# Church History - Author: [Eusebius of Caesarea](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/authors/eusebius-of-caesarea/) - Latin title: *Historia ecclesiastica* - Date: ca. 300–325 (disputed) - Source: Wilhelm Dindorf, ed., Eusebii Caesariensis Opera, vol. 4: Historiae ecclesiasticae libri I–X (Leipzig: Teubner, 1871) (Greek text: W. Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Leipzig: Teubner, 1871), digitized by the First Thousand Years of Greek project (Open Greek and Latin), CC BY-SA 4.0) - Translation: Claude, from the original text; each passage below gives the model and date - Work page: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/ - Passages: 1864 ## Church History 1.1.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/1/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:1 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius begins to set out the plan of his history: the apostolic successions, the church's leaders and writers, and the heretics who ravaged the flock. ### Greek text Τὰς τῶν ἱερῶν ἀποστόλων διαδοχὰς σὺν καὶ τοῖς ἀπὸ τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν καὶ εἰς ἡμᾶς διηνυσμένοις χρόνοις, ὅσα τε καὶ πηλίκα πραγματευθῆναι κατὰ τὴν ἐκκλησιαστικὴν ἱστορίαν λέγεται, καὶ ὅσοι ταύτης διαπρεπῶς ἐν ταῖς μάλιστα ἐπισημοτάταις παροικίαις ἡγήσαντό τε καὶ προέστησαν, ὅσοι τε κατὰ γενεὰν ἑκάστην ἀγράφως ἢ καὶ διὰ συγγραμμάτων τὸν θεῖον ἐπρέσβευσαν λόγον, τίνες τε καὶ ὅσοι καὶ ὁπηνίκα νεωτεροποιίας ἱμέρῳ πλάνης εἰς ἔσχατον ἐλάσαντες ψευδωνύμου γνώσεως εἰσηγητὰς ἑαυτοὺς ἀνακεκηρύχασιν, ἀφειδῶς οἷα λύκοι βαρεῖς τὴν Χριστοῦ ποίμνην ἐπεντρίβοντες, ### English translation (Claude) The successions of the holy apostles, together with the times that have run their course from our Saviour down to ourselves; how many and how great the affairs said to have been carried out in the history of the church; and those who presided over it and led it with distinction in the most prominent communities; those who in each generation served as ambassadors of the divine Word, whether without writing or through their compositions; and who, how many, and when, driven by a craving for innovation to the extremes of error, proclaimed themselves introducers of knowledge falsely so called, mercilessly ravaging the flock of Christ like fierce wolves, ### Scripture references - 1 Tim 6:20: echo, high confidence - Acts 20:29: echo, high confidence ### Translation notes - The phrase “knowledge falsely so called” echoes 1 Tim 6:20; the “fierce wolves” echo Acts 20:29. The sentence continues in 1.1.2. The digital text reads διηνυσμέηνοις (a misprint for διηνυσμένοις). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.1.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/1/1/). ## Church History 1.1.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/1/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:1–2 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: He will also record the fate of the Jewish nation, the persecutions and martyrdoms down to his own day, and will begin with Christ himself. ### Greek text πρὸς ἐπὶ τούτοις καὶ τὰ παραυτίκα τῆς κατὰ τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν ἐπιβουλῆς τὸ πᾶν Ἰουδαίων ἔθνος περιελθόντα, ὅσα τε αὖ καὶ ὁποῖα καὶ καθʼ οὓς χρόνους πρὸς τῶν ἐθνῶν ὁ θεῖος πεπολέμηται λόγος, καὶ πηλίκοι κατὰ καιροὺς τὸν διʼ αἵματος καὶ βασάνων ὑπὲρ αὐτοῦ διεξῆλθον ἀγῶνα, τά τʼ ἐπὶ τούτοις καὶ καθʼ ἡμὰς αὐτοὺς μαρτύρια, καὶ τὴν ἐπὶ πᾶσιν ἵλεω καὶ εὐμενῆ τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν ἀντίληψιν γραφῇ παραδοῦναι προῃρημένος οὐκ ἄλλοθεν ἢ ἀπὸ πρώτης ἄρξομαι τῆς κατὰ τὸν σωτῆρα καὶ κύριον ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦν τὸν Χριστὸν τοῦ θεοῦ οἰκονομίας. ### English translation (Claude) and besides these, the calamities that overtook the whole Jewish nation immediately after their plot against our Saviour; and again how many, what kind, and at what times the divine Word was warred against by the Gentiles; and how great were those who in their seasons passed through the contest of blood and torture on its behalf; and in addition the martyrdoms of our own time, and above all the gracious and kindly help of our Saviour: having resolved to hand these things down in writing, I shall begin from nowhere else than the very first of God's dispensation concerning our Saviour and Lord, Jesus the Christ of God. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.1.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/1/2/). ## Church History 1.1.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/1/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:2 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius asks indulgence: he is the first to attempt such a history and has only scattered earlier accounts to guide him. ### Greek text ἀλλά μοι συγγνώμην ἤδη εὐγνωμόνων ἐντεῦθεν ὁ λόγος αἰτεῖ, μεῖζον ἢ καθʼ ἡμετέραν δύναμιν ὁμολογῶν εἶναι τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν ἐντελῆ καὶ ἀπαράλειπτον ὑποσχεῖν, ἐπεὶ καὶ πρῶτοι νῦν τῆς ὑποθέσεως ἐπιβάντες οἷά τινα ἐρήμην καὶ ἀτριβῆ ἰέναι ὁδὸν ἐγχειροῦμεν, θεὸν μὲν ὁδηγὸν καὶ τὴν τοῦ κυρίου συνεργὸν σχήσειν εὐχόμενοι δύναμιν, ἀνθρώπων γε μὴν οὐδαμῶς εὑρεῖν οἶοί τε ὄντες ἴχνη γυμνὰ τὴν αὐτὴν ἡμῖν προωδευκότων, μὴ ὅτι σμικρὰς αὐτὸ μόνον προφάσεις, διʼ ὧν ἄλλος ἄλλως ὧν διηνύκασι χρόνων μερικὰς ἡμῖν καταλελοίπασι διηγήσεις, πόρρωθεν ὡσπερεὶ πυρσοὺς τὰς ἑαυτῶν προανατείνοντες φωνὰς, καὶ ἄνωθέν ποθεν ὥσπερ ἐξ ἀπόπτου καὶ ἀπὸ σκοπιᾶς βοῶντες καὶ διακελευόμενοι, ᾗ χρὴ βαδίζειν καὶ τὴν τοῦ λόγου πορείαν ἀπλανῶς καὶ ἀκινδύνως εὐθύνειν. ### English translation (Claude) But already at this point my account asks pardon from the fair-minded, confessing that it is beyond our power to fulfil the promise completely and without omission. For we are the first to set foot on this subject, and we are attempting to travel a road that is, so to speak, deserted and untrodden. We pray to have God as our guide and the power of the Lord as our helper; but of human beings who have gone this same way before us we can find not even bare footprints, except only slight indications, by which in various ways they have left us partial accounts of the times through which they lived, holding out their voices from afar like torches and calling from somewhere above, as from a distant lookout, and urging us on where we must walk and how we must steer the course of our work without error or danger. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.1.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/1/3/). ## Church History 1.1.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/1/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:2 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: He will gather excerpts from earlier writers and weave them into a narrative, preserving at least the successions of the chief apostles in the notable churches. ### Greek text ὅσα τοίνυν εἰς τὴν προκειμένην λυσιτελήσειν ὑπόθεσιν ἡγούμεθα, τόν αὐτοῖς ἐκείνοις σποράδην μνημονευθέντων ἀναλεξάμενοι, καὶ ὡσὰν ἐκ λογικῶν λειμώνων τὰς ἐπιτηδείους αὐτῶν τῶν πάλαι συγγρα- φέων ἀπανθισάμενοι φωνὰς, διʼ ὑφηγήσεως ἱστορικῆς πειρασόμεθα σωματοποιῆσαι, ἀγαπῶντες, εἰ καὶ μὴ ἁπάντων, τῶν γοῦν μάλιστα διαφανεστάτων τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν ἀποστόλων τὰς διαδοχὰς κατὰ τὰς διαπρεπούσας καὶ ἔτι καὶ νῦν μνημονευομένας ἐκκλησίας ἀνασωσαίμεθα. ### English translation (Claude) So, gathering from what those writers have mentioned here and there whatever we consider will serve the present subject, and plucking, as it were from meadows of literature, the suitable sayings of the ancient writers themselves, we shall try to give them body through a historical narrative, content if we can preserve the successions, if not of all, at least of the most distinguished apostles of our Saviour in the notable churches that are still remembered even now. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.1.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/1/4/). ## Church History 1.1.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/1/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:2–3 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: No church writer has yet written such a history, and he hopes it will be useful. ### Greek text ἀναγκαιότατα δέ μοι πονεῖσθαι τὴν ὑπόθεσιν ἡγοῦμαι, ὅτι μηδένα πω εἰς δεῦρο τῶν ἐκκλησιαστικῶν συγγραφέων διέγνων περὶ τοῦτο τῆς γραφῆς σπουδὴν πεποιημένον τὸ μέρος· ἐλπίζω δʼ ὅτι καὶ ὠφελιμωτάτη τοῖς φιλοτίμως περὶ τὸ χρηστομαθὲς τῆς ἱστορίας ἔχουσιν ἀναφανήσεται. ### English translation (Claude) I consider it most necessary to labour on this subject, because I know of no church writer up to now who has taken pains over this kind of writing; and I hope that it will prove most useful to those who are eager to learn from history. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.1.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/1/5/). ## Church History 1.1.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/1/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:3 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: He had summarized these matters in his Chronicle and now gives a full account. ### Greek text ἤδη μὲν οὖν τούτων καὶ πρότερον ἐν οἷς διετυπωσάμην χρονικοῖς κανόσιν ἐπιτομὴν κατεστησάμην, πληρεστάτην δʼ οὖν ὅμως αὐτῶν ἐπὶ τοῦ παρόντος ὡρμήθην τὴν ἀφήγησιν ποιήσασθαι. ### English translation (Claude) I have already made a summary of these things before, in the chronological tables that I drew up; but now I have set out to give a very full account of them. ### Translation notes - The “chronological tables” are Eusebius's own Chronicle (Chronici canones). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.1.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/1/6/). ## Church History 1.1.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/1/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:3 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The history begins with Christ's divine nature and saving plan. ### Greek text καὶ ἄρξεταί γέ μοι ὁ λόγος, ὡς ἔφην, ἀπὸ τῆς κατὰ τὸν Χριστὸν ἐπινοουμένης ὑψηλοτέρας τε καὶ κρείττονος ἢ κατὰ ἄνθρωπον οἰκονομίας τε καὶ θεολογίας. ### English translation (Claude) And my account will begin, as I said, from the dispensation and the theology concerning Christ, which are conceived to be higher and greater than what is human. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.1.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/1/7/). ## Church History 1.1.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/1/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:3 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: A church history must begin with Christ, from whom Christians take their name. ### Greek text καὶ γὰρ οὖν τὸν γραφῇ μέλλοντα τῆς ἐκκλησιαστικῆς ὑφηγήσεως παραδώσειν τὴν ἱστορίαν, ἄνωθεν ἐκ πρώτης τῆς κατʼ αὐτὸν τὸν Χριστὸν, ὅτι περ ἐξ αὐτοῦ καὶ προσωνυμίας ἠξιώθημεν, θειοτέρας ἢ κατὰ τὸ δοκοῦν τοῖς πολλοῖς οἰκονομίας ἀναγκαῖον ἂν εἴη κατάρξασθαι. ### English translation (Claude) For whoever intends to hand down in writing the history of the church's story must of necessity begin from the very first dispensation concerning Christ himself, since it is from him that we have been thought worthy even of our name, a dispensation more divine than most people suppose. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.1.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/1/8/). ## Church History 1.2.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:3 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christ is both God (the head) and man (the feet); beginning with his divinity will show that Christianity is not a novelty. ### Greek text Διττοῦ δὲ ὄντος τοῦ κατʼ αὐτὸν τρόπου, καὶ τοῦ μὲν σώματος ἐοικότος κεφαλῇ, ᾗ θεὸς ἐπινοεῖται, τοῦ δὲ ποσὶ παραβαλλομένου, ᾗ τὸν ἐν ἡμῖν ἄνθρωπον ὁμοιοπαθῆ τῆς ἡμῶν αὐτῶν ἕνεκεν ὑπέδυ σωτηρίας, γένοιτʼ ἂν ἡμῖν ἐντεῦθεν ἐντελὴς ἡ τῶν ἀκολούθων ὑπόθεσις, εἰ τῆς κατʼ αὐτὸν ἱστορίας ἁπάσης ἀπὸ τῶν κεφαλαιωδεστάτων καὶ κυριωτάτων τοῦ λόγου τὴν ὑφήγησιν ποιησαίμεθα. ταύτῃ δὲ ἤδη καὶ τῆς Χριστιανῶν ἀρχαιότητος τὸ παλαιὸν ὁμοῦ καὶ θεοπρεπὲς τοῖς νέαν αὐτὴν καὶ ἐκτετοπισμένην, χθὲς καὶ οὐ πρότερον φανεῖσαν ὑπολαμβάνουσιν ἀναδειχθήσεται. ### English translation (Claude) Since his mode of being is twofold, one part like the head of the body, by which he is conceived as God, the other comparable to the feet, by which for the sake of our salvation he put on the man who shares our passions, the account of what follows will be complete if we begin the narrative of his whole history from the chief and principal points of the subject. In this way the antiquity and divine character of Christianity will also be shown to those who suppose it new and outlandish, having appeared only yesterday and not before. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.2.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/1/). ## Church History 1.2.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:3–4 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christ's divine nature is beyond description; only the Father fully knows the Son. ### Greek text Γένους μὲν οὖν καὶ ἀξίας, αὐτῆς τε οὐσίας τῆς τοῦ Χριστοῦ καὶ φύσεως οὔτις ἂν εἰς ἔκφρασιν αὐτάρκης γένοιτο λόγος. ᾗ καὶ τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ θεῖον ἐν προφητείαις “τὴν γενεὰν αὐτοῦ” φησὶ “τίς διηγή- σεται; ” ὅτι δὴ οὔτε τὸν πατέρα τις ἔγνω, εἰ μὴ ὁ υἱὸς, οὔτʼ αὖ τὸν υἱόν τις γνοίη ποτὲ κατʼ ἀξίαν, εἰ μὴ μόνος ὁ γεννήσας αὐτὸν πατήρ. ### English translation (Claude) Of his lineage and dignity, of Christ's very being and nature, no words could suffice to give an account. Hence the divine Spirit also says in the prophecies, “Who shall declare his generation?” For no one has known the Father except the Son, nor again could anyone ever know the Son worthily except the Father alone who begot him. ### Scripture references - Isa 53:8: quotation, high confidence - Matt 11:27: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Isa 53:8 (LXX); the following clause paraphrases Matt 11:27. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.2.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/2/). ## Church History 1.2.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:4 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Only the Father truly knows the pre-existent Word, the Father's Wisdom, agent of creation and Lord of all, as John 1 proclaims. ### Greek text τό τε φῶς τὸ προκόσμιον καὶ τὴν πρὸ αἰώνων νοερὰν καὶ οὐσιώδη σοφίαν, τόν τε ζῶντα καὶ ἐν ἀρχῇ παρὰ τῷ πατρὶ τυγχάνοντα θεὸν λόγον τίς ἂν πλὴν τοῦ πατρὸς καθα- ρῶς ἐννοήσειε, πρὸ πάσης κτίσεως καὶ δημιουργίας ὁρωμένης τε καὶ ἀοράτου τὸ πρῶτον καὶ μόνον τοὐ θεοῦ γέννημα, τὸν τῆς κατʼ οὐρανὸν λογικῆς καὶ ἀθανάτου στρατιὰς ἀρχιστράτηγον, τὸν τῆς μεγάλης βουλῆς ἄγγελον, τὸν τῆς ἀρρήτου γνώμης τοῦ πατρὸς ὑπουργὸν, τὸν τῶν ἀπάντων σὺν τῷ πατρὶ δημιουργὸν, τὸν δεύτερον μετὰ τὸν πατέρα τῶν ὅλων αἴτιον, τὸν τοῦ θεοῦ παῖδα γνήσιον καὶ μονογενῆ, τὸν τῶν γεννητῶν ἁπάντων κύριον καὶ θεὸν καὶ βασιλέα, τὸν τὸ κῦρος ὁμοῦ καὶ τὸ κράτος αὐτῇ θεότητι καὶ δυνάμει καὶ τιμῇ παρὰ τοῦ πατρὸς ὑποδεδεγμένον, ὅτι δὴ κατὰ τὰς περὶ αὐτοῦ μυστικὰς τῶν γραφῶν θεολογίας “ ἐν ἀρχῇ ἦν ὁ λόγος, καὶ ὁ λόγος ἦν πρὸς τὸν θεὸν, καὶ θεὸς ἦν ὁ λόγος· πάντα διʼ αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο, καὶ χωρὶς αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο οὐδὲ ἕν.’’ ### English translation (Claude) And the light before the world, the intelligent and substantial Wisdom before the ages, the living God the Word who was in the beginning with the Father: who but the Father could clearly conceive him? The first and only offspring of God before all creation and making, visible and invisible; the commander-in-chief of the rational and immortal host of heaven; the angel of great counsel; the minister of the Father's unspeakable purpose; the maker of all things together with the Father; the second cause of the universe after the Father; the true and only-begotten child of God; the Lord and God and King of all begotten things, who has received from the Father lordship and might together with Godhead itself, power and honour; since, according to the mystical theology of the Scriptures concerning him, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. All things came to be through him, and without him not one thing came to be.” ### Scripture references - John 1:1–3: quotation, high confidence - Isa 9:6 (9:5 LXX): allusion, high confidence - Col 1:15: echo, medium confidence - Josh 5:14: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is John 1:1–3. “Angel of great counsel” is Isa 9:6 (9:5 LXX); “the commander-in-chief” anticipates Josh 5:14; “before all creation” echoes Col 1:15. “The second cause after the Father” reflects Eusebius's subordinationist language. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.2.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/3/). ## Church History 1.2.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:4–5 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Moses shows the Father creating through his Word, speaking with him at man's creation: “Let us make man.” ### Greek text τοῦτό τοι καὶ ὁ μέγας Μωυσῆς, ὡσὰν προφητῶν ἁπάντων παλαί τατὸς, θείῳ πνεύματι τὴν τοῦ παντὸς οὐσίωσίν τε καὶ διακόσμησιν ὑπογράφων, τὸν κοσμοποιὸν καὶ δημιουργὸν τῶν ὅλων αὐτῷ δὴ τῷ Χριστῷ, καὶ οὐδὲ ἄλλῳ ἢ τῷ θείῳ δηλαδὴ καὶ πρωτογόνῳ ἑαυτοῦ λόγῳ τὴν τῶν ὑποβεβηκότων ποίησιν παραχωροῦντα διδά- σκει, αὐτῷ τε κοινολογούμενον ἐπὶ τῆς ἀνθρωπογο- νίας. “ εἷπε γάρʼ φησὶν “ ὁ θεὸς, ποιήσωμεν ἂνθρω- πον κατʼ εἰκόνα ἡμετέραν καὶ καθʼ ὁμοίωσιν.’’ ### English translation (Claude) This is what the great Moses, the most ancient of all the prophets, teaches when by the divine Spirit he describes the coming into being and the ordering of the universe: that the maker of the world and creator of all things yielded the making of the things below to Christ himself, and to none other than his own divine and firstborn Word, and that he conversed with him about the creation of man. For, he says, “God said, Let us make man according to our image and according to our likeness.” ### Scripture references - Gen 1:26: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Gen 1:26. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.2.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/4/). ## Church History 1.2.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:5 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The psalmist likewise shows the Father commanding and the Word carrying out creation. ### Greek text ταύτην δὲ ἐγγυᾶται τὴν φωνὴν προφητῶν ἄλλος, ὧδέ πως ἐν ὕμνοις θεολογῶν‘ αὐτὸς εἶπε, καὶ ἐγεννήθησαν· αὐτὸς ἐνετείλατο, καὶ ἐκτίσθησαν, ” τὸν μὲν πατέρα καὶ ποιητὴν εἰσάγων ὡσὰν πανηγεμόνα βασιλικῷ νεύματι προστάττοντα, τὸν δὲ τούτῳ δευτερεύοντα θεῖον λόγον, οὐχ ἕτερον τοῦ πρὸς ἡμῶν κηρυττομένου, ταῖς πατρικαῖς ἐπιτάξεσιν ὑπουργοῦντα. ### English translation (Claude) Another of the prophets confirms this saying, speaking of God in hymns in this way: “He spoke, and they were brought into being; he commanded, and they were created.” He presents the Father and Maker as ruler of all, commanding with a kingly nod, and the divine Word, second to him, none other than the one proclaimed by us, as carrying out the Father's commands. ### Scripture references - Ps 148:5: quotation, high confidence - Ps 33:9 (32:9 LXX): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Ps 148:5 (compare Ps 33:9, 32:9 LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.2.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/5/). ## Church History 1.2.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:5 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The righteous of old, from Abraham to the prophets, recognized and worshipped the Son of God. ### Greek text τοῦτον καὶ ἀπὸ πρώτης ἀνθρωπογονίας πάντες, ὅσοι δὴ δικαιοσύνῃ καὶ θεοσεβείας ἀρετῇ διαπρέψαι λέγονται, ἀμφί τε τὸν μέγαν θεράποντα Μωυσέα, καὶ πρό γε αὐτοῦ πρῶτος ‘Αβραὰμ, τούτου τε οἶ παῖδες καὶ ὅσοι μετέπειτα δίκαιοι πεφήνασι καὶ προφῆται, καθαροῖς διανοίας ὄμμασι φαντασθέντες ἔγνωσάν τε καὶ οἷα θεοῦ παιδὶ τὸ προσῆκον ἀπένειμαν σέβας. ### English translation (Claude) Him all who are said to have excelled in righteousness and the virtue of godliness from the first creation of man, those around the great servant Moses, and before him, first of all, Abraham, and his children, and all the righteous men and prophets who appeared afterwards, beheld with the pure eyes of the mind; they recognized him and paid him the reverence due to the Son of God. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.2.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/6/). ## Church History 1.2.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:5 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Word appeared as a man to Abraham at Mamre, who worshipped him as God and Judge of all the earth. ### Greek text αὐτὸς δὲ οὐδαμῶς ἀπορρᾳθυμῶν τῆς τοῦ πατρὸς εὐσεβείας διδάσκαλος τοῖς πᾶσι τῆς πατρικῆς καθίστατο γνώσεως. ὦφθαι γοῦν κύριος ὁ θεὸς ἀνείρηται οἷά τις κοινὸς ἄνθρωπος τῷ ‘ Αβραὰμ καθημένῳ παρὰ τὴν δρῦν τὴν Μαμβρῆ. ὁ δʼ ὑποπεσὼν αὐτίκα, καίτοι γε ἄνθρωπον ὀφθαλμοῖς ὁρῶν, προσκυνεῖ μὲν ὡς θεὸν, ἱκετεύει δὲ ὡς κύριον, ὁμολογεῖ τε μὴ ἀγνοεῖν ὅστις εἴη, ῥήμασιν αὐτοῖς λέγων “ κύριε ὁ κρίνων πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν, οὐ ποιήσεις κρίσιν;” ### English translation (Claude) And he, for his part, in no way neglecting reverence for the Father, became the teacher of knowledge of the Father to all. So the Lord God is recorded to have appeared like an ordinary man to Abraham as he sat by the oak of Mamre. And Abraham at once fell down, although he saw a man with his eyes, and worshipped him as God, and entreated him as Lord, and confessed that he was not ignorant of who he was, saying in these very words: “Lord, you who judge all the earth, will you not do justice?” ### Scripture references - Gen 18:1: allusion, high confidence - Gen 18:25: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The narrative is Gen 18:1–2; the quotation is Gen 18:25 (LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.2.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/7/). ## Church History 1.2.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:5–6 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The one who appeared to Abraham cannot be the unchangeable Father, and so must be the pre-existent Word. ### Greek text εἰ γὰρ μηδεὶς ἐπιτρέποι λόγος τὴν ἀγέννητον καὶ ἄτρεπτον οὐσίαν θεοῦ τοῦ παντοκράτορος εἰς ἀνδρὸς εἶδος μεταβάλ- λειν, μηδʼ αὖ γεννητοῦ μηδενὸς φαντασίᾳ τὰς τῶν ὁρώντων ὄψεις ἐξαπατᾶν, μηδὲ μὴν ψευδῶς τὰ τοιαῦτα πλάττεσθαι τὴν γραφὴν, θεὸς καὶ κύριος ὁ κρίνων πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν καὶ ποιῶν κρίσιν ἐν ἀνθρώπου ὁρώμενος σχήματι, τίς ἂν ἕτερος ἀναγορεύοιτο, εἰ μὴ φάναι θέμις τὸ πρῶτον τῶν ὅλων αἴτιον, ἢ μόνος ὁ προὼν αὐτοῦ λόγος; περὶ οὗ καὶ ἐν ψαλμοῖς ἀνείρηται “ ἀπέστειλε τὸν λόγον αὑτοῦ, καὶ ἰάσατο αὐτοὺς, καὶ ἐρρύσατο αὐτοὺς ἐκ τῶν διαφθορῶν αὐτῶν.” ### English translation (Claude) For if no reason would allow that the unbegotten and unchangeable being of God Almighty should change into the form of a man, nor again that it should deceive the eyes of those who saw by the illusion of anything created, nor that Scripture should falsely invent such things, then who else could be named the God and Lord who judges all the earth and does justice, seen in the form of a man, if it is not lawful to say the first cause of the universe, than his pre-existent Word alone? Of him it is said in the Psalms too: “He sent his Word and healed them, and delivered them from their corruptions.” ### Scripture references - Ps 107:20 (106:20 LXX): quotation, high confidence - Gen 18:25: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Ps 107:20 (106:20 LXX); the phrase “who judges all the earth” is Gen 18:25. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.2.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/8/). ## Church History 1.2.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:6 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Moses calls the Word a second Lord at Sodom, and Jacob saw him as God face to face. ### Greek text τοῦτον δεύτερον μετὰ τὸν πατέρα κύριον σαφέστατα Μωυσῆς ἀναγορεύει λέγων “ ἔβρεξε κύριος ἐπὶ Σόδομα καὶ Γόμορρα θεῖον καὶ πῦρ παρὰ κυρίου.” τοῦτον καὶ τῷ Ἰακὼβ αὖθις ἐν ἀνδρὸς φανέντα σχήματι θεὸν ἡ θεία προσαγορεύει γραφὴ, φάσκοντα τῷ Ἰακὼβ “ οὺκέτι κληθήσεται τὸ ὂνομά σου Ἰακὼβ ἀλλʼ Ἰσραὴλ ἔσται τὸ ὄνομά σου, ὅτι ἐνίσχυσας μετὰ θεοῦ. ὅτε καὶ ἐκάλεσεν Ἰακὼβ τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ τόπου ἐκείνου εἶδος θεοῦ, λέγων “ εἶδον γὰρ τὸν θεὸν πρόσωπον πρὸς πρόσωπον, καὶ ἐσώθη ἡ ψυχή μου.’’ ### English translation (Claude) Moses very clearly names him a second Lord after the Father when he says, “The Lord rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulphur and fire from the Lord.” Him again, when he appeared to Jacob in the form of a man, divine Scripture calls God, as he says to Jacob, “No longer shall your name be called Jacob, but Israel shall be your name, for you have prevailed with God.” Then too Jacob called the name of that place “Form of God,” saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and my life was preserved.” ### Scripture references - Gen 19:24: quotation, high confidence - Gen 32:28: quotation, high confidence - Gen 32:30: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotations are Gen 19:24, Gen 32:28, and Gen 32:30 (LXX “Form of God” for Peniel). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.2.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/9/). ## Church History 1.2.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:6 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: These appearances were not of angels, for Scripture names angels as angels. ### Greek text καὶ μὴν οὐδʼ ὑποβεβηκότων ἀγγέλων καὶ λειτουργῶν θεοῦ τὰς ἀναγραφείσας θεοφανείας ὑπονοεῖν θέμις, ἐπεὶ καὶ τούτων ὅταν τις ἀνθρώποις παραφαίνηται, οὐκ ἐπικρύπτεται ἡ γραφὴ, ὀνομαστὶ οὐ θεὸν, οὐδὲ μὴν κύριον, ἀλλʼ ἀγγέλους χρηματίσαι λέγουσα, ὡς διὰ μυρίων μαρτυριῶν πιστώσασθαι ῥᾴδιον. ### English translation (Claude) Nor indeed is it right to suppose that the recorded appearances of God were of subordinate angels and ministers of God; for whenever one of these appears to men, Scripture does not conceal it but says by name that they were called, not God, nor Lord, but angels, as it is easy to confirm by countless testimonies. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.2.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/10/). ## Church History 1.2.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:6 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Joshua saw the Word as the commander of the Lord's army, leader of angels and the Father's viceroy. ### Greek text τοῦτον καὶ ὁ Μωυσέως διάδοχος Ἰησοῦς ὡσὰν τῶν οὐρανίων ἀγγέλων καὶ ἀρχαγγέλων τῶν τε ὑπερκοσμίων δυνάμεων ἡγούμενον, καὶ ὡσανεὶ τοῦ πατρὸς ὕπαρχον, τὰ δευτερεῖα τῆς κατὰ πάντων βασιλείας τε καὶ ἀρχῆς ἐμπεπιστευμένον, ἀρχιστράτηγον δυνάμεως κυρίου ὀνομάζει, οὐκ ἄλλως αὐτὸν ἢ αὖθις ἐν ἀνθρώπου μορφῇ καὶ σχήματι θεωρήσας. ### English translation (Claude) Him too Moses' successor Joshua, beholding him once more in the form and shape of a man, names the commander-in-chief of the power of the Lord, as the leader of the heavenly angels and archangels and the powers above the world, and as it were the Father's viceroy, entrusted with the second rank of kingship and rule over all. ### Scripture references - Josh 5:14: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - A stray numeral “5” in the digital text (a printed line number) is omitted. The title is from Josh 5:14. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.2.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/11/). ## Church History 1.2.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:6–7 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Scripture tells how the commander of the Lord's army appeared to Joshua at Jericho. ### Greek text γέγραπται γοῦν “ καὶ ἐγενήθη, ὡς ἦν Ἰησοῦς ἐν Ἱεριχὼ, καὶ ἀναβλέψας ὁρᾷ ἄνθρωπον ἑστηκότα κατέναντι αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἡ ῥομφαία ἐσπασμένη ἐν τῇ χειρὶ αὐτοῦ, καὶ προσελθὼν Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν, ἡμέτερος εἶ ἢ τῶν ὑπεναντίων; καὶ εἶπεν αὐῷ, ἐγὼ ἀρχιστράτηγος δυνάμεως κυρίου νυνὶ παραγέγονα. καὶ Ἰησοῦς ἔπεσεν ἐπὶ πρόσωπον ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ, δέσποτα, τί προστάσσεις τῷ σῷ οἰκέτῃ; καὶ εἶπεν ὁ ἀρχιστράτηγος κυρίου πρὸς Ἰησοῦν, λῦσον τὸ ὑπόδημα ἐκ τῶν ποδῶν σου· ὁ γὰρ τόπος, ἐν ᾧ σὺ ἕστηκας, τόπος ἅγιός ἐστιν. ### English translation (Claude) It is written at any rate: “And it happened, when Joshua was at Jericho, that he looked up and saw a man standing opposite him, with his sword drawn in his hand. And Joshua came up and said, Are you ours or of our adversaries? And he said to him, I am the commander-in-chief of the power of the Lord; I have come now. And Joshua fell on his face on the ground and said to him, Master, what do you command your servant? And the commander of the Lord said to Joshua, Loose the sandal from your feet; for the place on which you stand is holy ground.” ### Scripture references - Josh 5:13–15: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Josh 5:13–15 (LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.2.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/12/). ## Church History 1.2.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:7 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The same words were spoken to Moses at the burning bush, showing it was the same divine Word. ### Greek text ἔνθα καὶ ἐπιστήσεις ἀπὸ τῶν αὐτῶν ῥημάτων ὅτι μὴ ἕτερος οὗτος εἴη τοῦ καὶ Μωυσεῖ κεχρηματικότος, ὅτι δὴ αὐτοῖς ῥήμασι καὶ ἐπὶ τῷδέ φησιν ἡ γραφή “ὡς δὲ εἶδε κύριος ὅτι προσάγει ἰδεῖν, ἐκάλεσεν αὐτὸν κύριος ἐκ τοῦ βάτου λέγων, Μωυσῆ Μωυσῆ· ὁ δὲ εἶπε τί ἐστι; καὶ εἶπε, μὴ έγγίσῃς ὡδε· λῦσον τὸ ὑπόδημα ἐκ τῶν ποδῶν σου· ὁ γὰρ τόπος, ἐν ᾧ σὺ ἕστηκας ἐπʼ αὐτοῦ, γῆ ἁγία ἐστί. καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ, ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ θεὸς τῶν πατέρων σου, ὁ θεὸς Ἀβραὰμ καὶ θεὸς Ἰσαὰκ καὶ θεὸς Ἰακώβ.” ### English translation (Claude) Here too you will observe from the words themselves that this is no other than the one who spoke to Moses, since in the same words Scripture says of that occasion too: “When the Lord saw that he was coming near to look, the Lord called him from the bush, saying, Moses, Moses. And he said, What is it? And he said, Do not come near here; loose the sandal from your feet, for the place on which you stand is holy ground. And he said to him, I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” ### Scripture references - Exod 3:4–6: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Exod 3:4–6 (LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.2.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/13/). ## Church History 1.2.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:7–8 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Wisdom herself, speaking through Solomon, testifies that she existed before the world and served in creation. ### Greek text καὶ ὅτι γέ ἐστιν οὐσία τις προκόσμιος ζῶσα καὶ ὑφεστῶσα, ἡ τῷ πατρὶ καὶ θεῷ τῶν ὅλων εἰς τὴν τῶν γενητῶν ἁπάντων δημιουργίαν ὑπηρετησαμένη, λόγος θεοῦ καὶ σοφία χρηματίζουσα, πρὸς ταῖς τεθειμέναις ἀποδείξεσιν ἔτι καἲ αὐτῆς ἐξ ἰδίου προσώπου τῆς σοφίας ἐπακοῦσαι πάρεστι, διὰ Σολομῶνος λευκότατα ὧδέ πως τὰ περὶ ἑαυτῆς μυσταγωγούσης ‘ἐγὼ ἡ σοφία κατεσκήνωσα βουλὴν καὶ γνῶσιν, καὶ ἔννοιαν ἐγὼ ἐπεκαλεσάμην· διʼ ἐμοῦ βασιλεῖς βασιλεύουσι, καὶ οἱ δυνάσται γράφουσι δικαιοσύνην· διʼ ἐμοῦ μεγιστᾶνες μεγαλύνονται, καὶ τύραννοι διʼ ἐμοῦ κρατοῦσι γῆς. ” ### English translation (Claude) And that there is a certain being before the world, living and subsisting, which served the Father and God of the universe in the making of all created things, called the Word of God and Wisdom, we may learn, besides the proofs already given, from Wisdom herself speaking in her own person, as through Solomon she very clearly reveals the mysteries concerning herself in this way: “I, Wisdom, have made counsel my dwelling, and knowledge and understanding I have called upon. By me kings reign, and princes decree righteousness. By me great men are magnified, and by me rulers hold the earth.” ### Scripture references - Prov 8:12: quotation, high confidence - Prov 8:15–16: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Prov 8:12, 15–16 (LXX). The digital text's opening κὼ is an OCR slip for καὶ, and Σθλομῶνος for Σολομῶνος. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.2.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/14/). ## Church History 1.2.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:8 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Wisdom continues: the Lord created her before the earth and she was with him, rejoicing, as he made the world. ### Greek text οἷς ἐπιλέγει “κύριος ἔκτισέ με ἀρχὴν ὁδῶν αὐτοῦ εἰς ἔργα αὐτοῦ, πρὸ τοῦ αἰῶνος ἐθεμελίωσέ με ἐν ἀρχῇ, πρὸ τοῦ τὴν γῆν ποιῆσαι, πρὸ τοῦ ποροελθεῖν τὰς πηγὰς τῶν ὑδάτων, πρὸ τοῦ ὄρη ἑδρασθῆναι, πρὸ δὲ πάντων βουνῶν γεννᾷ με. ἡνίκα ἡτοίμαξε τὸν οὐρανὸν, συμπαρήμην αὐτῷ, καὶ ὡς ἀσφαλεῖς ἐτίθει πηγὰς τῆς ὑπʼ οὐρανὸν, ἥμην παρʼ αὐτῷ ἁρμόζουσα. ἐγὼ ἤμην ᾗ προσέχαιρε, καθʼ ἡμέραν δὲ ηὐφραινόμην ἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ ἐν παντὶ καιρῷ, ὅτε ηὐφραίνετο τὴν οἰκουμένην ” ### English translation (Claude) To which she adds: “The Lord created me as the beginning of his ways for his works; before the age he established me, in the beginning, before he made the earth, before the springs of the waters came forth, before the mountains were settled, and before all the hills he begets me. When he prepared the heaven I was present with him, and when he made firm the springs of the region under heaven I was with him, setting in order. I was the one in whom he delighted; and daily I rejoiced before him at every time, when he rejoiced in the completed world.” ### Scripture references - Prov 8:22–31: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Prov 8:22–25, 27–28, 30–31 (LXX), freely abridged by Eusebius; the text of the last clause is incomplete in the digital text. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.2.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/15/). ## Church History 1.2.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/16/ - Source: Dindorf 4:8 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: So the Word existed before and appeared to some of the ancients. ### Greek text ὅτι μὲν οὖν προῆν, καὶ τισὶν εἰ καὶ μὴ τοῖς πᾶσιν ὁ θεῖος λόγος ἐπεφαίνετο, ταῦθʼ ἡμῖν ὡς ἐν βραχέσιν εἰρησθω. ### English translation (Claude) That the divine Word, then, existed beforehand and appeared to some, if not to all, let this be said by us briefly. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.2.16 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/16/). ## Church History 1.2.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/17/ - Source: Dindorf 4:8 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The gospel was not preached to all nations earlier because ancient humanity was not ready for it. ### Greek text Τί δὴ οὑν οὐχὶ καθάπερ τανῦν, καὶ πάλαι πρότερον εἰς πάντας ἀνθρώπους καὶ πᾶσιν ἔθνεσιν ἐκηρύττετο, ὧδε ἂν γένοιτο πρόδηλον. οὐκ ἦν ’πʼ χωρεῖν οἶός τε τὴν τοῦ Χριστοῦ πάνσοφον καὶ πάνα ρετον διδασκαλίαν ὁ πάλαι τῶν ἄνθρωπον βίος. ### English translation (Claude) Why, then, he was not proclaimed long ago, as he is now, to all men and all nations, will become clear from what follows. The life of men in ancient times was not able to receive the all-wise and all-virtuous teaching of Christ. ### Translation notes - The digital text has a stray ’πʼ after ἦν and splits πανάρετον; both are OCR slips and are translated as the sense requires. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.2.17 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/17/). ## Church History 1.2.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/18/ - Source: Dindorf 4:8 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: After Adam's fall, his descendants, with few exceptions, sank into a savage way of life. ### Greek text εὐθὺς μὲν γὰρ ἐν ἀρχῇ μετὰ τὴν πρώτην ἐν μακαρίοις ζωὴν ὁ πρῶτος ἄνθρωπος, ἧττον τῆς θείας ἐντολῆς φροντίσας, εἰς τουτονὶ τὸν θνητὸν καὶ ἐπίκηρον βίον καταπέπτωκε, καὶ τὴν ἐπάρατον ταυτηνὶ γῆν τῆς πάλαι ἐνθέου τρυφῆς ἀντικατηλλάξατο, οἵ τε ἀπὸ τούτου τὴν καθʼ ἡμὰς σύμπασαν πληρώσαντες, πολὺ χείρους ἀναφανέντες ἐκτὸς ἑνός που καὶ δευτέρου, θηριώδη τινὰ τρόπον καὶ βίον ἀβίωτον ἐπανῄρηντο· ### English translation (Claude) For at the very beginning, after the first life in blessedness, the first man, caring too little for the divine commandment, fell into this mortal and perishable life and exchanged the former divine delight for this accursed earth; and those descended from him who filled our whole world proved much worse, except for one here and there, and adopted a brutish manner and a life not worth living. ### Scripture references - Gen 3:17: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Gen 3 (the fall and the curse on the ground, Gen 3:17). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.2.18 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/18/). ## Church History 1.2.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/19/ - Source: Dindorf 4:8–9 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Early humanity had no cities, laws, or virtue, but lived savagely, killing one another and even warring against God. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ καὶ οὔτε πόλιν οὔτε πολιτείαν, οὐ τέχνας, οὐκ ἐπιστήμας ἐπὶ νοῦν ἐβάλλοντο, νόμων τε καὶ δικαιωμάτων καὶ προσέτι ἀρετῆς καὶ φιλοσοφίας οὐδὲ ὀνόματος μετεῖχον, νομάδες δὲ ἐπʼ ἐρημίαις οἶά τινες ἄγριοι καὶ ἀπηνεῖς διῆγον, τοὺς μὲν ἐκ φύσεως προσήκοντας λογισμοὺς, τά τε λογικὰ καὶ ἥμερα τῆς ἀνθρώπων ψυχῆς σπέρματα αὐτοπροαιρέτου κακίας ὑπερβολῇ διαφθείροντες, ἀνοσιουργίαις δὲ πάσαις ὅλους σφᾶς ἐκδεδωκότες, ὡς τοτὲ μὲν ἀνθρωποβορεῖν, τοτὲ δὲ ἀλληλοκτονεῖν, ἄλλοτε δὲ ἀνθρωποβορεῖν, θεομαχίας τε καὶ τὰς παρὰ τοῖς πᾶσι βοωμένας γιγαντομαχίας ἐπιτολμᾶν, καὶ γῆν μὲν ἐπιτειχίζειν οὐρανῷ διανοεῖσθαι, μανίᾳ δὲ φρονήματος ἐκτόπου αὐτὸν τὸν ἐπὶ πάντων θεὸν πολεμεῖν παρασκευάζεσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) They gave no thought to city or constitution, to arts or sciences; they had not even the name of laws and ordinances, nor, besides, of virtue and philosophy; but they lived as nomads in deserts, like wild and cruel creatures, destroying the natural reasoning and the rational and gentle seeds of the human soul by an excess of deliberately chosen wickedness, and giving themselves wholly over to every impiety, so that now they devoured one another, now killed one another, and at other times ate human flesh, and dared to fight against the gods and to attempt the battles with giants celebrated among all, and planned to wall up the earth against heaven, and in the madness of an outlandish pride prepared to make war on the very God who is over all. ### Scripture references - Gen 11:4: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The digital text repeats ἀνθρωποβορεῖν in the list; the translation keeps the sense. “Walling the earth against heaven” alludes to the tower of Babel (Gen 11:4) and to Greek myths of the giants. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.2.19 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/19/). ## Church History 1.2.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/20/ - Source: Dindorf 4:9 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: God punished them with floods, fires, famines, plagues, and wars to check the sickness of their souls. ### Greek text ἐφʼ οἷς τοῦτον ἑαυτοὺς ἄγουσι τὸν τρόπον κατακλυσμοῖς αὐτοὺς καὶ πυρπολήσεσιν ὥσπερ ἀγρίαν ὕλην κατὰ πάσης τῆς γῆς κεχυμένην θεὸς ὁ πάντων ἔφορος μετῄει, λιμοῖς τε συνεχέσι καὶ λοιμοῖς, πολέμοις τε αὖ καὶ κεραυνόν βολαῖς ἄνωθεν αὐτοὺς υπετέμνετο, ὥσπερ τινὰ δεινὴν καὶ χαλεπωτάτην νόσον ψυχῶν πικροτέροις ἀνέχων τοῖς κολαστηρίοις. ### English translation (Claude) Because they conducted themselves in this way, God, the overseer of all, pursued them with floods and conflagrations, as if they were a wild forest spread over the whole earth; and with continual famines and plagues, and again with wars and thunderbolts from above, he cut them down, as if checking some terrible and most grievous disease of souls with harsher punishments. ### Scripture references - Gen 6:17: allusion, low confidence ### Translation notes - The floods and conflagrations allude to the flood (Gen 6–8) and to Sodom (Gen 19). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.2.20 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/20/). ## Church History 1.2.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/21/ - Source: Dindorf 4:9 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: When wickedness had overwhelmed nearly all, the Word in his love appeared to a few godly men, in human form. ### Greek text τότε μὲν οὖν, ὅτε δὴ πολὺς ἦν ἐπικεχυμένος ὀλίγου δεῖν κατὰ πάντων ὁ τῆς κακίας κόρος, οἶα μέθης δεινῆς τὰς ἁπάντων σχεδὸν ἀνθρώπων ἐπισκιαζούσης καὶ ἐπισκοτούσης ψυχὰς, ἡ πρωτόγονος καὶ πρωτόκτιστος τοῦ θεοῦ σοφία καὶ αὐτὸς ὁ προὼν λόγος φιλανθρωπίας ὑπερβολῇ τοτὲ μὲν διʼ ὀπτασίας ἀγγέλων τοῖς ὑποβεβηκόσι, τοτὲ δὲ καὶ διʼ ἑαυτοῦ οἶα θεοῦ δύναμις σωτήριος ἐνί που καὶ δευτέρῳ τῶν πάλαι θεοφιλῶν ἀνδρῶν, οὐκ ἄλλως ἢ διʼ ἀνθρώπου μορφῆς, ὅτι μηδʼ ἑτέρως ἦν δυνατὸν, αὐτοῖς ὑπεφαίνετο. ### English translation (Claude) At that time, then, when the glut of wickedness had been poured out over almost all, like a terrible drunkenness overshadowing and darkening the souls of nearly all men, the firstborn and first-created Wisdom of God, the pre-existent Word himself, in the excess of his love for mankind, appeared to those beneath him, sometimes through visions of angels, and sometimes in his own person, as the saving power of God, to one or two of the God-loving men of old, and in no other way than in human form, since it was not possible otherwise. ### Translation notes - “First-created” (πρωτόκτιστος) echoes the LXX of Prov 8:22 quoted above. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.2.21 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/21/). ## Church History 1.2.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/22/ - Source: Dindorf 4:9–10 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Through Moses the Word gave the Hebrew nation symbols such as the sabbath and circumcision, not yet the full mysteries. ### Greek text ὡς δʼ ἤδη διὰ τούτων τὰ θεοσεβείας σπέρματα εἰς πλῆθος ἀνδρῶν καταβέβλητο, ὅλον τε τὸ ἔθνος ἐπὶ τῇ θεοσεβείᾳ προσανέχον ἀνέκαθεν ἐξ Ἑβραίων ὑπέστη τοῦτο, τούτοις μὲν ὡσανεὶ πλήθεσιν ἔτι ταῖς παλαιαῖς ἀγωγαῖς ἐκδεδιῃτημένοις διὰ τοῦ προφήτου Μωυσέως εἰκόνας καὶ σύμβολα σαββάτου τινὸς μυστι- κοῦ καὶ περιτομῆς, ἑτέρων τε νοητῶν θεωρημάτων εἰσαγωγὰς, ἀλλʼ οὐκ αὐτὰς ἐναργεῖς παρεδίδου τὰς μυσταγωγίας. ### English translation (Claude) And when through these men the seeds of godliness had already been sown among a multitude, and a whole nation devoted to godliness had arisen from the Hebrews of old, to them, as to multitudes still corrupted by their ancient practices, he delivered through the prophet Moses images and symbols of a certain mystical sabbath and of circumcision, and introductions to other spiritual contemplations, but not the clear mysteries themselves. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.2.22 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/22/). ## Church History 1.2.23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/23/ - Source: Dindorf 4:10 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Once the nations had been tamed, the Word appeared as a man at the start of the Roman Empire, fulfilling the prophecies of his birth, works, death, resurrection, and ascension. ### Greek text ὡς δὲ τῆς παρὰ τούτοις νομοθεσίας βοωμένης, καὶ πνοῆς δίκην εὐώδους εἰς ἅπαντας ἀνθρώπους διαδιδομένης, ἤδη τότε ἐξ αὐτῶν καὶ τοῖς πλείοσι τῶν ἐθνῶν διὰ τῶν πανταχόσε νομοθετῶν τε καὶ φιλοσόφων ἡμέρωτο τὰ φρονήματα, τῆς ἀγρίας καὶ ἀπηνοῦς θηριωδίας ἐπὶ τὸ πρᾶον μεταβεβλημένης, ὡς καὶ εἰρήνην βαθεῖαν φιλίας τε καὶ ἐπιμιξίας πρὸς ἀλλήλους ἔχειν, τηνικαῦτα πᾶσι δὴ λοιπὸν ἀνθρώποις καὶ τοῖς ἀνὰ τὴν οἰκουμένην ἔθνεσιν, ὡσὰν προωφελημένοις καὶ ἤδη τυγχάνουσιν ἐπιτηδείοις πρὸς παραδοχὴν τῆς τοῦ πατρὸς γνώσεως, ὁ αὐτὸς δὴ πάλιν ἐκεῖνος ὁ τῶν ἀρρήτων διδάσκαλος, ὁ ἐν πᾶσιν ἀγαθοῖς τοῦ πατρὸς ὑπουργὸς, ὁ θεῖος καὶ οὐράνιος τοῦ θεοῦ λόγος, διʼ ἀνθρώπου κατὰ μηδὲν σώματος οὐσίᾳ τὴν ἡμετέραν φύσιν διαλλάττοντος, ἀρχομένης τῆς Ῥωμαίων βασιλείας ἐπιφανεὶς, τοιαῦτα ἔδρασέ τε καὶ ἔπαθεν, οἷα ταῖς προφητείαις ἀκόλουθα ἦν, ἄνθρωπον ὁμοῦ καὶ θεὸν ἐπιδημήσειν τῷ βίῳ παραδόξων ἔργων ποιητὴν, καὶ τοῖς πᾶσιν ἔθνεσι διδάσκαλον τῆς τοῦ πατρὸς εὐσεβείας ἀναδειχθήσεσθαι, τό τε παράδοξον αὐτοῦ τῆς γενέσεως καὶ τὴν καινὴν διδασκαλίαν καὶ τῶν ἔργων τὰ θαυμάσια, ἐπί τε τούτοις τοῦ θανάτου τὸν τρόπον, τήν τε ἐκ νεκρῶν ἀνάστασιν, καὶ τὴν ἐπὶ πᾶσιν εἰς οὐρανοὺς ἔνθεον ἀποκατάστασιν αὐτοῦ προκηρυττούσαις. ### English translation (Claude) But when their legislation became celebrated and spread like a fragrant breath among all men, then already from them the minds of most of the nations too had been tamed through lawgivers and philosophers everywhere, their wild and cruel savagery changed to gentleness, so that they enjoyed deep peace and friendship and intercourse with one another. At that time, then, to all the rest of mankind and to the nations throughout the world, as to people already helped and now fit to receive the knowledge of the Father, that same one again, the teacher of things unspeakable, the minister of the Father in all good things, the divine and heavenly Word of God, appeared at the beginning of the Roman Empire through a man in no way different from our nature in bodily substance, and did and suffered such things as agreed with the prophecies. For these proclaimed beforehand that one who was at once man and God would come to dwell in life as a doer of wonderful works, and would be shown to all nations as a teacher of reverence for the Father; and they foretold the wonder of his birth, his new teaching, and the marvels of his works, and besides these the manner of his death, his resurrection from the dead, and, above all, his divine restoration to heaven. ### Translation notes - The digital text's παρασόξων is a slip for παραδόξων. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.2.23 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/23/). ## Church History 1.2.24 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/24/ - Source: Dindorf 4:10–11 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Daniel foresaw the Ancient of Days enthroned in judgment. ### Greek text τὴν γοῦν ἐπὶ τέλει βασιλείαν αὐτοῦ Δανιὴλ ὁ προφήτης συνορῶν θείῳ πνεύματι ὧδέ πως ἐθεοφορεῖτο, άνθρωπινώτερον τὴν θεοπτίαν ὑπογράφων. “ γάρʼ φησὶν “ ἴως οὗ θρόνοι ἐτέθησαν, καὶ παλαιὸς ἡμερῶν ἐκάθητο. καὶ τὸ ἔνδυμα αὐτοῦ λευκὸν ὡσεὶ χιὼν, καὶ ἡ θρὶξ τῆς κεφαλῆς αὐτοῦ ὡσεὶ ἔριον καθαρὸν ὁ θρόνος αὐτοῦ φλὸξ πυρὸς, οἱ τροχοὶ αὐτοῦ πῦρ φλέγον. ποταμὸς πυρὸς εἷλκεν ἔμπροσθεν αὐτοῦ. χίλιαι χιλιάδες ἐλειτούργουν αὐτῷ, καὶ μύριαι μυριάδες παρειστήκεισαν ἔμπροσθεν αὐτοῦ. κριτήριον ἐκάθισε καὶ βίβλοι ἠνεῲχθησαν.” ### English translation (Claude) The prophet Daniel, for example, seeing his kingdom at the end by the divine Spirit, was inspired in this way, describing his vision of God in more human terms: “For I watched,” he says, “until thrones were set, and the Ancient of Days sat. And his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne a flame of fire, its wheels burning fire. A river of fire flowed before him. A thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. He set up judgment, and books were opened.” ### Scripture references - Dan 7:9–10: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Dan 7:9–10 (Theodotion). The digital text's opening “γάρʼ” lacks ἐθεώρουν and has ἴως for ἕως; translated as the sense requires. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.2.24 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/24/). ## Church History 1.2.25 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/25/ - Source: Dindorf 4:11 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Daniel saw one like a son of man receive an everlasting kingdom. ### Greek text καὶ ἐξῆς “ ἐθεώρουν” φησὶ “ καὶ ἰδοὺ μετὰ τῶν νεφελῶν τοῦ οὐρανοῦ ὡσεὶ υἱὸς ἀνθρώπου ἐρχόμενος, καὶ ἴως τοῦ παλαιοῦ τῶν ἡμερῶν ἔφθασε, καὶ ἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ προσηνέχθη· καὶ αὐτῷ ἐδόθη ἡ ἀρχὴ καὶ ἡ τιμὴ καὶ ἡ βασιλεία, καὶ πάντες οἱ λαοὶ, φυλαὶ, γλῶσσαι αὐτῷ δουλεύουσιν. ἡ ἐξουσία αὐτοῦ ἐξουσία αἰώνιος, ἥτις οὐ παρελεύσεται. καὶ ἡ βασιλεία αὐτοῦ οὐ διαφθαρήσεται. ” ### English translation (Claude) And next, “I watched,” he says, “and behold, with the clouds of heaven one like a son of man was coming, and he came as far as the Ancient of Days and was brought before him. And to him was given the rule and the honour and the kingdom, and all the peoples, tribes, and tongues serve him. His authority is an everlasting authority, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom shall not be destroyed.” ### Scripture references - Dan 7:13–14: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Dan 7:13–14 (Theodotion). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.2.25 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/25/). ## Church History 1.2.26 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/26/ - Source: Dindorf 4:11 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Daniel's vision refers to Christ, the Word, called Son of Man because he became man. ### Greek text ταῦτα δὲ σαφῶς οὐκ ἐφʼ ἕτερον, ἀλλʼ ἐπὶ τὸν ἡμέτερον σωτῆρα, τὸν ἐν ἀρχῇ πρὸς τὸν θεὸν θεὸν λόγον ἀναφέροιτο ἂν, υἱὸν ἀνθρώπου διὰ τὴν ὑστάτην ἐνανθρώπησιν αὐτοῦ χρηματίζοντα. ### English translation (Claude) These things plainly could refer to no one else but our Saviour, God the Word who was in the beginning with God, called Son of Man because of his final incarnation. ### Scripture references - John 1:1: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to John 1:1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.2.26 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/26/). ## Church History 1.2.27 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/27/ - Source: Dindorf 4:11 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: He refers readers to his other works for a fuller collection of prophecies about Christ. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ γὰρ ἐν οἰκείοις ὑπομνήμασι τὰς περὶ τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ προφητικὰς ἐκλογὰς συναγαγόντες, ἀποδεικτικώτερόν τε τὰ περὶ αὐτοῦ δηλούμενα ἐν ἑτέροις συστήσαντες, τοῖς εἰρημένοις ἐπὶ τοῦ παρόντος ἀρκεσθησόμεθα. ### English translation (Claude) But since we have collected the prophetic extracts concerning our Saviour Jesus Christ in separate memoirs, and have set out more demonstratively elsewhere what is revealed about him, we shall be content for the present with what has been said. ### Translation notes - Eusebius refers to his Prophetic Extracts (Eclogae propheticae) and probably the Demonstration of the Gospel. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.2.27 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/2/27/). ## Church History 1.3.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:11 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Next he shows that the names “Jesus” and “Christ” were honoured by the ancient prophets. ### Greek text Ὃτι δὲ καὶ αὐτὸ τοὔνομα τοῦ τε Ἰησοῦ καὶ δὴ καὶ τὸ τοῦ Χριστοῦ παρʼ αὐτοῖς τοῖς πάλαι θεοφιλέσι προφήταις τετίμητο ἤδη καιρὸς ἀποδεικνύναι. ### English translation (Claude) It is now time to show that the very name of Jesus, and also that of Christ, had been honoured by the God-loving prophets of old. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.3.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/1/). ## Church History 1.3.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:11–12 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Moses first gave the title “Christ” (anointed) to the high priest, showing the name's divine honour. ### Greek text σεπτὸν ὡς ἔνι μάλιστα καὶ ἔνδοξον τὸ Χριστοῦ ὄνομα πρῶτος αὐτὸς γνωρίσας Μωυσῆς, τύπους οὐρανίων καὶ σύμβολα μυστηριώδεις τε εἰκόνας ἀκολούθως χρησμῷ φήσαντι αὐτῷ “ὅρα, ποιήσεις πάντα κατὰ τὸν τύπον τὸν δειχθέντα σοι ἐν τῷ ὂρει ” παραδιδοὺς, ἀρχιερέα θεοῦ, ὡς ἐνῆν μάλιστα δυνα- τὸν, ἄνθρωπον ἐπιφημίσας, τοῦτον Χριστὸν ἀναγορεύει. καὶ ταύτῃ γε τῇ κατὰ τὴν ἀρχιερωσύνην ἀξίᾳ, πᾶσαν ὑπερβαλλούσῃ παρʼ αὐτῷ τὴν ἐν ἀνθρώποις προεδρίαν, ἐπὶ τιμῇ καὶ δόξῃ τὸ τοῦ Χριστοῦ περιτίθησιν ὄνομα. οὕτως ἄρα τὸν Χριστὸν θεῖόν τι χρῆμα ἠπίστατο. ### English translation (Claude) Moses himself was the first to make known the name of Christ as supremely august and glorious. When he delivered types of heavenly things and symbols and mysterious images, in accordance with the oracle that told him, “See, you shall make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain,” and consecrated a man as high priest of God, as far as was possible, he calls him Christ. And to this dignity of the high priesthood, which in his view surpassed all precedence among men, he attaches the name of Christ for honour and glory. So he understood Christ to be something divine. ### Scripture references - Exod 25:40: quotation, high confidence - Heb 8:5: echo, medium confidence - Lev 4:5: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Exod 25:40 (compare Heb 8:5). “The anointed priest” (ὁ ἱερεὺς ὁ χριστός) is in Lev 4:5, 16 LXX. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.3.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/2/). ## Church History 1.3.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:12 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Moses also first gave the name “Jesus” (Joshua) to his successor, as a type of Christ. ### Greek text ὁ δʼ αὐτὸς καὶ τὴν τοῦ Ἰησοῦ προσηγορίαν εὖ μάλα πνεύματι θείῳ προϊδὼν πάλιν τινὸς ἐξαιρέτου προνομίας καὶ ταύτην ἀξιοῖ. οὔποτε γοῦν πρότερον ἐκφωνηθὲν εἰς ἀνθρώπους πρὶν ἢ Μωυσέα γνωσθῆναι τὸ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ πρόσρημα τούτῳ Μωυσῆς πρώτῳ καὶ μόνῳ περιτίθησιν, ὃν κατὰ τύπον αὖθις καὶ σύμβολον ἔγνω μετὰ τὴν αὐτοῦ τελευτὴν διαδεξόμενον τὴν κατὰ πάντων ἀρχήν. ### English translation (Claude) The same Moses, foreseeing very clearly by the divine Spirit the title of Jesus as well, again honours this too with a special privilege. The name of Jesus, which had never been uttered among men before Moses was known, Moses gives first and only to the one whom he knew would, again as a type and symbol, succeed after his death to rule over all. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.3.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/3/). ## Church History 1.3.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:12 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Moses renamed Hoshea “Jesus” (Joshua), because he bore the image of the Saviour who would succeed the Mosaic worship. ### Greek text οὐ πρότερον γοῦν τὸν αὐτοῦ διάδοχον τῇ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ κεχρημένον προσηγορίᾳ, ὀνόματι δὲ ἑτέρῳ τῷ Λύσῃ, ὅπερ οἱ γεννήσαντες αὐτῷ τέθειντο, καλούμενον, Ἰησοῦν αὐτὸς ἀναγορεύει, γέρας ὥσπερ τίμιον παντὸς πολὺ μεῖζον βασιλικοῦ διαδήματος τοὔνομα αὐτῷ δωρούμενος, ὅτι δὴ καὶ αὐτὸς ὁ τοῦ Ναυῆ Ἰησοῦς τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν τὴν εἰκόνα ἔφερε, τοῦ μόνου μετὰ Μωυσέα καὶ τὸ συμπέρασμα τῆς διʼ ἐκείνου παραδοθείσης συμβολικῆς λατρείας, τῆς ἀληθοῦς καὶ καθαρωτάτης εὐσεβείας τὴν ἀρχὴν διαδεξαμένου. ### English translation (Claude) At any rate his successor, who had not before used the name Jesus but was called by another name, Hoshea, which his parents had given him, Moses himself names Jesus, bestowing the name on him as a precious honour far greater than any royal crown, because Jesus the son of Nun himself bore the image of our Saviour, who alone, after Moses and the completion of the symbolic worship delivered through him, succeeded to the rule of true and most pure religion. ### Scripture references - Num 13:16: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Num 13:16. In Greek “Joshua” and “Jesus” are the same name (Ἰησοῦς). The digital text has Λύσῃ for Αὐσῆ (Hoshea) and Μωθσἐα for Μωυσέα. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.3.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/4/). ## Church History 1.3.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:12 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Moses gave the names “Christ” and “Jesus” to the two greatest men of his day. ### Greek text καὶ Μωυσῆς μὲν ταύτῃ πη δυσὶ τοῖς κατʼ αὐτὸν ἀρετῇ καὶ δόξη παρὰ πάντα τὸν λαὸν προφέρουσιν ἀνθρώποις, τῷ μὲν ἀρχιερεῖ, τῷ δὲ μετʼ αὐτὸν ἡγησομένῳ, τὴν τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ προσηγορίαν ἐπὶ τιμῇ τῇ μεγίστῃ περιτέθειται. ### English translation (Claude) In this way, then, Moses bestowed the title of our Saviour Jesus Christ, as the highest honour, on the two men of his time who surpassed all the people in virtue and glory: on the high priest, and on the one who was to lead after him. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.3.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/5/). ## Church History 1.3.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:12–13 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Later prophets named Christ, foretelling both the plot against him and the calling of the nations. ### Greek text σαφῶς δὲ καὶ οἶ μετὰ ταῦτα προφῆται ὀνομαστὶ τὸν Χριστὸν προαναφωνοῦσιν, ὁμοῦ τὴν μέλλουσαν ἔσεσθαι κατʼ αὐτοῦ συσκευὴν τοῦ Ἰουδαίων λαοῦ, ὁμοῦ δὲ καὶ τὴν τῶν ἐθνῶν διʼ αὐτοῦ κλῆσιν προμαρτυρόμενοι, τοτὲ μὲν ὧδέ πως Ἱερεμίας λέγων “ πνεῦμα πρὸ προσώπου ἡμῶν Χριστὸς κύριος συνλήφθη ἐν ταῖς διαφθοραῖς αὐτῶν, οὗ εἲπαμεν ἐν τῇ σκιᾷ αὐτοῦ ζησόμεθα ἐν τοῖς ἒθνεσι, ” τοτὲ δὲ ἀμηχανῶν Δαβὶδ, διὰ τούτων ‘ἵνα τί ἐφρύαξαν ἔθνη καὶ λαοὶ ἐμελέτησαν κενά; παρέστησαν οἶ βασιλεῖς τῆς γῆς, καὶ οἶ ἄρχοντες συνήχθησαν ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ, κατὰ τοῦ κυρίου καὶ κατὰ τοῦ Χριστοῦ αὐτοῦ. ” οἷς ἑξῆς ἐπιλέγει ἐξ αὐτοῦ δὴ προσώπου τοῦ Χριστοῦ κύριος εἶπε πρός με, υἱός μου εἶ σὺ, ἐγὼ σήμερον γεγέννηκά σε. αἴτησαι παρʼ ἐμοῦ καὶ δώσω σοι ἔθνη τὴν κληρονομίαν σου, καὶ τὴν κατάσχεσίν σου τὰ πέρατα τῆς ” ### English translation (Claude) And the prophets after these clearly foretold Christ by name, testifying beforehand both to the plot that the Jewish people would form against him and to the calling of the nations through him. At one time Jeremiah speaks thus: “The breath before our face, Christ the Lord, was taken in their corruptions, of whom we said, In his shadow we shall live among the nations.” At another time David, in perplexity, says, “Why did the nations rage and the peoples devise vain things? The kings of the earth stood by, and the rulers gathered together against the Lord and against his Christ.” To which he adds next, from the very person of Christ: “The Lord said to me, You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, and the ends of the earth as your possession.” ### Scripture references - Lam 4:20: quotation, high confidence - Ps 2:1–2: quotation, high confidence - Ps 2:7–8: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotations are Lam 4:20 (LXX, ascribed to Jeremiah) and Ps 2:1–2, 7–8. The final quotation is incomplete in the digital text (it breaks off at “the ends of the”). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.3.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/6/). ## Church History 1.3.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:13 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Kings, too, were anointed and so were “christs” in figure of the true Christ. ### Greek text οὐ μόνους δὲ ἄρα τοὺς ἀρχιερω- σύνῃ τετιμημένους, ἐλαίῳ σκευαστῷ τοῦ συμβόλου χριομένους ἕνεκα, τὸ τοῦ Χριστοῦ κατεκόσμει παρʼ Ἑβραίοις ὄνομα, ἀλλὰ καὶ τοὺς βασιλέας, οὓς καὶ αὐτοὺς νεύματι θείῳ προφῆται χρίοντες εἰκονικούς τινας Χριστοὺς ἀπειργάζοντο, ὅτι δὴ καὶ αὐτοὶ τῆς τοὐ μόνου καὶ ἀληθοῦς Χριστοῦ τοῦ κατὰ πάντων ὢ βασιλεύοντος θείου λόγου βασιλικῆς καὶ ἀρχικῆς ἐξουσίας τοὺς τύπους διʼ ἑαυτῶν ἔφερον. ### English translation (Claude) Among the Hebrews it was not only those honoured with the high priesthood, anointed with prepared oil for the sake of the symbol, whom the name of Christ adorned, but also the kings, whom the prophets, anointing them at God's command, made into Christs in image, since they too bore in themselves the types of the royal and sovereign authority of the only and true Christ, the divine Word who reigns over all. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.3.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/7/). ## Church History 1.3.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:13 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Some prophets were also anointed, so priests, kings, and prophets all point to Christ, the true high priest, king, and prophet. ### Greek text ἤδη δὲ καὶ αὐτῶν τῶν προφητῶν τινὰς διὰ χρίσματος Χριστοὺς ἐν τύπῳ γεγονέναι παρειλήφαμεν, ὡς τούτους ἃπαντας τὴν ἐπὶ τὸν ἀληθῆ Χριστὸν, τὸν ἔνθεον καὶ οὐράνιον λόγον, ἀναφορὰν ἔχειν, μόνον ἀρχιερέα τῶν ὅλων καὶ μόνον ἀπάσης κτίσεως βασιλέα καὶ μόνον προφητῶν ἀρχιπροφήτην τοῦ πατρὸς τυγχάνοντα. ### English translation (Claude) We have received, moreover, that some of the prophets themselves became Christs in type by anointing, so that all these have reference to the true Christ, the divine and heavenly Word, who is the only high priest of all, the only king of all creation, and the only chief prophet of the prophets of the Father. ### Scripture references - 1 Kgs 19:16: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to the anointing of Elisha (1 Kgs 19:16). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.3.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/8/). ## Church History 1.3.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:13–14 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: None of the ancient anointed ones had the divine power that Jesus, the true Christ, has shown. ### Greek text τούτου δʼ ἀπόδειξις τὸ μηδένα πω τῶν πάλαι διὰ τοῦ συμβόλου κεχρισμένων, μήτε ἱερέων μήτε βαισ- λέων μήτε μὴν προφητῶν, τοσαύτην ἀρετῆς ἐνθέου δύναμιν κτήσασθαι, ὅσην ὁ σωτὴρ καὶ κύριος ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦς ὁ μόνος καὶ ἀληθινὸς Χριστὸς ἐπιδέδεικται. ### English translation (Claude) The proof of this is that none of those anointed by the symbol in ancient times, whether priests or kings or prophets, ever acquired such power of divine virtue as our Saviour and Lord Jesus, the only and true Christ, has displayed. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.3.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/9/). ## Church History 1.3.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:14 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: No anointed king or priest ever gave his followers his name, received worship, or moved all nations as Christ has. ### Greek text οὐδείς γέ τοι ἐκείνων καίπερ ἀξιώματι καὶ τιμῇ ἐπὶ πλείσταις ὅσαις γενεαῖς παρὰ τοῖς οἰκείοις διαλαμψάντων τοὺς ὑπηκόους πώποτε ἐκ τῆς περὶ αύτοὺς εἰκονικῆς τοῦ Χριστοῦ προσρήσεως Χριστιανοὺς ἐπεφήμισεν· ἀλλʼ οὐδὲ σεβάσμιός τινι τούτων πρὸς τῶν ὑπηκόων ὑπῆρξε τιμή· ἀλλʼ οὐδὲ μετὰ τὴν τελευτὴν τοσαύτη διάθεσις, ὡς καὶ ὑπεραποθνήσκειν ἑτοίμως ἔχειν τοῦ τιμωμένου· ἀλλʼ οὐδὲ πάντων τῶν ἀνὰ τὴν οἰκουμένην ἐθνῶν περί τινα τῶν τότε τοσαύτη γέγονε κίνησις, ἐπεὶ μηδὲ τοσοῦτον ἐν ἐκείνοις ἡ τοῦ συμβόλου δύναμις οἴα τε ἢν ἐνεργεῖν, ὅσον ἡ τῆς ἀληθείας παράστασις διὰ τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν ἐνδεικνυμένη· ### English translation (Claude) Not one of them, at any rate, though they shone among their own people in rank and honour for very many generations, ever named his subjects Christians from the name of Christ which they bore in image. Nor did any of them receive worshipful honour from his subjects; nor, after his death, such devotion that people were ready to die for the one honoured; nor was there such a movement of all the nations throughout the world concerning any of those men; for the power of the symbol could not work so strongly in them as the presence of the truth displayed through our Saviour. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.3.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/10/). ## Church History 1.3.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:14 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Jesus had no priestly, royal, or prophetic office among the Jews, yet the Father gave him all of these in reality. ### Greek text ὃς οὔτʼ ἑ σύμβολα καὶ τύπους ἀρχιερωσύνης παρά του λαβὼν, ἀλλʼ οὐδὲ γένος τὸ περὶ σῶμα ἐξ ἱερωμένων κατάγων, οὐδʼ ἀνδρῶν δορυφορίαις ἐπὶ βασιλείαν προαχθεὶς, οὐδὲ μὴν προφήτης ὁμοίως τοῖς πάλαι γενόμενος, οὐδʼ ἀξίας ὅλως ἤ τινος παρὰ Ἰουδαίοις τυχὼν προεδρίας, ὅμως τοῖς πᾶσιν εἰ καὶ μὴ τοῖς συμβόλοις, ἀλλʼ αὐτῇ γε τῇ ἀληθείᾳ παρὰ τοῦ πατρὸς κεκόσμητο. ### English translation (Claude) He received no symbols and types of high priesthood from anyone, nor did he trace his bodily descent from priests; he was not advanced to a kingdom by the spears of armed men, nor was he a prophet like those of old, nor did he obtain any rank at all or any precedence among the Jews; yet he had been adorned by the Father with all these things, not in symbols, but in truth itself. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.3.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/11/). ## Church History 1.3.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:14 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Jesus, the true Christ, has filled the world with Christians who bear his name and live by his teaching. ### Greek text οὐχ ὁμοίων δʼ οὖν οἶς προειρήκαμεν τυχὼν, πάντων ἐκείνων καὶ Χριστὸς μᾶλλον ἀνηγόρευται. καὶ ὡσὰν μόνος καὶ ἀληθὴς αὐτὸς ὢν ὁ Χριστὸς τοῦ θεοῦ Χριστιανῶν τὸν πάντα κόσμον τῆς ὄντως σεμνῆς καὶ ἱερὰς αὐτοῦ προσηγορίας κατέπλησεν, οὐκέτι τύπους οὐδὲ εἰκόνας, ἀλλʼ αὐτὰς γυμνὰς ἀρετὰς καὶ βίον οὐράνιον αὐτοῖς ἀληθείας δόγμασι τοῖς θιασώταις παραδοίς. ### English translation (Claude) Though he did not obtain the same honours as those we have mentioned, he has been called Christ more than all of them. And as being himself the only and true Christ of God, he has filled the whole world with Christians, his truly august and holy name, handing down to his followers no longer types or images, but the naked virtues themselves and a heavenly life in the very doctrines of truth. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.3.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/12/). ## Church History 1.3.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:14–15 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christ's anointing was with the divine Spirit, as Isaiah foretold. ### Greek text τό τε χρῖσμα, οὐ τὸ διὰ σωμάτων σκευαστὸν, ἀλλʼ αὐτὸ δὴ πνεύματι θείῳ τὸ θεοπρεπὲς, μετοχῇ τῆς ἀγεννήτου καὶ πατρικῆς θεότητος ἀπειλήφει. ὃ καὶ αὐτὸ πάλιν Ἠσαίας διδάσκει, ὡσὰν ἐξ αὐτοῦ Χριστοῦ ὧδέ πως ἀναβοῶν “ πνεῦμα κυρίου ἐπʼ ἐμὲ, οὗ εἵνεκεν ἔχρισέ με, εὐαγγελίσασθαι πτωχοῖς ἀπέσταλκέ με, κηρῦξαι αἰχμαλώτοις ἄφεσιν καὶ τυφλοῖς ἀνάβλεψιν. ### English translation (Claude) And he received the anointing, not the one prepared from material substances, but the one befitting God, by the divine Spirit, through sharing in the unbegotten Godhead of the Father. This, again, Isaiah teaches, crying out as if from Christ himself: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me; he has sent me to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim release to captives and recovery of sight to the blind.” ### Scripture references - Isa 61:1: quotation, high confidence - Luke 4:18: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Isa 61:1 (LXX; compare Luke 4:18). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.3.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/13/). ## Church History 1.3.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:15 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: David's psalm calls Christ God and King, anointed with the oil of gladness. ### Greek text καὶ οὐ μόνος γε Ἠσαίας, ἀλλὰ καὶ Δαβὶδ εἰς τὸ αὐτοῦ πρόσωπον ἀναφωνεῖ λέγων “ ὁ θρόνος σου, θεὸς, εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα τοῦ αἰῶνος, ῥάβδος εὐθύτητος ἡ ῥάβδος τῆς βασιλείας σου. ἠγάπησας δικαιοσύνην καὶ ἐμίσησας ἀνομίαν· διὰ τοῦτο ἔχρισέ σε ὁ θεὸς ὁ θεός σου ἔλαιον ἀγαλλιάσεως παρὰ τοὺς μετόχους σου.” ἐν οἶς ὁ λόγος ἐν μὲν τῷ πρώτῳ στίχῳ θεὸν αὐτὸν ἐπιφημίζει, ἐν δὲ τῷ δευτέρῳ σκήπτρῳ βασιλικῷ τιμᾷ. ### English translation (Claude) And not Isaiah alone, but David too speaks to his person, saying: “Your throne, O God, is for ever and ever; a rod of uprightness is the rod of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” In these words the passage in the first line calls him God, and in the second honours him with a royal sceptre. ### Scripture references - Ps 45:6–7 (44:7-Ps LXX): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Ps 45:6–7 (44:7–8 LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.3.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/14/). ## Church History 1.3.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:15 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The psalm shows Christ anointed with divine, not material, oil, surpassing all earlier anointed ones. ### Greek text εἶθʼ ἑξῆς ὑποβὰς μετὰ τὴν ἔνθεον καὶ βασι- λικὴν δύναμιν τρίτῃ τάξει Χριστὸν αὐτὸν γεγονότα ἐλαίῳ, οὐ τῷ ἐξ ὕλης σωμάτων, ἀλλὰ τῷ ἐνθέῳ τῆς ἀγαλλιάσεως ἠλειμμένον παρίστησι, παρὸ καὶ τὸ ἐξαίρετον αὐτοῦ καὶ πολὺ κρεῖττον καὶ διάφορον τῶν πάλαι διὰ τῶν εἰκόνων σωματικώτερον κεχρισμένων ὑποσημαίνει. ### English translation (Claude) Then, coming down next, after his divine and royal power, it presents him in the third place as having become Christ, anointed not with oil from material substances but with the divine oil of gladness; whereby it also indicates his special excellence, far superior to and different from those of old who were anointed more bodily through images. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.3.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/15/). ## Church History 1.3.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/16/ - Source: Dindorf 4:15 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Psalm 110 shows Christ seated at God's right hand, begotten before the morning star, a priest for ever like Melchizedek. ### Greek text καὶ ἀλλαχοῦ δὲ ὁ αὐτὸς ὧδέ πως τὰ περὶ αὐτοῦ δηλοῖ λέγων “ εἶπεν ὁ κύριος τῷ κυρίῳ μου, κάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν μου, ἴως ἂν θῶ τοὺς ἐχθρούς σου ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν σου, ’ καὶ “ ἐκ γαστρὸς πρὸ ἑωσφόρου ἐγέννησά σε. ὤμοσε κύριος καὶ οὐ μεταμεληθήσεται· σὺ εἶ ἱερεὺς εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα κατὰ τὴν τάξιν Μελχισεδέκ.” ### English translation (Claude) And elsewhere the same David makes known his affairs thus: “The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”; and, “From the womb before the morning star I begot you. The Lord has sworn and will not repent: You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.” ### Scripture references - Ps 110:1 (109:1 LXX): quotation, high confidence - Ps 110:3–4 (109:3-Ps LXX): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotations are Ps 110:1, 3–4 (109:1, 3–4 LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.3.16 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/16/). ## Church History 1.3.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/17/ - Source: Dindorf 4:15–16 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Like Melchizedek, whose priesthood came neither by anointing nor descent, Christ is priest by God's oath. ### Greek text οὗτος δὲ εἰσάγεται ἐν τοῖς ἱεροῖς λόγοις ὁ Μελχισεδὲκ, ἱερεὺς τοῦ θεοῦ τοῦ ὑψίστου, οὐκ ἐν σκευαστῷ τινι χρίσματι ἀναδεδειγμένος, ἀλλʼ οὐδὲ διαδοχῇ γένους προσήκων τῇ καθʼ Εβραίους ἱερωσύνῃ. διὸ κατὰ τὴν αὐτοῦ τάξιν, ἀλλʼ οὐ κατὰ τὴν τῶν ἄλλων σύμβολα καὶ τύπους ἀνειληφότων Χριστὸς καὶ ἱερεὺς μεθʼ ὅρκου παραλήψεως ὁ σωτὴρ ἡμῶν ἀνηγόρευται. ### English translation (Claude) This Melchizedek is introduced in the sacred books as a priest of God Most High, not appointed by any prepared anointing, nor belonging by descent to the priesthood of the Hebrews. Therefore it is after his order, and not after that of the others who received symbols and types, that our Saviour has been proclaimed Christ and priest with the confirmation of an oath. ### Scripture references - Gen 14:18: allusion, high confidence - Heb 7:1–3: allusion, medium confidence - Heb 7:20–21: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Gen 14:18 and Heb 7:1–3, 20–21. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.3.17 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/17/). ## Church History 1.3.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/18/ - Source: Dindorf 4:16 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christ was not anointed bodily nor of a priestly tribe, but existed from God before the world and is an eternal priest. ### Greek text ὅθεν οὐδὲ σωματικῶς παρὰ Ἰουδαίοις χρισθέντα αὐτὸν ἡ ἱστορία παραδίδωσιν, ἀλλʼ οὐδʼ ἐκ φυλῆς τῶν ἱερωμένων γενόμενον, ἐξ αὐτοῦ δὲ τοῦ θεοῦ πρὸ ἑωσφόρου μὲν, τουτέστι πρὸ τῆς τοῦ κόσμου συστάσεως οὐσιωμένον, ἀθάνατον δὲ καὶ ἀγήρω τὴν ἱερωσύνην εἰς τὸν ἄπειρον αἰῶνα διακατέχοντα. ### English translation (Claude) Hence history does not record that he was anointed bodily among the Jews, nor that he came from the tribe of the priests, but that he was given being from God himself before the morning star, that is, before the foundation of the world, and that he holds his priesthood immortal and ageless for unending ages. ### Scripture references - Heb 7:14: echo, medium confidence - Heb 7:24: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Heb 7:14, 24. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.3.18 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/18/). ## Church History 1.3.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/19/ - Source: Dindorf 4:16 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: That the whole world calls him Christ and worships him as king, prophet, priest, and God proves his divine anointing. ### Greek text τῆς δʼ εἰς αὐτὸν γενομένης ἀσωμάτου καὶ ἐνθέου χρίσεως μέγα καὶ ἐναρλὲς τεκμήριον τὸ μόνον αὐτὸν ἐξ ἁπάντων τῶν πώποτε εἰσέτι καὶ νῦν παρὰ πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις καθʼ ὅλου τοῦ κόσμου Χριστὸν ἐπιφημίζεσθαι, ὁμολογεῖσθαί τε καὶ μαρτυρεῖσθαι πρὸς ἀπάντων ἐπὶ τῇ προσηγορίᾳ, παρά τε Ἓλλησι καὶ βαρβάροις μνημονεύεσθαι, καὶ εἰσέτι καὶ νῦν παρὰ τοῖς ἀνὰ τὴν οἰκουμένην αὐτοῦ θιασώταις τιμᾶσθαι μὲν ὡς βασιλέα, θαυμάζεσθαι δὲ ὑπὲρ προφήτην, δοξάζεσθαί τε ὡσὰν ἀληθῆ καὶ μόνον θεοῦ ἀρχιερέα, καὶ ἐπὶ πάσι τούτοις οἷα θεοῦ λόγον προόντα καὶ πρὸ αἰώνων ἀπάντων οὐσιωμένον, τὴν σεβάσμιον τιμὴν παρὰ τοῦ πατρὸς ὑπειληφότα, καὶ προσκυνεῖσθαι ὡσὰν θεόν. ### English translation (Claude) A great and clear proof of the bodiless and divine anointing that came upon him is that he alone of all who have ever lived is still, even now, called Christ among all men throughout the whole world, is confessed and witnessed to by all under this name, is remembered among Greeks and barbarians, and even now is honoured by his followers throughout the inhabited world as king, marvelled at as more than a prophet, glorified as the true and only high priest of God, and above all these, as the pre-existent Word of God, given being before all ages, who has received worshipful honour from the Father, is worshipped as God. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.3.19 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/19/). ## Church History 1.3.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/20/ - Source: Dindorf 4:16 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christians honour Christ with their whole souls, even preferring martyrdom to life. ### Greek text τό γε μὴν ἀπαντῶ παραδοξότατον, ὅτι μὴ φωναῖς αὐτὸ μόνον καὶ ῥημάτων ψόφοις αὐτὸν γεραίρομεν οἱ καθωσιωμένοι αὐτῷ, ἀλλὰ καὶ πάσῃ διαθέσει ψυχῆς, ὡς καὶ αὐτῆς προτιμᾶν τῆς ἑαυτῶν ζωῆς τὴν εἰς αὐτὸν μαρτυρίαν. ### English translation (Claude) But most wonderful of all is that we who are consecrated to him honour him not only with voices and the sound of words, but with every disposition of the soul, so that we prefer bearing witness to him above our very own life. ### Translation notes - The digital text reads ἀπαντῶ, a slip for ἁπάντων. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.3.20 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/3/20/). ## Church History 1.4.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/4/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:16–17 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Having shown Christ is not new, Eusebius will now show that Christian teaching is not new either. ### Greek text Ταῦτα μὲν οὖν ἀναγκαίως πρὸ τῆς ἱστορίας ἐνταῦθά μοι κείσθω, ὡς ἂν μὴ νεώτερόν τις εἶναι νομίσειε τὸν σωτῆρα καὶ κύριον ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦν τὸν Χριστὸν διὰ τοὺς τῆς ἐνσάρκου πολιτείας αὐτοῦ χρόνους. ἔνα δὲ μηδὲ τὴν διδασκαλίαν αὐτοῦ νέαν εἶναι καὶ ξένην, ὡσὰν ὑπὸ νέου καὶ μηδὲν τῶν λοιπῶν διαφέροντος ἀνθρώπου συστᾶσάν τις ὑπονοήσειε, φέρε βραχέα καὶ περὶ τούτου διαλάβωμεν. ### English translation (Claude) These things, then, had necessarily to be set down here before the history, so that no one might think our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ recent because of the times of his life in the flesh. And so that no one may suppose that his teaching is new and foreign, as if composed by a new man no different from other men, come, let us treat this too briefly. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.4.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/4/1/). ## Church History 1.4.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/4/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:17 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christians form a new nation, vast and devout, that suddenly appeared and cannot be destroyed. ### Greek text ἄρτι μὲν ὁμολογουμένως τῆς τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ παρουσίας νεωστὶ πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις ἐπιλαμψάσης, νέον ὁμολογουμένως ἔθνος οὐ μικρὸν οὐδʼ ἐπὶ γωνίας ποι γῆς ἱδρυμένον, ἀλλὰ καὶ πάντων τῶν ἐθνῶν πολυανθρωπότατόν τε καὶ θεοσεβέστατον, ταύτῃ τε ἀνώλεθρον καὶ ἀήττητον, ᾗ καὶ εἰς ἀεὶ τῆς παρὰ θεοῦ βοηθείας τυγχάνει, χρόνων προθεσμίαις ἀρρήτοις ἀθρόως οὕτως ἀναπέφηνε, τὸ παρὰ τοῖς πᾶσι τῇ τοῦ Χριστοῦ προσηγορίᾳ τετιμημένον. ### English translation (Claude) It is admitted that when the presence of our Saviour Jesus Christ recently shone upon all men, a new nation, admittedly, appeared suddenly, at the unspeakable appointed times, not small nor settled in some corner of the earth, but the most populous and most God-fearing of all nations, and in this respect indestructible and unconquerable, that it always receives help from God: the nation honoured everywhere with the name of Christ. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.4.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/4/2/). ## Church History 1.4.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/4/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:17 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Isaiah foresaw a nation born in one day and a new name for God's servants. ### Greek text τοῦτο καὶ προφητῶν κατεπλάγη τις θείου πνεύματος ὀφθαλμῷ τὸ μέλλον ἔσεσθαι προθεωρήσας, ὡς καὶ τάδε ἀναφθέγξασθαι τίς ἤκουσε τοιαῦτα, καὶ τίς ἐλάλησεν οὕτως; εἰ ὤδινε γῆ ἐν μιᾷ ἡμέρᾳ, καὶ εἰ ἐτέχθη ἔθνος εἰσάπαξ. ὑποσημαίνει δέ πως καὶ τὴν μέλλουσαν ὁ αὐτὸς προσηγορίαν λέγων “τοῖς δὲ δουλεύουσί μοι κληθήσεται ὄνομα καινὸν, ὃ εὐλογηθήσεται ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς. ” ### English translation (Claude) One of the prophets was amazed at this, having foreseen by the eye of the divine Spirit what was to be, so that he cried out: “Who has heard such things, and who has spoken thus? Did the earth travail in one day, and was a nation born at once?” And the same prophet also hints at the name that was to come, saying, “But those who serve me shall be called by a new name, which shall be blessed upon the earth.” ### Scripture references - Isa 66:8: quotation, high confidence - Isa 65:15–16: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotations are Isa 66:8 and Isa 65:15–16 (LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.4.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/4/3/). ## Church History 1.4.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/4/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:17 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Though the name is new, the Christian way of life goes back to the godly men of the earliest times. ### Greek text ἀλλʼ εἰ καὶ νέοι σαφῶς ἡμεῖς, καὶ τοῦτο καινὸν ὄντως ὄνομα τὸ Χριστιανῶν ἀρτίως παρὰ πᾶσιν ἔθνεσι γνωρίζεται, ὁ βίος δʼ οὖν ὅμως καὶ τῆς ἀγωγῆς ὁ τρόπος αὐτοῖς εὐσεβείας δόγμασιν ὅτι μὴ ἔναγχος ὑφʼ ἡμῶν ἐπιπέπλασται, ἐκ πρώτης δὲ ὡς εἰπεῖν ἀνθρωπογονίας φυσικαῖς ἐννοίαις τῶν πάλαι θεοφιλῶν ἀνδρῶν κατωρθοῦτο, ὧδέ πως ἐπιδείξομεν. ### English translation (Claude) But even if we are clearly new, and this truly new name of Christians has only recently become known among all nations, nevertheless our life and manner of conduct, together with the doctrines of our religion, have not been lately invented by us, but from the first creation of man, so to speak, were upheld by the natural understanding of the God-loving men of old; we shall show this as follows. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.4.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/4/4/). ## Church History 1.4.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/4/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:17–18 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The ancient Hebrew writings record godly men before and after the flood, and Abraham their forefather. ### Greek text οὐ νέον, ἀλλὰ καὶ παρὰ πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις ἀρχαιότητι τετιμημένον ἔθνος, τοῖς πᾶσι καὶ αὐτὸ γνώριμον, τὸ Ἑβραίων τυγχάνει. λόγοι δὴ παρὰ τούτῳ καἲ γράμματα παλαιοὺς ἄνδρας περιέχουσι, σπανίους μὲν καὶ ἀριθμῷ βραχεῖς, ἀλλʼ ὅμως εὐσεβείᾳ καὶ δικαιο- σύνῃ καὶ πάσῃ τῇ λοιπῇ διενεγκόντας ἀρετῇ, πρὸ μέν γε τοῦ κατακλυσμοῦ διαφόρους, δὲ καὶ τοῦτον ἑτέρους τῶν τε τοῦ Νῶε παίδων καὶ ἀπογόνων, ἀτὰρ καὶ τὸν Ἀβραὰμ, ὃν ἀρχηγὸν καὶ προπάτορα σφῶν αὐτῶν παῖδες Ἑβραίων αὐχοῦσι. ### English translation (Claude) The Hebrew nation is not new, but honoured by all men for its antiquity, and it too is known to all. Its accounts and writings contain ancient men, rare indeed and few in number, but distinguished in godliness and righteousness and every other virtue: several before the flood, and others after it among the children and descendants of Noah, and also Abraham, whom the children of the Hebrews boast of as their founder and forefather. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.4.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/4/5/). ## Church History 1.4.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/4/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:18 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The righteous from Adam to Abraham may rightly be called Christians in fact if not in name. ### Greek text πάντας δὴ ἐκείνους ἐπὶ δικαιοσύνῃ μεμαρτυρημένους, ἐξ αὐτοῦ Ἀβραὰμ ἐπὶ τὸν πρῶτον ἀνιοῦσιν ἄνθρωπον, ἔργῳ Χριστιανοὺς εἰ καὶ μὴ ὀνόματι προσειπών τις οὐκ ἂν ἐκτὸς βάλοι τῆς ἀληθείας. ### English translation (Claude) If anyone should call all those who have been witnessed to for righteousness, going back from Abraham himself to the first man, Christians in fact, if not in name, he would not be far from the truth. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.4.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/4/6/). ## Church History 1.4.