INTRODUCTION TO THE CRITIQUE AND EXPLANATION OF THE ARIAN PASSAGES IN BOOK 2

Get Complete Project Material File(s) Now! »

Natural Sonship, Proverbs 8:25 (CA 2.57-61a)

In an interesting presentation, Athanasius reviews the meaning of Proverbs 8:25 in the following section. The rationale is that Proverbs 8:22 and 25 have the same speaker but a slightly different subject. The Son (or Wisdom) is referred to as begotten.
It is not misleading to state that Athanasius understands the meaning of verse 22 by his interpretation of verse 25. In this section Athanasius demonstrates that the Son is an offspring. This simply means that Proverbs 8:22 must refer to the creation of the human body of the Son since offspring implies the same substance as the Father.
Athanasius utilizes Deuteronomy 32:6 and 18 to demonstrate the differences in the natures of an offspring and a creature. He is articulate to note that the order of the verbs is significant. Beget comes after create and make. Athanasius understands this verb order to be intentional in order to communicate not only the structure of the grammar but the content as well.

The Meaning of Firstborn (CA 2.61b-64)

The word “prwtovtokoς” (firstborn) was used by the Arians to depict the status of the Lord. It is somewhat likely that the Arians also used prwtovtokoς (firstborn) as a commentary on Proverbs 8:22-25. Regardless, Athanasius examines Colossians 2:15-18 in order to support his exegesis of Proverbs 8:25. He has stated that Proverbs 8:25 is to be interpreted economically, and now he offers Colossians 2:18 as further textual support.
The word “prwtovtokoς” (firstborn) is applied to the Son because of humanity’s spiritual death. The assumption is that Athanasius understands prwtovtokoς (firstborn) in the background of grace being transferred from the Son to humanity. The theological concept is that the Logos resides in the believer and now that same believer is free from sin and death. The soteriology of the Son is accomplished via His earthly soma (body).

The Meaning of “The Beginning of Ways” (CA 2.65-72)

Athanasius considers the question as to how the Son relates to the phrase, “the beginning of ways.” He counters the Arian notion that the meaning of the term ‘beginning’ refers to a starting point of the Son’s existence. He, therefore, interprets the phrase, “the beginning of ways,” from Hebrews 10:20, and demonstrates how the Son can be the beginning of ways.
Athanasius considers that there are two “ways.” The “first way” into paradise “was lost through Adam.”149 This first way was no longer a valid way by which humanity could communicate or encounter the living God. The result of disobedience meant the corruption and death of all humanity.
The “second way” is the redemption of humanity that is found in the work of the Son. This way is also equated with the new creation of 2 Corinthians 5:17. The soteriological importance of Athanasius’ interpretation is predicated upon the human flesh of Jesus being the means of redemption. The human body of Jesus not only renewed the first creation but also preserves the second creation of the renewed individual.

READ The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch

1. INTRODUCTION
The Need
The Purpose
The Summary
Key Term
The Limitations of the Thesis
2. INTRODUCTION TO THE CRITIQUE AND EXPLANATION OF THE ARIAN PASSAGES IN BOOK 1
Contra Arianos (CA 1.1)
Case Against the Arians (CA 1.2-10)
External Evidence (CA 1.3)
Internal Evidence: Unscriptural Theology (CA 1.4-7) .
Internal Evidence: A Deficient Hermeneutic (CA 1.8-10)
Conclusion of CA 1.1-10
Hermeneutical Principles of CA 1.1-10
Orthodox Teachings of the Son Interacting with the Teaching of Arianism (CA 1.11-36)
The Focus of Orthodoxy is the Eternal
Status of the Son
Building the Case of Eternal Sonship(CA 1.11-3)
Arian Objections to Eternal Sonship(CA 1.14-6)
The Arians’ Unlikely Triad (CA 1.17-8)
Biblical Imagery Supports Eternal Sonship(CA 1.19-20)
Divine Attributes Reveal Eternal Sonship (CA 1.21-22a)
The Review of the Proof Questions (CA 1.22b-36)
The First Proof Question (CA 1.24-26a
The Second Proof Question (CA 1.26b-29)
The Third Proof Question (CA 1.30-4
The Fourth Proof Question (CA 1.35-6)
Evaluating the Arian Exposition (CA 1.37-64)
The Problem of the Arian Interpretation
Response to the Arian Interpretation (CA 1.37-9)
Interpretation of Philippians 2:5-11 (CA 1.40-5)
Interpretation of Psalm 44:7-8 (CA 1.46-52)
A Review of the Arian Interpretation of Hebrews 1:4; 3:1; Acts 2:36; and Proverbs 8:22 (CA 1.52-64)
Interpretation of Hebrews 1:4 (CA 1.53-64)
3. INTRODUCTION TO THE CRITIQUE AND EXPLANATION OF THE ARIAN PASSAGES IN BOOK 2
Opening Statement of the Arian Interpretation (CA 2.1)
Critique of the Arian Son as a Work (CA 2.2-6)
The Exposition Begins
Hebrews 3:2 (CA 2.7-11a)
Acts 2:36 (CA 2.11b-18a)
Opening Statements on Proverbs 8:22 (CA 2.18-82)
Clarifying Arius’ Answer to Alexander (CA 2.18b-24a)
Addressing the Arian Son/Creature as a Creator (CA 24b-30)
Addressing the Arian Son/Creature as a Creation (CA 2.31-6)
Addressing the Issue of the Two Arian Wisdoms (CA 2.37-43)
The Exposition of Proverbs 8:22
Proverbs 8:22 and Proper Interpretation (CA 2.44-9)
The Meaning of the Son’s Works (CA 2.50-6)
Natural Sonship, Proverbs 8:25 (CA 2.57-61a)
The Meaning of Firstborn (CA 2.61b-4
The Meaning of “The Beginning of Ways” (CA 2.65-72)
The Interpretation of Proverbs 8:23 (CA 2.73-77a)
Proverbs 8:22 Revisited (CA 2.77b-82)
4. INTRODUCTION TO THE CRITIQUE AND EXPLANATION OF THE ARIAN PASSAGES IN BOOK 3
Opening Statement of the Arian Interpretation of the Gospel Texts (CA 3.1-25)
Asterius and the Gospel of John (CA 3.2-6)
Examining John 10:30 (CA 3.7-9)
The Arian Monad of John 10:30 (CA 3.10-6)
The Arian Uses of John 17:11 (CA 3.17-25)
Interacting with the Arian Interpretation of the Gospel Texts (CA 3.26-67)
The Eternal Son and the Scriptural Witness in the Gospels (CA 3.30-5)
Matthew 11:27 and John 3:35 (CA 3.36-41)
Mark 13:32 and Luke 2:52 (CA 3.42-53)
Matthew 26:38-39 and John 12:27 (CA 3.54-58a)
Refuting Sonship Per the Will of God (CA 3.58b-67)
5. SUMMARY OF THE THESIS
The Theological Concept of Eternal Sonship as Revealed in Contra Arianos
Eternal Sonship from the Negative Aspect
Eternal Sonship from the Positive Aspect
Eternal Subordination
Conclusion
BIBLIOGRAPHY