Published in Pleasure in the Middle Ages

PDF download:

18-05.pdf

The present article is dedicated to the Commentary on the Apocalypse by Venerable Bede. The close reading of the commentary shows that the leading topic of Bede’s commentary is missionary work. By the beginning of the eighth century, the idea of preaching Christianity to the heathens on the continent was widespread in England, especially in Northumbria. While commenting on the verses of the Apocalypse, Bede also expresses his views concerning various aspects of preaching. In the case of Bede’s commentary, the genre in question turns out to be lively and full of allusions to current events.