Jakob von Sarug im Kontext der Entwicklung des syrischen Mönchtums

Simon Birol elucidates the central ideas of Jacob of Serugh (ca. 449/451-520/521; bishop of Bän¿n in Serugh 518/9-520/1) concerning the monasticism of his era. After an introduction to Jacob's life and writings, a problem-oriented account of the development of early Syriac monasticism up to his time follows. This is complemented by a critical edition with translation and commentary of Jacob's On the Solitaries , regarded as his most important work on the solitary life. For cenobitic asceticism, translation and commentary on Jacob's Letter 11 to the otherwise unknown monk Paul is provided. To sharpen Jacob's ascetic profile, Birol further illuminates his milieu through his letters and compares the insights gained with the ascetic ideas of Philoxenos of Mabbug (d. 523). Finally, the reception of the two works are considered.