A CASE OF (GALENIC?) NATURAL ΠΝΕΥΜΑ IN A LATE-ANTIQUE HOMILY OF JOHN CHRYSOSTOM?

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to investigate evidence for a possible case of (Galenic?) natural πνεῦμα in John Chrysostom’s 39th homily on 1 Corinthians and its significance for tracing the development of a tripartite physiological pneumatology in late antiquity. The article starts with an overview of the contention surrounding natural πνεῦμα in Galen’s thought and the problems of the tripartite physiological pneumatology. Thereafter, the reference in John’s homily is examined in detail, with special reference to John’s own holistic understanding of πνεῦμα in his medical-theological framework. The article ends with some conclusions and proposals for better understanding and approaching natural πνεῦμα and the problems of the tripartite physiological pneumatology.