What were the inner and outer circles of Hellenistic diaspora religious groups?

In the context of Hellenistic diaspora religious groups, the community was typically divided into two distinct circles, reflecting the transition from ethnic-based traditions to more universal, "convinced" forms of religion.1

The Inner Circle

The inner circle consisted of devout, full-time adherents of the cult for whom the deity maintained a separate and decisive identity. Membership in this group was drawn from the specific ethnic population for whom the deity was indigenous, and these members generally continued to speak their native language. This circle fostered esotericism through the use of their native tongue and the oral recollection of traditions originating from their homeland.1

The Outer Circle

The outer circle was composed of second- or third-generation immigrants or converts from groups for whom the religion was not native. These individuals typically spoke Greek, which facilitated a process of reinterpreting their archaic religious traditions. This circle also practiced esotericism, but they utilized methods such as allegory and the translation or paraphrasing of ancient sacred books into Greek to reinterpret their texts in light of broader Hellenistic ideals.1