The Collected Commentaries of the Epistles

Blessed Theophylact was an eleventh-century Byzantine hierarch, scholar, and theologian who became Archbishop of Ohrid in Bulgaria. He was educated in Constantinople and served for a time as a teacher and churchman before being appointed to his episcopal see. Though he often found life in Ohrid difficult, he faithfully served the Church there through preaching, teaching, and pastoral care. He is best known for his commentaries on the Gospels, Acts, the Epistles, and several Old Testament books. His commentaries are largely based on the teaching of earlier Fathers, especially Saint John Chrysostom, but he presents their insights in a clear and organised manner. He explains difficult passages, clarifies doctrine, and draws out the moral meaning of Scripture for the Christian life. His writings became widely used because they are easier to follow than many longer patristic works while still remaining faithful to the Orthodox tradition. For this reason, Blessed Theophylact’s commentaries continue to be valued as a reliable guide to understanding Holy Scripture through the mind of the Church.