Seine Person und sein Verständnis des Christentums

In this important study, which is still a standard general resource on Aphrahat, Schwen deals with that writer’s life, works, and doctrine. The survey of his writing includes information on manuscripts, style, and reception history. Next, Schwen looks at the sources for Aphrahat’s Christianity: the Bible (with a discussion of canon, authority, and interpretation), church teaching, and Jewish traditions. The investigation of Christianity as presented by Aphrahat touches on topics such as the belief in one God, covenant, law, the Holy Spirit, sacraments, prayer, confession and forgiveness of sin, marriage and virginity, and asceticism. In addition, Schwen probes Aphrahat’s concept of history. This volume will be of certain use for students of Syriac literature and early Syriac Christianity.