The Cambridge Companion to Philo

The Cambridge Companion to Philo presents an accessible account of Philo of Alexandria and his works.

Adam Kamesar (Edited by)

9780521860901, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 27 April 2009

320 pages
22.6 x 15 x 2.3 cm, 0.64 kg

'Kamesar comments on what hasbeen termed Philo's 'Aaronide Pentaleuchalism', and Siegert seeks to deomonstrate that of all the non-Christian authors of the first century, Philo is the most important one for the historian of emerging Christianity.' International Review of Biblical Studies

The works of Philo of Alexandria, a slightly older contemporary of Jesus and Paul, constitute an essential source for the study of Judaism and the rise of Christianity. They are also of extreme importance for understanding the Greek philosophy of the time and help to explain the onset of new forms of spirituality that would dominate the following centuries. This handbook presents an account of Philo's achievements. It contains a profile of his life and times, a systematic overview of his many writings, and survey chapters of the key features of his thought, as seen from the perspectives of Judaism and Greek philosophy. The volume concludes with a section devoted to Philo's influence and significance. Composed by an international team of experts, The Cambridge Companion to Philo gives readers a sense of the state of scholarship and provides depth of vision in key areas of Philonic studies.

Introduction Adam Kamesar
Part I. Philo's Life and Writings: 1. Philo, his family, and his times Daniel R. Schwartz
2. The works of Philo James R. Royse
3. Biblical interpretation in Philo Adam Kamesar
Part II. Philo's Thought: 4. Philo's thought within the context of middle Judaism Cristina Termini
5. Philo's theology and theory of creation Roberto Radice
6. Philo's ethics Carlos Lévy
Part III. Philo's Influence and Significance: 7. Philo and the New Testament Folker Siegert
8. Philo and the early Christian fathers David T. Runia
9. Philo and rabbinic literature David Winston.

Subject Areas: Judaism [HRJ], Bibles [HRCF], Christianity [HRC], Philosophy of religion [HRAB], Classical history / classical civilisation [HBLA1]