12. Melito's "On Pascha" [Sermon Analysis]

This lecture examines the second-century Easter homily known as the Pascha, attributed to Melito of Sardis, to explore its theological structure and hermeneutical principles. The analysis identifies the sermon's primary text as the Exodus narrative, specifically the Passover account, and demonstrates how Melito interprets the Old Testament through a Christocentric lens. Key themes include the typological relationship between the Passover lamb and Christ, the primacy of the New Testament in revealing the concealed truths of the Old, and the fulfillment of the law in the gospel. The presentation also addresses the historical context of the Quartodeciman controversy and the relationship between Melito and Irenaeus, highlighting the early church's consistent focus on Christ as the scope of Scripture. It it our hope these classes equip preachers with robust hermeneutical tools for handling biblical texts.