Commentary on the Twelve Prophets, volume 2 (Fathers of the Church)

Cyril of Alexandria's contributions to theology are not confined to his prominent role in the fifth-century christological conflict, but are also vital to the development of biblical exegesis. Drawing insights from older contemporaries, Cyril examines in depth the historical contexts of prophetic texts, utilizing his knowledge of events and geographical locations in deriving his interpretations. Imperfect though his knowledge is, his approach is worthy of admiration because it combines historical analysis with moral and spiritual perspectives in achieving a balance that cannot be labeled as either "Alexandrian" or "Antiochene." This balance is assured by the broad diversity among Cyril's sources, namely, Didymus the Blind, Jerome, and Theodore of Mopsuestia. Cyril in turn has exerted a direct influence on Theodoret of Cyrus, thus forging a link in the succession of patristic exegetical developments.For Cyril, as for the Fathers in general, the internal unity of the Bible guarantees that its texts can be applied to the interpretation of other texts within the scriptural canon. A focal point of Cyril's interpretation is the relationship between God and his people as it unfolds in the course of history, revealing a sovereign God who, while tolerating no infidelity, perseveres patiently in correcting the errant. This relationship is the basis of a motif that unifies the Old and New Testaments, with the prophets serving as precursors of the Savior; thus their proclamations, though often aimed at the events of their own times, speak to believers of all eras. Cyril, Bishop Of Alexandria (412-444), Is Best Known As A Protagonist In The Christological Controversy Of The Second Quarter Of The Fifth Century. Readers May Be Surprised Therefore To Find Such Polemic Absent From This Early Work On The Twelve Minor Prophets Of The Old Testament. Indebted To The Diverse Approaches Of Didymus, Jerome, And Theodore, Cyril Appears In This Work As A Balanced Commentator, Eclectic In His Attitude And Tolerant Of Alternative Views. Although He Displays An Occasional Uncertainty In His Grasp Of Historical And Geographical Details, As Well As An Inclination To Verbosity, Cyril Has Conspicuously Influenced The Exegesis Of His Younger Contemporary Theodoret Of Cyrus, And Has Made A Vital Contribution To The Development Of Biblical Interpretation In The Church.--publisher Description. V. 1. The Commentary On The Twelve Prophets Among Cyril's Works -- Text Of The Commentary : Cyril's Biblical Text Of The Twelve -- Cyril's Style Of Commentary -- Interpreting The Twelve Prophets -- Theological Accents In The Commentary -- Cyril's Achievement In The Commentary On The Twelve Prophets -- Commentary On The Prophet Hosea -- Commentary On The Prophet Joel. V. 2. Commentary On The Prophet Amos -- Commentary On The Prophet Obadiah -- Commentary On The Prophet Jonah -- Commentary On The Prophet Micah -- Commentary On The Prophet Nahum -- Commentary On The Prophet Habakkuk. V. 3. Commentary On The Prophet Zephaniah -- Commentary On The Prophet Haggai -- Commentary On The Prophet Zechariah -- Commentary On The Prophet Malachi. St. Cyril Of Alexandria ; Translated By Robert C. Hill. Includes Bibliographical References And Indexes. Maximos the Confessor's penetrating theological vision found expression in an unparalleled synthesis of biblical exegesis, ascetic spirituality, patristic theology, and Greek philosophy. On Difficulties in Sacred Scripture, presented here in a complete English translation, contains Maximos's theological interpretations of sixty-five difficult passages from the Old and New Testaments.