Lecture 4: Levitical Priesthood Dr. Ann T. Orlando 17 February 2017

Outline Biblical Background: Exodus and Leviticus Origen Homilies on Leviticus Apostolic Constitutions

Background on Exodus Second book of Pentateuch (Torah) Traditionally written by Moses Tells story of salivation of people Israel from Egyptians and time in desert Outline Birth an dearly life of Moses Call of Moses Passover and deliverance from Pharaoh Time in the desert, 10 commandments Design of Ark of Covenant Establishment of Levitical (hereditary) priesthood through Aaron (Ch 28-30) Golden calf and punishment of the people Building tabernacle, ark of the covenant and altar of incense

Background on Leviticus Third book of Pentateuch (Torah) Traditionally written by Moses Could be considered a manual for newly created Levitical priesthood Outline Types of sacrifices Ordination of priests Aaron’s sons offer an impure sacrifice Household laws Purification of the sick Day of Atonement Ritual and moral holiness Conduct of priests Festivals

Origen Born in Alexandria in 185, died (a martyr) in 254 Born into a Christian family His father, Leonides, martyred when Origen was a teenager Influenced by Philo of Alexandria Prominent in the catechetical school in Alexandria Wrote an important apology opposing philosophical arguments against Christianity, Contra Celsum Then established important school is Palestine, focused on study of Scripture Extensive dialog and debates with Jewish rabbinic school Although he suffered heroically for the faith, later controversies led to his condemnation For political/theological reasons Origen was condemned by Justinian in the 6th C and at the Second Council of Constantinople

Origen and Scripture ‘Systematic’ approach to Scripture described in On First Principles Literal Moral Spiritual Hexapla Wrote many complete commentaries and homilies on almost all books of Scripture Most lost as a result of 6th C condemnations Most surviving works reconstructed from Latin or other translations

Origen Homilies on Leviticus Probably written near end of Origen’s life Only Rufinus’ Latin translation is available (c. 400) Rufinus admits in his preface that he amended some aspects of Origen Focus on function of Christian presbyter using his analysis of Leviticus Presbyter (preacher) should understand the letter and Spirit Must be able to present this to others less advanced in the faith (change his vestments for his audience) Importance of sacrifice of Christ Homilies 1, 4 and 5

Origen and Rabbinic Scholars There was significant discussion/debate between Origen and his disciples at the school in Palestine and local Rabbis Contested interpretations of many of the Old Testament books Song of Songs Genesis Leviticus Key turns on ‘literal’ interpretation without including a spiritual interpretation

Augustine Continuation of CoG XVII How Aaronic priesthood is related to prophets (Samuel in particular) See XVII.5-6 The ‘priesthood’ of Moses, Aaron and Samuel See Exposition of Psalm 98 10-12

Enerrationes in Psalmos ‘Enerrationes’ first used by Erasmus The longest and most complex of Augustine’s works Carried out over 30 years, from his ordination as priest to completion around 415 But always intended as one ‘work,’ although not written in order of the Psalms Most were not sermons; Augustine believed that fully analyzing the Psalms could only be accomplished carefully in writing By far the most comprehensive commentary on Psalms from any Patristic author More than twice as long as all other commentaries combined New City Press, 6 vol “In my uncertainty I turn to Christ, for he it is whom I am seeking in this psalm…” En. Ps98.4

Apostolic Constitutions (Early?) Fourth Century collection of sayings, decrees, liturgies which purport to be from the Apostles Organized in 8 (unrelated) books Contains elements of other works such as Didache and Liturgy recorded by Hippolytus Unknown in Latin, West, until Renaissance Explores another line of thought on deacons (and deaconesses) as Levites

Book II: Church Hierarchy and Organization On role of bishops and deacons see Book II. xxv-xxxv Describes deacons as ‘levites’ Attempts to establish a metaphor of bishops (and priests) related to Moses while deacons are associated with Aaron and Levites Seems to be an attempt to reconcile Order of Melchizedek with Order of Levites

Assignments Origen, Homilies on Leviticus Homilies 1, 4, 5 Augustine, CoG, XVII.5-6 _____Exposition of Psalm 98.10-12 Apostolic Constitutions II.xxv-xxxv Prepare Paper #4