Classical Quotations and Allusions in Early Christian Literature

Derek Spears examines classical quotations and allusions in early Christian writings up to the end of the 2nd century CE. His starting point is Paul's use of an iambic trimeter in 1 Corinthians. From there, the author takes a linear approach, beginning with the New Testament and the Apostolic Fathers. He questions in the NT interpretations of quotes and allusions that are too often seen in the light of the literature historically most studied in schools and universities (i.e. that from Homer to the end of the 3rd century BCE) and argues it may not reflect the background socially and educationally of early Christian writers. The author then discusses Christian apologists, especially Justin Martyr and Clement of Alexandria and notes a growing confidence in engaging with classical authors: Justin is the first to name them explicitly, while Clement quotes them extensively. Instead of listing all of Clement's 1,700 references, the author compares his literary approach to that of contemporary miscellanists like Aulus Gellius and Athenaeus. He suggests that Christian authors created their own collections rather than relying on hypothetical florilegia. Their effective quotation practice indicates a familiarity with original sources. By tracing this development, Derek Spears shows how the growing number of classically educated individuals in the Christian community influenced the way the classical tradition was adopted and reinterpreted for Christian purposes.

Pagina's: 290, Editie: Eerste editie, Paperback, Mohr Siebeck GmbH & Co. K