This careful study by Gavin examines the homilies concerning the Jews of the early Syriac writer known as Aphraates (4th century). Aphraates was Bishop of the Convent of Mar Matthew in Mosul. Gavin attempts to discern the appropriate background to these sermons and the impact that Aphraates’ opponents had on developing his own thought and method of argumentation. In his preliminary remarks, Gavin sets the context by examining the general character of the homilies and the constituency of the early church Aphraates knew. This study will be of interest to scholars seeking information on Syriac Christianity as well as on the early church in general.

Frank Stanton Burns Gavin (1890-1938) produced several books in his brief life. His most noted work is The Jewish Antecedents of the Christian Sacraments (1928). Dr. Gavin was a priest in the Episcopal Church and had an extensive education that included the University of Cincinnati, Hebrew Union College, Columbia University, the General Seminary, and Harvard University. He taught New Testament at Nashotah House seminary in Wisconsin and later at the General Seminary in New York.