" To be Jewish was, and is, to be different. This is the root meaning of purity or, in biblical language, holiness - to be set apart for God's purposes. To be holy is to be distinctive; the term `holy,' when applied to people, is shorthand for `peculiar by virtue of being obedient to God's commandments.' Holiness is the way of life that marks out the covenant people, the expression of the fact that this people is called, or elected, by God. "

― Michael J. Gorman , Apostle of the Crucified Lord: A Theological Introduction to Paul and His Letters