Some Notes on the Semantics of οἱ δοκοῦντες in Galatians 2

Abstract

This article investigates Paul’s use of the term οἱ δοκοῦντες in the letter to the Galatians. Firstly, the term is considered from the standpoint of lexical semantics. Secondly, select relevant parallels from Ancient Greek literature are adduced and studied comparatively. Based on these considerations, it is argued that Paul uses οἱ δοκοῦντες as a rhetorical device, whereby he distances himself from the Jerusalem leaders and, in so doing, turns his opponents’ argument against them.