The mystery of anointing : Hippolytus' commentary on the Song of songs in social and critical contexts : texts, translations, and comprehensive study

The first English translation and study of St. Hippolytus' fascinating, early third-century commentary 'On the Song of Songs'. Important for the history of biblical interpretation, rival identities of early Christians, liturgy, and mystagogy in the pre-Constantinian church. TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS FOREWORD PREFACE ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ABBREVIATIONS INTRODUCTION 1. HIPPOLYTUS THE EXEGETE 2. WOMEN IN HIPPOLYTUS’ COMMENTARY ON THE SONG OF SONGS 3. ON THE SONG OF SONGS IN THE SOCIAL CONTEXT OF “HERESIES” 4. EMBODIED LOGOS, DOMESTIC ART AND ACCULTURATION 5. RHETORICAL SITUATION PART ONE: ETHOS IN THE COMMENTARY 6. THE RHETORICAL SITUATION PART TWO: STRUCTURE AND SEASON IN THE MYSTAGOGY OF HIPPOLYTUS 7. RHETORICAL SITUATION PART THREE: THE COMMENTARY IN ITS CELEBRATORY CONTEXT 8. HERMENEUTICAL APPROACH 9. MYSTERY AND DIVINE ECONOMY 10. CONCLUSIONS 11. ANNOTATED TRANSLATION WORKS CITED INDEX