Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines the contribution of the related processes of translation, commentary and reinterpretation of the two key texts of theology and philosophy to the emergence and evolution of a culture in both the Latin West and the Syriac-Arabic East. It introduces Origen as the inventor of the biblical commentary and outlines the steps that led to the combination and integration of philosophy and biblical exegesis into a Christian Wissenschaft. The book discusses Prologue Topics and Translation Problems in Latin Commentaries on Paul, shows that while the Latin commentators of the late fourth, early fifth century AD were not hermetically sealed in the Latin tradition, only Jerome demonstrated a sustained effort in promoting Origenian exegetical ideas and approaches. It also illustrates the contrast to the Latin and Syriac situations.