Abstract
Although Gregory of Nyssa was familiar with the work of Philo of Alexandria and no doubt drew inspiration from him in many ways, the number ofPhilo’s works Gregory actually knew is still not known. This article explores the possible influence of Philo’s De Abrahamo on Gregory’s later work De vita Moysis, an association that has yet to be examined in sufficient detail. The similarities between both works will be elucidated by means of three themes: first, the manner in which both writings combine the retelling and allegorical interpretation of a biblical text; second, the soul’s insatiable pursuit of the good, by which the soul, in repeatedly reaching its limits, attains a kind of relative perfection, changing as a result; and third, the idea that the best inducement toward leading a good life is based on a desire for friendship with God.
Highlights
Gregory of Nyssa’s De vita Moysis (The Life of Moses)[1] refers to an earlier work of the same name by Philo of Alexandria, who was a first-century Hellenistic Jewish exegete.[2]
This article explores the possible influence of Philo’s De Abrahamo on Gregory’s later work De vita Moysis, an association that has yet to be examined in sufficient detail
The similarities between both works will be elucidated by means of three themes: first, the manner in which both writings combine the retelling and allegorical interpretation of a biblical text; second, the soul’s insatiable pursuit of the good, by which the soul, in repeatedly reaching its limits, attains a kind of relative perfection, changing as a result; and third, the idea that the best inducement toward leading a good life is based on a desire for friendship with God
Summary
In whatever way Gregory’s De vita Moysis links to Philo’s work of the same name, one cannot overlook the significant differences between the two. Commentary and subsequent allegorical interpretation alternate regularly in De Abrahamo, Gregory first presents Moses’ entire life before applying a systematic interpretation of it Even in this second stage, he repeatedly returns to the original story, referring to the structure. Throughout the interpretation, he describes individual motifs in great detail and how they influence the wider context It is precisely in this combination of retelling and allegorical interpretation that a resemblance between Gregory’s Life of Moses and Philo’s De Abrahamo can be traced, especially when set against Philo’s other writings.[43] As a technique, it is extremely important in setting out Gregory’s aim, which is to stimulate a sense in the reader that the virtue of Moses’ actions speaks to the presence of a soul. In modelling one’s life on that of a biblical figure, one can be guided along the path toward perfection, mirroring the soul’s state of constant progression
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