Cyprian's use of Paul

Cyprian is a key figure in the early Latin tradition—his thought shaped Western Christendom—yet his exegesis has been relatively neglected. Here I begin to redress that deficiency by examining all Cyprian’s quotations of and allusions to the canonical Paul. This reveals the impact of the most important New Testament author on the theology and practice of a significant bishop. It also provides insight into how Cyprian’s context and theology influences his exegesis. Cyprian, like Paul, is a pastoral theologian. His pastoral concerns, as expressed in his writings, consequently provide a helpful lens through which to study these interactions. I therefore consider divine truth and eternal glory; the church’s unity, ministry and sacraments; discipline and repentance; and wealth and welfare. Examining Cyprian’s use of Paul in these areas allows us to move beyond a simple literal/allegorical paradigm to appreciate the wide range of reading strategies used by Cyprian: model, image, maxim, title, contextual exegesis, direct application, prophetic fulfilment and qualification. Cyprian, like Paul, is a pastoral theologian. His pastoral concerns, as expressed in his writings, consequently provide a helpful lens through which to study these interactions. I therefore consider divine truth and eternal glory; the church’s unity, ministry and sacraments; discipline and repentance; and wealth and welfare. Examining Cyprian’s use of Paul in these areas allows us to move beyond a simple literal/allegorical paradigm to appreciate the wide range of reading strategies used by Cyprian: model, image, maxim, title, contextual exegesis, direct application, prophetic fulfilment and qualification.