Basic questions about Peshitta primacy

[Paul Younan]

Shlama Akhi John,

Jesus and most of the Apostles grew up in the area of the Galilee and Samaria.

As you know, the northern ten tribes who formerly inhabited the Galilee were taken captive to Assyria (II Kings 15:29, II Kings 17:6, II Kings 17:23).

Then the King of Assyria settled Assyrians and Babylonians in the Galilee and Samaria (II Kings 17:24)

The people whom we call "Samaritans" and "Galileans" are in fact, Assyrians and Babylonians. The kings of Assyria had a policy that when people rebelled against them, they were relocated to a different part of the empire - and Assyrians were settled on their lands. This prevented any future rebellions.

Jesus and the Apostles grew up in the Galilee and in the northern parts of the holy land, where Assyrians and Babylonians (i.e., the hated "Samaritans and Galileans") lived.

They spoke with an accent like Assyrians, among whom they lived. This is why Keepa's speech was recognized in Jerusalem (which was not re-settled by Assyrians.)

The Aramaic of the Peshitta reflects the Aramaic of Assyrians because these people lived among Assyrians and spoke like them.

Take care.