The God-fearers between facts and fiction

Abstract

The discussion concerning the God-fearers of the first centuries C.E. seemed to have come to a dead end. But in 1987, the situation changed when an inscription from Aphrodisias was published containing more than 50 persons who were called Theosebeis/God-worshippers. Since then, a vivid discussion has taken place and it is time for a re-evaluation of this important publication. Meanwhile, it has turned out that the stele of Aphrodisias contains two different texts, independent from each other and deriving from different dates (the 4th and 5th centuries CE). It is argued that in both texts the term ‘God-worshipper’ is used in different ways – as a designation for a mere social relationship (on the front side) and as a designation for a religious commitment (on the left side). Going back to earlier periods, Theosebeis-inscriptions from Tralles and Sardes are discussed. Concerning the Acts of the Apostles it is acknowledged that Luke indeed draws a literary picture when he uses the ‘God-worshippers’ (as he does when uses the proselytes), but it is maintained that this picture has its equivalence in the social and religious world of Luke and his readers.

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