The Book of Apocalypses as a superna contemplatio in "Complexiones in Apocalypsin" by Kasjodor

Abstract

The issue of interpretation of Apocalypses by John Apostle on the basis of Kasjodors’s Complexiones in Apocalipsin was depicted in this article. Kasjodor’s work constitutes basically a concise summary of the New Testament Book, which for an ancient exegete is an encouragement to begin heavenly meditations. The term superna contemplatio regarding Apocalypses expresses the desire of Heaven, vision of Ultimate Things and perspective of eternal joy. Kasjodor’s commentary concentrates not on the literal meaning of Apocalypses but spiritual and allegorical ones, therefore it is a part of exegetical tradition. The article consists of three paragraphs. The first one shows the meaning of John Apostle’s Apocalypses in Kasjodor’s exegetical output. The second one deals with the role and application of numerological exegesis (the symbolics of numbers). And finally, the third paragraph presents attempts to explain Apocalypses in the spirit of superna contemplatio as depicted by Kasjodor.