I am beginning a new occasional series of readings from and
brief notes and commentary upon Eusebius of Caesarea’s The Ecclesiastical History (EH).I plan to read consecutively through
the ten books, chapter by chapter, one chapter at a time. At the end of each
chapter’s reading, I will offer a few observations on that chapter.
I have posted the first installment to sermonaudio.com, in which I present a brief biography of Eusebius. You can listen to here.
Here are my notes:
Who was Eusebius of Caesarea?
Eusebius of Caesarea (c. 260-340) was an influential bishop,
writer, and historian, who has been called the “Father of Church History.”
A biography of his life was written by Ascius, his successor
as bishop of Caesarea, but it is no longer extant.
Eusebius was born in Palestine c. 260. His parents and place
of birth are unknown.
He is often referred to as Eusebius of Pamphilius. This
recognizes his close relationship with Pamphilius, a noted presbyter in Caesarea,
a student of Origen and founder of a large library at Caesarea. Eusebius may
have been the son, nephew, friend, or servant of Pamphilius (Lake, x).
Eusebius fled to Egypt and was imprisoned there in 309, during
the Diocletian persecution, which lasted c. 303-313. His mentor Pamphilius died
as a martyr in 309.
He became bishop of Caesarea c. 315.
He was present at the Council of Nicea in 325 and served as
“chief theological adviser to Constantine” (Lake, xi).
He was suspected of Arian tendencies, but he sided with the
majority against Arius at Nicea as part of the “moderate” party. Still, he was
a lifelong critic and opponent of the Athanasian party.
In 331 he was invited to become bishop of Antioch but refused
the offer.
His patron Constantine died in 337. Eusebius then died on May
30 of either 339 or 340.
Though influential in church and politics “his literary
achievements are his chief claim to fame” (Lake, xiii). Nevertheless his
literary style has been described as “poor” (see Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, 481).
Among his many publications were Martyrs of Palestine (an account of the Diocletian persecution), Life of Pamphilius, Life of Constantine, Defense
of Origen (with Pamphilius), Chronichon
(a universal history with a table of dates), Onomasticon (on Bible names and topography), Preparation for the Gospel and Demonstration
of the Gospel (apologetic works), as well as commentaries on Psalms and
Isaiah. His greatest work, however, was his Ecclesiastical
History or Church History in ten
books, which tells the story of the Christian movement from the age of the
apostles up to Eusebius’s own times. This is among the most important resources
for understanding the early years of Christianity and earned Eusebius the title
of being the “Father of Church History.” It is especially valuable, because the
author draws upon much earlier sources and materials. It was likely produced in
several editions as more material was added, with the work reaching its final
form c. 323.
Lake points out that one manuscript of the EH adds this note:
“Beware reader, of being caught by the heretical tendency of
the writer, for though this present book is peculiarly valuable as history,
nevertheless though in some places he speaks unconditionally concerning God and
attributes divinity in him, and here to some his opinions seem sound, yet in
others he speaks of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit and everywhere
represents the Son subordinate and secondary and the servant of the Father, for
he was an Arian and guardedly manifests his opinions.”
Lake nevertheless observes, “In some ways he was the last and
greatest of the Apologists….” (xvi).
Sources:
Kirsopp Lake, “Introduction” to Eusebius, The Ecclesiastical History, Vol. 1, Loeb
Classical Library (Harvard University Press, First published, 1926): ix-lvi).
“Eusebius” in F. L. Cross and E. A. Livingstone, Eds., The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian
Church (Oxford, 1983): 481.
D. J. Bingham and C. A. Graham, “Eusebius of Caesarea” in
Donald K. McKim, Ed. Dictionary of Major
Biblical Interpreters (IVP Academic, 2007): 421-426).
JTR
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