Examples of Faith and Virtue: Cyprian's Use of the Book of Daniel

Abstract

Cyprian's Book of Daniel is the Daniel of the Greek OT, including the parts also known as the Prayer of Azariah, Bel and the Dragon, and the Book of Susanna. His unquestioning use of them as Scripture is congruent with his treatment of other so-called deuterocanonical books, reflecting the practice of mid-third century Carthage. Cyprian uses Daniel across all areas of his pastoral concern. Although the reading strategies of direct application and prophetic fulfillment are used to convey aspects of divine truth, Cyprian largely relies on models, an important element of Greco-Roman paideia, as a means of appropriating the book. The three youths, and Daniel himself, are repeatedly presented as exemplars of steadfast faith in the face of persecution, unity, and proper confession of sin. King Nebuchadnezzar is a negative example of the failure to give alms, while the virtuous Susanna is equated with the church, which must be wary of rogue presbyters trying to destroy it. As with all Cyprian's exegesis, his catechetical use of the Book of Daniel is grounded in the conviction that the Scriptures, Old and New, directly address the existential challenges facing his flock.