A Note on Canon and Hermeneutics: Junillus, Inst. 1.1-10

Abstract

Abstract For interpreting Scripture, one needs to figure out what exactly is to be interpreted when the Word of God is interpreted. Because canon and hermeneutics are so tightly connected, several early Christian introductions to Scripture ( introductiones ) provided lists of canonical books. This article assesses a little-known canonical list provided by a sixth-century treatise Instituta regularia divinae legis by Junillus. His aim was to show the particular ways the biblical books in various genres communicated their message as the canonical Scripture. Junillus’ Instituta is a Latin version of the lost work of Paul the Persian, who was educated in Syria, at the School of Nisibis. As such, Instituta is a unique and original example of a broadly Antiochean exegetical tradition, which is disseminated for western readers. Cassiodorus recommended it to his students at Vivarium.