But the aristocrats of Antioch would have been alarmed, as Romans were always alarmed, by any suggestion of strange new subversive teachings that might upset the delicate social and cultural status quo. Paul’s message seemed to point to uncharted territory, to a new kind of “Jewish” community claiming continuity with Abraham, David, and the prophets, but now including any non-Jews who professed allegiance to the newly heralded “Messiah,” Jesus, and at the same time threatening (as Paul and Barnabas seem to have threatened)
