The End of Allegory? A New Typological Exegesis in 16^th Century Strasbourg

In the 16th century, Martin Bucer set out to rethink the medieval quadriga. Allegory is the meaning most questioned because of a suspicion of arbitrariness inherited from patristic exegesis. In several of his commentaries, including those on John and Zephaniah, Bucer attempts to redefine allegory. In order to marginalise it, he elaborates a new typological meaning, based on similarity of proportion, with a prophetic aim. This meaning allows an updated reading of Scripture, both ecclesial and political.