Zoroastrian Saviour Imagery and Its Influence on ... - Kaveh Farrokh

<strong>Zoroastrian</strong> <strong>Saviour</strong> <strong>Imagery</strong>
i83
Although the period of Jewish independence was short, only two
years, one can imagine the effect this must have had on their hopes
<strong>and</strong> aspirations. The fact that these hopes were never fulfilled would
in no way dampen their aspirations since at that time the outlook was
promising, for the Parthians made repeated attempts during the fol-
lowing hundred years to invade again. Just as there was a pro-Hellenic
movement during the reign of the Seleucids, so it can be supposed that
before, during <strong>and</strong> after the Parthian invasion there would be a pro-
Parthian party in Jerusalem. Perhaps it was among such circles that
Apocalyptic speculation flourished. The historical circumstances would
certainly favour religious influence. An attempt to enforce one's own
religion usually meets stubborn opposition, but a period of co-operation
to liberate a country is perhaps more likely to stimulate an exchange of
ideas, providing the ground is prepared - as it was by the long period
of Achaemenid rule. In particular the historical situation would favour
the exchange of Apocalyptic beliefs, of speculation about the coming
of God's kingdom <strong>and</strong> the overthrow of evil, <strong>and</strong> thereby of saviour
imagery.
There is another important way in which Parthian influence might
make itself felt on Jewish, <strong>and</strong> later on Christian apocalyptic thought,
<strong>and</strong> that is through the Diaspora. Scholars have increasingly recognised
the inter-action of Diaspora <strong>and</strong> Palestinian Judaism. 88) It is there-
fore very important to note the many points of contact of the Parthians
with the Jewish Diaspora. Such contacts can be seen in Parthia itself,
in Babylonia, Adiabene, Syria (in Palmyra <strong>and</strong> Damascus for example),
Commagene, Armenia, Pontus, Cappadocia <strong>and</strong> Cilicia. 89). To take but
one example - that of Pontus: there were trade contacts between
Palestine <strong>and</strong> Pontus from an early time 90) <strong>and</strong> there are specific
mentions of the Jewish communities there in the Parthian period. Philo,
for example, mentions such a community, 91) <strong>and</strong> he is supported by
Acts which lists people from Pontus at Pentecost in 2 : 9, <strong>and</strong> in 8 : 2
mention is made of Aquila, a Jew of Pontus. I Peter i : also refers
either to a Jewish community of Pontus, or perhaps more likely, to
88) For example W. D. Davies, New Peake, p. 687.
89) For Bibliography see Hinnells, 'Christianity <strong>and</strong> the Mystery Cults,' Theology,
vol. 71. no 571, January, 1968, pp. 23 f.
go) C. A. H. IX, p. 212.
91) See Schurer, II II, p. 226, n. 21.