Christian Exorcistic Tradition from the Outside Interpreting the Two Exorcism Spells of the Paris Magical Codex (PGM IV/GEMF 57)

This paper places the two unique exorcism spells in PGM IV/GEMF 57 in the contexts of late antique demon-belief, Jewish and Christian exorcistic traditions, and the scribal milieux of late antique formularies. Particular attention is paid to the construction of the demonic, the use of Old Coptic Egyptian in the Excellent Rite, and the use of the name Jesus in both spells. The formulary presents a snapshot of the Jewish/Christian exorcistic tradition as it evolved from the pre- to post-fourth century worlds and spawned these two anomalous additions to the Paris Magical Codex.