The Refusal of God’s ἀπραξία: An Apologetic Appeal to Stoic Arms (Philo, <b> <i>De opificio mundi</i> </b> 7–12)

Abstract This paper showcases the importance of networking between exegeses for the theme of ἀπραξία in Philo of Alexandria. De providentia 1.6–7 and De aeternitate mundi 13–19, on the proemial chapter of Genesis , are examined to better understand the case of De opificio mundi 7–12. In Opif. 7–12, Philo adopts Stoic apologetic strategies, positing a pre-cosmos without disorder. He preserves God’s otherness from the cosmos while incorporating active divine agency within creation. In De opificio mundi 7–12, Philo’s reworking of Stoic concepts does not indicate a critical attitude towards the Stoa. This paper also considers the problem of Philo’s opponents in light of the development of the theme of ἀπραξία between the end of the Hellenistic era and the early Imperial age. It seeks to identify his opponents, arguing that it is unlikely that Philo meant Aristotle, whom he perhaps perceived more favourably than commonly assumed. The hypothesis is put forward that his opponents instead may be suspected to be a group of Pseudo-Pythagoreans or pythagorising Platonists.