Arnobius the Younger

Arnobius the Younger was a Christian cleric, identified as either a priest or bishop, who was active in Gaul and wrote from Rome around the mid-5th century AD (circa 460 AD). He is primarily recognized for his significant theological work, a mystical and allegorical commentary on the Psalms.

Major Contributions

His most notable work, the commentary on the Psalms, was first published in 1522 by Erasmus, who initially attributed it to the elder Arnobius. This work has seen frequent reprints and sometimes includes accompanying notes on the Gospels by the same author. Modern critical editions, such as CCSL 25, have also been produced. The theological perspectives expressed in his commentary have led scholars to characterize him as semi-Pelagian, largely due to his opposition to Augustine's doctrine of predestination. This positions him within a significant theological debate of the era concerning grace and free will.

Attributions and Influences

Beyond his commentary, Arnobius the Younger has been associated with other writings. The anonymous treatise "Arnobii catholici et Serapionis conflictus de Deo trino et uno ... de gratiae liberi arbitrii concordia" has sometimes been attributed to him, although it is more likely the work of a follower of Augustine. More recently, scholarly arguments by Cécile Lanéry, accepted by Michael Lapidge as "powerful and incontrovertible," have attributed the anonymous "Passio sanctae Caeciliae" to Arnobius the Younger. His theological leanings and potential African origin are sometimes inferred from his dependence on the work of Ticonius.