Chapter 9 The Tree of Life in Early Christian Literature
In: The Tree of Life
Author:
Mark Edwards
Mark Edwards
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Abstract
This paper studies Christian commentary on the tree of life under three descriptions: as a physical plant in Eden (Genesis 2.8–3.22); as a moral metaphor (Psalm 1.3 and Revelation 2.8) and as an eschatological symbol at Revelation 22.2. These correspond roughly to the somatic, moral and spiritual senses which were distinguished in scriptural exegesis by Christian allegorists from the time of Clement and Origen, although it will be shown that in many commentaries the biblical passages overlap, as therefore do the levels of exegesis.