OK, two things:
First, I am studying Philo’s interpretation of Adam. I see that he covers this subject in On the Creation and Allegorical Interpretation. Is there anywhere else I should look?
Second, I’m not even a novice when it comes to reading and interpreting Philo (it would be an accomplishment to be that advanced!), so what are some good books you’d recommend? Is there a solid commentary on the aforementioned texts that I should seek?
Thank you!
I wrote a paper on Philo’s understanding of Gen 2:7. It may be useful, and the bibliography will definitely be useful. I will email it to you.
Philo definitely mentions Adam in other works besides the two you mentioned, but those are the ones with the rich material, or at least I apparently thought so when I compiled the list of texts to study carefully. The books in my bibliography will point you to all others, though.
Excellent, thanks Bill!
Brian –
I’ve not read Philo either. I am actually currently reading a work – Beginnings: Ancient Christian Readings of the Biblical Creation Narratives
by Peter Bouteneff, an Eastern Orthodox theologian. He has a section in the earlier part of his book of Philo’s interpretation of Adam and the creation narrative. Bouteneff refers to the 2 works you mention, but also to Questions and Answers in Genesis.
I wish I had my personal library with me because I own Bouteneff’s book (and I’ve read it). Sadly, it is in California. Thank you for the reminder that he discusses this though. I need to see if I can find a copy of that book to browse somewhere.
I believe I read somewhere that Philo’s big thing was the introduction of the concept of ‘mikros kosmos’, or microcosm of the image where Philo introduced the Hebraic idea of man as the eikon of God in opposition to Plato’s idea (Timaeus) that creation is the image of God, and man is a replica of creation.
I don’t have a reference, but the idea stuck with me.