Some Unusual Exegetical Methods of Ambrosiaster in the Commentary on the Epistle of the Apostle Paul to the Romans

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the exegetical method of Ambrosiaster. It is shown that despite the generally literal exegetical style of the interpreter, characterized by the desire to explain the author through the author himself, in rare cases Ambrosiaster uses typological and allegorical methods. The article provides examples of such interpretations found in the Commentary on the Epistle of the Apostle Paul to the Romans. The motives that prompt the exegete to use methods that are not typical for themselves are condemned. A peculiar technique of Ambrosiastes is discussed, which can be called a «nominal hermeneutic rule», according to which the commented passage of Holy Scripture is interpreted in connection with the Name of God used in it, which is taken as an indication of One or Another Person of the Holy Trinity.