Items related to Epistle to Diognetus
The Epistle to Diognetus was not known until Henricus Stephanus published it in 1592. It was found in a thirteenth-century manuscript, the sole witness of its text, later lost in a fire. The title simply reads "To Diognetus." The same manuscript stated that its author also wrote an oration called "To Greeks." Stephanus attributed both works to Justin Martyr; however, most scholars have rejected Justin's authorship. A seventh-century Syriac manuscript ascribes "To Greeks" to a nobleman named Ambrosius. This is the only hint to the author's identity. It is unlikely that the work was addressed to Diognetus, Marcus Aurelius's tutor, for the opening phrase claims that the recipient was extremely interested in Christianity, which does not fit his character. Hence, an unknown Roman magistrate named Diognetus remains as mysterious as the author himself. The probable place of composition is Athens, like the Apology of Aristides, both works maintaining a simple but profound understanding of the faith, and both date from same period.
Perhaps the greatest difficulty with "To Diognetus" is its Greek text, since its only manuscript, which was housed in the Strassburg Library, was burnt in the Franco-German War of 1870. Since that time, the authorities for the text consisted of a copy made of that manuscript by J. Beurer of Friburg between 1587 and 1591, known as Codex Argentoratensis, and the printed forms of Stephanus (1592) and Sylburg (1593). Another transcript was found in Codex Leidensis belonging to Isaac Vossius, afterwards placed in the library at Leyden. A third transcript, made by B. Haus in 1580, is preserved in the library of the University of Tübingen. Walford supplies a critical Greek edition, complete with notes, and a superb translation based on his research. He offers a number of corrections to the text based on patristic literature. All of this is preceded by a thorough discussion of authorship, date of composition, use of scripture, and transmission of the text. Walford's Diognetus is one of the finest treatments on the epistle in a brief form.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherChurch History
- Publication date2001
- ISBN 10 1590260554
- ISBN 13 9781590260555
- BindingPaperback
- Number of pages56
- Rating
(No Available Copies)
Search Books: Create a WantIf you know the book but cannot find it on AbeBooks, we can automatically search for it on your behalf as new inventory is added. If it is added to AbeBooks by one of our member booksellers, we will notify you!
Create a Want