Philo's Rationalisation of the Jewish Law in Greco-Roman Context

This paper examines Philo's explanations of Jewish customs in his treatises on the Decalogue and the Special Laws, which are part of his later works written with special attention to Roman discourses. It is argued that Philo constructs Jewish law along the lines of contemporary Stoic notions. His interpretation is a landmark in the history of Judaism and throws significant light on the earliest rabbinic law codex, the Mishnah.