Contents

Acknowledgements

1 Introduction

1.1 Origins

1.2 Thesis

1.3 The History of Μυστήριον

1.4 Μυστήριον in the New Testament

1.5 Μυστήριον in Modern Research

1.6 Structure of the Book

2 Μυστήριον in the Undisputed Pauline Letters

2.1 Introduction

2.2 The Pauline Data

2.2.1 1 Corinthians 4:1; 13:2; 14:2

2.2.2 2 Thessalonians 2:7

2.2.3 Romans 11:25

2.2.4 1 Corinthians 15:51

2.2.5 1 Corinthians 2:1

2.2.6 1 Corinthians 2:6–16

2.3 Conclusion

3 Μυστήριον and the Deuteropauline Mystery Schema of Revelation. Part 1: Ephesians and Colossians

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Colossians

3.2.1 Colossians 1:24–2:5

3.2.2 Colossians 4:3–4

3.2.3 Conclusion

3.3 Ephesians

3.3.1 Ephesians 1:9

3.3.2 Ephesians 3:2–13

3.3.3 Ephesians 5:32

3.3.4 Ephesians 6:19

3.4 Conclusion

4 Μυστήριον and the Deuteropauline Mystery Schema of Revelation. Part 2: The Pastoral Epistles and the Romans 16:25–27 Doxology

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Romans 16:25–27

4.3 The Pastoral Epistles

4.3.1 1 Timothy

4.3.2 2 Timothy and Titus

4.4 Conclusion

5 Mystery and History in the Letters of Ignatius and the Epistle to Diognetus

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Ignatius of Antioch

5.2.1 Ignatius and Paul

5.2.2 Μυστήριον in the Ignatian Letters

5.2.3 Revelation in Ignatius

5.3 Epistle to Diognetus

5.3.1 Literary Structure and Content

5.3.2 Diognetus and Paul

5.3.3 Mystery and Revelation in Diognetus

5.3.4 Conclusion: Christian Revelation and the Question of Judaism

6 Mystery, Scriptural Meaning, and the “Grace to Understand” in Justin Martyr’s Dialogue with Trypho

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Justin Martyr

6.3 Justin and Paul

6.4 Μυστήριον in Justin

6.5 Μυστήριον and Justin’s Hermeneutical Vocabulary

6.6 Prophecy and “the Grace to Understand”

6.7 Conclusion: The Mystery of Christ, Scripture, and the Question of Judaism

7 Mystery, Scriptural Meaning, and Ritual Performance in Melito’s Peri Pascha

7.1 Introduction

7.2 Melito and his Peri Pascha

7.3 Melito and Paul

7.4 Μυστήριον in Peri Pascha 1–65

7.4.1 Μυστήριον in Peri Pascha 1–10

7.4.2 Μυστήριον in Peri Pascha 11–45

7.4.3 Μυστήριον in Peri Pascha 46–65

7.5 The Old Model and the Question of Judaism in Peri Pascha 66– 05

7.6 Conclusion: Mystery Exegesis, Ritual Practice, and Synkrisis

8 Mystery, Scriptural Meaning, and the Unity of God in Tertullian and his Against Marcion

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Tertullian and His Treatise Against Marcion

8.3 Tertullian and Paul

8.4 Sacramentum in Tertullian

8.4.1 Sacramentum and Oaths

8.4.2 Sacramentum and Ritual Objects, Practices, or Liturgical Observances

8.4.3 Sacramentum and Hidden Reality or Hidden Scriptural Meaning

8.5 Sacramentum in Against Marcion

8.5.1 Sacramentum in Books 1–4 of Against Marcion

8.5.2 Sacramentum in Book 5 of Against Marcion

8.6 Conclusion: Mystery, Paul, and Tertullian’s Against Marcion

Conclusion

Bibliography

Index of names

Index of Ancient Sources