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August 25, 2009 | |
9780813217369 | |
English | |
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v2.1 Reference | |
Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans, Books 1-5
Origen of Alexandria's Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans is the oldest extant commentary on Romans (ca. 246). This volume presents the first English translation of the commentary, covering his exegesis of Rom 1:1 to 6:11. One of his longest and most mature works, it is the only commentary of Origen available in a coherent form from beginning to end. The work was originally composed in Greek in Caesarea, but only fragments of the archetype have survived. Fortunately, Origen's admirer Rufinus of Aquileia translated the work into Latin (ca. 406).
Origen's exegesis predates the controversy between Augustine and Pelagius by 170 years; thus it offers a striking perspective on Romans. Opposition to Gnostic interpretations of Paul is an important characteristic of the commentary. Above all Origen defends the Church against the "doctrine of natures"—the belief that all human beings are born with unalterable natures, either good or evil, and thus bound for either salvation or damnation, and that their conduct during this life cannot alter their destiny. Origen successfully refutes this teaching, showing that freedom of will always abides in rational beings.
Provoked by Marcion's repudiation of the Old Testament, Origen emphasizes the harmony between Gospel and Law. He highlights as one of Paul's main themes in Romans the transfer of religion from Judaism to Christianity, from the letter to the spirit, in terms both of salvation history and of the transformation of the individual. Origen claims that the key to unlocking Romans is understanding Paul's use of homonyms—identical expressions such as law, Jew, circumcision, death, etc., with divergent meanings.
Books 6-10 of the commentary, presenting Origen's interpretation of Rom 6:12 to 16:27, will be the next volume published in the Fathers of the Church series.
Thomas P. Scheck, a graduate student at the University of Iowa, is currently working toward a Ph.D. in Religion and Classics.
Praise for the book:
"A significant contribution to studies of Origen and the history of Pauline exegesis. . . . The work provides an excellent introduction to Origen's theology, presenting a wide range of themes which are central for him in his doctrine of God, anthropology, mystical theology, and eschatology. . . . Scheck's introduction provides an excellent outline of the textual issues surrounding the Latin version of the Commentary. . . . [An] admirable translation. . . . [It] provides an invaluable service in making available a text which adds much to our understanding of Origen both as a Christian exegete and as a theologian."—Maureen Beyer Moser, Journal of Early Christian Studies
Paperback / softback | |
August 25, 2009 | |
9780813217369 | |
English | |
8.25 Inches (US) | |
5.25 Inches (US) | |
1.05 Pounds (US) | |
$45.00 USD | |
v2.1 Reference | |
Other Titles by Origen
Homilies on Isaiah
Homilies on the Psalms
Homilies on Judges
Other Titles by Thomas P. Scheck
Apology for Origen
Erasmus's Life of Origen
Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans, Books 6-10
Other Titles from Fathers of the Church Patristic Series
History of the Church
Treatises on Noah and David
Homilies on Joshua
Other Titles in RELIGION / Christian Church / Leadership
Questions on Aristotle's Categories, 0
Writings Against the Saracens
The Papers of Howard Washington Thurman
Other Titles in The Early Church
Dialogue against the Jews
Letters, 1-30
Letters, 31-60