Abstract
Philo of Alexandria wrote about what it meant to be a ‘friend of God’ in relation to key biblical figures. This article explores to what extent Philo’s understanding of the human relationship to God was inspired by the Greek concept of friendship based on the equal reciprocation of similar goods. It also addresses the complexity of Philo’s view of such a relationship and the notion that to become a friend of God is to realise an ideal state of being. I will also illustrate Philo’s influence on early Christian authors Clement of Alexandria and Gregory of Nyssa.
Highlights
Philo of Alexandria wrote about what it meant to be a ‘friend of God’ in relation to key biblical figures
The idea that God brings together those who are similar or equal is to be found in the Odyssey XVII,[218], which is quoted by both Plato and Aristotle within their discourses on friendship.[3]
For Aristotle, friendship is so closely connected with equality that it renders impossible the idea that two persons who differ in important qualities such as virtue, power or wealth could ever become friends
Summary
Whom was Philo of Alexandria referring to when speaking of ‘a friend of God’ (φίλος θεοῦ)? Did he deem it a common appellation. Heeding Konstan’s warning against conflating all Greek words with the root φιλ-, I will examine Philo’s references to friends of God and the nature of that friendship with Him. But did Philo really believe every Jew and proselyte to be a ‘friend of God’? Heeding Konstan’s warning against conflating all Greek words with the root φιλ-, I will examine Philo’s references to friends of God and the nature of that friendship with Him In his statements on the general bond between Israelites and proselytes, Philo omits discussing friends of God per se, but rather speaks of ‘friendship’ (φίλια) among people. 179 Philo intended to underscore that the common bond between Israelites and proselytes was their worship of the same God. The use of the phrase θεοφιλὲς ἦθος in this context appears to be an allusion to Plato’s Respublica.[42] a new kinship based on virtues, cf Philo of Alexandria, De spec. As we shall learn in the chapter, this is no easy task; for not everyone who worships God does so to such an exalted level
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