INTRODUCTION
The immediate focus of this chapter is the geographical framework of Paul’s
mission and, in particular, the possibility that there was a territorial dimen-
sion to his sense of apostolic calling, resulting in a discernible geographi-
cal strategy. As a contribution to the discussion concerning religious rivalries,
however, this question is being pursued in the context of a larger ques-
tion, viz. the extent to which the eventual success of Christianity was the
result of a deliberate and organized program of mission.
Martin Goodman’s recent work (1994) on mission in antiquity pro-
vides us with a convenient point of entry into the larger discussion. In this
book, Goodman sets out to challenge the assumption (prevalent, in his
view) that religions in the Roman Empire were missionary in nature and
intent. His work is best known for its treatment of Judaism, particularly the
rejection of the idea that Judaism was in any way a missionary religion (at
least prior to 100 CE; for Rome, see, more convincingly, Mason, chapter 7).
But Goodman’s thesis is of more general application. With the exception of
Christianity, Goodman argues, religions had little desire to win converts, and
no interest in organized proselytizing efforts; the assumption that they did
is to be seen as one aspect of “an unconscious Christianization of the study
of ancient religions” (1994, 3). Indeed, “such a proselytizing mission” as is
encountered in early Christianity “was a shocking novelty in the ancient
world” (Goodman 1994, 105).
Goodman’s work makes a highly significant contribution, and is of
fundamental significance for the issues discussed in this book. For the