Remembering the Hidden Scriptures: Origen's Third Exegetical Miracle

In the intricate web of early Christian thought, one theme stands out as both a cornerstone of faith and a guiding principle for theological inquiry: the remembrance of hidden scriptures. This practice, deeply embedded in the traditions of early Christian communities, finds its most profound expression in the work and teachings of Origen.

The Legacy of the Seventy Translators

Early Christians held a profound belief in the literal truth of Aristeas's account of the translation of the Scriptures into Greek. According to this tradition, each of the seventy translators independently recalled the exact same words of the Holy Spirit from memory. This miraculous event was not seen as a one-time occurrence but as a model for divine inspiration and scriptural integrity. Irenaeus adds a significant historical context to this belief: "And there was nothing astonishing in God having done this,--He who, when, during the captivity of the people under Nebuchadnezzar, the Scriptures had been corrupted, and when, after seventy years, the Jews had returned to their own land, then, in the times of Artaxerxes king of the Persians, inspired Esdras the priest, of the tribe of Levi, to recast all the words of the former prophets, and to re-establish with the people the Mosaic legislation."

Origen’s Exegetical Miracle

Building on this tradition, Origen developed what can be seen as a third "exegetical miracle" in the middle of the third century. This new miracle did not involve the translation or recasting of scriptures but the act of remembrance itself. Origen’s followers, the "new Israel" of believers who had freshly "exodused" from Alexandria, were seen as "partakers of the Holy Spirit," tasked with remembering the lost gospel of their community.

This practice of remembrance was not presented by Origen as a mere possibility but as a fundamental duty of Christians and the very basis of their shared experience as exiles. The act of remembering and internalizing the hidden scriptures was central to their spiritual identity and their connection to the divine.

The Divine Command to Seek Hidden Scriptures

At the heart of Origen's teachings was the command to seek after “the Divine Scriptures hidden from the many” (τὸν κεκρυμμένον τοῖς πολλοῖς νοῦν τῶν θείων γραμμάτων). This search was not limited to the literal words of the canonical texts but extended to a deeper understanding and recollection of the ideal, perfect gospel that once existed in Egypt.

Origen’s methodology, which he elaborated in his Homily on Psalms and Letter to Theodore, emphasized the importance of spiritual preparation and the memory of scriptures over learned human wisdom. This radical approach to exegesis was aimed at uncovering the hidden truths within the holy writings and fostering a deeper spiritual connection.

The True Spoils of Egypt

The memory of the secret gospel—the gospel of the Church of St. Mark in Alexandria—was seen as the true "spoils of Egypt." These sacred texts, now only a memory for the exiled community, were to be repurposed for the worship of God in their new homeland. Origen encouraged his followers to "knock at" the locked door of these gospels, promising that the porter, as referenced by Jesus, would open it to them, revealing the hidden knowledge within.

A Tradition of Mystical Exegesis

This tradition of mystical exegesis and the search for hidden scriptures was not unique to Origen but was a continuation of earlier practices within the Christian community. It reflects a broader historical context where early Christians, like the translators of the Septuagint and Esdras the priest, were inspired by the Holy Spirit to preserve and remember the sacred texts.

Conclusion: The Duty of Remembrance

In conclusion, Origen's call to remember the hidden scriptures represents a profound spiritual duty for early Christians. It was a practice deeply rooted in the traditions of the Church and essential to their identity as believers. By embracing this duty, Origen’s followers were able to connect with the divine, preserve their spiritual heritage, and carry forward the sacred knowledge of their community.

This remembrance was not just an intellectual exercise but a deeply spiritual act that defined their relationship with God and each other. It was, in essence, a continuation of the miraculous preservation of scripture that had been a hallmark of their faith since the earliest days of Christianity.