Sisters and Brothers in New Testament Letters and Contemporary Pagan Papyrus Letters. An Update

Abstract

The metaphorical use of “brother” and “sister” (as well as “brothers and sisters”) is widespread in private and official letters preserved on papyri, ostraca, and tablets. The papyrological evidence is an excellent source for comparison with analogously used forms of address in New Testament letters. Papyrus archives in particular are a treasure trove for this kind of research.