Creation of the Universe and Creation of Man in Cyril of Alexandria’s Early Works on the Pentateuch

Abstract

Abstract After some preliminary remarks on Cyril’s two works on the Pentateuch, De adoratione and Glaphyra, as well as the σκοπός of the biblical text, this contribution deals with Cyril’s reading of the biblical account of the creation of the universe and creation of man. In contrast to other interpreters, e. g., the Cappadocian fathers, the Alexandrian patriarch does not show interest in a detailed explanation of cosmogony based on natural philosophy. He rather emphasizes the limits of the human mind in understanding the details of the act of God’s creation of the world. According to Cyril’s understanding of the goal of Moses’ writings, his exegesis of Genesis focuses especially on the creation of man. Convinced that Moses wrote his books as moral instruction to lead men to God, Cyril interprets selected parts of Genesis in a typological way in order to show man’s journey from the fall into sin to the restoration of a holy life.