Contrasting the Middle Ages. Bullinger's Interpretation of ex fide in fidem in Rom 1:17

This article explores Heinrich Bullinger’s (1504-1575) interpretation of the phrase ‘ex fide in fidem’ in Romans 1:17, contrasting his approach with medieval exegesis. Bullinger, the successor of Ulrich Zwingli in Zurich, distances himself from medieval exegesis and presents his interpretation as novel, advocating for a rhetorical framework in interpreting Pauline letters in the tradition of Erasmus. The study examines whether Bullinger’s exegesis significantly departs from medieval interpretations and how his methods align or contrast with those of earlier exegetes. Notably, his exploration of Romans 1:17 bears resemblance to medieval interpretations, such as that of the Glossa Ordinaria, Thomas Aquinas, and Hugh of Saint-Cher, and does not represent the strict break from the medieval era that Bullinger claims. Through this analysis, the article contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamic between biblical interpretation in the Reformation and medieval eras.