Proceedings of the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities PFES Publications of the Finnish Exegetical Society Phil Philologus RB Revue biblique RevQ Revue de Qumran RHR Revue de l'histoire des religions ScEs Science et esprit ScrHier Scripta Hierosolymitana SDSSRL Studies in Dead Sea Scrolls & Related Literature SJLA Studies in Judaism in Late Antiquity SMC Studies in Manuscript Cultures STDJ Studies on the Texts of the Desert of Judah VIIFor this particular occasion, I call Paul and Luisa my paranymphs, but they are obviously much more to me than that. Paul has been a constant factor in my life for at least a decade and a half, and I am ready to the defend the proposition that he is the most gracious and reliable friend that one could wish for. This PhD is also the story of my discovery of Luisa, who has been Groningen's most delightful gift to me. For me, it didn't feel slowly and steadily at all. I immediately wanted you around me and never changed my mind. Did I already mention what a fantastic faculty GGW is? There are a few brothers in arms in particular that have made it such a glorious place to arrive to in the morning. Mau, easily the best thing to arrive from the Western Hemisphere since the potato. I don't want to promote excessive alcohol consumption too publicly, but I can warmly recommend it to anyone to get drunk with you. Our household activist Saara, who should be the first person to talk to about any social dilemma you may have (and about many other things as well, of course). Vivi, who introduced me to Justin, Volker Schlöndorff, Milanesa, and much more that life has to offer for us to enjoy. Welmoed, I don't think you fully realize how joyful it is for people to have you around. I hope you will let me choose many more restaurants for us in the future. Gemma, friendship has never been as unavoidable as it is with you. I am still grateful that you were there when this adventure started all those years ago.My dear friends outside Groningen deserve much better than not being named here in person, but I do have to mention that de vriendschap en het feest van mijn broeders in Vnica, de leukste vrienden, en de gangsters all played their part in this as well.The most important person in all of this is Mirthe. You deserve a couronne d'or and bains de porphyre but got a clumsy guy with a book on papyrus. However, know that for him you are a reason to wake up in the morning.