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/4/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:18 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: They practised the virtues and faith in one God that the name Christian signifies. ### Greek text ὃ γάρ τοι δηλοῦν ἐθέλει τοὔνομα τὸ Χριστιανοῦ, ἄνδρα διὰ τῆς τοῦ Χριστοῦ γνώσεως καὶ διδασκαλίας, σωφροσύνῃ καὶ δικαιοσύνῃ, καρτερίᾳ τε βίου καὶ ἀρετῆς ἀνδρείᾳ, εὐσεβείας τε ὁμολογίᾳ ἑνὸς καὶ μόνου τοῦ ἐπὶ πάντων θεοῦ διαπρέπειν, τοῦτο πᾶν ἐκείνοις οὐ χεῖρον ἡμῶν ἐσπουδάζετο. ### English translation (Claude) For what the name Christian means to indicate, a man who through the knowledge and teaching of Christ excels in self-control and righteousness, in endurance of life and courage of virtue, and in the confession of reverence for the one and only God over all, all this they practised no less zealously than we. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.4.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/4/7/). ## Church History 1.4.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/4/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:18 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The patriarchs, like Christians, did not keep circumcision, sabbath, or food laws, but knew Christ, who appeared to them. ### Greek text οὔτʼ οὖν σώματος αὐτοῖς περιτομῆς ἔμελεν, ὅτι μηδὲ ἡμῖν, οὔτε σαββάτων ἐπιτηρήσεως, ὅτι μηδὲ ἡμῖν· ἀλλʼ οὐδὲ τῶν τοιῶνδε τροφῶν πα φυλακῆς, οὐδὲ τῶν ἄλλων διαστολῆς, ὅσα τοῖς μετέπειτα πρῶτος ἁπάντων Μωυσῆς ἀρξάμενος ἐν συμβόλοις τελεῖσθαι παραδέδωκεν, ὅτι μηδὲ νῦν Χριστιανῶν τὰ τοιαῦτα· ἀλλὰ καὶ σαφῶς αὐτὸν ᾔδεσαν τὸν Χριστὸν τοῦ θεοῦ, εἴ γε ὦφθαι μὲν τῷ Ἀβραὰμ, χρηματίσαι δὲ τῷ Ἰσαὰκ, λελαληκέναι δὲ τῷ Ἰακὼβ, Μωυσεῖ τε καὶ τοῖς μετὰ ταῦτα προφήταις ὡμιληκέναι προδέδεικται. ### English translation (Claude) They did not, then, care about bodily circumcision, as neither do we; nor about keeping sabbaths, as neither do we; nor about abstaining from certain foods, nor the other distinctions that Moses first of all began to hand down to later generations to be performed as symbols, as Christians do not keep such things now either. But they clearly knew the Christ of God himself, since it has already been shown that he appeared to Abraham, gave oracles to Isaac, spoke to Jacob, and conversed with Moses and the prophets after him. ### Translation notes - The digital text has a stray “πα” before φυλακῆς. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.4.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/4/8/). ## Church History 1.4.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/4/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:18 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Scripture even calls the patriarchs God's “christs” (anointed ones). ### Greek text ἔνθεν αὐτοὺς δὴ τοὺς θεοφιλεῖς ἐκείνους εὕροις ἂν καὶ τῆς τοῦ Χριστοῦ κατηξιωμένους προσωνυμίας, κατὰ τὴν φάσκουσαν περὶ αὐτῶν φωνήν “μὴ ἅψησθε τῶν χριστῶν μου, καὶ ἐν τοῖς προφήταις μου μὴ πονηρεύτεσθε.” ### English translation (Claude) Hence you would find that those God-loving men were thought worthy even of the name of Christ, according to the saying about them: “Do not touch my christs, and do no evil among my prophets.” ### Scripture references - Ps 105:15 (104:15 LXX): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Ps 105:15 (104:15 LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.4.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/4/9/). ## Church History 1.4.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/4/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:18–19 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christianity is therefore the oldest religion, that of Abraham and the godly men of his time. ### Greek text ὥστε σαφῶς πρώτην ἡγεῖσθαι δεῖν καὶ πάντων παλαιτάτην τε καὶ ἀρχαιο- τάν θεοσεβείας εὕρεσιν, αὐτῶν ἐκείνων δὴ τῶν ἀμφὶ τὸν Ἀβραὰμ θεοφιλῶν ἀνδρῶν, τὴν ἀρτίως διὰ τῆς τοῦ Χριστοῦ διδασκαλίας πᾶσιν ἔθνεσι κατηγγελμένην. ### English translation (Claude) So we must clearly regard the religion recently proclaimed to all nations through the teaching of Christ as the first and most ancient and primeval discovery of godliness, that of those very God-loving men around Abraham. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.4.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/4/10/). ## Church History 1.4.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/4/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:19 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Abraham was declared righteous by faith before he was circumcised. ### Greek text εἰ δὲ δὴ μακρῷ ποθʼ ὕστερον χρόνῳ περιτομῆς φασι τὸν Ἀβραὰμ ἐντολὴν εἰληφέναι, ἀλλά γε πρὸ ταύτης δικαιοσύνην διὰ πίστεως μαρτυρηθεὶς ἀνείρηται, ὧδέ πως φάσκοντος τοῦ θείου λόγου “ ἐπίστευσε δὲ Ἀβραὰμ τῷ θεῷ, καὶ ἐλογίσθη αὐτῷ εἰς δικαιοσύνην. ” ### English translation (Claude) And if they say that Abraham received the command of circumcision a long time afterwards, yet before this he is said to have been witnessed to as righteous through faith, as the divine word says: “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” ### Scripture references - Gen 15:6: quotation, high confidence - Rom 4:10–11: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Gen 15:6 (compare Rom 4:3, 9–11). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.4.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/4/11/). ## Church History 1.4.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/4/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:19 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christ promised Abraham that all nations would be blessed in him, speaking of those later justified by faith like him. ### Greek text καὶ δὴ τοιούτῳ πρὸ τῆς περιτομῆς γεγονότι χρησμὸς ὕπο του φήναντος ἑαυτὸν αὐτῷ θεοῦ οὗτος δʼ ἦν αὐτὸς ὁ Χριστὸς ὁ τοῦ θεοῦ λόγος) περὶ τῶν ἐν τοῖς μετέπειτα χρόνοις τὸν ὅμοιον αὐτῷ δικαιοῦσθαι τρόπον μελλόντων ῥήμασιν αὐτοῖς προε- πήγγελται λέγων ‘καὶ ἐνευλογηθήσονται ἐν σοὶ πάσαι αἱ φυλαὶ τῆς γῆς. καὶ ὡς ὅτι ἔσται εἰς ἔθνος μέγα καὶ πολύ. καὶ ἐνευλογηθήσονται ἐν αὐτῷ πάντα τὰ ἔθνη τῆς γῆς. ” ### English translation (Claude) And to him, being such before his circumcision, an oracle was given by God who revealed himself to him (and this was Christ himself, the Word of God), promising beforehand, in these very words, concerning those who in later times would be justified in the same way as he: “And in you shall all the tribes of the earth be blessed”; and, “He shall become a great and numerous nation, and in him shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.” ### Scripture references - Gen 12:3: quotation, high confidence - Gen 18:18: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotations are Gen 12:3 and Gen 18:18. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.4.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/4/12/). ## Church History 1.4.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/4/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:19 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Abraham, justified by faith and serving God by virtue rather than the later law, was the one in whom the nations would be blessed; this is fulfilled in Christians. ### Greek text τούτῳ δὲ καὶ ἐπιστῆσαι εἰς ἡμᾶς ἐκπεπληρωμένῳ πάρεστι. πίστει μὲν γὰρ ἐκεῖνος τῇ εἰς τὸν ὀφθέντα αὐτῷ τοῦ θεοῦ λόγον τὸν Χριστὸν δεδικαίωτο, πατρῴας μὲν ἀποστὰς δεισιδαιμονίας καὶ πλάνης βίου προτέρας, ἔνα δὲ τὸν ἐπὶ πάντων ὁμο- λογήσας θεὸν, καὶ τοῦτον ἔργοις ἀρετῆς, οὐχὶ δὲ θρησκείᾳ νόμου τοῦ μετὰ ταῦτα Μωυσέως θεραπεύσας. τοιούτῳ τε ὄντι εἴρητο ὅτι δὴ πᾶσαι αἱ φυλαὶ τῆς γῆς καὶ πάντα τὰ ἔθνη ἐν αὐτῷ εὐλογηθήσονται. ### English translation (Claude) We may observe that this has been fulfilled in us. For he was justified by faith in the Word of God, the Christ, who appeared to him, having turned away from the superstition of his fathers and the error of his former life, having confessed the one God over all and served him by works of virtue, not by the worship of the law of Moses that came later. And to him, being such, it was said that all the tribes of the earth and all the nations would be blessed in him. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.4.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/4/13/). ## Church History 1.4.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/4/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:19 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Only Christians now practise Abraham's kind of religion throughout the world. ### Greek text ἔργοις δὲ λόγων ἐναργεστέροις ἐπὶ τοῦ παρόντος παρὰ μόνοις Χριστιανοῖς καθʼ ὅλης τῆς οἰκουμένης ἀσκούμενος αὐτὸς ἐκεῖνος ὁ τῆς θεοσεβείας του Ἀβραὰμ ἀναπέφηνε τρόπος. ### English translation (Claude) And at the present time, among Christians alone throughout the whole world, that very manner of Abraham's religion has appeared, practised in deeds clearer than words. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.4.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/4/14/). ## Church History 1.4.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/4/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:19–20 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christian piety is therefore not new but the first and only true religion. ### Greek text τί δὴ οὖν λοιπὸν ἐμποδὼν ἂν εἴη, μὴ οὐχὶ ἔνα καὶ τὸν αὐτὸν βίον τε καὶ τρόπον εὐσεβείας ἡμῖν τε τοῖς ἀπὸ Χριστοῦ καὶ τοῖς πρόπαλαι θεοφιλέσιν ὁμολογεῖν; ὥστε μὴ νέαν καὶ ξένην, ἀλλʼ εἰ δεῖ φάναι ἀληθεύοντα, πρώτην ὑπάρχειν καὶ μόνην καὶ ἀληθῆ κατόρθωσιν εὐσεβείας τὴν διὰ τῆς τοῦ Χριστοῦ διδασκαλίας παραδοθεῖσαν ἡμῖν ἀποδείκνυσθαι. καὶ ταῦτα μὲν ὧδε ἐχέτω. ### English translation (Claude) What then would prevent us from confessing that one and the same life and manner of godliness belongs both to us who are from Christ and to the God-loving men of long ago? So the godliness handed down to us through the teaching of Christ is shown to be, not new and foreign, but, if one must speak truly, the first and only and true achievement of godliness. Let that suffice on this matter. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.4.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/4/15/). ## Church History 1.5.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/5/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:20 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius now starts the history proper with the incarnation, praying for God's help. ### Greek text Φέρε δὲ ἤδη μετὰ τὴν δέουσαν προκατασκευὴν τῆς προτεθείσης ἡμῖν ἐκκλησιαστικῆς ἱστορίας ἤδη λοιπὸν ἀπὸ τῆς ἐνσάρκου τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν ἐπιφανείας οἷά τινος ὁδοιπορίας ἐφαψώμεθα, τὸν τοῦ λόγου πατέρα θεὸν καὶ τὸν δηλούμενον αὐτὸν Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν τὸν σωτῆρα καὶ κύριον ἡμῶν, τὸν οὐράνιον τοῦ θεοῦ λόγον βοηθὸν ἡμῖν καὶ συνεργὸν τῆς κατὰ τὴν διήγησιν ἀληθείας ἐπικαλεσάμενοι. ### English translation (Claude) Come now, after the necessary preparation for the church history we have set before us, let us at last begin, as on a journey, from the appearance of our Saviour in the flesh, calling on God, the Father of the Word, and on him of whom we are speaking, Jesus Christ our Saviour and Lord, the heavenly Word of God, as our helper and fellow-worker in the truth of the narrative. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.5.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/5/1/). ## Church History 1.5.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/5/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:20 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Augustus's forty-second year, at the time of Quirinius's census. ### Greek text ἦν δὴ οὖν τοῦτο δεύτερον καὶ τεσσαρακοστὸν ἔτος τῆς Αὐγούστου βασιλείας, Αἰγύπτου δʼ ὑποταγῆς καὶ τελευτῆς Ἀντωνίου καὶ Κλεοπάτρας,, εἰς ἣν ὑστάτην ἡ κατʼ Αἴγυπτον τῶν Πτολεμαίων κατέληξε δυναστεία, ὄγδοον ἔτος καὶ εἰκοστὸν, ὁπηωίκα ὁ σωτὴρ ἡμῶν καὶ κύριος Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς ἐπὶ τῆς τότε ἀπογραφῆς πρώτης, ἡγεμονεύοντος Κυρινίου τῆς Συρίας, ἀκολούθως ταῖς περὶ αὐτοῦ προφητείαις, ἐν Βηθλεὲμ γεννᾶται τῆς Ἰουδαίας. ### English translation (Claude) It was then the forty-second year of the reign of Augustus, and the twenty-eighth year from the subjection of Egypt and the death of Antony and Cleopatra, with whom the dynasty of the Ptolemies in Egypt came to its end, when our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, at the time of the first census, while Quirinius was governor of Syria, was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in accordance with the prophecies concerning him. ### Scripture references - Luke 2:2: allusion, high confidence - Mic 5:2 (5:1 LXX): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Luke 2:1–7 and Mic 5:2 (5:1 LXX). Eusebius's dating is his own; modern scholars place the birth a few years earlier and debate the date of the census. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.5.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/5/2/). ## Church History 1.5.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/5/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:20–21 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus mentions the census and the revolt of Judas the Galilean, which Luke also records in Acts. ### Greek text ταύτης δὲ τῆς κατὰ Κυρίνιον ἀπογραφῆς καὶ ὁ τῶν παρʼ Ἐβραίοις ἐπισημότατος ἱστορικόν Θλαύιος Ἰώσηπος μνημονεύει, καὶ ἄλλην ἐπισυνάπτων ἱστορίαν περὶ τῆς τῶν Γαλιλαίων κατὰ τοὺς αὐτοὺς ἐπιφυείσης χρόνους αἱρέσεως, ἧς καὶ παρʼ ἡμῖν ὁ Λουκᾶς ἐν ταῖς Πράξεσι μνήμην ὧδἐπως λέγων πεποίηται “ μετὰ τοῦτον ἀνέστη Ἰούδας ὁ Γαλιλαῖος ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις τῆς ἀπογραφῆς, καὶ ἀπέστησε λαὸν ὀπίσω αὐτοῦ, κἀκεῖ- νος ἀπώλετο, καὶ πάντες ὅσοι ἐπείσθησαν αὐτῷ διεσκορπίσθησαν.” ### English translation (Claude) This census under Quirinius is also mentioned by Flavius Josephus, the most renowned historian among the Hebrews, who adds another account, about the sect of the Galileans that sprang up at the same time, which our own Luke also mentions in the Acts, saying: “After him rose up Judas the Galilean in the days of the census, and drew away people after him; he too perished, and all who followed him were scattered.” ### Scripture references - Acts 5:37: quotation, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 18.1–10 (Josephus (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Acts 5:37. The digital text has Θλαύιος for Φλαύιος. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.5.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/5/3/). ## Church History 1.5.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/5/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:21 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted) reports Quirinius's arrival in Syria to assess property. ### Greek text τοῦτοις δʼ οὖν καὶ ὁ δεδηλωμένος ἐν ὀκτωκαιδεκάτῳ τῆς ἀρχαιολογίας συνᾴδων ταῦτα παρατίθεται κατὰ λέξιν “ Κυρίνιος δὲ τῶν εἰς τὴν βουλὴν συναγομένων ἀνὴρ, τάς τε ἄλλας ἀρχὰς ἐπιτετελεκὼς καὶ διὰ πασῶν ὁδεύσας ὕπατος γενέσθαι, τά τε ἄλλα ἀξιώματι μέγας, σὺν ὀλίγοις ἐπὶ Συρίας παρῆν, ὑπὸ Καίσαρος δικαιοδότης τοῦ ἔθνους άπεσταλμένος, καὶ τιμητὴς τῶν οὐσιῶν γενησόμενος. ” ### English translation (Claude) In agreement with these things, the writer we have mentioned sets out the following word for word in the eighteenth book of his Antiquities: “Quirinius, a member of the senate, who had held the other offices and passed through them all to become consul, and a man of great dignity in other respects, arrived in Syria with a few men, sent by Caesar as judge of the nation and to make an assessment of property.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 18.1 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Josephus, Ant. 18.1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.5.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/5/4/). ## Church History 1.5.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/5/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:21 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted) tells how Judas and Saddok stirred revolt against the census. ### Greek text καὶ μετὰ βραχέα φησίν “ Ἰούδας δὲ Γαυλανίτης ἀνὴρ ἐκ πόλεως ὄνομα Γαμάλας, Σάδδοκον Φαρισαῖον προσλαβόμενος, ἠπείγετο ἐπὶ ἀποστάσει, τήν τε ἀποτίμησιν οὐδὲν ἄλλο ἢ ἄντικρυς δουλείαν ἐπιφέρειν λέγοντες, καὶ τῆς ἐλευθερίας ἐπʼ ἀντιλήψει παρακαλοῦντες τὸ ἔθνος. ” ### English translation (Claude) And a little later he says: “But Judas, a Gaulonite from a city named Gamala, taking with him Saddok, a Pharisee, pressed for revolt, both saying that the assessment brought nothing but outright slavery and calling on the nation to lay hold of its freedom.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 18.4 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Josephus, Ant. 18.4. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.5.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/5/5/). ## Church History 1.5.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/5/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:21 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: In the Jewish War Josephus (quoted) says Judas urged the Jews not to pay tribute to Rome. ### Greek text καὶ ἐν τῇ δευτέρᾳ δὲ τῶν ἱστοριῶν τοῦ Ἰουδαϊκοῦ πολέμου περὶ τοῦ αὐτοῦ ταῦτα γράφει “ ἐπὶ τούτοις τις ἀνὴρ Γαλιλαῖος Ἰούδας “ εἰς ἀποστασίαν ἐνῆγε τοὺς ἐπιχωρίους, “ ζων, εἰ φόρον τε Ῥωμαίοις τελεῖν ὑπομένουσι καὶ “μετὰ τὸν θεὸν οἴσουσι θνητοὺς δεσπότας.’ ταῦτα ὁ Ἰώσηπος. ### English translation (Claude) And in the second book of his Histories of the Jewish War he writes this about the same man: “At this time a Galilean named Judas incited the inhabitants to revolt, reproaching them if they would submit to pay tribute to the Romans and would endure mortal masters after God.” So much from Josephus. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 2.118 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Josephus, J.W. 2.118. The digital text has ζων for ὀνειδίζων (partly lost). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.5.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/5/6/). ## Church History 1.6.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/6/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:21 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: When Herod, a foreigner, became king of the Jews, Jacob's prophecy that the ruler would not depart from Judah until the Christ came was fulfilled. ### Greek text Τηνικαῦτα δὲ καὶ τοῦ Ἰου- δαίων ἔθνους Ἡρώδου πρώτου τὸ γένος ἀλλοφύλου διειληφότος τὴν βασιλείαν ἡ διὰ Μωυσέως περιγραφὴν ἐλάμβανε προφητεία “ οὐκ ἐκλείψειν ἄρχοντα ἐξ Ἰούδα οὐδὲ ἡγούμενον ἐκ τῶν μηρῶν αὐτοῦ” φήσασα, ἕως ἂν ἔλθῃ ᾧ ἀπόκειται, ” ὃν καὶ ἀποφαίνει προσδο- κίαν ἐθνῶν ἔσεσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) At that time, when Herod, the first of foreign race, took over the kingship of the Jewish nation, the prophecy given through Moses was fulfilled, which said that “a ruler shall not fail from Judah, nor a leader from his loins, until he comes for whom it is reserved,” whom it also declares to be the expectation of the nations. ### Scripture references - Gen 49:10: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Gen 49:10 (LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.6.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/6/1/). ## Church History 1.6.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/6/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:21–22 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Herod was the first foreigner to rule the Jews; Josephus calls him Idumaean and Arabian, while Africanus reports a humbler origin at Ascalon. ### Greek text ἀτελῆ γέ τοι τὰ τῆς προρρή- σεως ἦν, καθʼ ὅν ὑπὸ τοῖς οἰκείοις τοῦ ἔθνους ἂρχουσι διάγειν αὐτοῖς ἐξῆν χρόνον, ἄνωθεν ἐξ αὐτοῦ Μωυσέως καταρξαμένοις καὶ εἰς τὴν Αὐγούστου βασιλείαν διαρκέσασι· καθʼ ὃν πρῶτος ἀλλόφυλος Ἡρώδης τὴν κατὰ Ἰουδαίων ἐπιτρέπεται ὑπὸ Ῥωμαίων ἀρχὴν, ὡς μὲν Ἰώσηπος παραδίδωσιν, Ἰδουμαῖος ὢν κατὰ πατέρα τὸ γένος, Ἀράβιος δὲ κατὰ μητέρα, ὡς δʼ Ἀφρικανὸς, οὐχ ὁ τυχὼν δὲ καὶ οὗτος γέγονε συγγραφεὶς), φασὶν οἱ τὰ κατʼ αὐτὸν ἀκριβοῦντες, Ἀντιπάτρου, τοῦτον δὲ Ἡρώδου τινὸς Ἀσκαλωνίτου τῶν περὶ τὸν νεὼν τοῦ Ἀπόλλωνος ἱεροδούλων καλουμένων γεγονέναι. ### English translation (Claude) The prediction was unfulfilled during the time when they were permitted to live under rulers of their own nation, beginning from Moses himself and continuing until the reign of Augustus. In his time Herod, the first foreigner, was entrusted by the Romans with the rule of the Jews: as Josephus relates, he was an Idumaean on his father's side and an Arabian on his mother's; but, as Africanus says (and he too was no ordinary writer), those who know the details about him say that he was the son of Antipater, and that Antipater was the son of a certain Herod of Ascalon, one of the so-called temple slaves of the temple of Apollo. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 14.8–9 (Josephus (works)): allusion, medium confidence - Julius Africanus (Julius Africanus (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The references are Josephus, Ant. 14.8–9, and Julius Africanus, Letter to Aristides. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.6.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/6/2/). ## Church History 1.6.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/6/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:22 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Antipater, captured as a boy by Idumaeans, later befriended Hyrcanus; his son was Herod. ### Greek text ὃς Ἀντίπατρος ὑπὸ Ἰδουμαίων λῃστῶν παιδίον αἰχμαλωτισθεὶς σὺν ἐκείνοις ἦν, διὰ τὸ μὴ δύνασθαι τὸν πατέρα πένητα ὄντα λύτρα κάτα θέσθαι ὑπὲρ αὐτοῦ. ἐντραφεὶς δὲ τοῖς ἐκείνων ἤθεʼ σιν ὕστερον Ὑρκανῷ τῷ Ἰουδαίων ἀρχιερεῖ φιλοῦτ τούτῳ παῖς γίνεται ὁ ἐπὶ τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν Ἡρώδη ### English translation (Claude) This Antipater, taken captive as a child by Idumaean brigands, stayed with them because his father, being poor, could not pay a ransom for him. Brought up in their customs, he later became a friend of Hyrcanus the high priest of the Jews. His son was the Herod of our Saviour's time. ### Extrabiblical texts - Julius Africanus (Julius Africanus (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Report from Julius Africanus. The digital text is damaged at the end of this section (φιλοῦτ, Ἡρώδη). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.6.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/6/3/). ## Church History 1.6.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/6/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:22 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: With Herod, the native succession of rulers ceased, and the one expected by the nations was at hand. ### Greek text εἰς δὴ οὖν τὸν τοιοῦτον τῆς Ἰουδαίων περιελθο σὴς βασιλείας, ἐπὶ θύραις ἤδη καὶ ἡ τῶν ἐθνῶν ἅκ λούθως τῇ προφητείᾳ προσδοκία παρῆν, ἅτε διαλε- λοιπότων ἐξ ἐκείνου τῶν παρʼ αὐτοῖς ἐξ αὐτοῦ Μωυσέως κατὰ διαδοχὴν ἀρξάντων τε καὶ ἡγησαμένων. ### English translation (Claude) So when the kingship of the Jews had passed to such a man, the expectation of the nations, in accordance with the prophecy, was already at the doors, since from his time those who had ruled and led among them in succession from Moses himself had ceased. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.6.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/6/4/). ## Church History 1.6.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/6/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:22 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Before the exile the Jews had kings, and before the kings, judges. ### Greek text πρὸ μέν γε τῆς αἰχμαλωσίας αὐτῶν καὶ τῆς εἰς Βαβυλῶνα μεταναστάσεως ἐβασιλεύοντο, ἀπὸ Σαοὺλ πρώτου καὶ Δαβὶδ ἀρξάμενοι· πρὸ δὲ τῶν βασιλέων ἄρχοντες αὐτοὺς διεῖπον, οἱ προσαγορευόμενοι κρῖ ταὶ, ἄρξαντες καὶ αὐτοὶ μετὰ Μωυσέα καὶ τὸν τούτου διάδοχον Ἰησοῦν. ### English translation (Claude) Before their captivity and deportation to Babylon they were ruled by kings, beginning with Saul first and David; and before the kings, rulers governed them who were called judges, and they too ruled after Moses and his successor Joshua. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.6.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/6/5/). ## Church History 1.6.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/6/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:22–23 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: After the exile the high priests ruled until Pompey captured Jerusalem, sent Aristobulus to Rome, and made the Jews tributary. ### Greek text μετὰ δὲ τὴν ἀπὸ Βαβυλῶνος ἐπάνοδον οὐ διέλιπον πολιτείᾳ χρώμενοι ἀριστοκρατικῇ μετὰ ὀλιγαρχίας. οἱ γὰρ ἀρχιερεῖς προεστήκεσαν τῶν πραγμάτων, ἄχρις οὗ Πομπήιος Ῥωμαίων στρα- τηγὸς ἐπιστὰς τὴν μὲν Ἰερουσαλὴμ πολιορκεῖ τὰ κράτος, μιαίνει τε τὰ ἅγια μέχρι τῶν ἀδύτων τοῦ ἱεροῦ προελθὼν, τὸν δὲ ἐκ προγόνων διαδοχῆς εἰς ἐκεῖνο τοῦ καιροῦ διαρκέσαντα βασιλέα τε ὁμοῦ καὶ ἀρχιερέα, Ἀριστόβουλος ὄνομα ἢν αὐτῷ, δέσμιον ἐπὶ Ῥώμην ἄμα τέκνοις ἐκπέμψας, Ὑρκανῷ μὲν τῷ τού- του ἀδελφῷ τὴν ἀρχιερωσύνην παραδίδωσι, τὸ δὲ πᾶν Ἰουδαίων ἔθνος ἐξ ἐκείνου Ῥωμαίοις ὑπόφορον κατεστήσατο. ### English translation (Claude) After the return from Babylon they continued to use an aristocratic form of government combined with oligarchy; for the high priests presided over affairs, until Pompey, the Roman general, came and besieged Jerusalem by force, and defiled the holy places, going as far as the innermost sanctuary of the temple. The one who until that time had continued by ancestral succession as both king and high priest, whose name was Aristobulus, he sent in chains to Rome with his children, and handed the high priesthood to Hyrcanus his brother; and from then on he made the whole Jewish nation tributary to the Romans. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 14.54–79 (Josephus (works)): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The source is Josephus, Ant. 14.54–79. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.6.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/6/6/). ## Church History 1.6.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/6/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:23 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: When Hyrcanus was captured by the Parthians, Rome gave the Jewish nation to Herod. ### Greek text αὐτίκα γοῦν καὶ Ὑρκανοῦ, εἰς ὅν ὓστατον τὰ τῆς τῶν ἀρχιερέων περιέστη διαδοχῆς, ὑπὸ Παρθῶν αἰχμαλώτου ληφθέντος, πρῶτος, ὡς γοῦν ἔφην, ἀλλόφυλος Ἡρώδης ὑπὸ τῆς συγκλήτου Ῥωμαίων καὶ Αὐγούστου βασιλέως τὸ Ἰουδαίων ἔθνος ἐγχειρίζεται. ### English translation (Claude) And at once, when Hyrcanus, with whom the succession of the high priests came to its end, was taken captive by the Parthians, Herod, the first foreigner, as I said, was entrusted with the Jewish nation by the Roman senate and the emperor Augustus. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.6.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/6/7/). ## Church History 1.6.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/6/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:23 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christ came when native rule failed, and the hereditary high priesthood also fell into confusion. ### Greek text καθʼ ὃν ἐναργῶς τῆς τοῦ Χριστοῦ παρουσίας ἐνστάσης καὶ τῶν ἐθνῶν ἡ προσδοκωμένη σωτηρία τε καὶ κλῆσις ἀκολούθως τῇ προφητείᾳ παρηκολούθησεν· ἔξ οὗ δὴ χρόνου τῶν ἐξ Ἰούδα ἀρχόντων τε καὶ ἡγουμένων, λέγω δὲ τῶν ἐκ τοῦ Ἰουδαίων ἔθνους διαλελοιπότων, εἰκότως αὐτοῖς καὶ τὰ τῆς ἐκ προγόνων εὐσταθῶς ἐπὶ τοὺς ἔγγιστα διαδόχους κατὰ γενεὰν προιούσης ἀρχιερωσύνης παραχρῆμα συγχεῖται ### English translation (Claude) In his time the presence of Christ plainly came, and the expected salvation and calling of the nations followed, in accordance with the prophecy. From that time, when the rulers and leaders from Judah, I mean from the Jewish nation, had ceased, naturally their high priesthood too, which had passed steadily by ancestral succession from generation to generation to the nearest heirs, was immediately thrown into confusion. ### Translation notes - The digital text repeats προφητείᾳ; the translation reads it once. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.6.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/6/8/). ## Church History 1.6.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/6/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:23 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus shows that Herod, Archelaus, and the Romans appointed obscure men as high priest. ### Greek text ἔχεις καὶ τούτων ἀξιόχρεων τὸν Ἰώσηπον μάρτυρα, δηλοῦντα ὡς τὴν βασιλείαν παρὰ Ῥωμαίων ἐπιτραπεὶς Ἡρώδης οὐκέτι τοὺς ἐξ ἀρχαίου γένους καθίστησιν ἀρχιερεῖς, ἀλλά τισιν ἀσήμοις τὴν τιμὴν ἀπένεμεν· τὰ ὅμοια δὲ πρᾶξαι τῷ Ἡρώδῃ περὶ τῆς καταστάσεως τῶν ἀρκιερέωνʼ Ἀρχέλαόν τε τὸν παῖδα αὐτοῦ καὶ μετὰ τοῦτον Ῥωμαίους, τὴν ἀρχὴν τῶν Ἰουδαίων παρειληφότας. ### English translation (Claude) You have Josephus too as a trustworthy witness of this, showing that Herod, when entrusted with the kingdom by the Romans, no longer appointed high priests from the ancient line, but gave the honour to certain obscure persons; and that Archelaus his son, and after him the Romans, when they had taken over the government of the Jews, acted like Herod in appointing the high priests. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 20.247–249 (Josephus (works)): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The source is Josephus, Ant. 20.247–249. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.6.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/6/9/). ## Church History 1.6.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/6/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:23–24 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Herod first put the high priest's vestments under his own seal, and his successors did the same. ### Greek text ὁ δʼ αὐτὸς δηλοῖ ὡς ἄρα καὶ τὴν ἱερὰν στολὴν τοῦ ἀρχιερέως πρῶτος Ἡρώδης ἀποκλεί- σὰς ὑπὸ ἰδίαν σφραγῖδα πεποίηται, μηκέτʼ αὐτὴν τοῖς ἀρχιερεῦσιν ἔχειν ὑφʼ ἑαυτοὺς ἐπιτρέψας· ταὐτὸ δὲ καὶ τὸν μετʼ αὐτὸν Ἀρχέλαον καὶ μετὰ τοῦτον Ῥωμαίους διαπράξασθαι. ### English translation (Claude) The same writer shows that Herod was the first to lock up the high priest's sacred vestment under his own seal, no longer allowing the high priests to keep it in their own charge; and that Archelaus after him, and after him the Romans, did the same. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 18.92–93 (Josephus (works)): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The source is Josephus, Ant. 18.92–93. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.6.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/6/10/). ## Church History 1.6.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/6/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:24 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Daniel's seventy weeks foretold the end of the Jewish anointing, fulfilled at Christ's coming. ### Greek text καὶ ταῦτα δʼ ἡμῖν εἰρήσθω εἰς ἑτέραν ἀπόδειξιν προφητείας κατὰ τὴν ἐπιφάνειαν τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ πεπερασμένης. σαφέστατα γοῦν ἐν τῷ Δανιὴλ ἑβδομάδων τινῶν ἀριθμὸν ὀνομαστὶ ἴως Χριστοῦ ἡγουμένου περιλαβὼν ὁ λόγος, περὶ ὧν ἐν ἑτέροις διειλήφαμεν, μετὰ τὸ τούτων συμπέρασμα ἐξολοθρευθήσεσθαι τὸ παρὰ Ἰουδαίοις χρῖσμα προφητεύει. καὶ τοῦτο δὲ σαφῶς κατὰ τὸν καιρὸν τῆς τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ γενέσεως ἀποδείκνυται συμπεπληρωμένον. ταῦτα δʼ ἡμῖν ἀναγκαίως εἰς παράστασιν τῆς τῶν χρόνων ἀληθείας προτετηρήσθω. ### English translation (Claude) Let these things be said by us as further proof of a prophecy fulfilled at the appearance of our Saviour Jesus Christ. For very clearly in Daniel the word, having comprised by name a number of certain weeks until Christ the leader (about which we have treated elsewhere), prophesies that after their completion the anointing among the Jews would be destroyed. And this is clearly shown to have been fulfilled at the time of the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ. These things had necessarily to be noted by us beforehand to establish the truth of the chronology. ### Scripture references - Dan 9:25–26: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Dan 9:24–27 (Theodotion). “Elsewhere” refers to Eusebius's Demonstration of the Gospel 8.2. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.6.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/6/11/). ## Church History 1.7.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/7/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:24 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: To resolve the apparent conflict between Matthew's and Luke's genealogies, Eusebius cites Africanus's Letter to Aristides. ### Greek text Ἐπειδὴ δὲ τὴν περὶ τοῦ Χριστοῦ γενεαλογίαν διαφόρως ἡμῖν ὅ τε Ματθαῖος καὶ ὁ Λουκᾶς εὐαγγελιζόμενοι παραδεδώκασι, διαφωνεῖν τε νομίζονται τοῖς πολλοῖς, τῶν τε πιστῶν ἕκαστος ἀγνοίᾳ τἀληθοῦς εὑρησιλογεῖν εἰς τοὺς τόπος πεφιλοτίμηται, φέρε καὶ τὴν περὶ τούτων κατελθοῦσαν εἰς ἡμᾶς ἱστορίαν παραθώμεθα, ἣν διʼ ἐπιστολῆς Ἀριστείδῃ γράφων περὶ συμφωνίας τῆς ἐν τοῖς εὐαγγελίοις γενεαλογίας ὁ μικρῷ πρόσθεν ἡμῖν δηλωθεὶς Ἀφρικανὸς ἐμνημόνευσε, ### English translation (Claude) Since Matthew and Luke in their Gospels have handed down to us the genealogy of Christ differently, and they are thought by most people to disagree, and each of the faithful, in ignorance of the truth, has been eager to devise explanations of the passages, come, let us also set out the account of these matters that has come down to us, which Africanus, whom we mentioned a little earlier, recorded in a letter to Aristides on the harmony of the genealogy in the Gospels. ### Scripture references - Matt 1:1–17: allusion, high confidence - Luke 3:23–38: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Julius Africanus, Letter to Aristides (Julius Africanus (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The Letter to Aristides of Julius Africanus survives chiefly through this excerpt. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.7.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/7/1/). ## Church History 1.7.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/7/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:24–25 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Africanus (quoted) explains that Jewish lineages were reckoned either by nature or by law, as in levirate marriage. ### Greek text τὰς μὲν τῶν λοιπῶν δόξας ὡσὰν βιαίους καὶ διεψευσμένας ἀπελέγξας, ἣν δʼ αὐτὸς παρείληφεν ἱστορίαν, τούτοις αὐτοῖς ἐκτιθέμενος τοῖς ῥήμασιν “ἐπειδὴ γὰρ τὰ ὀνόματα “τῶν γενῶν ἐν Ἰσραὴλ ἠριθμεῖτο ἢ φύσει ἢ νόμῳ, “φύσει μὲν, γνησίου σπέρματος διαδοχῇ, νόμῳ δὲ, “ἑτέρου παιδοποιουμένου εἰς ὄνομα τελευτήσαντος “ἀδελφοῦ ἀτέκου· (ὅτι γὰρ οὐδέπω δέδοτο ἐλπὶς “ἀναστάσεως σαφὴς, τὴν μέλλουσαν ἐπαγγελίαν ἀνα- “στάσει ἐμιμοῦντο θνητῇ, ἵνα ἀνέκλειπτον τὸ ὄνομα “μείνῃ τοῦ μετηλλαχότος)· ### English translation (Claude) He refuted the opinions of the others as forced and false, and set out the account he himself had received in these very words: “For the names of the families in Israel were reckoned either by nature or by law: by nature, through the succession of legitimate offspring; by law, when another raised up children in the name of a brother who had died childless. For since no clear hope of resurrection had yet been given, they imitated the promise to come by a mortal resurrection, so that the name of the one who had departed might remain unfailing. ### Scripture references - Deut 25:5–6: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Julius Africanus, Letter to Aristides (Julius Africanus (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Julius Africanus, Letter to Aristides. The law referred to is levirate marriage, Deut 25:5–6. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.7.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/7/2/). ## Church History 1.7.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/7/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:25 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Africanus (quoted): the genealogies mention both natural and legal fathers. ### Greek text ἐπεὶ οὖν οἱ τῇ γενεα- “λογίᾳ ταύτῃ ἐμφερόμενοι οἱ μὲν διεδέξαντο παῖς πα- “τέρα γνησίως, οἱ δὲ ἑτέροις μὲν ἐγεννήθησαν, ἑτέ- “ροις δὲ προσετέθησαν κλήσει, ἀμφοτέρων γέγονεν ἡ “μνήμη, καὶ τῶν γεγεννηκότων καὶ τῶν ὡς γεγεν- “νηκότων. ### English translation (Claude) Since, then, of those included in this genealogy some succeeded their fathers legitimately as sons, while others were begotten by some but assigned by name to others, mention has been made of both, both of those who begot and of those who were reckoned as having begotten. ### Extrabiblical texts - Julius Africanus, Letter to Aristides (Julius Africanus (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Julius Africanus, Letter to Aristides. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.7.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/7/3/). ## Church History 1.7.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/7/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:25 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Africanus (quoted): both Gospels are true, because the lines of Solomon and Nathan were intertwined by levirate and second marriages. ### Greek text οὕτως οὐδέτερον τῶν εὐαγγελίων ψεύδε- “ται, καὶ φύσιν ἀριθμοῦν καὶ νόμον· ἐπεπλάκη γὰρ “ἀλλήλοις τὰ γένη, τό τε ἀπὸ τοῦ Σολομῶνος καὶ τὸ “ἀπὸ τοῦ Νάθαν, ἀναστάσεσιν ἀτέκνων καὶ δευτερο- “γαμίαις καὶ ἀναστάσει σπερμάτων, ὡς δικαίως τοὺς “αὐτοὺς ἄλλοτε ἄλλων νομίζεσθαι, τῶν μὲν δοκούν- “των πατέρων, τῶν δὲ ὑπαρχόντων· ὡς ἀμφοτέρας “τὰς διηγήσεις κυρίως ἀληθεῖς οὔσας ἐπὶ τὸν Ἰωσὴφ “πολυπλόκως μὲν, ἀλλʼ ἀκριβῶς κατελθεῖν. ### English translation (Claude) So neither of the Gospels is false, for they reckon both nature and law. For the families descended from Solomon and from Nathan were intertwined with one another by raisings-up of offspring for the childless, by second marriages, and by raising up of seed, so that the same persons are rightly reckoned as belonging now to one, now to another, some to their reputed fathers and some to their actual fathers. Thus both accounts are strictly true, and come down to Joseph in a complicated but accurate way. ### Extrabiblical texts - Julius Africanus, Letter to Aristides (Julius Africanus (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Julius Africanus, Letter to Aristides. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.7.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/7/4/). ## Church History 1.7.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/7/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:25 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Africanus (quoted): Matthew traces Joseph through Matthan and Jacob, Luke through Melchi and Heli. ### Greek text ἵνα “δὲ σαφὲς ᾖ τὸ λεγόμενον, τὴν ἐπαλλαγὴν τῶν γενῶν “διηγήσομαι. ἀπὸ τοῦ Δαβὶδ διὰ Σολομῶνος τὰς γε- “νεὰς καταριθμουμένοις τρίτος ἀπὸ τέλους εὑρίσκεται “Ματθὰν, ὃς ἐγέννησε τὸν Ἰακὼβ τοῦ Ἰωσὴφ τὸν “πατέρα· ἀπὸ δὲ Νάθαν τοῦ Δαβὶδ κατὰ Λουκᾶν “ὁμοίως τρίτος ἀπὸ τέλους Μελχὶ, οὗ υἱὸς ὁ Ἡλὶ ὁ “τοῦ Ἰωσὴφ πατήρ· Ἰωσὴφ γὰρ υἱὸς Ἡλὶ τοῦ Μελχί. “ ### English translation (Claude) To make what is said clear, I will explain the interchange of the families. Counting the generations from David through Solomon, the third from the end is found to be Matthan, who begot Jacob the father of Joseph. And from Nathan the son of David, according to Luke, the third from the end is likewise Melchi, whose son was Heli the father of Joseph; for Joseph was the son of Heli the son of Melchi. ### Scripture references - Matt 1:15–16: allusion, high confidence - Luke 3:23–24: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Julius Africanus, Letter to Aristides (Julius Africanus (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Julius Africanus, Letter to Aristides. Africanus's text of Luke lacks Matthat and Levi between Heli and Melchi (Luke 3:23–24). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.7.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/7/5/). ## Church History 1.7.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/7/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:25–26 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Africanus (quoted) sets out to show how Jacob and Heli could both be Joseph's father. ### Greek text σκοποῦ τοίνυν ἡμῖν κειμένου τοῦ Ἰωσὴφ ἀποδει- “κτέον πῶς ἑκάτερος αὐτοῦ πατὴρ ἱστορεῖται, ὅ τε “Ἰακὼβ ὁ ἀπὸ Σολομῶνος καὶ Ἡλὶ ὁ ἀπὸ τοῦ Νάθαν “ἑκάτερος κατάγοντες τὸ γένος, ὅπως τε πρότερον “οὗτιο δὴ ὅ τε Ἰακὼβ καὶ ὁ Ἡλὶ δύο ἀδελφοὶ, καὶ πρό “γε, πῶς οἱ τούτων πατέρες Ματθὰν καὶ Μελχὶ δια- “φόρων ὄντες γενῶν τοῦ Ἰωσὴφ ἀναφαίνονται πάπ- “ποι. ### English translation (Claude) Our aim then being Joseph, we must show how each is recorded as his father, both Jacob, who traces his descent from Solomon, and Heli, from Nathan; and how first these two, Jacob and Heli, were brothers; and before that, how their fathers, Matthan and Melchi, being of different families, appear as grandfathers of Joseph. ### Extrabiblical texts - Julius Africanus, Letter to Aristides (Julius Africanus (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Julius Africanus, Letter to Aristides. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.7.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/7/6/). ## Church History 1.7.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/7/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:26 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Africanus (quoted): Matthan and Melchi married the same woman in turn, since the law allowed a widowed or divorced woman to remarry. ### Greek text καὶ δὴ οὖν ὅ τε Ματθὰν καὶ ὁ Μελχὶ ἐν μέρει “τὴν αὐτὴν ἀγαγόμενοι γυναῖκα ὁμομητρίους ἀδελ- “φοὺς ἐπαιδοποιήσαντο, τοῦ νόμον μὴ κωλύοντος “χηρεύουσαν ἤτοι ἀπολελυμένην ἢ καὶ τελευτήσαντος “τοῦ ἀνδρὸς ἄλλῳ γαμεῖσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) Matthan and Melchi, then, having married the same woman in turn, begot sons who were brothers by the same mother, since the law did not prevent a woman who was widowed, whether divorced or after her husband's death, from marrying another. ### Scripture references - Deut 24:2: allusion, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Julius Africanus, Letter to Aristides (Julius Africanus (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Julius Africanus, Letter to Aristides. Africanus assumes that the law of Moses allowed a divorced woman to marry again (compare Deut 24:1–2); the Greek χηρεύουσαν ἤτοι ἀπολελυμένην ἢ καὶ τελευτήσαντος τοῦ ἀνδρὸς may be read either as “a widow, that is, one divorced or whose husband had died” or as a list of cases. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.7.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/7/7/). ## Church History 1.7.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/7/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:26 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Africanus (quoted): Estha bore Jacob to Matthan and, after his death, Heli to Melchi. ### Greek text ἐκ δὲ τῆς Ἐσθᾶ “(τοῦτο γὰρ καλεῖσθαι τὴν γυναῖκα παραδέδοται) “πρῶτος Ματθὰν ὁ ἀπὸ τοῦ Σολομῶνος τὸ γένος κατά- “γων τὸν Ἰακὼβ γεννᾷ· καὶ τελευτήσαντος τοῦ Ματ- “θὰν Μελχὶ ὁ ἐπὶ τὸν Νάθαν κατὰ γένος ἀναφερό- “μενος χηρεύουσαν ἐκ μὲν τῆς αὐτῆς φυλῆς, ἐξ ἄλλου “δὲ γένους ὢν, ὡς προεῖπον, ἀγαγόμενος αὐτὴν ἔσχεν “υἱὸν τὸν Ἡλί. ### English translation (Claude) By Estha (for this is the name of the woman according to tradition), Matthan, who traced his descent from Solomon, first begot Jacob; and when Matthan died, Melchi, who traced his descent back to Nathan, being of the same tribe but of another family, as I said before, married her as a widow and had a son, Heli. ### Extrabiblical texts - Julius Africanus, Letter to Aristides (Julius Africanus (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Julius Africanus, Letter to Aristides. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.7.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/7/8/). ## Church History 1.7.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/7/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:26 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Africanus (quoted): Jacob married his dead half-brother Heli's widow; Joseph was Jacob's son by nature and Heli's by law. ### Greek text οὕτω δὴ διαφόρων δύο γενῶν εὑρή- “σομεν τόν τε Ἰακὼβ καὶ τὸν Ἠλὶ ὁμομητρίους ἀδελ- “φοὺς, ὧν ὁ ἓτερος Ἰακὼβ, ἀτέκνου τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ τελευτήσαντος Ἡλὶ, τὴν γυναῖκα παραλαβὼν ἐγέν- “νησεν ἐξ αὐτῆς τρίτον τὸν Ἰωσὴφ, κατὰ φύσιν μὲν “ἑαυτῷ καὶ κατὰ λόγον· διὸ καὶ γέγραπται ῾Ἰακὼβ “δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ἰωσήφ, ’ κατὰ νόμον δὲ τοῦ Ἡλὶ “υἱὸς ἦν· ἐκείνῳ γὰρ ὁ Ἰακὼβ ἀδελφὸς ὢν ἀνέστησʼ “σπέρμα. ### English translation (Claude) Thus we shall find Jacob and Heli to be brothers by the same mother, though of two different families. Of these, Jacob, when his brother Heli died childless, took his wife and begot by her a third, Joseph: by nature his own son, and by reckoning; hence it is written, “And Jacob begot Joseph.” But by law he was the son of Heli; for Jacob, being his brother, raised up seed to him. ### Scripture references - Matt 1:16: quotation, high confidence - Deut 25:5–6: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Julius Africanus, Letter to Aristides (Julius Africanus (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Julius Africanus, Letter to Aristides, citing Matt 1:16; the practice is levirate marriage (Deut 25:5–6). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.7.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/7/9/). ## Church History 1.7.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/7/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:26–27 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Africanus (quoted): Matthew gives natural descent (“begot”), Luke legal descent (“son, as was supposed”). ### Greek text διόπερ οὐκ ἀκυρωθήσεται καὶ ἡ κατʼ “αὐτὸν γενεαλογία, ἣν Ματθαῖος μὲν ὁ εὐαγγελιστης “ἐξαριθμούμενος ῾Ἰακὼβ δὲʼ φησίν ῾ ἐγέννησε τὸν “Ἰωσήφ·’ ὁ δὲ Λουκᾶς ἀνάπαλιν ῾ὃς ἦν υἱὸς, ὡς “ἐνομίζετο (καὶ γὰρ τοῦτο προστίθησι) τοῦ Ἰωσὴφ “τοῦ Ἡλὶ τοῦ Μελχί·᾿ τὴν γὰρ κατὰ νόμον γένεσιν “ἐπισημότερον οὐκ ἦν ἐξειπεῖν. καὶ τὸ “ἐγέννησεν” “ἐπὶ τῆς τοιᾶσδε παιδοποιίας ἄχρι τέλους ἐσιώπησε, “τὴν ἀναφορὰν ποιησάμενος ἕως τοῦ Ἀδὰμ τοῦ θεοῦ “κατʼ ἀνάλυσιν. ### English translation (Claude) Therefore the genealogy through him will not be made void either, which Matthew the evangelist sets out, saying, “And Jacob begot Joseph”; while Luke, on the other hand, says, “who was the son, as was supposed (for he adds this), of Joseph, the son of Heli, the son of Melchi.” For it was not possible to express legal descent more distinctly; and he refrained throughout from using “begot” for such offspring, carrying the reference back to “Adam, the son of God,” by way of tracing back. ### Scripture references - Matt 1:16: quotation, high confidence - Luke 3:23–24: quotation, high confidence - Luke 3:38: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Julius Africanus, Letter to Aristides (Julius Africanus (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Julius Africanus, Letter to Aristides, citing Matt 1:16 and Luke 3:23–24, 38. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.7.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/7/10/). ## Church History 1.7.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/7/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:27 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Africanus (quoted): the Saviour's relatives report that Antipater, Herod's father, was carried off from Ascalon by Idumaean brigands. ### Greek text οὐδὲ μὴν ἀναπόδεικτον ἢ ἐσχε- “διασμένον ἐστὶ τοῦτο· τοῦ γοῦν σωτῆρος οἱ κατὰ “σάρκα συγγενεῖς, εἴτʼ οὖν φανητιῶντες εἴθʼ ἁπλῶς “ἐκδιδάσκοντες, πάντως δὲ ἀληθεύοντες, παρέδοσαν “καὶ ταῦτα, ὡς Ἰδουμαῖοι λῃσταὶ Ἀσκάλωνι πόλει τῆς “Παλαιστίνης ἐπελθόντες ἐξ εἰδωλείου Ἀπόλλωνος, ὃ “πρὸς τοῖς τείχεσιν ἵδρυτο, Ἀντίπατρον Ἡρώδου τινὸς “ἱεροδούλου παῖδα πρὸς τοῖς ἄλλοις σύλοις αἰχμάλω- “τον ἀπῆγον, τῷ δὲ λύτρα ὑπὲρ τοῦ υἱοῦ καταθέσθαι “μὴ δύνασθαι τὸν ἱερέα ὁ Ἀντίπατρος τοῖς τῶν Ἰδου- “μαίων ἔθεσιν ἐντραφεὶς ὕστερον Ὑρκανῷ φιλοῦται “τῷ τῆς Ἰουδαίας ἀρχιερεῖ. ### English translation (Claude) Nor is this unproven or improvised. For the Saviour's relatives according to the flesh, whether to show off or simply to inform, but in any case speaking the truth, have handed down this too: that Idumaean brigands, attacking Ascalon, a city of Palestine, carried off from the temple of Apollo, which stood by the walls, among other spoils, Antipater, the son of a certain Herod, a temple slave; and since the priest could not pay a ransom for his son, Antipater, brought up in the customs of the Idumaeans, later became a friend of Hyrcanus the high priest of Judea. ### Extrabiblical texts - Julius Africanus, Letter to Aristides (Julius Africanus (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Julius Africanus, Letter to Aristides. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.7.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/7/11/). ## Church History 1.7.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/7/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:27 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Africanus (quoted): Antipater rose to govern Palestine; his son Herod was made king of the Jews by the Roman senate. ### Greek text πρεσβεύσας δὲ πρὸς “Πομπήιον ὑπὲρ τοῦ Ὑρκανοῦ, καὶ τὴν βασιλείαν “ἐλευθερώσας αὐτῷ ὑπὸ Ἀριστοβούλου τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ “περικοπτομένην, αὐτὸς ηὐτύχησεν ἐπιμελητὴς τῆς “Παλαιστίνης χρηματίσας· διαδέχεται δὲ τὸν Ἀντί- “πατρον φθόνῳ τῆς πολλῆς εὐτυχίας δολοφονηθέντα “υἱὸς Ἡρώδης, ὃς ὕστερον ὑπʼ Ἀντωνίου καὶ τοῦ “Αὐγούστου συγκλήτου δόγματι τῶν Ἰουδαίων ἐκρίθη “βασιλεύειν· οὗ παῖδες Ἡρώδης οἵ τʼ ἄλλοι τετράρ- “χαι. ταῦτα μὲν δὴ κοινὰ καὶ ταῖς Ἑλλήνων ἱστο- “ρίαις. ### English translation (Claude) Sent as envoy to Pompey on behalf of Hyrcanus, and having freed for him the kingdom that was being cut away by Aristobulus his brother, he had the good fortune to be named overseer of Palestine. Antipater, treacherously murdered out of envy for his great good fortune, was succeeded by his son Herod, who afterwards, under Antony and Augustus, was appointed by decree of the senate to reign over the Jews; his sons were Herod and the other tetrarchs. These things agree with the Greek histories as well. ### Extrabiblical texts - Julius Africanus, Letter to Aristides (Julius Africanus (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Julius Africanus, Letter to Aristides. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.7.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/7/12/). ## Church History 1.7.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/7/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:27–28 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Africanus (quoted): Herod, ashamed of his birth, burned the Jewish genealogical records. ### Greek text ἀναγράπτων δὲ εἰς τότε ἐν τοῖς ἀρχείοις “ὄντων τῶν Ἑβραϊκῶν γενῶν, καὶ τῶν ἀρχιπροση- “λύτων ἀναφερομένων ἕως Ἀχιὼρ τοῦ Ἀμμανίτου καὶ “῾Ροὺθ τῆς Μωαβίτιδος, τῶν τε ἀπʼ Αἰγύπτου συνεκ- “πεσόντων ἐπιμίκτων, ὁ Ἡρώδης οὐδέν τι συμβαλ- “λομένου τοῦ τῶν Ἰσραηλιτῶν γένους αὐτῷ, καὶ τῷ “συνειδότι τῆς δυσγενείας κρουόμενος, ἐνέπρησεν αὐ- “τῶν τὰς ἀναγραφὰς τῶν γενῶν, οἰόμενος εὐγενὴς “ἀναφανεῖσθαι τῷ μηδὲ ἄλλον ἔχειν ἐκ δημοσίου συγ- “ γραφῆς τὸ γένος ἀνάγειν ἐπὶ τοὺς πατριάρχας ἢ “ προσηλύτους, τούς τε καλουμένους γειώρας τοὺς “ ἐπιμίκτους. ### English translation (Claude) Since the Hebrew families were registered up to that time in the archives, including those tracing back to proselytes of old, as far as Achior the Ammonite and Ruth the Moabitess, and the mixed peoples who came out of Egypt with them, Herod, since the lineage of the Israelites contributed nothing to him, and stung by the consciousness of his low birth, burned their genealogical records, thinking he would appear nobly born if no one else could trace his lineage from a public record back to the patriarchs or the proselytes, and the mixed people called geioras. ### Scripture references - Ruth 1:4: allusion, medium confidence - Exod 12:38: allusion, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Julius Africanus, Letter to Aristides (Julius Africanus (fragments)): quotation, high confidence - Jdt 14:10 (Judith): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Julius Africanus, Letter to Aristides. Achior the Ammonite is from Judith 14:10; γειῶραι transliterates an Aramaic word for resident aliens (proselytes). Ruth: Ruth 1:4. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.7.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/7/13/). ## Church History 1.7.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/7/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:28 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Africanus (quoted): a few families, including the Lord's relatives (the desposyni) from Nazareth and Cochaba, kept private genealogies. ### Greek text ὀλίγοι δὴ τῶν ἐπιμελῶν ἰδιωτικὰς “ ἑαυτοῖς ἀπογραφὰς, ἢ μνημονεύσαντες τῶν ὀνομάτων, “ἢ ἄλλως ἔχοντες ἐξ ἀντʼ ἀντιγράφων, ἐναβρύνονται, σωζομένης τῇ μνήμῃ τῆς εὐγενείας· ὣν ἐτύγχανον οἶ “ προειρημένοι δεσπόσυνοι καλούμενοι, διὰ τὴν πρὸς “ τὸ σωτήριον γένος συνάφειαν, ἀπό τε Ναζάρων καὶ Κωχαβὰ κωμῶν Ἰουδαϊκῶν τῇ λοιπῇ γῇ “σαντες, καὶ τὴν προκειμένην γενεαλογίαν ** ἐκ τε τῆς “ βίβλου τῶν ἡμερῶν εἰς ὅσον ἐξικνοῦντο εξηγησά- “ μένοι. ### English translation (Claude) A few careful people, having private records of their own, either by remembering the names or by having them in some other way from copies, pride themselves on preserving the memory of their noble birth. Among these happened to be those already mentioned, called desposyni because of their connection with the Saviour's family, who from Nazareth and Cochaba, villages of Judea, [spread] over the rest of the land and explained the aforesaid genealogy from the book of days as far as they could. ### Extrabiblical texts - Julius Africanus, Letter to Aristides (Julius Africanus (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Julius Africanus, Letter to Aristides. Desposyni (δεσπόσυνοι) means “those belonging to the Master.” The digital text is damaged (a word ending -σαντες is lost, marked **); “spread” is supplied from the sense. “Book of days” may mean the Chronicles or family registers. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.7.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/7/14/). ## Church History 1.7.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/7/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:28 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Africanus (quoted) concludes that his explanation is the best available and that the Gospel is true. ### Greek text εἴτʼ οὖν οὕτως εἴτʼ ἄλλως ἔχει, σαφε- “ στἐραν ἐξήγησιν οὐκ ἂν ἔχοι τις ἄλλος ἐξευρεῖν, ὡς “ ἔγωγε νομίζω πᾶς τε ὃς εὐγνώμων τυγχάνει. καὶ “ αὕτη μελέτω, εἰ καὶ μὴ ἐμμάρτυρός ἐστι, τῷ “ μὴ κρείττονα ἢ ἀληθεστέραν ἔχειν εἰπεῖν. τό γέ τοι εὐαγγέλιον πάντως ἀληθεύει.’’ ### English translation (Claude) Whether then it is so or otherwise, no one could find a clearer explanation, as I at least think, and so does every fair-minded person. Let this suffice us, even if it is not attested, since we have nothing better or truer to say. The Gospel at any rate speaks the truth in every respect.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Julius Africanus, Letter to Aristides (Julius Africanus (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Julius Africanus, Letter to Aristides. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.7.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/7/15/). ## Church History 1.7.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/7/16/ - Source: Dindorf 4:28 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Africanus (quoted) summarizes: Joseph was Jacob's son by nature and Heli's by law. ### Greek text καὶ ἐπὶ τέλει δὲ τῆς αὐτῆς ἐπιστολῆς προστίθησι ταῦτα· Ματθὰν ὁ ἀπὸ Σολομῶνος ἐγέννησε τὸν Ἰακώβ. “ Ματθὰν ἀποθανόντος Μελχὶ ὁ ἀπὸ Νάθαν ἐκ τῆς αὐτῆς γυ- “ναικὸς ἐγέννησε τὸν Ἠλὶ. ὁμομήτριοι ἄρα ἀδελφοὶ “Ἡλὶ καὶ Ἰακώβ. Ἠλὶ ἀτέκνου ἀποθανόντος ὁ Ἰακὼβ “ἀνέστησεν αὐτῷ σπέρμα, γεννήσας τὸν Ἰωσὴφ, κατὰ “ φύσιν μὲν ἑαυτῷ, κατὰ νόμον δὲ τῷ Ἡλί. οὕτως “ ἀμφοτέρων υἱὸς ἦν ὁ Ἰωσήφ.’’ τοσαῦτα ὁ ᾿Αφρικανός. ### English translation (Claude) And at the end of the same letter he adds this: “Matthan, descended from Solomon, begot Jacob. When Matthan died, Melchi, descended from Nathan, begot Heli by the same woman. So Heli and Jacob were brothers by the same mother. When Heli died childless, Jacob raised up seed for him, begetting Joseph, by nature his own son, but by law Heli's. Thus Joseph was the son of both.” So much from Africanus. ### Extrabiblical texts - Julius Africanus, Letter to Aristides (Julius Africanus (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Julius Africanus, Letter to Aristides. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.7.16 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/7/16/). ## Church History 1.7.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/7/17/ - Source: Dindorf 4:28–29 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Since the law required marriage within one's tribe, Mary too was of Joseph's tribe. ### Greek text καὶ δὴ τοῦ Ἰωσὴφ ὧδέ πως γενεαλογουμένου, δυνάμει καὶ ἡ Μαρία σὺν αὐτῷ πέφηνεν ἐκ τῆς αὐτῆς οὖσα φυλῆς, εἴ γε κατὰ τὸν Μωυσέως νόμον οὐκ ἐξῆν ἑτέραις ἐπιμίγνυσθαι φυλαῖς· ἑνὶ γὰρ τῶν ἐκ τοῦ αὐτοῦ δήμου καὶ πατριᾶς τῆς αὐτῆς ξευγνυσθαι πρὸς γάμον παρακελεύεται ὡς ἂν μὴ περιστρέφοιτο τοῦ γένους ὁ κλῆρος ἀπὸ φυλῆς ἐπὶ φυλήν. ὡδὶ μὲν οὖν καὶ ταῦτα ἐχέτω. ### English translation (Claude) And since Joseph's genealogy is traced in this way, Mary too is implicitly shown to be of the same tribe as he, since by the law of Moses it was not permitted to intermarry with other tribes; for it commands to be joined in marriage with one of the same district and the same family, so that the inheritance of the family might not pass from tribe to tribe. Let this, too, be as it is. ### Scripture references - Num 36:6–9: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Num 36:6–9. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.7.17 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/7/17/). ## Church History 1.8.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/8/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:29 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: When the magi sought the newborn king, Herod ordered the infants of Bethlehem killed, hoping to kill Jesus. ### Greek text Ἀλλὰ γὰρ τοῦ Χριστοῦ γεννηθέντος ταῖς προφητείαις ἀκολούθως ἐν Βηθλεὲμ τῆς Ἰουδαίας κατὰ τοὺς δεδηλωμένους χρόνους, Ἡρώδης ἐπὶ τῇ τῶν ἐξ ἀνατολῆς μάγων ἀνερωτήσει, ὅπη εἴη διαπυνθανομένων ὁ τεχθεὶς βασιλεὺς τῶν Ἰουδαίων, ἑωρακέναι γὰρ αὐτοῦ τὸν ἀστέρα, καὶ τῆς τοσῆσδε πορείας τοῦτʼ αἴτιον αὐτοῖς γεγονέναι, οἷα θεῷ προσκυνῆσαι τῷ τεχθέντι διὰ σπουδῆς πεποιημένοις, οὐ σμικρῶς ἐπὶ τῷ πράγματι ἅτε κινδυνευούσης, ὥς γε δὴ ᾤετο, αὐτῷ τῆς ἀρχῆς διακινηθεὶς, πυθόμενος τῶν παρὰ τῷ ἔθνει νομοδιδασκάλων ποῦ τὸν Χριστὸν γεννηθήσεσθαι προσδοκῷεν, ὡς ἔγνω τὴν Μιχαίου προφητείαν ἐν Βηθλεὲμ προαναφωνοῦσαν, ἑνὶ προστάγματι τοὺς ὑπομαζίους ἔν τε τῇ Βηθλεὲμ καὶ πᾶσι τοῖς ὁρίοις αὐτῆς ἀπὸ διετοῦς καὶ κατωτέρω παῖδας κατὰ τὸν ἀπηκριβωμένον αὐτῷ χρόνον παρὰ τῶν μάγων ἀναιρεθῆναι προστάττει, πάντως που καὶ τὸν Ἰησοῦν, ὥς γε ἦν εἰκὸς, τῆς αὐτῆς τοῖς ὁμήλιξι συναπολαῦσαι συμφορᾶς οἰόμενος. ### English translation (Claude) But when Christ was born, in accordance with the prophecies, in Bethlehem of Judea at the times indicated, Herod was questioned by the magi from the east, who asked where the one born king of the Jews was, for they had seen his star, and this had been the cause of their long journey, since they were eager to worship the newborn child as God. Herod was not a little disturbed by the matter, thinking, as he supposed, that his rule was in danger. He inquired of the teachers of the law among the nation where they expected the Christ to be born, and when he learned that the prophecy of Micah foretold it in Bethlehem, he ordered by a single command that the nursing infants in Bethlehem and in all its districts, two years old and under, according to the time he had ascertained from the magi, be killed, thinking that Jesus, as was likely, would surely share the same fate as those of his age. ### Scripture references - Matt 2:1–16: allusion, high confidence - Mic 5:2 (5:1 LXX): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The narrative is Matt 2:1–16, citing Mic 5:2 (5:1 LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.8.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/8/1/). ## Church History 1.8.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/8/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:29 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Warned by an angel, Jesus' parents fled with him to Egypt. ### Greek text φθάνει γε μὴν τὴν ἐπιβουλὴν εἰς Αἴγυπτον διακομισθεὶς ὁ παῖς, διʼ ἐπιφανείας ἀγγέλου τὸ μέλλον προμεμαθηκότων αὐτοῦ τῶν γονέων. ταῦτα μὲν οὖν καὶ ἡ ἱερὰ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου διδάσκει γραφή. ### English translation (Claude) But the child, carried away to Egypt, escaped the plot, his parents having learned beforehand what was coming through the appearance of an angel. These things the sacred scripture of the Gospel also teaches. ### Scripture references - Matt 2:13–15: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Matt 2:13–15. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.8.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/8/2/). ## Church History 1.8.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/8/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:29–30 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Divine justice struck Herod at once for his crime against Christ and the infants. ### Greek text ἄξιον δʼ ἐπὶ τούτοις συνιδεῖν τἀπίχειρα τῆς Ἡρώδου κατὰ τοῦ Χριστοῦ καὶ τῶν ὁμηλίκων αὐτῷ τόλμης, ὡς παραυτίκα, μηδὲ σμικρᾶς ἀναβολῆς γεγενημένης, ἡ θεία δίκη περιόντα ἒτʼ αὐτὸν ἐν τῷ βίῳ μετελήλυθε, τὰ τῶν μετὰ τὴν ἐνθένδε ἀπαλλαγὴν διαδεξομένων αὐτὸν ἐπιδεικνῦσα προοίμια. ### English translation (Claude) It is worth observing in addition the wages of Herod's daring against Christ and the children of his age: how immediately, without even a short delay, divine justice pursued him while he was still alive, showing the prelude of what awaited him after his departure from here. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.8.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/8/3/). ## Church History 1.8.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/8/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:30 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Herod's murders of his wife, children, and kin, recorded by Josephus, overshadowed any tragedy. ### Greek text ὡς μὲν οὑν τὰς κατὰ τὴν βασιλείαν αὐτῷ νομισθείσας εὐπραγίαις κατὰ τὸν οἶκον ἐπαλλήλοις ἠμαύρωσε συμφοραῖς, γυναι- κὸς καὶ τέκνων καὶ τῶν λοιπῶν τῶν μάλιστα πρὸς γένους ἀναγκαιοτάτων τε καὶ φιλτάτων μιαιφο- νίαις, οὐδὲ οἷόν τε νῦν καταλέγειν, τραγικὴν ἃπασαν δραματουργίαν ἐπισκιαζούσης τῆς περὶ τούτων ὑποθέσεως, ἣν εἰς πλάτος ἐν ταῖς καθʼ αὑτὸν ἱστορίαις ὁ Ἰώσηπος διελήλυθεν. ### English translation (Claude) How he darkened the supposed prosperity of his reign by successive calamities in his household, with the murders of his wife and children and others most closely and dearly related to him, it is not possible to recount now, for the story of these things overshadows every tragic drama; Josephus has gone through it at length in his histories. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 15–17 (Josephus (works)): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The source is Josephus, Ant. 15–17. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.8.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/8/4/). ## Church History 1.8.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/8/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:30 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted) describes how God-sent disease seized Herod. ### Greek text ὡς δʼ ἅμα τῇ κατὰ τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν καὶ τῶν ἄλλων νηπίων ἐπιβουλῇ θεήλατος αὐτὸν καταλαβοῦσα μάστιξ εἰς θάνατον συνήλασεν, οὐ χεῖρον καὶ τῶν φωνῶν τοῦ συγγρα φἐως ἐπακοῦσαι, κατὰ λέξιν ἐν ἑπτακαιδεκάτῳ τῆς ‘Ιουσϊκῆς ἀρχαιολογίας τὴν καταστροφὴν τοῦ κατʼ αὐτὸν βίου τοῦτον γράφοντος τὸν τρόπον· “Ἡρώδῃ “ δὲ μειζόνως ἡ νόσος ἐνεπικραίνετο, δίκην ὧν πάρα “ νομήσειεν ἐκπρασσομένου τοῦ θεοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) But how, at the same time as his plot against our Saviour and the other infants, a scourge sent by God seized him and drove him to death, it is well to hear from the words of that writer, who in the seventeenth book of his Jewish Antiquities writes word for word of the end of his life in this way: “But Herod's disease grew steadily more severe, God exacting punishment for his crimes. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 17.168 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation (1.8.5–8) is Josephus, Ant. 17.168–170. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.8.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/8/5/). ## Church History 1.8.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/8/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:30 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted) lists Herod's fever, craving, ulcers, and swollen feet. ### Greek text πῦρ μὲν γὰ “ μαλακὸν ἦν, οὐχ ὧδε πολλὴν ἀποσημαῖνον τοῖς ἐπα φωμἐνοις τὴν φλόγωσιν, ὅσην τοῖς ἐντὸς προσετίθει “ τὴν κάκωσιν, ἐπιθυμία δὲ δεινὴ τοῦ δέξασθαί τι, οὐδὲ “ ἦν μὴ οὐχ ὑπουργεῖν, καὶ ἕλκωσις τῶν τε ἐντέρων, “ καὶ μάλιστα τοῦ κώλου δειναὶ ἀλγηδόνες, καὶ φλέγμα “ ὑγρὸν περὶ τοὺς πόδας καὶ διαυγές. ### English translation (Claude) For there was a slow fire, not showing so much inflammation to those who touched him as it added affliction within; a terrible craving to take something, which it was impossible not to satisfy; ulceration of the bowels, and especially terrible pains of the colon; and a moist and transparent swelling about the feet. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 17.169 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, Ant. 17.169. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.8.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/8/6/). ## Church History 1.8.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/8/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:30–31 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted) describes Herod's gangrene, worms, gasping, and convulsions. ### Greek text παραπλησία δὲ καὶ περὶ τὸ ἦτρον κάκωσις ἦν. ναὶ μὴν καὶ τοῦ αἰδοίου σῆψις σκώληκας ἐμποιοῦσα, πνεύματός τε ὀρθία ἔντασις, καὶ αὐτὴ λίαν ἀηδὴς ἀχθηδόνι τε τῆς “ἀποφορᾶς καὶ τῷ πυκνῷ τοῦ ἂσθματος. ὃς. σπασμός τε περὶ πᾶν ἢν μέλος, ἰσχὺν οὐχ ὑπομενητὴν προστι- “ θέμενος. ### English translation (Claude) There was a similar affliction of the abdomen; indeed also a putrefaction of the private parts that produced worms, and a violent straining of breath, itself very unpleasant because of the foulness of the discharge and the rapidity of the breathing; and there was convulsion in every limb, which brought on unbearable force. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 17.169 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, Ant. 17.169. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.8.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/8/7/). ## Church History 1.8.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/8/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:31 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): diviners said God was punishing Herod's impiety. ### Greek text ἐλέγετο γοῦν ὑπὸ τῶν θειαζόντων, καὶ “ οἷς ταῦτα προαποφθέγγεσθαι σοφία προύκειτο, ποι- “νὴν τοῦ πολλοῦ δυσσεβοῦς ταύτην ὁ θεὸς εἰσπράτ- “τεσθαι παρὰ τοῦ βασιλέως.’’ ταῦτα μὲν ἐν τῇ δηλω- θείσῃ γραφῇ παρασημαίνεται ὁ προειρημένος. ### English translation (Claude) It was said, then, by the diviners and by those whose wisdom it was to foretell such things, that God was exacting this penalty from the king for his great impiety.” These things the aforesaid writer notes in the book mentioned. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 17.170 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, Ant. 17.170. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.8.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/8/8/). ## Church History 1.8.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/8/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:31 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: In the Jewish War, Josephus (quoted) describes Herod's diseases, which diviners called punishment. ### Greek text καὶ ἐν τῇ δευτέρᾳ δὲ τῶν ἱστοριῶν τὰ παραπλήσια περὶ τοῦ αὐτοῦ παραδίδωσι, ὧδέ πως γράφων“ ἔνθεν αὐ- “ τοῦ τὸ σῶμα πὰν ἡ νόσος διαλαβοῦσα ποικίλοις πά- “ θέσιν ἐμέριζεν. πυρετὸς μὲν γὰρ ἦν οὐ λάβρος, ‘κνησμὸς δʼ ἀφόρητος τῆς ἐπιφανείας ὅλης, καὶ κώλου “ ἀλγηδόνες, περί τε τοὺς πόδας ὡς ὑδρω- “πιπωντος οἰδήματα, τοῦ τε ἤτρου φλεγμονὴ, καὶ αἰδοίου σηπεδὼν σκώληκας· γεννῶσα. πρὸς τούτοις “ ὀρθόπνοια καὶ δύσπνοια καὶ σπᾷς μοὶ πάντων τῶν “ μελῶν 5 ὥστε τοὺς ἐπιθειάζοντας ποινὴν εἶναι τὰ ‘νοσήματα λέγειν. ### English translation (Claude) And in the second book of his Histories he relates similar things about the same man, writing thus: “Then the disease spread through his whole body and divided it among various sufferings. For there was a fever, not violent, an unbearable itching of the whole skin, pains of the colon, swellings of the feet as of one with dropsy, inflammation of the abdomen, and putrefaction of the private parts producing worms; besides these, difficulty in breathing, especially when upright, and convulsions of all the limbs, so that the diviners said the diseases were a punishment. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 1.656 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation (1.8.9–13) is Josephus, J.W. 1.656–660. A stray numeral in the digital text is omitted. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.8.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/8/9/). ## Church History 1.8.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/8/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:31 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): Herod still hoped to recover and tried the hot springs at Callirrhoe. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ παλαίων τοσούτοις πάθε- “σιν ὅμως τοῦ ζῆν ἀντείχετο, σωτηρίαν τε ἤλπιζε, “καὶ θεραπείας ἐπενόει. διαβὰς γοῦν τὸν Ἰορδάνην τοῖς κατὰ Καλλιρρόην θερμοῖς ἐχρῆτο. ταῦτα δὲ “ ἔξεισι μὲν εἰς τὴν Ἀσφαλτῖτιν λίμνην, ὑπὸ γλυκύ- “τητος δέ ἐστι καὶ πότιμα. ### English translation (Claude) But though he struggled with so many sufferings, he still clung to life, hoped for recovery, and devised treatments. Crossing the Jordan, he used the hot springs at Callirrhoe; these flow out into the Asphalt Lake, but are sweet enough to drink. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 1.657 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 1.657. The Asphalt Lake is the Dead Sea. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.8.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/8/10/). ## Church History 1.8.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/8/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:31 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): nearly dying in a bath of oil, Herod despaired and distributed money to his soldiers and friends. ### Greek text δόξαν δʼ ἐνταῦθα τοῖς “ἰατροῖς ἐλαίῳ θερμῷ πὰν ἀναθάλψαι τὸ σῶμα χα- “ λασθὲν εἰς ἐλαίου πλήρη πύελον ἐκλύει τοὺς ὀφθαλ- “ μοὺς καὶ ὡς τεθνεὼς ἀνέστρεψεν. θορύβου δὲ τῶν θεραπόντων γενομένου πρὸς μὲν τὴν κραυγὴν ἀνή- “ νεγκεν, εἰς δὲ τὸ λοιπὸν ἀπογνοὺς τὴν σωτηρίαν, τοῖς τε στρατιώταις ἀνὰ δραχμὰς πεντήκοντα έκέ- “ λευσε διανεῖμαι, καὶ πολλὰ χρήματα τοῖς ἡγεμόσι καὶ τοῖς φίλοις. ### English translation (Claude) When the physicians decided there to warm his whole body with hot oil, he was let down into a tub full of oil, and he fainted and turned up his eyes as if dead. When his attendants raised an uproar, he came round at the cry; but from then on, despairing of recovery, he ordered fifty drachmas each to be distributed to the soldiers, and much money to the officers and his friends. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 1.658 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 1.657–658. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.8.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/8/11/). ## Church History 1.8.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/8/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:31–32 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): at Jericho Herod had the leading men of Judea locked in the hippodrome. ### Greek text αὐτὸς δʼ ὑποστρέφων εἰς ‘Ιεριχοῦντα παραγίνεται, μελαγχολῶν ἤδη, καὶ μονονουχὶ “ αὐτῷ τι τῷ θανάτῳ ἀπειλῶν προέκοψεν εἰς ἐπιβολὴν “ἀθεμίτου πράξεως. τοὺς γὰρ ἀφʼ ἑκάστης κώμης “ ἐπισήμους ἄνδρας ἐξ ὅλης Ἰουδαίας συναγαγὼν εἰς “ τὸν καλούμενον ἱππόδρομον ἐκέλευσε συγκλεῖσαι. “ ### English translation (Claude) He himself returned and came to Jericho, already in a black mood, and, all but threatening death itself, proceeded to plan a lawless deed. For he gathered the notable men from every village of all Judea and ordered them shut up in the so-called hippodrome. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 1.659 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 1.659. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.8.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/8/12/). ## Church History 1.8.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/8/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:32 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): Herod ordered the prisoners killed at his death so that Judea would mourn. ### Greek text προσκαλεσάμενος δὲ Σαλώμην τὴν ἀδελφὴν καὶ “ τὸν ἄνδρα ταύτης Ἀλέξανδρον οἶδα ἔφη Ἱουδαί- “ ους τὸν ἐμὸν ἑορτάσοντας θάνατον. δύναμαι δὲ πεν- ‘θεῖσθαι διʼ ἑτέρων καὶ λαμπρὸν ἐπιτάφιον σχεῖν, ἄν ὑμεῖς θελήσητε ταῖς ἐμαῖς ἐντολαῖς ὑπουργῆσαι. “ τοὺς δὲ φρουρουμένους ἄνδρας, ἐπειδὰν ἐκπνεύ- “ σω, τάχιστα κτείνατε περιστήσαντες τοὺς στρατιώ- “ τας, ἵνα πᾶσα Ἰουδαία καὶ πᾶς οἶκος καὶ ἄκων ἐπʼ “ἐμοὶ δακρύσῃ.‘” ### English translation (Claude) And calling his sister Salome and her husband Alexander, he said, ‘I know that the Jews will celebrate my death as a festival. But I can be mourned on others' account and have a splendid funeral, if you are willing to carry out my orders. As soon as I breathe my last, surround these men under guard with the soldiers and kill them at once, so that all Judea and every household will weep over me, even against their will.’” ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 1.660 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 1.659–660. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.8.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/8/13/). ## Church History 1.8.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/8/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:32 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): in agony, Herod tried to stab himself. ### Greek text καὶ μετὰ βραχέα φησίν “αὖθις δὲ, καὶ γὰρ ἐνδείᾳ τροφῆς καὶ βηχὶ σπασμώδει διε- “ τείνετο, τῶν ἀλγηδόνων ἡττηθεὶς φθάσαι τὴν εἶμαρ- “ ἐπεβάλετο. λαβὼν δὲ μῆλον ᾔτησε καὶ μαχαί- ‘ριον· εἰώθει γὰρ ἀποτέμνων ἐσθίειν· ἔπειτα περια- “ θρήσας, μή τις ὁ κωλύων αὐτὸν εἴη, ἐπῆρε τὴν δεξιὰν “ ὡς πλήξων ἑαυτόν.” ### English translation (Claude) And a little later he says: “Then again, for he was racked by want of food and a convulsive cough, overcome by his pains he tried to anticipate his fate. He asked for an apple and a knife, for he was accustomed to peel it before eating; then, looking round lest there be anyone to stop him, he raised his right hand as though to stab himself.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 1.662 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 1.662. The digital text has lost μένην after εἱμαρ-. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.8.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/8/14/). ## Church History 1.8.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/8/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:32 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Just before his death, Herod had a third son executed, then died in great pain. ### Greek text ἐπὶ δὲ τούτοις ὁ αὐτὸς ἱστορεῖ συγγραφεὺς ἕτερον αὐτοῦ γνήσιον παῖδα πρὸ τῆς ἐσχάτης τοῦ βίου τελευτῆς, τρίτον ἐπὶ δυσὶν ἤδη προανῃρημένοις, διʼ ἐπιτάξεως ἀνελόντα παραχρῆμα τὴν ζωὴν οὐ μετὰ σμικρῶν ἀλγηδόνων ἀπορρῆξαι. ### English translation (Claude) In addition to this, the same writer relates that before the very end of his life he had another of his legitimate sons, a third besides the two already put to death, killed by his command, and that he at once breathed out his life with no small pains. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 1.663–665 (Josephus (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The source is Josephus, J.W. 1.663–665 (the son was Antipater). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.8.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/8/15/). ## Church History 1.8.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/8/16/ - Source: Dindorf 4:32–33 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Herod's death was just punishment; afterwards an angel sent Joseph back, and he settled in Galilee to avoid Archelaus. ### Greek text καὶ τοιοῦτο μὲν τὸ πέρας τῆς Ἡρώδου γέγονε τελευτῆς, ποινὴν δικαίαν ἐκτίσαντος ὣν ἀμφὶ τὴν Βηθλεὲμ ἀνεῖλε παίδων, τῆς τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν ἐπιβου- λῆς ἕνεκα. μεθʼ ἣν ἄγγελος ὄναρ ἐπιστὰς ἐν Αἰγύπτῳ διατρίβοντι τῷ Ἰωσὴφ ἀπᾶραι ἅμα τῷ παιδὶ καὶ τῇ τούτου μητρὶ ἐπὶ Ἰουδαίαν παρακελεύεται, τεθνηκέναι δηλῶν τοὺς ἀναζητοῦντας τὴν ψυχὴν τοῦ παι- δίου. τούτοις δʼ ὁ εὐαγγελιστὴς ἐπιφέρει λέγων ‘ ἀκούσας δʼ ὅτι Ἀρχέλαος βασιλεύει τῆς Ἰουδαίας ἀντὶ τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ Ἡρώδου ἐφοβήθη ἐκεῖ ἀπελθεῖν· χρηματισθεὶς δὲ κατʼ ὄναρ ἀνεχώρησεν εἰς τὰ μέρη τῆς Γαλιλαίας.” ### English translation (Claude) Such was the end of Herod's life, and he paid a just penalty for the children he killed around Bethlehem because of his plot against our Saviour. After this, an angel stood by Joseph in a dream while he was staying in Egypt and commanded him to depart with the child and his mother to Judea, showing that those who sought the child's life were dead. To this the evangelist adds: “But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there; and being warned in a dream, he withdrew into the region of Galilee.” ### Scripture references - Matt 2:19–21: allusion, high confidence - Matt 2:22: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Matt 2:19–21; the quotation is Matt 2:22. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.8.16 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/8/16/). ## Church History 1.9.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/9/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:33 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus confirms Archelaus's succession and deposition after ten years, and the tetrarchies of Philip, Herod, and Lysanias. ### Greek text Τῇʼ δʼ ἐπὶ τὴν ἀρχὴν μετὰ τὸν Ἡρώδην τοῦ Ἀρχελάου καταστάσει συνᾴδει καὶ ὁ προειρημένος ἱστορικὸς, τόν τε τρόπον ἀναγράφων, καθʼ ὃν ἐκ διαθηκῶν Ἡρώδου τοῦ πατρὸς, ἐπικρίσεως τε Καίσαρος Αὐγούστου, τὴν κατὰ Ἰουδαίων βασιλείαν διεδέξατο, καὶ ὡς τῆς ἀρχῆς μετὰ δεκαέτη χρόνον ἀποπεσόντος οἱ ἀδελφοὶ Φίλιππός τε καὶ ὁ νέος Ἡρώδης ἅμα Λυσανίᾳ τὰς ἑαυτῶν διεῖπον τετραρχίας. ### English translation (Claude) The historian mentioned before also agrees about the appointment of Archelaus to the government after Herod, recording both the manner in which, by the will of Herod his father and the decision of Caesar Augustus, he succeeded to the kingdom of the Jews, and how, when he fell from power after ten years, his brothers Philip and the younger Herod, together with Lysanias, governed their own tetrarchies. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 17.188–344 (Josephus (works)): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The source is Josephus, Ant. 17.188–344. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.9.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/9/1/). ## Church History 1.9.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/9/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:33 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus says Pilate governed Judea from Tiberius's twelfth year for about ten years. ### Greek text ὁ δʼ αὐτὸς ἐν ὀκτωγαιδεκάτῳ τῆς ἀρχαιολογίας κατὰ τὸ δωδέκατον ἔτος τῆς Τιβερίου βασιλείας (τοῦτον γὰρ τὴν καθʼ ὅλων ἀρχὴν διαδέξασθαι ἑπτὰ ἐπὶ πεντήκοντα ἔτεσι τὴν ἡγεμονίαν ἐπικρατήσαντος Αὐγοὐστου) Πόντιον Πιλᾶτον ἐπιτραπῆναι δηλοῖ τὴν ᾿Ιουδαίαν, ἐνταῦθα δὲ ἐφʼ ὅλοις ἔτεσι δέκα σχεδὸν εἶς αὐτὴν παραμεῖναι τὴν Τιβερίου τελευτήν. ### English translation (Claude) The same writer, in the eighteenth book of his Antiquities, shows that in the twelfth year of the reign of Tiberius (who succeeded to the supreme rule after Augustus had held power for fifty-seven years) Pontius Pilate was entrusted with Judea, and that he remained there for ten whole years, almost until the death of Tiberius. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 18.35 (Josephus (works)): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The source is Josephus, Ant. 18.35, 89. Josephus does not give “the twelfth year” explicitly; the dating is Eusebius's inference. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.9.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/9/2/). ## Church History 1.9.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/9/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:33 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: This chronology exposes the recent forged “Memoirs” of Pilate against Christ. ### Greek text οὐκοῦν σαφῶς ἀπελήλεγκται τὸ πλάσμα τῶν κατὰ τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν ὑπομνήματα χθὲς καὶ πρώην διαδεδωκότων, ἐν οἷς πρῶτος αὐτὸς ὁ τῆς παρασημειώσεως χρόνος τῶν πεπλακότων ἀπελέγχει τὸ ψεῦδος ### English translation (Claude) Clearly, then, the forgery of those who recently circulated Memoirs against our Saviour has been refuted; in them the very date noted at the beginning convicts the forgers of falsehood. ### Translation notes - The forged Acts of Pilate, anti-Christian propaganda circulated under Maximinus Daia (ca. 311–312); see 9.5.1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.9.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/9/3/). ## Church History 1.9.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/9/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:33–34 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The forgeries date the Passion before Pilate had even arrived in Judea. ### Greek text ἐπὶ τῆς τετάρτης γοῦν ὑπατείας Τιβερίου, ἣ γέγονεν ἔτους ἑβδόμου τῆς βασιλείας αὐτοῦ, τὰ περὶ τὸ σωτήριον πάθος αὐτοῖς τολμηθέντα περιέχει, καθʼ ὃν δείκνυται χρόνον μηδʼ ἐπιστάς πω τῇ Ἰουδαίᾳ Πιλᾶτος, εἴ γε τῷ Ἰωσήπῳ μάρτυρι χρήσασθαι δέον, σαφῶς οὕτω σημαίνοντι κατὰ τὴν δηλωθεῖσαν αὐτοῦ γραφὴν ὅτι δὴ δωδεκάτῳ ἐνιαυτῷ τῆς Τιβερίου βασιλείας ἐπίτροπος τῆς Ἰουδαίας ὑπὸ Τιβερίου καθίσταται Πιλᾶτος. ### English translation (Claude) For they place their audacious account of the saving Passion in the fourth consulship of Tiberius, which was in the seventh year of his reign, a time at which it is shown that Pilate had not yet even taken charge of Judea, if we are to use Josephus as a witness, who clearly indicates in the work mentioned that Pilate was appointed procurator of Judea by Tiberius in the twelfth year of his reign. