Patristic Perspectives on Luke’s Transfiguration: Interpreting Vision (The Library of New Testament Studies,Scriptural Traces)

Book info: Patristic Perspectives on Luke’s Transfiguration: Interpreting Vision (The Library of New Testament Studies,Scriptural Traces) (Hardcover, 256 pages) – T&T Clark, 2022. Language: English.

Peter Anthony explores how visionary elements in Luke’s Gospel had a particular influence on early interpretation of the Transfiguration, by examining the rich hermeneutical traditions that emerged — particularly in the Latin West — as the Transfiguration was first depicted visually in art. Anthony begins by comparing the visual and visionary culture of antiquity with that of the present, and their differing interpretations of the Transfiguration. He then examines the Transfiguration texts in the synoptic gospels and their interpretation in modern scholarship, and the reception of the Transfiguration in 2 Peter, the Apocalypse of Peter and the Acts of Peter, Tertullian and Origen. Proceeding to look at interpretations found in the Greek East and the Latin West, Anthony finally discusses the earliest visual depictions of the Transfiguration from the sixth century onward, drawn from a wealth of different art forms. Anthony concludes that early commentators’ and artists’ understanding of how we see and visualise, and therefore, how the Transfiguration was apprehended, is closer to that of the writers of the New Testament than many modern interpreters’ is. Editorial Reviews Review

“A book to ponder, savour, enjoy and preach on … Well written and raises some fascinating theological issues.” ―Theology

“[A] scholarly and engaging book ... There is much to ponder and enjoy here.” ―Church Times

“This monograph…offers an erudite and engaging analysis…[Anthony's] book is a useful contribution to the history of biblical interpretation and a valuable resource…” ―The Expository Times

“This book helps bridge the gap between the modern critical study of the gospels and the ancient authors' and narratees' considerably greater sensitivity to the participatory element of the story, along with its metaphorical dimensions. It can be recommended to both academic and lay readers.” ―Religious Studies Review

About the Author Peter Anthony is the Vicar of All Saints', Margaret Street, London, UK.

Chris Keith is Research Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society, Norway. He is the author of The Pericope Adulterae, the Gospel of John and the Literacy of Jesus, a winner of the 2010 John Templeton Award for Theological Promise, and Jesus' Literacy: Scribal Culture and the Teacher from Galilee. He is also the co-editor of Jesus among Friends and Enemies: A Historical and Literary Introduction to Jesus in the Gospels, and was recently named a 2012 Society of Biblical Literature Regional Scholar.

Andrew Mein is Director of Research at the Queen's Foundation for Ecumenical Theological Education, UK

Michelle Fletcher is Research Assistant on the Visual Commentary on Scripture and Research Fellow at King's College London, UK.

Dr Matthew A. Collins is Senior Lecturer in Hebrew Bible and Second Temple Judaism at the University of Chester, UK.