Preserving Scriptural Harmony

Abstract Only one allusion to the phrase “the faith once delivered saints” (Jude 3) survives from early church, in Book 10 of Origen’s Commentary on John . This article establishes that Origen is offering a close paraphrase this saying, and suggests it appears as slogan, possibly reflecting use by other Christians, favour overriding implications spiritual reading 2.20–22. It shows how interpretative procedures – distinguishing literal senses, invoking key principle Scripture’s internal harmony interact combine resist deployment Jude 3. Although requires admit some kind “change good things given saints”, constitutes an application further elucidation his careful exegetical method which, ultimately, “preserves narrative Scriptures”.