behavioral rules were enacted by the Jews under Babylonian rule as a means of maintaining a separate cultural identity while being submerged in a foreign population.