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 18.35 (Josephus (works)): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The source is Josephus, Ant. 18.35. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.9.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/9/4/). ## Church History 1.10.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/10/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:34 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: In Tiberius's fifteenth year Jesus, about thirty, was baptized by John and began to preach. ### Greek text Ἐπὶ τούτων δὴ οὖν κατὰ τὸν εὐαγγελιστὴν ἔτος πεντεκαιδέκατον Τιβερίου Καίσαρος ἄγοντος, τέταρτον δὲ τῆς ἡγεμονίας Ποντίου Πιλάτου, τῆς τε λοιπῆς Ἰουδαίας τετραρχούντων Ἡρώδου καὶ Λυσανίου καὶ Φιλίππου, ὁ σωτὴρ καὶ κύριος ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦς ὁ Χριστὸς τοῦ θεοῦ, ἀρχόμενος ὡσεὶ ἐτῶν τριάκοντα, ἐπὶ τὸ Ἰωάννου βάπτισμα παραγίνεται, καταρχήν τε ποιεῖται τηνικαῦτα τοῦ κατὰ τὸ εὐαγγέλιον κηρύγματος. ### English translation (Claude) In their time, then, according to the evangelist, in the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar, and the fourth of the governorship of Pontius Pilate, while Herod, Lysanias, and Philip were tetrarchs of the rest of Judea, our Saviour and Lord Jesus, the Christ of God, being about thirty years old at his beginning, came to the baptism of John and then made the beginning of the preaching of the gospel. ### Scripture references - Luke 3:1: allusion, high confidence - Luke 3:23: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Luke 3:1, 21–23. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.10.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/10/1/). ## Church History 1.10.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/10/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:34 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Jesus' ministry fell between the high priesthoods of Annas and Caiaphas, less than four years. ### Greek text φησὶ δὲ αὐτὸν ἡ θεία γραφὴ τὸν πάντα τῆς διδασκαλίας διατελέσαι χρόνον ἐπὶ ἀρχιερέως Ἂννα καὶ Καϊάφα, δηλοῦσα ὅτι δὴ ἐν τοῖς μεταξὺ τῆς τούτων ἔτεσι λειτουργίας ὁ πᾶς τῆς διδασκαλίας αὐτῷ συνεπεράνθη χρόνος· ἀρξαμένου μὲν κατὰ τὴν τοῦ Ἂννα ἀρχιερωσύνην, μέχρι δὲ τῆς ἀρχῆς τοῦ Καϊάφα παραμείναντος, οὐδʼ ὅλος ὁ μεταξυ τετραέτης παρίσταται χρόνος. ### English translation (Claude) Divine Scripture says that he completed the whole time of his teaching under the high priests Annas and Caiaphas, showing that the whole time of his teaching was completed in the years between their ministries. He began during the high priesthood of Annas and continued until the tenure of Caiaphas; so the whole interval does not amount to four full years. ### Scripture references - Luke 3:2: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Luke 3:2. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.10.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/10/2/). ## Church History 1.10.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/10/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:34 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: At that time Roman governors changed the high priest yearly instead of by hereditary succession. ### Greek text τῶν γάρ τοι κατὰ τὸν νόμον ἤδη πως καθῃρημένων ἐξ ἐκείνου θεσμῶν, λέλυτο μὲν, ᾦ διὰ βίου καὶ ἐκ προγόνων διαδοχῆς τὰ τῆς τοῦ θεοῦ θεραπείας προσήκοντα ἦν, ὑπὸ δὲ τῶν Ῥωμαϊκῶν ἡγεμόνων ἄλλοτʼ ἄλλοι τὴν ἀρχιερωσύνην ἐπιτρεπόμενοι οὐ πλέον ἔτους ἑνὸς ἐπὶ ταύτης διετέλουν. ### English translation (Claude) For since the ordinances of the law had by then in some way been done away with, the rule was dissolved by which the offices of the service of God belonged to a man for life and by ancestral succession; and different men were entrusted with the high priesthood by the Roman governors at different times, and did not continue in it for more than one year. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.10.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/10/3/). ## Church History 1.10.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/10/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:34–35 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): Gratus replaced Annas with Ishmael, then Eleazar son of Annas. ### Greek text ἱστορεῖ δʼ οὖν ὁ Ἰώσηπος τέσσαρας κατὰ διαδοχὴν ἐπὶ Καϊάφαν ἀρχιερεῖς μετὰ τὸν Ἂνναν διαγενέσθαι, κατὰ τὴν αὐτὴν τῆς ἀρχαιολογίας γραφὴν ὧδέ πως λέγων “ Οὐαλέριος Γρᾶτος, παύσας “ἱερᾶσθαι Ἂνανον, Ἰσμάηλον ἀρχιερέα ἀποφαίνει τὸν “ τοῦ Φαβί. καὶ τοῦτον δὲ μετʼ οὐ πολὺ μεταστήσας “ ‘Ελεάζαρον τὸν ‘Ανάνου τοῦ ἀρχιερέως υἱὸν ἀποδεί- “κνυσιν ἀρχιερέα. ### English translation (Claude) Josephus, at any rate, relates that four high priests followed in succession after Annas down to Caiaphas, saying in the same book of the Antiquities: “Valerius Gratus, having removed Ananus from the priesthood, appoints Ishmael the son of Phabi high priest. And having removed him not long after, he appoints Eleazar, the son of Ananus the high priest, high priest. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 18.34 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation (1.10.4–5) is Josephus, Ant. 18.34–35. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.10.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/10/4/). ## Church History 1.10.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/10/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:35 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): then Simon, and after him Joseph Caiaphas, each after about a year. ### Greek text ἐνιαυτοῦ δὲ διαγενομένου καὶ “τόνδε παύσας Σίμωνι τῷ Καμίθου τὴν ἀρχιερω- “ συνῆν παραδίδωσιν. οὐ πλέον δὲ καὶ τῷδε ἐνιαυτοῦ “ τὴν τιμὴν ἔχοντι διεγένετο χρόνος, καὶ Ἰώσηπος, ὁ “καὶ Καϊάφας, διάδοχος ἦν αὐτῷ.’ ### English translation (Claude) When a year had passed, he removed him too and hands the high priesthood to Simon the son of Camithus. And he too had held the honour no longer than a year, when Joseph, also called Caiaphas, was his successor.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 18.35 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, Ant. 18.34–35. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.10.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/10/5/). ## Church History 1.10.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/10/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:35 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: So Jesus' ministry lasted less than four years, and John rightly calls Caiaphas high priest “that year.” ### Greek text οὐκοῦν ὁ σύμπας οὐδʼ ὅλος τετραέτης ἀποδείκνυται τῆς τοὺ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν διδασκαλίας χρόνος, τεσσάρων ἐπὶ τέσσαρσιν ἔτεσιν ἀρχιερέων ἀπὸ τοῦ Ἄννα καὶ ἐπὶ τὴν τοῦ Καϊάφα κατάστασιν ἐνιαύσιον λειτουργίαν διατετελεκότων. τόν γέ τοι Καϊάφαν ἀρχιερέα εἰκότως τοῦ ἐνιαυτοῦ, καθʼ ὃν τὰ τοῦ σωτηρίου πἐθους ἐπετελεῖτο, ἡ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου παρεσημήνατο γραφὴ, ἐξ ἧς καὶ αὐτῆς οὐκ ἀπᾴδων τῆς προκειμένης ἐπιτηρήσεως ὁ τῆς τοῦ Χριστοῦ διδασκαλίας ἀποδείκνυται χρόνος. ### English translation (Claude) So the whole time of our Saviour's teaching is shown to be not even four full years, since four high priests in four years, from Annas to the appointment of Caiaphas, held the yearly office. And the scripture of the Gospel fittingly noted Caiaphas as high priest of the year in which the events of the saving Passion took place; from this too the time of Christ's teaching is shown to agree with the present observation. ### Scripture references - John 11:49: allusion, high confidence - John 18:13: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to John 11:49, 51; 18:13. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.10.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/10/6/). ## Church History 1.10.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/10/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:35 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Early in his ministry Jesus chose the Twelve, whom he called apostles, and sent out seventy others two by two. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ γὰρ ὁ σωτὴρ καὶ κύριος ἡμῶν οὐ μετὰ πλεῖστον τῆς καταρχῆς τοῦ κηρύγματος τοὺς δώδεκα ἀποστόλους ἀνακαλεῖται, οὓς καὶ μόνους τῶν λοιπῶν αὐτοῦ μαθητῶν κατά τι γέρας ἐξαίρετον ἀποστόλους ὠνόμασεν. καὶ αὖθις ἀναδείκνυσιν ἑτέρους ἑβδομήκοντα, οὓς καὶ αὐτοὺς ἀπέστειλεν ἀνὰ δύο δύο πρὸ προσάπου αὐτοῦ εἰς πάντα τόπον καὶ πόλιν οὗ ἤμελλεν αὐτὸς ἔρχεσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) Now our Saviour and Lord, not long after the beginning of his preaching, calls the twelve apostles, whom alone of his other disciples he named apostles as a special privilege. And again he appoints seventy others, whom he also sent out two by two before his face into every place and city where he himself was about to come. ### Scripture references - Luke 6:13: allusion, high confidence - Luke 10:1: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Luke 6:13 and Luke 10:1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.10.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/10/7/). ## Church History 1.11.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/11/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:35–36 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Gospels and Josephus record that Herod Antipas married his brother's living wife Herodias, discarding his own wife, killed John, and fought Aretas. ### Greek text Οὐκ εἰς μακρὸν δὲ τοῦ βαπτιστοῦ Ἰωάννου ὑπὸ τοῦ νέου Ἡρώδου τὴν κεφαλὴν ἀποτμηθέντος μνημονεύει μὲν καὶ ἡ θεία τῶν εὐαγγελίων γραφή· συνιστορεῖ γε μὴν καὶ ὁ ᾿Ιώσηπος, ὀνομαστὶ τῆς τε Ἡρωδιάδος μνήμην πεποιημένος καὶ ὡς ἀδελφοῦ γυναῖκα οὖσαν αὐτὴν ἠγάγετο πρὸς γάμον Ἡρώδης, ἀθετήσας μὲν τὴν προτέραν αὐτῷ κατὰ νόμους γεγενημένην Ἀρέτα δʼ ἦν αὕτη τοῦ Πετραίων βασιλέως θυγάτηρ), τὴν δὲ Ἡρωδιάδα ζῶντος διαστήσας τοῦ ἀνδρός· διʼ ἣν καὶ τὸν ‘Ιωάννην ἀνελὼν πόλεμον αἴρεται πρὸς τὸν Ἀρέταν, ὡσὰν ἠτιμασμένης αὐτῷ τῆς θυγατρός. ### English translation (Claude) Not long afterwards, the beheading of John the Baptist by the younger Herod is recorded by the divine scripture of the Gospels; and Josephus too gives an account of it, mentioning Herodias by name, and how Herod took her in marriage though she was his brother's wife, having set aside his former lawful wife (she was the daughter of Aretas, king of the Petraeans), and having separated Herodias from her husband while he was still alive. On her account, having also killed John, he waged war with Aretas, whose daughter had been dishonoured. ### Scripture references - Mark 6:17–18: allusion, high confidence - Matt 14:3–4: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 18.109–119 (Josephus (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Mark 6:17–29 and Matt 14:3–12; the source in Josephus is Ant. 18.109–119. The matter bears on marriage: Herod put away his lawful wife and took a woman separated from her living husband, which John had condemned (Mark 6:18). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.11.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/11/1/). ## Church History 1.11.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/11/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:36 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus reports that Herod's army was destroyed as punishment for killing John. ### Greek text ἐν ᾧ πολέμῳ μάχης γενομένης πάντα φησὶ τὸν Ἡρώδου στρατὸν διαφθαρῆναι, καὶ ταῦτα πεπονθέναι τῆς ἐπιβουλῆς ἕνεκεν τῆς κατὰ τοῦ Ἰωάννου γεγενημένης. ### English translation (Claude) In that war, when a battle was fought, he says that Herod's whole army was destroyed, and that he suffered this because of the plot against John. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 18.114–116 (Josephus (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The source is Josephus, Ant. 18.114–116. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.11.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/11/2/). ## Church History 1.11.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/11/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:36 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus confirms John's righteousness and says Herod lost his kingdom because of Herodias and was exiled to Vienne. ### Greek text ὁ δʼ αὐτὸς Ἰώσηπος ἐν τοῖς μάλιστα δικαιότατον καὶ βαπτιστὴν ὁμολογῶν γεγονέναι τὸν Ἰωάννην, τοῖς περὶ αὐτοῦ κατὰ τὴν τῶν εὐαγγελίων γραφὴν ἀναγεγραμμένοις συμμαρτυρεῖ. ἱστορεῖ δὲ καὶ τὸν Ἡρώδην τῆς βασιλείας ἀποπεπτωκέναι διὰ τὴν αὐτὴν Ἡρωδιάδα, μεθʼ ἧς αὐτὸν καὶ εἰς τὴν ὑπερορίαν ἀπεληλάσθαι, Βίενναν τῆς Γαλλίας οἰκεῖν καταδικασθέντα. ### English translation (Claude) The same Josephus, acknowledging that John was an exceptionally righteous man and a baptizer, bears witness together with what is written about him in the Gospels. He also relates that Herod lost his kingdom on account of the same Herodias, with whom he was driven into exile and condemned to live at Vienne in Gaul. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 18.252 (Josephus (works)): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The source is Josephus, Ant. 18.116–119, 240–255 (Josephus names Lugdunum; Vienne is from J.W. 2.111, where it refers to Archelaus). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.11.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/11/3/). ## Church History 1.11.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/11/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:36 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): some Jews thought God destroyed Herod's army to avenge John the Baptist. ### Greek text καὶ ταῦτά γε αὐτῷ ἐν ὀκτωκαιδεκάτῳ τῆς ἀρχαιολογίας δεδήλωται, ἔνθα συλλαβαῖς αὐταῖς περὶ τοῦ ‘Ιωάννου ταῦτα γράφει ‘τισὶ δὲ τῶν Ἰουδαίων ἐδόκει ὀλω- “λέναι τὸν Ἡρώδου στρατὸν ὑπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ, καὶ μάλα “δικαίως τιννυμἐνου κατὰ ποινὴν Ἰωάννου τοῦ κα- “ λουμένου βαπτιστοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) These things he has shown in the eighteenth book of the Antiquities, where he writes these very words about John: “But to some of the Jews it seemed that Herod's army had been destroyed by God, who most justly exacted punishment for John, called the Baptist. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 18.116 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation (1.11.4–6) is Josephus, Ant. 18.116–119. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.11.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/11/4/). ## Church History 1.11.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/11/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:36 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): John was a good man who called the Jews to virtue and to a baptism that purified the body after the soul was cleansed by righteousness. ### Greek text κτείνει γὰρ τοῦτον Ἡρώ- ‘δης, ἀγαθὸν ἄνδρα καὶ τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις κελεύοντα, “ἀρετὴν ἐπασκοῦσι καὶ τὰ πρὸς ἀλλήλους δικαιοσύνῃ “ καὶ πρὸς τὸν θεὸν εὐσεβείᾳ χρωμένοις βαπτισμῷ “συνιέναι. οὕτω γὰρ δὴ καὶ τὴν βάπτισιν ἀποδέκτην αὐτῷ φανεῖσθαι, μὴ ἐπί τινων ἁμαρτάδων παραι- “τήσει χρωμένων, ἀλλʼ ἐφʼ ἁγνείᾳ τοῦ σώματος, ἄτε “ δὴ καὶ τῆς ψυχῆς δικαιοσύνῃ προεκκεκαθαρμένης. ’ ### English translation (Claude) For Herod killed him, though he was a good man who commanded the Jews to practise virtue, to use righteousness toward one another and piety toward God, and so to come together for baptism. For so, he said, the baptism would appear acceptable to God, if they used it not to beg off certain sins but for the purification of the body, since the soul had already been cleansed beforehand by righteousness. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 18.117 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, Ant. 18.117. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.11.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/11/5/). ## Church History 1.11.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/11/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:36–37 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): fearing John's influence might spark revolt, Herod imprisoned him at Machaerus and killed him. ### Greek text καὶ τῶν ἄλλων συστρεφομένων καὶ γὰρ ἥσθησαν “ ἐπὶ πλεῖστον τῇ ἀκροάσει τῶν λόγων), δείσας ‘Ηρώ- “δης τὸ ἐπὶ τοσόνδε πιθανὸν αὐτοῦ τοῖς ἀνθρώποις, “ μὴ ἐπὶ ἀποστάσει τινὶ φέροι, πάντα γὰρ ἐῴκεσαν “συμβουλῇ τῇ ἐκείνου πράξοντες), πολὺ κρεῖττον “ἡγεῖται, πρίν τι νεώτερον ἀπʼ αὐτοῦ γενέσθαι, προ- “λαβὼν ἀναιρεῖν, ἢ μεταβολῆς γενομένης εἰς πρά- “ γματα ἐμπεσὼν μετανοεῖν. καὶ ὁ μὲν ὑποψίᾳ τῇ “Ἡρώδου δέσμιος εἰς τὸν Μαχαιροῦντα πεμφθεὶς, τὸ “ προειρημένον φρούριον, ταύτῃ κτίννυται. ### English translation (Claude) And when others gathered round him (for they were greatly delighted at hearing his words), Herod, fearing that his great persuasiveness with the people might lead to some revolt (for they seemed ready to do anything on his advice), thought it much better to anticipate him and put him to death before any uprising came from him, than to fall into trouble when a change came and then repent. So because of Herod's suspicion he was sent in chains to Machaerus, the fortress mentioned before, and there put to death. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 18.118–119 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, Ant. 18.118–119. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.11.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/11/6/). ## Church History 1.11.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/11/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:37 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted) describes Jesus as a wise man and wonder-worker who won many Jews and Greeks. ### Greek text ταῦτα περὶ τοῦ Ἰωάννου διελθὼν καὶ τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν κατὰ τὴν αὐτὴν τοῦ συγγράμματος ἱστορίαν ὧδέ πως μέμνηται ‘γίνεται δὲ κατὰ τοῦτον τὸν χρόνον Ἰησοῦς, “ σοφὸς ἀνὴρ, εἴ γε ἄνδρα αὐτὸν λέγειν χρή. ἦν γὰρ “ παραδόξων ἔργων ποιητὴς, διδάσκαλος ἀνθρώπων “τῶν ἡδονῇ τἀληθῆ δεχομένων, καὶ πολλοὺς μὲν τῶν ‘Ἰουδαίων, πολλοὺς δὲ καὶ ἀπὸ τοῦ Ἑλληνικοῦ ἐπη- “γάγετο. ### English translation (Claude) Having related these things about John, he also mentions our Saviour in the same part of his work, as follows: “About this time there lived Jesus, a wise man, if indeed one ought to call him a man. For he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of men who receive the truth with pleasure; and he won over many of the Jews and many also of the Greeks. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 18.63 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation (1.11.7–8) is Josephus, Ant. 18.63–64, the so-called Testimonium Flavianum. Most scholars think the passage as transmitted contains Christian additions (e.g. “if indeed one ought to call him a man”, “He was the Christ”), though many hold that Josephus wrote a shorter original about Jesus. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.11.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/11/7/). ## Church History 1.11.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/11/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:37 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): Jesus was crucified under Pilate, appeared alive on the third day, and the Christians named after him still exist. ### Greek text ὁ Χριστὸς οὗτος ἦν. καὶ αὐτὸν ἐνδείξει “τῶν πρώτων ἀνδρῶν παρʼ ἡμίν σταυρῷ ἐπιτετἰμη- “ κότος Πιλάτου, οὐκ ἐπαύσαντο οἶ τὸ πρῶτον ἀγα- “ πήσαντες. ἐφάνη γὰρ αὐτοῖς τρίτην ἔχων ἡμέραν “πάλιν ζῶν, τῶν θείων προφητῶν ταῦτά τε καὶ ἄλλα “ μυρία περὶ αὐτοῦ θαυμάσια εἰρηκότω ’ν. εἰσέτι τε “ νῦν τῶν Χριστιανῶν ἀπὸ τοῦδε ὠνομασμένων οὐκ “ ἐπέλιπε τὸ φῦλον.’’ ### English translation (Claude) He was the Christ. And when Pilate, on the accusation of the leading men among us, had condemned him to the cross, those who had loved him at the first did not cease. For he appeared to them on the third day alive again, the divine prophets having foretold these and countless other wonderful things about him. And even now the tribe of Christians, named after him, has not died out.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 18.64 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, Ant. 18.63–64; on the authenticity of this passage see the note on 1.11.7. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.11.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/11/8/). ## Church History 1.11.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/11/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:37 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus's testimony exposes the shamelessness of the forged anti-Christian Memoirs. ### Greek text ταῦτα τοῦ ἐξ αὐτῶν Ἐβραίων συγγραφέως ἀνέκαθεν τῇ ἑαυτοῦ γραφῇ περί τε τοῦ βαπτιστοῦ Ἰωάννου καὶ τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν παραδεδωκότος, τίς ἂν ἔτι λείποιτο ἀποφυγὴ τοῦ μὴ ἀναισχύντους ἀπελέγχεσθαι τοὺς τὰ κατʼ αὐτῶν πλασαμένους ὑπομνήματα; ἀλλὰ ταῦτα μὲν ἐχέτω ταύτῃ. ### English translation (Claude) Since a writer from among the Hebrews themselves has handed down these things long ago in his own work about John the Baptist and our Saviour, what escape is left for those who forged the Memoirs against them from being convicted of shamelessness? But let this be as it is. ### Translation notes - The forged Acts of Pilate; see 1.9.3. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.11.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/11/9/). ## Church History 1.12.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/12/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:37–38 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: No list of the Seventy survives, but Barnabas and Sosthenes are said to have been among them. ### Greek text Τῶν γε μὴν τοῦ σω- τηρὸς ἀποστόλων παντί τῳ σαφὴς ἐκ τῶν εὐαγγελίων ἡ πρόσρησις. τῶν δʼ ἑβδομήκοντα μαθητῶν κατάλογος μὲν οὐδεὶς οὐδαμὴ φέρεται· λέγεταί γε μὴν εἰς αὐτῶν Βαρνάβας γεγονέναι, οὑ διαφόρως μὲν καὶ αἱ Πραξεῖς τῶν ἀποστόλων ἐμνημόνευσαν, οὐχ ἥκιστα δὲ καὶ ὁ Παῦλος Γαλάταις γράφων. τούτων δʼ εἶναί φασι καὶ Σωσθένην τὸν ἅμα Παύλῳ Κορινθίοις ἐπιστείλαντα. ### English translation (Claude) The names of the Saviour's apostles are clear to everyone from the Gospels. But of the seventy disciples no list is extant anywhere. It is said, however, that Barnabas was one of them, of whom the Acts of the Apostles has made mention in various places, and not least Paul too, writing to the Galatians. They say that Sosthenes too was one of these, who wrote to the Corinthians together with Paul. ### Scripture references - Acts 4:36: allusion, medium confidence - Gal 2:1: allusion, medium confidence - 1 Cor 1:1: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusions to Acts 4:36; Gal 2:1, 9, 13; 1 Cor 1:1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.12.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/12/1/). ## Church History 1.12.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/12/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:38 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement's Outlines claim the Cephas whom Paul opposed at Antioch was one of the Seventy, not the apostle Peter. ### Greek text ἡ δʼ ἱστορία παρὰ Κλήμεντι κατὰ τὴν πέμπτην τῶν ‘Υποτυπώσων, ἐν ᾗ καὶ Κηφᾶν, περὶ οὗ φησιν ὁ Παῦλος ‘ὅτε δὲ ἦλθε Κηφᾶς εἰς ‘ Αντιόχειαν, κατὰ πρόσωπον αὐτῷ ἀντέστην, ἴνα φησὶ γεγονέναι τῶν ἑβδομήκοντα μαθητῶν, ὁμώνυμον Πέτρῳ τυγχάνοντα τῷ ἀποστόλῳ. ### English translation (Claude) The account is in Clement, in the fifth book of the Outlines, in which he also says that Cephas, about whom Paul says, “When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face,” was one of the seventy disciples, having the same name as Peter the apostle. ### Scripture references - Gal 2:11: quotation, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Clement, Hyp. book 5 (Clement of Alexandria, Hypotyposes (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Gal 2:11. The source is Clement of Alexandria, Hypotyposes, book 5 (lost). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.12.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/12/2/). ## Church History 1.12.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/12/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:38 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Matthias, Joseph Barsabbas, and Thaddaeus are also said to have been among the Seventy. ### Greek text καὶ Ματθίαν δὲ τὸν ἀντὶ Ἰούδα τοῖς ἀποστόλοις συγκαταλεγέντα, τόν τε σὺν αὐτῷ τῇ ὁμοίᾳ ψήφῳ τιμηθέντα, τῆς αὐτῆς τῶν ἑβδομήκοντα κλήσεως ἠξιῶσθαι κατέχει λόγος. καὶ Θαδδαῖον δὲ ἕνα τῶν αὐτῶν εἶναί φασι, περὶ οὐ καὶ ἱστορίαν ἐλθοῦσαν εἰς ἡμὰς αὐτίκα μάλα ἐκθήσομαι. ### English translation (Claude) Tradition also holds that Matthias, who was numbered with the apostles in place of Judas, and the one honoured together with him by the same vote, were thought worthy of the same calling of the seventy. They say that Thaddaeus too was one of them, about whom I shall shortly set out an account that has come down to us. ### Scripture references - Acts 1:23–26: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Acts 1:23–26. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.12.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/12/3/). ## Church History 1.12.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/12/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:38 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Paul's list of resurrection appearances shows the disciples were more than seventy. ### Greek text καὶ τῶν ἑβδομήκοντα δὲ πλείους τοῦ σωτῆρος πεφηνέναι μαθητὰς εὕροις ἂν ἐπιτηρήσας, μάρτυρι χρώμενος τῷ Παύλῳ, μετὰ τὴν ἐκ νεκρῶν ἔγερσιν ὦφθαι αὐτὸν φήσαντι πρῶτον μὲν Κηφᾷ, ἔπειτα τοῖς δώδεκα, καὶ μετὰ τούτους ἐπάνω πεντακοσίοις ἀδελφοῖς ἐφάπαξ, ὧν τινὰς μὲν ἔφασκε κεκοιμῆσθαι, τοὺς πλείους δʼ ἔτι τῷ βίῳ, καθʼ ὃν καιρὸν αὐτῷ ταῦτα συνετάττετο, περιεῖναι. ### English translation (Claude) And if you look carefully you will find that the Saviour's disciples were more than seventy, using Paul as a witness, who says that after his rising from the dead he appeared first to Cephas, then to the Twelve, and after these to more than five hundred brothers at once, some of whom, he said, had fallen asleep, but most were still alive at the time he was writing. ### Scripture references - 1 Cor 15:5–6: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to 1 Cor 15:5–6. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.12.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/12/4/). ## Church History 1.12.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/12/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:38–39 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: He appeared also to James, the Lord's brother, and to all the apostles, a wider group than the Twelve. ### Greek text ἔπειτα δʼ ὦφθαι αὐτὸν Ἰακώβῳ φησίν· εἶς δὲ καὶ οὗτος τῶ φερομένων τοῦ σωτῆρος ἀδελφῶν ἦν. εἶθʼ ὡς παρʼ τούτους κατὰ μίμησιν τῶν δώδεκα πλείστων ὅσω ὑπαρξάντων ἀποστόλων, οἷος καὶ αὐτὸς ὁ Παῦλος ἠ προστίθησι λέγων ’ ἔπειτα ὤφθη τοῖς ἀποστόλοις πᾶσι.” ταῦτα μὲν οὖν περὶ τῶνδε. τῆς δὲ περὶ τὸν Θαδδαῖον ἱστορίας τοιοῦτος γέγονεν ὁ τρόπος. ### English translation (Claude) Then he says that he appeared to James; and he too was one of the so-called brothers of the Saviour. Then, since besides these there were very many apostles, in imitation of the Twelve, such as Paul himself was, he adds, saying, “Then he appeared to all the apostles.” So much about these; the account concerning Thaddaeus is as follows. ### Scripture references - 1 Cor 15:7: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is 1 Cor 15:7. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.12.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/12/5/). ## Church History 1.13.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:39 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christ's fame as a healer drew sufferers from far beyond Judea. ### Greek text ’H τοῦ κυρίου καὶ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ θειότης, εἰς πάντας ἀνθρώπους τῆς παραδοξοποιοῦ δυνάμεως ἕνεκεν βοωμένη, μυρίους ὅσους καὶ τῶν ἐπʼ άλλοδαπῆς πορρωτάτω τε τῆς Ἰουδαίας νόσων καὶ παντοίων παθῶν ἐλπίδι θεραπείας ἐπήγετο. ### English translation (Claude) The divinity of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, being noised abroad among all men because of his wonder-working power, drew countless numbers even of those in foreign lands far from Judea who hoped to be healed of diseases and all kinds of sufferings. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.13.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/1/). ## Church History 1.13.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:39 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Abgar, king of Edessa, gravely ill, sent a letter to Jesus asking to be healed. ### Greek text ταύτῃ τοι βασιλεὺς Ἂβγρος, τῶν ὑπὲρ Εὐφράτην ἐθνῶν έπισημότατα δυναστεύων, πάθει τὸ σῶμα δεινῷ καὶ οὐ θεραπευτῷ ὅσον ἐπʼ ἀνθρωπείᾳ δυνάμει καταφθει- ρόμενος, ὡς καὶ τοὔνομα τοῦ Ἰησοῦ πολὺ καὶ τὰς δυνάμεις συμφώνως πρὸς ἁπάντων μαρτυρουμένας ἐπύθετο, ἱκέτης αὐτοῦ πέμψας διʼ ἐπιστοληφόρου γίνεται, τῆς νόσου τυχεῖν ἀπαλλαγῆς ἀξιῶν. ### English translation (Claude) So it was that King Abgar, the most distinguished ruler of the nations beyond the Euphrates, whose body was wasting away with a terrible disease incurable by human power, when he learned of the fame of the name of Jesus and of his mighty works, attested with one voice by all, sent to him by a letter-carrier as a suppliant, asking to obtain release from his disease. ### Extrabiblical texts - Abgar (Correspondence of Jesus and Abgar): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The Abgar legend comes from Edessene tradition (see 1.13.5); its letters are generally regarded as legendary. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.13.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/2/). ## Church History 1.13.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:39 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Jesus answered by letter, promising to send a disciple to heal him. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ μὴ τότε καλοῦντι ὑπακούσας ἐπιστολῆς γοῦν αὐτὸν ἰδίας καταξιοῖ, ἴνα τῶν αὑτοῦ μαθητῶν ἀποστέλλειν ἐπὶ θεραπείᾳ τῆς νόσου, ὁμοῦ τε αὐτοῦ σωτηρίαν καὶ τόν προσηκόντων ἁπάντων ὑπισχνούμενος. ### English translation (Claude) Jesus did not comply with his request at that time, but thought him worthy of a letter of his own, promising to send one of his disciples to cure his disease, and at the same time promising salvation to him and all his household. ### Extrabiblical texts - Abgar (Correspondence of Jesus and Abgar): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.13.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/3/). ## Church History 1.13.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:39 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: After the ascension Thomas sent Thaddaeus to Edessa, fulfilling Jesus' promise. ### Greek text οὐκ εἰς μακεʼν δὲ ἄρα αὐτῷ ἐπληροῦτο τὰ τῆς ἐπαγγε- λίας. μετὰ γοῦν τὴν ἐκ νεκρῶν ἀνάστασιν καὶ τὴν εἰς οὐρανοὺς ἄνοδον Θωμᾶς, τῶν ἀποστόλων εἶς τῶν δώδεκα, Θαδδαῖον, ἐν ἀριθμῷ καὶ αὐτὸν τῶν ἑβδο- μήκοντα τοῦ Χριστοῦ μαθητῶν κατειλεγμένον, κινήσει θειοτέρᾳ ἐπὶ τὴν Ἒδεσσαν κήρυκα καὶ εὐαγγελιστὴν τῆς περὶ τοῦ Χριστοῦ διδασκαλίας ἐκπέμπει, πάντα τε διʼ αὐτοῦ τὰ τῆς τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν τέλος ἐλάμβανεν ἐπαγγελίας. ### English translation (Claude) And not long afterwards the promise was fulfilled for him. After the resurrection from the dead and the ascent into heaven, Thomas, one of the twelve apostles, moved by divine impulse, sent Thaddaeus, who was himself numbered among the seventy disciples of Christ, to Edessa as herald and evangelist of the teaching about Christ, and through him all the terms of our Saviour's promise were fulfilled. ### Extrabiblical texts - Abgar (Correspondence of Jesus and Abgar): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.13.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/4/). ## Church History 1.13.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:39–40 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius presents the letters, which he says were taken from the Edessa archives and translated from Syriac. ### Greek text ἔχεις καὶ τούτων ἀνάγραπτον τὴν μαρτυρίαν, ἐκ τῶν κατὰ Ἒδεσσαν τὸ τηνικαῦτα βασιλευομένην πόλιν γραμματοφυλακείων ληφθεῖσαν. ἐν γοῦν τοῖς αὐτόθι δημοσίοις χάρταις, τοῖς τὰ παλαιὰ καὶ τὰ ἀμφὶ τὸν Ἄβγαρον πραχθέντα περιέχουσι, καὶ ταῦτα εἰσέτι νῦν ἐξ ἐκείνου πεφυλαγμένα εὕρηται- οὐδὲν δὲ οἷον καὶ αὐτῶν ἀπακοῦσαι τῶν ἐπιστολῶν, ἀπὸ τῶν ἀρχείων ἡμῖν ἀναληφθεισῶν, καὶ τόνδε αὐ- τοῖς ῥήμασιν ἐκ τῆς Σύρων φωνῆς μεταβληθειῶν τὸν τρόπον. ᾿Αντίγραφον ἐπιστολῆς γραφείσης ὑπὸ ᾿Αβγάρου τοπάρχου τῷ ᾿Ιησοῦ, καὶ πεμφθείσης αὐτῷ διʼ ᾿Ανανία ταχυδρόμου εἰς ῾Ιεροσόλυμα. ### English translation (Claude) You have the written testimony of these things too, taken from the archives of Edessa, which was then a royal city. For in the public records there, which contain ancient events and those concerning Abgar, these things too are found preserved from that time until now. But there is nothing like hearing the letters themselves, taken by us from the archives and translated word for word from the Syriac language in this way. Copy of a letter written by Abgar the toparch to Jesus and sent to him by Ananias the courier to Jerusalem. ### Extrabiblical texts - Abgar (Correspondence of Jesus and Abgar): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The letters (1.13.6–10) are the Abgar correspondence, translated from the Syriac; they are generally regarded as a later legend (the Doctrina Addai preserves a fuller form). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.13.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/5/). ## Church History 1.13.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:40 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Abgar's letter (quoted): he has heard that Jesus heals without medicine and raises the dead. ### Greek text “Ἄβγαρος τοπάρχης ᾿Εδέσσης ᾿Ιησοῦ σωτῆρι “ἀγαθῷ ἀναφανέντι ἐν τόπῳ ῾Ιεροσολύμων χαίρειν. “ἤκουσταί μοι τὰ περὶ σοῦ καὶ τῶν σῶν ἰαμάτων, ὡς “ἄνευ φαρμάκων καὶ βοτανῶν ὑπὸ σοῦ γινομένων. “ὡς γὰρ λόγος, τυφλοὺς ἀναβλέπειν ποιεῖς, χωλοὺς “περιπατεπῖν, καὶ λεπροὺς ἀναβλέπειν ποιεῖς, χωλοὺς “πνεύματα καὶ δαίμονας ἐκβάλλεις, καὶ τοὺς ἐν μα- “κρονοσίᾶ βασανιζομένους θεραπεύεις, καὶ νεκροὺς “ἐγείρεις. ### English translation (Claude) “Abgar, toparch of Edessa, to Jesus, the good Saviour who has appeared in the district of Jerusalem, greeting. I have heard about you and your cures, that they are done by you without medicines or herbs. For, as the report goes, you make the blind see again and the lame walk, you cleanse lepers, you cast out unclean spirits and demons, you heal those tormented by long illness, and you raise the dead. ### Scripture references - Matt 11:5: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Abgar Abgar's letter (Correspondence of Jesus and Abgar): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Abgar correspondence (Abgar's letter). The digital text garbles the list of miracles (repeating ἀναβλέπειν ποιεῖς, χωλοὺς); the translation follows the evident sense. Compare Matt 11:5. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.13.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/6/). ## Church History 1.13.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:40 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Abgar (quoted) concludes that Jesus is either God or the Son of God. ### Greek text καὶ ταῦτα πάντα ἀκούσας περὶ σοῦ κατὰ “νοῦν ἐθέμην τὸ ἕτερον τῶν δύο, ἢ ὅτι σὺ εἶ ὁ θεὸς “καὶ καταβὰς ἀπὸ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ ποιεῖς ταῦτα, ἢ υἱὸς “εἶ τοῦ θεοῦ ποιῶν ταῦτα. ### English translation (Claude) And having heard all these things about you, I concluded one of two things: either that you are God and have come down from heaven and do these things, or that you are the Son of God who does these things. ### Extrabiblical texts - Abgar Abgar's letter (Correspondence of Jesus and Abgar): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Abgar correspondence. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.13.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/7/). ## Church History 1.13.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:40 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Abgar (quoted) begs Jesus to come and heal him, offering refuge from the Jews' hostility. ### Greek text διὰ τοῦτο τοίνυν γρά- “ψας ἐδεήθην σου σκυλῆναι πρὸς ἐμὲ, καὶ τὸ πάθος, “ὃ ἔχω, θεραπεῦσαι. καὶ γὰρ ἤκουσα ὅτι καὶ ᾿Ιουδαῖοι “καταγογγύζουσί σου καὶ βούλονται κακῶσαίσε. πόλις “δὲ μικροτάτη μοί ἐστι καὶ σεμνὴ, ἥτις ἐξαρκεῖ ἀμφο- “τέροις.” ### English translation (Claude) Therefore I have written to beg you to take the trouble to come to me and heal the suffering I have. For I have heard that the Jews too are murmuring against you and want to harm you. I have a very small but noble city, which is enough for us both.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Abgar Abgar's letter (Correspondence of Jesus and Abgar): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Abgar correspondence. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.13.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/8/). ## Church History 1.13.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:40–41 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius introduces Jesus' reply to Abgar. ### Greek text [Καὶ ταῦτα μὲν οὕτως ἔγραψε, τῆς θείας αὐτὸν τέως μικρὸν αὐγασάσης ἀλλάμψεως. ἄξιον δὲ καὶ τῆς πρὸς τοῦ ᾿Ιησοῦ αὐτῷ διὰ τοῦ αὐτοῦ γραμματοκομιστοῦ ἀποσταλείσης ἀπακοῦσαι ὀλιγοστίχου μὲν, πολυδυνάμου δὲ ἐπιστολῆς, τοῦτον ἐχούσης καὶ αὐτῆς τὸν τρόπον.] Τὰ ἀντιγραφέντα ὑπὸ Ἰησοῦ διὰ Ἀνανία ταχυδρόμου τοπάρχῃ ᾿Αβγάρῳ. ### English translation (Claude) The reply written by Jesus through Ananias the courier to Abgar the toparch. ### Extrabiblical texts - Abgar (Correspondence of Jesus and Abgar): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The editor deletes, as not Eusebius's, the preceding sentences: “He wrote these things so, the divine light having shone on him a little for the time being. It is worth hearing also the letter sent to him by Jesus through the same letter-carrier, of few lines but of great power, which runs as follows.” ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.13.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/9/). ## Church History 1.13.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:41 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Jesus' reply (quoted): Abgar is blessed for believing without seeing; after his ascension a disciple will come to heal him. ### Greek text “Μακάριος εἶ πιστεύσας ἐν ἐμοὶ μὴ ἑωρα- “κώς με. γέγραπται γὰρ περὶ ἐμοῦ τοὺς ἑωρακότας “με μὴ πιστεύσειν μοι, καὶ ἵνα οἱ μὴ ἑωρακότες αὐ- “τοὶ πιστεύσωσι καὶ ζήσωνται. περὶ δὲ οὗ ἔργαψάς “μοι ἐλθεῖν πρὸς σὲ, δέον ἐστὶ πάντα, διʼ ἃ ἀπεστά- “λην, ἐνταῦθα πληρῶσαί με, καὶ μετὰ τὸ πληρῶσαι “οὕτως ἀναληφθῆναι πρὸς τὸν ἀποστείλαντά με. καὶ “ἐπειδὰν ἀναληφθῶ, ἀποστελῶ σοί τινα τῶν μαθητῶν “μου, ἵνα ἰάσηταί σου τὸ πάθος καὶ ζωήν σοι καὶ “τοῖς σὺν σοὶ παράσχηται.” ### English translation (Claude) “Blessed are you, who have believed in me without having seen me. For it is written of me that those who have seen me will not believe in me, and that those who have not seen me will believe and live. As for what you wrote to me, that I should come to you: I must fulfil here all that I was sent for, and after fulfilling it be taken up to him who sent me. And when I have been taken up, I will send you one of my disciples to heal your suffering and give life to you and those with you.” ### Scripture references - John 20:29: echo, high confidence - Isa 52:15: echo, low confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Abgar Jesus' reply (Correspondence of Jesus and Abgar): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Abgar correspondence (Jesus' reply). Compare John 20:29; “it is written” loosely recalls Isa 6:9–10 and Isa 52:15. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.13.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/10/). ## Church History 1.13.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:41 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Syriac account (quoted): Thomas sent Thaddaeus, who lodged with Tobias; Abgar heard of his arrival. ### Greek text Ταύταις δὲ ταῖς ἐπιστολαῖς ἔτι καὶ ταῦτα συνῆπτο τῇ Σύρων φωνῇ. μετὰ δὲ τὸ ἀναληφθἠνα τὸν Ἰησοῦν ἀπέστειλεν αὐτῷ Ἰούδας ὁ καὶ Θωμᾶς Θαδδαῖον ἀπόστολον, ἕνα τῶν ἑβδομήκοντα· ὃς ἐλθὼν κατέμενε πρὸς Τωβίαν τὸν τοῦ Τωβία. ὡς δὲ ἠκούσθη περὶ αὐτοῦ, ἐμηνύθη τῷ Ἀβγάρῳ ὅτι ἐλήλυθεν ἐνταῦθα ἀπόστολος τοῦ Ἰησοῦ, καθὰ ἐπέστειλέ σοι. ### English translation (Claude) To these letters the following was also attached in the Syriac language: “After Jesus was taken up, Judas, also called Thomas, sent to him Thaddaeus the apostle, one of the seventy. He came and stayed with Tobias the son of Tobias. When news of him was heard, it was reported to Abgar: ‘An apostle of Jesus has come here, as he wrote to you.’ ### Extrabiblical texts - Abgar Syriac acts of Thaddaeus (Correspondence of Jesus and Abgar): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The narrative in 1.13.11–21 is quoted from the Syriac Edessene account (a form of the Doctrina Addai). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.13.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/11/). ## Church History 1.13.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:41 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Syriac account (quoted): Thaddaeus healed many, and Abgar guessed he was the promised disciple. ### Greek text ἤρξατο οὖν ὁ Θαδδαῖος ἐν δυνάμει θεοῦ θεραπεύειν πᾶσαν νόσον καὶ μαλακίαν, ὥστε πάντας θαυμάζειν· ὡς δὲ ἤκουσεν ὁ Ἄβγαρος τὰ μεγαλεῖα καὶ τὰ θαυμάσια, ἃ ἐποίει, καὶ ὡς ἐθεράπευεν, ἐν ὑπονοίᾳ γέγονεν ὡς ὅτι αὐτός ἐστι, περὶ οὗ ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἐπέστειλε λέγων, ἐπειδὰν ἀναληφθῶ, ἀποστελῶ σοί τινα τῶν μαθητῶν μου, ὃς τὸ πάθος σου ἰάσετει. ### English translation (Claude) So Thaddaeus began, in the power of God, to heal every disease and weakness, so that all marvelled. And when Abgar heard of the great and wonderful things he did and how he healed, he suspected that he was the one of whom Jesus had written, saying, ‘When I have been taken up, I will send you one of my disciples, who will heal your suffering.’ ### Extrabiblical texts - Abgar Syriac acts of Thaddaeus (Correspondence of Jesus and Abgar): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Syriac Edessene account. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.13.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/12/). ## Church History 1.13.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:41–42 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Syriac account (quoted): Abgar summoned Thaddaeus through Tobias. ### Greek text μετακαλεσάμενος οὖν τὸν Τωβίαν, παρʼ ᾧ κατέμενεν, εἶπεν, ἤκουσα ὅτι ἀνήρ τις δυνάστης ἐλθὼν κατέμεινεν ἐν τῇ σῆ οἰκίᾳ· ἀνάγαγε αὐτὸν πρὸς ἐμέ. ἐλθὼν δὲ ὁ Τωβίας παρὰ Θαδδαίῳ εἶπεν αὐτῷ, ὁ τοπάρχης Ἄβγαρος μετακαλεσάμενός με εἶπεν ἀναγα- γεῖν σε παρʼ αὐτῷ, ἔνα θεραπεύσῃς αὐτοῦ τὸ πάθος. καὶ ὁ Θαδδαῖος, ἀναβαίνω, ἔφη, ἐπειδήπερ δυνάμει παρʼ αὐτῷ ἀπέσταλμαι. ### English translation (Claude) So he summoned Tobias, with whom he was staying, and said, ‘I have heard that a certain man of power has come and is staying in your house; bring him up to me.’ Tobias went to Thaddaeus and said to him, ‘The toparch Abgar summoned me and told me to bring you to him, so that you may heal his suffering.’ And Thaddaeus said, ‘I will go up, since I have been sent to him with power.’ ### Extrabiblical texts - Abgar Syriac acts of Thaddaeus (Correspondence of Jesus and Abgar): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Syriac Edessene account. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.13.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/13/). ## Church History 1.13.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:42 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Syriac account (quoted): when Thaddaeus entered, Abgar alone saw a vision in his face and bowed before him. ### Greek text ὀρθρίσας οὖν ὁ Τωβίας τῇ ἑξῆς καὶ παραλαβὼν τὸν Θαδδαῖον ἦλθε πρὸς τὸν Ἄβγαρον· ὡς δὲ ἀνέβη, παρόντων καὶ ἑστώτων τῶν μεγιστάνων αὐτοῦ, παραχρῆμα ἐν τῷ εἰσιέναι αὐτὸν ὅραμα μέγα ἐφάνη τῷ Ἀβγάρῳ ἐν τῷ προσώπῳ τοῦ ἀποστόλου Θαδδαίου. ὅπερ ἰδὼν Ἄβγαρος προσεκύνησε τῷ Θαδδαίῳ, θαῦμά τε ἔσχε πάντας τοὺς περιεστῶτας· αὐτοὶ γὰρ οὐχ ἑωράκεσαν τὸ ὅραμα, ὃ μόνῳ τῷ Ἀβγάρῳ ἐφάνη. ### English translation (Claude) So Tobias rose early the next day, took Thaddaeus, and came to Abgar. When he went up, with the king's nobles present and standing by, immediately as he entered a great vision appeared to Abgar in the face of the apostle Thaddaeus. Seeing it, Abgar bowed down before Thaddaeus, and all who stood by were amazed; for they had not seen the vision, which appeared to Abgar alone. ### Extrabiblical texts - Abgar Syriac acts of Thaddaeus (Correspondence of Jesus and Abgar): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Syriac Edessene account. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.13.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/14/). ## Church History 1.13.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:42 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Syriac account (quoted): Thaddaeus confirmed he was sent because of Abgar's faith. ### Greek text ὃς καὶ τὸν Θαδδαῖον ἤρετο, εἰ ἐπʼ ἀληθείας μαθητὴς εἶ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ υἱοῦ τοῦ θεοῦ, ὃς εἰρήκει πρὸς ἐμέ “ ἀποστελῶ σοί τινα τῶν μαθητῖν μου, ὅστις ἰάσεταί σε καὶ ζωήν σοι παρέξει. καὶ ὁ Θαδδαῖος ἔφη “ ἐπεὶ μεγάλως πεπίστευκας εἰς τὸν ἀποστείλαντά με, διὰ τοῦτο ἀπεστάλην πρὸς σέ. καὶ πάλιν ἐὰν πιστεύσῃς ἐν αὐτῷ, ὡς ἂν πιστεύσῃς ἔσται σοι τὰ αἰτήματα τῆς καρδίας σου. ### English translation (Claude) He asked Thaddaeus, ‘Are you truly a disciple of Jesus the Son of God, who said to me, I will send you one of my disciples, who will heal you and give you life?’ And Thaddaeus said, ‘Because you have greatly believed in him who sent me, therefore I have been sent to you. And again, if you believe in him, the requests of your heart will be granted as you believe.’ ### Scripture references - Matt 8:13: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Abgar Syriac acts of Thaddaeus (Correspondence of Jesus and Abgar): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Syriac Edessene account. Compare Matt 8:13. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.13.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/15/). ## Church History 1.13.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/16/ - Source: Dindorf 4:42 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Syriac account (quoted): Abgar would have attacked the Jews who crucified Jesus but for Rome; Thaddaeus replied that Christ fulfilled the Father's will. ### Greek text καὶ ὁ Ἄβγαρος πρὸς αὐτόν “ οὕτως ἐπίστευσα, φησὶν, ἐν αὐτῷ, ὡς καὶ τοὺς Ἰουδαίους τοὺς σταυρώσαντας αὐτὸν βουλη- θῆναι δύναμιν παραλαβὼν κατακόψαι, εἰ μὴ διὰ τὴν βασιλείαν τὴν Ῥωμαίων ἀνεκόπην τούτου.’ καὶ ὁ Θαδδαῖοςδ εἶπεν “ ὁ κύριος ἡμῶν τὸ θέλημα τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ πεπλήρωκε, καὶ πληρώσας ἀνελήφθη πρὸς τὸν πατέρα. ” ### English translation (Claude) And Abgar said to him, ‘I so believed in him that I wanted to take a force and destroy the Jews who crucified him, had I not been prevented from this by the Roman Empire.’ And Thaddaeus said, ‘Our Lord has fulfilled the will of his Father, and having fulfilled it, has been taken up to the Father.’ ### Extrabiblical texts - Abgar Syriac acts of Thaddaeus (Correspondence of Jesus and Abgar): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Syriac Edessene account; Abgar's hostility is the legend's own. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.13.16 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/16/). ## Church History 1.13.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/17/ - Source: Dindorf 4:42 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Syriac account (quoted): Thaddaeus laid his hand on Abgar, who was healed at once. ### Greek text λέγει αὐτῷ Ἄβγαρος “κἀγὼ πεπίστευκα εἰς αὐτὸν καὶ εἰς τὸν πατέρα αὐτοῦ.’’ καὶ ὁ Θαδδαῖος “ διὰ τοῦτο, φησὶ, τίθημι τὴν χεῖρά μου ἐπὶ σὲ ἐν ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ. ” καῖ τοῦτο πράξαντος παραχρῆμα ἐθε- ραπεύθη τῆς νόσου καὶ τοῦ πάθους οὗ εἶχεν. ### English translation (Claude) Abgar said to him, ‘I too have believed in him and in his Father.’ And Thaddaeus said, ‘Therefore I lay my hand on you in his name.’ And when he did this, Abgar was at once healed of the disease and suffering he had. ### Extrabiblical texts - Abgar Syriac acts of Thaddaeus (Correspondence of Jesus and Abgar): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Syriac Edessene account. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.13.17 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/17/). ## Church History 1.13.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/18/ - Source: Dindorf 4:42–43 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Syriac account (quoted): Thaddaeus healed Abgar, Abdus, and many others while preaching. ### Greek text ἐθαύμασέ τε ὁ Ἄβγαρος, ὅτι καθὼς ἤκουσται αὐτῷ περὶ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ, οὕτως τοῖς ἔργοις παρέλαβε διὰ τοῦ μαθητοῦ αὐτοῦ Θαδδαίου, ὃς αὐτὸν ἄνευ φαρμακείας καὶ βοτανῶν ἐθεράπευσεν, καὶ οὐ μόνον, ἀλλὰ καὶ Ἄβδον τὸν τοῦ Ἄβδου ποδάγραν ἔχοντα, ὃς καὶ αὐτὸς προσελθὼν ὑπὸ τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ ἔπεσεν, εὐχάς τε διὰ χειρὸς λαβὼν ἐθεραπεύθη· πολλούς τε ἄλλους συμπολίτας αὐτῶν ὁ αὐτὸς ἰάσατο, θαυμαστὰ καὶ μεγάλα ποιῶν, καὶ κηρύσσων τὸν λόγον τοῦ θεοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) And Abgar marvelled that, just as he had heard about Jesus, so he had received it in fact through his disciple Thaddaeus, who healed him without medicine or herbs; and not only him, but also Abdus the son of Abdus, who had gout; he too came and fell at his feet, received prayers with the laying on of his hand, and was healed. The same man healed many other fellow citizens of theirs, doing wonderful and great things and preaching the word of God. ### Extrabiblical texts - Abgar Syriac acts of Thaddaeus (Correspondence of Jesus and Abgar): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Syriac Edessene account. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.13.18 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/18/). ## Church History 1.13.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/19/ - Source: Dindorf 4:43 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Syriac account (quoted): Abgar asked Thaddaeus to tell him about Jesus' coming and power. ### Greek text μετὰ δὲ ταῦτα ὁ Ἄβγαρος “ σὺ Θαδδαῖε, ἔφη, σὺν δυνάμει τοῦ θεοῦ ταῦτα ποιεῖς, καὶ ἡμεῖς σε αὐτοὶ ἐθαυμάσαμεν. ἀλλʼ ἐπὶ τούτοις δέομαί σου, διήγησαί μοι περὶ τῆς ἐλεύσεως τοῦ Ἰησοῦ πῶς ἐγένετο, καὶ περὶ τῆς δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐν ποίᾳ δυνάμει ταῦτα ἐποίει, ἅτινα ἠκούσαμεν.’’ ### English translation (Claude) After this Abgar said, ‘You, Thaddaeus, do these things with the power of God, and we ourselves have marvelled at you. But besides this I beg you, tell me about the coming of Jesus, how it happened, and about his power, and by what power he did the things we have heard of.’ ### Extrabiblical texts - Abgar Syriac acts of Thaddaeus (Correspondence of Jesus and Abgar): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Syriac Edessene account. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.13.19 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/19/). ## Church History 1.13.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/20/ - Source: Dindorf 4:43 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Syriac account (quoted): Thaddaeus promised to preach Christ's coming, works, humiliation, death, descent to Hades, and ascension. ### Greek text καὶ ὁ Θαδδαῖος “νῦν μὲν σιωπήσομαι, ἔφη, ἐπειδὴ κηρῦξαι τὸν λόγον ἀπεστάλην, αὔριον δὲ ἐκκλησίασόν μοι τοὺς πολίτας σου πάντας, καὶ ἐπʼ αὐτῶν κηρύξω τὸν λόγον τοῦ θεοῦ, καὶ σπερῶ ἐν αὐτοῖς τὸν λόγον τῆς ζωῆς, περί τε τῆς ἐλεύσεως τοῦ Ἰησοῦ καθὼς ἐγένετο; καὶ περὶ τῆς ἀποστολῆς αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἕνεκα τίνος ἀπεστάλη ὑπὸ τοῦ πατρὸς, καὶ περὶ τῆς δυνάμεως τῶν ἔργων αὐτοῦ, καὶ μυστηρίων ὧν ἐλάλησεν ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ, καὶ ποίᾳ δυνάμει ταῦτα ἐποίει, καὶ περὶ τῆς καινῆς αὐτοῦ κηρύξεως, καὶ περὶ τῆς σμικρότητος καὶ περὶ τῆς ταπεινώσεως αὐτοῦ, καὶ πῶς ἐταπείνωσεν ἑαυτὸν καὶ ἀπέθανε καὶ ἐσμίκρυνεν αὐτοῦ τὴν θεότητα καὶ ἐσταυρώθη, καὶ κατέβη εἰς τὸν Ἃιδην, καὶ διέσχισε φραγμὸν τὸν ἐξ αἰῶνος μὴ σχισθέντα, καὶ ἀνήγαγεν νεκρούς· καταβὰς γὰρ μόνος συνήγειρεν πολλοὺς, εἶθʼ οὕτως ἀνέβη πρὸς τὸν πατέρα αὐτοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) And Thaddaeus said, ‘Now I will be silent, since I was sent to preach the word; but tomorrow assemble for me all your citizens, and before them I will preach the word of God and sow among them the word of life: about the coming of Jesus, how it happened; about his mission, and for what purpose he was sent by the Father; about the power of his works, and the mysteries he spoke in the world, and by what power he did these things; about his new preaching; about his lowliness and humiliation, and how he humbled himself, and died, and made his Godhead small, and was crucified, and went down to Hades, and broke through the barrier never broken from eternity, and raised up the dead; for he went down alone, but raised up many with him, and so ascended to his Father.’ ### Scripture references - Phil 2:8: echo, medium confidence - 1 Pet 3:19: echo, medium confidence - Matt 27:52: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Abgar Syriac acts of Thaddaeus (Correspondence of Jesus and Abgar): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Syriac Edessene account. The descent to Hades echoes 1 Pet 3:19 and Matt 27:52; “humbled himself” echoes Phil 2:8. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.13.20 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/20/). ## Church History 1.13.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/21/ - Source: Dindorf 4:43–44 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Syriac account (quoted): the city heard Thaddaeus, who refused Abgar's gifts of gold and silver. ### Greek text ἐκέλευσεν οὑν ὁ Ἄβγαρος τῇ ἴωθεν συνάξαι τοὺς πολίτας αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀκοῦσαι τὴν κήρυξιν Θαδδαίου, καὶ μετὰ ταῦτα προσέταξεν αὐτῷ δοθῆναι χρυσὸν καὶ ἄσημον. ὁ δὲ οὐκ ἐδέξατο εἰπών “ εἰ τὰ ἡμέτερα καταλελοίπαμεν, πῶς τὰ ἀλλότρια ληψόμεθα;” ### English translation (Claude) So Abgar ordered his citizens to assemble at dawn and to hear the preaching of Thaddaeus; and after this he commanded that gold and uncoined silver be given to him. But he did not accept it, saying, ‘If we have left our own things behind, how shall we take what belongs to others?’” ### Extrabiblical texts - Abgar Syriac acts of Thaddaeus (Correspondence of Jesus and Abgar): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Syriac Edessene account. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.13.21 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/21/). ## Church History 1.13.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/22/ - Source: Dindorf 4:44 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The events are dated to the year 340 of the Edessene (Seleucid) era, and Eusebius explains why he included them. ### Greek text ἐπράχθη ταῦτα τεσσαρακοστῷ καὶ τριακοοιοστῷ ἔτει, ἃ καὶ οὐκ εἰς ἄχρηστον πρὸς λέξιν ἐκ τῆς Σύρων μεταβληθέντα φωνῆς ἐνταῦθά μοι κατὰ καιρὸν κείσθω. ### English translation (Claude) These things were done in the three hundred and fortieth year. Let them, not uselessly translated word for word from the Syriac language, be set down here at the proper place. ### Extrabiblical texts - Abgar (Correspondence of Jesus and Abgar): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The year 340 of the Seleucid era corresponds to AD 28/29. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 1.13.22 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/1/13/22/). ## Church History, Book 2, preface 1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/0/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:44 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Book 2 begins by recalling that Book 1 covered Christ's divinity, the antiquity of Christian teaching, and his life. ### Greek text [Προοίμιον.] Ὅσα μὲν τῆς ἐκκλησιαστικῆς ἱστορίας ἐχρῆν ὡς ἐν προοιμίῳ διαστείλασθαι, τῆς τε θεολογίας πέρι τοῦ σωτηρίου λόγου καὶ τῆς ἀρχαιολογίας τῶν τῆς ἡμετέρας διδασκαλίας δογμάτων, ἀρχαιότητός τε τῆς κατὰ Χριστιανοὺς εὐαγγελικῆς πολιτείας, οὐ μὴν ἀλλὰκαὶ ὅσα περὶ τῆς γενομένης ἔναγχος ἐπιφανείας αὐτοῦ, τά τε περὶ τοῦ πάθους καὶ τὰ περὶ τῆς τῶν ἀποστόλων ἐκλογῆς ἐν τῷ πρὸ τούτου, συντεμόντες τὰς ἀποδείξεις διειλήφαμεν. ### English translation (Claude) Whatever needed to be set out, as in a preface, for the church history, concerning the theology of the saving Word and the antiquity of the doctrines of our teaching and the ancient character of the Christians' gospel way of life, and also concerning his recent appearance, his Passion, and the choice of the apostles, we treated in the preceding book, abbreviating the proofs. ### Translation notes - The editor deletes the heading “Preface” (Προοίμιον) printed before this section. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.0.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/0/1/). ## Church History, Book 2, preface 2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/0/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:44 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Book 2 will treat events after the ascension from Scripture and other records. ### Greek text φέρε δʼ ἐπὶ τοῦ παρόντος ἤδη καὶ τὰ μετὰ τὴν ἀνάληψιν αὐτοῦ διασκεψώμεθα, τὰ μὲν ἐκ τῶν θείων παρασημαινόμενοι γραμμάτων, τὰ δʼ ἔξωθεν προσιστοροῦντες ἐξ ὧν κατὰ καιρὸν μνημονεύσομεν ὑπομνημάτων. ### English translation (Claude) Come now, let us at present examine what followed his ascension, noting some things from the divine writings and relating others besides from outside sources, from the memoirs which we shall mention in due course. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.0.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/0/2/). ## Church History 2.1.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/1/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:44–45 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Matthias replaced Judas; seven deacons, including Stephen, were ordained; Stephen became the first martyr, winning the crown his name signifies. ### Greek text Πρῶτος τοιγαροῦν εἰς τὴν ἀποστολὴν ἀντὶ τοῦ προδότου Ἰούδα κληροῦται Ματθίας, εἷς καὶ αὐτὸς, ὡς δεδήλωται, τῶν τοῦ κυρίου γενόμενος μαθητῶν. καθίστανται δὲ διʼ εὐχῆς καὶ χειρῶν ἐπιθέσεως τῶν ἀποστόλων εἰς διακονίαν, ὑπηρεσίας ἕνεκα τοῦ κοινοῦ, ἄνδρες δεδοκιμασμένοι τὸν ἀριθμὸν ἑπτὰ οἱ ἀμφὶ τὸν Στέφανον, ὃς καὶ πρῶτος μετὰ τὸν κύριον, ἅμα τῇ χειροτονίᾳ, ὥσπερ εἰς αὐτὸ τοῦτο προαχθεὶς, λίθοις εἰς θάνατον πρὸς τῶν κυριοκτόνων βάλλεται, καὶ ταύτῃ πρῶτος τὸν αὐτῷ φερώ- νυμον τῶν ἀξιονίκων τοῦ Χριστοῦ μαρτύρων άποφέρεται στέφανον. ### English translation (Claude) First, then, Matthias, who, as has been shown, was himself one of the Lord's disciples, was chosen by lot for the apostleship in place of the traitor Judas. And there were appointed to the diaconate, by prayer and the laying on of the apostles' hands, for the service of the community, approved men, seven in number, those with Stephen. He was also the first after the Lord, at the time of his ordination, as though advanced for this very purpose, to be stoned to death by the Lord's murderers; and so he was the first of Christ's victorious martyrs to carry off the crown that matched his name. ### Scripture references - Acts 1:26: allusion, high confidence - Acts 6:3–6: allusion, high confidence - Acts 7:58–60: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusions to Acts 1:26; 6:1–6; 7:58–60. Stephen (Στέφανος) means “crown.” “The Lord's murderers” is Eusebius's polemical phrase for those who stoned Stephen. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.1.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/1/1/). ## Church History 2.1.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/1/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:45 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: James the Just, called the Lord's brother as a son of Joseph, was the first bishop of Jerusalem. ### Greek text τότε δῆτα καὶ Ἰάκωβον, τὸν τοῦ κυρίου λεγόμενον ἀδελφὸν ὅτι δὴ καὶ οὗτος τοῦ Ἰωσὴφ ὠνόμαστο παῖς· τοῦ δὲ Χριστοῦ πατὴρ, ὁ Ἰωσὴφ, ᾧ μνηστευθεῖσα ἡ παρθένος, πρὶν ἢ συνελθεῖν αὐτοὺς, ηὕρητο ἐν γαστρὶ ἔχουσα ἐκ πνεύματος ἁγίου, ὡς ἡ ἱερὰ τῶν εὐαγγελίων διδάσκει γραφή), τοῦτον δὴ τὸν Ἰάκωβον, ὃν καὶ δίκαιον ἐπίκλην οἱ πάλαι διʼ ἀρετῆς ἐκάλουν προτερήματα, πρῶτον ἱστοροῦσι τῆς ἐν Ἰεροσολύμοις ἐκκλησίας τὸν τῆς ἐπισκοπῆς ἐγχειρισθῆναι θρόνον. ### English translation (Claude) At that time, too, James, who was called the brother of the Lord (because he too was named the son of Joseph; and Joseph was the father of Christ, to whom the Virgin was betrothed when, before they came together, she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit, as the sacred scripture of the Gospels teaches), this James, whom the men of old also surnamed the Just because of the excellence of his virtue, is recorded to have been the first entrusted with the throne of the episcopate of the church in Jerusalem. ### Scripture references - Matt 1:18: allusion, high confidence - Gal 1:19: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Matt 1:18. Eusebius here treats James as a son of Joseph (from an earlier marriage, as in some traditions). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.1.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/1/2/). ## Church History 2.1.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/1/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:45 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement (quoted): Peter, James, and John did not seek honour but chose James the Just as bishop of Jerusalem. ### Greek text Κλήμης δὲ ἐν ἕκτῳ τῶν ἐγχειρισθῆναι γράφων ὧδε παρίστησι ‘Πέτρον “ γάρ φησι καὶ Ἰάκωβον καὶ Ἰωάννην μετὰ τὴν ἀνά΄ληψιν τοὐ σωτῆρος, ὡσὰν καὶ ὑπὸ τοῦ κυρίου προτετιμημένους, μὴ ἐπιδικάζεσθαι δόξης, ἀλλʼ Ἰáκω- “ βον τὸν δίκαιον ἐπίσκοπον Ἰεροσολύμων ἑλέσθαι.’’ ### English translation (Claude) And Clement, writing in the sixth book of the Outlines, presents it thus: “For Peter,” he says, “and James and John, after the ascension of the Saviour, although they had been preferred by the Lord, did not contend for glory, but chose James the Just as bishop of Jerusalem.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Clement, Hyp. book 6 (Clement of Alexandria, Hypotyposes (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Clement of Alexandria, Hypotyposes, book 6 (lost). The digital text reads “in the sixth of the ἐγχειρισθῆναι”, a copying error for “Outlines” (Ὑποτυπώσεων). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.1.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/1/3/). ## Church History 2.1.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/1/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:45 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement (quoted): after the resurrection the Lord gave the knowledge to James, John, and Peter, who passed it on to the apostles and the Seventy. ### Greek text ὁ δʼ αὐτὸς ἐν ἑβδόμῳ τῆς αὐτῆς ὑποθέσεως ἔτι καὶ ταῦτα περὶ αὐτοῦ φησιν “Ἰακώβῳ τῷ δικαίῳ καὶ Ἰωάννῃ καὶ Πέτρῳ μετὰ τὴν ἀνάστασιν παρέδωκε “ τὴν γνῶσιν ὁ κύριος, οὗτοι τοῖς λοιποῖς ἀποστόλοις παρέδωκαν, οἱ δὲ λοιποὶ ἀπόστολοι τοῖς ἑβδομήκοντα, ὧν εἷς ἦν καὶ Βαρνάβας. ### English translation (Claude) The same writer, in the seventh book of the same work, says this too about him: “After the resurrection the Lord handed down the knowledge to James the Just and John and Peter; these handed it down to the rest of the apostles, and the rest of the apostles to the seventy, of whom Barnabas was one. ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Clement, Hyp. book 7 (Clement of Alexandria, Hypotyposes (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Clement of Alexandria, Hypotyposes, book 7 (lost). “Knowledge” (γνῶσις) is Clement's term for the deeper Christian understanding. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.1.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/1/4/). ## Church History 2.1.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/1/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:45 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement (quoted) distinguishes James the Just, killed at the temple, from James beheaded by Herod; Paul also mentions James the Lord's brother. ### Greek text δύο δὲ γεγόνασιν Ἰάκωβοι, εἷς ὁ δίκαιος, ὁ κατὰ τοῦ πτερυγίου βληθεὶς καὶ ὑπὸ γναφέως ξύλω πληγεὶς εἰς θάνατον, ἕτερος δὲ ὁ καρατομηθείς.’’ αὐτοῦ δὴ τοῦ δικαίου καὶ ὁ Παῦλος μνημονεύει γράφων “ἕτερον δὲ τῶν ἀποστόλων οὐκ εἶδον, εἰ μὴ Ἰάκωβον τὸν ἀδελφὸν τοῦ κυρίου.’ ### English translation (Claude) There were two Jameses: one the Just, who was thrown from the pinnacle and beaten to death with a fuller's club, and the other who was beheaded.” Paul too mentions this same James the Just, writing, “But I saw none of the other apostles except James the brother of the Lord.” ### Scripture references - Gal 1:19: quotation, high confidence - Acts 12:2: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Clement, Hyp. book 7 (Clement of Alexandria, Hypotyposes (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Clement of Alexandria, Hypotyposes, book 7; then Gal 1:19. The other James is James son of Zebedee (Acts 12:2). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.1.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/1/5/). ## Church History 2.1.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/1/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:45–46 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: At this time Thomas sent Thaddaeus to Edessa, fulfilling Christ's promise to Abgar. ### Greek text ἐν τούτοις καὶ τὰ τῆς τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν πρὸς τὸν τῶν Ὀσροηνῶν βασιλέα τέλος ἐλάμβανεν ὑποσχέσεως. ὁ γοῦν Θωμᾶς τὸν Θαδδαῖον κινήσει θειοτέρᾳ ἐπὶ τὴν Ἔδεσσαν κήρυκα καὶ εὐαγ- γελιστὴν τῆς περὶ τοῦ Χριστοῦ διδασκαλίας ἐκπέμπει, ὡς ἀπὸ τῆς εὑρεθείσης αὐτόθι γραφῆς μικρῷ πρόσθεν ἐδηλώσαμεν. ### English translation (Claude) At this time, too, the promise of our Saviour to the king of the Osrhoenians was fulfilled. Thomas, at any rate, moved by divine impulse, sent Thaddaeus to Edessa as herald and evangelist of the teaching about Christ, as we showed a little earlier from the document found there. ### Extrabiblical texts - Abgar (Correspondence of Jesus and Abgar): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - See 1.13. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.1.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/1/6/). ## Church History 2.1.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/1/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:46 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Thaddaeus healed Abgar and converted Edessa, which has been Christian ever since. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ τοῖς τόποις ἐπιστὰς τόν τε Ἄβ- γαρον ἰᾶται τῷ Χριστοῦ λόγῳ καὶ τοὺς αὐτόθι πάν- τας τοῖς τῶν θαυμάτων παραδόξοις ἐκπλήττει, ἱκα- νῶς τε αὐτοὺς τοῖς ἔργοις διαθεὶς, καὶ ἐπὶ σέβας ἀγαγὼν τῆς τοῦ Χριστοῦ δυνάμεως, μαθητὰς τῆς σωτηρίου διδασκαλίας κατεστήσατο· εἰσέτι τε νῦν ἐξ ἐκείνου ἡ πᾶσα τῶν ᾿Εδεσσηνῶν πόλις τῇ Χριστοῦ προσανάκεται προσηγορίᾳ, οὐ τὸ τυχὸν αὐτοὺς εὐεργε- δεῖγμα τῆς τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν καὶ εἰς αὐτοὺς εὐεργε- σίας. ### English translation (Claude) When he arrived in those parts, he healed Abgar by the word of Christ and astonished everyone there by the wonders of his miracles; and having sufficiently disposed them by his deeds and brought them to reverence for the power of Christ, he made them disciples of the saving teaching. And from that time until now the whole city of the Edessenes has been devoted to the name of Christ, displaying no ordinary proof of our Saviour's kindness toward them too. ### Extrabiblical texts - Abgar (Correspondence of Jesus and Abgar): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The digital text is garbled at the end (a line repeated: εὐεργε-); translated as the sense requires. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.1.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/1/7/). ## Church History 2.1.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/1/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:46 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: After Stephen's death the Jerusalem church was scattered, and some preached as far as Antioch, but only to Jews. ### Greek text καὶ ταῦτα μὲν ὡς ἐξ ἀρχαίων ἱστορίας εἰρή- σθω, μετίωμεν δʼ αὖθις ἐπὶ τὴν θείαν γραφήν. γενο- μένου δῆτα ἐπὶ τῇ τοῦ Στεφάνου μαρτυρίᾳ πρώτου καὶ μεγίστου πρὸς αὐτῶν ᾿Ιουδαίων κατὰ τῆς ἐν ῾Ιερο- σολύμοις ἐκκλησίας διωμοῦ, πάντων τε τῶν μαθη- τῶν πλὴν ὅτι τῶν δώδεκα μόνων ἀνὰ τὴν ᾿Ιουδαίαν τε καὶ Σαμάρειαν διασπαρέντων τινὲς, ᾗφησιν ἡ θεία γραφὴ, διελθόντες ἕως Φοινίκης καὶ Κύπρου καὶ ᾿Αντιοχείας, οὔπω μὲν ἔθνεσιν οἷοί τε ἦσαν τοῦ τῆς πίστεως μεταδιδόναι λόγου τολμᾶν, μόνοις δὲ τοῦτον ᾿Ιουδαίοις κατήγγελλον. ### English translation (Claude) Let these things be said as from ancient accounts; let us return again to divine Scripture. When the first and greatest persecution by the Jews themselves arose against the church in Jerusalem at the martyrdom of Stephen, and all the disciples except the Twelve alone were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria, some, as the divine Scripture says, went as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch; they could not yet venture to share the word of faith with the Gentiles, but proclaimed it to Jews alone. ### Scripture references - Acts 8:1: allusion, high confidence - Acts 11:19: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Acts 8:1 and Acts 11:19. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.1.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/1/8/). ## Church History 2.1.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/1/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:46 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Paul was then still persecuting the church. ### Greek text τηνικαῦτα καὶ Παῦ- λος ἐλυμαίνετο εἰσέτι καὶ τότε τὴν ἐκκλησίαν, κατʼ οἴκους τῶν πιστῶν εἰσπορευόμενος, σύρων τε ἄνδρας καὶ γυναῖκας καὶ εἰς φυλακὴν παραδιδούς. ### English translation (Claude) At that time Paul too was still ravaging the church, entering the houses of the believers, dragging off men and women, and handing them over to prison. ### Scripture references - Acts 8:3: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Acts 8:3. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.1.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/1/9/). ## Church History 2.1.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/1/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:46–47 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Philip the deacon preached in Samaria with such power that even Simon the magician was won over. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ καὶ Φίλιππος, εἷς τῶν ἅμα Στεφάωῳ προχειρισθέν- των εἰς τὴν διακονίαν, ἐν τοῖς διασπαρεῖσι γενόμε- νος, κάτεισιν εἰς τὴν Σαμάρειαν, θείας τε ἔμπλεως ὢν δυνάμεως κηρύττει πρῶτος τοῖς αὐτόθι τὸν λόγον. τοσαύτη δʼ αὐτῷ θεία συνήργει χάρις ὡς καὶ Σίμωνα τὸν μάγον μετὰ πλείστων ὅσων τοῖς αὐτοῦ λόγοις ἑγχθῆναι ### English translation (Claude) But Philip, too, one of those appointed with Stephen to the diaconate, being among the scattered, went down to Samaria, and, being filled with divine power, was the first to preach the word to those there. So great was the divine grace working with him that even Simon the magician, with very many others, was drawn by his words. ### Scripture references - Acts 8:5–13: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Acts 8:5–13. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.1.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/1/10/). ## Church History 2.1.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/1/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:47 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Simon, revered as “the great power of God,” was amazed at Philip's miracles and was baptized in pretended faith. ### Greek text ἐπὶ τοσοῦτον δʼ ὁ Σίμων βεβοημένος κατʼ εκεῖνο καιροῦ τῶν ἠπατημένων ἐκράτει γοητείᾳ ὡς τὴν μεγάλην αὐτὸν ἡγεῖσθαι εἶναι δύναμιν τοῦ θεοῦ. τότε δʼ οὖν καὶ οὕτος τὰς ὑπὸ τοῦ Φιλίππου δυνάμει θείᾳ τελουμένας καταπλαγεὶς παραδοξοποιίας παραδύεται, καὶ μέχρι λουτροῦ τὴν εἰς Χριστὸν πίστιν καθυποκρίνεται. ### English translation (Claude) Simon was at that time so famous and held such sway by sorcery over those he had deceived that they thought him to be the great power of God. Yet then he too, astonished at the wonders performed by Philip through divine power, slipped in and feigned faith in Christ even to the point of baptism. ### Scripture references - Acts 8:10: allusion, high confidence - Acts 8:13: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Acts 8:9–13. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.1.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/1/11/). ## Church History 2.1.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/1/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:47 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Simon's heretical followers still creep into the church like a disease, though many have been exposed and expelled, as Simon was by Peter. ### Greek text ὃ καὶ θαυμάζειν ἄξιον εἰς δεῦρο γινόμενον πρὸς τῶν ἔτι καὶ νῦν τὴν ἀπʼ ἐκείνου μιαρωτάτην μετιόντων αἵρεσιν, οἱ τῇ τοῦ σφῶν προπάτορος μεθόδῳ τὴν ἐκκλησίαν λοιμώδους καὶ ψωραλέας νόσου δίκην ὑποδυόμενοι τὰ μέγιστα λυμαίνονται τοὺς οἶς ἐναπομάξασθαι οἷοί τε ἂν εἶεν τὸν ἐν αὐτοῖς ἀποκεκρυμμένον δυσαλθῆ καὶ χαλεπὸν ἰόν. ἤδη γέ τοι πλείους τούτων ἀπεώσθησαν, ὁποῖοί τινες ἦσαν τὴν μοχθηρίαν ἁλόντες, ὥσπερ οὖν καὶ ὁ Σίμων αὐτὸς πρὸς τοῦ Πέτρου καταφωραθεὶς ὃς ἣν τὴν προσήκουσαν ἔτισε τιμωρίαν. ### English translation (Claude) And it is worth wondering that this still happens to this day among those who even now follow the most abominable heresy derived from him, who, by the method of their forefather, slipping into the church like a pestilent and scabby disease, do the greatest harm to those on whom they are able to wipe off the incurable and grievous poison hidden in them. Many of these, however, have already been driven out, when they were caught in their wickedness, as Simon himself, detected by Peter, paid the appropriate penalty. ### Scripture references - Acts 8:18–24: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Acts 8:18–24. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.1.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/1/12/). ## Church History 2.1.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/1/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:47 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Ethiopian officer baptized by Philip, the first Gentile convert, is said to have taken the gospel home, fulfilling the psalm. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ γὰρ εἰς αὔξην ὁσημέραι προἰ·όντος τοῦ σωτηρίου κηρύγματος οἰκονομία τις ἦγεν καὶ ἀπὸ τῆς Αἰθιόπων τῶν τῆς αὐτόθι βασιλίδος, κατά τι πάτριον ἔθος ὑπὸ γυναικὸς τοῦ ἔθνους εἰσέτι νῦν βασιλευομένου, δυνάστην· ὃν πρῶτον ἐξ ἐθνῶν πρὸς τοῦ Φιλίππου διʼ ἐπιφανείας τὰ τοῦ θείου λόγου ὄργια μετασχόντα, τῶν τε ἀνὰ τὴν οἰκουμένην πιστῶν ἀπαρχὴν γενόμενον, πρῶτον κατέχει λόγος ἐπὶ τὴν πάτριον παλινοστήσαντα γῆν εὐαγγελίσασθαι τὴν το τῶν ὅλων θεοῦ γνῶσιν, καὶ τὴν ζωοποιὸν εἰς ἀνθρώπους τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν ἐπιδημίαν, ἔργῳ πληρωθείσης διʼ αὐτοῦ τῆς “ Αἰθιοπία προφθάσει χεῖρα αὐτῆς τῷ θεῷ” περιεχούσης προφητείας. ### English translation (Claude) But as the saving proclamation advanced daily in growth, a certain providence brought from the land of the Ethiopians an officer of the queen there, for by an ancestral custom that nation is still ruled by a woman. Tradition holds that he, the first of the Gentiles to receive from Philip, through a revelation, the sacred mysteries of the divine Word, and the first-fruits of the faithful throughout the world, was the first to return to his native land and proclaim the knowledge of the God of the universe and the life-giving sojourn of our Saviour among men; so that through him the prophecy was fulfilled in fact which says, “Ethiopia shall stretch out her hand to God.” ### Scripture references - Acts 8:27: allusion, high confidence - Ps 68:31 (67:32 LXX): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Acts 8:26–39; the quotation is Ps 68:31 (67:32 LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.1.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/1/13/). ## Church History 2.1.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/1/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:47–48 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Paul, the chosen vessel, was made an apostle by a revelation from Christ, not by men. ### Greek text ἐπὶ τούτοις Παῦλος, τὸ τῆς ἐκλογῆς σκεῦος, οὐκ ἐξ ἀνθρώπων οὐδὲ διʼ ἀνθρώπων, διʼ ἀποκαλύψεως δʼ αὐτοῦ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ καὶ θεοῦ πατρὸς, τοῦ ἐγείραντος αὐτὸν ἐκ νεκρῶν, ἀπόστολος ἀναδείκνυται, διʼ ὀπτασίας καὶ τῆς κατὰ τὴν ἀποκάλυψιν οὐρανίου φωνῆς ἀξιωθεὶς τῆς κλήσεως. ### English translation (Claude) After these things Paul, the chosen vessel, was appointed an apostle, not from men nor through men, but through the revelation of Jesus Christ himself and of God the Father who raised him from the dead, being thought worthy of the call through a vision and the heavenly voice at the revelation. ### Scripture references - Acts 9:15: allusion, high confidence - Gal 1:1: allusion, high confidence - Acts 9:3–6: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusions to Acts 9:15; Gal 1:1, 12; Acts 9:3–6. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.1.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/1/14/). ## Church History 2.2.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/2/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:48 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Following custom, Pilate reported the resurrection of Jesus to the emperor Tiberius. ### Greek text Καὶ δὴ τῆς παραδόξου τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν ἀναστάσεως τε καὶ εἰς οὐρανοὺς ἀναλήψεως τοῖς πλείστοις ἤδη περιβοήτου καθεστώσης, παλαιοῦ κεκρατηκότος ἔθους τοῖς τῶν ἐθνῶν ἄρχουσι, τὰ παρὰ σφίσι καινοτομούμενα τῷ τὴν βασίλειον ἀρκὴν ἐπικρατοῦντι σημαίνειν, ὡς ἂν μηδὲν αὐτὸν διαδιδράσκοι τῶν γινομένων, τὰ περὶ τῆς ἐκ νεκρῶν ἀναστάσεως τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ εἰς πάντας ἤδη καθʼ ὅλης τῆς Παλαιστίνης βεβοημένα Πιλᾶτος Τιβερίῳ βασιλεῖ κοινοῦται, ### English translation (Claude) And when the wonderful resurrection and ascension into heaven of our Saviour had already become widely known, since an ancient custom prevailed that the governors of the provinces should report to the holder of the imperial power any new developments among them, so that nothing that happened might escape him, Pilate communicated to the emperor Tiberius the reports of the resurrection from the dead of our Saviour Jesus Christ, already noised abroad throughout all Palestine, ### Translation notes - The report of Pilate is a Christian tradition going back to Tertullian (Apology 5, 21); its historicity is doubted. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.2.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/2/1/). ## Church History 2.2.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/2/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:48 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Tiberius is said to have referred the matter to the senate, which rejected it; in truth the gospel needed no human approval. ### Greek text ὃν τάς τε ἄλλας αὐτοῦ πυθόμενον τερατείας καὶ ὡς ὅτι μετὰ θάνατον ἐκ νεκρῶν ἀναστὰς θεὸς εἶναι παρὰ πολλοῖς ἤδη πεπίστευτο ἀνενεγκεῖν ἐπὶ τὴν σύγκλητον, ἐκείνην τʼ ἀπώσασθαί φασι τὸν λόγον, τῷ μὲν δοκεῖν, ὅτι μὴ πρότερον αὐτὴ τοῦτο δοκιμάσασα ἦν, παλαιοῦ νόμου κεκρατηκότος μὴ ἄλλως τινὰ παρὰ ῾Ρωμαίοις θεοποιεῖσθαι μὴ οὐχὶ ψήφῳ καὶ δόγματι συγκλήτου, τῇ δʼ ἀληθείᾳ, ὅτι μηδὲ τῆς ἐξ ἀνθρώπων ἐπικρίσεώς τε καὶ συστάσεως ἡ σωτήριος τοῦ θείου κηρύγματος ἐδεῖτο διδασκαλία. ### English translation (Claude) and they say that Tiberius, when he learned of his other marvels, and that after death he had risen from the dead and was already believed by many to be a god, referred the matter to the senate, and that the senate rejected the proposal, ostensibly because it had not examined the matter first, since an ancient law prevailed that no one should be made a god among the Romans except by vote and decree of the senate, but in truth because the saving teaching of the divine proclamation needed no ratification or recommendation from men. ### Translation notes - Tradition from Tertullian, Apology 5.2. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.2.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/2/2/). ## Church History 2.2.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/2/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:48 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Tiberius, despite the senate, took no action against Christ's teaching. ### Greek text ταύτῃ δʼ οὖν ἀπωσαμένης τὸν προσαγγελθέντα περὶ τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν λόγον τῆς ῾Ρωμαίων βουλῆς τὸν Τιβέριον ἣν καὶ πρότερον εἷχε γνώμην τηρήσαντα μηδὲν ἄτοπον κατὰ τῆς τοῦ Χριστοῦ διδασκαλίας ἐπινοῆσαι. ### English translation (Claude) When the Roman senate had thus rejected the report made about our Saviour, Tiberius kept the opinion he had held before and devised nothing harmful against the teaching of Christ. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.2.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/2/3/). ## Church History 2.2.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/2/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:48–49 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Tertullian's Apology (quoted) records the old law that no god could be consecrated without the senate's approval. ### Greek text ταῦτα Τερ- τυλλιανὸς, τοὺς ῾Ρωμαίων νόμους ἠκριβωκὼς ἀνὴρ, τά τε ἄλλα ἔνδοξος καὶ τῶν μάλιστα ἐπὶ ῾Ρώμης λαμπρῶν, ἐν τῇ γραφείσῃ μὲν αὐτῷ τῇ ῾Ρωμαίων φωνῇ, μεταβληθείσῃ δὲ καὶ ἐπὶ τὴν Ἑλλάδα γλῶτταν ὑπὲρ Χριστιανῶν ἀπολογίᾳ τίθησι κατὰ λέξιν τοῦτον ἱστορῶν τὸν τρόπον “ἔνα δὲ καὶ ἐκ τῆς γενέσεως διαλεχθῶμεν τῶν τοιούτων νόμων, παλαιὸν ἦν δόγμα μηδένα θεὸν ὑπὸ βασιλέως καθιεροῦσθαι, πρὶν ὑπὸ τῆς συγκλήτου δοκιμασθῆναι. Μάρκος Αἰμίλιος οὕτως περί τινος εἰδώλου πεποίηκεν Ἀλβούρνου. καὶ τοῦτο ὑπὲρ τοὐ ἡμῶν λόγου πεποίηται, ὅτι παρʼ ὑμῖν ἀνθρωπείᾳ δοκιμῇ ἡ θεότης δίδοται. ### English translation (Claude) These things Tertullian, a man who had mastered the laws of the Romans, distinguished in other respects and one of the most eminent men in Rome, records in his Apology for the Christians, written by him in the Latin language and translated into Greek, relating it word for word thus: “In order that we may discuss such laws from their origin, there was an ancient decree that no god should be consecrated by an emperor before being approved by the senate. Marcus Aemilius acted so with regard to a certain idol, Alburnus. And this has been done in favour of our argument, that among you divinity is conferred by human approval. ### Translation notes - Quotation from Tertullian, Apology 5.1, in a Greek translation used by Eusebius. Tertullian's Apology is not yet among this site's texts, so it is not tagged. Eusebius's claim that Tertullian was eminent in Rome and a jurist is uncertain. