Is Perpetua a Biblical Exegete?

This article argues that Perpetua is portrayed as a biblical exegete in the Passion of Perpetua and Felicity. It demonstrates that she performs interpretations of her biblically infused dreams in a mode consonant with contemporary exegetical practices: she interprets in a liturgical mode, she uses allegory or typology, and she inhabits the scriptures and becomes a biblical character. The article concludes by suggesting how Perpetua’s status as an exegete can help shape our understanding of early Christian exegesis more broadly speaking.