Redemption between law and theology. The theological translation of the Roman redemptio in the Patristics

The paper aims to contribute to the history of the theological, political and juridical concept of “redemption”. The starting point for our analysis is Ambrose of Milan’s commentary on the second chapter of Luke’s gospel, which deals with Christ’s birth and mentions the universal census, or registration, ordered by Caesar Augustus at that time (Luke 2:1-5). In commenting on this pericope (Expositio evangelii secundum Lucam, II, §36-38), Ambrose produces from within Luke’s narrative all the contractually necessary elements – witnesses, motive, specification of time and place – to validate that which he calls the ‘redemption of all (redemptio omnium)’, begun with the coming of Christ. This interpretation clearly shows the extent to which the theological concept of redemption stems from the Roman juridical institution of the release of prisoners (redemptio ab hostibus). We will then compare Ambrose’s reading to other, previous and contemporary, exegeses.