Cyril of Alexandria: Commentary on the Twelve Prophets, vol. 3
Digital Verbum Edition
Overview
This final volume in a series of three contains Cyril’s commentary on Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Applying his knowledge of ancient Israelite history in his analysis of the immediate context for each of these prophetic books, Cyril believes that Zephaniah was addressed to the residents of Jerusalem in the years preceding the Babylonian Exile, and the other three were addressed to a newly repatriated, post-exilic nation.
An emphasis on theodicy is a primary theme of this book. God’s love for humankind, says Cyril, is expressed in the many warnings sent through the prophets and in the ample amount of time that God allows for people to repent. When no repentance ensues, God sends harsh but just punishments, employing the brutality of enemy nations as his instruments, yet always doing so with the loving purpose of returning his people to himself.
Cyril’s focus on the historical details of the Old Testament is matched by his concern for the Church of his own day. Where the prophetic oracles mention the Jewish priesthood, altar, or sacrifices, Cyril takes the opportunity to exhort Christian priests to preserve their moral purity and to fulfill their liturgical duties with devotion. This extrapolation from the ancient to the contemporary, from Israel to the Church, is compatible with the typological interpretation that Cyril utilizes in conjunction with his literal, historical approach. The Temple is a type, or foreshadowing, of the Church, and the sacrificial lamb of the Passover prefigures Christ. Thus Cyril maintains his connection with the Alexandrian tradition of allegorical exegesis while presenting a balanced, multi-faceted interpretation that applies passages from many other parts of the Bible to extract a wealth of meaning from the prophetic books.
Key Features
- Presents the last part of Cyril of Alexandria’s work on the Minor Prophets
- Places an emphasis on theodicy
- Provides insight into biblical interpretation in the early church
Top Highlights
“The three shepherds, then, as I said—priests, judges, and teachers of the Law—who held their office (461) or functions and positions up to the time of the Incarnation, were the ones who were removed in one month, and rightly so: since they killed the Author of life, consequently they too were cut down in one month when Emmanuel endured execution for your sakes. Though in fact they continued to administer Israel even after the crucifixion of the Savior, since God who controls everything was still patient and showing pity on them, and summoning them to repentance, we say they were removed when the sentence delivered by God came into effect, at the time when, as I said, they handed over for crucifixion the Savior and Redeemer of all—hence they were removed in one month.” (Page 221)
“Our Lord Jesus Christ also spoke in these terms to the holy apostles, who were destined to build the Church and summon the believers into the holy temple, consequently saying, ‘Lo, I am with you all days, even to the end of the age.’ He likewise personally clarifies the fact that he meant also to be with them through the Spirit, saying at one time, ‘I shall not leave you orphans, I am coming to you,’ and at another making clear the manner of his coming by saying in turn, ‘It is good for you that I should go away, for if I did not go away, the Advocate would not come to you, whereas if I go, I shall send him to you.’2 He is therefore with those who build his house, but likewise leaves and (264) completely abandons those who undermine it.” (Pages 76–77)
About Cyril of Alexandria
Cyril of Alexandria was the Patriarch of Alexandria from 412 to 444. His uncle, Pope Theophilus of Alexandria, was Patriarch of Alexandria from 385 to 412. Cyril was well educated, wrote extensively, and was a leading figure in the First Council of Ephesus in 431, the third ecumenical council of the early Christian Church. The council convened amid disputes over the teachings of Nestorius, Patriarch of Constantinople, and Cyril led the charges of heresy against Nestorius. Nestorius’ teachings were condemned by the council, leading to the formation of separate denominations that broke from the Orthodox church.
Cyril of Alexandria is venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Oriental Orthodox Church, Anglican Church, and Lutheran Church.