of Paul, and in Mark 4:11, and has no relation to the pagan initiation ceremonies.8 There were many mystery cults with diverse rites and religious concepts of the mysteries. Nonetheless, three essential characteristics are common to all the mystery cults of the time: (1) a purification rite by which the initiate is granted admission and participation in the activity of the cult; (2) a sense of a personal relationship or communion with the deity or deities of the cult; and (3) the hope or promise
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