Latin Commentaries on Revelation
Overview
Interest in the book of Revelation in the Western tradition is stronger and earlier than that in the East. The earliest full commentary on the Apocalypse is that of Victorinus of Petovium written in the mid to late third century by the earliest exegete to write in Latin. Victorinus interpreted Revelation in millennialist terms, a mode of interpretation already evident in works by Irenaeus, as well as in modest allegorical terms. Caesarius of Arles wrote in the early sixth century and offered a thoroughgoing allegorical-ecclesial interpretation of the Apocalypse. Apringius of Beja in Portugal, writing in the mid sixth century, drew on Jerome’s edition of Victorinus’s commentary yet understood the seven seals christologically as the incarnation, birth, passion, death, resurrection, glory and kingdom. Bede the Venerable, who died in 735, is the last commentator to be included in this collection. Characteristically, he passes on commentary from earlier exegetes, here including that of Augustine, Gregory the Great, Victorinus, Tyconius and Primasius. William Weinrich renders a particular service to readers interested in ancient commentary on the Apocalypse by drawing together these significant Latin commentaries. The work of translating these texts was begun in preparing the volume on Revelation in the Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. We are indebted to William Weinrich for completing this work with his able and fresh translation and notes on these texts.
Top Highlights
“This signifies the stability of unconquered truth by which the church, supported by the length of faith, the breadth of love and the height of hope, is not allowed to be blown about by every wind of doctrine.22 Were it to lack any one of these, the perfect stability of the church would not exist.” (Page 184)
“ Clergy, including bishops, were to speak simply so that all could understand” (Page xxxiv)
“after Gad is rightfully placed the tribe of Asher, which means ‘blessed” (Page 133)
“And, therefore, in another passage he spoke on behalf of his servants, ‘Do not seal up the words of this prophecy.’22 And so it shows those for whom he orders a sealing and those for whom he orders that there not be a sealing. Namely, on the one hand, it speaks of those who do evil continuing to do evil and those who are filthy continuing to be filthy.23 For such persons as these the word of God is sealed. However, in a similar manner it speaks of those who are righteous continuing to do right and those who are holy doing that which is more holy.24 For such persons the word of God is not sealed. Let us pray that for the sake of his own compassion25 the Lord might deem it worthy to fulfill this also in us. For he lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Amen.” (Page 81)
“The second name is that of Reuben, which being interpreted means ‘seeing the son.’ By sons works are indicated, as the psalmist says when speaking of the various blessings of the blessed person: ‘Your sons will be as olive shoots,’ and further, ‘that you may see the sons of your sons.’14 For it is not that he who fears the Lord cannot be blessed unless he produces sons and grandsons, since a greater reward awaits the faithful virgins. But by sons is meant works and by sons of sons is meant the fruit of works, that is, the eternal reward. For this reason, Reuben comes after Judah, since after the beginning of divine confession there follows the perfection of work.” (Page 133)
- Title: Latin Commentaries on Revelation
- Authors: Saint Bede the Venerable, Victorinus of Pettau, Caesarius of Arles, Apringius of Beja
- Series: Ancient Christian Texts
- Publisher: IVP Academic
- Print Publication Date: 2011
- Logos Release Date: 2017
- Era: era:byzantine
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subject: Bible. N.T. Revelation › Commentaries
- ISBNs: 9780830869510, 9780830829095, 0830869514, 0830829091
- Resource ID: LLS:ACT87REVLAT
- Resource Type: Bible Commentary
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-25T19:05:29Z