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.2.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/2/4/). ## Church History 2.2.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/2/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:49 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Tertullian (quoted) mocks the idea that a god needs human approval. ### Greek text ἐὰν μὴ ἀνθρώπῳ θεὸς ἀρέσῃ, θεὸς οὐ γίνεται. οὕτως κατά γε τοῦτο ἄνθρωπον θεῷ ἵλεων εἶναι προσήκει. ### English translation (Claude) If a god does not please a man, he does not become a god. So, by this reckoning, man must be gracious to god. ### Translation notes - Quotation from Tertullian, Apology 5.1 (Greek translation); not tagged (see 2.2.4). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.2.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/2/5/). ## Church History 2.2.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/2/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:49 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Tertullian (quoted): Tiberius favoured the doctrine and threatened accusers of Christians with death; providence thus let the gospel spread unhindered. ### Greek text Τιβέριος οὖν ἐφʼ οὑ τὸ τῶν Χριστιανῶν ὄνομα εἰς τὸν κόσμον εἰσελήλυθεν, ἀγγελθέντος αὐτῷ ἐκ Παλαιστίνης τοῦ δόγματος τούτου, ἔνθα πρῶτον ἤρξατο, τῇσυγκλήτῳ ἀνεκοινώσατο, δῆλος ὢν ἐκείνοις ὡς τῷ δόγματι ἀρέσκεται. ἡ δὲ δὲσύγκλητος, ἐπεὶ οὐκ αὐτὴ δεδοκιμάκει, ἀπώσατο· ὁδὲ ἐν τῇ αὐτοῦ ἀποφάς εἰ ἔμεινεν, ἀπειλήσας θάνατον τοῖς τῶν Χριστιανῶν κατʼ ηγόροις, ’’ τῆς οὐρανίου προνοίας κατʼ οἰκονομίαν τοῦτʼ αὐτῶ πρὸς νοῦν βαλλομένης, ὡς ἂν ἀπαραποδίστως ἀρχὰς ἔχων ὁ του εὐαγγελίου λόγος πανταχόσε γῆς διαδράμοι. ### English translation (Claude) Tiberius, then, in whose time the name of Christians entered the world, when this doctrine was reported to him from Palestine, where it first began, communicated it to the senate, making it plain to them that he was pleased with the doctrine. But the senate, since it had not itself approved it, rejected it; he, however, remained in his own opinion, threatening death to accusers of the Christians.” Heavenly providence put this into his mind by design, so that the word of the gospel, having its beginnings unhindered, might run everywhere on earth. ### Translation notes - Quotation from Tertullian, Apology 5.2 (Greek translation); not tagged (see 2.2.4). The last sentence is Eusebius's comment. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.2.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/2/6/). ## Church History 2.3.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/3/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:49 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The gospel spread across the world like sunlight, as the psalm foretold. ### Greek text Οὕτω δῆτα οὐρανίῳ δυνάμει καὶ συνεργίᾳ ἀθρόως οἷά τις ἡλίου βολὴ τὴν σύμπασαν οἰκουμένην ὁ σωτήριος κατηύγαζε λόγος, αὐτίκα ταῖς θείαις ἑπομένως γραφαῖς ἐπὶ πᾶσαν προῄει τὴν γῆν ὁ φθόγγος τῶν θεσπεσίων εὐαγγελιστῶν τε αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀποστόλων, καὶ εἰς τὰ πέρατα τῆς οἰκουμένης τὰ ῥήματα αὐτῶν. ### English translation (Claude) So then, by heavenly power and assistance, the saving word suddenly lit up the whole inhabited world like a ray of the sun, and at once, in accordance with the divine Scriptures, the voice of his inspired evangelists and apostles went out into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world. ### Scripture references - Ps 19:4 (18:5 LXX): quotation, high confidence - Rom 10:18: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The edition's marginal cross-reference “[Nic. H. E. ii, 8]” (to Nicephorus's Church History) is omitted. The quotation adapts Ps 19:4 (18:5 LXX; compare Rom 10:18). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.3.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/3/1/). ## Church History 2.3.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/3/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:49–50 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Great churches arose everywhere as people, freed from idolatry, confessed the one Creator God. ### Greek text καὶ δῆτα ἀνὰ πάσας τὰς πόλεις τε καὶ κώμας, πληθυούσης ἅλωνος δίκην, μυρίανδροι καὶ παμπληθεῖς ἀθρόως ἐκκλησίαι συνειστηκεσαν, οἴ τε ἐκ προγόνων διαδοχῆς καὶ τῆς ἀνέ- καθεν πλάνης παλαιᾷ νόσῳ δεισιδαιμονίας εἰδώλων τὰς ψυχὰς πεπεδημένοι, πρὸς τῆς τοῦ Χριστοῦ δυνάμεως διὰ τῆς τῶν φοιτητῶν αὐτοῦ διδασκαλίας τε ὁμοῦ καὶ παραδοξοποιίας ὥσπερ δεινῶν δεσποτῶν ἀπηλλαγμένοι, εἱργμῶν τε χαλεπωτάτων λύσιν εὑράμενοι, πάσης μὲν δαιμονικῆς κατέπτυον πολυθεΐας, ἕνα δὲ μόνον εἶναι θεὸν ὡμολόγουν τὸν τῶν συμπάντων δημιουργὸν, τοῦτόν τε αὐτὸν θεσμοῖς ἀληθοῦς εὐσεβείας διʼ ἐνθέου καὶ σώφρονος θρησκείας τῆς ὑπὸ τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν τῷ τῶν ἀνθρώπων βίῳ κατασπαρείσης ἐγέραιρον. ### English translation (Claude) And indeed throughout all the cities and villages, like a teeming threshing-floor, churches of thousands, of vast numbers, were suddenly formed. Those whose souls had been fettered by the ancient disease of idolatrous superstition, by ancestral succession and the error of old, were set free by the power of Christ through the teaching and the wonderful works of his disciples, as from cruel masters, and found release from the harshest bonds; they spat on all demonic polytheism and confessed that there is only one God, the maker of all things, and honoured him with the rites of true piety through the inspired and sober worship which our Saviour had sown in human life. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.3.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/3/2/). ## Church History 2.3.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/3/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:50 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: After Cornelius and many Greeks at Antioch believed, the name “Christians” first arose at Antioch. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ γὰρ τῆς χάριτος ἤδη τῆς θείας καὶ ἐπὶ τὰ λοιπὰ χεομένης ἔθνη, καὶ πρώτου μὲν κατὰ τὴν Παλαιστινῶν Καισάρειαν Κορνηλίου σὺν ὅλῳ τῷ οἴκῳ διʼ ἐπιφανείας θειοτέρας ὑπουργίας τε Πέτρου τὴν εἰς τὸν Χριστὸν πίστιν καταδεξαμένου, πλείστων τε καὶ ἄλλων ἐπʼ Ἀντιοχείας Ἑλλήνων, οἷς οἱ κατὰ τὸν Στεφάνου διωγμὸν διασπαρέντες ἐκήρυξαν, ἀνθούσης ἄρτι καὶ πληθυούσης τῆς κατὰ Ἀντιόχειαν ἐκκλησίας, ἐν ταὐτῷ τε ἐπιπαρόντων πλείστων ὅσων τῶν τε ἀπὸ Ἱεροσολύμων προφητῶν, καὶ σὺν αὐτοῖς Βαρνάβα καὶ Παύλου, ἑτέρου τε πλήθους ἐπὶ τούτοις ἀδελφῶν, ἡ Χριστιανῶν προσηγορία τότε πρῶτον αὐτόθι ὥσπερ ἀπʼ εὐθαλοῦς καὶ γονίμου πηγῆς ἀναδίδοται. ### English translation (Claude) When divine grace was already being poured out on the other nations too, and first at Caesarea in Palestine Cornelius with his whole household received faith in Christ through a divine revelation and the ministry of Peter, and very many other Greeks at Antioch, to whom those scattered in the persecution of Stephen had preached; and when the church at Antioch was just flourishing and multiplying, and there were present at the same time very many of the prophets from Jerusalem, and with them Barnabas and Paul, and a crowd of other brothers besides, then for the first time the name of Christians sprang up there, as from a fresh and fruitful spring. ### Scripture references - Acts 10:1–48: allusion, high confidence - Acts 11:20–26: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusions to Acts 10; Acts 11:19–26. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.3.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/3/3/). ## Church History 2.3.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/3/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:50 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Agabus foretold a famine, and Paul and Barnabas were sent with relief. ### Greek text καὶ Ἄγαβος μὲν, εἷς τῶν συνóντων αὐτοῖς προφητῶν, περὶ τοῦ μέλλειν ἔσεσθαι λιμὸν προθεσπίζει, Παῦλος δὲ καὶ Βαρνάβας ἐξυπηρετησόμενοι τῇ τῶν ἀδελφῶν παραπέμπονται διακονίᾳ. ### English translation (Claude) And Agabus, one of the prophets who were with them, foretold that a famine was about to come, and Paul and Barnabas were sent to help in the relief of the brothers. ### Scripture references - Acts 11:27–30: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Acts 11:27–30. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.3.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/3/4/). ## Church History 2.4.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/4/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:50–51 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Gaius made Agrippa king over the tetrarchies and exiled Herod Antipas and Herodias. ### Greek text Τιβέριος μὲν οὖν ἀμφὶ τὰ δύο καὶ εἴκοσι βασιλεύσας ἔτη τελευτᾷ, μετὰ δὲ τοῦτον Γάϊος τὴν ἡγεμονίαν παραλαβὼν αὐτίκα τῆς Ἰουδαίων ἀρχῆς Ἀγρίππᾳ τὸ διάδημα περιτίθησιν, βασιλέα καταστήσας αὐτὸν τῆς τεΦιλίππου καὶ τῆς Λυσα- νίου τετραρχίας, πρὸς αἷς μετʼ οὐ πολὺν αὐτῷ χρόνον καὶ τὴν Ἡρώδου τετραρχίαν παραδίδωσιν, ἀιδίῳ φυγῇ τὸν Ἡρώδην οὗτος δʼ ἦν ὁ κατὰ τὸ πάθος τοῦ σωτῆρος) σὺν καὶ τῇ γυναικὶ Ἡρωδιάδι πλείστων ἕνεκα ζημιώσας αἰτιῶν. μάρτυς Ἰώσηπος καὶ τούτων. ### English translation (Claude) Tiberius, then, died after reigning about twenty-two years, and after him Gaius, taking over the government, at once put the crown of the rule over the Jews on Agrippa, making him king of the tetrarchies of Philip and of Lysanias; and not long afterwards he gave him also the tetrarchy of Herod, having punished Herod (this was the one at the time of the Saviour's Passion) with perpetual exile, together with his wife Herodias, for very many offences. Josephus is witness to these things too. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 18.237–255 (Josephus (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The source is Josephus, Ant. 18.237, 252. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.4.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/4/1/). ## Church History 2.4.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/4/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:51 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: In Gaius's reign Philo, a distinguished Jew of Alexandria, became famous. ### Greek text κατὰ δὴ τοῦτον Φίλων ἐγνωρίζετο, πλείστοις ἀνὴρ οὐ μόνον τῶν ἡμετέρων, ἀλλὰ καὶ τῶν ἀπὸ τῆς ἔξωθεν ὁρμωμένων παιδείας ἐπισημότατος. τὸ μὲν οὖν γένος ἀνέκαθεν Ἑβραῖος ἦν, τῶν δʼ ἐπʼ Ἀλεξανδρείας ἐν τέλει διαφανῶν οὐδενὸς χείρων. ### English translation (Claude) In his time Philo became known, a man most distinguished not only among many of our own, but also among those who start from outside learning. By descent he was a Hebrew of old, inferior to none of those in high office at Alexandria. ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo (Philo of Alexandria (works)): allusion, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.4.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/4/2/). ## Church History 2.4.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/4/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:51 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Philo excelled in Jewish learning and in Greek philosophy, especially Platonic and Pythagorean. ### Greek text περὶ μὲν οὑν τὰ θεῖα καὶ πάτρια μαθήματα ὅσον τε καὶ ὁπηλίκον εἰσενήνεκται πόνον ἔργῳ πᾶσι δῆλος· καὶ περὶ τὰ φιλόσοφα δὲ καὶ ἐλευθέρια τῆς ἔξωθεν παιδείας οἶός τις ἦν οὐδὲν δεῖ λέγειν, ὅτε καὶ μάλιστα τὴν κατὰ Πλάτωνα καὶ Πυθαγόραν ἐζηλωκὼς ἀγωγὴν διενεγκεῖν ἅπαντας τοὺς καθʼ ἑαυτὸν ἱστορεῖται. ### English translation (Claude) How much and how great labour he devoted to the divine and ancestral studies is plain to all from his work; and there is no need to say what he was in the philosophical and liberal studies of outside learning, since he is said to have surpassed all his contemporaries, especially in his zeal for the way of Plato and Pythagoras. ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo (Philo of Alexandria (works)): allusion, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.4.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/4/3/). ## Church History 2.5.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/5/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:51 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Philo described Gaius's madness, the Jews' sufferings, and his own embassy to Rome, where he was mocked and endangered. ### Greek text Καὶ δὴ τὰ κατὰ Γάϊον οὑτος Ἰουδαίοις συμβάντα πέντε βιβλίοις παραδίδωσιν, ὁμοῦ τὴν Γαίου διεξιὼν φρενοβλάβειαν, ὡσὰν θεὸν ἑαυτὸν ἀναγορεύσαντος καὶ μυρία περὶ τὴν ἀρχὴν ἐνυβρίσαντος, τάς τε κατʼ αὐτὸν Ἰουδαίων ταλαιπω- ρίας, καὶ ἣν αὐτὸς στειλάμενος ἐπὶ τῆς Ῥωμαίων πόλεως ὑπὲρ τῶν κατὰ τὴν Ἀλεξάνδρειαν ὁμοεθνῶν ἐποιήσατο πρεσβείαν, καὶ ὅπως ἐπὶ τοῦ Γαίου καταστὰς ὑπὲρ τῶν πατρίων νόμων οὐδέν τι πλέον γέλωτος καὶ διασυρμῶν ἀπηνέγκατο, μικροῦ δεῖν καὶ τὸν περὶ τῆς ζωῆς ἀνατλὰς κίνδυνον. ### English translation (Claude) This man relates in five books what befell the Jews under Gaius, describing at the same time Gaius's madness, how he proclaimed himself a god and committed countless outrages in his rule, and the miseries of the Jews under him, and the embassy that he himself undertook to the city of Rome on behalf of his countrymen in Alexandria; and how, when he stood before Gaius on behalf of the ancestral laws, he carried away nothing but laughter and ridicule, and very nearly incurred the danger of his life. ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo, Legat. (Philo of Alexandria (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The work is Philo's Embassy to Gaius (Legatio ad Gaium) with its companion books. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.5.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/5/1/). ## Church History 2.5.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/5/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:51–52 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): after riots in Alexandria, envoys of Jews and Greeks went to Gaius. ### Greek text μέμνηται δὲ καὶ τούτων ὁ Ἰώσηπος ἐν ὀκτωκαιδεκάτῳ τῆς ἀρχαιολογίας, κατὰ λέξιν ταῦτα γράφων “ καὶ δὴ στάσεως ἐν Ἀλεξανδρείᾳ γενομένης Ἰουδαίων τε, οἳ ἐνοικοῦσι, “καὶ Ἑλλήνων τρεῖς ἀφʼ ἑκατέρας τῆς στάσεως πρεσβευταὶ “αἱρεθέντες παρῆσαν πρὸς τὸν Γάϊον. ### English translation (Claude) Josephus too mentions these things in the eighteenth book of the Antiquities, writing word for word as follows: “When a riot arose in Alexandria between the Jews who live there and the Greeks, three envoys were chosen from each faction and came to Gaius. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 18.257 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation (2.5.2–5) is Josephus, Ant. 18.257–260. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.5.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/5/2/). ## Church History 2.5.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/5/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:52 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): Apion accused the Jews of refusing the emperor divine honours. ### Greek text καὶ “ἦν γὰρ τῶν Ἀλεξανδρέων πρέσβεων εἷς Ἀπίων, ὃς “εἰς τοὺς Ἰουδαίους ἐβλασφήμησεν, ἄλλα τε “λέγων καὶ ὡς τῶν Καίσαρος τιμῶν περιορῷεν· πάντων γοῦν, ὅσοι τῇ Ῥωμαίων ἀρχῇ ὑποτελεῖς εἶεν, βωμοὺς τῷ Γαΐῳ καὶ ναοὺς ἱδρυμένων, τά τε ἄλλα “ ἐν πᾶσιν αὐτὸν ὥσπερ τοὺς θεοὺς δεχομένων, μόνους τούσδε ἄδοξον ἡγεῖσθαι ἀνδριᾶσι τιμᾶν καὶ “ ὄρκιον αὐτοῦ τὸ ὄνομα ποιεῖσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) One of the envoys of the Alexandrians was Apion, who uttered many slanders against the Jews, saying among other things that they neglected the honours due to Caesar: for while all who were subject to Roman rule set up altars and temples to Gaius and received him in all other respects as they did the gods, these alone thought it shameful to honour him with statues and to swear by his name. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 18.258 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, Ant. 18.257–258. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.5.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/5/3/). ## Church History 2.5.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/5/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:52 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): Philo, leading the Jewish embassy, was ready to answer Apion. ### Greek text πολλὰ δὲ καὶ χαλεπὰ Ἀπίωνος εἰρηκότος, ὑφʼ ὦν ἀρθῆναι ἤλπιζε τὸν Γάϊον καὶ εἰκὸς ἦν, Φίλων ὁ προεστὼς τῶν Ἰουδαίων τῆς πρεσβείας, ἀνὴρ τὰ πάντα ἔνδοξος, Ἀλεξάνδρου τε τοῦ ἀλαβάρχου ἀδελφὸς ὢν, καὶ φιλο- “ σοφίας οὐκ ἄπειρος, οἷός τε ἦν ἐκ ἀπολογίᾳ χωρεῖν “ τῶν κατηγορημένων. ### English translation (Claude) When Apion had said many harsh things by which he hoped Gaius would be roused, as was likely, Philo, the head of the Jewish embassy, a man renowned in every way, the brother of Alexander the alabarch and not unskilled in philosophy, was ready to proceed to a defence against the accusations. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 18.259 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, Ant. 18.259. The alabarch was a senior official (probably of customs) at Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.5.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/5/4/). ## Church History 2.5.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/5/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:52 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): Gaius drove Philo away in anger; Philo told the Jews that Gaius was now fighting against God. ### Greek text διακλείει δʼ αὐτὸν Γάϊος, “ κελεύσας ἐκποδὼν ἀπελθεῖν, περιοργής τε ὢν φα- “νερὸς ἦν ἐργασόμενός τι δεινὸν αὐτούς. ὁ δὲ Φίλων “ ἔξεισι περιυβρισμένος, καί φησι πρὸς τοὺς Ἴου δαί- “ους, οἱ περὶ αὐτὸν ἦσαν, ὡς χρὴ θαρρεῖν, Γαΐοτ “ λόγῳ μὲν αὐτοῖς ὠργισμένου, ἔργῳ δὲ ἤδη τὸν θεὸν “ ἀντιπαρεξάγοντος.” ταῦτα ὁ Ἰώσηπος. ### English translation (Claude) But Gaius cut him off, ordering him to get out of the way, and being very angry he was plainly about to do them some terrible harm. And Philo went out, grossly insulted, and said to the Jews who were with him that they must take courage, since Gaius was angry with them in word, but in fact was already setting God against himself.” So much Josephus. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 18.260 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, Ant. 18.260. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.5.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/5/5/). ## Church History 2.5.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/5/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:52 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius will cite from Philo's Embassy only what shows the Jews' calamities after the crucifixion. ### Greek text καὶ αὐτὸς δὲ ὁ Φίλων ἐν ἡ συνέγραψε πρεσβείᾳ τὰ κατὰ μέρος ἀκριβῶς τῶν τότε πραχθέντων αὐτῷ δηλοῖ, ὦν τὰ πλεῖστα παρεὶς ἐκεῖνα μόνα παραθήσομαι, διʼ ὧν τοῖς ἐντυγχάνουσι προφανὴς γενήσεται δήλωσις τῶν ἅμα τε καὶ οὐκ εἰς μακρὸν τῶν κατὰ τοῦ Χριστοῦ τετολμημένων ἕνεκεν Ἰουδαίοις συμβεβηκότων. ### English translation (Claude) Philo himself, in the Embassy which he wrote, shows in detail what was done at that time; I shall pass over most of it and set down only those things from which the readers will get a clear indication of what befell the Jews, at once and not long afterwards, on account of their crimes against Christ. ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo, Legat. (Philo of Alexandria (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Eusebius interprets these calamities as divine punishment; this is his theological reading of the history. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.5.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/5/6/). ## Church History 2.5.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/5/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:52–53 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Philo reports Sejanus's plan to destroy the Jews and Pilate's provocations in the Jerusalem temple. ### Greek text πρῶτον δὴ οὖν κατὰ Τιβέριον ἐπὶ μὲν τῆς Ῥωμαίων μʼ πόλεως ἱστορεῖ Σηιανὸν, τῶν τότε παρὰ βασιλεῖ τὰ μέγιστα δυνάμενον, ἄρδην τὸ πᾶν ἔθνος ἀπολέσθαι σπουδὴν εἰσαγηοχέναι, ἐπὶ δὲ τῆς Ἰουδαίας Πιλᾶτον, καθʼ ὃν τὰ περὶ τὸν σωτῆρα τετόλμητο, περὶ τὸ ἐν Ἱεροσολύμοις ἔτι τότε συνεστὼς ἱερὸν ἐπιχειρήσαντά τι παρὰ τὸ Ἰουδαίοις ἐξὸν, τὰ μέγιστα αὐτοὺς ἀναταράξαι. ### English translation (Claude) First, then, he relates that under Tiberius, in the city of Rome, Sejanus, who at that time had the greatest power with the emperor, made every effort to destroy the whole nation utterly, and that in Judea Pilate, under whom the crimes against the Saviour were committed, attempting something in the temple in Jerusalem, which was then still standing, contrary to what was permitted to the Jews, threw them into the greatest disturbance. ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo, Legat. 159–161, 299–305 (Philo of Alexandria (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The sources are Philo, Legat. 159–161 and 299–305 (Pilate's shields), and perhaps Flacc. 1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.5.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/5/7/). ## Church History 2.6.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/6/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:53 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Gaius especially harmed the Jews, as Philo describes. ### Greek text Μετὰ δὲ τὴν Τιβερίου τελευτὴν Γάϊον τὴν ἀρχὴν παρειληφότα πολλὰ μὲν εἰς πολλοὺς καὶ ἄλλα ἐνυβρίσαι, πάντων δὲ μάλιστα τὸ πᾶν Ἰουδαίων ἔθνος οὐ σμικρὰ καταβλάψαι· ἃ καὶ ἐν βραχεῖ πάρεστι διὰ τῶν αὐτοῦ καταμαθεῖν φωνῶν, ἐν αἷς κατὰ λέξιν ταῦτα γράφει ### English translation (Claude) After the death of Tiberius, Gaius, having taken over the government, committed many other outrages against many, but above all did no small harm to the whole Jewish nation. This may be learned briefly from his own words, in which he writes word for word as follows: ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo, Legat. (Philo of Alexandria (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.6.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/6/1/). ## Church History 2.6.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/6/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:53 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Philo (quoted): Gaius filled the synagogues with his images and tried to turn the Jerusalem temple into his own shrine. ### Greek text “τοσαύτη μὲν οὖν “τις ἡ τοῦ Γαΐου περὶ τὸ ἦθος ἦν ἀνωμαλία πρὸς “ἅπαντας, διαφερόντως δὲ πρὸς τὸ Ἰουδαίων γένος, “ᾧ χαλεπῶς ἀπεχθανόμενος τὰς μὲν ἐν ταῖς ἄλλαις “πόλεσι προσευχὰς, ἀπὸ τῶν κατʼ Ἀλεξάνδρειαν ἀρξά- “μενος, σφετερίζεται καταπλήσας εἰκόνων καὶ ἀνδρι- “άντων τῆς ἰδίας μορφῆς, (ὁ γὰρ ἑτέρων ἀνατιθέντων “ἐφιεὶς αὐτὸς ἱδρύετο δυνάμει), τὸν δʼ ἐν τῇ ἱερᾷ “πόλει νεὼν, ὃς λοιπὸν ἦν ἄψαυστος, ἀσυλίας ἠξιω- “μένος τῆς πάσης, μεθηρμόζετο καὶ μετεσχημάτιζεν “εἰς οἰκεῖον ἱερὸν, ἵνα Διὸς ἐπιφανοῦς νέου χρημα- “τίζῃ Γαΐου.” ### English translation (Claude) “So great was the capriciousness of Gaius's character toward all, but especially toward the Jewish race. Bitterly hating them, he appropriated their prayer-houses in the other cities, beginning with those in Alexandria, filling them with images and statues of his own form (for by permitting others to set them up he was in effect setting them up himself); and the temple in the holy city, which had remained untouched and had been thought worthy of complete inviolability, he altered and transformed into a temple of his own, so that it might be called the temple of Gaius, the new Zeus made manifest.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo, Legat. 346 (Philo of Alexandria (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Philo, Legat. 346. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.6.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/6/2/). ## Church History 2.6.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/6/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:53 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Philo's On the Virtues and Josephus both show the Jews' calamities beginning under Pilate. ### Greek text μυρία μὲν οὖν ἄλλα δεινὰ καὶ πέρα πάσης διηγήσεως ὁ αὐτὸς κατὰ τὴν Ἀλεξάνδρειαν συμβεβηκότα Ἰουδαίοις ἐπὶ τοῦ δηλουμένου ἐν δευτέρῳ συγγράμματι ᾧ ἐπέγραψε “περὶ ἀρετῶν” ἱστορεῖ. συνᾴδει δʼ αὐτῷ καὶ ὁ Ἰώσηπος, ὁμοίως ἀπὸ τῶν Πιλάτου χρόνων καὶ τῶν κατὰ τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν τετολμημένων τὰς κατὰ παντὸς τοῦ ἔθνους ἐνάρξασθαι σημαίνων συμφοράς. ### English translation (Claude) Countless other terrible things beyond all description the same writer relates as having befallen the Jews in Alexandria under the emperor mentioned, in a second work which he entitled On the Virtues. Josephus agrees with him, likewise indicating that the calamities of the whole nation began from the times of Pilate and the crimes committed against our Saviour. ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo, Flacc. (Philo of Alexandria (works)): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - “On the Virtues” may be the title of the group of books including Against Flaccus and the Embassy. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.6.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/6/3/). ## Church History 2.6.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/6/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:53–54 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): Pilate brought Caesar's images into Jerusalem by night, causing a great uproar. ### Greek text ἄκουε δʼ οὖν οἷα καὶ οὗτος ἐν δευτέρῳ τοῦ Ἰουδαϊκοῦ πολέμου αὐταῖς συλλαβαῖς δηλοῖ λέγων πεμφθεὶς δὲ εἰς Ἰουδαίαν ἐπί- “τροπος ὑπὸ Τιβερίου Πιλᾶτος νύκτωρ κεκαλυμμένας “ εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα παρεισκομίζει τὰς Καίσαρος εἰκόνας· “ σημαῖαι καλοῦνται. τοῦτο μεθʼ ἡμέραν μεγίστην “ταραχὴν ἤγειρε τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις. οἱ γὰρ ἐγγὺς πρὸς “ τὴν ὄψιν ἐξεπλάγησαν, ὡς πεπατημένων αὐτοῖς τῶν νόμων. οὐδὲν γὰρ ἀξιοῦσιν ἐν τῇ πόλει δείκηλον “τίθεσθαι.’’ ### English translation (Claude) Hear, then, what he too shows in the second book of the Jewish War, saying in these very words: “Pilate, sent to Judea as procurator by Tiberius, brought into Jerusalem by night, veiled, the images of Caesar, which are called standards. This, when day came, stirred up the greatest disturbance among the Jews; for those near at hand were astounded at the sight, as though their laws had been trampled on; for they do not allow any image to be set up in the city.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 2.169–170 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 2.169–170. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.6.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/6/4/). ## Church History 2.6.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/6/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:54 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: This came soon after they had cried before Pilate that they had no king but Caesar. ### Greek text ταῦτα δὲ συγκρίνας τῇ τῶν εὐαγγελίων γραφῇ εἴσῃ ὡς οὐκ εἰς μακρὸν αὐτοὺς μετῆλθεν, ἣν ἔρρηξαν ἐπʼ αὐτοῦ Πιλάτου φωνὴν, διʼ ἧς οὐκ ἄλλον ἢ μόνον ἔχειν ἐπεβόων Καίσαρα βασιλέα ### English translation (Claude) Comparing these things with the scripture of the Gospels, you will know that not long afterwards there overtook them the cry which they had uttered before this same Pilate, when they shouted that they had no king but Caesar alone. ### Scripture references - John 19:15: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to John 19:15. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.6.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/6/5/). ## Church History 2.6.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/6/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:54 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): Pilate used the temple treasury to build an aqueduct, angering the people. ### Greek text εἶτα δὲ καὶ ἄλλην ἐξῆς ὁ αὐτὸς συγγραφεὺς ἱστορεῖ μετελθεῖν αὐτοὺς συμφορὰν ἐντούτοις “ μετὰ δὲ ταῦτα 7 “ ἐτέραν ταραχὴν ἐκίνει, τὸν ἱερὸν θησαυρὸν, καλεῖ- “ ται δὲ κορβανᾶς, εἰς καταγωγὴν ὑδάτων ἐξαναλί- “ σκων. κατῄει δὲ ἀπὸ τριακοσίων σταδίων. πρὸς “ τοῦτο τοῦ πλήθους ἀγανάκτησις ἦν. ### English translation (Claude) Then the same writer relates that another calamity followed them next, in these words: “After this he stirred up another disturbance by spending the sacred treasure, which is called Corban, on an aqueduct. The water was brought from a distance of three hundred stadia. At this the people were indignant. ### Scripture references - Mark 7:11: echo, low confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 2.175 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation (2.6.6–7) is Josephus, J.W. 2.175–177. A stray numeral in the digital text is omitted. Corban: compare Mark 7:11. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.6.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/6/6/). ## Church History 2.6.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/6/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:54 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): Pilate had disguised soldiers club the protesters; many died and the crowd was silenced. ### Greek text καὶ τοῦ Πι- “λάτου παρόντος εἰς Ἰεροσόλυμα περιστάντες τὸ βῆμα “ κατεβόων. ὁ δὲ προῄδει γὰρ αὐτῶν τὴν ταραχὴν) “ τῷ πλήθει τοὺς στρατιώτας ἐνόπλους, ἐσθῆσιν ἰδιω- “ τικαῖς κεκαλυμμένους ἐγκαταμίξας, καὶ ξίφει μὲν “ χρήσασθαι κωλύσας, ξύλοις δὲ παίειν τοὺς κεκρα- “γότας ἐγκελευσάμενος, σύνθημα δίδωσιν ἀπὸ τοῦ “ βήματος. τυπτόμενοι δὲ οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι πολλοὶ μὲν ἀπὸ “ τῶν πληγῶν, πολλοὶ δὲ ὑπὸ σφῶν αὐτῶν ἐν τῇ φυγῇ “ καταπατηθέντες ἀπώλοντο, πρὸς δὲ τὴν συμφορὰν “ τῶν ἀνῃρημένων καταπλαγὲν τὸ πλῆθος ἐσιώπησεν. ### English translation (Claude) And when Pilate was present in Jerusalem, they surrounded his tribunal and shouted him down. But he (for he knew beforehand of their disturbance) mixed armed soldiers, dressed in civilian clothes, among the crowd, and having forbidden them to use the sword, but ordered them to beat those who shouted with clubs, he gave the signal from the tribunal. The Jews, being beaten, perished, many from the blows and many trampled by one another in the flight; and the crowd, stunned by the fate of those killed, fell silent.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 2.176–177 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 2.176–177. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.6.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/6/7/). ## Church History 2.6.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/6/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:54–55 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus shows constant revolts until Vespasian's siege, which Eusebius sees as divine punishment for the crime against Christ. ### Greek text ἐπὶ τούτοις μυρίας ἄλλας ἐν αὐτοῖς Ἱεροσολύμοις κεκινῆσθαι νεωτεροποιίας ὁ αὐτὸς ἐμφαίνει, παριστὰς ὡς οὐδαμῶς ἐξ ἐκείνου διέλιπον τήν τε πόλιν καὶ τὴν Ἰουδαίαν ἅπασαν στάσεις καὶ πόλεμοι καὶ κακῶν ἐπάλληλοι μηχαναὶ, εἰσότε τὸ πανύστατον ἡ κατὰ Οὐεσπασιανὸν αὐτοὺς μετῆλθε πολιορκία. Ἰουδαίους μὲν οὖν, ὧν κατὰ τοῦ Χριστοῦ τετολμήκασι, ταύτῃ πη τὰ ἐκ τῆς θείας μετῄει δίκης. ### English translation (Claude) Besides these, the same writer shows that countless other revolts were stirred up in Jerusalem itself, making clear that from that time seditions, wars, and successive plots of evil never ceased in the city and all Judea, until finally the siege under Vespasian overtook them. In this way, then, the penalties of divine justice pursued the Jews for the crimes they had dared against Christ. ### Translation notes - Eusebius's interpretation of these events as divine punishment is his own theological reading, common in early Christian writers. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.6.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/6/8/). ## Church History 2.7.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/7/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:55 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Tradition says Pilate, under Gaius, fell into such misfortunes that he killed himself. ### Greek text Οὐκ ἀγνοεῖν δὲ ἄξιον ὡς καὶ αὐτὸν ἐκεῖνον τὸν ἐπὶ τοῦ σωτῆρος Πιλᾶτον, κατὰ Γάϊον, οὗ τοὺς χρόνους διέξιμεν, τοσαύταις περιπεσεῖν κατέχει λόγος συμφοραῖς ὡς ἐξ ἀνάγκης αὐτοφονευτὴν ἑαυτοῦ καὶ τιμωρὸν αὐτόχειρα γενέσθαι, τῆς θείας, ὡς ἔοικε, δίκης οὐκ εἰς μακρὸν αὐτὸν μετελθούσης. ἱστοροῦσιν Ἑλλήνων οἱ τὰς Ὀλυμπιάδας ἅμα τοῖς κατὰ χρόνους πεπραγμένοις ἀναγράψαυτες. ### English translation (Claude) It is worth knowing that tradition holds that Pilate himself, the governor at the time of the Saviour, fell, under Gaius, whose times we are describing, into such misfortunes that he was forced to become his own slayer and to punish himself with his own hand, divine justice, it seems, overtaking him before long. The Greek writers who record the Olympiads together with the events in chronological order relate this. ### Translation notes - The Greek chronographers are not named; the tradition is not otherwise attested and its historicity is doubtful. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.7.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/7/1/). ## Church History 2.8.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/8/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:55 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Under Claudius the famine foretold by Agabus came to pass, as pagan historians also record. ### Greek text Ἀλλὰ γὰρ Γάϊον οὐδʼ ὅλοις τέτταρσιν ἔτεσι τὴν ἀρχὴν διακατασχόντα Κλαύδιος αὐτοκράτωρ διαδέχεται. καθʼ ὃν λιμοῦ τὴν οἰκουμένην πιέσαντος, τοῦτο δὲ καὶ οἱ πόρρω τοῦ καθʼ ἡμᾶς λόγου συγγραφεἵς ταῖς αὐτῶν ἱστορίαις παρέδοσαν), ἡ κατὰ τὰς Πραξεῖς τῶν ἀποστόλων Ἀγά βου προφήτου περὶ τοῦ μέλλειν ἔσεσθαι λιμὸν ἐφʼ ὅλην τὴν οἰκουμένην πέρας ἐλάμβανε πρόρρησις. ### English translation (Claude) But Gaius, having held power not quite four years, was succeeded by the emperor Claudius. In his time, when famine pressed hard on the world (and writers far removed from our teaching have recorded this in their histories), the prediction of the prophet Agabus in the Acts of the Apostles, that there would be a famine over the whole world, was fulfilled. ### Scripture references - Acts 11:28: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Acts 11:28. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.8.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/8/1/). ## Church History 2.8.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/8/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:55 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Luke records the relief sent from Antioch and continues his account. ### Greek text τὸν δὲ κατὰ Κλαύδιον λιμὸν ἐπισημηνάμενος ἐν ταῖς Πράξεσιν ὁ Λουκᾶς, ἱστορήσας τε ὡς ἄρα διὰ Παύλου καὶ Βαρνάβα οἱ κατὰ Ἀντιόχειαν ἀδελφοὶ τοῖς κατὰ τὴν Ἰουδαίαν ἐξ ὧν ἕκαστος ηὐπόρει διαπεμψήμενοι ἦσαν ἐπιφέρει λέγων· ### English translation (Claude) Luke, having noted the famine under Claudius in the Acts, and having related how the brothers at Antioch sent to those in Judea, each according to his means, through Paul and Barnabas, adds, saying: ### Scripture references - Acts 11:29–30: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Acts 11:29–30. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.8.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/8/2/). ## Church History 2.9.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/9/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:55–56 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Acts records that Herod Agrippa killed James the brother of John. ### Greek text “ Κατ΄ ἐκεῖνον δὲ τὸν καιρὸν, δῆλον ὅτι ἐπὶ Κλαυδίου, ἐπέβαλεν ὁ βασιλεὺς Ἡρώδης τὰς χεῖρας, κακῶσαί τινας τῶν ἀπὸ τῆς ἐκκλησίας, ἀνεῖλέ τε Ἰάκωβον τὸν ἀδελφὸν Ἰωάννου μαχαίρᾳ.” ### English translation (Claude) “About that time” (clearly under Claudius) “Herod the king laid hands on some of those from the church to harm them, and killed James the brother of John with the sword.” ### Scripture references - Acts 12:1–2: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Acts 12:1–2. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.9.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/9/1/). ## Church History 2.9.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/9/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:56 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement's Outlines tell how James's accuser, moved by his witness, confessed himself a Christian. ### Greek text περὶ τούτου δʼ ὁ Κλήμης τοῦ Ἰακώβου καὶ ἱστορίαν μνήμης ἀξίαν ἐν τῇ τῶν Ὑποτυπώσεων ἑβδόμῃ παρατίθεται, ὡσὰν ἐκ παραδόσεως τῶν πρὸ αὐτοῦ φάσκων, ὅτι δὴ ὁ εἰσαγαγὼν αὐτὸν εἰς δικαστήριον, μαρτυρήσαντα ἰδὼν αὐτὸν, κινηθεὶς ὡμολόγησεν εἶναι καὶ αὐτὸς ἑαυτὸν Χριστιανόν. ### English translation (Claude) About this James, Clement, in the seventh book of the Outlines, sets out a story worth remembering, saying it comes from the tradition of those before him: that the man who brought him to court, seeing him bear witness, was moved and confessed that he too was a Christian. ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Clement, Hyp. book 7 (Clement of Alexandria, Hypotyposes (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Report from Clement of Alexandria, Hypotyposes, book 7 (lost). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.9.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/9/2/). ## Church History 2.9.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/9/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:56 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement (quoted): the accuser asked James's forgiveness; James blessed him, and both were beheaded. ### Greek text συναπήχθησαν οὖν ἄμφω, φησὶ, καὶ κατὰ τὴν ὁδὸν ἠξίωσεν ἀφεθῆναι αὐτῷ ὑπὸ τοῦ Ἰακώβου. ὁ δὲ ὀλίγον σκεψάμενος “εἰρήνη σοι” εἶπε, καὶ κατεφίλησεν αὐτόν. καὶ οὕτως ἀμφότεροι ὁμοῦ ἐκαρατομήθησαν. ### English translation (Claude) “So they were both led away together,” he says, “and on the way he asked James to forgive him. And he, after considering a little, said, ‘Peace be with you,’ and kissed him. And so both were beheaded together.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Clement, Hyp. book 7 (Clement of Alexandria, Hypotyposes (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Clement of Alexandria, Hypotyposes, book 7. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.9.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/9/3/). ## Church History 2.9.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/9/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:56 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Herod then imprisoned Peter, but an angel freed him by night. ### Greek text τὸ τηνικαῦτα δὲ, ὥς φησιν ἡ θεία γραφὴ, ἰδὼν ὁ Ἡρώδης ἐπὶ τῇ τοῦ Ἰακώβου ἀναιρέσει ὅτι δὴ πρὸς ἡδονῆς εἴη τὸ πραχθὲν τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις, ἐπιτίθεται καὶ Πέτρῳ, δεσμοῖς τε αὐτὸν παραδοὺς ὅσον οὔπω καὶ τὸν κατʼ αὐτοῦ φόνον ἐνήργησεν ἂν, εἰ μὴ διὰ θείας ἐπιφανείας ἐπιστάντος αὐτῷ νύκτωρ ἀγγέλου παραδόξως τῶν εἱργμῶν ἀπαλλαγεὶς ἐπὶ τὴν τοῦ κηρύγματος ἀφεῖτο διακονίαν. καὶ τὰ μὲν κατὰ Πέτρον οὕτως εἶχεν οἰκονομίας. ### English translation (Claude) Then, as the divine Scripture says, Herod, seeing after the killing of James that what had been done pleased the Jews, attacked Peter too, and having put him in chains would very soon have carried out his murder, had not an angel appeared to him by night in a divine vision, and he was wonderfully released from his bonds and set free for the ministry of preaching. So God's dispensation for Peter was carried out. ### Scripture references - Acts 12:3–11: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Acts 12:3–11. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.9.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/9/4/). ## Church History 2.10.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/10/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:56–57 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Herod, acclaimed as a god at Caesarea, was struck by an angel and died, eaten by worms. ### Greek text Τὰ δέ γε τῆς κατὰ τῶν ἀποστόλων ἐγχειρήσεως τοῦ βασιλέως οὐκέτʼ ἀναβολῆς εἴχετο, ἀλλά γέ τοι αὐτὸν ὁ τῆς θείας δίκης τιμωρὸς διάκονος μετῄει, παραυτίκα μετὰ τὴν τῶν ἀποστόλων ἐπιβουλὴν, ὡς ἡ τῶν Πράξεων ἱστορεῖ γραφὴ, ὁρμήσαντα μὲν ἐπὶ τὴν Καισάρειαν, ἐν ἐπισήμῳ δʼ ἐνταῦθα ἑορτῆς ἡμέρᾳ λαμπρᾷ καὶ βασιλικῇ κοσμησάμενον ἐσθῆτι, ὑψηλόν τε πρὸ βήματος δημηγορήσαντα· τοῦ γάρ τοι δήμου παντὸς ἐπευφημήσαντος τῇ δημηγορίᾳ, ὡς ἐπὶ θεοῦ φωνῇ καὶ οὐκ ἀνθρώπου, παραχρῆμα τὸ λόγιον πατάξαι αὐτὸν ἄγγελον κυρίου ἱστορεῖ, γενόμενόν τε σκωληκόβρωτον ἐκψῦξαι. ### English translation (Claude) The consequences of the king's attempt against the apostles were no longer delayed; the avenging minister of divine justice overtook him immediately after his plot against the apostles, as the scripture of the Acts relates. He went to Caesarea, and there, on a notable feast day, adorned in splendid royal clothing, he harangued the people from a high place before the tribunal; and when the whole people applauded the speech, as at the voice of a god and not of a man, the Word relates that an angel of the Lord immediately struck him, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last. ### Scripture references - Acts 12:21–23: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Acts 12:19–23. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.10.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/10/1/). ## Church History 2.10.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/10/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:57 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus's account of Agrippa's death agrees remarkably with Acts. ### Greek text θαυμάσαι δʼ ἄξιον τῆς περὶ τὴν θείαν γραφὴν καὶ ἐν τῷδε τῷ παραδόξῳ συμφωνίας τὴν τοῦ Ἰωσήπου ἱστορίαν, καθʼ ἣν ἐπιμαρτυρῶν τῇ ἀληθείᾳ δῆλός ἐστιν ἐν τόμῳ τῆς ἀρχαιολογίας ἐννεακαιδεκάτῳ, ἔνθα αὐτοῖς γράμμασιν ὧδέ πως τὸ θαῦμα διηγεῖται ### English translation (Claude) It is worth marvelling at the agreement of Josephus's account with the divine scripture in this wonder as well; in it he plainly bears witness to the truth in the nineteenth volume of the Antiquities, where he narrates the wonder in these very words: ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 19.343–350 (Josephus (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.10.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/10/2/). ## Church History 2.10.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/10/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:57 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): in his third year Agrippa held games at Caesarea in the emperor's honour. ### Greek text “τρίτον “ ἔτος αὐτῷ βασιλεύοντι τῆς ὅλης Ἰουδαίας πεπλήρωτο, καὶ παρῆν εἰς πόλιν Καισάρειαν, ἣ τὸ πρότρερον Στράτωνος πύργος ἐκαλεῖτο. συνετέλει δʼ ἐνταυθα θεωρίας εἰς τὴν Καίσαρος τιμὴν, ὑπὲρ τῆς ἐκείνου σωτηρίας ἑορτήν τινα ταύτην ἐπιστάμενος. καὶ παρʼ αὐτὴν ἤθροιστο τῶν κατὰ τὴν ἐπάρχιον ἐν ‘ καὶ προβεβηκότων εἰς ἀξίαν πλῆθος. ### English translation (Claude) “The third year of his reign over all Judea had been completed, and he came to the city of Caesarea, which was formerly called Strato's Tower. There he held spectacles in honour of Caesar, knowing this to be a festival for his welfare. And at it there had gathered a multitude of those of rank and advanced in dignity throughout the province. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 19.343 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation (2.10.3–9) is Josephus, Ant. 19.343–350. The digital text is damaged (“ἐν ‘”). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.10.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/10/3/). ## Church History 2.10.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/10/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:57 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): Agrippa appeared at dawn in a robe of silver that blazed in the sunlight. ### Greek text δευτέρᾳ δὲ τῶν θεωριῶν ἡ̣μέρᾳ στολὴν ἐνδυσάμενος ἐξ ἁ πεποιημένην πᾶσαν, ὡς θαυμάσιον ὑφὴν εἶναι, παρῆλθεν εἰς τὸ θέατρον ἀρχομένης ἡμέραςἔνθα ταῖς πρώταις τῶν ἡλιακῶν ἀκτίνων ἐπιβολαῖς “ ὁ ἄργυρος καταυγασθεὶς θαυμασίως ἀπέστιλβε, μαρ- “ μαίρων τι φοβερὸν καὶ τοῖς εἰς αὐτὸν ἀτενίζουσι φρικῶδες. ### English translation (Claude) On the second day of the spectacles, having put on a robe made entirely of silver, so that its weave was marvellous, he came into the theatre at the start of the day. There the silver, lit up by the first touch of the sun's rays, shone wonderfully, glittering in a way that was terrifying and awe-inspiring to those who gazed at it. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 19.344 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, Ant. 19.344. The digital text has lost ἀργύρου after ἐξ. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.10.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/10/4/). ## Church History 2.10.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/10/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:57 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): flatterers hailed Agrippa as a god. ### Greek text εὐθὺς δὲ οἱ κόλακες τὰς οὐδὲν ἐκείνῳ “πρὸς ἀγαθοῦ ἄλλος ἄλλοθεν φωνὰς ἀνεβόων, θεὸν προσαγορεύοντες, ‘ εὐμενής τε εἴης ἐπιλέγοντες· εἰ καὶ μέχρι νῦν ὡς ἄνθρωπον ἐφοβήθημεν, ἀλλὰ τοὐντεῦθεν κρείττονά σε θνητῆς τῆς φύσεως ὁμολο- “ γοῦμεν.’ ### English translation (Claude) And at once his flatterers from various sides raised cries that did him no good, addressing him as a god and adding, ‘Be gracious! If until now we have feared you as a man, from now on we confess you to be more than mortal in nature.’ ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 19.345 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, Ant. 19.345. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.10.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/10/5/). ## Church History 2.10.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/10/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:57–58 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): Agrippa did not reject the flattery, and then saw an angel above his head. ### Greek text οὐκ ἐπέπληξε τούτοις ὁ βασιλεὺς, οὐδὲ “τὴν κολακείαν ἀσεβοῦσαν ἀπετρίψατο. ἀνακύψας “δὲ μετʼ ὀλίγον τῆς ἑαυτοῦ κεφαλῆς ὑπερκαθεζόμενον “εἶδεν ἄγγελον. τοῦτον εὐθὺς ἐνόησε κακῶν εἶναι “αἴτιον, τὸν καί ποτε τῶν ἀγαθῶν γενόμενον, καὶ “ διακάρδιον ἔσχεν ὀδύνην. ### English translation (Claude) The king did not rebuke them, nor reject the impious flattery. But looking up a little later, he saw an angel sitting above his head. This he at once recognized as the cause of evils, as it had once been of good things, and he felt a pain that pierced his heart. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 19.346 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, Ant. 19.346. In Josephus the figure is an owl, which Eusebius's text makes an angel (ἄγγελον), probably by abridgment of “an owl … as a messenger of evil.” ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.10.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/10/6/). ## Church History 2.10.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/10/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:58 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): seized by violent pain, Agrippa acknowledged that the “god” was about to die. ### Greek text ἄθρουν δʼ αὐτῷ τῆς “κοιλίας προσέφυσεν ἄλγημα, μετὰ σφοδρότητος ἀρξά- “μενον. ἀναθεωρῶν οὖν πρὸς τοὺς φίλους, ὁ θεὸς “ ὑμῖν ἐγὼ, φησὶν, ἤδη καταστρέφειν ἐπιτάττομαι τὸν “βίον, παραχρῆμα τῆς εἱμαρμένης τὰς ἄρτι μου κατε- “ψευσμένας φωνὰς ἐλεγχούσης. ὁ κληθεὶς ἀθάνατος “ ὑμῶν ἤδη θανεῖν ἀπάγομαι. δεκτέον δὲ τὴν “ πεπρωμένην, ᾗ θεὸς βεβούληται. καὶ γὰρ βεβιώ- “ κάμεν οὐδαμῆ φαύλως, ἀλλʼ ἐπὶ τῆς μακαριζομένης “ λαμπρότητος. ταῦτα δὲ λέγων ἐπιτάσει τῆς ὀδύνης ‘κατεπονεῖτο. ### English translation (Claude) A sudden pain in the belly seized him, beginning with violence. Looking round at his friends, he said, ‘I, your god, am now ordered to end my life, fate at once refuting the words just falsely spoken of me. I who was called immortal by you am now led away to die. But I must accept my lot, as God has willed; for we have lived in no mean way, but in a splendour counted blessed.’ Saying this, he was overcome by the increasing pain. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 19.347 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, Ant. 19.346–347. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.10.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/10/7/). ## Church History 2.10.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/10/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:58 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): the people prayed in sackcloth for the dying king, who wept at the sight. ### Greek text μετὰ σπουδῆς οὖν εἰς τὸ βασίλειον “ ἐκομίσθη, καὶ διῆξε λόγος εἰς πάντας, ὡς ἔχοι τοῦ “τεθνάναι παντάπασι μετʼ ὀλίγον. ἡ πληθὺς δʼ αὐ- “ τίκα σὺν γυναιξὶ καὶ παισὶν ἐπὶ σάκκον καθεσθεῖσα ‘ τῷ πατρίῳ νόμῳ τὸν θεὸν ἱκέτευον ὑπὲρ τοῦ βασιλέως, οἰμωγῆς τε πάντʼ ἦν ἀνάπλεα καὶ θρήνων. ‘·ἐν ὑψηλῷ δʼ ὁ βασιλεὺς δωματίῳ κατακείμενος καὶ κάτω βλέπων αὐτοὺς πρηνεῖς προσπίπτοντας ἄδα “ κρυς οὐδʼ αὐτὸς ἔμενεν. ### English translation (Claude) So he was carried hastily to the palace, and the report went round to all that he would certainly die before long. And at once the multitude, with their wives and children, sitting in sackcloth according to their ancestral law, prayed to God for the king, and everything was full of lamentation and wailing. The king, lying in a high chamber and looking down on them falling prostrate, could not himself remain without tears. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 19.349 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, Ant. 19.349. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.10.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/10/8/). ## Church History 2.10.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/10/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:58 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): Agrippa died after five days, aged fifty-four, in the seventh year of his reign. ### Greek text συνεχῶς δʼ ἐφʼ ἡμέρας “ πέντε τῷ τῆς γαστρὸς ἀλγήματι διεργασθεὶς τὸν βίον “ κατέστρεψεν, ἀπὸ γενέσεως ἄγων πεντηκοστὸν ἔτος “ καὶ τέταρτον, τῆς δὲ βασιλείας ἕβδομον. τέσσαρας “ μὲν οὖν ἐπὶ Γαίου Καίσαρος ἐβασίλευσεν ἐνιαυτοὺς, “ τῆς Φιλίππου μὲν τετραρχίας εἰς τριετίαν ἄρξας, τῷ ‘τετάρτῳ δὲ καὶ τὴν Ἡρώδου προσειληφὼς, τρεῖς δʼ “ ἐπιλαβὼν τῆς Κλαυδίου Καίσαρος αὐτοκρατορίας.’ ### English translation (Claude) Worn out continuously for five days by the pain in his belly, he ended his life, in the fifty-fourth year of his age and the seventh of his reign. For he reigned four years under Gaius Caesar, ruling Philip's tetrarchy for three years and receiving Herod's as well in the fourth, and he held three more years of the rule of Claudius Caesar.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 19.350–351 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, Ant. 19.350–351. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.10.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/10/9/). ## Church History 2.10.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/10/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:58–59 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Though Acts calls him Herod and Josephus Agrippa, the time and events show they are the same king. ### Greek text ταῦτα τὸν Ἰώσηπον μετὰ τῶν ἄλλων ταῖς θείαις συναληθεύοντα γραφαῖς ἀποθαυμάζω. εἰ δὲ περὶ τὴν τοῦ βασιλέως προσηγορίαν δόξειέ τισι διαφωνεῖν, ἀλλʼ ὅ γε χρόνος καὶ ἡ πρᾶξις τὸν αὐτὸν ὄντα δεί- κνυσιν, ἤτοι κατά τι σφάλμα γραφικὸν ἐνηλλαγμένου τοῦ ὀνόματος, ἢ καὶ διωνυμίας περὶ τὸν αὐτὸν, οἷα καὶ περὶ πολλοὺς, γεγενημένης. ### English translation (Claude) I greatly admire Josephus for agreeing with the divine Scriptures in these as in other matters. And if to some he seems to disagree about the king's name, yet the time and the deed show him to be the same person, either because the name was changed by some copying error, or because he, like many others, had two names. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.10.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/10/10/). ## Church History 2.11.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/11/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:59 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Luke mentions Theudas through Gamaliel; Eusebius now gives Josephus's account of him. ### Greek text Ἐπεὶ δὲ πάλιν ὁ Λουκᾶς ἐν ταῖς Πράξεσιν εἰσάγει τὸν Γαμαλιήλ ἐν τῇ περὶ τῶν ἀποστόλων σκέψει λέγοντα ὡς ἄρα κατὰ τὸν δηλούμενον χρόνον ἀνέστη Θευδᾶς, λέγων ἑαυτὸν εἷναι τινὰ, ὃς κατελύθη, καὶ πάντες ὅσοι ἐπείσθησαν αὐτῷ διελύθησαν, φέρε καὶ τὴν περὶ τούτου παραθώμεθα τοῦ Ἰωσήπου γραφήν. ### English translation (Claude) And since Luke again in the Acts introduces Gamaliel, in the deliberation about the apostles, saying that at the time indicated Theudas arose, claiming to be somebody, who was destroyed, and all who followed him were dispersed, come, let us set out Josephus's account of him too. ### Scripture references - Acts 5:36: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Acts 5:36. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.11.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/11/1/). ## Church History 2.11.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/11/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:59 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): under Fadus, Theudas claimed he would part the Jordan and deceived many. ### Greek text ἱστορεῖ τοίνυν αὖθις κατὰ τὸν ἀρτίως δεδηλωμένον αὐτοῦ λόγον αὐτὰ δὴ ταῦτα κατὰ λέξιν “ Φάδου δὲ τῆς Ἰουδαίας ἐπιτροπεύοντος γόης “ τις ἀνὴρ, Θευδᾶς ὀνόματι, πείθει τὸν πλεῖστον ὄχλον “ ἀναλαβόντα τὰς κτήσεις ἕπεσθαι πρὸς τὸν Ἰορδάνην “ποταμὸν αὐτῷ. προφήτης γὰρ ἔλεγεν εἶναι, καὶ προστάγματι τὸν ποταμὸν σχίσας δίοδον ἔφη παρέ- “ ξειν αὐτοῖς ῥᾳδίαν. καὶ ταῦτα λέγων πολλοὺς ἠπά- “ τησεν. ### English translation (Claude) He relates, then, in the book just mentioned, these very things word for word: “While Fadus was procurator of Judea, a certain impostor named Theudas persuaded a very great crowd to take their possessions and follow him to the river Jordan. For he said he was a prophet, and that by his command he would divide the river and provide them an easy passage. And by saying this he deceived many. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 20.97 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation (2.11.2–3) is Josephus, Ant. 20.97–98. Josephus dates Theudas under Fadus (ca. 44–46), after the time of Gamaliel's speech in Acts; Eusebius does not address the difficulty. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.11.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/11/2/). ## Church History 2.11.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/11/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:59 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): Fadus's cavalry crushed Theudas's followers and beheaded him; Josephus then mentions the famine. ### Greek text οὐ μὴν εἴασεν αὐτοὺς τῆς ἀφροσύνης ὄνα- ‘σθαι Φάδος, ἀλλʼ ἐξέπεμψεν ἴλην ἱππέων ἐπʼ αὐτοὺς, ‘ἥτις ἀπροσδόκητος ἐπιπεσοῦσα πολλοὺς μὲν ἀνεῖλε, “πολλοὺς δὲ ζῶντας ἔλαβεν· αὐτόν τε τὸν Θευδᾶν ζωγρήσαντες ἀποτέμνουσι τὴν κεφαλὴν καὶ κομίζου- “ σιν εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα.’’ τούτοις ἑξῇ καὶ τοῦ κατὰ Κλαύδιον λιμοῦ γενομένου μνημονεύει ὧδέ πως· ### English translation (Claude) But Fadus did not let them enjoy their folly; he sent out a squadron of cavalry against them, which fell on them unexpectedly, killed many, and took many alive. They captured Theudas himself, cut off his head, and carried it to Jerusalem.” Next after this he also mentions the famine that took place under Claudius, as follows: ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 20.98 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, Ant. 20.98. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.11.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/11/3/). ## Church History 2.12.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/12/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:59 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): during the great famine Queen Helena bought grain from Egypt for the poor. ### Greek text “Ἐπὶ τούτοις δὲ καὶ τὸν ‘μέγαν λιμὸν κατὰ τὴν Ἰουδαίαν συνέβη γενέσθαι, καθʼ ὃν καὶ ἡ βασίλισσα Ἑλένη πολλῶν χρημάτων ὠνησαμένη σῖτον ἀπὸ τῆς Αἰγύπτου διένειμε τοῖς “ ἀπορουμένοις.’’ ### English translation (Claude) “At this time it also happened that the great famine took place in Judea, during which Queen Helena, having bought grain from Egypt for large sums, distributed it to the needy.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 20.101 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, Ant. 20.101 (compare 20.51). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.12.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/12/1/). ## Church History 2.12.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/12/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:59–60 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: This agrees with Acts, where Antioch sent famine relief to the presbyters in Judea by Barnabas and Paul. ### Greek text σύμφωνα δʼ ἂν εὕροις καὶ ταῦτα τῇ τῶν Πραξέων τῶν ἀποστόλων γραφῇ, περιεχούσῃ ὡς ἄρα τῶν κατὰ τὴν Ἀντιόχειαν μαθητῶν καθὼς ηὐπορεῖτό τις, ὥρισαν ἕκαστος εἰς διακονίαν ἀποστεῖλαι τοῖς κατοικοῦσιν ἐν τῇ Ἰουδαίᾳ· ὃ καὶ ἐποίησαν, ἀποστείλαντες πρὸς τοὺς πρεσ βυτέρους διὰ χειρὸς Βαρνάβα καὶ Παύλου. ### English translation (Claude) You will find this too in agreement with the scripture of the Acts of the Apostles, which relates that the disciples at Antioch, each according to his means, determined to send relief to those living in Judea; which they also did, sending it to the presbyters by the hand of Barnabas and Paul. ### Scripture references - Acts 11:29–30: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Acts 11:29–30. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.12.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/12/2/). ## Church History 2.12.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/12/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:60 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Helena's monuments still stand outside Jerusalem (Aelia); she was queen of Adiabene. ### Greek text τῆς γέ τοι Ἑλένης, ἧς δὴ καὶ ὁ συγγραφεὺς ἐποιήσατο μνήμην, εἰσʼ έτι νῦν στῆλαι διαφανεῖς ἐν προαστείοις δείκνυνται τῆς νῦν Αἰλίας. τοῦ δὲ Ἀδιαβηνῶν ἔθνους αὕτη βασιλεῦσαι ε΄λέγετο. ### English translation (Claude) Splendid monuments of this Helena, whom the historian mentioned, are still shown in the suburbs of what is now Aelia. She was said to have been queen of the nation of the Adiabenians. ### Translation notes - Aelia Capitolina was the Roman name of Jerusalem after Hadrian. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.12.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/12/3/). ## Church History 2.13.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/13/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:60 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The devil brought Simon Magus to Rome, where his sorceries led many astray. ### Greek text Ἀλλὰ γὰρ τῆς εἰς τὸν σωτῆρα καὶ κύριον ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν εἰς πάντας ἀνθρώπους ἤδη διαδεδομένης πίστεως ὁ τῆς ἀνθρώπων πολέμιος σωτηρίας, τὴν βασιλεύουσαν προαρπάσασθαι πόλιν μηχανώμενος, ἐνταῦθα Σίμωνα τὸν πρόσθεν δεδηλωμένον ἄγει, καὶ δὴ ταῖς ἐντέχνοις τἀνδρὸς συναιρόμενος γοητείαις πλείους τῶν τὴν Ῥώμην οἰκούντων ἐπὶ τὴν πλάνην σφετερίζεται. ### English translation (Claude) But when faith in our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ was already spreading among all men, the enemy of human salvation, contriving to seize the imperial city first, brought there Simon, mentioned before, and, assisting the man's artful sorceries, won over many of the inhabitants of Rome to his error. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.13.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/13/1/). ## Church History 2.13.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/13/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:60 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin's First Apology bears witness to Simon's activity in Rome. ### Greek text δηλοῖ δὲ τοῦτο μετʼ οὐ πολὺ τῶν ἀποστόλων ἐν τῷ καθʼ ἡμὰς διαπρέψας λόγῳ Ἰουστῖνος, περὶ οὗ τὰ προσήκοντα κατὰ καιρὸν παραθήσομαι. καί μοι λαβὼν ἀνάγνωθι τοῦδε τὴν γραφὴν, ἣν ἐν τῇ προτέρᾳ πρὸς Ἀντωνῖνον ὑπὲρ τοῦ καθʼ ἡμᾶς δόγματος ἀπολογίᾳ γράφων ὧδέ φησιν ### English translation (Claude) This is shown by Justin, who became distinguished in our faith not long after the apostles, about whom I shall set out what is fitting in due course. Take, then, and read the writing of this man, in which he says the following in his first Apology to Antoninus on behalf of our doctrine: ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 1 Apol. 26 (First Apology): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.13.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/13/2/). ## Church History 2.13.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/13/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:60–61 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin (quoted): Simon of Gitta, by demonic magic, was honoured as a god in Rome with a statue inscribed “To Simon the holy god.” ### Greek text “ καὶ ‘’μετὰ τὴν ἀνάληψιν τοῦ κυρίου εἰς οὐρανὸν προεβάλ- “λοντο οἱ δαίμονες ἀνθρώπους τινὰς, λέγοντας ἐαυ- “τοῦς εἶναι θεοὺς, οἳ οὐ μόνον οὐκ ἐδιώχθησαν ὑφʼ “ ὑμῶν, ἀλλὰ καὶ τιμῶν ἠξιώθησαν· Σίμωνα μέν “ τινα Σαμαρέα τὸν ἀπὸ κώμης λεγομένης Γιττῶν, ὃς ἐπὶ Κλαυδίου Καίσαρος διὰ τῆς τῶν ἐνεργούντων “ δαιμόνων τέχνης δυνάμεις μαγικὰς ποιήσας ἐπὶ τῇ ‘πόλει ὑμῶν τῇ βασιλίδι Ῥώμῃ θεὸς ἐνομίσθη, καὶ “ἀνδριάντι παρʼ ὑμῖν ὡς θεὸς τετίμηται, ἐν τῷ Τι- “ βέρει ποταμῷ μεταξὺ τῶν δύο γεφυρῶν, ἔχων Ῥω “ μαϊκὴν ἐπιγραφὴν ταύτην· SIMONI DEO SANCTO, ” ὅπερ ἐστὶ Σίμωνι θεῷ ἁγίῳ. ### English translation (Claude) “And after the ascension of the Lord into heaven the demons put forward certain men who said that they were gods, who were not only not persecuted by you but were even thought worthy of honours: a certain Simon, a Samaritan from a village called Gitta, who in the time of Claudius Caesar, by the art of the demons working in him, performed magical feats in your royal city of Rome, was considered a god, and has been honoured by you with a statue as a god, on the river Tiber between the two bridges, bearing this Latin inscription: SIMONI DEO SANCTO, that is, To Simon the holy god. ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 1 Apol. 26 (First Apology): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Justin, 1 Apol. 26.2. The statue Justin saw was probably dedicated to the Sabine god Semo Sancus (an inscription SEMONI SANCO DEO FIDIO was found on the Tiber island in 1574); Justin appears to have misread it. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.13.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/13/3/). ## Church History 2.13.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/13/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:61 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin (quoted): the Samaritans worship Simon as the first god, and call his companion Helena, a former prostitute, his first Thought. ### Greek text “ καὶ σχεδὸν μὲν “πάντες Σαμαρεῖς, ὀλίγοι δὲ καὶ ἐν ἄλλοις ἔθνε- “ σιν, ὡς τὸν πρῶτον θεὸν ἐκεῖνον ὁμολογοῦντες “προσκυνοῦσι. καὶ Ἑλένην τινὰ, τὴν συμπερινο- “ στήσασαν αὐτῷ κατʼ ἐκεῖνο καιροῦ, πρότερον ἐπὶ “τέγους σταθεῖσαν ἐν Τυρῷ τῆς Φοινίκης, τὴν ἀπʼ αὐτοῦ πρώτην ἔννοιαν λἐγουσιν.’’ ### English translation (Claude) And almost all the Samaritans, and a few also among other nations, confess and worship him as the first god. And a certain Helena, who went about with him at that time, who had formerly stood in a brothel in Tyre of Phoenicia, they call the first Thought that came from him.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 1 Apol. 26 (First Apology): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Justin, 1 Apol. 26.3. “First Thought” (πρώτη ἔννοια) is a term of Simonian doctrine. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.13.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/13/4/). ## Church History 2.13.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/13/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:61 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 1, also describes Simon and the later heresiarchs in detail. ### Greek text ταῦτα μὲν οὗτος. συνᾴδει δʼ αὐτῷ καὶ ὁ Εἰρήναιος, ἐν πρώτῳ τῶν πρὸς τὰς αἱρέσεις ὁμοῦ τὰ περὶ τὸν ἄνδρα καὶ τὴν ἀνοσίαν καὶ μιαρὰν αὐτοῦ διδασκαλίαν ὑπογράφων, ἣν ἐπὶ τοῦ παρόντος περιττὸν ἂν εἴη καταλέγειν, παρὸν τοῖς βουλομένοις καὶ τῶν μετʼ αὐτὸν κατὰ μέρος αἱρεσιαρχῶν τὰς ἀρχὰς καὶ τοὺς βίους καὶ τῶν ψευδῶν δογμάτων τὰς ὑποθέσεις τά τε πᾶσιν αὐτοῖς ἐπιτετηδευμένα διαγνῶναι, οὐ κατὰ πάρεργον τῇ δεδηλωμένῃ τοῦ Εἰρηναίου παραδεδομένα βίβλῳ. ### English translation (Claude) So much this writer. Irenaeus too agrees with him, describing in the first book of his work Against Heresies both the man and his unholy and foul teaching. It would be superfluous to recount it at present, since those who wish may learn in detail the origins, lives, and false principles of the heresiarchs after him, and the practices of them all, handed down with no little care in the book of Irenaeus mentioned. ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 1.23 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The reference is Irenaeus, Haer. 1.23. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.13.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/13/5/). ## Church History 2.13.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/13/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:61 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Simon was the first author of all heresy; his followers, feigning Christianity, worship images of Simon and Helena. ### Greek text πάσης μὲν οὖν ἀρχηγὸν αἱρέσεως πρῶτον γενέσθαι τὸν Σίμωνα παρειλήφαμεν, ἐξ οὑ καὶ εἰς δεῦρο οἱ τὴν κατʼ αὐτὸν μετιόντες αἵρεσιν, τὴν σώφρονα καὶ διὰ καθαρότητα βίου παρὰ τοῖς πᾶσι βεβοημένην Χριστιανῶν φιλοσοφίαν ὑποκρινόμενοι, ἧς μὲν ἔδοξαν ἀπαλλάττεσθαι περὶ τὰ εἴδωλα δεισιδαιμονίας οὐδὲν ἧττον αὖθις ἐπιλαμβάνονται, καταπίπτοντες ἐπὶ γραφὰς καὶ εἰκόνας αὐτοῦ τε τοῦ Σίμωνος καὶ τῆς σὺν αὐτῷ δηλωθείσης Ἑλένης, θυμιάμασί τε καὶ θυσίαις καὶ σπονδαῖς τούτους θρησκεύειν ἐγχειροῦντες. ### English translation (Claude) We have received, then, that Simon was the first author of every heresy. From him, down to this day, those who follow his heresy, feigning the sober philosophy of the Christians, renowned among all for purity of life, nonetheless take up again the idolatrous superstition from which they seemed to have been freed, falling down before pictures and images of Simon himself and of Helena, mentioned with him, and undertaking to worship them with incense, sacrifices, and libations. ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 1.23.4 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Irenaeus, Haer. 1.23.4. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.13.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/13/6/). ## Church History 2.13.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/13/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:61–62 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Their secret rites are said to be too shameful to be written or spoken. ### Greek text τὰ δὲ τούτων αὐτοῖς ἀπορρητότερα, ὧν φασι τὸν πρῶτον ὢ ἐπακούσαντα ἐκπλαγήσεσθαι, καὶ κατά τι παρʼ αὐτοῖς λόγιον ἔγγραφον θαμβωθήσεσθαι, θάμβους ὡς ἀληθῶς καὶ φρενῶν ἐκστάσεως καὶ μανίας ἔμπλεα τυγχάνει, τοιαῦτα ὄντα, ὡς μὴ μόνον μὴ δυνατὰ εἶναι παραδοθῆναι γραφῆ̣, ἀλλʼ οὐδὲ χείλεσιν αὐτὸ μόνον διʼ ὑπερβολὴν αἰσχρουργίας τε καὶ ἀρρητοποιίας ἀνδράσι σώφροσι λαληθῆναι. ### English translation (Claude) Their more secret rites, at which they say that anyone who first hears them will be astounded and, according to a written oracle of theirs, will be amazed, are truly full of amazement, derangement of mind, and madness, such that they not only cannot be committed to writing but cannot even be spoken by the lips of sober men, because of their excess of shamefulness and unspeakable conduct. ### Translation notes - These are Eusebius's polemical claims about the Simonians. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.13.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/13/7/). ## Church History 2.13.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/13/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:62 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius charges the Simonians with the utmost depravity toward women. ### Greek text ὅ τι ποτὲ γὰρ ἂν εἴη ἢ ἐπινοηθείη παντὸς αἰσχροῦ μιαρώτερον, τοῦτο πᾶν ὑπερηκόντισεν ἡ τῶνδε μυσαρωτάτη αἵρεσις, ταῖς ἀθλίαις καὶ παντοίων ὡς ἀληθῶς κακῶν σεσωρευμέναις γυναιξὶν ἐγκαταπαιζόντων. ### English translation (Claude) For whatever could be or be imagined more foul than every shameful thing, all this the most abominable heresy of these men has outdone, who make sport of wretched women, truly laden with every kind of evil. ### Scripture references - 2 Tim 3:6: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to 2 Tim 3:6. The charge is Eusebius's polemic. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.13.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/13/8/). ## Church History 2.14.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/14/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:62 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The evil power set up Simon as the great opponent of the apostles. ### Greek text Τοιούτων κακῶν πατέρα καὶ δημιουργὸν τὸν Σίμωνα κατʼ ἐκεῖνο καιροῦ, ὡσπερεὶ μέγαν καὶ μεγάλων ἀντίπαλον τῶν θεσπεσίων τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν ἀποστόλων, ἡ μισόκαλος καὶ τῆς ἀνθρώπων ἐπίβουλος σωτηρίας πονηρὰ δύναμις προυστήσατο. ### English translation (Claude) The evil power that hates the good and plots against human salvation set up Simon at that time as the father and author of such evils, as if a great opponent of the great and inspired apostles of our Saviour. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.14.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/14/1/). ## Church History 2.14.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/14/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:62 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: God's grace through the apostles quickly quenched the fire of evil. ### Greek text ὅμως δʼ οὖν ἡ θεία καὶ ὑπερουράνιος χάρις, τοῖς αὐτῆς συναιρομένη διακόνοις, διʼ ἐπιφανείας αὐτῶν καὶ παρουσίας ἀναπτομένην τοῦ πονηρου τὴν φλόγα ᾗ τάχος ἐσβέννυ, ταπεινοῦσα διʼ αὐτῶν καὶ καθαιροῦσα πᾶν ὕψωμα ἐπαιρόμενον κατὰ τῆς γνώσεως τοῦ θεοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) Nevertheless, divine and heavenly grace, assisting its ministers, quickly quenched the kindling flame of the evil one through their appearance and presence, humbling and casting down through them every high thing lifted up against the knowledge of God. ### Scripture references - 2 Cor 10:5: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to 2 Cor 10:5. The digital text marks an unread letter (??) in τῆς; the reading is certain. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.14.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/14/2/). ## Church History 2.14.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/14/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:62 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: No heretical group survived in the apostles' own time, for the light of truth prevailed. ### Greek text διὸ δὴ οὔτε Σίμωνος ὁ ἄλλου του τῶν τότε φυέντων συγκρότημά τι κατʼ αὐτοὺς ἐκείνους τοὺς ἀποστολικοὺς ὑπέστη χρόνους. ὑπερενίκα γάρ τοι καὶ ὑπερίσχυεν ἅπαντα τὸ τῆς ἀληθείας φέγγος, ὅ τε λόγος αὐτὸς ὁ θεῖος ἄρτι θεόθεν ἀνθρώποις ἐπιλάμψας, αὐτός τε ἐπὶ γῆς ἀκμάζω καὶ τοῖς ἰδίοις ἀποστόλοις ἐμπολιτευόμενος. ### English translation (Claude) Therefore neither Simon's nor anyone else's gathering of those who arose at that time survived in those very apostolic times. For the light of the truth overcame and prevailed over all things, and the divine Word himself, who had just shone on men from God, flourishing on earth and dwelling among his own apostles. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.14.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/14/3/). ## Church History 2.14.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/14/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:62–63 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Exposed by Peter in Judea, Simon fled westward over the sea. ### Greek text αὐτίκʼ ὁ δηλωθεὶς γόης ὥσπερ ὑπὸ θείας καὶ παραδόξου μαρμαρυγῆς τὰ τῆς διανοίας πληγεὶς ὄμματα, ὅτε πρότερον ἐπὶ τῆς Ἰουδαίας ἐφʼ οἶς ἐπονηρεύσατο πρὸς τοῦ ἀποστόλου Πέτρου κατεφωράθη, μεγίστην καὶ ὑπερπόντιον ἀπάρας πορείαν τὴν ἀπʼ ἀνατολῶν ἐπὶ δυσμὰς ᾤχετο φεύγων, μόνως ταύτῃ βιωτὸν αὐτῷ κατὰ γνώμην εἶναι οἰόμενος. ### English translation (Claude) At once the sorcerer we have mentioned, struck in the eyes of his mind as by a divine and wonderful flash of light, when earlier in Judea he had been caught in his wickedness by the apostle Peter, undertook a very great journey across the sea and went off fleeing from east to west, thinking that only thus could he live as he wished. ### Scripture references - Acts 8:20–23: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Acts 8:18–24. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.14.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/14/4/). ## Church History 2.14.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/14/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:63 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: In Rome Simon soon won such success that a statue was set up to him as a god. ### Greek text ἐπιβὰς δὲ τῆς ῾Ρωμαίων πόλεως, συναιρομένης αὐτῷ τὰ μεγάλα τῆς ἐφεδρευούσης ἐνταῦθα δυνάμεως, ἐν ὀλίγῳ τοσοῦτον τὰ τῆς ἐπιχειρήσεως ἤνυστο, ὡς καὶ ἀνδριάντος ἀναθέσει πρὸς τῶν τῇδε οἷα θεὸν τιμηθῆναι. ### English translation (Claude) Arriving in the city of the Romans, with the great help of the power that lay in wait there, he succeeded in his attempt in a short time to such an extent that he was honoured as a god by those there with the setting up of a statue. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.14.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/14/5/). ## Church History 2.14.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/14/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:63 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Providence brought Peter to Rome under Claudius to oppose Simon and preach the kingdom. ### Greek text οὐ μὴν εἰς μακρὸν αὐτῷ ταῦτα προυχώρει. παρὰ πόδας γοῦν ἐπὶ τῆς αὐτῆς Κλαυδίου βασιλείας ἡ πανάγαθος καὶ φιλανθρωποτάτη τῶν ὅλων πρόνοια τὸν καρτερὸν καὶ μέγαν τῶν ἀποστόλων, τὸν ἀρετῆς ἕνεκα τῶν λοιπῶν ἀπάντων προήγορον, Πέτρον, ἐπὶ τὴν ῾Ρώμην ὡς ἐπὶ τηλικοῦτον λυμεῶνα βίου χειραγωγεῖ, ὃς οἷά τις γενναῖος θεοῦ στρατηγὸς τοῖς θείοις ὅπλοις φραξάμενος τὴν πολυτίμητον ἐμπορίαν τοῦ νοητοῦ φωτὸς ἐξ ἀνατολῶν τοῖς κατὰ δύσιν ἐκόμιζεν, φῶς αὐτὸ καὶ λόγον ψυχῶν σωτήριον, τὸ κήρυγμα τῆς τῶν οὐρανῶν βασιλείας εὐαγγελιζόμενος. ### English translation (Claude) But this did not prosper for him long. Close on his heels, in the same reign of Claudius, the all-good and most kindly providence of the universe led Peter, the strong and great one among the apostles, who because of his virtue was the spokesman for all the rest, to Rome as against so great a destroyer of life. Like a noble general of God, armed with divine weapons, he brought the precious merchandise of the spiritual light from the east to those in the west, proclaiming the light itself and the word that saves souls, the preaching of the kingdom of heaven. ### Translation notes - The tradition of Peter's arrival in Rome under Claudius is not attested before Eusebius and is historically doubtful. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.14.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/14/6/). ## Church History 2.15.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/15/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:63 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Peter's hearers in Rome begged Mark, his follower, to write down Peter's teaching, which became the Gospel of Mark. ### Greek text Οὕτω δὴ οὖν ἐπιδημήσαντος αὐτοῖς τοῦ θείου λόγου ἡ μὲν τοῦ Σίμωνος ἀπέσβη καὶ παραχρῆμα σὺν καὶ τῷ ἀνδρὶ καταλέλυτο δύναμις, τοσοῦτο δʼ ἐπέλαμψεν ταῖς τῶν ἀκροατῶν τοῦ Πέτρου διανοίαις εὐσεβείας φέγγος ὡς μὴ τῇ εἰσάπαξ ἱκανῶς ἔχειν ἀρκεῖσθαι ἀκοῇ, μηδὲ τῇ ἀγράφῳ τοῦ θείου κηρύγματος διδασκαλίᾳ, παρακλήσεσι δὲ παντοίαις Μάρκον, οὗ τὸ εὐαγγέλιον φέρεται, ἀκόλουθον ὄντα Πέτρου λιπαρῆσαι, ὡς ἂν καὶ διὰ γραφῆς ὑπόμνημα τῆς διὰ λόγου παραδοθείσης αὐτοῖς καταλείψοι διδασκαλίας, μὴ πρότερόν τε ἀνεῖναι ἢ κατεργάσασθαι τὸν ἄνδρα, καὶ ταύτῃ αἰτίους γενέσθαι τῆς τοῦ λεγομένου κατὰ Μάρκον εὐαγγελίου γραφῆς. ### English translation (Claude) So when the divine Word had come to dwell among them, Simon's power was quenched and at once destroyed together with the man. And so great a light of piety shone on the minds of Peter's hearers that they were not content with hearing once, nor with the unwritten teaching of the divine proclamation, but with all kinds of entreaties begged Mark, whose Gospel is extant, being a follower of Peter, to leave them a written record of the teaching delivered to them orally; and they did not let up until they had prevailed on the man, and so they became the cause of the writing of the Gospel called according to Mark. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.15.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/15/1/). ## Church History 2.15.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/15/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:63–64 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Peter approved Mark's Gospel for the churches, as Clement and Papias attest; 1 Peter, written in Rome (“Babylon”), mentions Mark. ### Greek text γνόντα δὲ τὸ πραχθέν φασι τὸν ἀπόστολον ἀποκαλύ- ψαντος αὐτῷ πνεύματος ἡσθῆναι τῇ τῶν ἀνδρῶν προθυμίᾳ, κυρῶσαί τε τὴν γραφὴν εἰς ἔντευξιν ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις, (Κλήμης ἐν ἕκτῳ τῶν ῾Υποτυπώσεων παρα- τέθειται τὴν ἱστορίαν, συνεπιμαρτυρεῖ δʼ αὐτῷ καὶ ὁ ῾Ιεραπολίτης ἐπίσκοπος ὀνόματι Παπίας), τοῦ δὲ Μάρκου μνημονεύειν τὸν Πέτρον ἐν τῇ προτέρᾳ ἐπι- στολῇ, ἣν καὶ συντάξαι φασὶν ἐπʼ αὐτῆς ῾Ρόμης, ση- μαίνειν τε τοῦτʼ αὐτὸν, τὴν πόλιν τροπικώτερον Βαβυλῶνα προσειπόντα διὰ τούτων “ἀσπάζεταί ὑμᾶς ἡ ἐν Βαβυλῶνι συνεκλεκτὴ καὶ Μάρκος ὁ υἱός μου. ### English translation (Claude) They say that the apostle, learning what had been done, since the Spirit revealed it to him, was pleased at the men's zeal and ratified the writing for reading in the churches (Clement gives the account in the sixth book of the Outlines, and the bishop of Hierapolis named Papias also bears witness with him). And they say that Peter mentions Mark in his first letter, which they also say he composed in Rome itself, and that he indicates this by calling the city, figuratively, Babylon, in these words: “She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, greets you, and so does Mark my son.” ### Scripture references - 1 Pet 5:13: quotation, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Clement, Hyp. book 6 (Clement of Alexandria, Hypotyposes (fragments)): allusion, high confidence - Papias (Papias (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Sources: Clement of Alexandria, Hypotyposes, book 6, and Papias (see 3.39.15). The quotation is 1 Pet 5:13. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.15.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/15/2/). ## Church History 2.16.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/16/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:64 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Mark is said to have first preached in Egypt and founded the church of Alexandria. ### Greek text Τοῦτον δὲ τὸν Μάρκον πρῶτόν φασιν ἐπὶ τῆς Αἰγύπτου στειλάμενον τὸ εὐαγ- γέλιον ὃ δή καὶ συνεγράψατο κηρῦξαι, ἐκκλησίας τε πρῶτον ἐπʼ αὐτῆς ᾿Αλεξανδρείας συστήσασθαι. ### English translation (Claude) This Mark, they say, was the first to be sent to Egypt to preach the Gospel which he had also written, and the first to establish churches in Alexandria itself. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.16.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/16/1/). ## Church History 2.16.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/16/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:64 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Alexandrian believers lived so ascetically that Philo wrote about their way of life. ### Greek text το- σαύτη δʼ ἄρα τῶν αὐτόθι πεπιστευκότων πληθὺς ἀνδρῶν τε καὶ γυναικῶν ἐκ πρώτης ἐπιβολῆς συνέ- στη, διʼ ἀσκήσεως φιλοσοφωτάτης τε καὶ σφοδροτάτης, ὡς καὶ γραφῆς αὐτῶν ἀξιῶσαι τὰς διατριβὰς καὶ τὰς συνηλύσεις, τά τε συμπόσια καὶ τὴν ἄλλην πᾶσαν τοῦ βίου ἀγωγὴν τὸν Φίλωνα. ### English translation (Claude) And so great a multitude of believers, men and women, gathered there at the first attempt, through a most philosophical and most rigorous asceticism, that Philo thought their pursuits, their gatherings, their common meals, and all the rest of their way of life worthy of a written account. ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo, Contempl. (Philo of Alexandria (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Eusebius identifies the Therapeutae of Philo's On the Contemplative Life with early Christians; modern scholars regard them as a Jewish ascetic community. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.16.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/16/2/). ## Church History 2.17.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:64 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Philo is said to have met Peter in Rome under Claudius; his treatise seems to describe church customs still kept. ### Greek text Ὃν καὶ λόγος ἔχει κατὰ Κλαύδιον ἐπὶ τῆς ῾Ρώμης εἰς ὁμιλίαν ἐλθεῖν Πέτρῳ, τοῖς ἐκεῖσε τότε κηρύττοντι. καὶ οὐκ ἀπεικὸς ἂν εἴη τοῦτό γε, ἐπεὶ καὶ ὅ φαμεν αὐτῷ σύγγραμμα εἰς ὕστερον καὶ μετὰ χρόνους αὐτῷ πεπονημένον, σαφῶς τοὺς εἰσέτι νῦν καὶ εἰς ἡμᾶς πεφυλαγμένους τῆς ἐκκλησίας περιέχει κανόνας. ### English translation (Claude) Tradition also holds that he came to Rome under Claudius and conversed with Peter, who was then preaching to those there. And this would not be unlikely, since the treatise of his that we mention, composed by him later and after some years, clearly contains the rules of the church that are still preserved even to our time. ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo, Contempl. (Philo of Alexandria (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The edition's marginal cross-reference to Nicephorus's Church History has leaked into the digital text and is removed. The meeting of Philo and Peter is legendary. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.17.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/1/). ## Church History 2.17.