Jews in the Mediterranean Diaspora: From Alexander to Trajan

Hellenistic Culture and Society

by John M.G. Barclay

Most studies of Jews in the period from Alexander to Trajan have concentrated almost exclusively on Jerusalem and Judea.
In this book, John Barclay assembles and analyzes evidence about the Jewish communities in Egypt, Syria, Cyrenaica, Rome, and Asia. Barclay's ambitious goal is to describe, as precisely as the evidence allows, the varying levels of assimilation and antagonism between Jews and the non-Jewish communities in these areas for this 440-year period. With a concluding review of Jewish identity in the Diaspora as a whole, this book provides our first comprehensive and multi-faceted survey of Diaspora communities and Diaspora literature.

Genres: History, Judaism

542 pages, Paperback

First published January 16, 1999

About the author

John Barclay has been Lightfoot Professor of Divinity at Durham University since 2003. He has served as President of the British New Testament Society, TRS-UK,the umbrella organisation for Subject Associations and Departments of Theology and Religious Studies in the UK), and shortly, the Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas.

His research is in the history and thought of early Christianity and early Judaism, with special interest in the ancient Jewish Diaspora and in the letters and theology of Paul. Using tools from the social sciences, he has explored the social formation of early Christianity, the ‘postcolonial’ identity of the Jewish historian Josephus, and the practice and theology of gift (‘grace’) in the work of Paul.

Reviews

[Shane Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

2024 reads: 42

Rating: 4.5 stars

Barclay is a cut above the rest—simply masterful. In this study, Barclay surveys Jewish identity and literature from 323BCE—117CE showcasing both its diversity and complexity, all the while tearing down inaccurate and simplistic caricatures. This is an excellent volume—though slightly long winded—for those wishing to understand Second Temple Judaism outside of Palestine.

[Read for the NT Backgrounds Seminar with Dr Jarvis Williams at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary]

[Colby Reese · Rating 5 out of 5]

I judged this book by its cover and was wrong. Barclay perfectly balances detail and synthesis, presenting the nitty-gritty of the histories of the Mediterranean Diaspora while ultimately showing the unity amidst the diversity.

[Leigh Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

As others have mentioned the substantial nature of the book is amazing. I have to confess I read the book with a particular interest in mind and that was to get a better grasp of the diaspora culture,etc. as a interpretive aid for the Jewish setting of the appearance of early Christianity beyond Judea, and Roman power. As with many others of the time, the Jews of the diaspora are a study of an ethnicity. A set of ancestral kinship and custom that formed an ethnicity throughout the Diaspora. I found this interesting because from others I have seen a stress on the differences between Greek speaking Jews and those who remained in the homeland. Enjoyed seeing the preservation of a certain “ethnicity,” to use his term. Especially in terms of the adherring to customs that set them apart, some of which became more distinguishing, e.g. circumcision, which became more limited to Jews from the Hellenizing of the eastern Mediterranean ending the practice where previously it was not limited to Jews. A tiny little factoid among an ocean of them. The big thing for me was the setting of a religion as really an ethnicity, which in many ways was not so different from others. For example, Romans seeing religion as really an ancestoral kinship and culture for an ethnicity. Trying to avoid modernizing this into a nation, which got a particular meaning, esp. thanks to the 19th century. And as the book closes the fabric of being a Jew had held among the diaspora, until Paul started to pick at some of the threads of this “web of custom.” Which brings me back to my narrow interest of having read the real objection to early Christianity, esp. for Romans, but I would now add others, was their claim to be new, not an ancestral set of customs.

[Hunter Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

How did Jews outside of Palestine differentiate themselves from others in the Hellenistic world? Barclay draws upon all the available evidence from the surviving literature of Egyptian Jews, Greco-Roman witnesses in Syria and Rome, and archaeological evidence from across the Mediterranean basin. He shows the varying levels of assimilation and acculturation experienced across the Jewish world, and highlights how Diaspora Jews navigated the complexity of their dual-identity while enduring hostility toward their 'ancient heritage." Barclay offers the following markers that helped maintain Jewish identity in foreign environments: (1) the concept of a scattered nation held together by ethnic bonds; (2) a ban on exogamy; (3) the socialization of children through instruction in Torah; (4) a local community bound together through, fasts, feasts, Sabbath gatherings, and the collection of Temple dues; (5) political and symbolic connections to Palestine; (6) the rejection of pluralistic cults; (7) adherence to food laws leading to separatism at meals; (8) male circumcision.

I highly recommend this book for both its readability and its careful survey of Jewish Diaspora literature.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barclay’s book serves as an invaluable introduction to both Jewish history as well as the primary texts produced by Diaspora Jews. While helpfully summarizing the conclusions of past and contemporary scholars, Barclay also routinely appeals to the primary sources and presents his own theories and evaluations. For a student of the New Testament, Barclay’s chapter on the apostle Paul was by far the most exciting part of the book. Having immersed the reader in the world of Diaspora Judaism for twelve chapters, his presentation of Paul truly ushers the reader into a fresh viewing of the influential apostle. This is academic history and not an easy read, but once you get into a rhythm it is enjoyable (especially the sections that present a narrative history) and eye opening.

[Caleb Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for school. Actually really enjoyed it

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid work on the culture of Diaspora Jews in the period from Alexander the Great through about the end of the first century AD. Barclay presents his work with careful attention to social, exegetical, and theological evidence. I especially found the ghetto-izing of Jews in first century Alexandria to be educational. I also like that Barclay doesn't see the Jews as a single entity, but as a diverse group that interacted with their culture in a variety of ways--some assimilated completely, others interacted with secular culture while retaining a strong sense of traditional Jewish identity, while still others removed themselves from Greek society altogether. Barclay also works through the literature that comes down to us, giving us a sense of where the documents fit into the categories of (non-)integration. This is a useful, reference-type work that I can see referring to as needed in both historical as well as cultural projects.

[Sanjuro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite its heft and technical nature, I read this book in three sittings. I loved it. Over the past two years Barclay has become by far one of my favorite Bible scholars, and this book is typical of his careful historical analysis.

In this book, Barclay analyzes Jews and Judaism from the time of Alexander the Great to the Jewish wars of 116-117 CE. However, rather than focus on Judea, which has been the subject of so much discussion already, Barclay focuses on Jews in the diaspora. This means consideration of Jews mostly in Egypt, Rome, and Asia Minor.

Barclay not only discusses historical considerations, but also analyzes the literature by key writers in these areas. He uses the evidence to portray Jews in relationship to their religion and practice, and discusses the varying degrees of acculturation and accommodation of Jews towards Hellenism.

The book is erudite and well researched, and was a pleasure to read; a rare admission for works of serious scholarship.

[Hoyden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't help it... I loved this book. There is nothing better than reading the play-by-plays of those wacky diasporic revolts. Guys named cabbage holding mock triumphal marches. Accusations of people being spies. Good stuff.