A citation from the library
Patristic A.D. 395 · Historical Christian Faith commentaries database, on Eccl 1:1 (HOMILIES ON ECCLESIASTES 1)

Gregory of Nyssa, on Eccl 1:1

Gregory of Nyssa · c. A.D. 335–395
Eccl 1:1 · Douay-Rheims
“The words of Ecclesiastes, the son of David, king of Jerusalem.”
On this verse:
“The teaching of Ecclesiastes pertains only to suitable behavior in the church, that is, how to direct a person in virtue. This book aims to elevate our minds above the senses, to abandon great, brilliant and noble appearances, to transcend the senses and to attain what transcends them.Perhaps this inscription refers to the leader of the church [ekklēsia]. The true Ecclesiastes [ekklēsiastes, Christ] gathers into one assembly those persons who often have been scattered and frequently deceived. Who could he be except the true king of Israel to whom Nathaniel said, "You are the son of God and the king of Israel"? If these words pertain to the king of Israel, the Son of God, as the Gospel says, then he is called Ecclesiastes. We will not deviate from the inscription's meaning provided that we learn about him who firmly establishes the church through the Gospel and to whom these words apply. "The words of Ecclesiastes, son of David": thus Matthew begins his gospel with the name David and calls him Lord.”

Imported from an open dataset — not yet checked against the printed edition.

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