The Works of Philo of Alexandria, “On Providence: Fragment II” (De Providentia, II)
A Series of Articles Summarising the Tractates of Philo of Alexandria
Introduction
Philo of Alexandria’s “On Providence: Fragment II” (De Providentia, II) continues his exploration of divine providence in the first fragment. In this second part, Philo deepens his discussion of how divine providence manifests in the world, particularly focusing on its moral and ethical dimensions. He seeks to elucidate how God’s providential care extends to the minutiae of human affairs, emphasizing the moral order and justice that divine governance instils in the world.
This article is one of a series on the works of Philo of Alexandria, all of which are listed in the below Medium.com list:
This article is one of a series on the works of Philo of Alexandria, all of which are listed in the below Medium.com list:
Overview and Structure
This fragment is structured around a more detailed examination of divine providence's implications for human behaviour and society. Philo uses a combination of philosophical argumentation, scriptural interpretation, and moral exhortation to present a cohesive view of how providence maintains physical order and guides human moral conduct.
Themes and Content
Providence and Moral Order
Philo discusses how divine providence is integral to maintaining moral and ethical order in the world. He argues that God, as a benevolent and all-knowing ruler, ensures that justice prevails, even if human perception of timing and justice may be limited. Philo illustrates this through examples where apparent injustices are ultimately corrected within a larger divine plan.
The Role of Angels
In this fragment, Philo introduces the concept of angels as agents of providence. He describes how these beings serve as intermediaries between God and humanity, executing the divine will and assisting in world governance. Angels are portrayed as manifestations of God’s care, tasked with protecting the righteous and implementing justice.
Human Participation in Providence
A significant theme in Fragment II is the idea that humans are not merely passive recipients of divine providence but active participants in its unfolding. Philo emphasizes the responsibility of individuals to align their actions with divine law and wisdom. He discusses how human virtue and piety contribute to the harmonious order of the world, enhancing the efficacy of providential care.
Providence and Free Will
Philo further explores the relationship between divine providence and human free will. He argues that while God’s providence guides and influences the course of events, it does not override human agency. Individuals are free to choose their actions, which determine their alignment with or deviation from the path that providence lays out.
Justice and Retribution
The tractate addresses the issue of divine retribution and its timing. Philo reassures his readers that divine justice is always exact and timely, though it may not always conform to human expectations. He explains that delays in punishment or reward are often purposeful, designed to provide opportunities for repentance or to demonstrate the virtues of patience and trust.
Practical Implications for Living
Philo concludes by discussing the practical implications of acknowledging and understanding divine providence. He encourages a life of virtue, obedience, and humility, suggesting that such a life aligns with the divine order and is thus under the special protection and favour of providence.
Conclusion
In “On Providence: Fragment II,” Philo of Alexandria provides a profound and nuanced discussion of how divine providence interacts with the world, particularly in the realm of human affairs.
By integrating theological doctrines with philosophical insights, Philo offers a vision of the world where every aspect of existence is imbued with meaning and purpose through the active governance of a just and wise God.
This work not only comforted and instructed Philo’s contemporaries but also offered timeless insights into the nature of divine justice and human responsibility.
