Early Dominicans on the apocalypse: A reading of the 1260s Apocalypse commentary of Peter of Tarentaise

This dissertation seeks to provide a thorough analysis of the Apocalypse commentary of Peter of Tarentaise. It does so by giving particular acknowledgment of the historical and theological context in which it was written. Peter was a Dominican who lectured upon this text in the mid-thirteenth century. The decade in which he completed the commentary is marked by a movement in his Order to reform education as well as a heightened sense of caution against apocalyptic thinking. This caution came as a result of the events of the preceding decade when apocalypticism was on the rise and created a special challenge for the mendicant orders. Peter's commentary reflects a concern to eliminate from the tradition all problematic statements regarding the last days. This can be seen especially when comparing Peter's commentary to his two contemporary sources upon which he heavily relied. A comparison of these three texts shows that Peter consistently altered multiple apocalyptic readings. Peter argues that the Apocalypse should not be a medium for apocalyptic speculation, but a textbook for teaching Dominican friars about the nature of their vocation, in particular, about preaching. Thus Peter in his Apocalypse commentary, having expunged all radical statements about the End, highlights instead the ideal preacher, his duties, values, and role in the history of salvation.