Theology of the Eucharist in Erasmus' and Titelmans' Paraphrase of John 6

Abstract

This article explores theological differences in biblical paraphrases of Erasmus of Rotterdam and Francis Titelmans. Erasmus’ biblical scholarship included paraphrases of New Testament books; a genre of biblical commentary that he effectively reinvented. His paraphrases were acclaimed by fellow humanists but criticised by many theologians, including Noel Beda. Meanwhile, Beda’s protegee, Francis Titelmans prepared his own paraphrases, borrowing from Erasmus his innovative form, but filling it with conservative content. This article concentrates on their respective paraphrases of John 6. It demonstrates Titelmans’ indebtness to the older humanist in terms of styles and explores theological differences between them. Erasmus departed from the traditional, eucharistic reading of John 6 and emphasised ethical issues. He often described the Lord’s Supper as symbolic and mystical, which entangled him in accusations of sharing eucharistic theology of Swiss reformers. Titelmans, on the other hand, upheld in all aspects traditional, Catholic teaching and read John 6 through a sacramental prism. The analysis of those early 16th century paraphrases sheds light on pre-Tridentine Catholic biblical exegesis and shows methodological developments that came to full fruition after the Council.