Because of the scandals surrounding his writings Isaac La Peyrère (1596–1676) has largely been interpreted either as a crypto-Jew or as an early atheist. The present study investigates him and his work not only in terms of theological history but, for the first time, within the context of the social practices of the European Republic of Letters. La Peyrère’s criticism of the bible and his striking interest in the Jews can now be newly interpreted in relation to spiritual reading of St Paul and La Peyrière’s relationship to his patron, Prince Condé.