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:64–65 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Philo seems to describe and praise the apostolic ascetics, who were Hebrews keeping many Jewish customs. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ καὶ τὸν βίον τῶν παρʼ ἡμῖν ἀσκητῶν ὡς ἔνι μάλιστα ἀκριβέστατ ἱστορῶν γένοιτʼ ἂν ἔκδηλος οὐκ εἰδὼς μόνον, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἀποδεχόμενος, ἐκθειάζων τε καὶ σεμνύνων τοὺς κατʼ αὐτὸν ἀποστολικοὺς ἄνδρας, ἐξ Ἑβραίων, ὡς ἔοικε, γεγονότας, ταύτῃ τε ἰουδαϊκώτερον τῶν παλαιῶν ἔτι τὰ πλεῖστα διατηροῦντας ἐθῶν. ### English translation (Claude) Moreover, in describing as accurately as possible the life of our ascetics, he would plainly be not only knowing but also approving, revering, and praising the apostolic men of his day, who were, it seems, of Hebrew origin, and so still kept most of the ancient customs in a rather Jewish way. ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo, Contempl. (Philo of Alexandria (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Eusebius's identification; see the note on 2.16.2. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.17.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/2/). ## Church History 2.17.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:65 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Philo calls these ascetics Therapeutae, either as healers of souls or as pure worshippers of God. ### Greek text πρῶτόν γέ τοι τὸ μηδὲν πέρα τῆς ἀληθείας οἴκοθεν καὶ ἐξ ἑαυτοῦ προσθήσειν· ἐν οἷς ἱστορήσειν ἔμελλεν ἀπισχυρισάψενος, ἐν ᾧ ἐπέγραψε λόγῳ περὶ βίου θεωρητικοῦ ἢ ἱκετῶν θεραπευτὰς αὐτοὺς καὶ τὰς σὺν αὐτοῖς γυναῖκας θεραπευτρίδας ἀποκαλεῖσθαί φησι τὰς αἰτίας ἐπειπὼν τῆς τοιᾶσδε προσρήσεως· ἤτοι γὰρ παρὰ τὸ τὰς ψυχὰς τῦν προσιόντων αὐτοῖς τῶν ἀπὸ κακίας παθῶν ἰατρῶν δίκην ἀπαλλάττοντας ἀκεῖσθαι καὶ θεραπεύειν, ἢ τῆς περὶ τὸ θεῖον καθαρὰς καὶ εἰλικρινοῦς θεραπείας τε καὶ θρησκείας ἕνεκα. ### English translation (Claude) First, at any rate, in the treatise he entitled On the Contemplative Life, or Suppliants, after affirming that he would add nothing beyond the truth from himself in what he was about to relate, he says that they are called Therapeutae, and the women with them Therapeutrides, and gives the reasons for this name: either because, like physicians, they heal and cure the souls of those who come to them, freeing them from the passions of vice, or because of their pure and sincere service and worship of the divine. ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo, Contempl. 2 (Philo of Alexandria (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Paraphrase of Philo, Contempl. 1–2. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.17.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/3/). ## Church History 2.17.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:65 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Whether Philo coined the name or they used it before “Christian” was common does not matter. ### Greek text εἴτʼ οὑν ἐξ ἑαυτοῦ ταύτην αὐτοῖς ἐπιτέθειται τὴν προσηγορίαν, οἰκείως ἐπιγράψας τῷ τρόπῳ τῶν ἀνδρῶν τοὔνομα, εἴτε καὶ ὄντως τοῦτʼ αὐτοὺς ἐκάλουν κατʼ ἀρχὰς οἱ πρῶτοι, μηδαμῶς πω τῆς Χριστιανῶν προσρήσεως ἀνὰ πάντα τόπον ἐπιπεφημισμένης, οὔ τί πω διατείνεσθαι ἀναγκαῖον. ### English translation (Claude) Whether he gave them this name himself, fittingly attaching it to the men's way of life, or whether the first of them really called themselves this at the beginning, when the name of Christians had not yet been proclaimed everywhere, there is no need to insist. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.17.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/4/). ## Church History 2.17.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:65 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Philo says they gave up their property and withdrew outside the cities to live apart. ### Greek text ὅμως δʼ οὖν ἐν πρώτοις τὴν ἀπόταξιν αὐτοῖς τῆς οὐσίας μαρτυρεῖ, φάσκων ἀρχομένους φιλοσοφεῖν ἐξίστασθαι τοῖς προσήκουσι τῶν ὑπαρχόντων, ἔπειτα πάσαις ἀποταξαμένους ταῖς τοῦ βίου φροντίσιν, ἔξω τειχῶν προελθόντας, ἐν μοναγρίοις καὶ κήποις τὰς διατριβὰς ποιεῖσθαι, τὰς ἐκ τῶν ἀνομοίων ἐπιμιξίας ἀλυσιτελεῖς καὶ βλαβερὰς εὖ εἰδότας, τῶν κατʼ ἐκεῖνο καιροῦ τοῦθʼ ὡς εἰκὸς ἐπιτελούντων ἐκθύμῳ καὶ θερμοτάτῃ πίστει, τὸν προφητικὸν ζηλοῦν ἀσκούντων βίον. ### English translation (Claude) In any case, he testifies first of all to their renunciation of property, saying that those who begin to pursue philosophy give up their possessions to their relatives, and then, having renounced all the cares of life, go out beyond the walls and make their abodes in lonely fields and gardens, knowing well that association with people unlike themselves is unprofitable and harmful; those of that time did this, as is likely, with eager and most fervent faith, practising the life of the prophets in emulation. ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo, Contempl. 13–20 (Philo of Alexandria (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Paraphrase of Philo, Contempl. 13, 18–20. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.17.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/5/). ## Church History 2.17.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:65–66 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Acts likewise records that believers sold their property and shared it according to need. ### Greek text τοιγαροῦν κἀν ταῖς ὁμολογουμέναις τῶν ἀποστόλων Πράξεσιν ἐμφέρεται ὅτι δὴ πάντες οἱ τῶν ἀποστόλων γνώριμοι ὢ τὰ κτήματα καὶ τὰς ὑπάρξεις διαπιπράσκοντες ἐμέριζον ἅπασι καθʼ ὃ ἄν τις χρείαν εἶχεν, ὡς μηδʼ εἶναί τινα ἐνδεῆ παρ΄ αὐτοῖς· ὅσοι γοῦν κτήτορες χωρίων ἣ οἰκιῶν ὑπῆρχον, ὡς ὁ λόγος φησὶ, πωλοῦντες ἔφερον τὰς τιμὰς τῶν πιπρασκομένων, ἐτίθεσάν τε παρὰ τοὺς πόδας τῶν ἀποστόλων, ὥστε διαδίδοσθαι ἑκάστῳ καθὸ ἄν τις χρείαν εἶχεν. ### English translation (Claude) So too in the acknowledged Acts of the Apostles it is recorded that all the apostles' acquaintances sold their possessions and property and distributed to all as anyone had need, so that there was no one in need among them. All who were owners of lands or houses, as the account says, sold them and brought the prices of what was sold and laid them at the apostles' feet, so that distribution was made to each as anyone had need. ### Scripture references - Acts 2:45: allusion, high confidence - Acts 4:34–35: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Acts 2:45 and Acts 4:34–35. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.17.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/6/). ## Church History 2.17.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:66 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Philo (quoted): such people are found in many lands, especially in Egypt around Alexandria. ### Greek text τὰ παραπλήσια δὲ τούτοις μαρτυρήσας τοῖς δηλουμένοις ὁ Φίλων συλλαβαῖς αὐταῖς ἐπιφέρει λέγων ταῦτα περὶ αὐτῶν οὕτω “πολλαχοῦ μὲν οὖν τῆς οἰκουμένης ἐστὶ τὸ γένος· ἔδυ γὰρ ἀγαθοῦ τελείου μετασχεῖν καὶ τὴν Ἑλλάδα καὶ τὴν βάρβαρον. πλεονάζει δʼ ἐν Αἰγύπτῳ καθʼ ἕκαστον τῶν ἐπικαλουμένων νομῶν, καὶ μάλιστα περὶ τὴν Ἀλεξάνδρειαν. ### English translation (Claude) Having testified to things similar to these, Philo adds in these very words about them: “This kind of people is found in many places in the inhabited world; for both Greece and the barbarian world had to share in the perfect good. But they abound in Egypt in each of the so-called nomes, and especially around Alexandria. ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo, Contempl. 21 (Philo of Alexandria (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Philo, Contempl. 21. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.17.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/7/). ## Church History 2.17.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:66 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Philo (quoted): the best of them settle on a hill above Lake Mareotis. ### Greek text οἱ δὲ πανταχόθεν ἄριστοι, καθάπερ εἰς πατρίδα θεραπευτῶν, ἀποικίαν στέλλονται πρός τι χωρίον ἐπιτηδειότατον, ὅπερ ἐστὶν ὑπὲρ λίμνης Μάριας κείμενον ἐπὶ γεωλόφου χθαμαλωτέρου σφόδρα εὐκαίρως, ἀσφαλείας τε ἕνεκα καὶ ἀέρος εὐκρασίας.’ ### English translation (Claude) And the best from every quarter are sent as colonists, as to the homeland of the Therapeutae, to a most suitable place, which lies above Lake Mareotis on a rather low hill, very conveniently situated for safety and for the mildness of the air.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo, Contempl. 22 (Philo of Alexandria (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Philo, Contempl. 22. The digital text has Μάριας for Μαρείας. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.17.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/8/). ## Church History 2.17.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:66 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Philo (quoted): each house has a sacred room, a “monastery,” where they study only the law, the prophets, and hymns. ### Greek text εἶθʼ ἑξῆς τὰς οἰκήσεις αὐτῶν ὁποῖαί τινες ἦσαν διαγράψας περὶ τῶν κατὰ χώραν ἐκκλησιῶν ταῦτά φησιν ἐν ἑκάστῃ δὲ οἰκίᾳ ἐστὶν οἴκημα ἱερὸν ὃ καλεῖται σεμνεῖον καὶ μοναστήριον, ἐν ᾧ μονούμενοι τὰ τοῦ σεμνοῦ βίου μυστήρια τελοῦνται, μηδὲν εἰσκομίζοντες, μὴ ποτὸν, μὴ σιτίον, μηδέ τι τόν ἄλλων ὅσα πρὸς τὰς τοῦ σώματος χρείας ἀναγκαῖα, ἀλλὰ νόμους καὶ λόγια θεσπισθέντα διὰ προφητῶν καὶ ὕμνους, καὶ τἄλλα οἶς ἐπιστήμη καὶ εὐσέβεια συναύξονται καὶ τελειοῦν- ται.’ ### English translation (Claude) Then, after describing what their dwellings were like, he says this about the churches in the country: “In each house there is a sacred room, which is called a sanctuary and monastery, in which, in solitude, they are initiated into the mysteries of the holy life, bringing in nothing, neither drink nor food nor any of the other things necessary for the needs of the body, but laws and oracles delivered by the prophets, and hymns, and the other things by which knowledge and piety are increased and perfected.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo, Contempl. 25 (Philo of Alexandria (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Philo, Contempl. 25. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.17.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/9/). ## Church History 2.17.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:66–67 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Philo (quoted): from dawn to dusk they study Scripture, interpreting it allegorically. ### Greek text καὶ μεθʼ ἕτερά φησι “ τὸ δʼ ἐξ ἑωθινοῦ “ μέχρις ἑσπέρας διάστημα σύμπαν αὐτοῖς ἐστιν ἄσκη- “ σις. ἐντυγχάνοντες γὰρ τοῖς ἱεροῖς γράμμασι τὴν “πάτριον φιλοσοφοῦσι σοφίαν ἀλληγοροῦντες, ἐπειδὴ “σύμβολα τὰ τῆς ῥητῆς ἑρμηνείας νομίζουσιν ἀποκε- “κρυμμένης φύσεως, ἐν ὑπονοίαις δηλουμένης. ### English translation (Claude) And after other things he says: “The whole interval from dawn to evening is for them spiritual exercise. For reading the sacred writings they pursue philosophically their ancestral wisdom by allegorizing, since they regard the words of the literal interpretation as symbols of a hidden nature revealed in underlying meanings. ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo, Contempl. 28 (Philo of Alexandria (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Philo, Contempl. 28. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.17.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/10/). ## Church History 2.17.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:67 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Philo (quoted): they use the writings of their founders as models of allegory. ### Greek text “ ἔστι δʼ αὐτοῖς καὶ συγγράμματα παλαιῶν ἀνδρῶν, “ οἳ τῆς αἱρέσεως αὐτῶν ἀρχηγέται γενόμενοι πολλὰ “ μνημεῖαδ τῆς ἐν τοῖς ἀλληγορουμένοις ἰδέας ἀπέλιπον, “ οἷς καθάπερ τισὶν ἀρχετύποις χρώμενοι μιμοῦνται τῆς προαιρέσεως τὸν τρόπον. ### English translation (Claude) They also have writings of ancient men, who were the founders of their sect and left many memorials of the allegorical method, which they use as archetypes and imitate the manner of their principle.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo, Contempl. 29 (Philo of Alexandria (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Philo, Contempl. 29. “Sect” renders αἵρεσις in its neutral sense. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.17.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/11/). ## Church History 2.17.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:67 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius guesses the “ancient writings” were the Gospels, apostolic letters, and interpretations such as Hebrews. ### Greek text ταῦτα μὲν ἔοικεν εἰρῆσθαι τῷ ἀνδρὶ, τὰς ἱερὰς ἐξηγουμένων αὐτῶν ἐπακροασαμένῳ γραφάς. τάχα δʼ εἰκὸς, ἅ φησιν ἀρχαίων παρʼ αὐτοῖς εἶναι συγγράμματα, τά τε εὐαγγέλια καὶ τὰς τῶν ἀποστόλων γραφὰς, διηγήσεις τέ τινας κατὰ τὸ εἰκὸς τῶν πάλαι προφητῶν ἐρμηνευγικὰς, ὁποίας ἥ τε πρὸς Ἑβραίους καὶ ἄλλαι πλείους τοῦ Παύλου περιέχουσιν ἐπιστολαὶ, ταῦτʼ εἷναι. ### English translation (Claude) These things the man seems to have said after listening to them expounding the sacred Scriptures. And it is quite likely that the writings of the ancients which he says they had were the Gospels and the writings of the apostles, and probably some interpretations of the ancient prophets, such as the Letter to the Hebrews and many other letters of Paul contain. ### Translation notes - Eusebius's own conjecture. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.17.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/12/). ## Church History 2.17.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:67 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Philo (quoted): they also compose hymns to God in various metres. ### Greek text εἶτα πάλιν ἑξῆς περὶ τοῦ νέους αὐτοὺς ποιεῖσθαι ψαλμοὺς οὕτως γράφει “ ὥστʼ οὐ θεωροῦσι μόνον, “ ἀλλὰ καὶ ποιοῦσιν ᾄσματα καὶ ὕμνους εἰς τὸν θεὸν διὰ παντοίων μέτρων καὶ μελῶν, ῥυθμοῖς σεμνο- ‘τέροις ἀναγκαίως χαράσσοντες.’’ ### English translation (Claude) Then again, next, about their composing new psalms, he writes thus: “So that they not only contemplate, but also compose songs and hymns to God in all kinds of metres and melodies, which they necessarily set in more solemn rhythms.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo, Contempl. 29 (Philo of Alexandria (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Philo, Contempl. 29. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.17.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/13/). ## Church History 2.17.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:67 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius selects only the features that match church life. ### Greek text πολλὰ μὲν οὖν καὶ ἄλλα, περὶ ὧν ὁ λόγος, ἐν ταὐτῷ διέξεισιν, ἐκεῖνα δʼ ἀναγκαῖον ἐφάνη δεῖν ἀναλέξασθαι, διʼ ὧν τὰ χαρακτηριστικὰ τῆς ἐκκλησιαστικῆς ἀγωγῆς ὑποτίθεται. ### English translation (Claude) He goes through many other things in the same work concerning the people under discussion, but it seemed necessary to select those in which he sets out the characteristic features of the church's way of life. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.17.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/14/). ## Church History 2.17.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:67 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: For doubters, Eusebius offers further passages from Philo. ### Greek text εἰ δέ τῳ μὴ δοκεῖ τὰ εἰρημένα ἴδια εἶναι τῆς κατὰ τὸ εὐαγγέλιον πολιτείας, δύνασθαι δὲ καὶ ἄλλοις παρὰ τοὺς δεδηλωμένους ἁρμόττειν, πειθέσθω κἂν ἀπὸ τῶν ἑξῆς αὐτοῦ φωνῶν, ἐν αἷς ἀναμφήριστον, ### English translation (Claude) And if anyone thinks that what has been said is not peculiar to the gospel way of life, but can also fit others besides those indicated, let him be persuaded at least by his following words, in which, ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.17.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/15/). ## Church History 2.17.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/16/ - Source: Dindorf 4:67–68 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Philo (quoted): founded on self-control, they eat and drink only after sunset. ### Greek text εἰ εὐγνωμονοίη, κομίσεται τὴν περὶ τοῦδε μαρτυρίαν. γράφει γὰρ ὧδε “ ἐγκράτειαν δʼ ὥσπερ τινὰ θεμέλιον “ προκαταβαλλόμενοι τῇ ψυχῇ τἀς ἄλλας ἐποικοδομοῦσιν ἀρετάς σιτίον δὲ ἢ ποτὸν οὐδεὶς ἂν αὐτῶν “ προσενέγκαιτο πρὸ ἡλίου δύσεως, ἐπεὶ τὸ μὲν φιλο- “ σοφεῖν φωτὸς ἄξιον κρίνουσιν εἶναι, σκότους δὲ τὰς “ τοῦ σώματος ἀνάγκας, ὅθεν τῷ μὲν ἡμέρας, ταῖς δὲ ‘νυκτὸς βραχύ τι μέρος ἀπένειμαν. ### English translation (Claude) if he is fair-minded, he will find undisputed testimony on this point. For he writes thus: “Having first laid down self-control as a kind of foundation in the soul, they build the other virtues on it. None of them would take food or drink before sunset, since they judge that philosophizing is worthy of light, but the needs of the body of darkness; hence they assigned the day to the one, and a small part of the night to the other. ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo, Contempl. 34 (Philo of Alexandria (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Philo, Contempl. 34. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.17.16 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/16/). ## Church History 2.17.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/17/ - Source: Dindorf 4:68 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Philo (quoted): some fast three or even six days, feasting on wisdom; Eusebius takes this to describe Christians. ### Greek text ἔνιοι δὲ καὶ “ διὰ τριῶν ἡμερῶν ὑπομιμνήσκονται τροφῆς, οἶς πλείων ὁ πόθος ἐπιστήμης ἐνίδρυται, τινὲς δʼ οὕτως “ ἐνευφραίνονται καὶ τρυφῶσιν, ὑπὸ σοφίας ἑστιώ- “ μένοι πλουσίως καὶ ἀφθόνως τὰ δόγματα χορηγού- “ σῆς, ὡς καὶ πρὸς διπλασίονα χρόνον ἀντέχειν, καὶ ‘ μόγις διʼ ἒξ ἡμερῶν ἀπογεύεσθαι τροφῆς ἀναγκαίας ἐθισθέντες. ταύτας τοῦ Φίλωνος σαφεῖς καὶ ἀναν- τιρρήτους περὶ τῶν καθʼ ἡμᾶς ὑπάρχειν ἡγούμεθα λέξεις ### English translation (Claude) And some, in whom a greater desire for knowledge is set, remember food only after three days; and some so delight and revel, feasted by wisdom that supplies her doctrines richly and abundantly, that they hold out even for twice that time, and, being accustomed to it, scarcely taste necessary food after six days.” These words of Philo we consider clearly and indisputably to refer to our people. ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo, Contempl. 35 (Philo of Alexandria (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Philo, Contempl. 35. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.17.17 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/17/). ## Church History 2.17.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/18/ - Source: Dindorf 4:68 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Further proof points to features found only among Christians. ### Greek text εἰ δ‘ ἐπὶ τούτοις ἀντιλέγων τις ἔτι σκληρύνοιτο, καὶ οὗτος ἀπαλλαττέσθω τῆς δυσπιστίας, ἐναργεστέραις πειθαρχῶν ἀποδείξεσιν, ἃς οὐ παρά τισιν, ἢ μόνῃ τῇ τῶν Χριστιανῶν εὑρεῖν ἔστι κατὰ τὸ εὐαγγέλιον θρησκείᾳ. ### English translation (Claude) But if, in spite of this, anyone still obstinately contradicts, let him too give up his unbelief, yielding to clearer proofs, which are to be found nowhere else but in the religion of the Christians according to the gospel. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.17.18 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/18/). ## Church History 2.17.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/19/ - Source: Dindorf 4:68 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Philo describes elderly virgins among them, chaste by choice out of love for wisdom. ### Greek text φησὶ γὰρ δὴ τοῖς περὶ ὧν ὁ λόγος καὶ γυναῖκας συνεῖναι, ὧν αἶ πλεῖσται γηραλέαι τυγχάνουσι παρθένοι, τὴν ἁγνείαν οὐκ ἀνάγκῃ, καθάπερ ἔνιαι τῶν παρʼ Ἕλλησιν ἱερειῶν, φυλάξασαι μᾶλλον ἢ καθʼ ἑκούσιον γνώμην, διὰ ζῆλον καὶ πόθον σοφίας, ᾗ συμβιοῦν σπουδάσασαι τῶν περὶ τὸ σῶμα ἡδονῶν ἠλόγησαν, οὐ θνητῶν ἐκγόνων, ἀλλʼ ἀθανάτων ὀρεχθεῖσαι, ἃ μόνη τίκτειν ἀφʼ ἑαυτῆς οἵα τέ ἐστιν ἡ θεοφιλὴς ψυχή. ### English translation (Claude) For he says that there are women too with those of whom we speak, most of whom are aged virgins, who have kept their chastity not under compulsion, like some of the priestesses among the Greeks, but rather of their own free will, through zeal and longing for wisdom; eager to live with her, they have disregarded the pleasures of the body, desiring not mortal offspring but immortal, which only the God-loving soul is able to bear from itself. ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo, Contempl. 68 (Philo of Alexandria (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Paraphrase of Philo, Contempl. 68. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.17.19 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/19/). ## Church History 2.17.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/20/ - Source: Dindorf 4:68–69 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Philo (quoted): they read the law allegorically, as a body (the letter) with a soul (the hidden sense). ### Greek text εἶθʼ ὑποκαταβὰς ἐμφαντικώτερον ἐκτίθεται καὶ ταῦτα “ αἱ δʼ ἐξηγήσεις τῶν ἱερῶν γραμμάτων γίνονται αὐτοῖς “δι΄ διʼ ὑπονοιῶν ἐν ἀλληγορίαις. ἅπασα γὰρ ἡ νομο “θεσία δοκεῖ τοῖς ἀνδράσι τούτοις ἐοικέναι ζῴῳ, καὶ ‘σῦμα μὲν ἔχειν τὰς ῥητὰς λέξεις, ψυχὴν δὲ τ·ὸν ἐνα- ‘ ποκείμενον ταῖς λέξεσιν ἀόρατον νοῦν, ὃν ἤρξατο “ διαφερόντως ἡ θρησκεία αὕτη θεωρεῖν, ὡς διὰ κατό- “ πτρου τῶν ὀνομάτων ἐξαίσια κάλλη νοημάτων ἐμφαι- “νόμενα κατιδοῦσα. ### English translation (Claude) Then, going down a little, he sets forth this too more expressly: “Their interpretations of the sacred writings are made through underlying meanings in allegories. For the whole legislation seems to these men to resemble a living creature, having for its body the literal words, and for its soul the invisible sense stored up in the words, which this sect has particularly begun to contemplate, seeing, as through a mirror of the names, the extraordinary beauties of the thoughts reflected.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo, Contempl. 78 (Philo of Alexandria (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Philo, Contempl. 78. The digital text repeats δι΄. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.17.20 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/20/). ## Church History 2.17.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/21/ - Source: Dindorf 4:69 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Their assemblies, separate quarters for men and women, and Easter fasts and vigils match Christian practice. ### Greek text τί δεῖ τούτοις ἐπιλέγειν τὰς ἐπὶ ταὐτὸν συνόδους, καὶ τὰς ἰδίᾳ μὲν ἀνδρῶν, ἰδίᾳ δὲ γυναικῶν ἐν ταὐτῷ διατριβὰς, καὶ τὰς ἐξ ἔθους εἰσέτι καὶ νῦν πρὸς ἡμῶν ἐπιτελουμένας ἀσκήσεις, ἃς διαφερόντως κατὰ τὴν τοῦ σωτηρίου πάθους ἑορτὴν ἐν ἀσιτίαις καὶ διανυκτερεύσεσιν, προσοχαῖς τε τῶν θείων λόγων ἐκτελεῖν εἰώθαμεν. ### English translation (Claude) Why should one add to these their meetings in the same place, and the separate life of men and of women in the same place, and the ascetic practices still customarily carried out by us even now, which we are accustomed to perform especially at the feast of the saving Passion with fastings and night vigils and attention to the divine words? ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo, Contempl. 30–33 (Philo of Alexandria (works)): allusion, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.17.21 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/21/). ## Church History 2.17.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/22/ - Source: Dindorf 4:69 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Philo describes night vigils, responsive hymns, sleeping on straw, and a diet of bread, water, salt, and hyssop, which Eusebius equates with the Christian Easter vigil. ### Greek text ἃ καὶ ἐπʼ ἀκριβέστερον αὐτὸς, ὃν καὶ εἰς δεῦρο τετήρηται παρὰ μόνοις ἡμῖν τρόπον, ἐπισημηνάμενος ὁ δηλωθεὶς ἀνὴρ τῇ ἰδίᾳ παραδέδωκε γραφῇ· καὶ μάλιστά γε τὰς τῆς μεγάλης ἑορτῆς παννυχίδας καὶ τὰς ἐν ταύταις ἀσκήσεις, τούς τε λέγεσθαι εἰωθότας πρὸς ἡμῶν ὕμνους ἱστορῶν, καὶ ὡς ἑνὸς μετὰ ῥυθμοῦ κοσμίως ἐπιψάλλοντος οἱ λοιποὶ καθʼ ἡσυχίαν ἀκροώμενοι τῶν ὕμνων τὰ ἀκροτελεύτια συνεξηχοῦσιν, ὅπως τε κατὰ τὰς δεδηλωμένας ἡμέρας ἐπὶ στιβάδων χαμευνοῦντ ἐς οἴνου μὲν τὸ παράπαν, ὡς αὐτοῖς ῥήμασιν ἀνέγραψεν, οὐδʼ ἀπογεύονται, ἀλλʼ οὐδὲ τῶν ἐναίμων τινὸς, ὕδωρ δὲ μόνον αὐτοῖς ἐστι ποτὸν, καὶ προσόψημα μετʼ ἄρτου ἅλες καὶ ὕσσωπον. ### English translation (Claude) These the man mentioned has noted with particular accuracy and recorded in his own writing, in the manner kept to this day by us alone: especially the all-night vigils of the great feast and the exercises in them, and the hymns customarily said by us; and how, while one sings in an orderly way with rhythm, the rest, listening in silence, join in the closing refrains of the hymns; and how on the days mentioned they sleep on the ground on beds of straw, and, as he wrote in these very words, do not taste wine at all, nor anything with blood, but water alone is their drink, and their relish with bread is salt and hyssop. ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo, Contempl. 73–89 (Philo of Alexandria (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The source is Philo, Contempl. 64–89 (especially 73, 80, 83–89). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.17.22 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/22/). ## Church History 2.17.23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/23/ - Source: Dindorf 4:69 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius claims Philo describes deacons and a presiding bishop among them. ### Greek text πρὸς τούτοις γράφει τὸν τῆς προστασίας τρόπον τῶν τὰς ἐκκλησιαστικὰς λειτουργίας ἐγκεχειρισμένων, διακονίας τε καὶ τὰς ἐπὶ πᾶσιν ἀνωτάτω τῆς ἐπισκοπῆς προεδρίας. τούτων δʼ ὅτῳ πόθος ἔνεστι τῆς ἀκριβοῦς ἐπιστάσεως, μάθοι ἂν ἐκ τῆς δηλωθείσης τἀνδρὸς ἱστορίας. ### English translation (Claude) In addition he describes the manner of presiding of those entrusted with the church's ministries, the diaconates, and the presidency of the episcopate, highest above all. Whoever wishes to know these things exactly may learn them from the man's account mentioned. ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo, Contempl. 66–79 (Philo of Alexandria (works)): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Eusebius reads Christian offices into Philo's description of the Therapeutae (e.g. Contempl. 66–67, 75, 79). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.17.23 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/23/). ## Church History 2.17.24 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/24/ - Source: Dindorf 4:69–70 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius concludes that Philo was describing the first Christians and the apostles' customs. ### Greek text ὅτι δὲ τοὺς πρώτους κήρυκας τῆς κατὰ τὸεὐαγγἐλιον διδασκαλίας, τά τε ἀρχῆθεν πρὸς τῶν ἀποστόλων ἔθη παραδεδομένα καταλαβὼν ὁ Φίλων ταῦτʼ ἔγραφε, παντί τῳ δῆλον. ### English translation (Claude) That Philo wrote these things having in view the first heralds of the gospel teaching and the customs handed down from the beginning by the apostles is plain to everyone. ### Translation notes - This is Eusebius's judgment; see the note on 2.16.2. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.17.24 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/17/24/). ## Church History 2.18.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/18/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:70 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Philo wrote much on Scripture, including the Allegories of the Sacred Laws and Questions and Solutions on Genesis and Exodus. ### Greek text Πολύς γε μὴν τῷ λόγῳ καὶ πλατὺς ταῖς διανοίαις, ὑψηλός τε ὢν καὶ μετέωρος ἐν ταῖς εἰς τὰς θείας γραφὰς θεωρίαις γεγενημένος, ποικίλην καὶ πολύτροπον τῶν ἱερῶν λόγων πεποίηται τὴν ὑφήγησιν· τοῦτο μὲν εἱρμῷ καὶ ἀκολουθίᾳ, τὴν τῶν εἰς τὴν γένεσιν διεξελθὼν πραγματείαν, ἐν οἶς ἐπέγραψε νόμων ἱερῶν ἀλληγορίαις, τοῦτο δὲ, κατὰ μέρος διαστολὰς κεφαλαίων τῶν ἐν ταῖς γραφαῖς ζητουμένων, ἐπιστάσεις τε καὶ διαλύσεις ποιούμενος, ἐν οἷς καὶ αὐτοῖς καταλλήλως τῶν έν γενέσει καὶ τῶν ἐν ἐξαγωγῇ ζητημάτων τε καὶ λύσεων τέθειται τὴν ἐπιγραφήν. ### English translation (Claude) Copious in language and broad in thought, lofty and sublime in his contemplations on the divine Scriptures, he produced a varied and manifold exposition of the sacred books. On the one hand, in sequence and order, he went through the treatment of the matters in Genesis in the books he entitled Allegories of the Sacred Laws; on the other hand, he made particular divisions of the chapters in dispute in the Scriptures, with statements of problems and solutions, in the books to which he also appropriately gave the title Questions and Solutions in Genesis and in Exodus. ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo (Philo of Alexandria (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Eusebius begins a list of Philo's works (2.18.1–8). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.18.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/18/1/). ## Church History 2.18.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/18/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:70 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius lists more of Philo's treatises, such as On Agriculture, On Drunkenness, and On the Confusion of Tongues. ### Greek text ἔστι δʼ αὐτῷ παρὰ ταῦτα προβλημάτων τινῶν ἰδίως πεπονημένα σπουδάσματα, οἷά ἐστι τὰ περὶ γεωργίας δύο, καὶ τὰ περὶ μέθης τοσαῦτα, καὶ ἄλλα ἄττα διαφόρου καὶ οἰκείας ἐπιγραφῆς ἠξιωμένα, οἷος ὁ περὶ ὧν νήψας ὁ νοῦς εὔχεται καὶ καταρᾶται, καὶ ὁ περὶ συγχύσεως τῶν διαλέκτων, καὶ ὁ περὶ φυγῆς καὶ αἱρέσεως, καὶ ὁ περὶ φύσεως καὶ εὑρέσεως, καὶ ὁ περὶ τῆς πρὸς τὰ παιδεύματα συνόδου, περί τε τοῦ τίς ὁ τῶν θείων ἐστὶ κληρονόμος, ἢ περὶ τῆς εἰς τὰ ἴσα καὶ ἐναντία τὸ ’μῆς, καὶ ἔτι ὁ περὶ τῶν τριῶν ἀρετῶν, ἃς σὺν ἄλλʼ ἀνέγραψε Μωυσῆς. ### English translation (Claude) Besides these he has treatises specially devoted to certain problems, such as the two books On Agriculture, and as many On Drunkenness, and some others with distinct and appropriate titles, such as On the Things the Sober Mind Prays For and Curses, On the Confusion of Tongues, On Flight and Choice, On Nature and Invention, On Meeting for the Sake of Instruction, and On Who Is the Heir of Divine Things, or On the Division into Equals and Opposites, and further On the Three Virtues which Moses described with others. ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo (Philo of Alexandria (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The digital text is damaged in the title of Who Is the Heir (τὸ ’μῆς for τομῆς) and in the last title (σὺν ἄλλʼ for σὺν ἄλλαις). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.18.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/18/2/). ## Church History 2.18.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/18/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:70 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Also On the Change of Names, and On Covenants in two books. ### Greek text πρὸς τούτοις ὁ περὶ τʼ μετονομαζομένων καὶ ὧν ἕνεκα μετονομάζονται, ᾧ φησι συντεταχέναι καὶ περὶ διαθηκῶν πρῶτον κʼ δεύτερον. ### English translation (Claude) In addition, On Those Whose Names Are Changed and Why They Are Changed, in which he says he also composed On Covenants, books one and two. ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo (Philo of Alexandria (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.18.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/18/3/). ## Church History 2.18.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/18/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:70–71 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Other works on Genesis: On Migration, On Abraham, On Giants, On the Unchangeableness of God, and five books On Dreams. ### Greek text ἔστι δʼ αὐτοῦ καὶ περὶ ἀποικίας, καὶ βίου σοφοῦ τοῦ κατὰ δικαιοσύνην τελειωθέντος, ἢ νόμων ἀγράφων. καὶ ἔτι περὶ γιγάντων, ἢ περὶ τοῦ μὴ τρέπεσθαι τὸ θεῖον, περί τε τοῦ κατὰ Μωυσέα θεοπέμπτους εἶναι τοὺς ὀνείρους πρῶτον, δεύτερον, τρίτον, τέταρτον, πέμπτον. καὶ ταῦτα μὲν τὰ εἰς ἡμᾶς ἐλθόντα τῶν εἰς τὴν γένεσιν. ### English translation (Claude) There is also by him On Migration, and On the Life of the Wise Man Made Perfect in Righteousness, or On Unwritten Laws; and further On Giants, or On the Unchangeableness of God, and On Dreams Being Sent by God According to Moses, books one, two, three, four, five. These are the works on Genesis that have come down to us. ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo (Philo of Alexandria (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.18.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/18/4/). ## Church History 2.18.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/18/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:71 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius lists Philo's works on Exodus and the law. ### Greek text εἰς δὲ τὴν ἔξοδον ἔγνωμεν αὐτοῦ ζητημάτων καὶ λύσεων πρῶτον, δεύτερον, τρίτον, τέταρτον, πέμπτον. καὶ τὸ περὶ τῆς σκηνῆς, τό τε περὶ τῶν δέκα λογίων, καὶ τὰ περὶ τῶν ἀναφερομένων ἐν εἴδει νόμων εἰς τὰ συν- τείνοντα κεφάλαια τόν δέκα λόγων, ἁ b΄ g’ d’. καὶ τὸ περὶ τῶν εἰς τὰς ἱερουργίας ζῴων, καὶ τίνα τὰ τῶν θυσιῶν εἴδη. καὶ τὸ περὶ τῶν προκειμένων ἐν τῷ νόμῳ τοῖς μὲν ἀγαθοῖς ἄθλων, τοῖς δὲ πονηροῖς ἐπιτιμίων καὶ ἀρῶν ### English translation (Claude) On Exodus we know of his Questions and Solutions, books one, two, three, four, five; also On the Tabernacle, On the Ten Commandments, and On the Laws Referred in Particular to the Chief Headings of the Ten Commandments, books one, two, three, four; On the Animals for Sacrifice and What Are the Kinds of Sacrifices; and On the Rewards Set Forth in the Law for the Good, and the Penalties and Curses for the Wicked. ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo (Philo of Alexandria (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The digital text writes the book numbers as Latin letters (ἁ b΄ g’ d’), a Beta-Code slip for α΄ β΄ γ΄ δ΄. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.18.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/18/5/). ## Church History 2.18.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/18/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:71 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Further single-volume works of Philo are listed. ### Greek text πρὸς τούτοις ἅπασι καὶ μονόβιβλα αὐτοῦ φέρεται, ὡς τὸ περὶ προνοίας, καὶ ὁ περὶ Ἰουδαίων αὐτῷ συνταχθεὶς λόγος, καὶ ὁ πολιτικός· ἔτι τε ὁ Ἀλέξανδρος, ἢ περὶ τοῦ λόγον ἔχειν τὰ ἄλογα ζῷα. ἐπὶ τούτοις ὁ περὶ τοῦ δοῦλον εἶναι πάντα φαῦλον, ᾧ ἑξῆς ἐστιν ὁ περὶ τοῦ πάντα σπουδαῖον ἐλεύθερον εἶναι. ### English translation (Claude) Besides all these, single books of his are extant, such as the one On Providence, the treatise he composed On the Jews, and The Statesman; further, the Alexander, or On Irrational Animals Having Reason; besides these, the one On Every Bad Man Being a Slave, followed by the one On Every Good Man Being Free. ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo (Philo of Alexandria (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.18.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/18/6/). ## Church History 2.18.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/18/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:71 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Philo also wrote On the Contemplative Life and, reportedly, a glossary of Hebrew names. ### Greek text μεθʼ οὓς συντέτακται αὐτῷ ὁ περὶ βίου θεωρητικοῦ ἢ ἱκετῶν, ἐξ οὗ τὰ περὶ τοῦ βίου τῶν ἀποστολικῶν ἀνδρῶν διεληλύθαμεν· καὶ τῶν ἐν νόμῳ δὲ καὶ προφήταις Ἑβραϊκῶν ὀνομάτων αἶ ἑρμηνεῖαι τοῦ αὐτοῦ σπουδαὶ εἶναι λέγονται. ### English translation (Claude) After these he composed On the Contemplative Life, or Suppliants, from which we have described the life of the apostolic men; and the Interpretations of the Hebrew Names in the Law and the Prophets are also said to be his work. ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo, Contempl. (Philo of Alexandria (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.18.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/18/7/). ## Church History 2.18.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/18/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:71 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Philo is said to have read his work against Gaius to the senate under Claudius, and his books were placed in libraries. ### Greek text οὗτος μὲν οὖν κατὰ Γάϊον ἐπὶ τῆς Ῥώμης ἀφικόμενος τὰ περὶ τῆς Γαΐου θεοστυγίας αὐτῷ γραφέντα, ἃ μετὰ ἤθους καὶ εἰρωνείας περὶ ἀρετῶν ἐπέγραψεν, ἐπὶ πάσης λέγεται τῆς Ῥωμαίων συγκλήτου κατὰ Κλαύδιον διελθεῖν, ὡς καὶ τῆς ἐν βιβλιοθήκαις ἀναθέσεως θαυμασθέντας αὐτοῦ καταξιωθῆναι τοὺς λόγους. ### English translation (Claude) This man, having come to Rome under Gaius, is said to have read before the whole Roman senate under Claudius what he had written about Gaius's hatred of God, which, with characteristic irony, he entitled On the Virtues; and his works were so admired that they were thought worthy of being placed in libraries. ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo, Legat. (Philo of Alexandria (works)): allusion, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.18.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/18/8/). ## Church History 2.18.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/18/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:71–72 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Claudius expelled the Jews from Rome; Aquila and Priscilla joined Paul in Asia. ### Greek text τηνικαῦτα δὲ καὶ ΙΙαύλου τὴν ἀπὸ Ἱερουσαλὴμ καὶ κύκλῳ πορείαν μέχρι τοῦ Ἰλλυρικοῦ διανύοντος, Ἰουδαίους Ῥώμης ἀπελαύνει Κλαύδιος, ὅ τε Ἀκύλας καὶ Πρίσκιλλα μετὰ τῶν ἄλλων Ἰουδαίων τῆς Ῥώμης ἀπαλλαγέντες ἐπὶ τὴν Ἀσίαν καταίρουσιν, ἐνταῦθά τε Παύλῳ τῷ ἀποστόλῳ συνδιατρίβουσι, τοὺς αὐτόθι τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν ἄρτι πρὸς αὐτοῦ καταβληθέντας θεμελίους ἐπιστηρίζοντι. διδάσκαλος καὶ τούτων ἡ ἱερὰ τῶν Πραξέων γραφή. ### English translation (Claude) At that time, while Paul was completing his journey from Jerusalem and round about as far as Illyricum, Claudius expelled the Jews from Rome; and Aquila and Priscilla, leaving Rome with the other Jews, sailed to Asia and there stayed with Paul the apostle, who was strengthening the foundations of the churches there which he had just laid. The sacred scripture of the Acts is our teacher in this too. ### Scripture references - Rom 15:19: allusion, high confidence - Acts 18:2: allusion, high confidence - Acts 18:18–19: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusions to Rom 15:19 and Acts 18:2, 18–19. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.18.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/18/9/). ## Church History 2.19.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/19/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:72 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Under Claudius a Passover riot in Jerusalem killed thirty thousand Jews in a crush at the temple gates. ### Greek text ἔτι δὲ Κλαυδίου τὰ τῆς βασιλείας διέποντος, κατὰ τὴν τοῦ πάσχα ἑορτὴν τοσαύτην ἐπὶ τῶν Ἱεροσολύμων στάσιν καὶ ταραχὴν ἐγγενέσθαι συνέβη ὡς μόνων τῶν περὶ τὰς ἐξόδους τοῦ ἱεροῦ βίᾳ συνωθουμένων τρεῖς μυριάδας Ἰουδαίων ἀποθανεῖν πρὸς ἀλλήλων καταπατηθέντων, γενέσθαι τε τὴν ἑορτὴν πένθος μὲν ὅλῳ τῷ ἔθνει, θρῆνον δὲ καθʼ ἑκάστην οἰκίαν. καὶ ταῦτα μὲν κατὰ λέξιν ὁ Ἰώσηπος. ### English translation (Claude) While Claudius was still administering the empire, it happened that at the feast of the Passover so great a riot and disturbance arose in Jerusalem that of those alone who were forcibly crowded together at the exits of the temple, thirty thousand Jews died, trampled by one another, and the feast became mourning for the whole nation and lamentation in every house. This too Josephus relates almost word for word. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 2.224–227 (Josephus (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The source is Josephus, J.W. 2.224–227 (compare Ant. 20.105–112, which gives twenty thousand). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.19.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/19/1/). ## Church History 2.19.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/19/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:72 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Claudius made Agrippa II king and Felix procurator, and died after thirteen years, succeeded by Nero. ### Greek text Κλαύδιος δὲ Ἀγρίππαν, Ἀγρίππου παῖδα, Ἰουδαίων καθίστησι βασιλέα, Φήλικα τῆς χώρας ἁπάσης Σαμ·αρείας τε καὶ Γαλιλαίας καὶ προσέτι τῆς ἐπικαλουμένης Περαίας ἐπίτροπον ἐκπέμψας. διοικήσας δὲ αὐτὸς τὴν ἡγεμονίαν ἔτεσιτρισὶ καὶ δέκα πρὸς μησὶν ὀκτὼ Νέρωνα τῆς ἀρχῆς διάδοχον καταλιπὼν τελευτᾶ. ### English translation (Claude) Claudius appointed Agrippa, son of Agrippa, king of the Jews, and sent Felix as procurator of the whole country of Samaria and Galilee, and also of the region called Peraea. And having himself held the government for thirteen years and eight months, he died, leaving Nero as successor to his rule. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 2.247–248 (Josephus (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The source is Josephus, J.W. 2.247–248. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.19.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/19/2/). ## Church History 2.20.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/20/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:72 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus describes strife among the priests under Felix. ### Greek text Κατὰ δὲ Νέρωνα Φήλικος τῆς Ἰουδαίας ἐπιτροπεύοντος αὐτοῖς ῥήμασιν αὐθις ὁ Ἰώσηπος τὴν εἰς ἀλλήλους τῶν ἱερέων στάσιν ὧδέ πως ἐν εἰκοστῷ τῆς ἀρχαιολογίας γράφει ### English translation (Claude) Under Nero, while Felix was procurator of Judea, Josephus again writes in the twentieth book of the Antiquities, in these very words, of the strife of the priests with one another: ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 20.180 (Josephus (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.20.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/20/1/). ## Church History 2.20.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/20/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:72–73 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): the high priests and the priests formed rival gangs and fought in the streets. ### Greek text “ ἐξά- “πτεται δὲ καὶ τοῖς ἀρχιερεῦσι στάσις πρὸς τοὺς ἱερεῖς ‘καὶ τοὺς πρώτους τοῦ πλήθους τῶν Ἱεροσολύμων, ‘ ἕκαστός τε αὐτῶν, στῖφος ἀνθρώπων τῶν θρασυ- ‘τάτων καὶ νεωτεριστῶν ἑαυτῷ ποιήσας, ἡγεμὼν ἦν. ‘καὶ συρράσσοντες ἐκακολόγουν τε ἀλλήλους καὶ λί- “θοις ἔβαλλον. ὁ δʼ ἐπιπλήξων ἦν οὐδὲ εἷς, ἀλλʼ ὡς “ ἐν ἀπροστατεύτῳ πόλει ταῦτʼ ἐπράσσετο μετʼ ἐξου- “σίας. ### English translation (Claude) “Strife was kindled also between the high priests on the one side and the priests and the leading men of the people of Jerusalem on the other; and each of them, forming a band of the most reckless and revolutionary men, became its leader. And when they clashed they reviled one another and threw stones. There was not one to rebuke them; these things were done with licence, as in a city without a government. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 20.180 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, Ant. 20.180. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.20.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/20/2/). ## Church History 2.20.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/20/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:73 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): the high priests seized the priests' tithes, so that poor priests starved. ### Greek text τοσαύτη δὲ τοὺς ἀρχιερεῖς κατέλαβεν ἀναί- “ δεια καὶ τόλμα ὥστε ἐκπέμπειν δούλους ἐτόλμων “ ἐπὶ τὰς ἅλωνας, τοὺς ληψομένους τὰς τοῖς ἱερεῦσιν “ὀφειλομένας δεκάτας. καὶ συνέβαινε τοὺς ἀπορου- “ μένους τῶν ἱερέων ὑπʼ ἐνδείας ἀπολλυμένους θεω- “ οὕτως ἐκράτει τοῦ δικαίου παντὸς ἡ τῶν στα- “ σιαζόντων βία. ” ### English translation (Claude) And such shamelessness and audacity seized the high priests that they dared to send slaves to the threshing-floors to take the tithes owed to the priests; and so it happened that the poor among the priests were seen perishing from want. So much did the violence of the factions prevail over all justice.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 20.181 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, Ant. 20.181. The digital text has lost ρεῖσθαι in θεω-ρεῖσθαι. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.20.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/20/3/). ## Church History 2.20.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/20/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:73 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): brigands murdered people in broad daylight in Jerusalem. ### Greek text πάλιν δὲ ὁ αὐτὸς συγγραφεὺς κατὰ τοὺς αὐτοὺς χρόνους ἐν Ἱεροσολύμοις ὑποφυῆναι λῃστῶν τι εἶδος ἱστορεῖ, οἳ ‘μεθʼ ἡμέραν ὥς φησι “ καὶ ἐν μέσῃ τῇ πόλει ἐφόνευον τοὺς συναντῶντας. ### English translation (Claude) Again the same writer relates that at the same time a kind of brigands sprang up in Jerusalem, who, as he says, “by day and in the midst of the city murdered those they met. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 2.254 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation (2.20.4–6) is Josephus, J.W. 2.254–256. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.20.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/20/4/). ## Church History 2.20.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/20/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:73 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): these assassins stabbed victims in festival crowds with hidden daggers and then joined in the outcry. ### Greek text μάλιστα γὰρ ἐν ταῖς ἑορταῖς μιγνυμένους τῷ πλή- θει, καὶ ταῖς ἐσθῆσιν ὑποκρύπτοντας μικρὰ ξιφίδια, τούτοις νύττειν τοὺς διαφόρους· ἔπειτα πεσόντων, μέρος γίνεσθαι τῶν ἐπαγανακτούντων αὐτοὺς τοὺς πεφονευκότας· διὸ καὶ παντάπασιν ὑπʼ ἀξιοπιστίας ἀνευρέτους γενέσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) For especially at the festivals they mingled with the crowd, concealing small daggers under their clothes, and with these stabbed their enemies; then, when the victims fell, the murderers themselves joined in the indignation; so that because of their credibility they were never discovered at all. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 2.255 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 2.255. These are the sicarii (“dagger-men”). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.20.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/20/5/). ## Church History 2.20.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/20/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:73 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): they killed the high priest Jonathan and many others, and everyone lived in fear. ### Greek text πρῶτον μὲν οὑν ὑπʼ αὐτῶν Ἰωνάθην τὸν ἀρχιερέα κατασφαγῆναι, μετὰ δʼ αὐτὸν καθʼ ἡμέραν ἀναιρεῖσθαι πολλοὺς, καὶ τῶν συμφορῶν τὸν φόβον εἷναι χαλεπώτερον, ἑκάστου καθάπερ ἐν πολέμῳ καθʼ ὥραν τὸν θάνατον προσδεχομένου.” ### English translation (Claude) First Jonathan the high priest was slaughtered by them, and after him many were killed every day, and the fear was worse than the calamities, since each man, as in war, expected death every hour.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 2.256 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 2.256. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.20.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/20/6/). ## Church History 2.21.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/21/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:73–74 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): an Egyptian false prophet led thousands to the Mount of Olives, planning to seize Jerusalem. ### Greek text Ἑξῆς δὲ τούτοις ἐπιφέρει μεθʼ ἕτερα λέγων μείζονι δὲ τούτων πληγῇ Ἰουδαίους ἐκάκωσεν ὁ Αἰγύπτιος ψευδοπροφήτης. παραγενόμενος γὰρ εἰς τὴν χώραν ἄνθρωπος γόης, καὶ “ προφήτου πίστιν ἐπιθεὶς ἑαυτῷ, περὶ τρισμυρίους μὲν ἀθροίζει τῶν ἠπατημένων, περιαγαγὼν δʼ αὐτοὺς ἐκ τῆς ἐρημίας εἰς τὸ ἐλαιῶν καλούμενον ὅρος ἐκεῖθεν οἶός τε ἦν εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα παρελθεῖν βιάζεσθαι, καὶ κρατήσας τῆς τε Ῥωμαϊκῆς φρουρᾶς καὶ τοῦ δήμου τυραννεῖν, χρώμενος τοῖς συνεισπεσοῦσι “δορυφόροις. ### English translation (Claude) Next after these things he adds, after other matters: “The Egyptian false prophet afflicted the Jews with a greater blow than these. For a sorcerer came into the country and, gaining for himself the reputation of a prophet, gathered about thirty thousand of those he had deceived; and leading them round from the desert to the mount called the Mount of Olives, he was ready from there to force his way into Jerusalem, and, having overpowered the Roman garrison and the people, to rule as tyrant, using those who broke in with him as his bodyguard. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 2.261–262 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation (2.21.1–2) is Josephus, J.W. 2.261–263. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.21.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/21/1/). ## Church History 2.21.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/21/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:74 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): Felix routed the Egyptian, who fled while most of his followers were killed or captured. ### Greek text φθάνει δʼ αὐτοῦ τὴν ὁρμὴν Φῆλιξ, “ὑπαντήσας μετὰ τῶν Ῥωμαϊκῶν ὁπλιτῶν. καὶ πᾶς “ ὁ δῆμος συνεφήψατο τῆς ἀμύνῃς, ὥστε συμβολῆς “γενομένης τὸν μὲν Αἰγύπτιον φυγεῖν μετʼ ὀλίγων, “ διαφθαρῆναι δὲ καὶ ζωγρηθῆναι πλείστους τῶν σὺν ### English translation (Claude) But Felix anticipated his attack, meeting him with the Roman heavy infantry; and all the people joined in the defence, so that when battle was joined the Egyptian fled with a few, and most of those with him were killed or taken alive.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 2.263 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 2.263. The digital text breaks off after σὺν (αὐτῷ lost). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.21.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/21/2/). ## Church History 2.21.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/21/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:74 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Acts mentions the same Egyptian when the tribune questions Paul. ### Greek text ταῦτα ἐν τῇ δευτέρᾳ τῶν ἱστοριῶν ὁ Ἰώσηπος· ἐπιστῆσαι δὲ ἄξιον τοῖς ἐνταῦθα κατὰ τὸν Αἰγύπτιον δεδηλωμένοις καὶ τοῖς ἐν ταῖς Πράξεσι τῶν ἀποστόλων. ἔνθα τὰ κατὰ Φήλικα πρὸς τοῦ ἐν Ἱεροσολύμοις χιλιάρχου εἴρηται τῷ Παύλῳ, ὁπηνίκα κατεστασίαζεν αὐτοῦ τὸ τῶν Ἰουδαίων πλῆθος· οὐκ ἄρα σὺ εἶ ὁ Αἰγύπτιος ὁ πρὸ τούτων τῶν ἡμερῶν ἀναστατώσας καὶ ἐξαγαγὼν ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ τοὺς τετρα- κισχιλίους ἄνδρας τῶν σικαρίων;’’ ἀλλὰ τὰ μὲν κατὰ Φήλικα τοιαῦτα. ### English translation (Claude) This Josephus relates in the second book of his Histories. It is worth comparing what is here shown about the Egyptian with the account in the Acts of the Apostles, where, in the time of Felix, it was said to Paul by the tribune in Jerusalem, when the multitude of the Jews raised a riot against him: “Are you not then the Egyptian who before these days stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the sicarii out into the desert?” Such were the events under Felix. ### Scripture references - Acts 21:38: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Acts 21:38. Acts gives four thousand, Josephus thirty thousand. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.21.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/21/3/). ## Church History 2.22.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/22/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:74 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Under Festus, Paul was taken to Rome with Aristarchus; Acts ends with his two years of free preaching there. ### Greek text Τούτου δὲ Φῆστος ὑπὸ Νέρωνος διάδοχος πέμπεται, καθʼ ὃν δικαιολογησάμενος ὁ Παῦλος δέσμιος ἐπὶ Ῥώμης ἄγεται. Ἀρίσταρχος δʼ αὐτῷ συνῆν, ὃν καὶ εἰκότως συναιχμάλωτόν που τῶν ἐπιστολῶν ἀποκαλεῖ. καὶ Λουκᾶς δὲ, ὁ τᾶς πράξεις τῶν ἀποστόλων γραφῇ παραδοὺς, ἐν τούτοις κατέλυσε τὴν ἱστορίαν, διετίαν ὅλην ἐπὶ τῆς Ῥώμης τὸν Παῦλον ἄνετον διαστρῖψαι, καὶ τὸν τοῦ θεοῦ λόγον ἀκωλύτως κηρῦξαι ἐπισημηνάμενος. ### English translation (Claude) Festus was sent by Nero as his successor. Under him Paul, having made his defence, was taken to Rome in chains. Aristarchus was with him, whom he also fittingly calls somewhere in his letters his fellow prisoner. And Luke, who handed down the Acts of the Apostles in writing, ended his history at this point, noting that Paul spent two whole years at Rome at liberty and preached the word of God without hindrance. ### Scripture references - Acts 27:2: allusion, high confidence - Col 4:10: allusion, high confidence - Acts 28:30–31: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusions to Acts 25–28 (especially Acts 27:2; 28:30–31) and Col 4:10. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.22.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/22/1/). ## Church History 2.22.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/22/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:74–75 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Tradition says Paul was released, preached again, and on a second visit to Rome was martyred under Nero, writing 2 Timothy in prison. ### Greek text τότε μὲν οὖν ἀπολογησάμενον αὖθις ἐπὶ τὴν τοῦ κηρύγματος διακονίαν λόγος ἔχει στείλασθαι τὸν ἀπό στόλον 5 δεύτερον δʼ ἐπιβάντα τῇ αὐτῇ πόλει τῷ κατʼ αὐτὸν τελειωθῆναι μαρτυρίῳ. έν ᾡ δεσμοῖς ἐχόμενος τὴν πρὸς Τιμόθεον δευτέραν ἐπιστολὴν συντάττει ὁμοῦ σημαίνων τήν τε προτέραν αὐτῷ γενομένη ἀπολογίαν καὶ τὴν παρὰ πόδας τελείωσιν. ### English translation (Claude) Tradition has it that the apostle, after defending himself then, set out again on the ministry of preaching, and that, coming to the same city a second time, he was perfected by martyrdom under Nero. During this imprisonment, held in chains, he wrote the second letter to Timothy, indicating at once both his first defence and his impending perfection. ### Translation notes - A stray numeral in the digital text is omitted. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.22.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/22/2/). ## Church History 2.22.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/22/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:75 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Paul (2 Tim 4:16–17) says the Lord stood by him at his first defence and rescued him from the lion's mouth. ### Greek text δέχου δὴ καὶ τούτων τἀς αὐτοῦ μαρτυρίας· “ ἐν τῇ πρώτῃ μου, φησὶν, ἀπολογίᾳ οὐδείς μοι συμπαρεγένετο, ἀλλὰ πάντες με ἐγκατέλιπον, μὴ αὐτοῖς λογισθείη), ὁ δὲ κύριός μοι παρέστη καὶ ἐνεδυνάμωσέ με, ἵνα διʼ ἐμοῦ τὸ κήρυγμα πληροφορηθῇ καὶ ἀκούσωσι πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, καὶ ἐρρύσθην ἐκ στόματος λἐοντος.’’ ### English translation (Claude) Receive his testimonies on these points: “At my first defence,” he says, “no one stood by me, but all deserted me (may it not be counted against them); but the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully made and all the Gentiles might hear, and I was rescued from the lion's mouth.” ### Scripture references - 2 Tim 4:16–17: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is 2 Tim 4:16–17. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.22.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/22/3/). ## Church History 2.22.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/22/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:75 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The “lion” is probably Nero; Paul does not say he will be rescued again, foreseeing his death. ### Greek text σαφῶς δὴ παρίστησι διὰ τούτων ὅτι δὴ τὸ πρότερον, ὅπως ἂν τὸ κήρυγμα τὸ διʼ αὐτοῦ πληρωθείη, ἐρρύσθη ἐκ στόματος λέοντος, (τὸν Νέρωνα ταύτῃ, ὡς ἔοικε, διὰ τὸ ὠμόθυμον προσειπών). οὐκ οὖν ἐξῆς προστέθεικε παραπλήσιόν τι τῷ “ ῥύσεταί με ἐκ στόματος λἐοντος.’’ ἑώρα γὰρ τῷ πνεύματι τὴν ὅσον οὔπω μέλλουσαν αὐτοῦ τελευτήν. ### English translation (Claude) He clearly shows by these words that on the former occasion, so that the proclamation made through him might be fulfilled, he was rescued from the lion's mouth (so calling Nero, it seems, because of his cruelty). He did not therefore add next anything like “he will rescue me from the lion's mouth”; for he saw by the Spirit his end, which was now very near. ### Scripture references - 2 Tim 4:17: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to 2 Tim 4:17. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.22.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/22/4/). ## Church History 2.22.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/22/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:75 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Paul's words about being saved for the heavenly kingdom and being poured out point to his coming martyrdom. ### Greek text διό φησιν ἐπιλέγων τῷ ‘καὶ ἐρρύσθην ἐκ στόματος λέοντοςʼ’ τὸ “ῥύσεταί με ὁ κύριος ἀπὸ παντὸς ἔργου πονηροῦ, καὶ σώσει εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν αὐτοῦ τὴν ἐπουράνιον, ’ σημαίνων τὸ παραυτίκα μαρτύριον, ὃ καὶ σαφέστερον ἐν τῇ αὐτῇ προλέγει γραφῇ φάσκων “ ἐγὼ γὰρ ἤδη σπένδομαι, καὶ ὁ καιρὸς τῆς ἐμῆς ἀναλύσεως ἐφέστηκεν. “ ### English translation (Claude) Therefore, after “and I was rescued from the lion's mouth,” he adds, “The Lord will rescue me from every evil work and will save me for his heavenly kingdom,” indicating his imminent martyrdom, which he foretells still more clearly in the same letter, saying, “For I am already being poured out, and the time of my departure has come.” ### Scripture references - 2 Tim 4:18: quotation, high confidence - 2 Tim 4:6: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotations are 2 Tim 4:18 and 2 Tim 4:6. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.22.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/22/5/). ## Church History 2.22.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/22/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:75 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Luke was with Paul when he wrote 2 Timothy but not at the first defence, which is why Acts ends where it does. ### Greek text νῦν μὲν οὖν ἐπὶ τῆς δευτέρας ἐπιστολῆς τῶν πρὸς Τιμό- θεον τὸν Λοῦκαν μόνον γράφοντι αὐτῷ συνεῖναι δηλοῖ, κατὰ δὲ τὴν προτέραν ἀπολογίαν οὐδὲ τοῦτον ὅθεν εἰκότως τὰς τῶν ἀποστόλων πράξεις ἐπʼ ἐκεῖνον ὁ Λουκᾶς περιέγραψε τὸν χρόνον, τὴν μέχρις ὅτε τῷ Παύλῳ συνῆν ἱστορίαν ὑφηγησάμενος. ### English translation (Claude) Now in the second letter to Timothy he indicates that Luke alone was with him when he wrote, but at his first defence not even he; hence Luke naturally ended the Acts of the Apostles at that time, having narrated the history up to the time when he was with Paul. ### Scripture references - 2 Tim 4:11: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to 2 Tim 4:11. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.22.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/22/6/). ## Church History 2.22.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/22/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:75 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Paul was not martyred during the Roman stay that Acts records. ### Greek text ταῦτα δὲ ἡμῖν εἴρηται παρισταμένοις ὅτι μὴ καθʼ ἣν ὁ Λουκᾶς ἀνέγραψεν ἐπὶ τῆς Ῥώμης ἐπιδημίαν τοῦ Παύλου τὸ μαρτύριον αὐτῷ συνεπεράνθη. ### English translation (Claude) We have said this to show that Paul's martyrdom was not accomplished during the stay in Rome which Luke recorded. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.22.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/22/7/). ## Church History 2.22.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/22/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:75–76 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Nero was at first mild, but later turned to crimes, including attacks on the apostles. ### Greek text εἰκός γέ τοι κατὰ μὲν ἀρχὰς ἠπιώτερον τοῦ Νέρωνος διακειμένου ῥᾷον τὴν ὑπὲρ τοῦ δόγματος τοῦ Παύλου καταδεχθῆναι ἀπολογίαν, προελθόντος δὲ εἰς ἀθεμίτους τόλμας μετὰ τῶν ἄλλων καὶ τὰ κατὰ τῶν ἀποστόλων ἐπιχειρῆσαι. ### English translation (Claude) It is likely that at first, when Nero was more mildly disposed, Paul's defence of his doctrine was more easily accepted, but that when Nero advanced to lawless outrages, he attacked the apostles among others. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.22.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/22/8/). ## Church History 2.23.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:76 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Foiled with Paul, the Jewish leaders turned against James, bishop of Jerusalem. ### Greek text Ἰουδαῖοί γε μὴν τοῦ Παύλου Καίσαρα ἐπικαλεσαμένου, ἐπί τε τὴν ῾Ρωμαίων πόλιν ὑπὸ Φήστου παραπεμφθέντος, τῆς ἐλπίοος καθʼ ἣν ἐξήρτυον αὐτῷ τὴν ἐπιβουλὴν ἀποπεσόντες, ἐπὶ Ἰάκωβον τὸν τοῦ κυρίου τρέπονται ἀδελφὸν, ὧ πρὸς τῶν ἀποστόλων ὁ τῆς ἐπισκοπῆς τῆς ἐν Ἱεροσολύμοις ἐγκεχείριστο θρόνος. τοιαῦτα δὲ αὐτοῖς καὶ τὰ κατὰ τούτου τολμᾶται. ### English translation (Claude) But the Jews, when Paul had appealed to Caesar and had been sent to the city of Rome by Festus, having failed in the hope with which they had prepared their plot against him, turned against James the brother of the Lord, to whom the throne of the episcopate in Jerusalem had been entrusted by the apostles. And these were the things they dared against him. ### Scripture references - Acts 25:11–12: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Acts 25:11–12. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.23.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/1/). ## Church History 2.23.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:76 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Commanded to deny Christ, James boldly confessed him as Son of God, and was killed in the interval after Festus's death. ### Greek text εἰς μέσον αὐτὸν ἀγαγόντες ἄρνησιν τῆς εἰς τὸν Χριστὸν πίστεως ἐπὶ παντὸς ἐζήτουν τοῦ λαοῦ. τοῦ δὲ παρὰ τὴν ἁπάντων γνώμην ἐλευθέρᾳ φωνῇ καὶ μᾶλλον ἢ προσεδόκησαν ἐπὶ τῆς πληθύος ἀπάσης παρρησιασαμένου, καὶ ὁμολογήσαντος υἱὸν εἶναι τοῦ θεοῦ τὸν σωτῆρα καὶ κύριον ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦν, μηκέθʼ οἷοί τε τὴν τοῦ ἀνδρὸς μαρτυρίαν φέρειν, τῷ καὶ δικαιότατον αὐτὸν παρὰ τοῖς πᾶσι διʼ ἀκρότητα ἧς μετῄει κατὰ τὸν βίον φιλοσοφίας τε καὶ θεοσεβείας πιστεύεσθαι, κτείνουσι, καιρὸν εἰς ἐξουσίαυ λαβόντες τὴν ἀναρχίαν, ὅτι δὴ τοῦ Φήστου κατʼ αὐτὸ τοῦ καιροῦ ἐπὶ τῆς Ἰουδαίας τελευτήσαντος ἄναρχα καὶ ἀνεπιτρόπευτα τὰ τῆς αὐτόθι διοικήσεως καθειστήκει. ### English translation (Claude) They brought him into their midst and demanded that he deny faith in Christ before all the people. But when, contrary to everyone's expectation, he spoke boldly with a free voice before the whole multitude, more than they had expected, and confessed that our Saviour and Lord Jesus is the Son of God, they could no longer bear the man's testimony, since he was believed by all to be most righteous because of the height of philosophy and piety which he practised in his life; and they killed him, taking the lawlessness as their opportunity, since, Festus having died in Judea at that very time, the administration there was without governor or procurator. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.23.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/2/). ## Church History 2.23.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:76 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement had already said James was thrown from the temple pinnacle and clubbed to death. ### Greek text τὸν δὲ τῆς τοῦ Ἰακώβου τελευτῆς τρόπον ἤδη μὲν πρότερον αἱ παρατεθεῖσαι τοῦ Κλήμεντος φωναὶ δεδηλώκασιν, ἀπὸ τοῦ πτερυγίου βεβλῆσθαι ξύλῳ τε τὴν πρὸς θάνατον πεπλῆχθαι αὐτὸν ἱστορηκότος. ### English translation (Claude) The manner of James's death has already been shown by the words of Clement quoted before, who related that he was thrown from the pinnacle and beaten to death with a club. ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Clement, Hyp. book 7 (Clement of Alexandria, Hypotyposes (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - See 2.1.5. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.23.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/3/). ## Church History 2.23.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:76–77 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus (quoted): James the Lord's brother, called the Just, took charge of the church with the apostles. ### Greek text ἀκριβέστατά γε μὴν τὰ κατʼ αὐτὸν ὁ Ἡγήσιππος, ἐπὶ τῆς πρώτης τῶν ἀποστόλων γενόμενος διαδοχῆς, ἐν τῷ πέμπτῳ αὐτοῦ ὑπομνήματι τοῦτον λέγων ἱστορεῖ τὸν τρόπον “ δια- “ δὲ τὴν ἐκκλησίαν μετὰ τῶν ἀποστόλων ὁ “ἀδελφὸς τοῦ κυρίου Ἰάκωβος, ὁ ὀνομασθεὶς ὑπὸ “πάντων δίκαιος ἀπὸ τῶν τοῦ κυρίου χρόνων μέχρι “ καὶ ἡμῶν· ἐπεὶ πολλοὶ Ἰάκωβοι ἐκαλοῦντο. ### English translation (Claude) But Hegesippus, who belonged to the first generation after the apostles, gives the most accurate account of him in the fifth book of his Memoirs, speaking thus: “The charge of the church passed, together with the apostles, to the brother of the Lord, James, who has been called the Just by all from the times of the Lord until our own; for many were called James. ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus, Memoirs 5 (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation (2.23.4–18) is Hegesippus, Memoirs, book 5 (lost except in Eusebius). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.23.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/4/). ## Church History 2.23.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:77 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus (quoted): James lived as a lifelong Nazirite, abstaining from wine, meat, oil, and baths. ### Greek text οὗτος “ δὲ ἐκ κοιλίας μητρὸς αὐτοῦ ἅγιος ἦν. οἶνον καὶ σί- “ κερα οὐκ ἔπιεν, οὐδὲ ἔμψυχον ἔφαγε. ξυρὸν ἐπὶ “ τὴν κεφαλὴν αὐτοῦ οὐκ ἀνέβη, ἔλαιον οὐκ ἠλείψατο, “ καὶ βαλανείῳ οὐκ ἐχρήσατο. ### English translation (Claude) He was holy from his mother's womb. He drank no wine or strong drink, nor did he eat animal flesh. No razor went up on his head; he did not anoint himself with oil, and he did not use the bath. ### Scripture references - Luke 1:15: echo, high confidence - Num 6:3–5: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus, Memoirs 5 (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Hegesippus. The language echoes Luke 1:15 and the Nazirite vow (Num 6:3–5). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.23.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/5/). ## Church History 2.23.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:77 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus (quoted): James, dressed in linen, prayed in the sanctuary for the people until his knees were like a camel's. ### Greek text τούτῳ μόνῳ ἐξῆν “ εἰς τὰ ἅγια εἰσιέναι. οὐδὲ γὰρ ἐρεοῦν ἐφόρει, ἀλλὰ “σινδόνας. καὶ μόνος εἰσήρχετο εἰς τὸν ναὸν, ηὑρί- “ κετό τε κείμενος ἐπὶ τοῖς γόνασι, καὶ αἰτούμενος “ὑπὲρ τοῦ λαοῦ ἄφεσιν, ὡς ἀπεσκληκέναι τὰ γόνατα “ αὐτοῦ δίκην καμήλου, διὰ τὸ ἀεὶ κάμπτειν προσκυ- “ νοῦντα τῷ θεῷ τὰ γόνατα καὶ αἰτεῖσθαι ἄφεσιν τῷ “ λαῷ. ### English translation (Claude) He alone was permitted to enter the holy place; for he wore no wool, but linen. And he alone would go into the sanctuary, and was found kneeling and asking forgiveness for the people, so that his knees grew hard like a camel's, because he was always bending his knees in worship of God and asking forgiveness for the people. ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus, Memoirs 5 (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Hegesippus. That James entered the holy place is historically improbable; it reflects later tradition. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.23.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/6/). ## Church History 2.23.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:77 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus (quoted): James was called “the Just” and “Oblias,” meaning bulwark of the people. ### Greek text διά γέ τοι τὴν ὑπερβολὴν τῆς δικαιοσύνης “ αὐτοῦ ἐκαλεῖτο δίκαιος καὶ ὠβλίας, ὅ ἐστιν Ἑλλη “νιστὶ περιοχὴ τοῦ λαοῦ καὶ δικαιοσύνη, ὡς οἱ προ- “ φῆται δηλοῦσι περὶ αὐτοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) Because of the excess of his righteousness he was called the Just and Oblias, which is in Greek ‘rampart of the people’ and ‘righteousness,’ as the prophets show concerning him. ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus, Memoirs 5 (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Hegesippus. The meaning and derivation of “Oblias” are uncertain. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.23.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/7/). ## Church History 2.23.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:77 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus (quoted): members of the Jewish sects asked James what the “door of Jesus” was, and he said Jesus was the Saviour. ### Greek text τινὲς οὖν τῶν ἑπτὰ “αἱρέσεων τῶν ἐν τῷ λαῷ, τῶν προγεγραμμένων μοι “ ἐν τοῖς ὑπομνήμασιν, ἐπυνθάνοντο αὐτοῦ τίς ἡ θύρα “ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ. καὶ ἔλεγε τοῦτον εἶναι τὸν σωτῆρα. ### English translation (Claude) Some, then, of the seven sects among the people, which I have described before in the Memoirs, asked him what the door of Jesus was; and he said that this one was the Saviour. ### Scripture references - John 10:9: echo, low confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus, Memoirs 5 (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Hegesippus. “The door of Jesus” is obscure; compare John 10:7, 9. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.23.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/8/). ## Church History 2.23.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:77 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus (quoted): some believed through James; the sects denied the resurrection and the coming judge. ### Greek text ἐξ “ ὧν τινες ἐπίστευσαν ὅτι Ἰησοῦς ἐστιν ὁ Χριστός. αἱ “ αἱρέσεις αἱ προειρημέναι οὐκ ἐπίστευον οὔτε ἀνά- “ οὔτε ἐρχόμενον ἀποδοῦν·αι ἑκάστῳ κατὰ τὰ “ ἔργα αὐτοῦ. ὅσοι δὲ καὶ ἐπίστευσαν, διὰ Ἰάκωβον. “ ### English translation (Claude) From these some believed that Jesus is the Christ. But the sects mentioned before did not believe either in a resurrection or in one coming to repay each according to his works; but as many as did believe, did so because of James. ### Scripture references - Matt 16:27: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus, Memoirs 5 (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Hegesippus; compare Matt 16:27. The digital text has lost a word after ἀνά- (ἀνάστασιν). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.23.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/9/). ## Church History 2.23.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:77–78 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus (quoted): alarmed that many believed, the scribes and Pharisees asked James to dissuade the Passover crowds about Jesus. ### Greek text πολλῶν οὖν καὶ τῶν ἀρχόντων πιστευόντων ἦν “ θόρυβος τῶν Ἰουδαίων καὶ γραμματέων καὶ Φαρι- “ σαίων λεγόντων ὅτι κινδυνεύει πᾶς ὁ λαὸς Ἰησοῦν “τὸν Χριστὸν προσδοκᾶν. ἔλεγον οὖν συνελθόντες “τῷ Ἰακώβῳ· παρακαλοῦμέν σε, ἐπίσχες τὸν “ἐπεὶ ἐπλανήθη εἰς Ἰησοῦν, ὡς αὐτοῦ ὄντος τοῦ Χρι- “στοῦ. παρακαλοῦμέν σε πεῖσαι πάντας τοὺς ἐλθόν “τας εἰς τὴν ἡμέραν τοῦ πάσχα περὶ Ἰησοῦ. σοὶ γὰρ “πάντες πειθόμεθα. ἡμεῖς γὰρ μαρτυροῦμέν σοι καὶ “πᾶς ὁ λαὸς ὅτι δίκαιος εἶ καὶ ὅτι πρόσωπον οὐ λαμ- “βάνεις. ### English translation (Claude) Since many even of the rulers believed, there was an uproar among the Jews and scribes and Pharisees, who said that the whole people was in danger of looking for Jesus as the Christ. So they came together and said to James, ‘We beg you, restrain the people, since it has gone astray after Jesus, as though he were the Christ. We beg you to persuade all who come for the day of the Passover about Jesus; for we all obey you. For we and all the people testify to you that you are righteous and that you do not show partiality. ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus, Memoirs 5 (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Hegesippus. The digital text has lost λαόν after τὸν. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.23.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/10/). ## Church History 2.23.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:78 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus (quoted): they asked James to speak from the pinnacle of the temple to the Passover crowds. ### Greek text πεῖσον οὖν σὺ τὸν ὄχλον περὶ Ἰησοῦ μὴ “πλανᾶσθαι. καὶ γὰρ πᾶς ὁ λαὸς καὶ πάντες πειθό “μεθά σοι. στῆθι οὖν ἐπὶ τὸ πτερύγιον τοῦ ἱεροῦ, “ἵνα ἄνωθεν ᾖς ἐπιφανὴς καὶ ᾖ εὐάκουστά σου τὰ “ῥήματα παντὶ τῷ λαῷ. διὰ γὰρ τὸ πάσχα συνελη- “λύθασι πᾶσαι αἱ φυλαὶ μετὰ καὶ τῶν ἐθνῶν. ### English translation (Claude) So persuade the crowd not to go astray about Jesus; for all the people and all of us obey you. Stand, then, on the pinnacle of the temple, so that from above you may be conspicuous and your words may be easily heard by all the people. For because of the Passover all the tribes have come together, with the Gentiles too.’ ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus, Memoirs 5 (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Hegesippus. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.23.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/11/). ## Church History 2.23.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:78 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus (quoted): from the pinnacle they asked James about Jesus. ### Greek text “ἔστησαν οὖν οἱ προειρημένοι γραμματεῖς καὶ Φαρι- “σαῖοι τὸν Ἰάκωβον ἐπὶ τὸ πτερύγιον τοῦ ναοῦ, καὶ “ἔκραξαν αὐτῷ καὶ εἶπαν, δίκαιε, ᾧ πάντες πείθε- “σθαι ὀφείλομεν, ἐπεὶ ὁ λαὸς πλανᾶται ὀπίσω Ἰησοῦ “τοῦ σταυρωθέντος, ἀπάγγειλον ἡμῖν τίς ἡ θύρα τοῦ “Ἰησοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) So the scribes and Pharisees mentioned before set James on the pinnacle of the temple, and cried out to him and said, ‘Just one, whom we all ought to obey, since the people is going astray after Jesus who was crucified, tell us what the door of Jesus is.’ ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus, Memoirs 5 (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Hegesippus. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.23.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/12/). ## Church History 2.23.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:78 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus (quoted): James proclaimed that Jesus, the Son of Man, sits at God's right hand and will come on the clouds. ### Greek text καὶ ἀπεκρίνατο φωνῇ μεγάλῃ, τί με ἐπε- “ρωτᾶτε περὶ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ υἱοῦ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου; καὶ αὐ- “τὸς κάθηται ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ ἐκ δεξιῶν τῆς μεγάλης “δυνάμεως, καὶ μέλλει ἔρχεσθαι ἐπὶ τῶν νεφελῶν “τοῦ οὐρανοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) And he answered with a loud voice, ‘Why do you ask me about Jesus the Son of Man? He is seated in heaven at the right hand of the great Power, and he is about to come on the clouds of heaven.’ ### Scripture references - Matt 26:64: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus, Memoirs 5 (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Hegesippus, echoing Matt 26:64. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.23.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/13/). ## Church History 2.23.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:78 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus (quoted): the crowd hailed Jesus, and the scribes and Pharisees resolved to throw James down. ### Greek text καὶ πολλῶν πληροφορηθέντων, “καὶ δοξαζόντων ἐπὶ τῇ μαρτυρίᾳ τοῦ Ἰακώβου, καὶ “λεγόντων ὡσαννὰ τῷ υἱῷ Δαβὶδ, τότε πάλιν οἱ αὐ- “τοὶ γραμματεῖς καὶ Φαρισαῖοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους ἔλεγον, “κακῶς ἐποιήσαμεν τοιαύτην μαρτυρίαν παρασχόντες “τῷ Ἰησοῦ· ἀλλὰ ἀναβάντες καταβάλωμεν αὐτὸν, ἵνα “φοβηθέντες μὴ πιστεύσωσιν αὐτῷ. ### English translation (Claude) And when many were fully convinced and gave glory at the testimony of James, saying, ‘Hosanna to the son of David,’ then again the same scribes and Pharisees said to one another, ‘We did wrong to provide such testimony to Jesus. Let us go up and throw him down, so that they may be afraid and not believe him.’ ### Scripture references - Matt 21:9: quotation, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus, Memoirs 5 (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Hegesippus; “Hosanna to the son of David” is from Matt 21:9. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.23.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/14/). ## Church History 2.23.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:78 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus (quoted): they cried that James had gone astray, fulfilling Isaiah's words about removing the righteous man. ### Greek text καὶ ἔκραξαν “λέγοντες, ὢ ὢ, καὶ ὁ δίκαιος ἐπλανήθη. καὶ ἐπλή- “ρωσαν τὴν γραφὴν τὴν ἐν τῷ Ἡσαΐᾳ γεγραμμένην· “ἄρωμεν τὸν δίκαιον, ὅτι δύσχρηστος ἡμῖν ἐστι· τοί- “νυν τὰ γεννήματα τῶν ἔργων αὐτῶν φάγονται. ### English translation (Claude) And they cried out, saying, ‘Oh, oh, even the Just one has gone astray!’ And they fulfilled the scripture written in Isaiah: ‘Let us take away the righteous man, for he is troublesome to us; therefore they shall eat the fruit of their works.’ ### Scripture references - Isa 3:10: quotation, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus, Memoirs 5 (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): quotation, high confidence - Wis 2:12 (Wisdom of Solomon): echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Hegesippus, citing Isa 3:10 (LXX, with Wis 2:12). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.23.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/15/). ## Church History 2.23.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/16/ - Source: Dindorf 4:78–79 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus (quoted): James survived the fall and, as they stoned him, knelt and prayed for their forgiveness. ### Greek text “ ἀναβάντες οὖν κατέβαλον τὸν δίκαιον, καὶ ἔλεγον “ἀλλήλοις, λιθάσωμεν Ἰάκωβον τὸν δίκαιον. καὶ ἤρ- “ξαντο λιθάζειν αὐτὸν, ἐπεὶ καταβληθεὶς οὐκ ἀπέ- “ θανεν, ἀλλὰ στραφεὶς ἔθηκε τὰ γόνατα λέγων, “ καλῶ, κύριε θεὲ πάτερ, ἄφες αὐτοῖς· οὐ γὰρ οἴδασι “ τί ποιοῦσιν. ### English translation (Claude) So they went up and threw down the Just one, and said to one another, ‘Let us stone James the Just.’ And they began to stone him, since he had not died from the fall; but he turned and knelt, saying, ‘I beseech you, Lord God Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ ### Scripture references - Luke 23:34: allusion, high confidence - Acts 7:60: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus, Memoirs 5 (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Hegesippus; the prayer echoes Luke 23:34 (and Stephen, Acts 7:60). The digital text repeats θάνεν. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.23.16 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/16/). ## Church History 2.23.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/17/ - Source: Dindorf 4:79 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus (quoted): a Rechabite priest cried out that James was praying for them. ### Greek text οὕτω δὲ καταλιθοβολούντων αὐτὸν “ εἷς τῶν ἱερέων τῶν υἱόν Ῥηχὰβ υἱοῦ Ῥαχαβεὶμ τῶν “ μαρτυρουμένων ὑπὸ Ἱερεμίου τοῦ προφήτου ἔκραζε “ λέγων, παύσασθε· τέ ποιεῖτε; εὔχεται ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν “ ὁ δίκαιος. ### English translation (Claude) While they were stoning him in this way, one of the priests of the sons of Rechab the son of Rechabim, to whom Jeremiah the prophet bore witness, cried out, saying, ‘Stop! What are you doing? The Just one is praying for you.’ ### Scripture references - Jer 35:2–19 (42:2-Jer LXX): allusion, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus, Memoirs 5 (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Hegesippus. On the Rechabites see Jer 35 (42 LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.23.17 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/17/). ## Church History 2.23.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/18/ - Source: Dindorf 4:79 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus (quoted): a fuller clubbed James to death; he was buried by the temple, and soon Vespasian besieged Jerusalem. ### Greek text καὶ λαβών τις ἀπʼ αὐτῶν εἷς τῶν “γναφέων τὸ ξύλον, ἐν ᾧ ἀπεπίεζε τὰ ἱμάτια, ἤνεγκε “κατὰ τῆς κεφαλῆς τοῦ δικαίου. καὶ οὕτως ἐμαρτύ- “ρησεν. καὶ ἔθαψαν αὐτὸν ἐπὶ τῷ τόπῳ παρὰ τῷ “ ναῷ, καὶ ἔτι αὐτοῦ ἡ στήλη μένει παρὰ τῷ ναῷ. ‘ μάρτυς οὗτος ἀληθὴς Ἰουδαίοις τε καὶ Ἕλλησι γεγέ- “ νηται ὅτι Ἰησοῦς ὁ Χριστός ἐστιν. καὶ εὐθὺς Οὐε- “ σπασιανὸς πολιορκεῖ αὐτούς. ” ### English translation (Claude) And one of them, one of the fullers, took the club with which he beat out the clothes and brought it down on the head of the Just one. And so he bore witness. And they buried him on the spot beside the temple, and his monument still remains beside the temple. He has become a true witness to both Jews and Greeks that Jesus is the Christ. And immediately Vespasian besieged them.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus, Memoirs 5 (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Hegesippus. “Bore witness” (ἐμαρτύρησεν) means he was martyred. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.23.18 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/18/). ## Church History 2.23.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/19/ - Source: Dindorf 4:79 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: James was so renowned that even thoughtful Jews thought the siege of Jerusalem was punishment for his murder. ### Greek text ταῦτα διὰ πλάτους συνῳδὰ τῷ Κλήμεντι καὶ ὁ Ἡγήσιππος. οὕτω δὲ ἄρα θαυμάσιός τις ἦν καὶ παρὰ τοῖς ἄλλοις ἅπασιν ἐπὶ δικαιοσύνῃ βεβόητο ὁ Ἰάκωβος ὡς καὶ τοὺς Ἰουδαίων ἔμφρονας δοξάζειν ταύτην εἶναι τὴν αἰτίαν τῆς παρα- χρῆμα μετὰ τὸ μαρτύριον αὐτοῦ πολιορκίας τῆς Ἱερουσαλὴμ, ἣν διʼ οὐδὲν ἕτερον αὐτοῖς συμβῆναι ἢ διὰ τὸ κατʼ αὐτοῦ τολμηθὲν ἄγος. ### English translation (Claude) Hegesippus relates these things at length in agreement with Clement. So wonderful a man was James, and so celebrated among all others for righteousness, that even the sensible among the Jews thought this was the cause of the siege of Jerusalem immediately after his martyrdom, which befell them for no other reason than the crime committed against him. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.23.19 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/19/). ## Church History 2.23.