Friendship with God as an Ultimate Ideal in the Writings of Philo of Alexandria

Abstract

Philo of Alexandria wrote about what it meant to be a ‘friend of God’ in relation to key biblical figures. This article explores to what extent Philo’s understanding of the human relationship to God was inspired by the Greek concept of friendship based on the equal reciprocation of similar goods. It also addresses the complexity of Philo’s view of such a relationship and the notion that to become a friend of God is to realise an ideal state of being. I will also illustrate Philo’s influence on early Christian authors Clement of Alexandria and Gregory of Nyssa.

Keywords

• friendship
• philo of alexandria
• friend of god
• reciprocity
• moses
• abraham
• equality
• gregory of nyssa