Series:

editors:

Burnet R., Verheyden J.

Summary:

“Scripture grows with those who read it.”
This timeless insight from Gregory the Great encapsulates the dynamic relationship between Scripture and its readers in the early Christian tradition. Far from being a static text, the Bible was seen by the Church Fathers as a living companion, revealing its depths progressively to those who advanced in their spiritual journey.
This volume explores how key figures such as Augustine, Jerome, Origen, and Gregory of Nyssa understood the transformative power of Scripture. It examines themes such as the spiritual ascent of the reader, the role of the codex in devotional practices, and the theological implications of interpreting sacred texts. Unexpected perspectives – including the quantification of early Christian communities and the circulation of biblical texts – enrich the discussion.
Published in tribute to Jean-Marie Auwers upon his retirement, this collection honors his lifelong dedication to the study of how the Church Fathers read, interpreted, and transmitted the Scriptures.