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/20/ - Source: Dindorf 4:79 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted) is said to have written that Jerusalem's fall avenged James the Just. ### Greek text ἀμέλει γέ τοι καὶ ὁ Ἰώσηπος οὐκ ἀπώκνησε καὶ τοῦτʼ ἐγγράφως ἐπιμαρτύρασθαι διʼ ὧν φησι λέξεων “ ταῦτα δὲ συμβέβηκεν “Ἰουδαίοις κατʼ ἐκδίκησιν Ἰακώβου τοῦ δικαίου, ὃς ‘ ἦν ἀδελφὸς Ἰησοῦ τοῦ λεγομένου Χριστοῦ, ἐπειδήπερ δικαιότατον αὐτὸν ὄντα οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι ἀπέκτειναν.” ### English translation (Claude) Indeed Josephus did not hesitate to testify to this in writing, in these words: “These things befell the Jews in vengeance for James the Just, who was the brother of Jesus called the Christ, since the Jews killed him, though he was a most righteous man.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus (Josephus (works)): quotation, low confidence - Origen, Cels. 1.47 (Against Celsus): echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - This sentence is not in any extant manuscript of Josephus; Origen also cites something similar (Cels. 1.47). It may be a Christian gloss known to Origen and Eusebius. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.23.20 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/20/). ## Church History 2.23.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/21/ - Source: Dindorf 4:79–80 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): after Festus died, the bold Sadducee high priest Ananus acted before Albinus arrived. ### Greek text ὁ δʼ αὐτὸς καὶ τὸν θάνατον αὐτοῦ ἐν εἰκοστῷ τῆς ἀρχαιολογίας δηλοῖ διὰ τούτων· πέμπει “ δὲ Καῖσαρ Ἀλβῖνον εἰς τὴν Ἰουδαίαν ἔπαρχον, Φή- “ στου τὴν τελευτὴν πυθόμενος. ὁ δὲ παρειληφέναι, “ νος, ὃν τὴν ἀρχιερωσύνην εἴπαμεν παρειληφέναι, “θρασὺς ἦν τὸν τρόπον καὶ τολμητὴς διαφερόντως, “ αἵρεσιν δὲ μετῄει τὴν Σαδδουκαίων, οἵπερ εἰσὶ περὶ “ τὰς κρίσεις ὠμοὶ παρὰ πάντας τοὺς Ἰουδαίους, κα- “ θὼς ἤδη δεδηλώκαμεν. ### English translation (Claude) The same writer also shows his death in the twentieth book of the Antiquities in these words: “Caesar sent Albinus to Judea as prefect, on learning of the death of Festus. But the younger Ananus, who, as we said, had received the high priesthood, was bold in temper and exceptionally daring; he followed the sect of the Sadducees, who are harsher in judgments than all the Jews, as we have already shown. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 20.197–199 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation (2.23.21–24) is Josephus, Ant. 20.197–203. The digital text garbles “ὁ δὲ νεώτερος Ἄνανος” as a repeated παρειληφέναι. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.23.21 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/21/). ## Church History 2.23.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/22/ - Source: Dindorf 4:80 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): Ananus convened the Sanhedrin and had James, the brother of Jesus called Christ, stoned. ### Greek text ἅτε δὴ οὖν τοιοῦτος ὢν “ ὁ Ἄνανος, νομίσας ἔχειν καιρὸν ἐπιτήδειον, διὰ τὸ “τεθνάναι μὲν Φῆστον, Ἀλβῖνον δὲ ἔτι κατὰ τὴν ὁδὸν “ ὑπάρχειν, καθίζει συνέδριον κριτῶν, καὶ παραγαγὼν “ εἰς αὐτὸ τὸν ἀδελφὸν Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Χριστοῦ λεγομένου, “ Ἰάκωβος ὄνομα αὐτῷ, καί τινας ἑτέρους, ὡς παρανο- “ μησάντων κατηγορίαν ποιησάμενος παρέδωκε λευ- “ σθησομένους. ### English translation (Claude) Being such a man, then, Ananus, thinking he had a suitable opportunity, since Festus was dead and Albinus was still on the road, convened a council of judges, and brought before it the brother of Jesus who was called the Christ, whose name was James, and some others; and having accused them of breaking the law, he handed them over to be stoned. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 20.200 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, Ant. 20.200. This passage is generally accepted as authentic. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.23.22 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/22/). ## Church History 2.23.23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/23/ - Source: Dindorf 4:80 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): fair-minded citizens protested secretly to King Agrippa. ### Greek text ὅσοι δὲ ἐδόκουν ἐπιεικέστατοι τῶν “κατὰ τὴν πόλιν εἶναι καὶ τὰ περὶ τοὺς νόμους ἀκρι- “ βεῖς, βαρέως ἤνεγκαν ἐπὶ τούτῳ, καὶ πέμπουσι πρὸς “ τὸν βασιλέα κρύφα, παρακαλοῦντες αὐτὸν ἐπιστ εἶλαι “ τῷ Ἀνάνῳ μηκέτι τοιαῦτα πράσσειν· μηδὲ γὰρ τὸ “ πρῶτον ὀρθῶς αὐτὸν πεποιηκέναι. ### English translation (Claude) But those in the city who seemed most fair-minded and strict about the laws were offended at this, and sent secretly to the king, asking him to order Ananus not to do such things again; for even in the first instance he had not acted rightly. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 20.201 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, Ant. 20.201. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.23.23 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/23/). ## Church History 2.23.24 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/24/ - Source: Dindorf 4:80 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): Albinus threatened Ananus, and Agrippa deposed him; James is said to have written the first catholic letter. ### Greek text τινὲς δὲ αὐτόν καὶ “τὸν Ἀλβῖνον ὑπαντιάζουσιν ἀπὸ τῆς Ἀλεξανδρείας “ ὁδοιποροῦντα, καὶ διδάσκουσιν ὡς οὐκ ἐξὸν ἢν Ἀνάνῳ “χωρὶς τῆς αὐτοῦ γνώμης καθίσαι συνέδριον. “ Ἀλβῖνος δὲ πεισθεὶς τοῖς λεγομένοις γράφει με “ ὀργῆς τῷ Ἀνάνῳ, λήψεσθαι παρʼ αὐτοῦ δίκας ἄπει “λῶν. καὶ ὁ βασιλεὺς δὲ Ἀγρίππας διὰ τοῦτο τʼ “ ἀρχιερωσύνην ἀφελόμενος αὐτοῦ ἄρξαντος μῆνα ‘τρεῖς, Ἰησοῦν τὸν τοῦ Δαμμαίου κατἐστησεν.’’ τὸ αὐτὰ καὶ τὰ κατὰ Ἰάκωβον, οὗ ἡ πρώτη τῶν ὀνομαζομένων καθολικῶν ἐπιστολῶν εἶναι λέγεται. ### English translation (Claude) And some of them went to meet Albinus on his journey from Alexandria, and informed him that Ananus had no right to convene a council without his consent. Albinus, persuaded by what was said, wrote in anger to Ananus, threatening to punish him. And King Agrippa for this reason took the high priesthood from him after he had held it three months, and appointed Jesus the son of Damnaeus.” So much for James, to whom the first of the so-called catholic letters is said to belong. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 20.202–203 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, Ant. 20.202–203. The digital text has several garbled repetitions (λῶν. λῶν., με ὀργῆς for μετʼ ὀργῆς, τὸ αὐτὰ for τοιαῦτα). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.23.24 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/24/). ## Church History 2.23.25 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/25/ - Source: Dindorf 4:80–81 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: James and Jude are disputed letters, seldom cited by the ancients, yet read publicly in most churches. ### Greek text ἰστέον δὲ ὡς νοθεύεται μὲν, οὐ πολλοὶ γοῦν τῶν παλαιῶν αὐτῆς ἐμνημόνουσαν, ὡς οὐδὲ τῆς λεγομένης Ἰούδα μιᾶς καὶ αὐτῆς οὔσης τῶν ἑπτὰ λεγομένων καθολικῷ ὅμως δʼ ἴσμεν καὶ ταύτας μετὰ τῶν λοιπῶν ἐν πλείσταις δεδημοσιευμένας ἐκκλησίαις. ### English translation (Claude) It must be known, however, that it is disputed; at least not many of the ancients have mentioned it, as is also the case with the one called Jude's, which is also one of the seven called catholic. Nevertheless we know that these too have been publicly used, with the rest, in most churches. ### Translation notes - νοθεύεται (“is disputed”, literally “is regarded as spurious”) reflects doubts about its authorship, not rejection; compare 3.25.3. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.23.25 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/23/25/). ## Church History 2.24.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/24/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:81 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: In Nero's eighth year Annianus succeeded Mark as leader of the Alexandrian church. ### Greek text Νέρωνος δὲ ὄγδοον ἄγοντος τῆς βασιλείας ἔτος πρῶτος μετὰ Μάρκον τὸν εὐαγγελιστὴν τῆς ἐν Ἀλεξανδρείᾳ παροικίας Ἀννιανὸς τὴν λειτουργίαν διαδέχεται. ### English translation (Claude) In the eighth year of Nero's reign, Annianus was the first after Mark the evangelist to succeed to the ministry of the community in Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.24.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/24/1/). ## Church History 2.25.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/25/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:81 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Once secure in power, Nero turned to impiety and against the worship of God. ### Greek text Κραταιουμένης δὲ ἤδη τῷ Νέρωνι τῆς ἀρχῆς, εἰς ἀνοσίους ἐξοκείλας ἐπιτηδεύσεις κατʼ αὐτῆς ὡπλίζετο τῆς εἰς τὸν τῶν ὅλων θεὸν εὐσεβείας. γράφειν μὲν οὑν οἶός τις οὑτος γεγένηται τὴν μοχθηρίαν οὐ τῆς παρούσης γένοιτ΄ ἂν σχολῆς. ### English translation (Claude) When Nero's rule was now firmly established, he ran aground on unholy pursuits and armed himself against piety toward the God of the universe itself. To describe what kind of man he became in his wickedness would not belong to the present work. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.25.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/25/1/). ## Church History 2.25.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/25/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:81 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Nero's murderous madness spared not even his mother, brothers, and wife. ### Greek text πολλῶν γε μὴν τὰ κατʼ αὐτὸν ἀκριβεστάταις παραδεδωκότων διηγήσεσι, πάρεστιν ὅτῳ φίλον ἐξ αὐτῶν τὴν σκαιότητα τῆς τἀνδρὸς ἐκτόπου καταθεωρῆσαι μανίας, καθʼ ἣν, οὐ μετὰ λογισμοῦ, μυρίων ὅσων ἀπωλείας διεξελθὼν ἐπὶ τοσαύτην ἤλασε μιαιφονίαν ὡς μηδὲ τῶν οἰκειοτάτων τε καὶ φιλτάτων ἐπισχεῖν, μητέρα δὲ ὁμοίως καὶ ἀδελφοὺς καὶ γυναῖκα σὺν καὶ ἄλλοις μυρίοις τῷ γένει προσήκουσι τρόπον ἐχθρῶν καὶ πολεμίων ποικίλαις θανάτων ἰδέαις διαχρήσασθαι. ### English translation (Claude) Since many have handed down his affairs in the most accurate narratives, whoever wishes may observe from them the perversity of the man's outlandish madness, in which, without reason, after destroying countless numbers, he went so far in bloodguilt that he did not spare even his closest and dearest, but put to death his mother likewise, and his brothers and his wife, together with countless others related to his family, like enemies and foes, by various forms of death. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.25.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/25/2/). ## Church History 2.25.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/25/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:81 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Nero was the first emperor to persecute the worship of God. ### Greek text ἐνέδει δὲ ἄρα τοῖς πᾶσι καὶ τοῦτʼ ἐπιγραφῆναι αὐτῷ, ὡς ἂν πρῶτος αὐτοκρατόρων τῆς εἰς τὸ θεῖον εὐσεβείας πολέμιος ἀναδειχθείη. ### English translation (Claude) To all these crimes this too had to be added to his record, that he was the first of the emperors to be shown an enemy of piety toward God. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.25.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/25/3/). ## Church History 2.25.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/25/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:81 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Tertullian (quoted): Nero first persecuted the Christians, and his condemnation is a mark of their goodness. ### Greek text τούτου δὲ πάλιν ὁ Ῥωμαῖος Τερτυλλιανὸς ὧδέ πως λέγων μνημονεύει “ ἐντύχετε τοῖς “ὑπομνήμασιν ὑμῶν. ἐκεῖ εὑρήσετε πρῶτον Νέρωνα τοῦτο τὸ δόγμα, ἡνίκα μάλιστα ἐν Ῥώμῃ τὴν ἀνατολὴν “πάσαν ὑποτάξας ὠμὸς ἦν εἰς πάντας, διώξαντα. “τοιούτῳ τῆς κολάσεως ἡμῶν ἀρχηγῷ καυχώμεθα. ὁ γὰρ εἰδὼς ἐκεῖνον νοῆσαι δύναται, ὡς οὐκ “ἂν, εἰ μὴ μέγα τι ἀγαθὸν ἦν, ὑπὸ Νέρωνος κατακριθῆναι.“ ### English translation (Claude) The Roman Tertullian again mentions him, speaking as follows: “Consult your records. There you will find that Nero was the first to persecute this doctrine, especially when, having subdued the whole East, he was cruel to all in Rome. We boast of such a man as the author of our punishment. For whoever knows him can understand that nothing would have been condemned by Nero unless it were something greatly good.” ### Translation notes - Quotation from Tertullian, Apology 5.3, in the Greek translation used by Eusebius; Tertullian's Apology is not yet among this site's texts and is not tagged. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.25.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/25/4/). ## Church History 2.25.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/25/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:81–82 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Under Nero, Paul was beheaded and Peter crucified in Rome, as the cemeteries named after them confirm. ### Greek text ταύτῃ γοῦν οὗτος θεομάχος ἐν τοῖς μάλιστα πρῶτος ἀνακηρυχθεὶς ἐπὶ τὰς κατὰ τῶν ἀποστόλων ἐπήρθη σφαγάς. Παῦλος δὴ οὑν ἐπʼ αὐτῆς Ῥώμης τὴν κεφαλὴν ἀποτμηθῆναι, καὶ Πέτρος ὡσαύτως ἀνασκολιπισθῆναι κατʼ αὐτὸν ἱστοροῦνται. καὶ πιστοῦταί γε τὴν ἱστορίαν ἡ Πέτρου καὶ Παύλου εἰς δεῦρο κρατήσασα ἐπὶ τῶν αὐτόθι κοιμητηρίων πρόσρησις. ### English translation (Claude) So he, proclaimed as the first chief fighter against God, was stirred up to the slaughter of the apostles. Paul, then, is recorded to have been beheaded in Rome itself, and Peter likewise to have been crucified under him. And the account is confirmed by the names of Peter and Paul, which still prevail over the cemeteries there to this day. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.25.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/25/5/). ## Church History 2.25.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/25/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:82 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Gaius, a Roman churchman, in his dialogue with the Montanist Proclus, says he can show the apostles' monuments. ### Greek text οὐδὲν δʼ ἧττον καὶ ἐκκλησιαστικὸς ἀνὴρ, Γάϊος ὀνόματι, κατὰ Ζεφυρῖνον Ῥωμαίων γεγονὼς ἐπίσκοπον· ὃς δὴ Πρόκλῳ τῆς κατὰ Φρύγας προϊσταμένῳ γνώμης ἐγγράφως διαλεχθεὶς αὐτὰ δὴ ταῦτα περὶ τῶν τόπων, ἔνθα τῶν εἰρημένων ἀποστόλων τὰ ἱερὰ σκηνώματα κατατέθειται, φησίν “ἐγὼ δὲ τὰ “τρόπαια τῶν ἀποστόλων ἔχω δεῖξαι. ### English translation (Claude) No less does a churchman named Gaius, who lived when Zephyrinus was bishop of the Romans; in a written dialogue with Proclus, the leader of the Phrygian sect, he says this very thing about the places where the sacred remains of the apostles mentioned have been laid: “But I can show the trophies of the apostles. ### Extrabiblical texts - Gaius of Rome, Gaius, Dial. Procl. (Gaius of Rome, Gaius, Dialogue with Proclus (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation (2.25.6–7) is from Gaius's Dialogue with Proclus (lost). “The Phrygian sect” is Montanism. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.25.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/25/6/). ## Church History 2.25.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/25/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:82 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Gaius (quoted): the apostles' monuments stand on the Vatican and the Ostian Way. ### Greek text ἐὰν γὰρ θελή- “ σῃς ἀπελθεῖν ἐπὶ τὸν Βατικανὸν, ἢ ἐπὶ τὴν ὁδὸν “τὴν Ὠστίαν, εὑρήσεις τὰ τρόπαια τῶν ταύτην ἱδρυ- “ σαμἐνων τὴν ἐκκλησίαν. ” ### English translation (Claude) For if you will go to the Vatican or to the Ostian Way, you will find the trophies of those who founded this church.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Gaius of Rome, Gaius, Dial. Procl. (Gaius of Rome, Gaius, Dialogue with Proclus (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Gaius, Dialogue with Proclus. “Trophies” (τρόπαια) are memorial monuments, probably over the graves. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.25.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/25/7/). ## Church History 2.25.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/25/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:82 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius of Corinth (quoted) says Peter and Paul both taught in Corinth and Italy and were martyred at the same time. ### Greek text ὡς δὲ κατὰ τὸν αὐτὸν ἄμφω καιρὸν ἐμαρτύρησαν, Κορινθίων ἐπίσκοπος Διονύσιος ἐγγράφως Ῥωμαίοις ὁμιλῶν ὧδέ πως παρίστησιν “ ταῦτα καὶ ὑμεῖς διὰ τῆς τοσαύτης νουθεσίας “τὴν ἀπὸ Πέτρου καὶ Παύλου φυτείαν γενηθεῖσαν “ Ῥωμαίων τε καὶ Κορινθίων συνεκεράσατε. καὶ γὰρ “ἄμφω καὶ εἰς τὴν ἡμετέραν Κόρινθον φυτεύσαντες ἡμᾶς ὁμοίως ἐδίδαξαν· ὁμοίως δὲ καὶ εἰς τὴν Ἰτο “ λίαν ὁμόσε διδάξαντες ἐμαρτύρησαν κατὰ τὸν αὐτʼ “ καιρόν.’ καὶ ταῦτα δὲ, ὡς ἂν ἔτι μᾶλλον πιστωθε τὰ τῆς ἱστορίας. ### English translation (Claude) That both bore witness at the same time, Dionysius, bishop of the Corinthians, in a letter addressed to the Romans, shows thus: “By such an admonition you too have joined together the planting of Peter and Paul at Rome and Corinth. For both of them alike planted in our Corinth and taught us likewise; and likewise, having taught together in Italy too, they were martyred at the same time.” And this I have quoted so that the history may be still more confirmed. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Corinth, Letter to the Romans (Dionysius of Corinth (letters)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Corinth, Letter to the Romans. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.25.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/25/8/). ## Church History 2.26.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/26/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:82–83 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus records that Florus scourged and crucified many leading Jews at the start of the war in Nero's twelfth year. ### Greek text Αὖθις δʼ ὁ Ἰώση(??) πλεῖστα ὅσα περὶ τῆς τὸ πᾶν Ἰουδαίων ἔθνος κατʼ λαβούσης διελθὼν συμφορᾶς δηλοῖ κατὰ λέξιν, ἑ πλείστοις ἄλλοις μυρίους ὅσους τῶν παρὰ Ἰουδαῖοι τετιμημένων μάστιξιν αἰκισθέντας έν αὐτῇ τῇ Ἱερουσαλὴμ ἀνασταυρωθῆναι ὑπὸ Φλώρου. τοῦτον δὲ εἷναι τῆς Ἰουδαίας ἐπίτροπον, ὁπηνίκα τὴν ἀρχὴν ἀναρριπισθῆναι τοῦ πολέμου, ἔτους δωδεκάτου τῆς Νέρωνος ἡγεμονίας, συνέβη. ### English translation (Claude) Again Josephus, after relating a great many things about the calamity that overtook the whole Jewish nation, shows word for word, besides very many other things, that countless numbers of those honoured among the Jews were scourged and crucified in Jerusalem itself by Florus; that he was procurator of Judea when the war began to flare up, in the twelfth year of Nero's rule. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 2.306–308 (Josephus (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The source is Josephus, J.W. 2.306–308, 284. The digital text is damaged at the start (unread letters and lost words). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.26.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/26/1/). ## Church History 2.26.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/26/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:83 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus describes the massacres of Jews throughout Syria after the revolt. ### Greek text εἶτα δὲ καὶ καθʼ ὅλην τὴν Συρίαν ἐπὶ τῇ τῶν Ἰουδαίων ἀποστάσει δεινήν φησι κατειληφέναι ταραχὴν, πανταχόσε τῶν ἀπὸ τοῦ ἔθνους πρὸς τῶν κατὰ πόλιν ἐνοίκων ὡσὰν πολεμίων ἀνηλεῶς πορθουμένων, ὥστε ὁρᾶν τὰς πόλεις μεστὰς ἀτάφων σωμάτων, καὶ νεκροὺς ἅμα νηπίοις γέροντας ἐρριμμένους, γύναιά τε μηδὲ τῆς ἐπʼ αἰδοῖ σκέπης μετειληφότα, καὶ πᾶσαν μὲν τὴν ἐπάρχιον μεστὴν ἀδιηγήτων συμφορῶν, μείζονα δὲ τῶν ἑκάστοτε τολμωμένων τὴν ἐπὶ τοῖς ἀπειλουμένοις ἀνά- τασιν. ταῦτα κατὰ λέξιν ὁ Ἰώσηπος. καὶ τὰ μὲν κατὰ Ἰουδαίους ἐν τούτοις ἦν. ### English translation (Claude) Then he says that throughout all Syria a terrible disturbance followed the revolt of the Jews, those of the nation everywhere being mercilessly destroyed by the inhabitants of each city as enemies, so that one could see the cities full of unburied bodies, old men thrown out dead together with infants, and women without even the covering of modesty; and the whole province full of indescribable calamities, and the dread of what was threatened greater than the outrages committed each time. These things Josephus says word for word. And such were the affairs of the Jews. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 2.462–465 (Josephus (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Paraphrase from Josephus, J.W. 2.462–465. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.26.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/2/26/2/). ## Church History 3.1.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/1/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:83 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Tradition says the apostles divided the world: Thomas to Parthia, Andrew to Scythia, John to Asia. ### Greek text Τὰ μὲν δὴ κατὰ Ἰουδαίους ἐν τούτοις ἦν. τῶν δὲ ἱερόν τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν ἀποστόλων τε καὶ μαθητῶν ἐφʼ ἅπασαν κατασπαρέντων τὴν οἰκουμένην, Θωμᾶς μὲν, ὡς ἡ παράδοσις περιέχει, τὴν Παρθίαν εἴληχεν, Ἀνδρέας δὲ τὴν Σκυθίαν, Ἰωάννης τὴν Ἀσίαν, πρὸς οὓς καὶ διατρίψας ἐν Ἐφέσω τελευτᾷ. ### English translation (Claude) Such, then, were the affairs of the Jews. But when the holy apostles and disciples of our Saviour had been scattered over the whole world, Thomas, as tradition holds, was allotted Parthia, Andrew Scythia, and John Asia, where he lived and died at Ephesus. ### Translation notes - Eusebius attributes this passage (3.1.1–3) to Origen's Commentary on Genesis, book 3 (lost). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.1.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/1/1/). ## Church History 3.1.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/1/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:83–84 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Peter preached in Asia Minor and at last was crucified head downward in Rome at his own request. ### Greek text Πέτρος δὲ ἐν Πόντῳ καὶ Γαλατία καὶ Βιθυνία Καππαδοκία τε καὶ Ἀσία κεκηρυχέναι τοῖς ἐν διασπορᾷ Ἰουδαίοις ἔοικεν· ὃς καὶ ἐπὶ τέλει ἐν Ῥώμῃ γενόμενος ἀνεσκολοπίσθη κατὰ κεφαλῆς, οὕτως αὐτὸς ἀξιώσας παθεῖν. ### English translation (Claude) Peter seems to have preached to the Jews of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Bithynia, Cappadocia, and Asia; and at last, having come to Rome, he was crucified head downwards, having himself asked to suffer in this way. ### Scripture references - 1 Pet 1:1: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to 1 Pet 1:1; from Origen, Commentary on Genesis 3. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.1.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/1/2/). ## Church History 3.1.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/1/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:84 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Paul preached from Jerusalem to Illyricum and was martyred in Rome under Nero, as Origen says. ### Greek text τί δεῖ περὶ Παύλου λέγειν, ἀπὸ Ἱερουσαλὴμ μέχρι τοῦ Ἰλλυρικοῦ πεπληρωκότος τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοὐ Χριστοῦ, καὶ ὕστερον ἐν τῇ Ῥώμῃ ἐπὶ Νέρωνος μεμαρτυρηκότος; ταῦτα Ὠριγένει κατὰ λέξιν ἐν τρίτῳ τόμῳ τῶν εἰς τὴν Γένεσιν ἐξηγητικῶν εἴρηται. ### English translation (Claude) What need is there to speak of Paul, who fulfilled the gospel of Christ from Jerusalem as far as Illyricum, and afterwards was martyred in Rome under Nero? These things are said word for word by Origen in the third volume of his Commentaries on Genesis. ### Scripture references - Rom 15:19: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Rom 15:19. The source is Origen's Commentary on Genesis, book 3 (lost; not among this site's texts). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.1.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/1/3/). ## Church History 3.2.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/2/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:84 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Linus, mentioned in 2 Timothy, was the first bishop of Rome after Peter and Paul. ### Greek text Τῆς δὲ Ῥωμαίων ἐκκλησίας μετὰ τὴν Παύλου καὶ Πέτρου μαρτυρίαν πρῶτος κληροῦται τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν Λίνος. μνημονεύει τούτου Τιμοθέῳ γράφων ἀπὸ Ῥώμης ὁ Παῦλος κατὰ τὴν ἐπὶ τέλει τῆς ἐπιστολῆς πρόσρησιν. ### English translation (Claude) After the martyrdom of Paul and Peter, Linus was the first to obtain the episcopate of the church of the Romans. Paul mentions him when writing to Timothy from Rome, in the greeting at the end of the letter. ### Scripture references - 2 Tim 4:21: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to 2 Tim 4:21. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.2.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/2/1/). ## Church History 3.3.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/3/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:84 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: 1 Peter is acknowledged by all; 2 Peter was received as not canonical but has been valued with the other Scriptures. ### Greek text Πέτρου μὲν οὖν ἐπι- στολὴ μία ἡ λεγομένη αὐτοῦ προτέρα ἀνωμολόγηται· ταύτῃ δὲ καὶ οἶ πάλαι πρεσβύτεροι ὡς ἀναμφιλέκτῳ ἐν τοῖς σφῶν αὐτῶν κατακέχρηνται συγγράμμασι. τὴν δὲ φερομένην αὐτοῦ δευτέραν οὐκ ἐνδιάθηκον μὲν εἶναι παρειλήφαμεν, ὅμως δὲ πολλοῖς χρήσιμος φανεῖσα μετὰ τῶν ἄλλων ἐσπουδάσθη γραφῶν. ### English translation (Claude) Of Peter, then, one letter, called his first, is acknowledged, and the presbyters of old used it in their own writings as undisputed. But the so-called second letter we have received as not canonical; nevertheless, since it appeared useful to many, it has been esteemed with the other Scriptures. ### Translation notes - ἐνδιάθηκον means “within the (New) Testament,” that is, canonical. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.3.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/3/1/). ## Church History 3.3.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/3/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:84 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Acts, Gospel, Preaching, and Apocalypse of Peter were not handed down as catholic writings. ### Greek text τό γε μὴν τῶν ἐπικεκλημένων αὐτοῦ πράξεων, καὶ τὸ κατʼ αὐτὸν ὠνομασμένον εὐαγγέλιον, τό τε λεγόμενον αὐτοῦ κήρυγμα, καὶ τὴν καλουμένην ἀποκάλυψιν οὐδʼ ὅλως ἐν καθολικαῖς ἴσμεν παραδεδομένα, ὅτι μήτε ἀρχαίων μήτε τῶν καθʼ ἡμᾶς τις ἐκκλησιαστικὸς συγγραφεὺς ταῖς ἐξ αὐτῶν συνεχρήσατο μαρτυρίαις. ### English translation (Claude) But as for the so-called Acts of Peter, the Gospel named after him, the so-called Preaching of Peter, and the so-called Apocalypse, we know that they have not been handed down at all among the catholic writings, since no church writer, either of the ancients or of our own time, has used testimonies from them. ### Extrabiblical texts - Gos. Pet. (Gospel of Peter): allusion, high confidence - Ker. Pet. (Preaching of Peter): allusion, high confidence - Apoc. Pet. (Apocalypse of Peter): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Eusebius overlooks that Clement of Alexandria used the Preaching and the Apocalypse of Peter (see 6.14.1). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.3.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/3/2/). ## Church History 3.3.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/3/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:84 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius will note which writers used disputed books and what they said about the canonical ones. ### Greek text προι·ούσης δὲ τῆς ἱστορίας προύργου ποιήσομαι σὺν ταῖς διαδοχαῖς ὑποσημήνασθαι τίνες τῶν κατὰ χρόνους ἐκκλησιαστικῶν συγγραφέων ὁποίαις κέχρηνται τόν ἀντιλεγομένων, τίνα τε περὶ τῶν ἐνδιαθήκων καὶ ὁμολογουμένων γραφῶν, καὶ ὅσα περὶ τῶν μὴ τοιούτων αὐτοῖς εἴρηται. ### English translation (Claude) As the history proceeds, I shall take care to indicate, together with the successions, which of the disputed writings the church writers of each period have used, what they have said about the canonical and acknowledged Scriptures, and what about those that are not such. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.3.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/3/3/). ## Church History 3.3.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/3/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:84–85 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Only one of the Petrine writings is genuine and acknowledged. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ τὰ μὲν ὀνομαζόμενα Πέτρου, ὧν μόνην μίαν γνησίαν ἔγνων ἐπιστολὴν καὶ παρὰ τοῖς πάλαι πρεσβυτέροις ὡμολογημένην, τοσαῦτα. ### English translation (Claude) But of the writings named after Peter, of which I have recognized only one letter as genuine and acknowledged by the presbyters of old, so much. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.3.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/3/4/). ## Church History 3.3.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/3/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:85 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Paul's fourteen letters are clear, though some reject Hebrews; the Acts of Paul are not undisputed. ### Greek text τοῦ δὲ Παύλου πρόδηλοι καὶ σαφεῖς αἶ δεκατέσσαρες ἐπιστολαί. ὅτι γε μήν τινες ἠθετήκασι τὴν πρὸς Ἑβραίους, πρὸς τῆς Ῥωμαίων ἐκκλησίας ὡς μὴ Παύλου οὖσαν αὐτὴν ἀντιλέγεσθαι φήσαντες, οὐ δίκαιον ἀγνοεῖν. καὶ τὰ περὶ ταύτης δὲ τοῖς πρὸ ἡμῶν εἰρημένα κατὰ καιρὸν παραθήσομαι. οὐδὲ μὴν τὰς λεγομένας αὐτοῦ Πραξεῖς ἐν ἀναμφιλέκτοις παρείληφα. ### English translation (Claude) The fourteen letters of Paul are obvious and clear. It is not right, however, to be unaware that some have rejected the one to the Hebrews, saying that it is disputed by the church of the Romans as not being Paul's. What was said about it by those before us I shall set out in due course. Nor have I received his so-called Acts among the undisputed writings. ### Extrabiblical texts - Acts Paul (Acts of Paul): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.3.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/3/5/). ## Church History 3.3.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/3/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:85 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Shepherd of Hermas is disputed but valued for beginners, read in churches, and used by early writers. ### Greek text ἐπεὶ δὲ ὁ αὐτὸς ἀπόστολος ἐν ταῖς ἐπὶ τέλει προσρήσεσι τῆς πρὸς Ῥωμαίους μνήμην πεποίηται μετὰ τῶν ἄλλων καὶ Ἑρμᾶ, οὗ φασιν ὑπάρχειν τὸ τοῦ ποιμένος βιβλίον, ἰστέον ὡς καὶ τοῦτο πρὸς μέν τινων ἀντι- λέλεκται, διʼ οὓς οὐκ ἂν ἐν ὁμολογουμένοις τεθείη, ὑφʼ ἑτέρων δὲ ἀναγκαιότατον οἶς μάλιστα δεῖ στοιχειώσεως εἰσαγωγικῆς κέκριται. ὅθεν ἤδη καὶ ἐν ἐκκλησίαις ἴσμεν αὐτὸ δεδημοσιευμένον, καὶ τῶν παλαιτάτων δὲ συγγραφέων κεχρημένους τινὰς αὐτῷ κατείληφα. ### English translation (Claude) Since the same apostle, in the greetings at the end of Romans, has mentioned among others Hermas, to whom they say the book of the Shepherd belongs, it should be known that this too has been disputed by some, on whose account it could not be placed among the acknowledged books, but by others it has been judged most necessary, especially for those who need elementary instruction. Hence we know that it has been read publicly in churches, and I have found that some of the most ancient writers used it. ### Scripture references - Rom 16:14: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Herm. Vis. (Shepherd of Hermas: Visions): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Rom 16:14. The identification of the author of the Shepherd with the Hermas of Romans is a traditional guess. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.3.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/3/6/). ## Church History 3.3.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/3/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:85 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: So much on the undisputed and disputed books. ### Greek text ταῦτα εἰς παράστασιν τῶν τε ἀναντιρρήτων καὶ τῶν μὴ παρὰ πᾶσιν ὁμολογουμένων θείων γραμμάτων εἰρήσθω. ### English translation (Claude) Let this be said to set out the divine writings that are undisputed and those that are not acknowledged by all. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.3.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/3/7/). ## Church History 3.4.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/4/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:85 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Paul founded churches from Jerusalem to Illyricum, as his letters and Acts show. ### Greek text Ὅτι μὲν οὖν τοῖς ἐξ ἐθνῶν κηρύσσων ὁ Παῦλος τοὺς ἀπὸ Ἰερουσαλὴμ καὶ κύκλῳ μέχρι τοὐ Ἰλλυρικοῦ τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν καταβέβλητο θεμελίους δῆλον ἐκ τῶν αὐτοῦ γένοιτʼ ἂν φωνῶν καὶ ἀφʼ ὧν ὁ Λουκᾶς ἐν ταῖς Πράξεσιν ἰστόρησεν. ### English translation (Claude) That Paul, preaching to the Gentiles, laid the foundations of the churches from Jerusalem and round about as far as Illyricum is clear from his own words and from what Luke related in the Acts. ### Scripture references - Rom 15:19: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Rom 15:19. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.4.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/4/1/). ## Church History 3.4.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/4/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:85–86 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: 1 Peter shows the provinces where Peter preached to Jewish believers. ### Greek text καὶ ἐκ τῶν Πέτρου δὲ λέξεων ἐν ὁπόσαις καὶ οὗτος ἐπαρχίαις τοὺς ἐκ περιτομῆς τὸν Χριστὸν εὐαγγελιζόμενος τὸν τῆς καινῆς διαθήκης παρεδίδου λόγον σαφὲς ἂν εἴη ἀφʼ ἧς εἰρήκαμεν ὁμολογουμένης αὐτοῦ ἐπιστολῆς, ἐν ἡ τοῖς ἐξ Ἑβραίων οὖσιν ἐν δια- σπορᾷ Πόντου καὶ Γαλατίας Καππαδοκίας τε καὶ Ἀσίας καὶ Βιθυνίας γράφει. ### English translation (Claude) And from Peter's words too it would be clear in how many provinces he preached Christ to those of the circumcision and delivered the word of the new covenant, from the letter we have said is acknowledged as his, in which he writes to those of the Hebrews in the Dispersion of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. ### Scripture references - 1 Pet 1:1: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to 1 Pet 1:1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.4.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/4/2/). ## Church History 3.4.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/4/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:86 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: It is hard to know which of their followers became pastors, except those named by Paul. ### Greek text ὅσοι δὲ τούτων καὶ τίνες γνήσιοι ζηλωταὶ γεγονότες τὰς πρὸς αὐτῶν ἱδρυθείσας ἱκανοὶ ποιμαίνειν ἐδοκιμάσθησαν ἐκκλησίας οὐ ῥᾴδιον εἰπεῖν, μὴ ὅτι γε ὅσους ἄν τις ἐκ τῶν Παύλου φωνῶν ἀναλέξοιτο. ### English translation (Claude) But how many and which of these, becoming genuine followers, were approved as able to shepherd the churches founded by them, it is not easy to say, except those one might gather from the words of Paul. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.4.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/4/3/). ## Church History 3.4.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/4/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:86 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Paul's letters and Acts name many of his co-workers. ### Greek text τούτου γὰρ οὑν μυρίοι συνεργοὶ καὶ ὡς αὐτὸς ὠνόμασε συστρατιῶται γεγόνασιν, ὧν οἶ πλείους ἀλήστου πρὸς αὐτοῦ μνήμης ἠξίωνται, διηνεκῆ τὴν περὶ αὐτῶν μαρτυρίαν ταῖς ἰδίαις ἐπιστολαῖς ἐγκαταλέξαντος. οὐ μὴν ἀλλὰ καὶ ὁ Λουκᾶς ἐν ταῖς Πράξεσι τοὺς γνωρίμους αὐτοῦ καταλέγων ἐξ ὀνόματος αὐτῶν μνημονεύει. ### English translation (Claude) For he had countless fellow workers and, as he himself called them, fellow soldiers, most of whom were thought worthy by him of unfading remembrance, since he recorded in his own letters his lasting testimony about them. Moreover, Luke too, in the Acts, listing his associates, mentions them by name. ### Scripture references - Phil 2:25: allusion, medium confidence - Phlm 1:2: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Allusions to Phil 2:25 and Phlm 2. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.4.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/4/4/). ## Church History 3.4.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/4/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:86 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Timothy is said to have been the first bishop of Ephesus, and Titus of Crete. ### Greek text Τιμόθεός γε μὴν τῆς ἐν Ἐφέσω παροικίας ἱστορεῖται πρῶτος τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν εἰληχέναι, ὡς καὶ Τίτος τῶν ἐπὶ Κρήτης ἐκκλησιῶν. ### English translation (Claude) Timothy, at any rate, is recorded to have been the first to receive the episcopate of the community in Ephesus, as Titus was of the churches in Crete. ### Scripture references - 1 Tim 1:3: allusion, medium confidence - Titus 1:5: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Compare 1 Tim 1:3 and Titus 1:5. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.4.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/4/5/). ## Church History 3.4.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/4/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:86 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Luke of Antioch, a physician and Paul's companion, wrote the Gospel from eyewitness tradition and Acts from his own observation. ### Greek text Λουκᾶς δὲ τὸ μὲν γένος ὢν τῶν ἀπʼ Ἀντιοχείας, τὴν ἐπιστήμην δὲ ἰατρὸς, τὰ πλεῖστα συγγεγονὼς τῷ Παύλῳ, καὶ τοῖς λοιποῖς δὲ οὐ παρέργως τῶν ἀποστόλων ὡμιληκὼς, ἦς ἀπὸ τούτων προσεκτήσατο ψυχῶν θεραπευτικῆς ἐν δυʼ ἡμῖν ὑποδείγματα θεοπνεύστοις καταλέλοιπε βιβλίοι τῷ τε εὐαγγελίῳ, ὃ καὶ χαράξαι μαρτυρεῖται, κα παρέδοντο αὐτῷ οἷ ἀπʼ ἀρχῆς αὐτόαται καὶ ὑπηρέτ γενόμενοι τοῦ λόγου, οἷς καί φησιν ἐπάνωθεν ἄπʼ παρηκολουθηκέναι, καὶ ταῖς τῶν ἀποστόλων πράξ σιν, ἅς οὐκέτι διʼ ἀκοῆς, ὀφθαλμοῖς δὲ αὐτοῖς παρʼ λαβὼν συνετάξατο. ### English translation (Claude) Luke, who was by birth one of those from Antioch and by profession a physician, having been with Paul most of the time and having associated closely with the rest of the apostles too, has left us examples of the healing of souls which he acquired from them in two divinely inspired books: the Gospel, which he testifies he wrote according to what was handed down to him by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word, all of whom, he says, he had followed from the first; and the Acts of the Apostles, which he composed having received it no longer by hearing but with his own eyes. ### Scripture references - Col 4:14: allusion, high confidence - Luke 1:2–3: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusions to Col 4:14 and Luke 1:2–3. The digital text is damaged in several words at the line ends; the sense is clear. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.4.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/4/6/). ## Church History 3.4.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/4/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:86 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Some say Paul's phrase “my gospel” refers to Luke's Gospel. ### Greek text φασὶ δὲ ὡς ἄρα τοῦ κατʼ τὸν εὐαγγελίου μνημονεύειν ὁ Παῦλος εἴωθεν ὁπηνίκʼ ὡς περὶ ἰδίου τινὸς εὐαγγελίου γράφων ἔλεγε “ κατʼ τὸ εὐαγγέλιόν μου ” ### English translation (Claude) They say that Paul was accustomed to refer to the Gospel according to him whenever, as though writing of some gospel of his own, he said, “according to my gospel.” ### Scripture references - Rom 2:16: quotation, high confidence - 2 Tim 2:8: quotation, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The phrase is Rom 2:16; 16:25; 2 Tim 2:8. The digital text has κατʼ τὸν for κατʼ αὐτὸν. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.4.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/4/7/). ## Church History 3.4.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/4/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:86–87 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Crescens went to Gaul; Linus, with Paul in Rome, was the first bishop of Rome after Peter. ### Greek text τῶν δὲ λοιπῶν ἀκολούθο τοῦ Παύλου Κρίσκης μὲν ἐπὶ τὰς Γαλλίας στειλάμει ὑπʼ αὐτοῦ μαρτυρεῖται, Λίνος δὲ, οὗ μέμνηται συν- όντος ἐπὶ Ῥώμης αὐτῷ κατὰ τὴν δευτέραν πρὸς Τιμόθεον ἐπιστολὴν, πρῶτος μετὰ Πέτρον τῆς Ῥωμαίων ἐκκλησίας τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν ἤδη πρότερον κληρωθεὶς δεδήλωται. ### English translation (Claude) Of Paul's other followers, Crescens is attested by him to have been sent to Gaul; and Linus, whom he mentions as being with him at Rome in the second letter to Timothy, has already been shown to have been the first after Peter to obtain the episcopate of the church of the Romans. ### Scripture references - 2 Tim 4:10: allusion, high confidence - 2 Tim 4:21: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusions to 2 Tim 4:10, 21. Some manuscripts of 2 Tim 4:10 read “Gaul” (Γαλλίαν) for “Galatia.” ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.4.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/4/8/). ## Church History 3.4.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/4/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:87 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement, third bishop of Rome, is identified with Paul's co-worker. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ καὶ ὁ Κλήμης τῆς Ῥωμαίων καὶ αὐτὸς ἐκκλησίας τρίτος ἐπίσκοπος καταστὰς Παύλου συνεργὸς καὶ συναθλητὴς γεγονέναι πρὸς αὐτοῦ μαρτυρεῖται. ### English translation (Claude) Clement too, who was himself appointed third bishop of the church of the Romans, is attested by Paul to have been his fellow worker and fellow combatant. ### Scripture references - Phil 4:3: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Phil 4:3; the identification of this Clement with Clement of Rome is traditional and uncertain. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.4.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/4/9/). ## Church History 3.4.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/4/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:87 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius of Corinth says Dionysius the Areopagite was the first bishop of Athens. ### Greek text ἐπὶ τούτοις καὶ τὸν Ἀρεοπαγίτην ἐκεῖνον, Διονύσιος ὄνομα αὐτῷ, ὃν ἐν Πράξεσι μετὰ τὴν ἐν Ἀρείῳ πάγῳ πρὸς Ἀθηναίους Παύλου δημηγορίαν πρῶτον πιστεῦσαι ἀνέγραψεν ὁ Λουκᾶς) τῆς ἐν Ἀθήναις ἐκκλησίας πρῶτον ἐπίσκοπον ἀρχαίων τις ἕτερος Διονύσιος τῆς Κορινθίων παροικίας ποιμὴν ἱστορεῖ γεγονέναι. ### English translation (Claude) In addition, that Areopagite named Dionysius (whom Luke recorded in the Acts as the first to believe after Paul's address to the Athenians on the Areopagus) is recorded by another of the ancients, Dionysius, pastor of the community of the Corinthians, to have been the first bishop of the church in Athens. ### Scripture references - Acts 17:34: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Corinth, Letter to the Athenians (Dionysius of Corinth (letters)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Acts 17:34; the source is Dionysius of Corinth (see 4.23.3). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.4.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/4/10/). ## Church History 3.4.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/4/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:87 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The apostolic successions will be told in due course. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ γὰρ ὁδῷ προβαίνουσιν ἐπὶ καιροῦ τὰ τῆς κατὰ χρ·όνους τῶν ἀποστό λῶν διαδοχῆς ἡμῖν εἰρήσεται. νῦν δὲ ἐπὶ τὰ ἐξῆς ἴωμεν τῆς ἱστορίας. ### English translation (Claude) But the successions of the apostles in each period will be told by us in due course as we proceed on our way. Now let us go on to what follows in the history. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.4.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/4/11/). ## Church History 3.5.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/5/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:87 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: After Nero, Galba, and Otho, Vespasian was proclaimed emperor in Judea and left the war to Titus. ### Greek text Μετὰ Νέρωνα δέκα πρὸς τρισὶν ἔτεσι τὴν ἀρχὴν ἐπικρατήσαντα τῶν ἀμφὶ Γάλβαν καὶ Ὄθωνα ἐνιαυτὸν ἐπὶ μησὶν ἕξ διαγενομένων Οὐεσπασιανὸς, ταῖς κατὰ Ἰουδαίων παρατὰξεσι λαμπρυνόμενος, βασιλεὺς ἐπʼ αὐτῆς ἀναδείκνυται τῆς Ἰουδαίας, αὐτοκράτωρ πρὸς τῶν αὐτόθι στρατοπέδων ἀναγορευθείς. τὴν ἐπὶ Ῥώμης οὖν αὐτίκα στειλάμενος Τίτῳ τῷ παιδὶ τὸν κατὰ Ἰουδαίων ἐγχειρίζει πόλεμον. ### English translation (Claude) After Nero had held power for thirteen years, and the reigns of Galba and Otho had lasted a year and six months, Vespasian, distinguished in the campaigns against the Jews, was proclaimed emperor in Judea itself, being hailed as imperator by the armies there. Setting out at once for Rome, he entrusted the war against the Jews to his son Titus. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.5.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/5/1/). ## Church History 3.5.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/5/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:87–88 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: After the Jewish leaders killed Stephen and the two Jameses and drove out the apostles, the apostles went to all nations as Christ had commanded. ### Greek text μετά γε μὴν τὴν τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν ἀνάληψιν Ἰουδαίων πρὸς τῷ κατʼ αὐτοῦ τολμήματι ἤδη καὶ κατὰ τῶν ἀποστόλων αὐτοῦ πλείστας ὅσας ἐπιβουλὰς μεμηχανημένων, πρώτου τε Στεφάνου λίθοις ὑπʼ αὐτῶν ἀνῃρημένου, εἶτα δὲ μετʼ αὐ- τὸν Ἰακώβου, ὃς ἦν Ζεβεδαίου μὲν παῖς, ἀδελφὸς δὲ Ἰωάννου, τὴν κεφαλὴν ἀποτμηθέντος, ἐπὶ πᾶσί τε Ἰακώβου, τοῦ τὸν αύτόθι τῆς ἐπισκοπῆς θρόνον πρώτου μετὰ τὴν τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν ἀνάληψιν κεκληρωμένου, τὸν προδηλωθέντα τρόπον μεταλλάξαντος, τῶν τε λοιπῶν ἀποστόλων μυρία εἰς θάνατον ἐπιβεβουλευμένων, καὶ τῆς μὲν Ἰουδαίας γῆς ἀπεληλαμένων, ἐπὶ δὲ τῇ τοῦ κηρύγματος διδασκαλίᾳ τὴν εἰς σύμπαντα τὰ ἔθνη στειλαμένων πορείαν σὺν δυνάμει τοῦ Χριστοῦ φήσαντος αὐτοῖς “πορευθέντες μαθητεύ- “σατε πάντα τὰ ἔθνη ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί μου, ” ### English translation (Claude) After the ascension of our Saviour, the Jews, in addition to their crime against him, had already devised very many plots against his apostles too: first Stephen was killed by them with stones; then after him James, the son of Zebedee and brother of John, was beheaded; and finally James, who first after our Saviour's ascension had been allotted the throne of the episcopate there, died in the manner shown before; and the rest of the apostles, against whom countless plots were laid to kill them, were driven out of the land of Judea and went on their way to all the nations to teach the message, with the power of Christ, who had said to them, “Go and make disciples of all the nations in my name.” ### Scripture references - Matt 28:19: quotation, high confidence - Acts 7:58–60: allusion, high confidence - Acts 12:2: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is a free form of Matt 28:19. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.5.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/5/2/). ## Church History 3.5.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/5/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:88 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Warned by an oracle, the Jerusalem Christians fled to Pella before the war; then divine judgment fell on the city. ### Greek text οὐ μὴν ἀλλὰ καὶ τοῦ λαοῦ τῆς ἐν Ἱεροσολύμοις ἐκκλησίας κατά τινα χρησμὸν τοῖς αὐτόθι δοκίμοις διʼ ἀποκαλύψεως δοθέντα πρὸ τοῦ πολέμου μεταναστῆναι τῆς πόλεως καί τινα τῆς Περαίας πόλιν οἰκεῖν κεκελευσμένου, Πέλλαν αὐτὴν ὀνομάζουσιν, ἐν ᾗ τῶν εἰς Χριστὸν πεπιστευκότων ἀπὸ τῆς Ἱερουσαλὴμ μετῳκισμένων, ὡσὰν παντελῶς ἐπιλελοιπότων ἀγίων ἀνδρῶν αὐτήν τε τὴν Ἰουδαίων βασιλικὴν μητρόπολιν καὶ σύμπασαν τὴν Ἰουδαίαν γῆν, ἡ ἐκ θεοῦ δίκη λοιπὸν αὐτοὺς ἅτε τοσαῦτα εἴς τε τὸν Χριστὸν καὶ τοὺς ἀποστόλους αὐτοῦ παρηνομηκότας μετῄει, τῶν ἀσεβῶν ἄρδην τὴν γενεὰν αὐτὴν ἐκείνην ἐξ ἀνθρώπων ἀφανίζουσα. ### English translation (Claude) Moreover, the people of the church in Jerusalem had been commanded by an oracle given by revelation to the approved men there before the war to leave the city and live in a certain city of Peraea, which they call Pella. When those who believed in Christ had moved there from Jerusalem, as if holy men had utterly abandoned the royal metropolis of the Jews itself and the whole land of Judea, the judgment of God at last overtook them for their many crimes against Christ and his apostles, utterly destroying that generation of the impious from among men. ### Translation notes - The flight to Pella is attested here and in Epiphanius; its historicity is debated. The judgment language is Eusebius's theological interpretation. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.5.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/5/3/). ## Church History 3.5.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/5/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:88–89 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus records the war's horrors in detail, ending with the abomination of desolation and the burning of the temple. ### Greek text ὅσα μὲν οὖν τηνικάδε κατὰ πάντα τόπον ὅλῳ τῷ ἔθνει συνερρύη κακὰ, ὅπως τε αὖ μάλιστα οἱ τῆς Ἰουδαίας οἰκήτορες εἰς ἔσχατον περιηλάθησαν συμφορῶν, ὁπόσαι τε μυριάδες ἡβηδὸν γυναιξὶν ἅμα καὶ παισὶ ξίφει καὶ λιμῷ καὶ μυρίοις ἄλλοις εἴδεσι περιπεπτώκασι θανάτου, πόλεων τε Ἰουδαϊκῶν ὅσαι τε καὶ οἷαι γεγόνασι πολιορκίαι, ἀλλὰ καὶ ὁπόσα οἶ ἐπʼ αὐτὴν Ἱερουσαλὴμ ὡσὰν ἐπὶ μητρόπολιν ὀχυρωτάτην καταπεφευγότες δεινὰ καὶ πέρα δεινῶν ἑωράκασι, τοῦ τε παντὸς πολέμου τὸν τρόπον, καὶ τῶν ἐν τούτῳ γεγενημένων ἐν μέρει ἕκαστα, καὶ ὡς ἐπὶ τέλει τὸ πρὸς τῶν προφητῶν ἀνηγορευμένον βδέλυγμα τῆς ἐρημώσεως ἐν αὐτῷ κατέστη τῷ πάλαι τοῦ θεοῦ περιβοήτῳ νεῷ, παντελῆ φθορὰν καὶ ἀφανισμὸν ἔσχατον τὸν διὰ πυρὸς ὑπομείναντι, πάρεστιν ὅτῳ φίλον ἐπʼ ἀκριβὲς ἐκ τῆς τῷ Ἰωσήπῳ γραφείσης ἀναλέξασθαι ἱστορίας. ### English translation (Claude) How many evils then poured on the whole nation in every place; how especially the inhabitants of Judea were driven to the extreme of calamities; how many tens of thousands of men of every age, with women and children, fell by the sword, by famine, and by countless other forms of death; how many and what sieges of Jewish cities took place; and what terrible things, and worse than terrible, those saw who fled to Jerusalem itself as to a most secure metropolis; the course of the whole war and each event that took place in it; and how at last the abomination of desolation proclaimed by the prophets stood in the very temple of God, famous of old, which suffered utter ruin and final destruction by fire: all this anyone who wishes may gather accurately from the history written by Josephus. ### Scripture references - Dan 9:27: allusion, high confidence - Matt 24:15: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. (Josephus (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The “abomination of desolation” alludes to Dan 9:27 and Matt 24:15. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.5.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/5/4/). ## Church History 3.5.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/5/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:89 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus says about three million people were trapped in Jerusalem at Passover. ### Greek text ὡς δὲ αὐτὸς οὕτος τῶν ἀθροισθέντων ἀπὸ τῆς Ἰουδαίας ἁπάσης ἐν ἡμέραις τῆς τοῦ Πάσχα ἑορτῆς ὥσπερ ἐν εἱρκτῇ ῥήμασιν αὐτοῖς ἀποκλεισθῆναι εἰς τὰ Ἱεροσόλυμα ἀμφὶ τριακοσίας μυριάδας τὸ πλῆθος ἱστορεῖ, ἀναγκαῖον ὑποσημήνασθαι. ### English translation (Claude) But it is necessary to note that he relates, in his own words, that the multitude of those who gathered from all Judea at the time of the feast of the Passover and were shut up in Jerusalem as in a prison was about three million. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 6.420–425 (Josephus (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The source is Josephus, J.W. 6.420–425 (Josephus gives various figures). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.5.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/5/5/). ## Church History 3.5.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/5/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:89 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius sees the Passover siege as fitting judgment for the crucifixion at Passover. ### Greek text χρῆν γοῦν, ἐν αἷς ἡμέραις τὸνπάντων σωτῆρα καὶ εὐεργέτην τὸν Χριστὸν τοῦ θεοῦ τὰ κατὰ τὸ πάθος διατέθεινται, ταῖς αὐταῖς ὥσπερ ἐν εἱρκτῇ κατακλεισθέντας τὸν μετελθόντα αὐτοὺς ὄλεθρον πρὸς τῆς θείας δίκης καταδέξασθαι. ### English translation (Claude) For it was fitting that on the very days on which they had inflicted the Passion on the Saviour and benefactor of all, the Christ of God, they should be shut up as in a prison and receive the destruction that overtook them from divine justice. ### Translation notes - Eusebius's theological interpretation. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.5.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/5/6/). ## Church History 3.5.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/5/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:89 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius will quote Josephus only on the famine in the siege. ### Greek text παρελθὼν δὴ τὰ τῶν ἐν μέρει συμβεβηκότων αὐτοῖς ὅσα διὰ ξίφους καὶ ἄλλῳ τρόπῳ κατʼ αὐτῶν ἐγκεχείρισται μόνας τὰς διὰ τοῦ λιμοῦ ἀναγκαῖον ἡγοῦμαι συμφορὰς παραθέσθαι, ὡς ἂν ἐκ μέρους ἔχοιεν οἶ τῇδε τῇ γραφῇ ἐντυγχάνοντες εἰδέναι ὅπως αὐτοὺς τῆς εἰς τὸν Χριστὸν τοῦ θεοῦ παρανομίας οὐκ εἰς μακρὸν ἡ ἐκ θεοῦ μετῆλθε τιμωρία. ### English translation (Claude) Passing over the particulars of what befell them, all that was inflicted on them by the sword and in other ways, I think it necessary to set out only the calamities of the famine, so that readers of this work may know in part how the punishment from God for their crime against the Christ of God overtook them before long. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.5.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/5/7/). ## Church History 3.6.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:89–90 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): the wealthy were killed for their property as the rebels' madness grew with the famine. ### Greek text Φέρε δὴ οὖν τῶν ἱστοριῶν τὴν πέμπτην τοῦ Ἰωσήπου μετὰ χεῖρας αὖθις ἀναλα- βὼν τῶν τότε πραχθέντων δίελθε τὴν τραγῳδίαν· τοῖς γε μὴν εὐπόροιςʼ’ φησὶ “ καὶ τὸ μένειν πρὸς “ἀπωλείας ἴσον ἦν. προφάσει γὰρ αὐτομολίας ἀνῃ- “ ρεῖτό τις διὰ τὴν οὐσίαν. τῷ λιμῷ δὲ ἡ ἀπόνοια ‘ τῶν στασιαστῶν συνήκμαζε, καὶ καθʼ ἡμέραν ἀμφό- ‘τερα προσεξεκάετο τὰ δεινά. ### English translation (Claude) Come, then, take up again the fifth book of Josephus's Histories and go through the tragedy of what was then done: “For the wealthy,” he says, “even staying was equal to destruction; for on the pretext of desertion a man was killed for his property. The madness of the rebels grew with the famine, and each day both terrors blazed up more. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 5.424 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation (3.6.1–10) is Josephus, J.W. 5.424–438. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.6.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/1/). ## Church History 3.6.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:90 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): the rebels searched houses for grain and tortured the owners, judging by their bodies who had food. ### Greek text φανερὸς μέν γε οὐ- “ δάμου σῖτος ἦν, ἐπεισπηδῶντες δὲ διηρεύνων τὰς “ οἰκίας, ἔπειθʼ εὑρόντες μὲν ὡς ἀρνησαμένους ᾐκί- “ ζοντο, μὴ εὑρόντες δὲ ὡς ἐπιμελέστερον κρύψαντας ἐβασάνιζον. τεκμήριον δὲ τοῦ τʼ ἔχειν καὶ μὴ τὰ σώματα τῶν ἀθλίων ἦν, ὧν οἱ μὲν ἔτι συνεστῶτες εὐπορεῖν τροφῆς ἐδόκουν, οἶ τηκόμενοι δὲ ἤδη παρωδεύοντο, καὶ κτείνειν ἄλογον ἐδόκει τοὺς ὑπʼ ἐν- δείας τεθνηξομένους αὐτίκα. ### English translation (Claude) Nowhere was grain to be seen; they burst into houses and searched them; then, if they found it, they tortured the owners for having denied it; if they did not find it, they tormented them for having hidden it more carefully. The evidence of having or not having was the bodies of the wretches: those still in good condition were thought to have plenty of food, while those already wasting away were passed by, and it seemed pointless to kill those who would soon die of want. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 5.425–426 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 5.425–426. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.6.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/2/). ## Church History 3.6.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:90 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): people traded everything for a measure of grain and ate it in hiding, even unground. ### Greek text πολλοὶ δὲ λάθρα τὰς κτήσεις ἑνὸς ἀντικατηλλάξαντο μέτρου, πυρῶν μὲν, εἰ πλουσιώτεροι τυγχάνοιεν ὄντες, οἱ δὲ πενέ- “ στεροι κριθῆς. ἔπειτα κατακλείοντες ἑαυτοὺς εἰς τὰ μυχαίτατα τῶν οἰκιῶν τινὲς μὲν ὑπʼ ἄκρας ἐνδείας “ τὸν σῖτον ἤσθιον, οἱ δὲ ἔπεσσον, ὡς ἥ τε ἀνάγκη καὶ τὸ δέος παρῄνει. ### English translation (Claude) Many secretly exchanged their possessions for a single measure, of wheat if they were richer, of barley if poorer. Then, shutting themselves up in the innermost rooms of their houses, some in extreme want ate the grain unground, while others baked it, as necessity and fear advised. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 5.427 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 5.427. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.6.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/3/). ## Church History 3.6.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:90 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): food was snatched half-raw, the strong seizing it from the weak. ### Greek text καὶ τράπεζα μὲν “ οὐδαμοῦ παρετίθετο, τοῦ δὲ πυρὸς ἀφέλκοντες ἔτʼ “ὠμὰ τὰ σιτία διήρπαζον. ἐλεεινὴ δʼ ἦν ἡ τροφὴ κʼ “δακρύων ἄξιος ἡ θέα, τῶν μὲν δυνατωτέρων πλέο “νεκτούντων, τῶν δὲ ἀσθενῶν ὀδυρομένων. ### English translation (Claude) No table was set anywhere, but they snatched the food from the fire still raw and tore it apart. Pitiful was the food and the sight worthy of tears, the stronger taking more and the weak lamenting. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 5.428–429 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 5.428–429. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.6.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/4/). ## Church History 3.6.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:90 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): famine destroyed all shame, so that mothers snatched food from their infants' mouths. ### Greek text πά “ των μὲν δὴ παθῶν ὑπερίσταται λιμὸς, οὐδὲν “οὕτως ἀπόλλυσιν ὡς αἰδώς. τὸ γὰρ ἄλλως ἐντροπῆς “ ἄξιον ἐν τούτῳ καταφρονεῖται. γυναῖκες γοῦν ἀν- “ δρῶν καὶ παῖδες πατέρων, καὶ τὸ οἰκτρότατον, μʼ ‘τέρες νηπίων ἐξήρπαζον ἐξ αὐτῶν τῶν στομάτων τʼ τροφάς. καὶ τῶν φιλτάτων ἐν χερσὶ μαραινομένῳ “ οὐκ ἦν φειδὼ τοὺς τοῦ ζῆν ἀφελέσθαι σταλαγμοῦ “ ### English translation (Claude) Famine overpowers all the passions, but nothing does it destroy so much as shame; for what at other times deserves respect is in this case despised. Wives snatched the food from their husbands, children from their fathers, and, most pitiable of all, mothers from their infants, out of their very mouths; and when their dearest were wasting away in their arms, there was no scruple about taking from them the life-giving drops. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 5.429–430 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 5.429–430. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.6.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/5/). ## Church History 3.6.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:90–91 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): the rebels broke into locked houses and forced food from people's throats. ### Greek text τοιαῦτα δʼ ἐσθίοντες ὅμως οὐ διελάνθανον. πανταχοῦ δʼ οὑν ἐφίσταντο οἱ στασιασταὶ καὶ τούτω “ ταῖς ἁρπαγαῖς. ὁπότε γὰρ κατίδοιεν ἀποκεκλεισμένη “οἰκίαν, σημεῖον ἢν τοῦτο τοὺς ἔνδον προσφέρεσθαι “τροφήν. εὐθέως δὲ εἰσαράξαντες τὰς θύρας εἰσεπή-·‘δων, καὶ μόνον οὐκ ἐκ τῶν φαρύγγων ἀναθλίβον- “τες τοὺς ἀκόλους ἀνέφερον. ### English translation (Claude) Yet even eating such things they did not escape notice; everywhere the rebels were on them for plunder. For whenever they saw a house shut up, this was a sign that those inside were taking food; at once they broke down the doors, burst in, and all but squeezing the morsels out of their throats, brought them up. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 5.431–432 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 5.431–432. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.6.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/6/). ## Church History 3.6.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:91 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): old men, women, and infants were brutally robbed of food. ### Greek text ἐτύπτοντο δὲ γέρον- “τες ἀντεχόμενοι τῶν σιτίων, καὶ κόμης ἐσπαράσσοντο “γυναῖκες, συγκαλύπτουσαι τὰ ἐν χερσίν· οὐδέ τις “ἦν οἶκτος πολιᾶς ἢ νηπίων, ἀλλὰ συνεπαίροντες “νήπια τῶν ψωμῶν ἐκκρεμάμενα κατέσειον εἰς ἔδα- “φος. τοῖς δὲ φθάσασι τὴν εἰσδρομὴν αὐτῶν καὶ “προκαταπιοῦσι τὸ ἁρπαγησόμενον ὡς ἀδικηθέντες ‘ἦσαν ὠμότεροι. ### English translation (Claude) Old men who clung to their food were beaten, and women were dragged by the hair for hiding what was in their hands; there was no pity for grey hair or for infants, but they lifted up infants clinging to the morsels and dashed them to the ground. To those who had anticipated their entry and swallowed beforehand what was to be seized, they were more savage, as if wronged. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 5.433 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 5.433. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.6.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/7/). ## Church History 3.6.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:91 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): the rebels tortured people horribly to make them reveal hidden bread. ### Greek text δεινὰς δὲ βασάνων ὁδοὺς ἐπε- ‘νόουν πρὸς ἔρευναν τροφῆς, ὀρόβοις μὲν ἐμφράττοντες τοῖς ἀθλίοις τοὺς τῶν αἰδοίων πόρους, ῥάβδοις δὲ ὀξείαις ἀναπείροντες τὰς ἔδρας. τὰ φρικτὰ δὲ καὶ ‘ἀκοαῖς ἔπασχέ τις εἰς ἐξομολόγησιν ἑνὸς ἄρτου καὶ “ἔνα μηνύσῃ δράκα μίαν κεκρυμμένην ἀλφίτων. ### English translation (Claude) They devised terrible ways of torture in their search for food, stopping the passages of the private parts of the wretches with bitter vetch and piercing their seats with sharp stakes. Things horrible even to hear a man suffered to make him confess to one loaf, and to reveal a single handful of barley meal that he had hidden. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 5.435 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 5.435. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.6.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/8/). ## Church History 3.6.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:91 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): the torturers were not even hungry but hoarding for themselves. ### Greek text οἱ “βασανισταὶ δʼ οὐκ ἐπείνων, (καὶ γὰρ ἂν ἧττον ὠμὸν “ἦν τὸ μετʼ ἀνάγκης), γυμνάζοντες δὲ τὴν ἀπόνοιαν, ‘καὶ προπαρασκευάζοντες ἑαυτοῖς εἰς τὰς ἑξῆς ἡμέρας ἐφόδια. ### English translation (Claude) But the torturers were not hungry (for it would have been less cruel if done out of necessity), but were exercising their madness and preparing provisions for themselves for the following days. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 5.436 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 5.436. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.6.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/9/). ## Church History 3.6.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:91 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): people who risked their lives to gather herbs were robbed on their return, glad not to be killed. ### Greek text τοῖς δʼ ἐπὶ ‘Ρωμαίων φρουρὰν νύ- “κτωρ ἐξερπύσασιν ἐπὶ λαχάνων συλλογὴν ἀγρίων καὶ πόας ὑπαντῶντες, ὅτʼ ἤδη διαπεφευγέναι τοὺς “πολεμίους ἐδόκουν, ἀφήρπαζον τὰ κομισθέντα, καὶ “πολλάκις ἱκετευόντων, καὶ τὸ φρικτότατον ἐπικαλου- ‘μένων ὄνομα τοῦ θεοῦ, μεταδοῦναί τι μέρος αὐτοῖς ῾ ὧν κινδυνεύσαντες ἤνεγκαν, οὐδʼ ὁτιοῦν μετέδοσαν. ‘ἀγαπητὸν δʼ ἦν τὸ μὴ καὶ προσαπολέσθαι σεσυλημένον.” ### English translation (Claude) And those who crept out by night toward the Roman guard to gather wild herbs and grass they met when they thought they had already escaped the enemy, and snatched away what they had brought; and often, when they begged, and called on the most awesome name of God, to be given some part of what they had risked their lives to bring, they gave them nothing at all. It was a mercy not to be killed as well as robbed.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 5.437–438 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 5.437–438. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.6.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/10/). ## Church History 3.6.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:91–92 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): with escape cut off, famine consumed whole families; roofs and alleys were full of the dead. ### Greek text τούτοις δὲ μεθʼ ἕτερα ἐπιφέρει λέγων Ἰουδαίοις δὲ μετὰ τῶν ἐξόδων ἀπεκόπη πᾶσα σωτη- “ρίας ἐλπίς. καὶ βαθύνας ἑαυτὸν ὁ λιμὸς κατʼ οἴκους “καὶ γενεὰς τὸν δῆμον ἐπεβόσκετο. καὶ τὰ μὲν τέγη ‘πεπλήρωτο γυναικῶν καὶ βρεφῶν λελυμένων, οἱ “στενωποὶ δὲ γερόντων νεκρῶν. ### English translation (Claude) To these things he adds after others: “For the Jews, with the exits, every hope of safety was cut off. And the famine, deepening, devoured the people by households and families. The roofs were filled with women and babies who had perished, the alleys with dead old men. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 5.512–513 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation (3.6.11–16) is Josephus, J.W. 5.512–519. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.6.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/11/). ## Church History 3.6.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:92 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): the starving young collapsed in the streets; many died while burying others or went to their graves before death. ### Greek text παῖδες δὲ καὶ ‘νεανίαι διοιδοῦντες ὥσπερ εἴδωλα κατὰ τὰς ἀγορὰς “ἀνειλοῦντο καὶ κατέπιπτον, ὅπη τινὰ τὸ πάθος καταλαμβάνοι· θάπτειν δὲ τοὺς προσήκοντας οὔτε ἴσχυον οἱ κάμνοντες, καὶ τὸ διευτονοῦν ὤκνει, διά τε τὸ πλῆθος τῶν νεκρῶν καὶ τὸ κατὰ σφᾶς ἄδηλον. πολ- λοὶ γοῦν τοῖς ὑπʼ αὐτῶν θαπτομένοις ἐπαπέθνη- “σκον, πολλοὶ δʼ ἐπὶ τὰς θήκας, πρὶν ἐπιστῆναι τὸ χρεὼν) προῆλθον. ### English translation (Claude) Children and young men, swollen, wandered like phantoms through the market places and fell wherever their suffering overtook them. The sick had no strength to bury their relatives, and those still vigorous shrank from it, both because of the number of the dead and because of their own uncertain fate. Many, indeed, fell dead on those they were burying, and many went to their graves before their end had come. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 5.513–514 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 5.513–514. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.6.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/12/). ## Church History 3.6.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:92 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): no one wept; the dying stared dry-eyed at the dead, and silence filled the city, but the brigands were worse still. ### Greek text οὔτε δὲ θρῆνος ἐν ταῖς συμ- φοραῖς οὔτε ὀλοφυρμὸς ἠν, ἀλλʼ ὁ λιμὸς ἤλεγχε τὰ πάθη. ξηροῖς δὲ τοῖς ὄμμασιν οἶ δυσθανατοῦν- “τες ἐφεώρων τοὺς φθάσαντας ἀναπαύσασθαι. βα- “θεῖα δὲ τὴν πόλιν περιεῖχε σιγὴ, καὶ νὺξ θανάτου γέμουσα. καὶ τούτων οἱ λῃσταὶ χαλεπώτεροι. ### English translation (Claude) There was neither weeping nor lamentation in these calamities, but famine confounded the affections. With dry eyes those who were dying slowly looked on those who had gone to their rest before them. A deep silence and a night full of death enveloped the city. And the brigands were worse than these things. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 5.515 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 5.515. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.6.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/13/). ## Church History 3.6.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:92 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): the rebels robbed the dead, tested their swords on the dying, and refused the mercy of a quick death. ### Greek text τυμβωρυχοῦντες γοῦν τὰς οἰκίας ἐσύλων τοὺς νεκροὺς, καὶ τὰ καλύμματα τῶν σωμάτων περισπῶντες μετὰ γέλωτος ἐξῄεσαν, τάς τε ἀκμὰς τῶν ξιφῶν “ἐδοκίμαζον ἐν τοῖς πτώμασι, καί τινας τῶν ἐρριμμένων ἔτι ζῶντας διήλαυνον, ἐπὶ πείρᾳ τοῦ σιδήρου, τοὺς δὲ ἱκετεύοντας χρῆσαι σφίσι δεξιὰν καὶ ξίφος, τῷ λιμῷ κατέλιπον ὑπερηφανοῦντες. καὶ τῶν ἐκπνεόντων ἕκαστος ἀτενὲς εἰς τὸν ναὸν ἐφεώρα, τοὺς στασιαστὰς ζῶντας ἀπολιπών. ### English translation (Claude) For breaking into the houses as though they were tombs, they robbed the dead, tore the coverings off the bodies, and went out laughing; they tested the points of their swords on the corpses, and ran through some of those lying there who were still alive, to try the steel; while those who begged them to lend them a hand and a sword they left to the famine in contempt. And each of those who were expiring gazed fixedly toward the temple, leaving the rebels alive. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 5.516–517 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 5.516–517. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.6.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/14/). ## Church History 3.6.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:92–93 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): corpses were thrown into the ravines, and Titus, seeing them, called God to witness that it was not his doing. ### Greek text οἶ δὲ τὸ μὲν πρῶτον ἐκ τοῦ δημοσίου θησαυροῦ τοὺς νεκροὺς “θάπτειν ἐκέλευον, τὴν ὀσμὴν οὐ φέροντες· ἔπειθʼ “ὡς οὐ δοήρκουν, ἀπὸ τῶν τειχῶν ἐρρίπτουν εἰς τὰς, φάραγγας. περιιὼν δὲ ταύτας ὁ Τίτος ὡς ἐθεάσατο πεπλησμένας τῶν νεκρῶν, καὶ βαθὺν ἰχῶρα μυδώντων τὸν ὑπορρέοντα τῶν σωμάτων, ἐστέναξέ τε καὶ τὰς χεῖρας ἀνατείνας κατεμαρτύρατο τὸν θεὸν, ὡς “οὐκ εἴη τὸ ἔργον αὐτοῦ.” ### English translation (Claude) These at first ordered the dead to be buried at the public expense, unable to bear the stench; then, when they were not sufficient, they threw them from the walls into the ravines. When Titus, going round, saw these filled with the dead, and the thick putrid matter oozing from the bodies, he groaned, and lifting up his hands called God to witness that this was not his doing.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 5.518–519 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 5.518–519. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.6.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/15/). ## Church History 3.6.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/16/ - Source: Dindorf 4:93 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): the city's generation was so godless that, had Rome delayed, it would have perished like Sodom. ### Greek text τούτοις ἐπειπών τινα μεταξὺ ἐπιφέρει λέγων οὐκ ἂν ὑποστειλαίμην εἰπεῖν ἅ μοι κελεύει τὸ πάθος. οἶμαι ‘Ρωμαίων βραδυνάντων ἐπὶ τοὺς ἀλιτηρίους, ἢ καταποθῆναι ἂν ‘ὑπὸ χάσματος, ἢ κατακλυσθῆναι τὴν πόλιν, ἢ τοὺς “τῆς Σοδομηνῆς μεταλαβεῖν κεραυνούς. πολὺ γὰρ ‘τῶν ταῦτα παθόντων ἤνεγκε γενεὰν ἀθεωτέραν. τῇ ‘γοῦν τούτων ἀπονοίᾳ πᾶς ὁ λαὸς συναπώλετο.” ### English translation (Claude) After saying some other things in between, he adds: “I will not shrink from saying what my feelings bid me. I think that if the Romans had delayed against these sinners, either the city would have been swallowed by a chasm, or overwhelmed by a flood, or would have shared the thunderbolts of Sodom. For it produced a generation far more godless than those who suffered such things. At any rate, by their madness the whole people perished with them.” ### Scripture references - Gen 19:24: allusion, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 5.566 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 5.566. Compare Gen 19:24. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.6.16 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/16/). ## Church History 3.6.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/17/ - Source: Dindorf 4:93 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): countless died of famine, and families fought each other for any trace of food. ### Greek text καὶ ἐν τῷ ἕκτῳ δὲ βιβλίῳ οὕτω γράφει τῶν δʼ ὑπὸ “τοῦ λιμοῦ φθειρομένων κατὰ τὴν πόλιν ἄπειρον μὲν ‘ἔπιπτε τὸ πλῆθος, ἀδιήγητα δὲ συνέβαινε τὰ πάθη. καθʼ ἑκάστην γὰρ οἰκίαν, εἴ που τροφῆς παραφανείη σκιὰ, πόλεμος ἦν, καὶ διὰ χειρῶν οἷ φίλτατοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους, ἐξαρπάζοντες τὰ ταλαίπωρα τῆς ψυχῆς ἐφόδια. πίστις δʼ ἀπορίας οὐδὲ τοῖς θνήσκουσιν ἦν. ### English translation (Claude) And in the sixth book he writes thus: “Of those perishing of famine throughout the city a countless number fell, and indescribable sufferings took place. For in every house, wherever a shadow of food appeared, there was war, and the dearest fought hand to hand with one another, snatching the wretched sustenance of life. There was no belief in want even in the dying. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 6.193–194 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation (3.6.17–28) is Josephus, J.W. 6.193–213. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.6.17 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/17/). ## Church History 3.6.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/18/ - Source: Dindorf 4:93 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): brigands searched even the dying; the starving staggered like mad dogs from house to house. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ καὶ τοὺς ἐμπνέοντας οἶ λῃσταὶ διηρεύνων, μή τις ὑπὸ κόλπον ἔχων τροφὴν σκήπτοιτο τὸν θάνατον αὐτοῦ. οἱ δʼ ὑπʼ ἐνδείας κεχηνότες ὥσπερ λυσσῶντες κύνες ἐφήλλοντο καὶ παρεφέροντο, ταῖς τε θύραις ἐνσειόμενοι μεθυόντων τρόπον καὶ ὑπʼ ἀμηχανίας εἰς τοὺς αὐτοὺς οἴκους εἰσεπήδων δὶς ἢ τρὶς ὥρᾳ μιᾷ. ### English translation (Claude) But the brigands searched even those still breathing, lest anyone should have food hidden in his bosom and be feigning death. Others, gaping with want, like mad dogs, leaped about and staggered, beating against the doors like drunken men, and in their helplessness rushed into the same houses two or three times in one hour. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 6.195–196 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 6.195–196. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.6.18 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/18/). ## Church History 3.6.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/19/ - Source: Dindorf 4:93 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): they ate belts, shoes, shield leather, and old hay. ### Greek text πάντα δʼ ὑπʼ ὀδόντας ἦγεν ἡ ἀνάγκη, καὶ τὰ μηδὲ τοῖς ῥυπαρωτάτοις τῶν ἀλόγων ζῴων πρόσφορα συλλέγον- τες ἐσθίειν ὑπέφερον. ζωστήρων γοῦν καὶ ὑποδημάτων τὸ τελευταῖον οὐκ ἀπείχοντο, καὶ τὰ δέρματα τῶν θυρεῶν ἀποδέροντες ἐμασῶντο. τροφὴ δὲ ἦν καὶ χόρτου τισὶ παλαιοῦ σπαράγματα. τὰς γὰρ ἶνας ἔνιοι συλλέγοντες ἐλάχιστον σταθμὸν ἐπώλουν Ἀττικῶν τεσσάρων. ### English translation (Claude) Necessity brought everything to the teeth, and they gathered and brought themselves to eat things unfit even for the filthiest of brute beasts. At last they did not keep from belts and shoes, and they stripped the leather off their shields and chewed it. For some, wisps of old hay were food; and some gathered the stalks and sold the smallest weight for four Attic drachmas. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 6.197–198 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 6.197–198. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.6.19 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/19/). ## Church History 3.6.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/20/ - Source: Dindorf 4:93–94 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted) prepares to tell an unheard-of deed, which he reports only because it had many witnesses. ### Greek text καὶ τί δεῖ τὴν ἐπʼ ἀψύχοις ἀναίδειαν ‘τοῦ λιμοῦ λέγειν; εἶμι γὰρ αὐτοῦ δηλώσων ἔργον, “ὁποῖον μήτε Ἕλλησι μήτε παρὰ βαρβάροις ἱστό- “ρηται, φρικτὸν μὲν εἰπεῖν, ἄπιστον δʼ ἀκοῦσαι. καὶ “ἔγωγε μὴ δόξαιμι τερατεύεσθαι τοῖς αὖθις ἀνθρώ- “ποις, κἂν παρέλιπον τὴν συμφορὰν ἡδέως, εἰ μὴ “τῶν κατʼ ἐμαυτὸν εἶχον ἀπείρους μάρτυρας· ἄλλως τε καὶ ψυχρὰν ἂν καταθείμην τῇ πατρίδι χάριν κα- ‘θυφέμενος τὸν λόγον ὧν πέπονθε τὰ ἔργα. ### English translation (Claude) But why speak of the shamelessness of the famine toward inanimate things? I am going to relate a deed of it such as is recorded neither among Greeks nor barbarians, horrible to tell, incredible to hear. For my part, lest I should seem to posterity to be telling marvels, I would gladly have passed over this calamity, if I did not have countless witnesses among my contemporaries. Besides, I would do my country a cold favour if I suppressed the account of what it suffered. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 6.199–200 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 6.199–200. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.6.20 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/20/). ## Church History 3.6.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/21/ - Source: Dindorf 4:94 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): Mary daughter of Eleazar, a wealthy woman from beyond the Jordan, was trapped in the siege. ### Greek text γυνὴ “τῶν ὑπὲρ τὸν Ἰορδάνην κατοικούντων, Μαρία τοὔ- “νομα, πατρὸς Ἐλεαζάρου, κώμης Βαθεζὼρ, “νει δὲ τοῦτο οἶκος ὑσσώπου, ) διὰ γένος καὶ πλοῦτον “ ἐπίσημος, μετὰ τοῦ λοιποῦ πλήθους εἰς τὰ Ἱεροσό- “λυμα καταφυγοῦσα συνεπολιορκεῖτο. ### English translation (Claude) A woman of those living beyond the Jordan, Mary by name, daughter of Eleazar, from the village of Bethezuba (which means ‘house of hyssop’), distinguished for family and wealth, had fled with the rest of the multitude to Jerusalem and was besieged with them. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 6.201 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 6.201. The digital text has lost σημαί- before -νει δὲ τοῦτο. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.6.21 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/21/). ## Church History 3.6.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/22/ - Source: Dindorf 4:94 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): the rebels plundered her goods and food until she cursed them in rage. ### Greek text ταύτης τὴν “μὲν ἄλλην κτῆσιν οἱ τύραννοι διήρπασαν, ὅσην ἐκ “πόλιν, Περαίας ἀνασκευασαμένη μετήνεγκεν εἰς τὴν “πόλιν, τὰ δὲ λείψανα τῶν κειμηλίων κἂν εἴ τι τρο- “φῆς ἐπινοηθείη, καθʼ ἡμέραν εἰσπηδῶντες ἥρπαζον ‘οἱ δορυφόροι. δεινὴ δὲ τὸ γύναιον ἀγανάκτησις εἰσ- “ῄει, καὶ πολλάκις λοιδοροῦσα καὶ καταρωμένη τὸ “ἅρπαγας ἐφʼ ἑαυτὴν ἠρέθιζεν. ### English translation (Claude) The tyrants had plundered the rest of her property, whatever she had packed up and brought from Peraea into the city; and the remains of her treasures, and any food she had devised, the guards burst in daily and seized. A terrible indignation came over the woman, and by often reviling and cursing the robbers she provoked them against herself. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 6.202–203 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 6.202–203. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.6.22 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/22/). ## Church History 3.6.23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/23/ - Source: Dindorf 4:94 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): driven by hunger and rage, she seized her nursing son. ### Greek text ὡς δʼ οὔτε παρʼ “ξυνόμενός τις οὔτʼ ἐλεῶν αὐτὴν ἀνήρει, καὶ τὸ μὲ “εὑρεῖν τι σιτίον ἄλλοις ἐκοπία, πανταχόθεν δʼ ἄπο “ρον ἦν ἤδη καὶ τὸ εὑρεῖν, ὁ λιμὸς δὲ διὰ σπλάγ- “χνων καὶ μυελῶν ἐχώρει, καὶ τοῦ λιμοῦ μᾶλλον ἐξε- “καίοντο οἱ θυμοὶ, σύμβουλον λαβοῦσα τὴν ὀργὴ “μετὰ τῆς ἀνάγκης ἐπὶ τὴν φύσιν ἐχώρει, κα “τέκνον, ἦν δʼ αὐτῇ παῖς ὑπομάσθιος, ἁρπασαμένη, “ ### English translation (Claude) But when no one, either from exasperation or pity, would kill her, and she was weary of finding food for others, and it was now impossible to find it anywhere, and the famine went through her bowels and marrow, and her passions were inflamed more than by the famine, taking anger as her counsellor, together with necessity, she went against nature; and seizing her child (she had a son at the breast), ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 6.204 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 6.204. The digital text repeats μετὰ. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.6.23 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/23/). ## Church History 3.6.24 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/24/ - Source: Dindorf 4:94–95 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): she told her baby there was no future for him and resolved to eat him. ### Greek text βρέφος, εἶπεν, ἄθλιον, ἐν πολέμῳ καὶ λιμῷ καὶ ‘στάσει, τίνι σε τηρῶ; τὰ μὲν παρὰ Ῥωμαίοις δου- ῾ʼλεία, κἂν ζήσωμεν ἐπʼ αὐτοὺς, φθάνει δὲ καὶ δου- “λείαν ὁ λιμὸς, οἱ στασιασταὶ δὲ ἀμφοτέρων χαλεπώ- “τεροι. ἴθι, γενοῦ μοι τροφὴ, καὶ τοῖς στασιασταῖς “ἐρινὺς, καὶ τῷ βίῳ μῦθος, ὁ μόνος ἐλλείπων ταῖς “Ἰουδαίων συμφοραῖς. ### English translation (Claude) she said, ‘Wretched baby, in war and famine and sedition, for whom shall I keep you? With the Romans there is slavery, even if we live to come to them; but famine is before slavery, and the rebels are harsher than both. Come, be food for me, an avenging fury to the rebels, and a tale to the world, the only one still lacking to the calamities of the Jews.’ ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 6.205–207 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 6.205–207. