The Bridge Builders Forum Paul within Paganism: The Jewish Apostle in His Greco-Roman World – A Conversation with Dr. Paula Fredriksen
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Nov 11, 2025 
Dr. Paula Fredriksen, a Jewish historian and expert on early Christianity, joins to examine the Apostle Paul's life in a vibrant pagan world. They discuss how Jews engaged with Greco-Roman culture, pushing against boundaries through shared meals and civic participation. Fredriksen highlights Paul's disruptive message to Gentiles, the backlash he faced from civic authorities, and his unique interpretation of resurrection. Her insights reveal the complexities of Paul's identity, inspiring humility in understanding religious narratives today.
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Jews Were Embedded In Mediterranean Culture
- Jews in the Roman Mediterranean were culturally integrated into Greco-Roman life, not isolated in a 'bell jar'.
- Monotheism poorly describes their religious world because everyone shared a common Mediterranean religious language.
Jewish Boys In Greco-Roman Ephibates
- An inscription from North Africa lists Jewish names among boys in an Ephibate, showing Jewish youths participated in Greco-Roman adolescent training.
- Those Jewish youths would sing hymns to civic gods yet avoid sacrifices, indicating cultural participation without formal worship.
God-Fearers Show Religious Fluidity
- Synagogues welcomed 'God-fearers'—pagans who respected the God of Israel while still honoring their own gods.
- Such mixed participation shows religious boundaries were flexible and socially negotiated.
