self-designation, there is no reason to believe that Paul was here addressing such a self-conscious heretical group. Another, more plausible interpretation has been set forth by those who detect a note of irony and sarcasm in Paul’s use of this term in the Galatian context. Given the picture that has already emerged of a group of fractious Christians consumed by arrogance, conceit, and selfish ambition, we can well imagine that a group of “Holy Joes” and “Pious Pollys” had formed themselves into
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