Abstract

In the article the teaching of apologist Athenagoras on the concept of matter is investigated in some detail. Created matter is contrasted with the imperishable nature of God. I highlight the theological and philosophical innovation of Athenagoras, namely his extending of the perishability to every part of the cosmos, while accepting the idea of resurrection of human bodies to the state of immortality. It is shown how Athenagoras laid down the foundation for the Christian doctrine of hierarchical position and the theological significance of matter in the universe. Thorough analysis of the Legatio and De resurrectione with respect to the doctrine of matter provides new evidence in favor of unity of the two tractates in their theological content and glossary.