Philo of Alexandria
Philo Alexandrinus
Biography
Born around 20 B.C., Jewish philosopher and Hellenist, moralist and exegete, Philo was also involved in the life of his city. He maintained direct relations with the imperial court: during the winter of 39/40, he led an embassy to Caligula in Rome to obtain citizenship for the Jews of Alexandria.
Almost all his works, written in Greek, have been preserved: they include treatises on the exegesis of the Pentateuch, especially Genesis, using the allegorical method; philosophical works imbued with Stoicism and Platonism; historical and apologetic works. He died around 50 AD.
Philo is a remarkable example, in a Hellenised milieu, of Jewish theology and spirituality as well as of the philosophical thought of the Mediterranean world. He provides the oldest reference to the Essenes. His work is remarkable for the richness of its thought and the originality of its style, in a great variety of literary genres. It exerted a considerable influence on the Christians of Alexandria (such as Clement and Origen) and even on Western exegesis via Ambrose of Milan.
Works
Quotations
- [JB] Ge
- [JB] Ge 1
- [JB] Ge 1:1-5
- [JB] Ge 1:1
- [JB] Ge 1:1-2
Related authors
Philo (Ps.) (1 - 1200 ?)
Under the name of Philo are transmitted several inauthentic Jewish works, dating from the 1st century AD, such as the Biblical Antiquities (from Adam to the death of Saul) and two Synagogue Preachings (On Jonah and On Samson).
Details
| Birth date | ? |
|---|---|
| Death date | ? |
| Activity | Egypt, Alexandria |
| Group of authors | Alexandria |