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Paul´s view of his role in founding Christ cults in new lands is neither unique nor adequately explained by Jewish precedents. Paul creatively appropriates the enduring Greek model of the founder, the key human figure in Greek foundation narratives. Epigraphic and literary descriptions show that foundations were laid according to elements of the pattern common to Greek foundation narratives - the oracular selection of the founder and his ultimate obedience embodied in the success of his cult innovation. A postcolonial reading of the evidence shows that Paul took on the role of the Greek founder, adapting it to group self-definitional purposes. While using few technical foundation terms, Paul´s reliance on divine selection as validation for his transfer of Christ, the way he exercises authority over his churches, and his integration of Greeks into the sacred history of Israel, confirm his use of the Greek model.

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