Perceptions of Jews and Judaism in the Κήρυγμα Πέτρου

The thesis is introduced by setting the scene at around the beginning of the second century CE, with a short description of the ‘Parting of the Ways’ between Judaism and Christianity. Particular emphasis is placed on the construction of Christianity’s identity and her assembly of Jewish and pagan identities. Attention will be drawn to the history of interpretation of this Christian identification, from perception of an attitude of anti-Judaism across-the-board to recognition of a more intricate interplay. Recognising that the investigation of this interplay is critical and can only be achieved through textual analysis, the KP is introduced with questions of authorship and provenance examined. The goal of the thesis is then stated; to determine the Petrine author’s perceptions of Jews and Judaism and whether they are based on historical stereotyping or real contemporary contact. The first chapter is foundational to the investigation that follows, for it is a critical text and translation of the KP. The text’s fragmentary nature is noted as well as the different schemes devised to refer to specific parts of the KP. With the appropriate nomenclature fixed upon, the fragments are then set out one after the other and where there is divergence in opinion about the meaning of the text, this is noted and all arguments considered before a judgement is given. With this background, the second chapter examines the instances within the text where the author may be accused of attacking Jews and Judaism. This occurs in two fragments {KP(IV) and KP(IX)} and over three separate issues {angelolatry, selenolatry and ‘Christ-killing’}. These topics are examined in turn, with the attitudes in the KP compared to those in contemporary texts. By making such comparisons it is possible to ascertain whether the Petrine author’s claims were justified and to help establish the extent of contact the Petrine author had with Jews and Judaism. The third chapter focuses on areas of Judaism that the Petrine author appropriated. This includes an examination of ‘Scripture’ and ‘Jerusalem’ in KP(IX) and the use of ‘νόμος’ and ‘λόγος’ in KP(I). Contemporary works are again analysed alongside the KP so as to permit an assessment of the extent of any appropriation. In the final chapter I turn my attention to KP(V) and KP(VI) which deal with the notion of ‘New Covenant’ and the possibility of Jews being part of this agreement.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo