Prov 8:22ff in Early Christian Statements on the Relation of Origin of the Son from the Father: The Case of Justin, Athenagoras, and Theophilus

Abstract

The article analyses the quotes of Prov 8:22–25 and references to this passage in three early Christian theologians of the 2nd century, Justin Martyr, Athenagoras of Athens, and Theophilus of Antioch. It examines the way how the three authors employ the present Biblical passage in their expositions concerning the relation of origin of the Son of God (Word and Wisdom) from God the Father. It argues for Prov 8:22 as a witness of the pre-existence of the Word–Wisdom and of the Word as the ‘Beginning’ of all creation, and it attempts to find hints at Prov 8:25 in the statements in which the three Christian authors employ the verb ‘to beget’ (γεννᾶν) and the noun ‘offspring’ (γέννημα) as the terms for coming forth of the second divine person.