1. Methods of biblical interpretation
Origen of Alexandria and his school
Three methods
Origen’s defense of allegory
MS in Greek on vellum, Fustât?, Egypt, 3rd c., 1 partial f., 9x11 cm, originally ca. 15x13 cm, single column, (7x9 cm, originally ca. 12x9 cm), part of 14 lines originally 24 lines in a small late classical Greek uncial without word division.
Binding: Barking, Essex, 1989, red morocco gilt folding case by Aquarius.
Provenance: 1. Christian Community at Fustât; 2. Dr. Leland C. Wyman, Boston, Massachusetts (from 1950); 3. John Rocks, Boston, Massachusetts (until 1988); 4. Sotheby's :47.
Commentary: Earliest witness to this text. Aland uncial 0220, which is listed as the second oldest vellum MS of the New Testament. Textually Aland lists it in the highest class "Category I Strict text", which contains a few MSS only of a very special quality, transmitting the text of the exemplar with meticulous care. These MSS represent the most direct uncorrupted line to the original text extant.
Exhibited: Conference of European National Librarians, Oslo. Sept

2. Scriptio continua. ca. 200. P66 INTHEBEGINNINGWAS THEWORDANDTHE
WORDWASWITHGDAND
THEWORDWASGD
Papyrus of the Gospel of John. Frag. of 1:1-14. P66. Ca. 200.
Once you’ve read a manuscript like this, you will never complain about being unable to read something.
No spaces between words & sentences, no punctuation marks. Potential problems for interpretation.

3. Ambiguities of punctuation
AWOMANWITHOUTHERMANISNOTHING
A WOMAN, WITHOUT HER MAN, IS NOTHING
A WOMAN: WITHOUT HER, MAN IS NOTHING
Even punctuation is effected by our preconceptions.

4. Origen of Alexandria (185-254)
Exegete & theologian
Taught in Alexandrian catechetical school
Later exiled to Caesarea
Wrote On First Principles
Developed three methods of scriptural interpretation.
His father suffered martyrdom under Septimius Severus
Origen also wanted to get martyred when he was a little boy. His mother hid his clothes and he was unable to go outside of the house.

5. Three methods
Literal (body)
Moral (soul)
Allegorical (spirit)

6. Origen’s defense of allegory
Contradictions
Expressions unworthy of God
Parables
Allegory of liberty & death.
Temperance Fortitude Prudence Justice