Acts 16 and Galatians 2: the Group Marker "Greek" and Circumcision

ABSTRACT: Having previously presented papers on the use of “Greek” in Romans as an intra-Israelite marker for Northern Kingdom Israelites, I examine other uses of this term in the New Testament, specifically in Galatians 2:1-3 and Acts 16:1-3, and the impact of this reading on contemporary readings of circumcision in Second Temple Period and early Christianity. I interact with the works of several contemporary scholars writing on circumcision and recommend how this reading can mesh with many of their conclusions. I also highlight the work of Jason Staples, suggesting that, similar to his “de-conflation” of the terms “Jew” and “Israel/Israelite,” the terms “Greek” and “Gentile” must also be separated and allowed to carry their respective meanings as intended by the first century authors. Contemporary application of this intra-Israelite reading as an analog for modern-day diaspora and mixed-race populations and their relationship(s) with cultures of origin will be discussed.