“In principio”: The Metaphysical Exegesis of John 1:1 by Albert the Great, Bonaventure and Thomas Aquinas

Abstract

The article presents the interpretations of the phrase “in principio” (John 1:1) provided by Albert the Great, Bonaventure and Thomas Aquinas in their commentaries on the Gospel of John. Their approaches are different. Albert uses the concepts of the first principle and of the intellect which acts universally and produces its own light. Bonaventure builds his interpretation on Augustine’s distinction between the beginning without beginning and the beginning from the beginning. Aquinas creates a conceptual framework based on metaphysical theories. All three approaches reflect the metaphysical character of the exegesis of John 1:1 performed by these authors. This metaphysical attitude enables them to use advanced concepts and constitutes a basis for calling their exegesis “analytical.”