A critical examination of the Evil Eye in Galatians

This essay highlights the nature of Evil Eye accusations in Galatians, highlighting Paul’s response and adaptation to the superstitious nature of first century Mediterranean culture. An anthropological exploration of social norms and boundary rules intimate the environment within which Galatians is set, along with the potential challenges that Paul may have faced due to the possibility of being perceived an ‘outsider’. The essay also highlights Paul’s ability to use rhetoric argument in a persuasive and constructive manner to counter the doctrines of his opponents. Anthropological sources are drawn from Douglas, Eastman, Hertzfeld, Neyrey and Steiner with classical period social comment from primary texts by Pliny and Plutarch. Other primary texts are The Acts of Paul and Thecla and Galatians.