Origen’s commentary on the Epistle to the Romans

Abstract

The commentary on the epistle to the Romans by Origen, completely involved with Paul's theology, is the result of the controversies that surrounded him, and it is at the same time an attempt to systematize Paul's writings, since it was believed that Pauline texts contained gaps that needed to be filled and interpreted, in order to make them clearer and more intelligible for any reader. Controversial topics such as the comparison between natural law and mosaic law; literal or spiritual and mystical exegesis; free will and God's omniscience; the pre-existence of the soul, which contributed to Origin's later reputation as a heretic author, highlighted the great moment of the Alexandrine, already in his maturity.