Paul’s letter was sent to Galatians --- these were Celtic peoples that had migrated from the regions of Gaul and Thrace two or three centuries earlier. Ancient witnesses including Strabo, Geography, 12.5.1-4, and Jerome, Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians, Book 2 --- as well as numerous archeological sites --- provide clear testimony of the Celtic nature of much of central Asia Minor at the time of Paul, and also reveal some information about Celtic religious practices.
... from across the widely scattered populations of Celts, the most basic features of their religion are clear and surprisingly consistent. Their specific divinities were often of a local nature --- typically with some adopted from other cultures.
Jewish customs became popular throughout the towns of Asia Minor ... the kindling of Sabbath lights was customary among Gentiles. Many attended synagogues on Sabbaths and festivals. A movement of worshipers of the Supreme God, "God fearers" (σεβόμενοι, φοβούμενοι τὸν θεόν) was very popular throughout Asia Minor, and many groups of pagans practiced the cult of the "Supreme God" without renouncing their own religions.
From the "Jewish Virtual Literary" entry on Asia Minor.
https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/asia-minor
From the "Jewish Virtual Literary" entry on Asia Minor.
https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/asia-minor
Statistics: Posted by robert j — Tue Dec 24, 2024 10:21 am