Peter Chrysologus

Peter Chrysologus was a Bishop who preached before the imperial family for nearly two decades, emphasizing the incarnate Christ's ability to change lives and reunite humans with their life-giving God. This collection of his sermons makes his preaching and pastoral wisdom accessible to modern readers, invaluable for those studying early Christian theology and the Early Church.

Format: Hardback
Length: 146 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Peter Chrysologus: A Key Figure in Early Christian Theology

Bishop Peter of Ravenna, a prominent figure in the 5th century Roman West, preached before the imperial family for nearly two decades (c. 430-450) after the imperial capital was moved to his See of Ravenna in 402 by Emperor Honorius. With the Empire's elite directly before him, Peter also faced the challenges of 5th century Monophysitism, a theological movement that emphasized the unity of Christ's nature. In his sermons, Peter emphasized the incarnate Christ's ability to change lives by reuniting mortal humans with their life-giving God.

The introduction to this collection of sermons provides a comprehensive exploration of the figure of Peter, beginning with obscure biographies that tell of his early life and culminating in his becoming Metropolitan of Ravenna. It situates his elevation within the broader socio-political context of the powerful court of Valentinian III and the 5th century Roman West. Additionally, the introduction examines the significant influence his legacy had on future generations of Christians.

Translated into a modern idiom, this collection of sermons makes the preaching and pastoral wisdom of Peter Chrysologus accessible to modern readers. It serves as an invaluable tool for anyone working on early Christian theology, the Early Church, Late Antiquity, and the Western Empire. By presenting these sermons in their original form, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the theological debates and controversies of the 5th century and the role that Peter Chrysologus played in shaping Christian thought.

In conclusion, Bishop Peter of Ravenna's sermons offer a rich and insightful glimpse into the life and thought of a key figure in early Christian theology. Through his emphasis on the incarnate Christ's ability to change lives and his engagement with the socio-political context of his time, Peter Chrysologus provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the Early Church and the development of Christian doctrine. This collection of sermons, translated into a modern idiom, allows readers to access the wisdom and insights of this influential bishop and to engage with his theological legacy in a meaningful way.

Weight: 384g
Dimension: 162 x 241 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138641822