Athanasius's Confirmation that ΙΣ Was Taken to Mean "Man"

The interpretation of ΙΣ (a common abbreviation for Jesus in Greek manuscripts) as "man" has been a topic of discussion among scholars and theologians. A notable example that supports this interpretation comes from Athanasius’s De Synodis Arimini in Italia et Seleuciae in Isauria, where he discusses the nature of Jesus and His relationship to God the Father.

Athanasius's Argument

Athanasius, a pivotal figure in early Christian theology, argues against the Marcionite and Valentinian views, emphasizing the oneness of God the Father and Jesus the Son. He references Genesis 32:31, which in the Septuagint (LXX) reads, "The sun rose upon him when the Form of God passed by." Athanasius uses this passage to illustrate that Jesus, referred to as the "Form of God," is the visible manifestation of God. This interpretation aligns with the understanding that Jesus is the "Man" who wrestled with Jacob, revealing His divine nature while also emphasizing His human form.

Theological Implications

Athanasius’s interpretation is significant because it underscores the dual nature of Jesus Christ—both divine and human. By identifying Jesus as the "Man" who wrestled with Jacob, Athanasius affirms that Jesus embodies both the divine essence of God and the human experience. This duality is crucial for the Christian understanding of the Incarnation, where God becomes man in the person of Jesus Christ.

Clement of Alexandria’s View

Clement of Alexandria, another influential Church Father, also supports this interpretation. He consistently identifies Jesus with the "Man" who wrestled with Jacob, reinforcing the notion that Jesus is both fully divine and fully human. This understanding is not just theological but also scriptural, as Clement and other early Christian writers frequently draw on Old Testament passages to explain and justify the nature of Jesus Christ.

Genesis 32:31 in Context

The passage from Genesis 32:31 is critical in these discussions. The full verse in the Septuagint reads: "The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip." The context of Jacob wrestling with a mysterious figure, often interpreted as God or an angel, is a rich source for theological reflection. In identifying this figure with Jesus, early Christian theologians like Athanasius and Clement establish a continuity between the Old Testament theophanies and the New Testament revelation of God in Christ.

Conclusion

Athanasius’s use of Genesis 32:31 to argue for the oneness of God the Father and Jesus the Son provides perhaps the clearest confirmation that ΙΣ (Jesus) is indeed equated with "Man." This interpretation highlights the profound mystery of the Incarnation, where Jesus embodies both the divine nature of God and the human nature of man, fulfilling the scriptural narratives and theological doctrines of early Christianity.

This theological insight not only deepens our understanding of early Christian exegesis but also reinforces the foundational Christian belief in the dual nature of Christ as both God and man.