MYSTERY REVEALED

Method and Structure of the Inquiry
The Background of the Inquiry
Ad Diognetum has been called “the noblest of early Christian writings.” 1 Many
scholars have contributed to our understanding of this attractive but enigmatic writing.
In the Post-War period, Henry G. Meecham 2 and Henri-Irénée Marrou 3 have done
excellent research and given us helpful tools in examining this work. As the
Bibliography shows, many valuable articles have also been written. In Scandinavia, this
writing was given particular attention by the Norwegian scholar Einar Molland. 4 It is
the conviction of this present author, that Ad Diognetum deserves attention also in
Sweden. I hope to be able to point out some of its qualities.
In 1975 Rudolf Brändle published a thorough dissertation on Die Ethik der “Schrift
an Diognet.” 5 Brändle identified and analyzed the ethical theme. Another theme has to
do with the concept of revelation. Most scholars agree that the revelational theme is
obvious in Ad Diognetum. Horacio E. Lona has in an outstanding commentary,
extensively and convincingly stated the revelational theme, 6 but none has, as far as I
know, carried out a comprehensive Inquiry into this subject and described and explained
this theme in terms of Revelational Theology. That further step is the object of this
Inquiry.
Many forms of religious discourse presuppose some kind of revelation. In
comparative religion, belief in Divine revelation is central to many traditions and is
supposed to be seen in nature, history, experience, community and conscience. Mircea
1 Joseph B. Lightfoot, Michael W. Holmes, and John R. Harmer (eds.), The Epistle to Diognetus, in
AFa, ed. rev. by M.W. Holmes, (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1992), p.529.
2 Henry G. Meecham, The Epistle to Diognetus: The Greek text with introduction, translation and
notes, Diss. (Manchester: Manchester University Press, 1949).
3 Henri-Irénée Marrou, A Diognète: Introduction, edition critique, traduction et commentaire, in SCH
33 (Paris: 1951).
4 Einar Molland, ”Brevet til Diognet.” Kirke og kultur 42, (Oslo 1935), pp.547-563 and E. Molland,
DieLiteratur- und dogmengeschichtliche Stellung des Diognetbriefes. Opuscula Patristica, (Oslo 1970),
pp.79-99. Orig. publ. in ZNW xxxiii (1934), pp.289-312.
5 Rudolf Brändle, Die Ethik der “Schrift and Diognet”: Eine Wiederaufnahme Paulinischer und
Johanneischer Theologie am Ausgang des zweiten Jahrhunderts, Diss. (Zürich: Theologischer Verlag,
1975).
6 Horacio E. Lona, An Diognet. Kommentar zu Frühchristichen Apologeten in 12 Bänden. Bd. 8.
(Freiburg: Herder Verlag, 2001).
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