Ambrosiaster is the name given to an unknown author of a commentary on most of the books of the Bible. The commentary was originally attributed to Ambrose, the 4th century bishop of Milan, which is why the author is referred to as Ambrosiaster. However, textual analysis has shown conclusively that Ambrose did not write this commentary. The identity of the actual author remains a mystery, although it is clear he was active in Rome during the later 4th century. Here is an overview of what we know about Ambrosiaster and his important biblical commentary:
When Did Ambrosiaster Live and Write?
Scholars have been able to determine that Ambrosiaster was active in Rome during the papacy of Pope Damasus I, between 366-384 AD. His writings show a familiarity with the city of Rome and its church. He was also acquainted with Greek writers and referred to Greek manuscripts of the Bible, indicating he was likely bilingual in Greek and Latin. Based on textual clues, Ambrosiaster’s commentary can be dated to around 366-384 AD, the same timeframe as prominent church fathers Jerome and Augustine.
Ambrosiaster’s Commentary on the Bible
Ambrosiaster wrote a detailed commentary on most books of the Bible. His approach was to provide a verse-by-verse explanation of the text. He commented on Genesis, Psalms 1-50, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, the Minor Prophets, and the New Testament books from Matthew to Philemon. He ignored the pastoral epistles and remaining General Epistles.
The commentary shows evidence of competence in both Hebrew and Greek. Ambrosiaster relied on Vetus Latina Bible translations rather than the Vulgate. He was familiar with Jewish traditions and often cited from works no longer extant. He was also well-read on Christian authors before him, from Irenaeus to Hilary of Poitiers. The commentary is notable for its readability, direct exposition, and lack of excessive allegorization.
Ambrosiaster’s Theology and Teachings
Ambrosiaster takes traditional stances on most theological issues. He affirms God’s sovereignty, omnipotence and providence. He sees human free will and grace as compatible. On salvation, he sees both faith and good works as necessary, not faith alone. He affirms original sin and the necessity of baptism. There are hints of anti-Pelagianism in his writings as well.
Some distinctive elements of Ambrosiaster’s theology include a focus on the Holy Spirit’s role in the inspiration of Scripture. He also frequently discusses the relationship between the Old and New Testaments. He writes extensively about the office and authority of the bishops of Rome as successors to Peter. He was a supporter of papal primacy, at a time when this was still debated.
Later Influence of Ambrosiaster
During the Middle Ages, Ambrosiaster’s commentary was attributed to Ambrose and exercised greater authority and circulation under this mistaken identity. In the 16th century, after the Renaissance recovery of many ancient texts, scholars realized the commentary was not by Ambrose. From then on the author was referred to as Ambrosiaster or Pseudo-Ambrose. The commentary continued to be printed, translated and used by Protestant and Catholic scholars alike into the 19th century.
Modern scholars recognize the value of Ambrosiaster’s commentary as an important representative of 4th century Roman Christianity. It provides a window into the theological development, biblical exegesis, and historical traditions of the church of that period. As one of the few surviving commentaries contemporary with Jerome and Augustine, Ambrosiaster’s work fills a gap in our knowledge of early Latin Christianity.
Attempts to Identify Ambrosiaster
The actual identity of Ambrosiaster remains unknown, although there have been many theories proposed over the years. A few of the leading candidates suggested by scholars include:
- Isaac, a converted Jew and secretary to Pope Damasus I
- Decimius Hilarianus, a Roman senator and translator
- Julius Hilarianus, a politician and prefect active in Rome
However, none of these suggestions has gained consensus support. Ambrosiaster remains an enigmatic figure but his influential biblical scholarship has endured. His commentary offers modern readers an important representative of early biblical exegesis in the Latin church.
Key Themes in Ambrosiaster’s Commentary
Some of the notable themes that emerge from Ambrosiaster’s extensive verse-by-verse commentary include:
- Christology – Ambrosiaster has a high view of Christ and defends his divinity against detractors. He sees the Old Testament as filled with foreshadowings of Christ.
- Apocalypticism – The commentary shows strong interest in apocalyptic prophecies and relating them to current events of his day.
- Church authority – Ambrosiaster was an ardent supporter of papal and church authority, which comes through strongly.
- Ethics – He often digresses from exegesis to discuss moral behavior, renunciation of vices, and the pursuit of virtue.
- Anti-pagan polemic – There is a strong anti-pagan thread, critiquing Greek philosophy, polytheism, and mystery cults.
- Anti-Jewish polemic – Like many early Christian writers, Ambrosiaster asserts Jewish beliefs are obsolete and the Church has superseded Israel.
Despite some questionable interpretive decisions and polemical themes, Ambrosiaster’s commentary has value as a comprehensive work of early biblical exegesis that shaped later Christian thought and remains instructive today.
Selected Excerpts from Ambrosiaster’s Commentary
Here are some representative excerpts from Ambrosiaster’s commentary showing his exegetical style and key themes:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1) He is called the Word because he is the Son of God the Father….He did not begin to exist when he was born of the Virgin, but from all eternity he exists together with the Father.
“Again I will ask: Did Israel not understand this was spoken about the Christ, while for forty years they were oppressed by the Philistines during the time of the judges? Dissensions never ceased among the people. Therefore there is no excuse for their ignorance of this present text.” (Isaiah 9:6)
“Concerning this verse the philosophers have asserted much that should be rejected. They introduced the theory of the transmigration of souls and many opinions inconsistent with the true faith.” (Wisdom 8:19)
“The bishop of the church of Rome has primacy over all churches because Peter had primacy over all the apostles….And therefore whatever was sanctioned in the other churches should be confirmed and ratified without further inquiry in the church of Rome.” (on Matthew 16:18-19)
These excerpts provide a sample of Ambrosiaster’s exegetical and theological concerns, and illustrate his significance as an early interpreter whose extensive writings influenced Latin biblical scholarship for centuries.
Conclusion
In summary, Ambrosiaster was an important but mysterious figure in 4th century Christianity. His detailed commentary on most biblical books offers rare insight into early Latin biblical exegesis and theology. Study of Ambrosiaster sheds light on the development of the church in Rome and early debates around authority, doctrine, and practice. Even though the identity of Ambrosiaster remains unknown, his monumental work earned him a lasting place in the history of biblical interpretation.
