Parva Naturalia and Ambigua

The manuscript is written in a dense Byzantine minuscule script, featuring frequent abbreviations and ligatures typical of the era. A large digital watermark from the Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana overlays the central gutter, though the text remains legible.

For in order that these people might be clearly shown and enlightened, he did not say, "that they may see," but "that they may shine"; for he says, "as stars original: φωστῆρες (phosteres), referring to celestial bodies or luminaries that radiate light in the world." So it is with you; for this reason Christ also said, "You are the light of the world." Do you see that we are also obligated to enlighten others who are in the darkness? For this reason, he also called us a lamp—not so that the lamp might enjoy its own light, but so that it might shine for those sitting in darkness.

Philippians 2 And "in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation." Do you see how he shows that it is not otherwise possible to become blameless, unless they are of such a character? He did not say, "In the midst of devout and holy men," but, "In the midst of a crooked and perverse generation." Therefore, to be blameless in the midst of such people is the truly wonderful thing. For just as the stars would not appear if there were no darkness, so you would not appear unless you were in the midst of such people. This is the great achievement: to not be changed by the wickedness of those people, and to remain undistorted in the midst of the perverse.

"Holding fast to the word of life." That is to say, being obligated to give life to others as well, and to save those who are perishing. "As a boast for me on the day of Christ." What are you saying? Is the achievement of the disciples a boast original: καύχημα (kauchema), a ground of pride or glorying for the teacher? Yes, he says; for this is how fathers exult over their children. "Because I did not run in vain, nor did I labor in vain." Do you see how much love he has, that he does this not simply, but with much diligence? "Nor did I labor in vain," he says.

For even in this part, he says, is the whole matter. If we also act in this way, nothing will prevent us from having Christ within us. "But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering original: σπένδομαι (spendomai), a ritual pouring of wine as an offering to God, symbolizing Paul's willingness to be martyred upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. And in the same way, you also should rejoice and share your joy with me." Do you see how he dies with joy? He did not say, "But even if I die," but rather, "Even if I am poured out as a drink offering."

For the drink offering, he says, is sweeter than the sacrifice. "Upon the sacrifice and service of your faith." He said this also in the Epistle to the Romans: "Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God." For that is the sacrifice: to bring the disciples forward to God. "I rejoice," he says, "and share my joy with you all." So even if I die, do not be troubled; for I rejoice that I am becoming a sacrifice. "And in the same way, you also should rejoice and share your joy with me." Therefore, death is nothing terrible, if indeed one ought to rejoice over it.

"But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I know your circumstances." Again, he adds "In the Lord" everywhere, so that they may not consider anything in merely human terms. "So that I also may be encouraged," he says, "when I know your circumstances." Do you see how great his care is? Since he himself was not able to be present, he sends the disciple to learn how they are doing. For he did not leave them deserted, but was anxious and concerned for them.

Luminaries/Stars (phosteres): A term used for the sun, moon, and stars, here used metaphorically for Christians.
World (kosmos): Here refers to the physical world or the general human society.
Sacrifice and Service (thysia kai leitourgia): Technical religious terms for the act of offering to God and the formal public service or ministry performed by a priest.
Boast (kauchema): In the Pauline sense, this is not "pride" in a negative way, but the joy and evidence of a job well done before God.