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.6.24 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/24/). ## Church History 3.6.25 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/25/ - Source: Dindorf 4:95 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): she killed, roasted, and half ate her son, then showed the rest to the rebels. ### Greek text καὶ ταῦθʼ ἅμα κτείνει τὸν υἱόν. ἔπειτʼ ὀπτήσασα τὸ μὲν ἥμισυ κατεσθίει, τὸ δὲ λοιπὸν κατακαλύψασα ἐφύλαττεν. εὐθέως δʼ δἱ στασιασταὶ παρῆσαν, καὶ τῆς ἀθεμίτου κνίσης σπάσαντες ἠπείλουν, εἰ μὴ δείξειε τὸ παρασκευασθὲν, ἀποσφάξειν αὐτὴν εὐθέως. ἡ δὲ καὶ μοῖραν αὐτοῖς εἰποῦσα καλὴν τετηρηκέναι τὰ λείψανα τοῦ τέκνου διανεκάλυψεν. ### English translation (Claude) And with these words she killed her son. Then, having roasted him, she ate half, and covering the rest, kept it. At once the rebels were there, and smelling the unholy odour threatened to slaughter her at once unless she showed what she had prepared. She said that she had kept a fine portion for them too, and uncovered the remains of her child. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 6.208 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 6.208. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.6.25 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/25/). ## Church History 3.6.26 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/26/ - Source: Dindorf 4:95 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): she told the horrified rebels to eat as she had. ### Greek text τοὺς δʼ εὐθέως “φρίκη καὶ φρενῶν ἔκστασις ᾕρει, καὶ παρὰ τὴν ὄψιν ἐπεπήγεσαν. ἡ δὲ, ἐμὸν, ἔφη, τοῦτο τὸ τέκνον γνή- ‘σιον, καὶ τὸ ἔργον ἐμόν. φάγετε, καὶ γὰρ ἐγὼ βέ- ‘βρωκα. μὴ γένησθε μήτε μαλακώτεροι γυναικὸς μήτε συμπαθέστεροι μητρός. εἰ δʼ ὑμεῖς εὐσεβεῖς καὶ τὴν ἐμὴν ἀποστρέφεσθε θυσίαν, ἐγὼ μὲν ὑμῖν βέβρωκα, καὶ τὸ λοιπὸν δʼ ἐμοὶ μεινάτω. ### English translation (Claude) Horror and bewilderment seized them at once, and they stood transfixed at the sight. But she said, ‘This is my own child, and the deed is mine. Eat, for I too have eaten. Do not be softer than a woman or more compassionate than a mother. But if you are pious and turn away from my sacrifice, I have eaten for you, and let the rest remain for me.’ ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 6.209–211 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 6.209–211. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.6.26 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/26/). ## Church History 3.6.27 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/27/ - Source: Dindorf 4:95 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): the rebels left trembling, and the whole city shuddered at the deed. ### Greek text μετὰ ταῦθʼ οἱ μὲν τρέμοντες ἐξῄεσαν, πρὸς ἒν τοῦτο δει- λοὶ, καὶ μόλις ταύτης τῆς τροφῆς παραχωρήσαντες τῇ μητρί. ἀνεπλήσθη δʼ εὐθέως ὅλη τοῦ μύσους ἡ “πόλις, καὶ πρὸ ὀμμάτων ἕκαστος τὸ πάθος ἀναλαμβάνβν ὡς παρʼ αὐτοῦ τολμηθὲν δεινῶς ἔφριττε. ### English translation (Claude) After this they went out trembling, cowardly in this one thing, and scarcely yielding this food to the mother. The whole city was at once filled with the abomination, and each, setting the horror before his eyes, shuddered as though he himself had dared it. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 6.211–212 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 6.211–212. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.6.27 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/27/). ## Church History 3.6.28 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/28/ - Source: Dindorf 4:95 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): the starving longed for death; Eusebius calls this the reward of the crime against Christ. ### Greek text σπουδὴ δὲ τῶν λιμωττόντων ἐπὶ τὸν θάνατον ἦν, καὶ μακαρισμὸς τῶν φθασάντων πρὶν ἀκοῦσαι καὶ θεάσασθαι κακὰ τηλικαῦτα.” τοιαῦτα τῆς Ἰουδαίων εἰς τὸν Χριστὸν τοῦ θεοῦ παρανομίας τε καὶ δυσσεβείας τἀπίχειρα. ### English translation (Claude) The starving hastened to death, and those who had gone before were counted blessed, before they heard and saw such evils.” Such was the reward of the Jews' crime and impiety against the Christ of God. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 6.212–213 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 6.212–213; the last sentence is Eusebius's theological comment. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.6.28 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/6/28/). ## Church History 3.7.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/7/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:95–96 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christ foretold the siege's woes for pregnant and nursing women and an unmatched tribulation. ### Greek text Παραθεῖναι δʼ αὐτοῖς ἄξιον τὴν ἀψευδῆ τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν πρόρρησιν, διʼ ἧς αὐτὰ ταῦτα δηλοῖ ὧδέ πως προφητεύων οὐαὶ δὲ ταῖς ἐν γαστρὶ ἐχούσαις καὶ ταῖς θηλαζούσαις ἐν ἐκεί- ναις ταῖς ἡμέραις· προσεύχεσθε δὲ, ἵνα μὴ γένηται ἡ φυγὴ ὑμῶν χειμῶνος, μηδὲ σαββάτῳ. ἔσται γὰρ τότε θλῖψις μεγάλη, οἵα οὐκ ἐγένετο ἀπʼ ἀρχῆς κόσμου ἕως τοῦ νῦν, οὐδὲ μὴ γένηται.” ### English translation (Claude) It is worth setting beside these things the unerring prediction of our Saviour, in which he shows these very things, prophesying thus: “Woe to those who are with child and to those who nurse in those days. Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a sabbath. For there will then be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, nor ever shall be.” ### Scripture references - Matt 24:19–21: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Matt 24:19–21. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.7.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/7/1/). ## Church History 3.7.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/7/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:96 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus counts 1,100,000 dead, with the survivors executed, kept for triumph, sent to Egyptian mines, killed in arenas, or sold, ninety thousand in all. ### Greek text συναγαγὼν δὲ πάντα τὸν τῶν ἀνῃρημένων ἀριθμὸν ὁ συγγραφεὺς λιμῷ καὶ ξίφει μυριάδας ἑκατὸν καὶ δέκα διαφθαρῆναί φησι, τοὺς δὲ λοιποὺς στασιώδεις καὶ λῃστρικοὺς, ὑπʼ ἀλλήλων μετὰ τὴν ἅλωσιν ἐνδεικνυμένους, ἀνῃρῆσθαι, τῶν δὲ νέων τοὺς ὑψηλοτάτους καὶ κάλλει σώματος διαφέροντας τετηρῆσθαι θριάμβῳ, τοῦ δὲ λοιποῦ πλήθους τοὺς ὑπὲρ ἑπτακαίδεκα ἔτη δεσμίους εἰς τὰ κατʼ Αἴγυπτον ἔργα παραπεμφθῆναι, πλείους δὲ εἰς τὰς ἐπαρχίας διανενεμῆσθαι φθαρησομένους ἐν τοῖς θεάτροις σιδήρῳ καὶ θηρίοις, τοὺς δʼ ἐντὸς ἑπτακαίδεκα ἐτῶν αἰχμαλώτους ἀχθέντας διαπεπρᾶσθαι, τούτων δὲ μόνων τὸν ἀριθμὸν εἰς ἐννέα μυριάδας ἀνδρῶν συναχθῆναι. ### English translation (Claude) The historian, adding up the whole number of those killed, says that one million one hundred thousand perished by famine and sword; that the rest, the seditious and the brigands, informing on one another after the capture, were put to death; that of the young men the tallest and most handsome were kept for the triumph; that of the rest of the multitude those over seventeen years old were sent in chains to the works in Egypt, while more were distributed among the provinces to be destroyed in the theatres by the sword and by wild beasts; and that those under seventeen were taken captive and sold, and that of these alone the number came to ninety thousand men. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 6.414–420 (Josephus (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The source is Josephus, J.W. 6.414–420. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.7.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/7/2/). ## Church History 3.7.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/7/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:96 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: These events in Vespasian's second year fulfilled Christ's tearful predictions. ### Greek text ταῦτα δὲ τοῦτον ἐπράχθη τὸν τρόπον, δευτέρῳ τῆς Οὐεσπασιανοῦ βασιλείας ἔτει, ἀκολούθως ταῖς προγνωστικαῖς τοῦ κυρίου καὶ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ προρρήσεσιν, θείᾳ δυνάμει ὥσπερ ἤδη παρόντα προεωρακότος αὐτὰ, ἐπιδακρύσαντός τε καὶ ἀποκλαυσαμένου κατὰ τὴν τῶν ἱερῶν εὐαγγελιστῶν γραφὴν, οἳ καὶ αὐτὰς αὐτοῦ παρατέθεινται τὰς λέξεις, τοτὲ μὲν φήσαντος ὡς πρὸς αὐτὴν τὴν Ἱερουσαλήμ ### English translation (Claude) These things took place in this manner in the second year of Vespasian's reign, in accordance with the prophetic predictions of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who by divine power had foreseen them as though already present, and wept and lamented over them, according to the writing of the holy evangelists, who have set down his very words, when at one time he said, as if to Jerusalem itself, ### Scripture references - Luke 19:41: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Luke 19:41. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.7.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/7/3/). ## Church History 3.7.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/7/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:96 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christ's lament over Jerusalem (Luke 19) foretold the siege. ### Greek text “εἰ ἔγνως. καί γε σὺ ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ταύτῃ τὰ πρὸς εἰρήνην σοι· νῦν δὲ ἐκρύβη ἀπὸ ὀφθαλμῶν σου· ὅτι ἥξουσιν ἡμέραι ἐπὶ σὲ, καὶ περιβαλοῦσί σοι οἱ ἐχθροί σου χάρακα, καὶ περικυκλώσουσί σε, καὶ συνέξουσί σε πάντοθεν, καὶ ἐδαφιοῦσί σε καὶ τὰ τέκνα σου·” ### English translation (Claude) “If you had known, even you, on this day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For days will come upon you when your enemies will set up a palisade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side, and they will dash you to the ground, and your children.” ### Scripture references - Luke 19:42–44: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Luke 19:42–44. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.7.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/7/4/). ## Church History 3.7.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/7/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:96–97 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christ also foretold the sword, captivity, and Jerusalem trodden down by the nations. ### Greek text τοτὲ δὲ ὡς περὶ τοῦ λαοῦ “ἔσται γὰρ ἀνάγκη μεγάλη ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, καὶ ὀργὴ τῷ λαῷ τούτῳ. καὶ πεσοῦνται ἐν στόματι μαχαίρας καὶ αἰχμαλωτισθήσονται εἰς πάντα τὰ ἔθνη· καὶ Ἱερουσαλὴμ ἔσται πατουμένη ὑπὸ τῶν ἐθνῶν, ἄχρις οὗ πληρωθῶσι καιροὶ ἐθνῶν.” καὶ πάλιν “ὅταν δὲ ἴδητε κυκλουμένην ὑπὸ στρατοπέδων τὴν Ἰερουσαλὴμ, τότε γνῶτε ὅτι ἤγγικεν ἡ ἐρήμωσις αὐτῆς.” ### English translation (Claude) And at another time, as concerning the people: “For there will be great distress on the earth and wrath on this people. And they will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all the nations; and Jerusalem will be trodden down by the nations until the times of the nations are fulfilled.” And again: “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near.” ### Scripture references - Luke 21:23–24: quotation, high confidence - Luke 21:20: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotations are Luke 21:23–24 and Luke 21:20. The digital text repeats ἔσται. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.7.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/7/5/). ## Church History 3.7.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/7/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:97 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Comparing Christ's words with Josephus shows his foreknowledge to be truly divine. ### Greek text συγκρίνας δέ τις τὰς τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν λέξεις ταῖς λοιπαῖς τοῦ συγγραφέως ἱστορίαις ταῖς περὶ τοῦ παντὸς πολέμου πῶς οὐκ ἂν ἀποθαυμάσειεν θείαν ὡς ἀληθῶς καὶ ὑπερφυῶς παράδοξον τὴν πρόγνωσιν ὁμοῦ καὶ πρόρρησιν τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν ὀμολογήσας; ### English translation (Claude) If anyone compares our Saviour's words with the rest of the historian's accounts of the whole war, how could he fail to marvel and to confess that the foreknowledge and prediction of our Saviour were truly divine and supernaturally wonderful? ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.7.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/7/6/). ## Church History 3.7.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/7/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:97 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The histories suffice on what befell the nation after it chose the murderer and rejected the author of life. ### Greek text περὶ μὲν οὖν τῶν μετὰ τὸ σωτήριον πάθος καὶ τὰς φωνὰς ἐκείνας, ἐν αἷς ἡ τῶν Ἰουδαίων πληθὺς τὸν μὲν λῃστὴν καὶ φονέα τοῦ θανάτου παρῄτηται, τὸν δὲ ἀρχηγὸν τῆς ζωῆς ἐξ αὐτῶν ἱκέτευσεν ἀρθῆναι, τῷ παντὶ συμβεβηκότων ἔθνει, οὐδὲν ἂν δέοι ταῖς ἱστορίαις ἐπιλέγειν. ### English translation (Claude) As to what befell the whole nation after the saving Passion and those cries in which the multitude of the Jews begged off the brigand and murderer from death, and entreated that the author of life be taken away from among them, there would be no need to add anything to the histories. ### Scripture references - Acts 3:14–15: allusion, high confidence - Luke 23:18: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusions to Acts 3:14–15 and Luke 23:18. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.7.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/7/7/). ## Church History 3.7.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/7/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:97 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Providence delayed the destruction forty years while apostles and James still lived in Jerusalem as its bulwark. ### Greek text ταῦτα δʼ ἂν εἴη δίκαιον ἔτι προσθεῖναι, ἃ γένοιτʼ ἂν παραστατικὰ φιλανθρωπίας τῆς παναγάθου προνοίας, τεσσαράκοντα ἐφʼ ὅλοις ἔτεσι μετὰ τὴν κατὰ τοῦ Χριστοῦ τόλμαν τὸν κατʼ αὐτῶν ὄλεθρον ὑπερθεμένης, ἐν ὅσοις τῶν ἀποστόλων καὶ τῶν μαθητῶν πλείους, Ἰάκωβός τε αὐτὸς ὁ τῇδε πρῶτος ἐπίσκοπος, τοῦ κυρίου χρηματίζων ἀδελφὸς, ἔτι τῷ βίῳ περιόντες, καὶ ἐπʼ αὐτῆς τῆς Ἱεροσολύμων πόλεως τὰς διατριβὰς ποιούμενοι, ἕρκος ὥσπερ ἐχυρώτατον παρέμενον τῷ τόπῳ, ### English translation (Claude) But it would be right to add further what would show the kindness of all-good providence, which delayed their destruction for forty whole years after their crime against Christ, during which many of the apostles and disciples, and James himself, the first bishop there, called the Lord's brother, were still alive and dwelling in the city of Jerusalem itself, remaining as the strongest bulwark for the place, ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.7.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/7/8/). ## Church History 3.7.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/7/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:97–98 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: God patiently waited for repentance and sent portents of what would come, recorded by Josephus. ### Greek text τῆς θείας ἐπισκοπῆς εἰσέτι τότε μακροθυμούσης, εἰ ἄρα ποτὲ δυνηθεῖεν ἐφʼ οἷς ἔδρασαν μετανοήσαντες συγγνώμης καὶ σωτηρίας τυχεῖν, καὶ πρὸς τῇ τοσαύτῃ μακρο- θυμίᾳ παραδόξους θεοσημίας τῶν μελλόντων αὐτοῖς μὴ μετανοήσασι συμβήσεσθαι παρασχομένης. ἃ καὶ αὐτὰ μνήμης ἠξιωμένα πρὸς τοῦ δεδηλωμένου συγγραφέως οὐδὲν οἷον τοῖς τῇδε προσιοῦσι τῇ γραφῇ παραθεῖναι. ### English translation (Claude) while divine oversight was still being patient, in case they might at some time repent of what they had done and obtain pardon and salvation; and besides such long-suffering, it provided wonderful signs from God of what would befall them if they did not repent. Since these too have been thought worthy of record by the historian mentioned, there is nothing like setting them before the readers of this work. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.7.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/7/9/). ## Church History 3.8.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/8/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:98 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): the people trusted impostors but ignored the portents of coming ruin. ### Greek text Καὶ δὴ λαβὼν ἀνάγνωθι τὰ κατὰ τὴν ἕκτην τῶν ἱστοριῶν αὐτῷ δεδηλωμένα ἐν τούτοις ‘τὸν γοῦν ἄθλιον δῆμον οἱ μὲν ἀπατεῶνες καὶ καταψευδόμενοι τοῦ θεοῦ τηνικαῦτα παρέπειθον, τοῖς δʼ ἐναργέσι καὶ προσημαίνουσι τὴν μέλλουσαν ἔσεσθαι ἐρημίαν τέρασιν οὔτε προσεῖχον οὔτε ἐπίστευον, ἀλλʼ ὡς ἐμβεβροντημένοι καὶ μήτε ὄμματα μήτε ψυχὴν ἔχοντες τῶν τοῦ θεοῦ κηρυγμάτων παρήκουον· ### English translation (Claude) Take, then, and read what he has shown in the sixth book of his Histories in these words: “The wretched people at that time were persuaded by deceivers and those who spoke falsely in the name of God, but to the clear portents that foretold the coming desolation they neither paid attention nor gave credence, but, as though thunderstruck and having neither eyes nor mind, they disregarded God's proclamations: ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 6.288 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation (3.8.1–9) is Josephus, J.W. 6.288–304. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.8.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/8/1/). ## Church History 3.8.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/8/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:98 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): a sword-like star, a comet, and a midnight light at the temple were portents. ### Greek text τοῦτο μὲν ὅτε ὑπὲρ τὴν πόλιν ἄστρον ἔστη ῥομφαίᾳ παραπλήσιον καὶ παρατείνας ἐπʼ ἐνιαυτὸν κομήτης, τοῦτο δὲ ἡνίκα πρὸ τῆς ἀποστάσεως καὶ τοῦ πρὸς τὸν πόλεμον κινήματος, ἀθροιζομένου τοὐ λαοῦ πρὸς τὴν τῶν ἀζύμων ἑορτὴν, ὀγδόῃ Ξανθικου μηνὸς κατὰ νυκτὸς ἐνάτην ὥραν τοσοῦτο φῶς περιέλαμψε τὸν βωμὸν καὶ τὸν ναὸν ὡς δοκεῖν ἡμὲ ραν εἶναι λαμπράν. καὶ τοῦτο παρέτεινεν ἐφʼ ἡ σειαν ὥραν· ὃ τοῖς μὲν ἀπείροις ἀγαθὸν ἐδ εἶναι, τοῖς δὲ ἱερογραμματεῦσι πρὸ τῶν ἀποβεβ κότων εὐθέως ἐκρίθη. ### English translation (Claude) once when a star like a sword stood over the city, and a comet continued for a year; and again when, before the revolt and the movement toward war, as the people were gathering for the feast of Unleavened Bread, on the eighth of the month Xanthicus, at the ninth hour of the night, so great a light shone round the altar and the temple that it seemed bright day. And this lasted half an hour. To the inexperienced it seemed a good sign, but by the sacred scribes it was at once interpreted in accordance with what happened. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 6.289–291 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 6.289–291. The digital text is damaged at the ends of lines. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.8.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/8/2/). ## Church History 3.8.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/8/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:98 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): a sacrificial cow gave birth to a lamb in the temple. ### Greek text καὶ κατὰ τὴν αὐτὴν ἑορ τὴν βοῦς μὲν ἀχθεῖσα ὑπὸ τοῦ ἀρχιερέως πρὸς τη θυσίαν ἔτεκεν ἄρνα ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ μέσῳ. ### English translation (Claude) And at the same feast a cow, brought by the high priest for sacrifice, gave birth to a lamb in the midst of the temple. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 6.292 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 6.292. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.8.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/8/3/). ## Church History 3.8.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/8/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:98–99 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): the massive eastern gate of the inner temple opened by itself at night. ### Greek text ἡ δʼ ἀν τολικὴ πύλη τοῦ ἐνδοτέρω χαλκῆ μὲν οὖσα καὶ στ βαρωτάτη, κλειομένη δὲ περὶ δείλην μόλις ὑπ ἀνθρώπων εἴκοσι, καὶ μοχλοῖς μὲν ἐπερειδομέν σιδηροδέτοις, κατάπηγας δʼ ἔχουσα βαθυτάτου “ὤφθη κατὰ νυκτὸς ὥραν ἕκτην αὐτομάτως ἠνοιγμένη. “ ### English translation (Claude) And the eastern gate of the inner court, which was of bronze and very heavy, and which was shut in the evening with difficulty by twenty men, was fastened with iron-bound bars and had bolts sunk very deep, was seen at the sixth hour of the night to have opened of its own accord. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 6.293 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 6.293. The digital text is damaged at the ends of lines. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.8.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/8/4/). ## Church History 3.8.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/8/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:99 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): chariots and armies were seen in the clouds over the land. ### Greek text μετὰ δὲ τὴν ἑορτὴν ἡμέραις οὐ πολλαῖς ὕστερον, “μιᾷ καὶ εἰκάδι Ἀρτεμισίου μηνὸς, φάσμα τι δαιμόνιον “ ὤφθη μεῖζον πίστεως. τέρας δʼ ἂν ἔδοξεν εἶναι τὸ “ ῥηθησόμενον, εἰ μὴ καὶ παρὰ τοῖς θεασαμένοις ἱστό- “ρητο καὶ τὰ ἐπακολουθήσαντα πάθη τῶν σημείων “ἦν ἄξια. πρὸ γὰρ ἡλίου δύσεως ὤφθη μετέωρα πᾶσαν τὴν χώραν ἅρματα καὶ φάλαγγες ἔνοπλοι διᾴτ- “τουσαι τῶν νεφῶν καὶ κυκλούμεναι τὰς πόλεις. ### English translation (Claude) Not many days after the feast, on the twenty-first of the month Artemisius, a certain supernatural apparition was seen, beyond belief. What is to be told would have seemed a marvel, if it had not been related by those who saw it, and if the sufferings that followed had not been worthy of the signs. For before sunset chariots and armed battalions were seen in the air all over the country, speeding through the clouds and encircling the cities. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 6.296–299 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 6.296–299. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.8.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/8/5/). ## Church History 3.8.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/8/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:99 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): at Pentecost the priests heard a voice in the temple say, “We are departing hence.” ### Greek text ‘κατὰ δὲ τὴν ἑορτὴν, ἣ πεντηκοστὴ καλεῖται, νύκτωρ ‘οἱ ἱερεῖς παρελθόντες εἰς τὸ ἱερὸν, ὥσπερ αὐτοῖς ‘ἔθος ἦν, πρὸς τὰς λειτουργίας πρῶτον μὲν κινή- ‘σεως ἔφασαν ἀντιλαμβάνεσθαι καὶ κτύπου, μετὰ δὲ ‘ταῦτα φωνῆς ἀθρόας ‘μεταβαίνομεν ἐντεῦθεν.’ ### English translation (Claude) And at the feast called Pentecost, the priests, entering the temple by night to perform the services, as was their custom, said that they perceived first a movement and a noise, and after that a voice as of a multitude: ‘We are departing hence.’ ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 6.299–300 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 6.299–300. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.8.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/8/6/). ## Church History 3.8.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/8/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:99 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): Jesus son of Ananias cried out woes against Jerusalem day and night, four years before the war. ### Greek text τὸ “δὲ τούτων φοβερώτερον· Ἰησοῦς γάρ τις υἱὸς Ἀνα- ‘νίου, τῶν ἰδιωτῶν ἄγροικος, πρὸ τεσσάρων ἐτῶν τοῦ πολέμου, τὰ μάλιστα τῆς πόλεως εἰρηνευομένης καὶ “εὐθηνούσης, ἐλθὼν ἐπὶ τὴν ἑορτὴν, ἐν ᾗ σκηνοποιεῖ- ‘σθαι πάντας ἔθος ἦν τῷ θεῷ, κατὰ τὸ ἱερὸν ἐξαπίνης “ἀναβοᾶν ἤρξατο ‘φωνὴ ἀπʼ ἀνατολῆς, φωνὴ ἀπὸ δύ- ‘σεως, φωνὴ ἀπὸ τῶν τεσσάρων ἀνέμων, φωνὴ Ἱεροσόλυμα καὶ τὸν ναὸν, φωνὴ ἐπὶ νυμφίους καὶ νύμ- ‘φας, φωνὴ ἐπὶ πάντα τὸν λαόν.’ τοῦτο μεθʼ ἡμέραν καὶ ‘νύκτωρ κατὰ πάντας τοὺς στενωποὺς περιῄει κεκρα- “γώς. ### English translation (Claude) But more terrible than these: a certain Jesus, son of Ananias, an uneducated rustic, four years before the war, when the city was especially at peace and prosperous, came to the feast at which it was the custom for all to make tabernacles to God, and suddenly began to cry out in the temple: ‘A voice from the east, a voice from the west, a voice from the four winds, a voice against Jerusalem and the temple, a voice against bridegrooms and brides, a voice against all the people.’ This he went about crying day and night through all the alleys. ### Scripture references - Jer 7:34: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 6.300–301 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 6.300–301. The digital text has lost ἐπὶ before Ἱεροσόλυμα. Compare Jer 7:34. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.8.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/8/7/). ## Church History 3.8.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/8/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:99 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): beaten by leading citizens, he said nothing but kept crying the same words. ### Greek text τῶν δʼ ἐπισήμων τινὲς δημοτῶν ἀγανακτήσαντες πρὸς τὸ κακόφημον συλλαμβάνουσι τὸν ἄνθρωπον καὶ πολλαῖς αἰκίζονται πληγαῖς. ὁ δὲ οὔθʼ ὑπὲρ ἑαυτοῦ φθεγξάμενος οὔτε ἰδίᾳ πρὸς τοὺς παρόντας ἃς καὶ πρότερον φωνὰς βοῶν διετέλει. ### English translation (Claude) Some of the notable citizens, angered at the ill-omened cry, seized the man and ill-treated him with many blows. But he, uttering nothing for himself nor privately to those present, continued crying out the same words as before. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 6.302 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 6.302. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.8.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/8/8/). ## Church History 3.8.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/8/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:99–100 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): scourged to the bone by the Roman governor, he answered each blow with “Woe to Jerusalem!” ### Greek text νομίσαντες δʼ οἱ ἄρχοντες, ὅπερ ἦν, δαιμονιώτερον εἶναι κίνημα τἀνδρὸς ἄγουσιν αὐτὸν ἐπὶ τὸν παρὰ Ῥωμαίοις ἔπαρχον· ἔνθα μάστιξι μέχρις ὀστέων ξαινό- “μενος οὔθʼ ἱκέτευσεν οὔτʼ ἐδάκρυσεν, ἀλλʼ ὡς ἐνῆν “μάλιστα τὴν φωνὴν ὀλοφυρτικῶς παρεγκλίνων πρὸς “ἑκάστην ἀπεκρίνατο πληγὴν, αἰαῖ Ἱεροσολύμοις.” ### English translation (Claude) The rulers, thinking, as was the case, that the man's impulse was more supernatural, brought him to the Roman governor. There, flayed to the bone with scourges, he neither begged nor wept, but, turning his voice to lamentation as best he could, answered every blow with ‘Woe to Jerusalem!’” ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 6.303–304 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 6.303–304. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.8.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/8/9/). ## Church History 3.8.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/8/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:100 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus reports an oracle that a ruler of the world would come from Judea, which he applied to Vespasian. ### Greek text ἕτερον δέ τι τούτου παραδοξότερον ὁ αὐτὸς ἱστορεῖ συγγραφεὺς χρησμόν τινα φάσκων ἐν ἱεροῖς γράμμασιν ηὑρῆσθαι περιέχοντα ὡς κατὰ τὸν καιρὸν ἐκεῖνον ἀπὸ τῆς χώρας τις αὐτῶν ἄρξει τῆς οἰκουμένης, ὃν αὐτὸς μὲν ἐπὶ Οὐεσπασιανὸν πεπληρῶσθαι ἐξείληφεν· ### English translation (Claude) The same writer relates something else still more remarkable than this, saying that an oracle was found in the sacred writings declaring that at that time someone from their country would rule the inhabited world; and he himself understood it to have been fulfilled in Vespasian. ### Scripture references - Num 24:17: allusion, low confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 6.312–313 (Josephus (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The source is Josephus, J.W. 6.312–313; the oracle is probably Num 24:17 or Dan 9. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.8.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/8/10/). ## Church History 3.8.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/8/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:100 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The oracle fits Christ better than Vespasian, since Christ's apostles were then reaching the whole world. ### Greek text ἀλλʼ οὐχ ἁπάσης γε οὗτος ἢ μόνης ἦρξεν τῆς ὑπὸ ῾Ρωμαίους· δικαιότερον δʼ ἂν ἐπὶ τὸν χριστὸν ἀναχθείη, πρὸς ὃν εἴρητο ὑπὸ τοῦ πατρὸς “αἴτησαι παρʼ ἐμοῦ, καὶ δώσω σοι ἔθνη τὴν κληρονομίαν σου, καὶ τὴν κατάσχεσίν σου τὰ πέρατα τῆς γῆς.” οὗ δὴ κατʼ αὐτὸ δὴ ἐκεῖνο τοῦ καιροῦ εἰς πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν ἐξῆλθεν ὁ φθόγγος τῶν ἱερῶν ἀποστόλων καὶ εἰς τὰ πέρατα τῆς οἰκουμένης τὰ ῥήματα ἀυτῶν. ### English translation (Claude) But he did not rule the whole world, only the part under the Romans; it would more justly be referred to Christ, to whom it was said by the Father, “Ask of me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for your possession.” At that very time, indeed, the voice of the holy apostles went out into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world. ### Scripture references - Ps 2:8: quotation, high confidence - Ps 19:4 (18:5 LXX): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotations are Ps 2:8 and Ps 19:4 (18:5 LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.8.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/8/11/). ## Church History 3.9.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/9/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:100 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted) describes himself as son of Matthias, a priest of Jerusalem who fought the Romans and later was with them. ### Greek text Ἐπὶ τούτοις ἅπασιν ἄξιον μηδʼ αὐτὸν τὸν Ἰώσηπον, τοσαῦτα τῇ μετὰ χεῖρας συμβεβλημένον ἱστορίᾳ, ὁπόθεν τε καὶ ἀφʼ οἵου γένους ὡρμᾶτο ἀγνοεῖν. δηλοῖ δὲ πάλιν αὐτὸς καὶ τοῦτο λέγων ὧδε “Ἰώσηπος Ματταθίου παῖς, ἐξ Ἱεροσολύμων ἱερεὺς, αὐτός τε ῾Ρωμαίους πολεμήσας τὰ πρῶτα καὶ τοῖς ὕστερον παρατυχὼν ἐξ ἀνάγκης.” ### English translation (Claude) In addition to all these things, it is worth not being ignorant of Josephus himself, who has contributed so much to the present history: where he came from and of what family. He shows this too himself, saying: “Josephus, son of Matthias, a priest from Jerusalem, who himself fought against the Romans at first and was present of necessity at later events.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 1.3 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, J.W. 1.3. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.9.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/9/1/). ## Church History 3.9.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/9/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:100–101 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus was honoured by Jews and Romans alike, with a statue in Rome and his books in its library. ### Greek text μάλιστα δὲ τῶν κατʼ ἐκεῖνο καιροῦ Ἰουδαίων παρὰ μόνοις τοῖς ὁμοεθνέσιν, ἀλλὰ καὶ παρὰ ῾Ρωμαίοις γέγονεν ἀνὴρ ἐπιδοξότατος, ὡς αὐτὸν μὲν ἀναθέσει ἀνδριάντος ἐπὶ ῾Ρωμαίωντιμηθῆναι πόλεως, τοὺς δὲ σπουδασθέντας αὐτῷ λόγους βιβλιοθήκρας ἀξιωθῆναι. ### English translation (Claude) He became the most famous of the Jews of that time, not only among his own countrymen but also among the Romans, so that he was honoured by the setting up of a statue in the city of the Romans, and the works he had laboured over were thought worthy of a place in the library. ### Translation notes - The digital text has βιβλιοθήκρας for βιβλιοθήκης. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.9.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/9/2/). ## Church History 3.9.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/9/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:101 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus wrote the Antiquities in twenty books and the Jewish War in seven, the latter also in his native language. ### Greek text οὗτος δὴ πᾶσαν τὴν Ἰουδϊκῆν ἀρχαιολογίαν ἐν ὅλοις εἴκοσι καταβέβληται συγγράμμασι, τὴν δʼ ἱστορίαν τοῦ κατʼ αὐτὸν Ἰουδαϊκοῦ πολέμου ἐν ἑπτὰ, ἃ οὐ μόνον τῇ Ἑλλήνων, ἀλλὰ καὶ τῇ τατρίῳ φωνῇ παραδοῦναι αὐτὸς ἑαυτῷ μαρτυρεῖ, ἄξιός γε ὢν διὰ τὰ λοιπὰ πιστεύεσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) He composed the whole Jewish Antiquities in twenty books, and the history of the Jewish War of his own time in seven, which he himself testifies that he handed down not only in Greek but also in his native tongue; and he is worthy of belief because of the rest of his work. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus (Josephus (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Josephus, J.W. 1.3. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.9.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/9/3/). ## Church History 3.9.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/9/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:101 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus also wrote Against Apion in two books, defending Jewish customs. ### Greek text καὶ ἕτερα δὲ αὐτοῦ φέρεται σπουδῆς ἄξια δύο, τὰ περὶ τῆς Ἰουδαίων ἀρχαιότητος, ἐν οἷς καὶ ἀντιρρήσεις πρὸς Ἀπίωνα τὸν γραμματικὸν κατὰ Ἰουδαίων τηνικάδε συντάξαντα λόγον πεποίηται καὶ πρὸς ἄλλους, οἳ διαβάλλειν καὶ αὐτοὶ τὰ πάτρια τοὐ Ἰουδαίων ἔθνους ἐπειράθησαν. ### English translation (Claude) Two other works of his worthy of study are extant, On the Antiquity of the Jews, in which he makes replies to Apion the grammarian, who had then composed a treatise against the Jews, and to others who had also tried to slander the ancestral customs of the Jewish nation. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ag. Ap. (Josephus (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.9.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/9/4/). ## Church History 3.9.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/9/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:101 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: In Against Apion Josephus lists the undisputed Hebrew Scriptures. ### Greek text τούτων ἐν τῷ προτέρῳ τὸν ἀριθμὸν τῆς λεγομένης παλαιᾶς τῶν ἐνδιαθήκων γραφῶν τίθησι, τίνα τὰ παρʼ Ἑβραίοις ἀναντίρρητα, ὡσὰν ἐξ ἀρχαίας παραδόσεως, αὐτοῖς ῥήμασι διὰ τούτων διδάσκων· ### English translation (Claude) In the first of these he gives the number of the canonical Scriptures of the so-called Old Testament, which are undisputed among the Hebrews, as from ancient tradition, teaching it in these very words: ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ag. Ap. 1.38 (Josephus (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.9.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/9/5/). ## Church History 3.10.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/10/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:101 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): the Jews have only twenty-two books, rightly held divine. ### Greek text “Οὐ μυριάδες οὖν βιβλίων εἰσὶ παρʼ ἡμῖν “ἀσυμφώνων καὶ μαχομένων, δύο δὲ μόνα πρὸς τοῖς “εἴκοσι βιβλία, τοῦ παντὸς ἔχοντα χρόνου τὴν ἀναγραφὴν, τὰ δικαίως θεῖα πεπιστευμένα. ### English translation (Claude) “We do not, then, have tens of thousands of books disagreeing and conflicting with one another, but only twenty-two books, containing the record of all time, which are rightly believed to be divine. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ag. Ap. 1.38 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation (3.10.1–5) is Josephus, Ag. Ap. 1.38–42. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.10.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/10/1/). ## Church History 3.10.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/10/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:101 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): five books of Moses contain the laws and history to Moses' death. ### Greek text καὶ τού- ‘των πέντε μέν ἐστι τὰ Μωυσέως, ἃ τούς τε νόμους “περιέχει καὶ τὴν τῆς ἀνθρωπογονίας παράδοσιν, ‘μέχρι τῆς αὐτοῦ τελευτῆς. οὗτος ὁ χρόνος ἀπολείπει ‘τρισχιλίων ὀλίγῳ ἐτῶν. ### English translation (Claude) Of these, five are those of Moses, which contain the laws and the tradition from the creation of man up to his death. This period falls a little short of three thousand years. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ag. Ap. 1.39 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, Ag. Ap. 1.39. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.10.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/10/2/). ## Church History 3.10.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/10/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:101 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): thirteen books of the prophets cover Moses to Artaxerxes, and four contain hymns and precepts. ### Greek text ἀπὸ δὲ τῆς Μωυσέως ‘τελευτῆς μέχρι τῆς Ἀρταξέρξου τοῦ μετὰ Ξέρξην Περσῶν βασιλέως οἱ μετὰ Μωυσῆν προφῆται τὰ κατʼ αὐτοὺς πραχθέντα συνέγραψαν ἐν τρισὶ καὶ δέκα βιβλίοις. αἶ δὲ λοιπαὶ τέσσαρες ὕμνους εἰς τὸν θεὸν καὶ τοῖς ἀνθρώποις ὑποθήκας τοῦ βίου περιέχουσιν. ### English translation (Claude) From the death of Moses until Artaxerxes, who was king of the Persians after Xerxes, the prophets after Moses wrote the history of their times in thirteen books. The remaining four contain hymns to God and precepts of life for men. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ag. Ap. 1.40 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, Ag. Ap. 1.40. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.10.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/10/3/). ## Church History 3.10.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/10/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:101–102 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): later writings are not equally trusted, since the succession of prophets ceased. ### Greek text ἀπὸ δὲ Ἀρταξέρξου μέχρι τοῦ καθʼ ἡμᾶς χρόνου ‘γέγραπται μὲν ἕκαστα, πίστεως δʼ οὐχ ὁμοίας ἠξί- “ωται τοῖς πρὸ αὐτῶν, διὰ τὸ μὴ γενέσθαι τὴν τῶν προ- “φητῶν ἀκριβῆ διαδοχήν. ### English translation (Claude) From Artaxerxes to our own time everything has been recorded, but it has not been thought worthy of the same credit as what came before, because the exact succession of the prophets did not continue. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ag. Ap. 1.41 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, Ag. Ap. 1.41. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.10.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/10/4/). ## Church History 3.10.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/10/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:102 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): no Jew has dared to change the Scriptures; all regard them as God's decrees and would die for them. ### Greek text δῆλον δʼ ἐστὶν ἔργῳ πῶς “ἡμεῖς πρόσιμεν τοῖς ἰδίοις γράμμασι. τοσούτου γὰρ αἰ- “ῶνος ἤδη παρωχηκότος οὔτε προσθεῖναί οὔτε ἀφε- “λεῖν ἀπʼ αὐτῶν οὔτε μεταθεῖναι τετόλμηκε, πᾶσι δὲ “σύμφυτόν ἐστιν εὐθὺς ἐκ πρώης γενέσεως Ἰουδαίοις “τὸ νομίζειν αὐτὰ θεοῦ δόγματα, καὶ τούτοις ἐπιμένειν, “καὶ ὑπὲρ αὐτῶν, εἰ δέοι, θνήσκειν ἡδέως.” ### English translation (Claude) It is clear in practice how we approach our own writings. For though so long an age has already passed, no one has dared to add, to take away, or to alter anything; but it is innate in all Jews from their very birth to regard them as decrees of God, to abide by them, and, if need be, gladly to die for them.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ag. Ap. 1.42 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, Ag. Ap. 1.42. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.10.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/10/5/). ## Church History 3.10.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/10/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:102 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus is also credited with On the Sovereignty of Reason, called 4 Maccabees. ### Greek text καὶ ταῦτα δὲ τοῦ συγγραφέως χρησίμως ὧδε παρατεθείσθω. πεπόνηται δὲ καὶ ἄλλο οὐκ ἀγεννὲς σπούδασμα τῷ ἀνδρὶ περὶ αὐτοκράτορος λογισμοῦ, ὅ τινες Μακκαβαϊκὸν ἐπέγραψαν, τῷ τοὺς ἀγῶνας τῶν ἐν τοῖς οὕτω καλουμένοις Μακκαβαϊκοῖς συγγράμμασιν ὑπὲρ τῆς εἰς τὸ θεῖον εὐσεβείας ἀνδρισαμένων Ἑβραίων περιέχειν. ### English translation (Claude) Let these words of the historian be usefully set down here. The man also composed another not ignoble work, On the Sovereignty of Reason, which some have entitled Maccabean, because it contains the struggles of the Hebrews who acted bravely for piety toward God in the writings called Maccabean. ### Extrabiblical texts - 4 Macc (4 Maccabees): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The work is 4 Maccabees; its attribution to Josephus is generally rejected today. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.10.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/10/6/). ## Church History 3.10.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/10/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:102 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus planned a four-book work on God and the reasons for the Jewish laws. ### Greek text καὶ πρὸς τῷ τέλει δὲ τῆς εἰκοστῆς ἀρχαιολογίας ἐπισημαίνεται ὁ αὐτὸς, ὡσὰν προῃρημένος ἐν τέτταρσι συγγράψαι βιβλίοις κατὰ τὰς πατρίους δόξας τῶν Ἰουδαίων περὶ θεοῦ καὶ τῆς οὐσίας αὐτοῦ, καὶ περὶ τῶν νόμων, διὰ τί κατʼ αὐτοὺς τὰ μὲν ἔξεστι πράττειν, τὰ δὲ κεκώλυται. καὶ ἄλλα δὲ αὐτῷ σπουδασθῆναι ὁ αὐτὸς ἐν τοῖς ἰδίοις αὐτοῦ μνημονεύει λόγοις. ### English translation (Claude) And at the end of the twentieth book of the Antiquities the same writer indicates that he had resolved to write in four books, according to the ancestral opinions of the Jews, about God and his being, and about the laws, why according to them some things are permitted and others forbidden. The same writer mentions in his own works other works he had undertaken as well. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 20.268 (Josephus (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The source is Josephus, Ant. 20.268. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.10.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/10/7/). ## Church History 3.10.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/10/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:102 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius introduces Josephus's words against Justus of Tiberias. ### Greek text πρὸς τούτοις εὔλογον καταλέξαι καὶ ἃς ἐπʼ αὐτοῦ τῆς ἀρχαιολογίας τοῦ τέλους φωνὰς παρατέθειται, εἰς πίστωσιν τῆς τῶν ἐξ αὐτοῦ παραληφθέντων ἡμῖν μαρτυρίας. διαβάλλων δῆτα Ἰοῦστον Τιβεριέα, ὁμοίως αὐτῷ τὰ κατὰ τοὺς αὐτοὺς ἱστορῆσαι χρόνους πεπειραμένον, ὡς μὴ τἀληθῆ συγγεγραφότα πολλάς τε ἄλλας εὐθύνα ἐπαγαγὼν τῷ ἀνδρὶ, καὶ ταῦτα αὐτοῖς ῥήμασιν ἐπιλέγει ### English translation (Claude) Besides these it is reasonable to quote also the words he has set down at the end of the Antiquities, to confirm the testimony of what we have taken from him. Attacking Justus of Tiberias, who had likewise tried to write the history of the same times, for not having written the truth, and bringing many other charges against the man, he adds these very words: ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Life 361 (Josephus (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The words quoted next are from Josephus, Life 361–364, which was appended to the Antiquities. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.10.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/10/8/). ## Church History 3.10.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/10/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:102–103 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): unlike Justus, he gave his books to the emperors themselves, confident of their truth. ### Greek text “οὐ μὴν ἐγώ σοι τὸν αὐτὸν τρόπον περὶ τῆς “ἐμαυτοῦ γραφῆς ἔδεισα, ἀλλʼ αὐτοῖς ἐπέδωκα τοῖς αὐτοκράτορσι τὰ βιβλία, μόνον οὐχὶ τῶν ἔργων ἤδη βλεπομένων. συνῄδειν γὰρ ἐμαυτῷ τετηρηκότι τὴν τῆς ἀληθείας παράδοσιν, ἐφʼ ᾗ μαρτυρίας τεύξεσθαι προσδοκήσας οὐ διήμαρτον. ### English translation (Claude) “I, however, did not have the same fear as you about my own writing, but I presented the books to the emperors themselves, when the deeds were all but still before their eyes. For I was conscious of having preserved the tradition of the truth, and in expecting to obtain their testimony to it I was not disappointed. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Life 361 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation (3.10.9–11) is Josephus, Life 361–363. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.10.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/10/9/). ## Church History 3.10.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/10/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:103 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): he also gave it to participants such as King Agrippa. ### Greek text καὶ ἄλλοις δὲ πολλοῖς ἐπέδωκα τὴν ἱστορίαν, ὧν ἔνιοι καὶ παρατετυχἡκεσαν τῷ πολέμῳ, καθάπερ βασιλεὺς Ἀγρίππας καί τινες αὐτοῦ τῶν συγγενῶν. ### English translation (Claude) And I presented the history to many others too, some of whom had actually taken part in the war, such as King Agrippa and some of his relatives. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Life 362 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, Life 362. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.10.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/10/10/). ## Church History 3.10.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/10/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:103 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Josephus (quoted): Titus signed and published his books, and Agrippa wrote sixty-two letters confirming them. ### Greek text ὁ μὲν γὰρ αὐτοκράτωρ Τίτος οὕτως ἐκ μόνων αὐτῶν ἐβουλήθη τὴν γνῶσιν τοῖς ἀνθρώποις παραδοῦναι τῶν πράξεων, ὥστε χαράξας τῇ αὐτοῦ χειρὶ τὰ βιβλία δημοσιεύεσθαι προσέταξεν, ὁ δὲ βασιλεὺς Ἀγρίππας ἐξήκοντα δύο ἔγραψεν ἐπιστολὰς, τῇ τῆς ἀληθείας παραδόσει μαρτυρῶν, ἀφʼ ὧν καὶ δύο παρατίθησιν. ἀλλὰ τὰ μὲν κατὰ τοῦτον ταύτῃ πη δεδηλώσθω, ἴωμεν δʼ ἐπὶ τὰ ἑξῆς. ### English translation (Claude) For the emperor Titus so wished the knowledge of the events to be handed down to men from these books alone that he signed them with his own hand and ordered them to be published; and King Agrippa wrote sixty-two letters bearing witness to the truth of the account.” Of these he also quotes two. But let what concerns him be shown in this way; let us go on to what follows. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Life 363–364 (Josephus (works)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Josephus, Life 363–364. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.10.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/10/11/). ## Church History 3.11.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/11/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:103 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: After James's death and Jerusalem's fall, the surviving apostles and the Lord's relatives chose Simeon son of Clopas, the Lord's cousin, as bishop of Jerusalem. ### Greek text Μετὰ τὴν Ἰακώβου μαρτυρίαν καὶ τὴν αὐτίκα γενομένην ἅλωσιν τῆς Ἱερουσαλὴμ λόγος κατέχει τῶν ἀποστόλων καὶ τῶν τοῦ κυρίου μαθητῶν τοὺς εἰσέτι τῷ βίῳ λειπομένους ἐπὶ ταὐτὸ πανταχόθεν συνελθεῖν, ἅμα τοῖς πρὸς γένους κατὰ σάρκα τοῦ κυρίου (πλείους γὰρ καὶ τούτων περιῆσαν εἰσέτι τότε τῷ βίῳ) βουλήν τε ὁμοῦ τοὺς πάντας περὶ τοῦ τίνα χρὴ τῆς Ἰακώβου διαδοχῆς ἐπικρῖναι ἄξιον ποιήσασθαι, καὶ δὴ ἀπὸ μιᾶς γνώμης τοὺς πάντας Συμεῶνα τὸν τοῦ Κλωπᾶ, οὗ καὶ ἡ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου μνημονεύει γραφὴ, τοῦ τῆς αὐτόθι παροικίας θρόνου ἄξιον εἶναι δοκιμάσαι, ἀνεψιόν γε, ὥς φασι, γεγονότα τοῦ σωτῆρος. τὸν γὰρ οὖν Κλωπᾶν ἀδελφὸν τοῦ Ἰωσὴφ ὑπάρχειν Ἡγήσιππος ἱστορεῖ. ### English translation (Claude) After the martyrdom of James and the capture of Jerusalem which immediately followed, tradition has it that those of the apostles and disciples of the Lord who were still alive came together from every quarter, with those who were related to the Lord according to the flesh (for most of these too were still alive then), and all took counsel together as to whom they should judge worthy to succeed James; and all with one mind approved Simeon the son of Clopas, who is also mentioned in the scripture of the Gospel, as worthy of the throne of the community there, being, as they say, a cousin of the Saviour. For Hegesippus relates that Clopas was the brother of Joseph. ### Scripture references - John 19:25: allusion, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to John 19:25 (Clopas). The information on Clopas is from Hegesippus. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.11.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/11/1/). ## Church History 3.12.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/12/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:103–104 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Vespasian ordered a search for all descendants of David, bringing new persecution on the Jews. ### Greek text Καὶ ἐπὶ τούτοις Οὐεσπασιανὸν μετὰ τὴν τἂν Ἱεροσολύμων ἅλωσιν πάντας τοὺς ἀπὸ γένους Δαβὶδ, ὡς ἂν μὴ περιλειφθείη παρὰ Ἰουδαίοις τῶν ἀπὸ τῆς βασιλικῆς φυλῆς, ἀνα ζητεῖσθαι προστάξαι, μέγιστόν τε Ἰουδαίοις αὖθις ἐν ταύτης διωγμὸν ἐπαρτηθῆναι τῆς αἰτίας. ### English translation (Claude) And in addition, [Hegesippus relates] that Vespasian, after the capture of Jerusalem, ordered a search for all who were of the family of David, so that none of the royal tribe might be left among the Jews; and that for this reason a very great persecution again hung over the Jews. ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The sentence depends on the preceding “Hegesippus relates.” ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.12.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/12/1/). ## Church History 3.13.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/13/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:104 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Titus succeeded Vespasian; Linus of Rome was succeeded by Anencletus; Domitian followed Titus. ### Greek text Ἐπὶ δέκα δὲ τὸν Οὐεσπασιανὸν ἔτεσι βα σιλεύσαντα αὐτοκράτωρ Τίτος ὁ παῖς διαδέχεται, ου κατὰ δεύτερον ἔτος τῆς βασιλείας Λίνος ἐπίσκοπο τῆς Ῥωμαίων ἐκκλησίας δυοκαίδεκα τὴν λειτουργία ἐνιαυτοῖς κατασχὼν Ἀνεγκλήτῳ ταύτην παραδίδωσι Τίτον δὲ Δομετιανὸς ἀδελφὸς διαδέχεται, δύο ἔτεο καὶ μησὶ τοῖς ἴσοις βασιλεύσαντα. ### English translation (Claude) After Vespasian had reigned ten years, the emperor Titus his son succeeded him; in the second year of his reign Linus, bishop of the church of the Romans, having held the ministry twelve years, handed it over to Anencletus. Titus was succeeded by his brother Domitian, after reigning two years and as many months. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.13.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/13/1/). ## Church History 3.14.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/14/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:104 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Annianus of Alexandria died and was succeeded by Abilius. ### Greek text Τετάρτῳ μὲν οὖν ἔτει Δομετιανοῦ τῆς κατʼ Ἀλεξάνδρειαν παροικίας ὁ πρῶτος Ἀννιανὸς, δύο πρὸς εἴκοσιν ἀναπλήσας ἔτη, τελευτᾷ, διαδέχεται δʼ αὐτὸν δεύτερος Ἀβίλιος. ### English translation (Claude) In the fourth year of Domitian, Annianus, the first of the community in Alexandria, died after completing twenty-two years, and Abilius succeeded him as second. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.14.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/14/1/). ## Church History 3.15.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/15/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:104 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement, whom Paul names as a co-worker, succeeded Anencletus as bishop of Rome. ### Greek text Δωδεκάτῳ δὲ ἔτει τῆς ἡγεμονίας τῆς Ῥωμαίων ἐκκλησίας Ἀνέγκλητον ἔτεσιν ἐπισκοπεύσαντα δεκαδύο διαδέχεται Κλήμης. ὃν συνεργὸν ἑαυτοῦ γενέσθαι Φιλιππησίοις ἐπιστέλλων ὁ ἀπόστολος δι- δάσκει λέγων “μετὰ καὶ Κλήμεντος καὶ τῶν λοιπῶν “συνεργῶν μου, ὧν τὰ ὀνόματα ἐν βίβλῳ ζωῆς.'' ### English translation (Claude) In the twelfth year of the same reign, Anencletus, having been bishop of the church of the Romans for twelve years, was succeeded by Clement, whom the apostle, writing to the Philippians, shows to have been his fellow worker, saying, “with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.” ### Scripture references - Phil 4:3: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Phil 4:3; the identification is traditional. The digital text repeats μου. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.15.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/15/1/). ## Church History 3.16.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/16/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:104 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement's acknowledged letter to Corinth, written during a sedition there, is read publicly in many churches. ### Greek text Τούτου δὴ οὑν τοῦ Κλήμεντος ὁμολογουμένη μία ἐπιστολὴ φέρεται, μεγάλη τε καὶ θαυμασία, ἥν ὡς ἀπὸ τῆς Ῥωμαίων ἐκκλησίας τῇ Κορινθίων διετυπώσατο, στάσεως τηνικάδε κατὰ τὴν Κόρινθον γενομένης. ταύτην δὲ καὶ ἐν πλείσταις ἐκκλησίαις ἐπὶ τοῦ κοινοῦ δεδημοσιευμένην πάλαι τε καὶ καθʼ ἡμᾶς αὐτοὺς ἔγνωμεν. καὶ ὕτι γε κατὰ τὸν δηλούμενον τὰ τῆς Κορινθίων κεκίνητο στάσεως ἀξιόχρεως μάρτυς ὁ Ἡγήσιππος. ### English translation (Claude) Of this Clement one acknowledged letter is extant, great and wonderful, which he composed in the name of the church of the Romans to that of the Corinthians, when a sedition had then arisen in Corinth. We know that this too has been read publicly in very many churches, both of old and in our own time. And that the sedition of the Corinthians was stirred up at the time indicated, Hegesippus is a trustworthy witness. ### Extrabiblical texts - 1 Clem. (1 Clement): allusion, high confidence - Hegesippus (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.16.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/16/1/). ## Church History 3.17.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/17/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:104–105 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Domitian, cruel to many Romans, became the second emperor to persecute Christians. ### Greek text Πόλλην γε μὴν εἰς πολ- λοὺς ἐπιδειξάμενος ὁ Δομετιανὸς ὠμότητα, οὐκ ἀλίγον τε τῶν ἐπὶ Ῥώμης εὐπατριδῶν τε καὶ ἐπισήμων ἀνδρῶν πλῆθος οὐ μετʼ εὐλόγου κρίσεως κτείνας, μυρίους τε ἄλλους ἐπιφανεῖς ἄνδρας ταῖς ὑπὲρ τὴν ἐνορίαν ζημιώσας φυγαῖς καὶ ταῖς τῶν οὐσιῶν ἀποβολαῖς ἀναιτίως, τελευτῶν τῆς Νέρωνος θεοεχθρίας τε καὶ θεομαχίας διάδοχον ἑαυτὸν κατεστήσατο. δεύτερος δῆτα τὸν καθʼ ἡμῶν ἀνεκίνει διωγμὸν, καίπερ τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτῷ Οὐεσπασιανοῦ μηδὲν καθʼ ἡμῶν ἄτοπον ἐπινοήσαντος. ### English translation (Claude) Domitian, having shown great cruelty toward many, having put to death without reasonable trial no small number of the patricians and notable men at Rome, and having punished countless other distinguished men without cause with exile beyond the borders and confiscation of their property, finally made himself successor to Nero's enmity against God and warfare against God. He was the second to stir up persecution against us, although his father Vespasian had devised nothing harmful against us. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.17.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/17/1/). ## Church History 3.18.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/18/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:105 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Under Domitian, John was exiled to Patmos for his witness. ### Greek text Ἐν τούτῳ κατέχει λόγος τὸν ἀπόστολον ἅμα καὶ εὐαγγελιστὴν Ἰωάννην ἔτι τῷ βίῳ ἐνδιατρίβοντα, τῆς εἰς τὸν θεῖον λόγον ἕνεκεν μαρτυρίας, Πάτμον οἰκεῖν καταδικασθῆναι τὴν νῆσον. ### English translation (Claude) At this time, tradition holds, the apostle and evangelist John, who was still alive, was condemned to live on the island of Patmos because of his witness to the divine Word. ### Scripture references - Rev 1:9: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Rev 1:9. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.18.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/18/1/). ## Church History 3.18.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/18/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:105 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus, discussing the number of the Antichrist in Revelation, speaks of John. ### Greek text γράφων γέ τοι ὁ Εἰρήναιος περὶ τῆς ψήφου τῆς κατὰ τὸν ἀντίχριστον προσηγορίας φερομένης ἐν τῇ Ἰωάννου λεγομένῃ προσηγορίας αὐταῖς συλλαβαῖς ἐν πέμπτῳ τῶν πρὸς τὰς αἱρέσεις ταῦτα περὶ τοῦ Ἰωάννου φησίν ### English translation (Claude) At any rate Irenaeus, writing about the number of the name ascribed to the Antichrist in the so-called Apocalypse of John, says this about John in these very words in the fifth book of Against Heresies: ### Scripture references - Rev 13:18: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 5.30.3 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The digital text repeats προσηγορίας for ἀποκαλύψει. Allusion to Rev 13:18. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.18.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/18/2/). ## Church History 3.18.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/18/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:105 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus (quoted): the Revelation was seen near the end of Domitian's reign. ### Greek text “εἰ δὲ ἔδει ἀναφανδὸν ἐν τῷ νῦν καιρῷ κηρύττεσθαι τοὔνομα αὐ- ‘τοῦ, διʼ ἐκείνου ἂν ἐρρέθη τοῦ καὶ τὴν ἀποκάλυψιν ἑωρακότος. οὐδὲ γὰρ πρὸ πολλοῦ χρόνου ἑωράθη, “ ἀλλὰ σχεδὸν ἐπὶ τῆς ἡμετέρας γενεὰς, πρὸς τῷ τέλει τῆς Δομετιανοῦ ἀρχῆς.” ### English translation (Claude) “But if it had been necessary for his name to be proclaimed openly at the present time, it would have been spoken by him who also saw the Apocalypse. For it was seen not long ago, but almost in our own generation, toward the end of Domitian's reign.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 5.30.3 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Haer. 5.30.3. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.18.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/18/3/). ## Church History 3.18.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/18/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:105–106 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Pagan historians record that under Domitian Flavia Domitilla, niece of the consul Flavius Clemens, was banished for her witness to Christ. ### Greek text εἰς τοσοῦτον δὲ ἄρα κατὰ τοὺς δηλουμένους ἡ τῆς ἡμετέρας πίστεως διέλαμπε διδασκαλία, ὡς καὶ τοὺς ἄποθεν τοῦ καθʼ ἡμὰς λόγου συγγραφεῖς μὴ ἀποκνῆσαι ταῖς αὐτῶν ἱστορίαις τόν τε διωγμὸν καὶ τὰ ἐν αὐτῷ μαρτύρια παραδοῦναι, οἴ γε καὶ τὸν καιρὸν ἐπʼ ἀκριβὲς ἐπεσημήνατο, ἐν ἔτει πεντεκαιδεκάτῳ Δομετιανοῦ μετὰ πλείστων ἑτέρων καὶ Φλαουίαν Δομέτιλλαν ἱστορη σαντες, ἐξ ἀδελφῆς γεγονυῖαν Φλαουίου Κλήμεντος ἑνὸς τῶν τηνικάδε ἐπὶ Ῥώμης ὑπάτων, τῆς εἰς Χρι ’στὸν μαρτυρίας ἕνεκεν εἰς νῆσον Ποντίαν κατὰ τιμο ρίαν δεδόσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) So brightly at the times mentioned did the teaching of our faith shine that even writers remote from our doctrine did not hesitate to hand down in their histories the persecution and the martyrdoms in it. They also noted the time exactly, relating that in the fifteenth year of Domitian, with very many others, Flavia Domitilla, the daughter of a sister of Flavius Clemens, one of the consuls at Rome at that time, was banished to the island of Pontia as punishment for her witness to Christ. ### Translation notes - Compare Dio Cassius 67.14, where Domitilla is Clemens's wife, banished for “atheism” and Jewish ways; whether she was a Christian is debated. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.18.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/18/4/). ## Church History 3.19.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/19/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:106 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: When Domitian sought David's descendants, heretics denounced the grandsons of Jude, the Lord's brother; Hegesippus tells the story. ### Greek text Τοῦ δʼ αὐτοῦ Δόμε τιανοῦ τοὺς ἀπὸ γένους Δαβὶδ ἀναιρεῖσθαι προστα ξαντος παλαιὸς κατέχει λόγος τῶν αἱρετικῶν τινα κατηγορῆσαι τῶν ἀπογόνων Ἰούδα, (τοῦτον δὲ ἀδελφὸν κατὰ σάρκα τοῦ σωτῆρος), ὡς ἀπὸ γένους τυγχανόντων Δαβὶδ, καὶ ὡς αὐτοῦ συγγένειαν τοῦ Χριστοῦ φερόντων. ταῦτα δὲ δηλοῖ κατὰ λέξιν ὧδέ πως λέγων ὁ Ἡγήσιππος· ### English translation (Claude) When the same Domitian ordered the descendants of David to be put to death, an ancient tradition says that some of the heretics accused the descendants of Jude (he was the brother of the Saviour according to the flesh), as being of the family of David and as bearing kinship with Christ himself. Hegesippus shows this, speaking word for word as follows: ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.19.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/19/1/). ## Church History 3.20.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/20/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:106 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus (quoted): the grandsons of Jude were brought before Domitian, who feared the coming of Christ. ### Greek text “Ἔτι δὲ περιῆσαν οἱ ἀπὸ γένους τοῦ κυρίου “υἱωνοὶ Ἰούδα, τοῦ κατὰ σάρκα λεγομένου αὐτοῦ “ἀδελφοῦ, οὓς ἐδηλατόρευσαν ὡς ἐκ γένους ὄντας ‘Δαβίδ. τούτους δʼ ὁ Ἰουόκατος ἤγαγε πρὸς Δομε- “τιανὸν Καίσαρα· ἐφοβεῖτο γὰρ τὴν παρουσίαν τοῦ “Χριστοῦ ὡς καὶ Ἡρώδης. ### English translation (Claude) “There still survived of the family of the Lord the grandsons of Jude, who was called his brother according to the flesh, and they were informed against as being of the family of David. The evocatus brought them to Domitian Caesar; for he feared the coming of Christ, as Herod also had. ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation (3.20.1–6) is Hegesippus, Memoirs (lost). Ἰουόκατος transliterates the Latin evocatus (a recalled veteran soldier). The digital text repeats Χριστοῦ. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.20.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/20/1/). ## Church History 3.20.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/20/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:106 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus (quoted): they owned only a small farm, which they worked themselves. ### Greek text καὶ ἐπηρώτησεν αὐ- “τοὺς εἰ ἐκ Δαβίδ εἰσι, καὶ ὡμολόγησαν. τότε ἐπηρώτησεν αὐτοὺς πόσας κτήσεις ἔχουσιν, ἢ πόσων χρημάτων κυριεύουσιν. οἱ δὲ εἶπαν ἀμφότεροι ἐννακισχίλια δηνάρια ὑπάρχειν αὐτοῖς μόνα, ἑκάστῳ “αὐτῶν ἀνήκοντος τοῦ ἡμίσεος. καὶ ταῦτα οὐκ ἐν “ἀργυρίοις ἔφασκον ἔχειν, ἀλλʼ ἐν διατιμήσει γῆς πλέθρων τριάκοντα ἐννέα μόνων, ἐξ ὧν καὶ τοὺς ‘φόρους ἀναφέρειν καὶ αὐτοὺς αὐτουργοῦντας δια- ᾿῾τρέφεσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) He asked them whether they were of David's line, and they admitted it. Then he asked them how much property they had or how much money they controlled. And they both said that they had only nine thousand denarii, half belonging to each; and this, they said, they did not have in money, but in the value of only thirty-nine plethra of land, from which they paid the taxes and supported themselves by their own labour. ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Hegesippus. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.20.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/20/2/). ## Church History 3.20.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/20/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:106 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus (quoted): they showed their calloused hands as proof. ### Greek text εἶτα δὲ καὶ τὰς χεῖρας τὰς ‘ἐπιδεικνύναι, μαρτύριον τῆς αὐτουργίας τὴν τοῦ σώ- “ματος σκληρίαν καὶ τοὺς ἀπὸ τῆς συνεχοῦς ἐργασίας ῾ ἐναποτυπωθέντας ἐπὶ τῶν ἰδίων χειρῶν τύλους πα- ‘ριστάντας. ### English translation (Claude) Then they showed their hands too, offering as witness of their own labour the hardness of their bodies and the calluses impressed on their hands from continual work. ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Hegesippus. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.20.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/20/3/). ## Church History 3.20.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/20/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:106–107 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus (quoted): they said Christ's kingdom is heavenly and will come at the end, when he judges the living and the dead. ### Greek text ἐρωτηθέντας δὲ περὶ τοῦ Χριστοῦ καὶ τῆς βασιλείας αὐτοῦ, ὁποία τις εἴη καὶ ποῖ καὶ πότε φανησομένη, λόγον δοῦναι ὡς οὐ κοσμικὴ μὲν οὐδʼ ἐπίγειος, ἐπουράνιος δὲ καὶ ἀγγελικὴ τυγχάνει, ἐπὶ συντελείᾳ τοῦ αἰῶνος γενησομένη, ὁπηνίκα ἐλθὼν ἐν δόξῃ κρινεῖ ζῶντας καὶ νεκροὺς, καὶ ἀποδώσει ἑκάστῳ κατὰ τὰ ἐπιτηδεύματα αὐτοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) When asked about Christ and his kingdom, what kind it was and where and when it would appear, they gave an account that it was not of this world nor earthly, but heavenly and angelic, and would come at the end of the age, when he would come in glory to judge the living and the dead and to repay each according to his conduct. ### Scripture references - John 18:36: echo, medium confidence - 2 Tim 4:1: echo, medium confidence - Matt 16:27: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Hegesippus. Compare John 18:36; 2 Tim 4:1; Matt 16:27. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.20.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/20/4/). ## Church History 3.20.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/20/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:107 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus (quoted): Domitian despised them as harmless, freed them, and stopped the persecution. ### Greek text ἐφʼ οἷς μηδὲν αὐτῶν κατεγνωκότα τὸν Δπμετιανὸν, ἀλλὰ καὶ ὡς εὐτελῶν καταφρονήσαντα, ἐλευθέρους μὲν αὐτοὺς ἀνεῖναι, καταπαῦσαι δὲ διὰ προστάγματος τὸν κατὰ τῆς ἐκκλησίας διωγμόν. ### English translation (Claude) At this Domitian, having found nothing against them but despising them as simple folk, let them go free, and by decree stopped the persecution against the church. ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Hegesippus. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.20.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/20/5/). ## Church History 3.20.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/20/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:107 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus (quoted): once released, they led the churches as confessors and relatives of the Lord until Trajan's time. ### Greek text τοὺς δὲ ἀπολυθέντας ἡγήσασθαι τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν, ὡσὰν δὴ μάρτυρας ὁμοῦ καὶ ἀπὸ γένους ὄντας τοῦ κυρίου, γενομένης τε εἰρήνης μέχρι Τραϊανοῦ παραμεῖναι αὐτοὺς τῷ βίῳ.” ### English translation (Claude) And those who had been released led the churches, as being both witnesses and of the Lord's family; and when peace came, they remained alive until Trajan.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Hegesippus. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.20.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/20/6/). ## Church History 3.20.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/20/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:107 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Tertullian (quoted): Domitian briefly imitated Nero's persecution, then stopped and recalled the exiles. ### Greek text ταῦτα μὲν ὁ Ἡγήσιππος. οὐ μὴν ἀλλὰ καὶ ὁ Τερτυλλιανὸς τοῦ Δομετιανοῦ τοιαύτην πεποίηται μνήμην· “πεπειράκει ποτὲ καὶ Δομετιανὸς ταὐτὸ ‘ποιεῖν ἐκείνῳ, μέρος ὢν τῆς Νέρωνος ὠμότητος. ἀλλʼ οἶμαι ἅτε ἔχων τι συνέσεως τάχιστα ἐπαύσατο, ‘ἀνακαλεσάμενος καὶ οὓς ἐξεληλάκει.” ### English translation (Claude) So much Hegesippus. Tertullian too makes mention of Domitian as follows: “Domitian also once tried to do the same as he, being a portion of Nero's cruelty. But, I think, since he had some sense, he very soon stopped, and even recalled those whom he had banished.” ### Translation notes - Quotation from Tertullian, Apology 5.4 (Greek translation); Tertullian's Apology is not yet on this site and is not tagged. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.20.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/20/7/). ## Church History 3.20.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/20/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:107 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Under Nerva the senate annulled Domitian's honours and restored the exiles. ### Greek text μετὰ δὲ τὸν Δομετιανὸν πεντεκαίδεκα ἔτεσιν ἐπικρατήσαντα Νέρουα τὴν ἀρχὴν διαδεξαμένου καθαιρεθῆναι μὲν τὰς Δομετιανο τιμὰς, ἐπανελθεῖν δὲ ἐπὶ τὰ οἰκεῖα μετὰ τοῦ καὶ τὰς οὐσίας ἀπολαβεῖν τοὺς ἀδίκως ἐξεληλαμένους, ἡ Ῥωμαίων σύγκλητος βουλὴ ψηφίζεται· ἱστοροῦσιν οἱ γραφῇ τὰ κατὰ τοὺς χρόνους παραδόντες. ### English translation (Claude) After Domitian had reigned fifteen years and Nerva succeeded to the rule, the Roman senate voted that Domitian's honours be abolished and that those unjustly banished should return to their homes and recover their property. So relate those who have handed down in writing the events of those times. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.20.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/20/8/). ## Church History 3.20.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/20/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:107 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Tradition says John then returned from Patmos to Ephesus. ### Greek text τότε δὴ οὖν καὶ τὸν ἀπόστολον Ἰωάννην ἀπὸ τῆς κατὰ τὴν νῆσον φυγῆς τὴν ἐπὶ τῆς Ἐφέσου διατριβὴν ἀπειληφέναι ὁ τῶν παρʼ ἡμῖν ἀρχαίων παραδίδωσι λόγος. ### English translation (Claude) Then indeed, the tradition of our ancients relates, the apostle John too, after his banishment on the island, resumed his residence at Ephesus. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.20.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/20/9/). ## Church History 3.21.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/21/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:107–108 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Under Trajan, Cerdo became bishop of Alexandria; Clement, third after Linus and Anencletus, still led Rome. ### Greek text Μικρῷ δὲ πλέον ἐνιαυτοῦ βασιλεύσαντα Νέρουαν διαδέχεται τραϊανός, οὗ δὴ πρῶτον ἕτο ἦν, ἐν ᾧ τῆς κατʼ Ἀλεξάνδρειαν παροικίας Ἀβίλιο δέκα πρὸς τρισὶν ἔτεσιν ἡγησάμενον διαδέχεται Κε δῶν. τρίτος οὗτος τῶν αὐτόθι μετὰ τὸν πρῶτον Ἀννιανὸν προέστη. ἐν τούτῳ δὲ Ῥωμαίων εἰσέτι Κλη μὴς ἡγεῖτο, τρίτον καὶ αὐτὸς ἐπέχων τῶν τῇδε μετ Παῦλόν τε καὶ Πέτρον ἐπισκοπευσάντων βαθμόν Λίνος δὲ ὁ πρῶτος ἠν, καὶ μετʼ αὐτὸν Ἀνέγκλητος. ### English translation (Claude) After Nerva had reigned a little more than a year, Trajan succeeded him. It was in his first year that Abilius, who had led the community in Alexandria for thirteen years, was succeeded by Cerdo; he was the third to preside there after the first, Annianus. At this time Clement was still leading the Romans, holding the third place among those who were bishops there after Paul and Peter; Linus was the first, and after him Anencletus. ### Translation notes - The digital text is damaged in several words (Ἀ(??)νιανὸν for Ἀννιανὸν). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.21.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/21/1/). ## Church History 3.22.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/22/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:108 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: At Antioch Ignatius was second bishop after Evodius; Simeon was second at Jerusalem after James. ### Greek text Ἀλλὰ καὶ τῶν ἐπʼ Ἀη τιοχείας Εὐοδίου πρώτου καταστάντος δεύτερος τοῖς δηλουμένοις Ἰγνάτιος ἐγνωρίζετο. Συμεὼν ὁμοίως δεύτερος μετὰ τὸν τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν ἀδελφὸν τῆς ἐν Ἱεροσολύμοις ἐκκλησίας κατὰ τούτους τὴν λειτουργίαν εἶχεν, ### English translation (Claude) And of those at Antioch, Evodius having been appointed first, Ignatius was known as the second in the times indicated. Likewise Simeon, second after the brother of our Saviour, held the ministry of the church in Jerusalem in these times. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.22.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/22/1/). ## Church History 3.23.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:108 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: John, the beloved disciple, still lived in Asia, governing its churches after returning from exile. ### Greek text Ἐπὶ τούτοις κατὰ τὴν Ἀσίαν ἔτι τῷ βίῳ περιλειπόμενος αὐτὸς ἐκεῖνος, ὃν ἠγάπα ὁ Ἰησοῦς, ἀπόστολος ὁμοῦ καὶ εὐαγγελιστὴς Ἰωάννης τὰς αὐτόθι διεῖπεν ἐκκλησίας, ἀπὸ τῆς κατὰ τὴν νῆσον μετὰ τὴν Δομετιανοῦ τελευτὴν ἐπανελθὼν φυγῆς. ### English translation (Claude) At this time there was still living in Asia that very one whom Jesus loved, John, apostle and evangelist, who governed the churches there, having returned from his banishment on the island after the death of Domitian. ### Scripture references - John 21:20: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to John 13:23; 21:20. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.23.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/1/). ## Church History 3.23.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:108 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus and Clement of Alexandria confirm that John lived until Trajan's time. ### Greek text ὅτι δὲ εἰς τούτους ἔτι τῷ βίῳ περιῆν ἀπόχρη διὰ δύο πιστώσασθαι τὸν λόγον μαρτύρων. πιστοὶ δʼ ἂν εἶεν οὗτοι, τῆς πρεσβεύσαντες ὀρθοδοξίας, εἰ δὴ τοιοῦτοι Εἰρηναῖος καὶ Κλήμης ὁ Ἀλεξανδρεύς. ### English translation (Claude) That he was still alive up to these times it is enough to confirm by two witnesses. And they would be trustworthy, as ambassadors of orthodoxy, if such are Irenaeus and Clement of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.23.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/2/). ## Church History 3.23.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:108 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus (quoted): the presbyters of Asia testify that John remained with them until Trajan. ### Greek text ὧν ὁ μὲν πρότερος ἐν δευτέρῳ τῶν πρὸς τὰς αἱρέσεις ὡδέ πως γράφει κατὰ λέξιν “καὶ πάντες δὲ οἱ πρεσβύτεροι “μαρτυροῦσιν, οἱ κατὰ τὴν Ἀσίαν Ἰωάννῃ τῷ τοῦ “κυρίου μαθητῇ συμβεβληκότες, παραδεδωκέναι τὸν “ Ἰωάννην. παρέμεινε γὰρ αὐτοῖς μέχρι τῶν τραϊα- “νοῦ χρόνων.” ### English translation (Claude) The former of these writes thus, word for word, in the second book of Against Heresies: “And all the presbyters bear witness, those who associated in Asia with John the disciple of the Lord, that John handed it down; for he remained with them until the times of Trajan.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 2.22.5 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Haer. 2.22.5. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.23.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/3/). ## Church History 3.23.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:108–109 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus (quoted): the church of Ephesus, founded by Paul and home of John, witnesses to apostolic tradition. ### Greek text καὶ έν τρίτῳ δὲ τῆς αὐτῆς ὑπο- θέσεως ταὐτὸ τοῦτο δηλοῖ διὰ τούτων “ἀλλὰ καὶ ἡ “ἐν Ἐφέσῳ ἐκκλησία ὑπὸ Παύλου μὲν τεθεμελιωμένη, “Ἰωάννου δὲ παραμείναντος αὐτοῖς μέχρι τῶν Τραϊ- “ανοῦ χρόνων, μάρτυς ἀληθής ἐστι τῆς τῶν ἀπο- “στόλων παραδόσεως.” ### English translation (Claude) And in the third book of the same work he shows the same thing in these words: “But the church in Ephesus too, founded by Paul, with John remaining among them until the times of Trajan, is a true witness of the tradition of the apostles.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 3.3.4 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Haer. 3.3.4. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.23.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/4/). ## Church History 3.23.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:109 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement tells a profitable story about John in Who Is the Rich Man That Is Saved? ### Greek text ὁ δὲ Κλήμης ὁμοῦ καὶ τὸν χρόνον ἐπισημηνάμενος καὶ ἱστορίαν ἀναγκαιοτάτην οἷς τὰ καλὰ καὶ ἐπωφελῆ φίλον ἀκούειν προστίθησιν ἐν ᾧ “τίς ὁ σωζόμενος πλούσιος” ἐπέγραψεν αὐτοῦ συγγράμματι. λαβὼν δὲ ἀνάγνωθι ὧδέ πως ἔχουσαν καὶ αὐτοῦ τὴν γραφήν ### English translation (Claude) And Clement, indicating the time as well, adds a story most necessary for those who like to hear what is good and profitable, in his work entitled Who Is the Rich Man That Is Saved? Take and read his writing, which runs thus: ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Quis div. 42 (Who Is the Rich Man That Is Saved?): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.23.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/5/). ## Church History 3.23.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:109 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement (quoted): after Patmos, John visited nearby cities to appoint bishops and order churches. ### Greek text “ἄκουσον μῦθον οὐ μῦθον, ἀλλὰ ὄντα λόγον, περὶ Ἰωάννου τοὐ ἀποστόλου παραδεδομένον καὶ μνήμῃ πεφυλαγμένον. ἐπειδὴ γὰρ τοῦ τυράννου τελευτήσαντος ἀπὸ τῆς Πάτμου τῆς νήσου μετῆλθεν ἐπὶ τὴν Ἔφεσον, ἀπῄει παρακαλούμενος καὶ ἐπὶ τὰ πλησιόχωρα τῶν ἐθνῶν, ὅπου μὲν ἐπισκόπους καταστήσων, ὅπου δὲ ὅλας ἐκκλησίας ἁρμόσων, ὅπου δὲ κλήρῳ ἔνα γέ τινα κληρώσων τῶν ὑπὸ τοῦ πνεύματος σημαινομένων. ### English translation (Claude) “Hear a tale that is not a tale but a true account, handed down and kept in memory, about John the apostle. When, after the tyrant's death, he moved from the island of Patmos to Ephesus, he used to go away, when invited, to the neighbouring regions of the Gentiles too, in some places to appoint bishops, in others to set whole churches in order, in others to ordain to the clergy some one of those indicated by the Spirit. ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Quis div. 42.1–2 (Who Is the Rich Man That Is Saved?): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation (3.23.6–19) is Clement of Alexandria, Quis div. 42.1–15. The digital text repeats -στόλου. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.23.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/6/). ## Church History 3.23.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:109 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement (quoted): John entrusted a promising young man to a local bishop before the church and Christ. ### Greek text ἐλθὼν οὖν καὶ ἐπί τινα τῶν οὐ μακρὰν πόλεων, ἧς καὶ τοὔνομα λέγουσιν ἔνιοι, καὶ τἄλλα ἀναπαύσας τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς, ἐπὶ πᾶσι τῷ καθεστῶτι προσβλέψας ἐπισκόπῳ, νεανίσκον ἱκανὸν τῷ σώματι καὶ τῇ ὄψει ἀστεῖον καὶ θερμὸν τὴν ψυχὴν ἰδὼν, “τοῦτον” ἔφη σοὶ παρακατατίθεμαι μετὰ πάσης σπουδῆς, ἐπὶ τῆς ἐκκλησίας καὶ τοῦ Χριστοῦ μάρτυρος.” τοῦ δὲ δεχομένου καὶ πάνθʼ ὑπισχνουμένου καὶ πάλιν τὰ αὐτὰ διελέγετο καὶ διεμαρτύρετο. ### English translation (Claude) Coming, then, to one of the cities not far off, whose name some even give, and having refreshed the brothers in other matters, at last he looked at the bishop who had been appointed, and seeing a young man strong in body, handsome in appearance, and ardent in soul, he said, ‘This one I entrust to you with all earnestness, with the church and Christ as witness.’ And when he accepted and promised everything, he spoke again and testified the same things. ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Quis div. 42.2–3 (Who Is the Rich Man That Is Saved?): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Clement, Quis div. 42.2–3. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.23.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/7/). ## Church History 3.23.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:109–110 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement (quoted): the presbyter raised and baptized the youth, then relaxed his care, trusting the seal of baptism. ### Greek text εἶτα ὁ μὲν ἀπῇρεν ἐπὶ τὴν Ἔφεσον, ὁ δὲ πρεσβύτερος ἀναλαβὼν οἴκαδε τὸν παραδοθέντα νεανίσκον ἔτρεφε, συνεῖχεν, ἔθαλπε, τὸ τελευταῖον ἐφώτισε. καὶ μετὰ τοῦτο “ὑφῆκε τῆς πλείονος ἐπιμελείας καὶ παραφυλακῆς, ὡς “τὸ τέλειον αὐτῷ φυλακτήριον ἐπιστήσας τὴν σφρα– “γῖδα τοῦ κυρίον. ### English translation (Claude) Then John departed for Ephesus, and the presbyter, taking home the young man entrusted to him, brought him up, kept him close, cherished him, and at last baptized him. After this he relaxed his greater care and watchfulness, as having set over him the perfect safeguard, the seal of the Lord. ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Quis div. 42.4 (Who Is the Rich Man That Is Saved?): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Clement, Quis div. 42.4. “Enlightened” (ἐφώτισε) and “seal” refer to baptism. The bishop is here called “the presbyter.” ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.23.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/8/). ## Church History 3.23.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:110 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement (quoted): dissolute companions led the youth into feasting, theft, and worse. ### Greek text Τῷ δὲ ἀνέσεως πρὸ ὥρας λαβο– “μένῳ προσφθείρονταί τινες ἥλικες ἀργοὶ καὶ ἀπερ– ”ρωγότες, ἐθάδες κακῶν. Καὶ πρῶτον μὲν διʼ ἑστιά– “σεων πολυτελῶν αὐτὸν ἐπάγονται, εἶτά που καὶ νύ– “κτωρ ἐπὶ λωποδυσίαν ἐξιόντες συνεπάγονται, εἶτά “τι καὶ μεῖζον συμπράττειν ἠξίουν. ### English translation (Claude) But some young men of his age, idle and dissolute, accustomed to evil, corrupted him, having obtained freedom too early. First they led him on by costly entertainments, then took him along when they went out by night to rob, then thought him fit to join in something greater. ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Quis div. 42.5 (Who Is the Rich Man That Is Saved?): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Clement, Quis div. 42.5. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.23.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/9/). ## Church History 3.23.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:110 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement (quoted): like a runaway horse he plunged ever deeper into evil. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ κατʼ ὀλί– “γον προσειθίζετο, καὶ διὰ μέγεθος φύσεως, ἐκστὰς ” ὥσπερ ἄστομος καὶ εὔρωστος ἵππος ὀρθῆς ὁδοῦ καὶ “τὸν χαλινὸν ἐνδακὼν, μειζόνως κατὰ τῶν βαράθρων “ἐφέρετο. ### English translation (Claude) He gradually grew accustomed, and because of the greatness of his nature, departing from the right road like a hard-mouthed and powerful horse that has taken the bit in its teeth, he rushed all the more headlong into the abyss. ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Quis div. 42.6 (Who Is the Rich Man That Is Saved?): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Clement, Quis div. 42.6. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.23.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/10/). ## Church History 3.23.