| Artefact ID | 1243 |
| TM ID | TM 32694 |
| Findspot (DEChriM ID) | 28 (al-Bahnasā) | Class | Textual |
| Material | Papyrus |
| Writing medium | Sheet/roll |
| Text content | Documentary |
| Language | Greek |
| Description | P.Oxy. XXXI 2603; Manichaean letter of recommendation. The document starts with a particularly lengthy preamble (prooimion) covering two thirds of the letter, in which the author (a certain Paulos) compares the reality of his affection for the addressee (Sarapiôn ?) with that offered by a mirror. The last part of the letter mentions common acquaintances who are likely Manichaean elect. Paulos exhorts Sarapiôn (?) to receive them "with love as friends" (ἐν ἀγάπῃ ὡς φίλους). As they are explicitly said to not be catechumens, they are elect. At the end, Paulos askes Sarapiôn (?) to greet "all the brothers, elect or catechumens" who are with him (πάντας ἀδελφοὺς ἐκλεκτού[ς] τε καὶ [κα]τηχ̣ουμένους). |
| Selection criteria | Christian onomastics |
| Date from | 301 |
| Date to | 400 |
| Dating criteria | Palaeography |
| Absolute/relative date | Relative date |
| Archaeological context | Unknown |
| Accession number | Oxford, Sackler Library, Papyrology Rooms, P. Oxy. 2603 |
ARTEFACT IDENTIFIERS
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