Introduction

Abstract

Abstract The Introduction reviews the recent reappraisal of early Christian exegesis and earlier studies of Clement of Alexandria and his biblical exegesis. After examining three particularly influential contributions to the study of Clement’s scriptural exegesis, it offers an apologetic for distinguishing the theoretical statements about exegesis by early Christian readers—the “idea” of exegesis—from the actual methods and strategies of literary analysis that are employed in the act of reading by these same interpreters—the “practice” of exegesis. The Introduction ends with a suggestion for multiple ways that readers can navigate the book, depending on whether their interests lie in early Christian exegesis more generally or the theological interpretation of Clement of Alexandria more specifically.