PROSELYTE. — A faithful of non-Israelite origin who had embraced the Mosaic religion (προσέλθοντος, “one who has joined, been added”). Philo (v.) considers the Jewish law capable of proselytizing because it is free from national limitations: barbarians and Greeks convert to Judaism (De vita Mos.). Seneca contrasts this: “Cum interim usque e sceleratissimae gentis consuetudo valuit, ut per omnes iam terras recepta sit; victi victoribus leges dederunt.” These proselytes, often called φωτιζόμενoι (οἱ ἔξωθεν) τῶν ἐθνῶν (Acts 10:2; 13:16), were among the first adherents of St Paul. Flavius Josephus speaks of the expansion of Jewish proselytism, but also of its cessation, probably due to the fall of Jerusalem and the apostolate of St Paul. Poppaea, wife of Nero, was favorably disposed toward the Jews. True proselytes included King Izates of Adiabene (Assyria) and his mother Helena.
Universalistic ideas are expressed in Ps. 36:6-8; 93; 95-100; 145, and in sapiential literature. But from A.D. 70 onward, national tendencies prevailed over universalistic ones in Judaism. Hillel (v.), who taught: “Love creatures and bring them to the Law,” the verb γίγιζα (γέρ “stranger” dwelling in the land) is believed to have come into use, meaning to make someone a proselyte, i.e., to convert him. A special blessing was instituted for proselytes and inserted into the
• Eighteen Benedictions • (v. SEMONEH ‘ESRETH); yet defections by proselytes did not thereafter diminish enthusiasm for proselytism.
The act of conversion presupposed a course of religious instruction, an invitation to reflect on the importance of the step, the performance of a ritual bath in the presence of witnesses, and for men, the rite of circumcision. Since the proselyte had no Jewish father, he was designated “son of our patriarch Abraham” and considered a “proselyte of righteousness,” in contrast to the interested or false proselyte. “Proselytes of righteousness” participated in the paschal banquet, could offer sacrifices by performing the laying-on of hands, were to be aided and loved; “false proselytes” were regarded as a plague upon Israel.