Józef egipski jako figura Chrystusa w dziełach ojców kościoła pierwszych czterech wieków

Abstract

Patriarch Joseph, the last but one son of Jacob, happens to be interpreted in the patristic tradition as a figure of Jesus Christ. One can find it in the texts of the ancient writers: Meliton of Sardes, Ireneus, Tertulian, Orygene, Hipolitus, Asterius the Sophist, Gregory of Elwira, and above all, St. Ambrose. The typological interpretation of Patriarch Joseph is extremely important with the Church Fathers of the first four centuries, it is true, yet it was emphasized by the saint bishop from Milan. He pinpoints that the Old Testament is a preparation for the New Testament, stressing at the same time the continuation of revelation and salvation, which were God’s intention and accomplished their fulfillment in Jesus Christ who came upon the earth. Various circumstance, however, under which Joseph lived and acted, provide St. Ambrose with an opportunity to reflect on the incarnation, passion, death and resurrection of the Saviour.