Scripture in the sermons of Caesarius of Arles

Abstract

Caesarius of Arles devoted considerable attention and effort to the exposition of scripture in his preaching. He regarded lay engagement with and comprehension of the Bible as very important, even urging his congregation to engage with the scriptures directly, armed with the technqiues of exegesis which he would provide for them. Caesarius planned that scripture would thus become the basis of Christian identity for his congregation and went further than any other preacher of this period in giving scripture this role. His efforts involved both a positive, educative role for the preacher, and the negative exclusion of alternative approaches to these central texts.