Abstract

The paper examines the relations between the ‘Apocalypse of Paul’ – an apocryphal apocalyptic on which the ‘Visio Pauli’, its abbreviated version, depends – and the ‘Commedia’. In particular, on the basis of two very marked affinities already pointed out by Theodore Silverstein but not completely acknowledged by the scholars (regarding ‘Inferno’, xi 1-12, and ‘Inferno’, iii 31-42), is discussed the possibility that Dante knew it and referred to it in the quotation of the Apostle Paul in ‘Inferno’, ii 28-30; in this regard, the paper focuses on the circulation of the ‘Apocalypse of Paul’ in Italy, pointing out a possible indirect testimony in Guido da Pisa. Finally, is suggested a first case of influence of the ‘Commedia’ on an Italian translation of the ‘Visio Pauli’, opening the way to subsequent research. In the appendix is offered a repertoire of the affinities between the ‘Apocalypse of Paul’, the ‘Visio Pauli’ and the ‘Commedia’ reported by the scholars