Melito's Use of Scripture in Peri Pascha

Abstract

The discovery of a document identified as Peri Pascha by Melito of Sardis, and its subsequent publication in 19401 has generated numerous studies over past half century, lending weight to assertion by F.L. Cross that Melito's treatise on Pascha is the most important addition to Patristic literature in present century.2 These studies have touched on a wide range of issues which have direct bearing upon document itself, its composition and/or interpretation. Initial investigations have focused upon establishing text from various Greek, Coptic, Syriac, and Latin manuscripts which have now been identified as witnessing to treatise.3 A number of excellent recensions, with critical notes to extant manuscripts, is now available.4 The character of rhetorical style of document has captured attention of various scholars. Numerous rhetorical devises in Peri Pascha