Abstract

In this chapter, the author answers two questions. Is there independent proof that Gentiles used the formula the God of Abraham (and Isaac and Jacob) for magical purposes and is Origen right in saying that these Gentiles had no idea who Abraham is. The importance of Jewish elements in Greek magical papyri is approximately one third of the rites and charms Jewish elements are detectable. There is evidence than the magical papyri that can inform us about the extent of the knowledge Gentile authors had about the patriarchs, Abraham in particular. The first-century BCE polymath Alexander Polyhistor is the first pagan author who provides us with evidence of exact knowledge of the biblical Abraham stories. Keywords:Abraham; Gentiles; Greek magical papyri; Jewish elements

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