ABSTRACT
EXPLORING THE HARBOR OF REST:
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ANAPAUSIS
IN THE PSEUDO-MACARIAN CORPUS
Susan E. Ramsey, B.A., M.A., M.Div.
Marquette University, 2011
This dissertation explores the use of ‘Rest’ (Gk terminology in the
Pseudo-Macarian Corpus (Syro-Mesopotamia/Asia Minor, 370-420 CE). The study
examines the ways that Macarius uses this significant terminology in the Macarian
Corpus and how ‘Rest’ relates to his overarching theological vision. Macarius draws
from a variety of traditions and this study examines how those sources inform his view of
‘Rest’. This topos serves as both the root and apex of his reflections on the nature of
humanity, his understanding of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, the need for entering into
the spiritual combat, and the Sabbath. Finally, this dissertation searches for contributions
that Macarius’ view of ‘Rest’ could make to the contemporary discussion of Sabbath.
Using the Thesaurus Linguae Graecae database, the citations of ‘Rest’ in the
three major collections of the Macarian Corpus were identified. These passages were
then examined for theological themes and analyzed for their significance for Macarius’
theology. For each major topic, the historical developments and contemporaneous views
were researched and included in the study.
This analysis revealed that: 1) Macarius draws from a variety of sources and these
sources are detectable in his use of ‘Rest’. 2) The ‘Rest’ terminology grew rapidly in
usage from the second century BCE to the fourth century CE. 3) ‘Rest’ is a key
liturgical theme in Syriac Christianity. 4) ‘Rest’ is connected to the imago Dei and
biblical anthropomorphism. 5) ‘Rest’ is connected to a nexus of themes related to 
and nuptial imagery. 6) Macarius draws upon the earlier melding of Sabbath (as divine
time) and Sanctuary (as divine dwelling place) that began with the Songs of Sabbath
Sacrifice and the Epistle to the Hebrews. 7) ‘Rest’ can be viewed as a polemic against
the Messalians. 8) Rest has connections with the Jewish origins of Christian mysticism.