The use of the term βάρβαρος in the acts of the Apostles : a Problemanzeige

Abstract

This article seeks to highlight the problematic use of the term βάρβαρος in the Acts of the Apostles (28:2, 4). In the ancient world this term could function as an ethnic and linguistic marker to designate another people group as the "other." In taking the nature of the term into account in the context of its appearance in Acts 28:1-10, some hitherto unsolved problems in the Acts narrative are identified. The article then collects and groups suggestions for understanding the term within its context as a starting point for future studies.