This book surveys the Greek fathers' interpretations of the Gospel of John from the earliest surviving commentary (Heracleon, c. 170) up to the early fifth century. It examines key themes and passages from the gospel and the varying methods of exegesis applied to them by different commentators, giving special attention to the contrast between the schools of Alexandria (notably Origen and Cyril) and of Antioch (Theodore of Mopsuestia and John Chrysostom). Maurice Wiles identifies the distinctive insights of each commentator and teases out the rich diversity of interpretations that flourished in this early period. This discussion is set within the wider context of early Christian thought, including the controversies between the Gnostic, modalist and monarchian heresies and 'orthodox' Nicene doctrine.
In this volume, Professor Wiles continues the questioning of the Christian tradition made familiar through The Remaking of Christian Doctrine in a number of essays, some of which appear in print here for the first time. A first group defines the nature of the task of the critical theologian, and explores the way in which he pursues it in two important areas. Then two papers, The Patristic Appeal to Tradition' and 'Historical Religion' discuss the place of tradition in Christianity. A final group, prefaced by an essay on the Holy Spirit, considers the Bible and the sacraments as purveyors of tradition: The Uses of Holy Scripture', 'Eucharistic Theology-The Value of Diversity', and 'Sacramental Unity in the Early Church.
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