What books belong to the Old Testament? How did the early Church understand the biblical canon? How did the Fathers read the Law, the Prophets, and the Wisdom literature in the light of Christ?
In this remarkable patristic work, traditionally attributed to Saint Athanasius the Great, the fearless defender of Nicene Orthodoxy and one of Christianity's most influential theologians, readers are guided through the entirety of the Old Testament as it was received in the ancient Church.
Book by book, Athanasius presents a concise yet rich survey of Scripture: from the creation of the world in Genesis to the visions of Daniel; from the Exodus and the giving of the Law to the reigns of Israel's kings; from the wisdom of Solomon to the voices of the prophets announcing the coming Messiah.
More than a simple biblical handbook, this text opens a window into the spiritual and theological world of the early Christians. Readers will discover:
- The traditional canon of the Old Testament as received in the Alexandrian Church
- Detailed summaries of all twenty-two canonical books
- Discussions of the deuterocanonical books read by catechumens
- Insights into the authorship, structure, and purpose of each biblical book
- A profoundly Christ-centered interpretation of Scripture
- A celebrated allegorical reading of the Song of Songs as a prophecy of the Incarnation
Whether composed by Athanasius himself or by a disciple writing within his theological tradition, this ancient synopsis remains one of the most fascinating introductions to the Old Testament ever produced by the Christian East.
Accompanied by an extensive scholarly introduction exploring the life of Saint Athanasius, the history of the text, questions of authorship, and its place within Orthodox biblical interpretation, this edition offers modern readers a unique opportunity to encounter the Scriptures through the eyes of the Fathers.
An indispensable resource for students of Scripture, lovers of Church history, and anyone seeking to rediscover the Old Testament within the living tradition of Orthodox Christianity.
