Strangers in the Light: Philonic Perspectives on Christian Identity in 1 Peter

The author of the present work wants to throw new light on the intended readers of 1 Peter by investigating what it could possibly mean that they were to live as Strangers in the Light. It is argued that the author of 1 Peter considers his readers as living a life influenced by social circumstances very much comparable to those of the Diaspora proselytes to Judaism. Hence similar discussions in Jewish Diaspora works can illuminate his descriptions and exhortations. Among these Diaspora works, the works of Philo of Alexandria should be drawn into the discussions in a much more comprehensive way than has been done so far. In addition to a study of the role of Silvanus in the making of the letter, this volume contains four studies that carry out what the author calls ‘philonic readings’ of central issues of 1 Peter 2,5-11. The study will demonstrate the usefulness of Jewish diaspora works for understanding the social life of the early Christians.