In truth, as text critic, expositor and philosophical theologian, Origen devoted his life to the scriptures. Although Origen was a layman, Alexander, the bishop of Jeusalem, invited him to preach in churches. Very early in his life, Origen became interested in the text of the Old Testament. The making of the Hexapla occupied him for about thirty years. The beginning of the hermeneutical treatise in On Principles demonstrates that the scriptures are divine, that is to say, they are inspired by the Spirit of God. Only the divine character of Moses' and Jesus' words can explain the success of Christianity. Controversies played an important part in Origen's hermeneutical reflections. In his opinion, the opponents of good interpretation are the Jews, the pagans, the heretics and those whom he calls the simple ones. The polemic against the pagans allowed Origen to determine how the Bible and philosophy are connected.