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:110 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement (quoted): despairing of salvation, he became the violent chief of a robber band. ### Greek text ἀπογνοὺς δὲ τελέως τὴν ἐν θεῷ σω– “τηρίαν οὐδὲν ἔτι μικρὸν διενοεῖτο, ἀλλὰ μέγα τι “πράξας, έπειδήπερ ἄπαξ, άπολώλει, ἴσa τοῖς ἄλλοις “παθεῖν ήξίον. Αὐτοὺς δὴ τούτονς άναλαβὼν καὶ λῳ– “στήριον σνγκροτήσας ἕτοιμος λᾐσταρχος ἦν, βιαιό- "τατος, μιαιφονώτατος, χαλεπώτατος. ### English translation (Claude) Utterly despairing of salvation in God, he no longer thought of anything small, but, having done something great, since he was lost once for all, he thought it right to suffer the same as the others. So he took these very men and formed a band of brigands, and was a ready brigand chief, most violent, most bloodthirsty, most cruel. ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Quis div. 42.7 (Who Is the Rich Man That Is Saved?): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Clement, Quis div. 42.7. The digital text of 3.23.11–13 has many OCR slips (Latin letters, wrong breathings); translated as the evident sense requires. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.23.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/11/). ## Church History 3.23.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:110 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement (quoted): John returned and asked the bishop to give back the deposit entrusted to him. ### Greek text χρόνος ἐν “μέβῳ, καί τίνος έπιπεσούης χρείας άνακαλοῦσι τὸν “ ‘Ιωάννην. ό δε έπε ι τά ἄλλα ὧν χάριν ἧκε κατεβτή- “sατο, ἄγε δὴ, ἔφη, ὧ έπίσκοπε, τὴν παρακαταθή- “κην áπόδος ήμῖν, ἥν ἐγώ τε καὶ ο Χριστός σοι πα- "ρακατεθέμεθα έπὶ τἠς έκκλησίας, ἧς προκαδίζῃ, "μάρτνρος. ### English translation (Claude) Time passed, and some need arising, they called for John. And he, when he had set in order the other things for which he had come, said, ‘Come, bishop, return to us the deposit which I and Christ entrusted to you, with the church over which you preside as witness.’ ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Quis div. 42.8 (Who Is the Rich Man That Is Saved?): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Clement, Quis div. 42.8. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.23.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/12/). ## Church History 3.23.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:110 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement (quoted): the bishop wept that the youth was “dead to God,” now a brigand in the mountains. ### Greek text ό δὲ τὸ μὲν πρῶτον έξεπλάγη, χρή- “ματα οἰόμενος, ἅπερ οὐκ ἔλαβε, σνκοφαντεῖσθαι, καὶ "οὔτε πιιστεύειν εἶχεν ὑπὲρ ὧν οὐκ ἔσχεν οὔτε ἀπιστεῖν “’Ιωάννῃ. ὡς δὲ “τὸν νεανίσκον” εἶπεν “ἀπαιτῶ καὶ τὴν “φνχὴν τοῦ άδελφοῦ, " στενάξας κάτωθεν ὁ πρεσβύτης “καί τι καὶ έπιδακρύσας, “έκεῖνος” ἔφη "τέθνηκε." “πῶς καὶ τίνα θάνατον; " "θεῷ τέθνηκεν" εἶπεν. "άπέβη γὰρ πονηρός καὶ εξώλης, καὶ τὸ κεφάλαιον, “λῃστής. Καὶ νῦν άντὶ τῆς έκκλησίας τὸ ὄρος κατεί- “ληφε μεθʼ όμοίον στρατιωτικοῦ” ### English translation (Claude) He was at first astounded, thinking he was being falsely accused about money which he had not received, and he could neither believe about what he did not have nor disbelieve John. But when he said, ‘I demand back the young man and the soul of the brother,’ the old man groaned deeply and, shedding tears, said, ‘He is dead.’ ‘How, and by what death?’ ‘He is dead to God,’ he said; ‘for he turned out wicked and depraved and, worst of all, a brigand. And now, instead of the church, he has taken the mountain with a band like himself.’ ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Quis div. 42.9–10 (Who Is the Rich Man That Is Saved?): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Clement, Quis div. 42.9–10. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.23.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/13/). ## Church History 3.23.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:110–111 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement (quoted): John lamented and rode off at once to find the youth. ### Greek text καταρρηζάμε- “νος οὖν τὴν ἐσθῆτα ὁ ἀπόστολος, καὶ μετὰ μεγάλης “οἰμωγῆς πληξάμενος τὴν κεφαλὴν, καλόν γε, ἔφη, “φύλακα τῆς τἀδελφοῦ ψυχῆς κατέλιπον. ἀλλʼ ἵππος “ἤδη μοι παρέστω, καὶ ἡγεμὼν γινέσθω μοί τις τῆς “ὁδοῦ. ἤλαυνεν, ὥσπερ εἶχεν, αὐτόθεν ἀπὸ τῆς ἐκ- “κλησίας. ### English translation (Claude) Then the apostle tore his clothes and, beating his head with loud lamentation, said, ‘A fine guardian of the brother's soul I left! But let a horse be brought me now, and let someone be my guide on the way.’ He rode off, just as he was, straight from the church. ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Quis div. 42.11 (Who Is the Rich Man That Is Saved?): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Clement, Quis div. 42.11. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.23.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/14/). ## Church History 3.23.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:111 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement (quoted): captured by the robbers, John asked to be taken to their chief. ### Greek text ἐλθὼν δὲ εἰς τὸ χωρίον ὑπὸ τῆς προ- “φυλακῆς τῶν λῃστῶν ἁλίσκεται, μήτε φεύγων μήτε “παραιτούμενος, ἀλλὰ βοῶν, ἐπὶ τοῦτʼ ἐλήλυθα, ἐπὶ “τὸν ἄρχοντα ὑμῶν ἀγάγετέ με. ### English translation (Claude) Coming to the place, he was captured by the brigands' outpost, neither fleeing nor begging off, but crying, ‘It is for this I have come; lead me to your chief.’ ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Quis div. 42.12 (Who Is the Rich Man That Is Saved?): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Clement, Quis div. 42.12. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.23.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/15/). ## Church History 3.23.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/16/ - Source: Dindorf 4:111 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement (quoted): the young chief fled in shame, and the old apostle ran after him. ### Greek text ὃς τέως, ὥσπερ “ὥπλιστο, ἀνέμενεν, ὡς δὲ προσιόντα ἐγνώρισε τὸν “Ἰωάννην, εἰς φυγὴν αἰδεσθεὶς ἐτράπετο. ὁ δὲ ἐδί- “ωκεν ἀνὰ κράτος, ἐπιλαθόμενος τῆς ἡλικίας τῆς ἑαυ- “τοῦ, κεκραγὼς, ### English translation (Claude) He meanwhile waited, armed as he was; but when he recognized John approaching, he turned to flight in shame. But John pursued with all his might, forgetting his own age, crying out, ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Quis div. 42.13 (Who Is the Rich Man That Is Saved?): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Clement, Quis div. 42.12–13. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.23.16 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/16/). ## Church History 3.23.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/17/ - Source: Dindorf 4:111 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement (quoted): John begged the youth to stop, promising to answer for him to Christ and even to die for him. ### Greek text τί με φεύγεις, τέκνον, τὸν σαυ- “τοῦ πατέρα, τὸν γυμνὸν, τὸν γέροντα; ἐλέησόν με, “τέκνον, μὴ φοβοῦ. ἔχεις ἔτι ζωῆς ἐλπίδα. ἐγὼ “Χριστῷ λόγον δώσω ὑπὲρ σοῦ, ἂν δέῃ, τὸν σὸν θά- “νατον ἑκὼν ὑπομενῶ, ὡς ὁ κύριος τὸν ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν. “ὑπὲρ σοῦ τὴν ψυχὴν ἀντιδώσω τὴν ἐμήν. στῆθι, “πίστευσον, Χριστός με ἀπέστειλεν. ### English translation (Claude) ‘Why do you flee from me, child, your own father, unarmed and old? Have pity on me, child; do not fear. You still have hope of life. I will give account to Christ for you. If need be, I will willingly endure your death, as the Lord endured death for us. For you I will give my own life in exchange. Stand, believe; Christ has sent me.’ ### Scripture references - John 10:11: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Quis div. 42.13–14 (Who Is the Rich Man That Is Saved?): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Clement, Quis div. 42.13–14. Compare John 10:11. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.23.17 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/17/). ## Church History 3.23.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/18/ - Source: Dindorf 4:111 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement (quoted): the youth threw down his weapons, wept, and embraced John, “baptized again” in tears, hiding his right hand. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ ἀκού- “σας πρῶτον μὲν ἔστη κάτω βλέπων, εἶτα ἔρριψε τὰ “ὅπλα, εἶτα τρέμων ἔκλαιε πικρῶς. προσελθόντα δὲ “τὸν γέροντα περιέλαβεν, ἀπολογούμενος ταῖς οἰμω- “γαῖς ὡς ἐδύνατο καὶ τοῖς δάκρυσι βαπτιζόμενος ἐκ “δευτέρου, μόνην ἀποκρύπτων τὴν δεξιάν. ### English translation (Claude) When he heard this, he first stood still, looking down; then he threw away his weapons; then, trembling, he wept bitterly. When the old man came up, he embraced him, pleading for himself with lamentations as best he could, and baptized a second time with his tears, keeping only his right hand hidden. ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Quis div. 42.14 (Who Is the Rich Man That Is Saved?): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Clement, Quis div. 42.14. “Baptized a second time with tears” is a figure for repentance. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.23.18 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/18/). ## Church History 3.23.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/19/ - Source: Dindorf 4:111–112 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement (quoted): John assured him of forgiveness, brought him back to the church with prayer and fasting, and restored him, an example of true repentance. ### Greek text ὁ δʼ “ἐγγυώμενος, ἐπομνύμενος, ὡς ἄφεσιν αὐτῷ παρὰ “τοῦ σωτῆρος ηὕρηται, δεόμενος, γονυπετῶν, αὐτὴν “τὴν δεξιὰν ὡς ὑπὸ τῆς μετανοίας κεκαθαρμένην κα- “ταφιλῶν, ἐπὶ τὴν ἐκκλησίαν ἐπανήγαγε, καὶ δαψι- “λέσι μὲν εὐχαῖς ἐξαιτούμενος, συνεχέσι δὲ νηστείαις “συναγωνιζόμενος, ποικίλαις δὲ σειρῆσι λόγων κατε- “πᾴδων αὐτοῦ τὴν γνώμην οὐ πρότερον ἀπῆλθεν, ὥς “φασι, πρὶν αὐτὸν ἀποκατέστησε τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ, διδοὺς “μέγα παράδειγμα μετανοίας ἀληθινῆς καὶ μέγα γνώ- “ρισμα παλιγγενεσίας, τρόπαιον ἀναστάσεως βλεπο- “μένη.” ### English translation (Claude) But John, pledging and swearing that he had found forgiveness for him from the Saviour, begging, kneeling, kissing that very right hand as cleansed by repentance, led him back to the church; and interceding for him with abundant prayers, contending with him in continual fasts, and charming his mind with varied spells of words, he did not depart, they say, before he had restored him to the church, giving a great example of true repentance and a great token of regeneration, a trophy of a visible resurrection.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Quis div. 42.15 (Who Is the Rich Man That Is Saved?): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Clement, Quis div. 42.15. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.23.19 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/23/19/). ## Church History 3.24.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:112 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius now turns to John's undisputed writings. ### Greek text Ταῦτα τοῦ Κλήμεντος, ἱστορίας ὁμοῦ καὶ ὠφελείας τῆς τῶν ἐντευξομένων ἕνεκεν, ἐνταῦθά μοι κείσθω. φέρε δὲ καὶ τοῦδε τοῦ ἀποστόλου τὰς ἀναντιρρήτους ἐπισημηνώμεθα γραφάς. ### English translation (Claude) Let these words of Clement be set down here, for the sake of history and the benefit of readers. Come, let us also note the undisputed writings of this apostle. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.24.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/1/). ## Church History 3.24.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:112 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: John's Gospel is universally acknowledged; Eusebius explains why it is placed fourth. ### Greek text καὶ δὴ τὸ κατʼ αὐτὸν εὐαγγέλιον ταῖς ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανὸν διεγνωσμένον ἐκκλησίαις πρῶτον ἀνωμολογήσθω. ὅτι γε μὴν εὐλόγως πρὸς τῶν ἀρχαίων ἐν τετάρτῃ μοίρᾳ τῶν ἄλλων τριῶν κατείλεκται, ταύτῃ ἂν γένοιτο δῆλον. ### English translation (Claude) And first let the Gospel according to him, known to the churches under heaven, be acknowledged. That it has with good reason been placed by the ancients in the fourth place after the other three will become clear as follows. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.24.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/2/). ## Church History 3.24.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:112 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The apostles, unskilled in speech, preached by the Spirit's power and gave little thought to writing books. ### Greek text οἱ θεσπέσιοι καὶ ὡς ἀληθῶς θεοπρεπεῖς, φημὶ δὲ τοῦ Χριστοῦ τοὺς ἀποστόλους, τὸν βίον ἄκρως κεκαρθαρμένοι, καὶ ἀρετῇ πάσῃ τὰς ψυχὰς κεκοσμημένοι, τὴν δὲ γλῶτταν ἰδιωτεύοντες, τῇ γε μὴν πρὸς τοῦ σωτῆρος αὐτοῖς δεδωρημένῃ θείᾳ καὶ παραδοξοποιῷ δυνάμει θαρσοῦντες, τὸ μὲν ἐν περινοίᾳ καὶ τέχνῃ λόγων τὰ τοῦ διδασκάλου μαθήματα πρεσβεύειν οὔτε ᾔδεσαν οὔτε ἐνεχείρουν, τῃ δὲ τοῦ θείου πνεύματος τοῦ συνεργοῦντος αὐτοῖς~ ἀποδείξει καὶ τῇ διʼ αὐτῶν συντελουμένῃ θαυματουργῷ τοῦ Χριστοῦ δυνάμει μόνῃ χρώμενοι, τῆς τῶν οὐρανῶν βασιλείας τὴν γνῶσιν ἐπὶ πᾶσαν κατήγγελλον τὴν οἰκουμένην, σπουδῆς τῆς περὶ τὸ λογογραφεῖν μικρὰν ποιούμενοι φροντίδα. ### English translation (Claude) Those inspired and truly godlike men, I mean the apostles of Christ, completely purified in their life and adorned in their souls with every virtue, but unskilled in speech, relying on the divine and wonder-working power given them by the Saviour, neither knew how nor attempted to present the lessons of their Teacher with subtlety and art of words; but using only the demonstration of the divine Spirit working with them and the wonder-working power of Christ accomplished through them, they proclaimed the knowledge of the kingdom of heaven to the whole world, taking little thought for the zeal of writing books. ### Scripture references - 2 Cor 11:6: echo, medium confidence - 1 Cor 2:4: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Compare 2 Cor 11:6 and 1 Cor 2:4. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.24.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/3/). ## Church History 3.24.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:112–113 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Even Paul, though most eloquent and granted visions of the third heaven, wrote only short letters. ### Greek text καὶ τοῦτʼ ἔπραττον ἅτε μείζονι καὶ ὑπὲρ ἄνθρωπον ἐξυπηρετούμενοι διακονίᾳ. ὁ γοῦν Παῦλος πάντων ἐν παρασκευῇ λόγων δυνατώτατος νοήμασί τε ἱκανώτατος γεγονὼς, οὐ πλέον τῶν βραχυτάτων ἐπιστολῶν γραφῇ παρα δέδωκε, καίτοι μυρία γε καὶ ἀπόρρητα λέγειν ἔχων, ἅτε τῶν μέχρις οὐρανοῦ τρίτου θεωρημάτων ἐπιψαύσας, ἐπʼ αὐτόν τε τὸν θεοπρεπῆ παράδεισον ἀναρ- πασθεὶς καὶ τῶν ἐκεῖσε ῥημάτων ἀρρήτων ἀξιωθεὶς ἐπακοῦσαι. ### English translation (Claude) And they did this as serving a greater ministry, beyond man. Paul at any rate, the most powerful of all in the preparation of words and most capable in thought, committed to writing no more than very short letters, although he had countless unspeakable things to say, since he had touched the visions reaching to the third heaven, had been caught up to the divine paradise itself, and had been thought worthy to hear the unspeakable words there. ### Scripture references - 2 Cor 12:2–4: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to 2 Cor 12:2–4. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.24.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/4/). ## Church History 3.24.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:113 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Of all the disciples, only Matthew and John wrote Gospels, and that out of necessity. ### Greek text οὐκ ἄπειροι μὲν οὖν ὑπῆρχον τῶν αὐτῶν καὶ οἶ λοιποὶ τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν φοιτηταὶ, δώδεκα μὲν ἀπόστολοι, ἑβδομήκοντα δὲ μαθηταὶ, ἄλλοι τε ἐπὶ τούτοις μυρίοι. ὅμως δʼ οὖν ἐξ ἀπάντων τῶν τοῦ κυρίου διατριβῶν ὑπομνήματα Ματθαῖος ἡμῖν καὶ Ἰωάννης μόνοι καταλελοίπασιν, οὓς καὶ ἐπάναγκες ἐπὶ τὴν γραφὴν ἐλθεῖν κατέχει λόγος. ### English translation (Claude) The rest of our Saviour's followers too, the twelve apostles, the seventy disciples, and countless others besides, were not unacquainted with the same things. Yet of all the Lord's disciples only Matthew and John have left us memoirs, and tradition holds that they came to writing of necessity. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.24.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/5/). ## Church History 3.24.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:113 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Matthew wrote his Gospel in his native language for the Hebrews before leaving them. ### Greek text Ματθαῖος μὲν γὰρ πρότερον Ἑβραίοις κηρύξας, ὡς ἤμελλεν καὶ ἐφʼ ἑτέρους ἰέναι, πατρίῳ γλώττῃ γραφῆ παραδοὺς τὸ κατʼ αὐτὸν εὐαγγέλιον τὸ λεῖπον τῇ αὐτοῦ παρουσίᾳ τούτοις, ἀφʼ ὧν ἐστέλλετο, διὰ τῆς γραφῆς ἀπεπλήρου. ### English translation (Claude) For Matthew, having first preached to Hebrews, when he was about to go to others as well, committed his Gospel to writing in his native tongue, and so supplied by writing, for those from whom he was being sent, what was lacking through his absence. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.24.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/6/). ## Church History 3.24.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:113 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: John, having preached orally, wrote last, approving the other three but supplying Christ's early deeds. ### Greek text ἤδη δὲ Μάρκου καὶ Λουκᾶ τῶν κατʼ αὐτοὺς εὐαγγελίων τὴν ἔκδοσιν πεποιημένων Ἰωάννην φασὶ, τὸν πάντα χρόνον ἀγράφῳ κεχρημένον κηρύγματι, τέλος καὶ ἐπὶ τὴν γραφὴν ἐλθεῖν τοιᾶσδε χάριν αἰτίας. τῶν προαναγραφέντων τριῶν εἰς πάντας ἤδη καὶ εἰς αὐτὸν διαδεδομένων ἀποδέξασθαι μέν φασιν ἀλήθειαν αὐτοῖς ἐπιμαρτυρήσαντα, μόνην δὲ ἄρα λείπεσθαι τῇ γραφῇ τὴν περὶ τῶν ἐν πρώτοις καὶ κατʼ ἀρχὴν τοῦ κηρύγματος ὑπὸ τοῦ Χριστοῦ πεπραγμένων διήγησιν. ### English translation (Claude) And when Mark and Luke had already published their Gospels, they say that John, who all the time had used unwritten preaching, at last came to writing for the following reason. When the three previously written Gospels had already been distributed to all, and to himself too, they say that he accepted them and bore witness to their truth, but that there was lacking in the writing only the account of what Christ had done first and at the beginning of his preaching. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.24.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/7/). ## Church History 3.24.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:113 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The first three Gospels record only the year after the Baptist's imprisonment. ### Greek text καὶ ἀληθής γε ὁ λόγος. τοὺς ἄλλους γοῦν τρεῖς εὐαγγελιστὰς συνιδεῖν πάρεστι μόνα τὰ μετὰ τὴν ἐν τῷ δεσμωτηρίῳ Ἰωάννου τοῦ βαπτιστοῦ κάθειρξιν ἐφʼ ἔνα ἐνιαυτὸν πεπραγμένα τῷ σωτῆρι συγγεγραφότας, αὐτό τε τοῦτʼ ἐπισημηναμένους κατʼ ἀρχὰς τῆς αὐτῶν ἱστορίας. ### English translation (Claude) And the account is true. At any rate one can see that the other three evangelists recorded only what the Saviour did during one year after John the Baptist was shut up in prison, and that they indicated this very thing at the beginning of their history. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.24.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/8/). ## Church History 3.24.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:113–114 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Matthew begins Jesus' ministry after John's arrest. ### Greek text μετὰ γοῦν τὴν τεσσαρακονταήμερον νηστείαν καὶ τὸν ἐπʼ αὐτῇ πειρασμὸν τὸν χρόνον τῆς ἰδίας γραφῆς ὁ μὲν Ματθαῖος δηλοῖ λέγων “ἀκούσας δὲ ὅτι Ἰωάννης πα- “ρεδόθη ἀνεχώρησεν ἀπὸ τῆς Ἰουδαίας εἰς τὴν “λιλαίαν.” ### English translation (Claude) After the forty days' fast and the temptation that followed it, Matthew indicates the time covered by his own writing, saying, “Hearing that John had been handed over, he withdrew from Judea into Galilee.” ### Scripture references - Matt 4:12: quotation, high confidence - Matt 4:2: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is a free form of Matt 4:12. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.24.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/9/). ## Church History 3.24.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:114 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Mark and Luke also begin after John's imprisonment. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ Μάρκος ὡσαύτως “μετὰ δὲ τὸ “παραδοθῆναι” φησὶν “Ἰωάννην ἦλθεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἰς “τὴν Γαλιλαίαν.” καὶ ὁ Λουκᾶς δὲ, πρὶν ἄρξασθαι τῶν τοῦ Ἰησοῦ πράξεων, παραπλησίως ἐπιτηρεῖ φάσκων ὡς ἄρα προσθεὶς Ἡρώδης οἷς διεπράξατο πονηροῖς κατέκλεισε τὸν Ἰωάννην ἐν φυλακῇ. ### English translation (Claude) And Mark likewise: “After John was handed over,” he says, “Jesus came into Galilee.” And Luke too, before beginning the acts of Jesus, similarly notes that Herod, adding to the evil deeds he had done, shut up John in prison. ### Scripture references - Mark 1:14: quotation, high confidence - Luke 3:19–20: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Mark 1:14; the allusion is Luke 3:19–20. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.24.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/10/). ## Church History 3.24.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:114 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: John deliberately recorded the period before the Baptist's imprisonment, as his wording shows. ### Greek text παρακληθέντα δὴ οὖν τούτων ἕνεκά φασι τὸν ἀπόστολον Ἰωάννην τὸν ὑπὸ τῶν προτέρων εὐαγγελιστῶν παρασιωπηθέντα χρόνον καὶ τὰ κατὰ τοῦτον πεπραγμένα τῷ σωτῆρι (ταῦτα δʼ ἦν τὰ πρὸ τῆς τοῦ βαπτιστοῦ καθείρξεως) τῷ κατʼ αὐτὸν εὐαγγελίῳ παραδοῦναι, αὐτό τε τοῦτʼ ἐπισημήνασθαι, τοτὲ μὲν φήσαντα ‘ταύτην ἀρχὴν ἐποίησε τῶν παραδόξων ὁ Ἰησοῦς, ” τοτὲ δὲ μνημονεύσαντα τοῦ βαπτιστοῦ μεταξὺ τῶν τοῦ Ἰησοῦ πράξεων, ὡς ἔτι τότε βαπτίζοντος ἐν Αἰνῶν ἐγγὺς τοῦ Σαλεὶμ, σαφῶς τε τοῦτο δηλοῦν ἐν τῷ λέγειν “οὔπω γὰρ ἦν, φησὶν, Ἰωάννης βεβλημένος “φυλακήν. ### English translation (Claude) They say, then, that for this reason the apostle John was urged to hand down in his Gospel the period passed over in silence by the earlier evangelists and what the Saviour did in it (these were the events before the Baptist's imprisonment), and that he indicated this very thing, at one time saying, “This beginning of his wonders Jesus did,” and at another mentioning the Baptist in the midst of Jesus' acts as still baptizing at Aenon near Salim, and showing it clearly when he says, “For John had not yet been thrown into prison.” ### Scripture references - John 2:11: quotation, high confidence - John 3:23: allusion, high confidence - John 3:24: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotations are John 2:11 and John 3:24; the allusion is John 3:23. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.24.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/11/). ## Church History 3.24.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:114 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: John covers the time before the Baptist's arrest, the others the time after. ### Greek text οὐκοῦν ὁ μὲν Ἰωάννης τῇ τοῦ κατʼ αὐτὸν εὐαγγελίου γραφῇ τὰ μηδέπω τοῦ βαπτιστο βεβλημένου εἰς φυλακὴν πρὸς τοῦ Χριστοῦ πραχθέντ παραδίδωσιν, οἱ δὲ λοιποὶ τρεῖς εὐαγγελισταὶ τὰ μετ τὴν εἰς τὸ δεσμωτήριον κάθειρξιν τοῦ βαπτιστοῦ μνη μονεύουσιν. ### English translation (Claude) So John, in the writing of his Gospel, hands down what Christ did while the Baptist had not yet been thrown into prison, while the other three evangelists record what came after the Baptist's confinement in prison. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.24.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/12/). ## Church History 3.24.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:114–115 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: So the Gospels do not conflict; John omitted the genealogy and began with Christ's divinity. ### Greek text οἷς καὶ ἐπιστήσαντι οὐκέτι ἂν δόξα διαφωνεῖν ἀλλήλοις τὰ εὐαγγέλια, τῷ τὸ μὲν κα Ἰωάννην τὰ πρῶτα τῶν τοῦ Χριστοῦ πράξεων περιε χειν, τὰ δὲ λοιπὰ τὴν ἐπὶ τέλει τοῦ χρόνου αὐτῷ γε γενημένην ἱστορίαν· εἰκότως δʼ οὖν τὴν μὲν τη σαρκὸς τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν γενεαλογίαν, ἅτε Ματθαίῳ καὶ Λουκᾷ προγραφεῖσαν, ἀποσιωπῆσαι τὸν Ἰωάη νῆν, τῆς δὲ θεολογίας ἀπάρξασθαι, ὡσὰν αὐτῷ πρὸς τοῦ θείου πνεύματος οἱα κρείττονι παραπεφυλαγμένης. ### English translation (Claude) To one who attends to this, the Gospels would no longer seem to disagree with one another, since the one according to John contains the first of Christ's acts, and the others the history of what happened to him at the end of the time. And it is reasonable that John passed over in silence the genealogy of our Saviour according to the flesh, since it had already been written by Matthew and Luke, and began with his divinity, as though this had been reserved for him by the divine Spirit as for one greater. ### Scripture references - John 1:1: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to John 1:1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.24.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/13/). ## Church History 3.24.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:115 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: So much for John's Gospel; Mark's origin was told earlier. ### Greek text ταῦτα μὲν οὐν ἡμῖν περὶ τῆς τοῦ κατὰ Ἰωάννην εὐαγγελίου γραφῆς εἰρήσθω. καὶ τῆς κατὰ Μάρκον δὲ ἡ γενομένη αἰτία ἐν τοῖς πρόσθεν ἡμῖν δεδήλωται. ### English translation (Claude) Let this be said by us about the writing of the Gospel according to John. And the cause of that according to Mark has been shown by us earlier. ### Translation notes - See 2.15. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.24.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/14/). ## Church History 3.24.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:115 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Luke wrote to give a sure account, learned from Paul and the other apostles, in place of rash earlier attempts. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ Λουκᾶς ἀρχόμενος καὶ αὐτὸς τοῦ κατʼ αὐτὸν συγγράμματος τὴν αἰτίαν προύθηκε, δι ἣν πεποίηται τὴν σύνταξιν, δηλῶν ὡς ἄρα πολλῶν καὶ ἄλλων προπετέστερον ἐπιτετηδευκότων διήγησιν ποιήσασθαι ὧν αὐτὸς πεπληροφόρητο λόγων, ἀναγκαίως ἀπαλλάττων ἡμὰς τῆς περὶ τοὺς ἄλλους ἀμφηρίστου ὑπολήψεως τὸν ἀσφαλῆ λόγον ὣν αὐτὸς ἱκανῶς τὴν ἀλήθειαν κατειλήφει, ἐκ τῆς ἅμα Παύλῳ συνουσίας τε καὶ διατριβῆς καὶ τῆς τῶν λοιπῶν ἀποστόλων ὁμιλίας ὠφελημένος, διὰ τοῦ ἰδίου παρέδωκεν εὐαγγελίου. ### English translation (Claude) Luke too, at the beginning of his work, set out the reason for which he made his composition, showing that since many others had rather rashly undertaken to compose a narrative of the matters of which he himself had been fully assured, he necessarily freed us from the doubtful opinion about the others and handed down in his own Gospel the sure account of the things whose truth he had sufficiently grasped, benefiting from his companionship and life with Paul and his conversation with the rest of the apostles. ### Scripture references - Luke 1:1–4: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Luke 1:1–4. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.24.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/15/). ## Church History 3.24.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/16/ - Source: Dindorf 4:115 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius will later quote the ancients on the Gospels. ### Greek text καὶ ταῦτα μὲν ἡμεῖς περὶ τούτων· οἰκειότερον δὲ κατὰ καιρὸν διὰ τῆς τῶν ἀρχαίων παραθέσεως τὰ καὶ τοῖς ἄλλοις περὶ αὐτῶν εἰρημένα πειρασόμεθα δηλῶσαι. ### English translation (Claude) This is what we say about these; but more fittingly, in due course, we shall try to show by quoting the ancients what others too have said about them. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.24.16 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/16/). ## Church History 3.24.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/17/ - Source: Dindorf 4:115 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: 1 John is undisputed; 2 and 3 John are disputed. ### Greek text τῶν δὲ Ἰωάννου συγγραμμάτων πρὸς τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ καὶ ἡ προτέρα τῶν ἐπιστολῶν παρά τε τοῖς νῦν καὶ τοῖς ἀρχαίοις ἀναμίλεκτος ὡμολόγηται, ἀντιλέγονται δὲ αἱ λοιπαὶ δύο. ### English translation (Claude) Of John's writings, besides the Gospel, the first of his letters too is acknowledged without dispute both by those of the present and by the ancients; but the other two are disputed. ### Translation notes - The digital text has ἀναμίλεκτος for ἀναμφίλεκτος. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.24.17 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/17/). ## Church History 3.24.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/18/ - Source: Dindorf 4:115 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Opinion on Revelation is still divided. ### Greek text τῆς δʼ Ἀποκαλύψεως ἐφʼ ἑκάτερον ἔτι νῦν παρὰ τοῖς πολλοῖς περιέλκεται ἡ δόξα. ὅμως γε μὴν ἐκ τῆς τῶν ἀρχαίων μαρτυρίας ἐν οἰκείῳ καιρῷ τὴν ἐπίκρισιν δέξεται καὶ αὐτή. ### English translation (Claude) As for the Apocalypse, opinion among most is still divided either way even now. Nevertheless it too will receive judgment in its proper time from the testimony of the ancients. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.24.18 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/24/18/). ## Church History 3.25.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/25/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:115–116 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius summarizes the New Testament: first the four Gospels and Acts. ### Greek text Εὔλογον δʼ ἐνταῦθα γενομένους ἀνακεφαλαιώσασθαι τὰς δηλωθείσας τῆς καινῆς διαθήκης γραφάς. καὶ δὴ τακτέον ἐν πρώτοις τὴν ἁγίαν τῶν εὐαγγελίων τετρακτὺν, οἷς ἴπε- ται ἡ τῶν πράξεων τῶν ἀποστόλων γραφή. ### English translation (Claude) Having come to this point, it is reasonable to sum up the writings of the New Testament that have been mentioned. First, then, must be placed the holy tetrad of the Gospels, followed by the writing of the Acts of the Apostles. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.25.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/25/1/). ## Church History 3.25.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/25/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:116 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Then Paul's letters, 1 John, 1 Peter, and, if it seems right, Revelation. ### Greek text μετὰ δὲ ταύτην τὰς Παύλου καταλεκτέον ἐπιστολὰς, αἷς ἐξῆς τὴν φερομένην Ἰωάννου προτέραν καὶ ὁμοίως τὴν Πέτρου κυρωτέον ἐπιστολήν. ἐπὶ τούτοις τακτέον, εἴ γε φανείη, τὴν Ἀποκάλυψιν Ἰωάννου, περὶ ἧς τὰ δόξαντα κατὰ καιρὸν ἐκθησόμεθα. ### English translation (Claude) After this must be reckoned the letters of Paul; next after them must be ratified the extant former letter of John, and likewise the letter of Peter. After these must be placed, if it seems right, the Apocalypse of John, the opinions about which we shall set out in due course. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.25.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/25/2/). ## Church History 3.25.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/25/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:116 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Disputed but widely known: James, Jude, 2 Peter, 2 and 3 John. ### Greek text καὶ ταῦτα μὲν ἐν ὁμολογουμένοις. τῶν δʼ ἀντιλεγομένων, γνωρίμων δʼ οὖν ὅμως τοῖς πολλοῖς, ἡ λεγομένη Ἰακώβου φέρεται καὶ ἡ Ἰούδα, ἥ τε Πέτρου δευτέρα ἐπιστολὴ, καὶ ἡ ὀνομαζομένη δευτέρα καὶ τρίτη Ἰωάννου, εἴτε τοῦ εὐαγγελιστοῦ τυγχάνουσαι, εἴτε καὶ ἑτέρου ὁμωνύμου ἐκείνῳ. ### English translation (Claude) These, then, are among the acknowledged books. Of the disputed books, which are nevertheless known to most, there are extant the letter called James's and that of Jude, the second letter of Peter, and the so-called second and third of John, whether they belong to the evangelist or to another of the same name. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.25.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/25/3/). ## Church History 3.25.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/25/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:116 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Spurious: Acts of Paul, Shepherd, Apocalypse of Peter, Barnabas, the Teachings (Didache), and perhaps Revelation. ### Greek text ἐν τοῖς νόθοις κατατετάχθω καὶ τῶν Παύλου πράξεων ἡ γραφὴ, ὅ τε λεγόμενος Ποιμὴν, καὶ ἡ Ἀποκάλυψις Πέτρου, καὶ πρὸς τούτοις ἡ φερομένη Βαρνάβα ἐπιστολὴ, καὶ τῶν ἀποστόλων αἱ λεγόμεναι διδαχαί· ἔτι τε, ὡς ἔφην, ἡ Ἰωάννου Ἀποκάλυψις, εἰ φανείη, ἥν τινες, ὡς ἔφην, ἀθετοῦσιν, ἕτεροι δὲ ἐγκρίνουσι τοῖς ὁμολογουμένοις. ### English translation (Claude) Among the spurious let there be placed the writing of the Acts of Paul, the so-called Shepherd, and the Apocalypse of Peter, and besides these the extant Letter of Barnabas and the so-called Teachings of the Apostles; and further, as I said, the Apocalypse of John, if it seems right, which some, as I said, reject, but others count among the acknowledged books. ### Extrabiblical texts - Acts Paul (Acts of Paul): allusion, high confidence - Herm. Vis. (Shepherd of Hermas: Visions): allusion, high confidence - Apoc. Pet. (Apocalypse of Peter): allusion, high confidence - Barn. (Epistle of Barnabas): allusion, high confidence - Did. (Didache): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - νόθος (“spurious”) here means not genuinely apostolic, though orthodox and used in churches, as distinct from heretical forgeries (3.25.6–7). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.25.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/25/4/). ## Church History 3.25.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/25/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:116 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Some add the Gospel of the Hebrews; all these are disputed. ### Greek text ἤδη δʼ ἐν τούτοις τινὲς καὶ τὸ καθʼ Ἑβραίους εὐαγγέλιον κατέλεξαν, ᾧ μάλιστα Ἑβραίῳ οἱ τὸν Χριστὸν παραδεξάμενοι χαίρουσι. ταῦτα πάντα τῶν ἀντιλεγομένων ἂν εἴη. ### English translation (Claude) Some have already counted among these the Gospel according to the Hebrews too, in which those of the Hebrews who have received Christ especially delight. All these would be among the disputed books. ### Extrabiblical texts - Gos. Heb. (Gospel of the Hebrews): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.25.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/25/5/). ## Church History 3.25.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/25/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:116–117 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The list distinguishes acknowledged, disputed, and heretical writings such as the Gospels of Peter, Thomas, and Matthias and various apocryphal Acts. ### Greek text ἀναγκαίως δὲ καὶ τούτων ὅμως τὸν κατάλογον πεποιήμεθα, διακρίναντες τάς τε κατὰ τὴν ἐκκλησιαστικὴν παράδοσιν ἀληθεῖς καὶ ἀπλάστους καὶ ἀνωμολογημένας γραφὰς, καὶ τὰς ἄλλας παρὰ ταύτας, οὐκ ἐνδιαθήκους μὲν, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἀντιλεγομένας, ὅμως δὲ παρὰ πλείστοις τῶν ἐκκλησιαστικῶν γινωσκομένας, ἵνʼ εἰδέναι ἔχοιμεν αὐτάς τε ταύτας καὶ τὰς ὀνόματι τῶν ἀποστόλων πρὸς τῶν αἱρετικῶν προφερομένας, ἤτοι ὡς Πέτρου καὶ Θωμᾶ καὶ Ματθία ἢ καί τινων παρὰ τούτους ἄλλων εὐαγγέλια περιεχούσας, ἢ ὡς Ἀνδρέου καὶ Ἰω- άννου καὶ τῶν ἄλλων ἀποστόλων πράξεις, ὧν οὐδὲν οὐδαμῶς ἐν συγγράμματι τῶν κατὰ τὰς διαδοχὰς ἐκκλησιαστικῶν τις ἀνὴρ εἰς μνήμην ἀγαγεῖν ἠξίωσεν. ### English translation (Claude) We have nevertheless necessarily made a list of these too, distinguishing the writings that according to church tradition are true, genuine, and acknowledged, from the others besides these, which are not canonical but disputed, yet known to most churchmen; so that we may be able to know both these and those put forward by the heretics under the name of the apostles, containing Gospels of Peter, Thomas, Matthias, or some others besides them, or Acts of Andrew, John, and the other apostles, none of which any churchman in the succession has ever thought worthy of mention in his writings. ### Extrabiblical texts - Gos. Pet. (Gospel of Peter): allusion, high confidence - Gos. Thom. (Gospel of Thomas): allusion, high confidence - Trad. Matt. (Traditions of Matthias): allusion, low confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.25.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/25/6/). ## Church History 3.25.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/25/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:117 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Heretical books differ in style and teaching from the apostles and must be rejected outright. ### Greek text πόρρω δέ που καὶ ὁ τῆς φράσεως παρὰ τὸ ἦθος τὸ ἀποστολικὸν ἐναλλάττει χαρακτὴρ, ἥ τε γνώμη καὶ ἡ τῶν ἐν αὐτοῖς φερομένων προαίρεσις, πλεῖστον ὅσον τῆς ἀληθοῦς ὀρθοδοξίας ἀπᾴδουσα, ὅτι δὴ αἱρετικῶν ἀνδρῶν ἀναπλάσματα τυγχάνει σαφῶς παρίστησιν· ὅθεν οὐδʼ ἐν νόθοις αὐτὰ κατατακτέον, ἀλλʼ ὡς ἄτοπα πάντη καὶ δυσσεβῆ παραιτητέον. ἴωμεν δὴ λοιπὸν καὶ ἐπὶ τὴν ἐξῆς ἱστορίαν. ### English translation (Claude) Moreover, the character of their style differs widely from apostolic usage, and their thought and the purpose of their contents, being utterly at variance with true orthodoxy, clearly show that they are fabrications of heretics. Hence they are not even to be placed among the spurious books, but rejected as altogether absurd and impious. Let us go on now to the history that follows. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.25.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/25/7/). ## Church History 3.26.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/26/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:117 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Menander, Simon's Samaritan successor, claimed to be a saviour sent from invisible aeons. ### Greek text Σίμωνα τὸν μάγον Μένανδρος διαδεξάμενος ὅπλον δεύτερον, οὐ χεῖρον τοῦ προτέρου, τῆς διαβολικῆς ἐνεργείας ἀποδείκνυται τὸν τρόπον· ἦν καὶ οὗτος Σαμαρεὺς, εἰς ἄκρον δὲ γοητείας οὐκ ἔλαττον τοῦ διδασκάλου προελθὼν μείζοσιν ἐπιδαψιλεύεται τερατολογίαις, ἑαυτὸν μὲν ὡς ἄρα εἴη, λέγων, ὁ σωτὴρ, ἐπὶ τῇ τῶν ἀνθρώπων ἄνωθέν ποθεν ἐξ ἀοράτων αἰώνων ἀπεσταλμένος σωτηρίᾳ, ### English translation (Claude) Simon the magician was succeeded by Menander, who showed himself a second weapon of the devil's working, no worse than the first. He too was a Samaritan, and having advanced to the height of sorcery no less than his teacher, he indulged in greater marvels, saying of himself that he was the saviour, sent from somewhere above, from the invisible aeons, for the salvation of men, ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 1.23.5 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Irenaeus, Haer. 1.23.5. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.26.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/26/1/). ## Church History 3.26.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/26/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:117 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Menander taught that his magic and baptism gave immortality even in this life. ### Greek text διδάσκων δὲ μὴ ἄλλως δύνασθαί τινα καὶ αὐτῶν τῶν κοσμοποιῶν ἀγγέλων περιγενήσεσθαι, μὴ πρότερον διὰ τῆς πρὸς αὐτοῦ παραδιδομένης μαγικῆς ἐμπειρίας ἀχθέντα, καὶ διὰ τοῦ μεταδιδομένου πρὸς αὐτοῦ βαπτίσματος, οὗ τοὺς κατηξιωμένους ἀθανασίαν ἀΐδιον ἐν αὐτῷ τούτῳ μεθέξειν τῷ βίῳ, μηκέτι θνήσκοντας, αὐτοῦ δὲ παραμένοντας, εἰς τὸ ἀεὶ ἀγήρως τινὰς καὶ ἀθανάτους ἐσομένους. ταῦτα μὲν οὖν καὶ ἐκ τῶν Εἰρηναίου διαγνῶναι ῥᾴδιον. ### English translation (Claude) and teaching that no one could overcome even the world-making angels themselves unless he were first led through the magical skill handed down by him and through the baptism imparted by him; those thought worthy of it would share in everlasting immortality in this very life, no longer dying but remaining here, to be for ever ageless and immortal. These things it is easy to learn from the works of Irenaeus. ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 1.23.5 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Source: Irenaeus, Haer. 1.23.5. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.26.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/26/2/). ## Church History 3.26.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/26/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:117–118 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin (quoted): Menander, Simon's disciple, deceived many at Antioch, promising they would not die. ### Greek text καὶ ὁ Ἰουστῖνος δὲ κατὰ τὸ αὐτὸ τοῦ Σίμωνος μνημονεύσας καὶ τὴν περὶ τούτου διήγησιν ἐπιφέρει, λέγων “Μένανδρον δέ τινα καὶ αὐτὸν Σαμαρέα, τὸν ἀπὸ “κώμης Καππαραττέας, γενόμενον μαθητὴν τοῦ Σί- ‘μωνος, οἰστρηθέντα καὶ αὐτὸν ὑπὸ τῶν δαιμόνων “καὶ ἐν Ἀντιοχείᾳ γενόμενον πολλοὺς ἐξαπατῆσαι “διὰ μαγικῆς τέχνης οἴδαμεν, ὃς καὶ τοὺς αὐτῷ ἑπο- “μένους ὧς μὴ ἀποθνήσκοιεν ἔπεισεν. καὶ νῦν “τινές εἰσιν ἀπʼ ἐκείνου τοῦτο ὁμολογοῦντες.” ### English translation (Claude) And Justin, in the same place where he mentions Simon, also adds the account about this man, saying: “And a certain Menander, also a Samaritan, from the village of Capparetaea, who became a disciple of Simon, and was also driven mad by the demons, came to Antioch, and we know that he deceived many by magic art; he even persuaded his followers that they would not die. And there are still some from him who profess this.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 1 Apol. 26 (First Apology): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Justin, 1 Apol. 26.4. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.26.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/26/3/). ## Church History 3.26.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/26/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:118 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The devil used such sorcerers to discredit Christian teaching on immortality and resurrection. ### Greek text ἦν δʼ ἄρα διαβολικῆς ἐνεργείας διὰ τοιῶνδε γοήτων τὴν Χριστιανῶν προσηγορίαν ὑποδυομένων τὸ μέγα τῆς θεοσεβείας μυστήριον ἐπὶ μαγείᾳ σπουδάσαι διαβαλεῖν, διασῦραί τε διʼ αὐτῶν τὰ περὶ ψυχῆς ἀθα- νασίας καὶ νεκρῶν ἀναστάσεως ἐκκλησιαστικὰ δόγματα. ἀλλʼ οὗτοι μὲν τούτους σωτῆρας ἐπιγραψάμενοι τῆς ἀληθοῦς ἀποπεπτώκασιν ἐλπίδος. ### English translation (Claude) It was indeed a work of the devil, through such sorcerers who took on the name of Christians, to try to slander the great mystery of godliness as magic, and through them to ridicule the church's doctrines about the immortality of the soul and the resurrection of the dead. But those who chose these men as saviours have fallen away from the true hope. ### Scripture references - 1 Tim 3:16: echo, high confidence ### Translation notes - “The great mystery of godliness” echoes 1 Tim 3:16. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.26.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/26/4/). ## Church History 3.27.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/27/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:118 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Others, the Ebionites, were named for their “poor” opinions of Christ. ### Greek text Ἄλλους δὲ ὁ πονηρὸς δαίμων, τῆς περὶ τὸν Χριστὸν τοῦ θεοῦ διαθέσεως ἀδυνατῶν ἐκσεῖσαι, θατέρᾳ ληπτοὺς εὑρὼν ἐσφετερίζετο. Ἐβιωναίους τούτους οἰκείως ἐπεφήμιζον οἷ πρῶτοι, πτωχῶς καὶ ταπεινῶς τὰ περὶ τοῦ Χριστοῦ δοξάζοντας. ### English translation (Claude) Others the evil demon, unable to shake from their devotion to the Christ of God, found susceptible in another way and made his own. These the first Christians fittingly called Ebionites, since they held poor and mean opinions about Christ. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.27.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/27/1/). ## Church History 3.27.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/27/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:118 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Some Ebionites held Jesus a mere man born of Joseph and Mary, and required the law for salvation. ### Greek text λιτὸν μὲν γὰρ αὐτὸν καὶ κοινὸν ἡγοῦντο κατὰ προκοπὴν ἤθους αὐτὸ μόνον ἄνθρωπον δεδικαιωμένον, ἐξ ἀνδρός τε κοινωνίας καὶ τῆς Μαρίας γεγεννημένον· δεῖν δὲ πάντως αὐτοῖς νομικῆς θρησκείας, ὡς μὴ ἂν διὰ μόνης τῆς εἰς τὸν Χριστὸν πίστεως καὶ τοῦ κατʼ αὐτὴν βίου σωθησομένοις. ### English translation (Claude) For they regarded him as plain and ordinary, a mere man justified by progress in character, born of the union of a man and Mary; and they held that the observance of the law was altogether necessary for them, since they would not be saved by faith in Christ alone and a life in accordance with it. ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 1.26.2 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Irenaeus, Haer. 1.26.2. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.27.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/27/2/). ## Church History 3.27.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/27/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:118–119 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Other Ebionites accepted the virgin birth but denied Christ's pre-existence as the Word, and kept the law. ### Greek text ἄλλοι δὲ παρὰ τούτους τῆς αὐτῆς ὄντες προσηγορίας τὴν μὲν τῶν εἰρημένων ἔκτοπον διεδίδρασκον ἀτοπίαν, ἐκ παρθένου καὶ ἁγίου πνεύματος μὴ ἀρνούμενοι γεγονέναι τὸν κύριον, οὐ μὴν ἔθʼ ὁμοίως καὶ οὗτοι προυπάρχειν αὐτὸν, θεὸν λόγον ὄντα καὶ σοφίαν, ὁμολογοῦντες τῇ τῶν προτέρων περιετρέποντο δυσσεβείᾳ, μάλιστα ὅτε καὶ τὴν σωματικὴν περὶ τὸν νόμον λατρείαν ὁμοίως ἐκείνοις περιέπειν ἐσπούδαζον. ### English translation (Claude) Others besides these, having the same name, escaped the outlandish absurdity of those mentioned, not denying that the Lord was born of a virgin and the Holy Spirit; yet they too did not confess that he pre-existed, being God the Word and Wisdom, and so turned back to the impiety of the former, especially since they, like them, were eager to keep the bodily worship of the law. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.27.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/27/3/). ## Church History 3.27.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/27/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:119 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: They rejected Paul's letters as an apostate's and used only the Gospel of the Hebrews. ### Greek text οὗτοι δὲ τοῦ μὲν ἀποστόλου πάσας τὰς ἐπιστολὰς ἀρνητέας ἡγοῦντο εἶναι δεῖν, ἀποστάτην ἀποκαλοῦντες αὐτὸν τοῦ νόμου· εὐαγγελίῳ δὲ μόνῳ τῷ καθʼ Ἑβραίους λεγομένῳ χρώμενοι τῶν λοιπῶν σμικρὸν ἐποιοῦντο λόγον. ### English translation (Claude) These thought that all the letters of the apostle ought to be rejected, calling him an apostate from the law; and using only the Gospel called according to the Hebrews, they made little account of the rest. ### Extrabiblical texts - Gos. Heb. (Gospel of the Hebrews): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.27.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/27/4/). ## Church History 3.27.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/27/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:119 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: They kept the sabbath and Jewish customs, but also Sunday rites in memory of the resurrection. ### Greek text καὶ τὸ μὲν σάββατον καὶ τὴν ἄλλην Ἰουδαϊκὴν ἀγωγὴν ὁμοίως ἐκείνοις παρεφύλαττον, ταῖς δʼ αὖ κυριακαῖς ἡμέραις ἡμῖν τὰ παραπλήσια εἰς μνήμην τῆς τοῦ κυρίου ἀναστάσεως ἐπετέλουν. ### English translation (Claude) And they kept the sabbath and the rest of the Jewish way of life like the others, but on the Lord's days they celebrated rites similar to ours in memory of the Lord's resurrection. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.27.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/27/5/). ## Church History 3.27.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/27/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:119 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The name Ebionite comes from the Hebrew word for “poor.” ### Greek text ὅθεν παρὰ τὴν τοιαύτην ἐγχείρησιν τῆς τοιᾶσδε λελόγχασι προσηγορίας, τοῦ Ἐβιωναίων ὀνόματος, τὴν τῆς διανοίας πτωχείαν αὐτῶν ὑποφαίνοντος· ταύτῃ γὰρ ἐπίκλην ὁ πτωχὸς παρʼ Ἑβραίοις ὀνομάζεται. ### English translation (Claude) Hence, because of such an undertaking, they have received the name of Ebionites, which signifies the poverty of their understanding; for this is the name by which the poor man is called among the Hebrews. ### Translation notes - Hebrew ʾebyôn means “poor.” The name probably first expressed the group's own ideal of poverty; the explanation here is polemical. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.27.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/27/6/). ## Church History 3.28.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/28/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:119 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Cerinthus founded another heresy, as Gaius reports. ### Greek text Κατὰ τοὺς δεδηλωμένους χρόνους ἑτέρας αἱρέσεως ἀρχηγὸν γενέσθαι Κήρινθον παρειλήφαμεν. Γάϊος, οὗ φωνὰς ἤδη πρότερον παρατέθειμαι, ἐν τῇ φερομένῃ αὐτοῦ ζητήσει ταῦτα περὶ τοῦ αὐτοῦ γράφει ### English translation (Claude) We have received that in the times indicated Cerinthus became the founder of another heresy. Gaius, whose words I have already quoted earlier, writes this about him in his extant Disputation: ### Extrabiblical texts - Gaius of Rome, Gaius, Dial. Procl. (Gaius of Rome, Gaius, Dialogue with Proclus (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.28.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/28/1/). ## Church History 3.28.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/28/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:119 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Gaius (quoted): Cerinthus forged revelations teaching an earthly thousand-year kingdom of fleshly pleasures. ### Greek text “ἀλλὰ καὶ Κήρινθος “ὁ διʼ ἀποκαλύψεων ὡς ὑπὸ ἀποστόλου μεγάλου γε- “γραμμένων τερατολογίας ἡμῖν ὡς διʼ ἀγγέλων αὐτῷ “δεδειγμένας ψευδόμενος ἐπεισάγει λέγων μετὰ τὴν “ἀνάστασιν ἐπίγειον εἶναι τὸ βασίλειον τοῦ Χρι- “στοῦ, καὶ πάλιν ἐπιθυμίαις καὶ ἡδοναῖς ἐν Ἱερου- “σαλὴμ τὴν σάρκα πολιτευομένην δουλεύειν. καὶ “ἐχθρὸς ὑπάρχων ταῖς γραφαῖς τοῦ θεοῦ ἀριθμὸν “χιλιονταετίας ἐν γάμῳ ἑορτῆς, θέλων πλανᾶν, λέγει “γίνεσθαι.” ### English translation (Claude) “But Cerinthus too, by revelations as if written by a great apostle, falsely brings in marvels to us as though shown to him by angels, saying that after the resurrection the kingdom of Christ will be on earth, and that the flesh, living again in Jerusalem, will be enslaved to desires and pleasures. And being an enemy to the Scriptures of God, wishing to deceive, he says that there will be a period of a thousand years in wedding festivity.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Gaius of Rome, Gaius, Dial. Procl. (Gaius of Rome, Gaius, Dialogue with Proclus (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Gaius, Dialogue with Proclus. Gaius may mean that Cerinthus wrote the Apocalypse under John's name; this is disputed. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.28.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/28/2/). ## Church History 3.28.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/28/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:119–120 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius of Alexandria also mentions Cerinthus in On the Promises. ### Greek text καὶ Διονύσιος δὲ ὁ τῆς κατʼ Ἁλεξάνδρειαν παροικίας καθʼ ἡμᾶς τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν εἰληχὼς, ἐν δευτέρῳ τῶν ἐπαγγελιῶν περὶ τῆς Ἰωάννου Ἀπο- καλύψεως εἰπών τινα ὡς ἐκ τῆς ἀνέκαθεν παραδόσεως, τοῦ αὐτοῦ μέμνηται ἀνδρὸς τούτοις τοῖς ῥήμασι ### English translation (Claude) And Dionysius, who obtained the episcopate of the community of Alexandria in our time, in the second book of On the Promises, after saying some things about the Apocalypse of John as from ancient tradition, mentions the same man in these words: ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria, On the Promises 2 (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.28.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/28/3/). ## Church History 3.28.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/28/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:120 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius (quoted): Cerinthus gave his fiction a trustworthy name and taught an earthly kingdom of Christ. ### Greek text “Κήρινθον δὲ τὸν καὶ τὴν ἀπʼ ἐκείνου κλη- “θεῖσαν Κηρινθιανὴν αἵρεσιν συστησάμενον ἀξιό- “πιστον ἐπιφημίσαι θελήσαντα τῷ ἑαυτοῦ πλάσματι “ὄνομα. τοῦτο γὰρ εἶναι τῆς διδασκαλίας αὐτοῦ τὸ “δόγμα, ἐπίγειον ἔσεσθαι τὴν τοῦ Χριστοῦ βασιλείαν. “ ### English translation (Claude) “Cerinthus, who also founded the heresy called Cerinthian after him, wished to attach a trustworthy name to his own fiction. For this was the doctrine of his teaching, that the kingdom of Christ would be earthly. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria, On the Promises 2 (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, On the Promises 2 (repeated at 7.25.2–3). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.28.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/28/4/). ## Church History 3.28.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/28/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:120 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius (quoted): Cerinthus's kingdom was a dream of food, drink, marriage, and sacrifices. ### Greek text καὶ ὧν αὐτὸς ὠρέγετο φιλοσώματος ὢν καὶ πάνυ “σαρκικὸς, ἐν τούτοις ὀνειροπολεῖν ἔσεσθαι, γαστρὸς “καὶ τῶν ὑπὸ γαστέρα πλησμοναῖς, τουτέστι σιτίοις “καὶ ποτοῖς καὶ γάμοις, καὶ διʼ ὧν εὐφημότερον “ταῦτα ᾠήθη ποριεῖσθαι, ἑορταῖς καὶ θυσίαις καὶ ἱε- “ρείων σθαγαῖς.” ### English translation (Claude) And the things he himself longed for, being a lover of the body and altogether carnal, he dreamed would be there: satisfactions of the belly and what is below the belly, that is, foods and drinks and marriages, and, by which he thought to procure these under a more respectable name, feasts and sacrifices and slaughters of victims.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria, On the Promises 2 (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, On the Promises 2. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.28.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/28/5/). ## Church History 3.28.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/28/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:120 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus, from Polycarp's tradition, tells how John fled a bath-house because Cerinthus was inside. ### Greek text ταῦτα Διονύσιος. ὁ δὲ Εἰρήναιος ἀπορρητοτέρας δή τινας τοῦ αὐτοῦ ψευδοδοξίας ἐν πρώτῳ συγγράμματι τῶν πρὸς τὰς αἱρέσεις προθεὶς ἐν τῷ τρίτῳ καὶ ἱστορίαν οὐκ ἀξίαν λήθης τῇ γραφῇ παραδέδωκεν, ὡς ἐκ παραδόσεως Πολυκάρπου φάσκων Ἰωάννην τὸν ἀπόστολον εἰσελθεῖν ποτε ἐν βαλανείῳ, ὥστε λούσασθαι, γνόντα δὲ ἔνδον ὄντα τὸν Κήρινθον ἀποπηδῆσαί τε τοῦ τόπου καὶ ἐκφυγεῖν θύραζε, μηδʼ ὑπομείναντα τὴν αὐτὴν αὐτῷ ὑποδῦναι στέγην, ταὐτὸ δὲ τοῦτο καὶ τοῖς σὺν αὐτῷ παραινέσαι φήσαντα, “φύγωμεν, μὴ καὶ τὸ βαλανεῖον “συμπέσῃ, ἔνδον ὄντος Κηρίνθου τοῦ τῆς ἀληθείας ἐχθροῦ. ### English translation (Claude) So much Dionysius. And Irenaeus, having set out certain more secret false opinions of the same man in the first book of Against Heresies, has handed down in the third a story not worth forgetting, saying on the tradition of Polycarp that John the apostle once went into a bath-house to bathe, but learning that Cerinthus was inside, sprang up from the place and fled out of the door, not enduring to be under the same roof with him, and urged those with him to do the same, saying, “Let us flee, lest the bath-house fall in, since Cerinthus, the enemy of the truth, is inside.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 3.3.4 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The sources are Irenaeus, Haer. 1.26.1 and 3.3.4. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.28.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/28/6/). ## Church History 3.29.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/29/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:120–121 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The short-lived Nicolaitans, mentioned in Revelation, claimed descent from the deacon Nicolaus; Clement tells his story. ### Greek text Ἐπὶ τούτῳ δῆτα καἲ ἡ λεγομένη τῶν Νικολαϊτῶν αἵρεσις ἐπὶ σμικρότατον συνέστη χρόνον, ἧς δὴ καὶ ἡ τοῦ Ἰωάννου Ἀποκάλυψις μνημονεύει. οὗτοι Νικόλαον ἔνα τῶν ἀμφὶ τὸν Στέφανον διακόνων πρὸς τῶν ἀποστόλων ἐπὶ τῇ τῶν ἐνδεῶν θεραπείᾳ προκεχειρισμένων ηὔχουν. ὅ γε μὴν Ἀλεξανδρεὺς Κλήμης ἐν τρίτῳ στρωματεῖ ταῦτα περὶ αὐτοῦ κατὰ λέξιν ἱστορεῖ ### English translation (Claude) At this time, too, the so-called heresy of the Nicolaitans arose for a very short time, which the Apocalypse of John also mentions. These boasted of Nicolaus, one of the deacons with Stephen appointed by the apostles for the service of the needy. Clement of Alexandria, in the third book of the Miscellanies, relates these things about him word for word: ### Scripture references - Rev 2:6: allusion, high confidence - Rev 2:15: allusion, high confidence - Acts 6:5: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusions to Rev 2:6, 15 and Acts 6:5. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.29.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/29/1/). ## Church History 3.29.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/29/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:121 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement (quoted): accused of jealousy, Nicolaus offered his wife to others; his followers misread his saying “abuse the flesh” as licence for immorality. ### Greek text “ὡραίαν, φασὶ, γυ- “ναῖκα ἔχων οὗτος μετὰ τὴν ἀνάληψιν τὴν τοῦ σωτῆ- “ρος πρὸς τῶν ἀποστόλων ὀνειδισθεὶς ζηλοτυπίαν εἰς “μέσον ἀγαγὼν τὴν γυναῖκα γῆμαι τῷ βουλομένῳ ἐπέ- “τρεψεν. ἀκόλουθον γὰρ εἶναί φασι τὴν πρᾶξιν ταύ- “την ἐκείνῃ τῇ φωνῇ, τῇ ὅτι παραχρᾶσθαι τῇ σαρκὶ “δεῖ. καὶ δὴ κατακολουθήσαντες τῷ γεγενημένῳ τῷ “τε εἰρημένῳ ἁπλῶς καὶ ἀβασανίστως ἀναίδην ἐκ- “πορνεύουσιν οἱ τὴν αἵρεσιν αὐτοῦ μετιόντες. ### English translation (Claude) “He had, they say, a beautiful wife, and after the Saviour's ascension, being reproached by the apostles for jealousy, he brought his wife into their midst and allowed anyone who wished to marry her. For they say that this act agrees with that saying of his, that one must ‘abuse the flesh.’ And following what was done and said simply and without examination, those who pursue his heresy commit sexual immorality shamelessly. ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Strom. 3.4.25 (Miscellanies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Clement of Alexandria, Strom. 3.4.25. παραχρᾶσθαι τῇ σαρκί can mean “misuse/abuse the flesh” or “treat the flesh with contempt”; the ambiguity is the point of the story. ἐκπορνεύουσιν is rendered “commit sexual immorality.” ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.29.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/29/2/). ## Church History 3.29.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/29/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:121 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement (quoted): Nicolaus himself lived chastely with his one wife; his act renounced passion, not chastity. ### Greek text “πυνθάνομαι δʼ ἐγὼ τὸν Νικόλαον μηδεμιᾷ ἑτέρᾳ “παρʼ ἣν ἔγημε κεχρῆσθαι γυναικὶ, τῶν τε ἐκείνου “τέκνων τὰς μὲν θηλείας καταγηράσαι παρθένους, “ἄφθορον δὲ διαμεῖναι τὸν υἱόν. ὧν οὕτως ἐχόντων “ἀποβολὴ πάθους ἦν ἡ εἰς μέσον τῶν ἀποστόλων τῆς “ζηλοτυπουμένης ἐγκύκλησις γυναικὸς, καὶ ἡ ἐγκρά- “τεια τῶν περισπουδάστων ἡδονῶν τὸ “παραχρᾶσθαι “τῇ σαρκὶ” ἐδίδασκεν. οὐ γὰρ οἶμαι ἐβούλετο κατὰ “τὴν τοῦ σωτῆρος ἐντολὴν δυσὶ κυρίοις δουλεύειν, “ἡσονῇ καὶ κυρίῳ. ### English translation (Claude) But I learn that Nicolaus had relations with no other woman than the one he married, and that of his children the daughters grew old as virgins, and the son remained uncorrupted. Since this is so, the bringing of his wife, of whom he was jealous, into the midst of the apostles was a casting off of passion, and it was self-control from the pleasures eagerly pursued that taught him to ‘abuse the flesh.’ For I think he did not wish, according to the Saviour's command, to serve two masters, pleasure and the Lord. ### Scripture references - Matt 6:24: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Strom. 3.4.26 (Miscellanies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Clement, Strom. 3.4.26, alluding to Matt 6:24. The digital text has ἡσονῇ for ἡδονῇ. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.29.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/29/3/). ## Church History 3.29.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/29/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:121 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement (quoted): Matthias likewise taught to fight the flesh and nourish the soul by faith and knowledge; these heresies soon died out. ### Greek text λέγουσι δʼ οὖν καὶ τὸν Ματ- “θίαν οὕτω διδάξαι, σαρκὶ μὲν μάχεσθαι καὶ παρα- “χρᾶσθαι, μηδὲν αὐτῇ πρὸς ἡδονὴν ἐνδιδόντα, ψυ- “χὴν δʼ αὔξειν διὰ πίστεως καὶ γνώσεως.” ταῦτα μὲν οὖν περὶ τῶν κατὰ τοὺς δηλουμένους χρόνους παραβραβεῦσαι τὴν ἀλήθειαν ἐγκεχειρηκότων, λόγου γε μὴν θᾶττον εἰς τὸ παντελὲς ἀπεσβηκότων, εἰρήσθω. ### English translation (Claude) They say, then, that Matthias too taught thus, to fight the flesh and abuse it, yielding nothing to it for pleasure, but to increase the soul through faith and knowledge.” So much, then, about those who in the times mentioned attempted to cheat the truth, but were extinguished completely faster than it takes to tell. ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Strom. 3.4.26 (Miscellanies): quotation, high confidence - Trad. Matt. (Traditions of Matthias): quotation, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Clement, Strom. 3.4.26, citing the Traditions of Matthias. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.29.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/29/4/). ## Church History 3.30.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/30/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:121–122 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement (quoted), against those who reject marriage, notes that Peter and Philip had children, and that Paul addresses his own wife. ### Greek text . Ὁ μέντοι Κλήμης, οὗ τὰς φωνὰς ἀρτίως ἀνέγνωμεν, τοῖς προειρημένοις ἑξῆς διὰ τοὺς ἀθετοῦντας γάμον τοὺς τῶν ἀποστόλων ἐξετασθέντας ἐν συζυγίαις καταλέγει φάσκων “ἢ καὶ τοὺς ἀποστόλους ἀποδοκιμάσουσι. Πέτρος μὲν γὰρ “καὶ Φίλιππος ἐπαιδοποιήσαντο, Φίλιππος δὲ καὶ τὰς “θυγατέρας ἀνδράσιν ἐξέδωκε. καὶ ὅ γε Παῦλος οὐκ “ὀκνεῖ ἔν τινι ἐπιστολῇ τὴν αὑτοῦ προσαγορεῦσαι σύ- “ζυγον, ἣν οὐ περιεκόμιζε διὰ τὸ τῆς ὑπηρεσίας εὐ- “σταλές.” ### English translation (Claude) Clement, however, whose words we have just read, next after what was said above, because of those who reject marriage, lists those of the apostles who were proved to have lived in married life, saying: “Or will they reject even the apostles? For Peter and Philip had children, and Philip also gave his daughters in marriage to husbands. And Paul does not hesitate in one letter to address his own yokefellow, whom he did not take about with him for the sake of the convenience of his ministry.” ### Scripture references - Phil 4:3: allusion, high confidence - 1 Cor 9:5: allusion, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Strom. 3.6.52–53 (Miscellanies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Clement, Strom. 3.6.52–53. Clement takes the “yokefellow” (σύζυγος) of Phil 4:3 as Paul's wife, a reading most interpreters reject; compare 1 Cor 9:5. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.30.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/30/1/). ## Church History 3.30.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/30/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:122 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement (quoted): Peter, seeing his wife led to martyrdom, rejoiced and urged her, “Remember the Lord”; such was the marriage of the saints. ### Greek text ἐπεὶ δὲ τούτων ἐμνήσθημεν, οὐ λυπεῖ καὶ ἄλλην ἀξιοδιήγητον ἱστορίαν τοῦ αὐτοῦ παραθέσθαι, ἣν ἐν τῷ ἑβδόμῳ στρωματεῖ τοῦτον ἱστορῶν ἀνέγραψε τὸν τρόπον “ φασὶ γοῦν τὸν μακάριον Πέ- “τρον, θεασάμενον τὴν ἑαυτοῦ γυναῖκα ἀπαγομένην τὴν ἐπὶ θανάτῳ, ἡσθῆναι μὲν τῆς κλήσεως χάριν “καὶ τῆς ἐπʼ οἶκον ἀνακομιδῆς, ἐπιφωνῆσαι δὲ εὖ “μάλα προτρεπτικῶς καὶ παρακλητικῶς ἐξ ὀνόματος προσειπόντα ῾μέμνησο, ὦ αὕτη, τοῦ κυρίου.᾿ “τος ἦν ὁ τῶν μακαρίων γάμος καὶ ᾑ τῶν φιλτάτων “τελεία διάθεσις.” καὶ ταῦτα δʼ οἰκεῖα ὄντα τῇ μετὰ χεῖρας ὑποθέσει ἐνταῦθά μοι κατὰ καιρὸν κείσθω. ### English translation (Claude) And since we have mentioned these, it does no harm to set down another story of the same writer, worth telling, which he recorded in the seventh book of the Miscellanies, relating it thus: “They say, at any rate, that blessed Peter, seeing his own wife led away to death, rejoiced at her calling and her return home, and called out to her very encouragingly and comfortingly, addressing her by name: ‘Remember the Lord, O you!’ Such was the marriage of the blessed and their perfect disposition toward those dearest to them.” Let this too, being appropriate to the present subject, be set down here in its place. ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Strom. 7.11.63–64 (Miscellanies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Clement, Strom. 7.11.63–64. The digital text repeats καὶ and has lost οὗ- in τοιοῦτος. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.30.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/30/2/). ## Church History 3.31.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/31/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:122 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The deaths and burial places of Peter and Paul have been described. ### Greek text Παύλου μὲν οὖν καὶ Πέτρου τῆς τελευτῆς ὅ τε χρόνος καὶ ὁ τρόπος καὶ προσέτι τῆς μετὰ τὴν ἀπαλλαγὴν τοῦ βίου τῶν σκη νωμάτων αὐτῶν καταθέσεως ὁ χῶρος ἤδη πρότερον ἡμῖν δεδήλωται. ### English translation (Claude) The time and manner of the death of Paul and Peter, and besides the place where their bodies were laid after their departure from life, have already been shown by us. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.31.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/31/1/). ## Church History 3.31.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/31/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:122–123 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Polycrates of Ephesus (quoted) names the great saints buried in Asia: Philip at Hierapolis with his daughters. ### Greek text τοῦ δὲ Ἰωάννου τὰ μὲν τοῦ χρόνου ἤδη πως εἴρηται, τὸ δέ γε τοῦ σκηνώματος αὐτοῦ χωρίον ἐξ ἐπιστολῆς Πολυκράτους (τῆς δʼ ἐν Ἐφέσῳ παροικίας ἐπίσκοπος οὗτος ἦν) ἐπιδείκνυται, ἣν Οὐίκτορι ‘Ρωμαίων ἐπισκόπῳ γράφων ὁμοῦ τε αὐτοῦ καὶ Φιλίππου μνημονεύει τοῦ ἀποστόλου τῶν τε τούτου θυγατέρων ὧδέ πως “καὶ γὰρ καὶ κατὰ τὴν “Ἀσίαν μεγάλα στοιχεῖα κεκοίμηται, ἅτινα ἀναστή- “σεται τῇ ἐσχάτῃ ἡμέρᾳ τῆς παρουσίας τοῦ κυρίου, “ἐν ᾖ ἔρχεται μετὰ δόξης ἐξ οὐρανοῦ, καὶ ἀναζητήσει “πάντας τοὺς ἁγίους, Φίλιππον τὸν τῶν δώδεκα ἀποστόλων, ὃς κεκοίμηται ἐν Ἱεραπόλει, καὶ δύο θυγατέρες αὐτοῦ γεγηρακυῖαι παρθένοι, καὶ ἡ ἑτέρα ‘αὐτοῦ θυγάτηρ ἐν ἁγίῳ πνεύματι πολιτευσαμένη, ἣ ἐν Ἐφέσω ἀναπαύεται, ### English translation (Claude) As for John, the time has already been stated in some way; and the place of his body is shown from a letter of Polycrates (he was bishop of the community in Ephesus), which he wrote to Victor, bishop of the Romans, mentioning both him and Philip the apostle and his daughters as follows: “For in Asia too great luminaries have fallen asleep, who will rise again on the last day of the Lord's coming, when he comes with glory from heaven and will seek out all the saints: Philip, one of the twelve apostles, who has fallen asleep in Hierapolis, and two of his daughters who grew old as virgins, and his other daughter, who lived in the Holy Spirit and rests at Ephesus; ### Scripture references - Acts 21:8–9: allusion, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Polycrates of Ephesus, Polycrates Letter to Victor (Polycrates of Ephesus, Letter to Victor): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation (3.31.2–3) is from Polycrates' Letter to Victor (repeated at 5.24.2–3). Polycrates appears to confuse Philip the apostle with Philip the evangelist (Acts 21:8–9). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.31.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/31/2/). ## Church History 3.31.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/31/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:123 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Polycrates (quoted): John, who leaned on the Lord's breast and wore the priestly plate, is buried at Ephesus. ### Greek text ἔτι δὲ καὶ Ἰωάννης ὁ ἐπὶ τὸ ‘στῆθος τοῦ κυρίου ἀναπεσὼν, ὃς ἐγενήθη ἱερεὺς τὸ πέταλον πεφορηκὼς καὶ μάρτυς καὶ διδάσκαλος· οὑ- “τος ἐν Ἐφέσω κεκοίμηται.” ταῦτα καὶ περὶ τῆς τῶνδε τελευτῆς. ### English translation (Claude) and further John too, who leaned on the Lord's breast, who became a priest wearing the sacred plate, both martyr and teacher; he has fallen asleep at Ephesus.” So much about the deaths of these. ### Scripture references - John 13:25: allusion, high confidence - Exod 28:36: allusion, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Polycrates of Ephesus, Polycrates Letter to Victor (Polycrates of Ephesus, Letter to Victor): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Polycrates' Letter to Victor, alluding to John 13:25. The “plate” (πέταλον) is the high priest's gold plate (Exod 28:36); its meaning here is unclear. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.31.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/31/3/). ## Church History 3.31.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/31/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:123 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Proclus (quoted in Gaius's dialogue): Philip's four prophetess daughters and their father are buried at Hierapolis. ### Greek text καὶ ἐν τῷ Γαΐου δὲ, οὑ μικρῷ πρόσθεν ἐμνήσθημεν, διαλόγῳ Πρόκλος, πρὸς ὃν ἐποιεῖτο τὴν ζήτησιν, περὶ τῆς Φιλίππου καὶ τῶν θυγατέρων αὐτοῦ τελευτῆς συνᾴδων τοῖς ἐκτεθεῖσιν οὕτω φησίν μετὰ τοῦτον δὲ προφήτιδες τέσσαρες αἱ Φιλίππου γεγένηνται ἐν Ἱεραπόλει τῇ κατὰ τὴν Ἀσέαν· ὁ τά- “φος αὐτῶν έστιν ἐκεῖ καὶ ὁ τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτῶν. ” ### English translation (Claude) And in the dialogue of Gaius, whom we mentioned a little before, Proclus, against whom he was disputing, agreeing with what has been set out about the death of Philip and his daughters, says this: “After him the four prophetesses, the daughters of Philip, were at Hierapolis in Asia. Their tomb is there, and that of their father.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Gaius of Rome, Gaius, Dial. Procl. (Gaius of Rome, Gaius, Dialogue with Proclus (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Gaius, Dialogue with Proclus; Proclus was a Montanist leader. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.31.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/31/4/). ## Church History 3.31.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/31/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:123 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Acts mentions Philip the evangelist's four prophesying daughters at Caesarea. ### Greek text ταῦτα μὲν οὗτος. ὁ δὲ Λουκᾶς ἐν ταῖς Πράξεσι τῶν ἀποστόλων τῶν Φιλίππου θυγατέρων ἐν Καισαρείᾳ τῆς Ἰουδαίας ἅμα τῷ πατρὶ τότε διατριβουσῶν, προφητικοῦ τε χαρίσματος ἠξιωμένων, μνημονεύει κατὰ λέξιν ὧδέ πως λέγων “ἤλθομεν εἰς Και- “σάρειαν, καὶ εἰσελθόντες εἰς τὸν οἶκον Φιλίππου “τοῦ εὐαγγελιστοῦ ὄντος ἐκ τῶν ἑπτὰ ἐμείναμεν παρ αὐτῷ. τούτῳ δὲ ἤσαν παρθένοι θυγατέρες προφητεύουσαι τέσσαρες.” ### English translation (Claude) So much he says. And Luke, in the Acts of the Apostles, mentions the daughters of Philip, then living at Caesarea in Judea with their father and thought worthy of the gift of prophecy, speaking word for word as follows: “We came to Caesarea, and entering the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, we stayed with him. He had four virgin daughters who prophesied.” ### Scripture references - Acts 21:8–9: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Acts 21:8–9. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.31.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/31/5/). ## Church History 3.31.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/31/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:123–124 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Having covered the apostles and the writings, Eusebius moves on. ### Greek text τὰ μὲν οὖν εἰς ἡμετέραν ἐλθόντα γνῶσιν περί τε τῶν ἀποστόλων αὐτῶν καὶ τῶν ἀποστολικῶν χρόνων, ὧν τε καταλελοίπασιν ἡμῖν ἱερῶν γραμμάτων, καὶ τῶν ἀντιλεγομένων μὲν, ὅμως δʼ ἐν πλείσταις ἐκκλησίαις παρὰ πολλοῖς ἀποστολικῆς μένων, τῶν τε παντελῶς νόθων καὶ τῆς ἀποστολικῆς ὀρθοδοξίας ἀλλοτρίων ἐν τούτοις διειληφότες ἐπὶ τὴν τῶν ἑξῆς προΐωμεν ἱστορίαν. ### English translation (Claude) Having thus set out what has come to our knowledge about the apostles themselves and the apostolic times, the sacred writings they have left us, those which are disputed yet publicly read by many in very many churches, and those altogether spurious and foreign to apostolic orthodoxy, let us proceed to the history of what follows. ### Translation notes - The digital text has μένων for δεδημοσιευμένων (lost letters). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.31.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/31/6/). ## Church History 3.32.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/32/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:124 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Under Trajan local persecutions broke out, and Simeon son of Clopas, bishop of Jerusalem, was martyred. ### Greek text Μετὰ Νέρωνα καὶ Δομετιανὸν, κατὰ τοῦτον οὗ νῦν τοὺς χρόνους ἐξε- τάζομεν, μερικῶς καὶ κατὰ πόλεις ἐξ ἐπαναστάσεως δήμων τὸν καθʼ ἡμῶν κατέχει λόγος ἀνακινηθῆναι διωγμὸν, ἐν ᾧ Συμεῶνα τὸν τοῦ Κλωπᾶ, ὃν δεύτερον καταστῆναι τῆς ἐν Ἱεροσολύμοις ἐκκλησίας ἐπίσκοπον ἐδηλώσαμεν, μαρτυρίῳ τὸν βίον ἀναλῦσαι παρειλήφαμεν. ### English translation (Claude) After Nero and Domitian, under the emperor whose times we are now examining, tradition holds that persecution was stirred up against us in part and city by city through popular uprisings; in it we have received that Simeon the son of Clopas, whom we showed to have been appointed second bishop of the church in Jerusalem, ended his life by martyrdom. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.32.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/32/1/). ## Church History 3.32.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/32/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:124 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus reports that heretics accused Simeon, who after many days of torture died like the Lord. ### Greek text καὶ τούτου μάρτυς αὐτὸς ἐκεῖνος, οὗ διαφόροις ἤδη πρότερον ἐχρησάμεθα φωναῖς, Ἡγήσιππος· ὃς δὴ περί τινων αἱρετικῶν ἱστορῶν ἐπιφέρει δηλῶν ὡς ἄρα ὑπὸ τούτων κατὰ τόνδε τὸν χρόνον ὑπομείνας κατηγορίαν, πολυτρόπως ὁ δηλούμενος ὡσὰν Χριστιανὸς ἐπὶ πλείσταις αἰκισθεὶς ἡμέραις, αὐτόν τε τὸν δικαστὴν καὶ τοὺς ἀμφʼ αὐτὸν εἰς τὰ μέγιστα καταπλήξας, τῷ τοῦ κυρίου πάθει παραπλήσιον τὸ τέλος ἀπηνέγκατο. ### English translation (Claude) The witness of this is that same Hegesippus whose words we have already used in various places. Relating about certain heretics, he adds, showing that at this time he, having endured an accusation from them, was tortured in various ways for very many days as a Christian, astonishing the judge himself and those with him in the highest degree, and met an end like the Lord's Passion. ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.32.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/32/2/). ## Church History 3.32.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/32/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:124 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus (quoted): heretics accused Simeon of being a Davidid and a Christian; he was martyred at 120 under Trajan. ### Greek text οὐδὲν δὲ οἷον καὶ τοῦ συγγραφέως ἐπακοῦσαι, αὐτὰ δὴ ταῦτα κατὰ λέξι ὧδέ πως ἱστοροῦντος “ἀπὸ τούτων δηλαδὴ τῶν αἱρε- “τικῶν κατηγοροῦσί τινες Συμεῶνος τοῦ Κλωπᾶ, ὡς “ὄντος ἀπὸ Δαβὶδ καὶ Χριστιανοῦ, καὶ οὕτω μαρτυ- “ρεῖ ἐτῶν ὢν ἑκατὸν εἴκοσιν, ἐπὶ Τραϊανοῦ Καίσα- “ρος καὶ ὑπατικοῦ Ἀττικοῦ.” ### English translation (Claude) There is nothing like hearing the writer himself, who relates these very things word for word as follows: “Some of these heretics, namely, accused Simeon the son of Clopas of being of David's line and a Christian; and so he bore witness, being a hundred and twenty years old, under Trajan Caesar and the consular Atticus.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Hegesippus, Memoirs. The age of 120 is Hegesippus's figure. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.32.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/32/3/). ## Church History 3.32.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/32/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:124–125 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Simeon's accusers were themselves arrested as Davidids; Simeon, son of Clopas and Mary, was probably an eyewitness of the Lord. ### Greek text φησὶ δὲ ὁ αὐτὸς ὡς ἄρα καὶ τοὺς κατηγόρους αὐτοῦ, ζητουμένων τότε τῶν ἀπὸ τῆς βασιλικῆς Ἰουδαίων φυλῆς, ὡσὰν ἐξ αὐτῆς ὄντας ἁλῶναι συνέβη. λογισμῷ δʼ ἂν καὶ τὸν Συμεῶνα τῶν αὐτοπτῶν καὶ αὐτηκόων εἴποι ἄν τις γεγονέναι τοῦ κυρίου, τεκμηρίῳ τῷ μήκει τοῦ χρό- νου τῆς αὐτοῦ ζωῆς χρώμενος, καὶ τῷ μνημονεύειν τὴν τῶν εὐαγγελίων γραφὴν Μάριας τῆς τοῦ Κλωπᾶ, οὗ γεγονέναι αὐτὸν καὶ πρότερον ὁ λόγος ἐδήλωσεν. ### English translation (Claude) The same writer says that his accusers too, when those of the royal tribe of the Jews were being sought out at that time, were arrested as belonging to it. And one might reasonably say that Simeon too was one of the eyewitnesses and hearers of the Lord, using as evidence the length of his life and the fact that the scripture of the Gospels mentions Mary the wife of Clopas, whose son, as our account showed before, he was. ### Scripture references - John 19:25: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to John 19:25. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.32.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/32/4/). ## Church History 3.32.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/32/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:125 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Jude's descendants, confessors under Domitian, lived into Trajan's reign. ### Greek text ὁ δʼ αὐτὸς συγγραφεὺς καὶ ἑτέρους ἀπὸ γένους ἑνὸς τῶν φερομένων ἀδελφῶν τοῦ σωτῆρος, ᾧ ὄνομα Ἰούδας, φησὶν εἰς τὴν αὐτὴν ἐπιβιῶναι βασιλείαν, μετὰ τὴν ἤδη πρότερον ἱστορηθεῖσαν αὐτῶν ὑπὲρ τῆς εἰς τὸν Χριστὸν πίστεως ἐπὶ Δομετιανοῦ μαρτυρίαν. ### English translation (Claude) The same writer says that others, descendants of one of the so-called brothers of the Saviour, whose name was Jude, lived on into the same reign, after the witness for faith in Christ which they had borne under Domitian, as related before. ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.32.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/32/5/). ## Church History 3.32.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/32/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:125 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus (quoted): the Lord's relatives led the churches until Simeon, denounced by heretics, was tortured and crucified at 120. ### Greek text γράφει δὲ οὕτως “ἔρχονται οὖν καὶ προηγοῦνται πάσης ἐκκλησίας ὡς μάρτυρες καὶ ἀπὸ γένους τοῦ κυρίου, καὶ γενομένης εἰρήνης βαθείας ἐν πάσῃ ἐκκλησίᾳ μένουσι μέχρι Τραϊανοῦ Καίσαρος, μέχρις οὗ ὁ ἐκ θείου τοῦ κυρίου, ὁ προειρημένος Συμεὼν υἱὸς Κλωπᾶ, συκοφαντηθεὶς ὑπὸ τῶν αἱρέσεων, ὡσαύτως κατηγορήθη καὶ αὐτὸς ἐπὶ τῷ αὐτῷ λόγῳ ἐπὶ Ἀττικοῦ τοῦ ὑπατικοῦ. καὶ ἐπὶ πολλαῖς ἡμέραις αἰκιζόμενος ἐμαρτύρησεν, ὡς πάντας ὑπερθαυμάζειν καὶ τὸν ὑπατικὸν πῶς ἑκατὸν εἴκοσι τυγχάνων ἐτῶν ὑπέμεινε· καὶ ἐκελεύσθη σταυρωθῆναι.” ### English translation (Claude) He writes thus: “They came, then, and presided over every church as witnesses and as of the Lord's family; and when deep peace came in every church, they remained until Trajan Caesar, until the son of the Lord's uncle, the aforesaid Simeon son of Clopas, was falsely accused by the heresies and likewise himself charged on the same ground before Atticus the consular. And being tortured for many days he bore witness, so that all, even the consular, marvelled how at a hundred and twenty years he endured; and he was ordered to be crucified.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Hegesippus, Memoirs. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.32.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/32/6/). ## Church History 3.32.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/32/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:125 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus says the church remained a pure virgin until then, with would-be corrupters still hidden. ### Greek text ἐπὶ τούτοις ὁ αὐτὸς ἀνὴρ διηγούμενος τὰ κατὰ τοὺς δηλουμένους ἐπιλέγει, ὡς ἄρα μέχρι τῶν τότε χρόνων παρθένος καθαρὰ καὶ ἀδιάφθορος ἔμενεν ἡ ἐκκλησία, ἐν ἀδήλῳ που σκότει φωλευόντων εἰσέτι τότε τῶν, εἰ καί τινες ὑπῆρχον, παραφθείρειν ἐπιχειρούντων τὸν ὑγιῆ κανόνα τοῦ σωτηρίου κηρύγματος. ### English translation (Claude) In addition, the same man, narrating the events of the times indicated, adds that until then the church remained a pure and uncorrupted virgin, since those who attempted to corrupt the sound rule of the saving proclamation, if there were any, still lurked then in some obscure darkness. ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Paraphrase of Hegesippus (compare 4.22.4). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.32.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/32/7/). ## Church History 3.32.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/32/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:125–126 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Once the apostles and their hearers had died, false teachers openly proclaimed “knowledge falsely so called.” ### Greek text ὡς δʼ ὁ ἱερὸς τῶν ἀποστόλων χορὸς διάφορον εἰλήφει τοῦ βίου τέλος, παρεληλύθει τε ἡ γενεὰ ἐκείνη τῶν αὐταῖς ἀκοαῖς τῆς ἐνθέου σοφίας ἐπακοῦσαι κατηξιωμένων, τηνικαῦτα τῆς ἀθέου πλάνης ἀρχὴν ἐλάμβανεν ἡ σύστασις, διὰ τῆς τῶν ἑτεροδιδασκάλων ἀπάτης, οἳ καὶ, ἅτε μηδενὸς ἔτι τῶν ἀποστόλων λειπομένου, γυμνῇ λοιπὸν ἤδη τῇ κεφαλῇ τῷ τῆς ἀληθείας κηρύγματι τὴν ψευδώνυμον γνῶσιν ