ABSTRACT
SINCE the XVIth century, under the name of Ambrosiaster (pseudo-Ambrose), people have designated the anonymous author of a commentary on the Epistles of St Paul (excluding the Epistle to the Hebrews), which was incorrectly ascribed to St Ambrose in the Middle Ages and possibly even in the time of Cassiodorus.1 This paraphrase is really remarkable and is one of the most interesting bequeathed to us by Christian antiquity. Of an original mind, well versed in the methods of the Law, and possessing very positive views combined with pointed satirical humour in regard to prominent men in the Church, the author carefully avoids losing himself in the mists of allegory. This disregard of the allegorical method is almost a unique case at that period. Before everything else he aims at a clear comprehension of his text, and sets himself to draw practical lessons therefrom for the use of Catholics. Let me add, he had his eyes open as to the times in which he was living. His commentary is a precious source for understanding the pagan mysteries-those of Anubis, Mithra and especially Cybelewhose vitality remained still so powerful in the second half of the IVth century, and we can gather from it the persistence of the belief in astrology by the Christians themselves.2
