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Theophilus
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Introductory Note to Theophilus of Antioch
[532] The reference here is not to the Holy Spirit, but to that vital power which is supposed to be diffused thorughout the universe. Comp. book ii. 4.
Chapter VI.—God is Known by His Works.
[533] Literally, “propagation.”
Chapter VII.—We Shall See God When We Put on Immortality.
Chapter VIII.—Faith Required in All Matters.
[537] i.e., in the resurrection.
Chapter X.—Absurdities of Idolatry.
[538] [Foot-baths. A reference to Amasis, and his story in Heredotus, ii. 172. See Rawlinson’s Version and Notes, vol. ii. p. 221, ed. Appletons, 1859. See also Athanagoras, infra, Embassy, cap. xxvi.]
[539] [The fable of Echo and her shameful gossip may serve for an example.]
Chapter XI.—The King to Be Honoured, God to Be Worshipped.
[540] Prov. xxiv. 21, 22. The Greek of Theophilus has “honour” instead of “fear.”
Chapter XII.—Meaning of the Name Christian.
[541] “The argumentation of this chapter depends on the literal meaning which Theophilus attaches to Christos, the Anointed One; and he plays on this meaning, and also on the similarity of pronunciation between χρηστός, ‘useful,’ and χριστός, ‘anointed.’”—Donaldson.
[542] [Not material oil probably, for it is not mentioned in such Scriptures as Acts viii. 17, xix. 6, Heb. vi. 2; but the anointing (1 John ii. 20) of the Holy Ghost. As a symbol, oil was used at an early period, however; and the Latins are not slow to press this in favour of material oil in the chrism, or confirmation.]
Chapter XIII.—The Resurrection Proved by Examples.
[543] [This is the famous challenge which affords Gibbon (cap. xv.) a most pleasing opportunity for his cavils. But our author was not asserting that the dead was raised in his day, but only that they should be at the last day.]
Chapter XIV.—Theophilus an Example of Conversion.
[544] [Ps. cxix. 130. Note this tribute to the inspired Scriptures and their converting power; I might almost say their sacramental energy, referring to John vi. 63.]
[545] [Rev. xix. 10. I cannot reconcile what Scripture says of itself with the modern refinements as to the human and divine element, while fully admitting that there are such elements, intermixed and interpenetrated mutually, beyond all power of dissection by us. I prefer the childlike docility of the Fathers.]
Chapter II.—The Gods are Despised When They are Made; But Become Valuable When Bought.
[549] The words “by some and placed in” are omitted in some editions, but occur in the best mss.
Chapter IV.—Absurd Opinions of the Philosophers Concerning God.
[550] This is according to the Benedictine reading: the reading of Wolf, “nature is left to itself,” is also worthy of consideration.
[551] That is, the existence of God as sole first principle.
[552] Literally, “subject-matter.”
Chapter V.—Opinions of Homer and Hesiod Concerning the Gods.
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