When Papias Speaks of the 'Dominical Logia' He Probably Means Old Testament Scriptures ... Because of Philo

In the study of early Christian writings, the works of Papias of Hierapolis often invite considerable intrigue and debate. One significant aspect is his reference to the 'Dominical Logia,' which has been interpreted in various ways. Some scholars suggest that when Papias speaks of these 'Dominical Logia,' he may indeed be referring to Old Testament scriptures rather than the sayings of Jesus as traditionally thought. This interpretation gains further support when considering the influence of Philo of Alexandria on early Christian exegesis.

Papias and the Old Testament Exegesis

In the passage from Stephen Carlson’s "Papias of Hierapolis Exposition of Dominical Oracles," it is noted that Papias's interpretation of Genesis 27:28, where Isaac blesses Jacob, is millennial and deeply rooted in the tradition passed down from John the elder. This oral tradition, as Carlson points out, includes a wordplay of the Hebrew key words of Genesis 27:28. Papias's exegesis suggests a sophisticated understanding of scripture, indicative of an interpretation that goes beyond a simple recounting of Jesus's sayings.

Carlson's analysis indicates that Irenaeus, in his work Against Heresies, reflects Papias's exegetical methods by applying them to New Testament narratives. This link to the Old Testament is crucial, as it shows Papias's approach to scripture was heavily influenced by a broader tradition that included not only the inspired voice of Jesus but also the Hebrew texts.

Philo's Influence and the Concept of Logia

The connection between Papias's 'Dominical Logia' and the Old Testament is further illuminated by the works of Philo of Alexandria. Philo, a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher, often used the term 'Logia' to refer to divine oracles and prophetic utterances found in the Hebrew scriptures. For instance, in his allegorical interpretations, Philo frequently referred to the divine word ('ho theios logos') and the inspired oracle ('to thesphiston logion') to denote scriptural passages from the Old Testament.

Philo’s use of the term 'Logia' can be seen in several contexts:

• Divine Word: Philo interprets various biblical texts as the utterances of the divine word, often relating them to moral and philosophical teachings. For example, in De Cherubim, he speaks of Hagar being met by an angel as an interaction with the divine word.
• Prophetic Oracle: In De Plantat. Noe, Philo uses 'o prophetikos logos' to emphasize the prophetic nature of scriptural texts.
• Inspired Utterance: Philo's term 'to thesphiston logion' in De Somn underscores the sacred and inspired nature of these oracles, directly linking them to divine inspiration.

Given Philo's extensive influence on Hellenistic Judaism and early Christian thought, it is plausible that Papias, operating within this intellectual milieu, would adopt a similar understanding of 'Logia.' Thus, when Papias refers to the 'Dominical Logia,' he might be invoking a tradition that sees these logia as encompassing the sacred, prophetic utterances found in the Old Testament, which are interpreted through the lens of Jesus's life and teachings.

The Role of Oral Tradition

Carlson also highlights the importance of oral tradition in Papias’s exegesis. The passage suggests that the oral traditions Papias received were diverse and included what he terms "strange parables" attributed to Jesus and sensational accounts prevalent in the early Church. This diversity hints at a broader interpretative framework that Papias employed, one that integrated Old Testament exegesis with the emerging Christian narrative.

The deduction that Irenaeus uses Papias’s exegetical framework to interpret New Testament passages further underscores the continuity and adaptation of these traditions within early Christian writings. This approach to scriptural interpretation, which blends the Old and New Testaments, aligns with the broader hermeneutical practices of early Christian authors who sought to demonstrate the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the life and mission of Jesus.

Conclusion: Re-evaluating the Dominical Logia

In conclusion, the evidence suggests that Papias's reference to the 'Dominical Logia' likely includes Old Testament scriptures interpreted through the teachings of Jesus, rather than being limited to the sayings of Jesus alone. This broader interpretation aligns with the exegetical practices of Philo and other Hellenistic Jewish thinkers who influenced early Christian thought. Recognizing this connection helps to contextualize Papias within the rich tapestry of early scriptural interpretation, providing a more nuanced understanding of his contributions to Christian exegesis.