Graduate Colloquium in Biblical and Early Christian Studies, 2026-2027
Keble College. Photo (c) 2017
This collaborative seminar meets on alternate Wednesdays 8:00-10:00 a.m., beginning with breakfast provided (usually in Keble's Hall), to discuss topics and texts in the development of biblical and early Christian faith and practice.
The subject focus tends to vary between (a) Jewish or early Christian primary sources, (b) classic or important recent works of scholarship, or occasionally (c) research in progress by members of the group. Suggestions for future work are always welcome; please contact Prof. Bockmuehl for further information or to be added to the mailing list.
The programme is normally confirmed, by email circular and on this web page, before Week 1 each Term.
Michaelmas Term 2026
This term's subject will involve selected readings from Philo of Alexandria. There are four meetings, each of two 45-minute slots, in the Gibbs Room, Keble College, from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. on alternate Wednesdays, following breakfast at 8:00. The first slot of the first meeting is an introduction; the other seven are textual discussions.
For each session please read at least the longer English block and be prepared to discuss the short Greek extract. The Loeb edition volumes are online at LoebClassics.com or downloadable at the Internet Archive. Passages listed as further reading are optional.
The first meeting is on Wednesday 21 October, beginning with breakfast at 8:00 in Keble's temporary Marquee. Those who do not wish to join for breakfast are welcome to proceed straight to the Gibbs Room for a start of 8:30 sharp.
| Date | Session and reading |
|---|---|
| Wed 21 Oct Slot A | Introduction to Philo Professor Bockmuehl, 45 minutes. No set reading. |
| Wed 21 Oct Slot B Session 1 | Creation and the two Adams Alexandrian hexaemeral commentary; Paul’s two Adams (1 Cor 15) English: Opif. 16–25, 69–88, 134–150 Greek: Opif. 16–25, 134–135 Further reading (optional): Opif. 1–15, 26–68 |
| Wed 4 Nov Slot A Session 2 | Scripture, allegory and the literal law Sabbath and circumcision debates; Hebrews; Origen’s method; the Septuagint in Christian use English: Migr. 86–93; Mos. 2.25–44 Greek: Migr. 89–93; Mos. 2.37–40 Further reading (optional): Migr. 1–35, 94–105 |
| Wed 4 Nov Slot B Session 3 | The Decalogue and the lawgiver Commandments as heads of the whole law; Jewish and Christian ethics; Moses as “god and king” and Moses typology English: Decal. 18–31, 50–81, 154–175; Mos. 1.155–158 Greek: Decal. 18–19, 154 Further reading (optional): Decal. 1–17, 32–49 (the voice at Sinai) |
| Wed 18 Nov Slot A Session 4 | The Logos: priest, firstborn, second God John 1 and 6; Col 1; Hebrews 7 and Melchizedek; Origen, Nicaea English: Leg. All. 3.79–82, 3.169–178; QG 2.62; Fug. 108–112 Greek: Conf. 146–147; Somn. 1.229–231; Her. 205–206 Further reading (optional): Agr. 50–54; Mos. 1.74–76 (“the one who is”) |
| Wed 18 Nov Slot B Session 5 | Powers, the vision of God and Abraham’s faith Theophany exegesis; negative theology; Trinitarian readings of Mamre; Gen 15:6 in Paul, James and Hebrews 11 English: Abr. 107–132; Spec. 1.32–50; Post. 13–21; Her. 90–95 Greek: Abr. 119–123 Further reading (optional): Spec. 1.13–31 |
| Wed 2 Dec Slot A Session 6 | Eschatology and messianic hope Num 24:7 tradition; restoration; Jerusalem and ingathering English: Praem. 79–97, 152–172 Greek: Praem. 93–97, 164–165 Further reading (optional): Praem. 98–151 |
| Wed 2 Dec Slot B Session 7 | Communities and Jews under Rome Early monasticism; Essenes and Qumran; Jerusalem as “mother city” English: Contempl. 1–39, 64–90; Prob. 75–91; Legat. 276–294 Greek: Contempl. 28–29; Legat. 281–284 Further reading (optional): Contempl. 40–63; Hypoth. 11.1–18; Legat. 295–329 |
Abbreviations as in the SBL Handbook of Style. Section numbers follow the Loeb edition (Colson–Whitaker) and Cohn–Wendland. (NB Hypoth. 11 is preserved only in Eusebius, Praep. ev. 8.11. QG 2.62 survives chiefly in Armenian.)
All welcome, but please email Markus.Bockmuehl@keble.ox.ac.uk in advance if you would like to join.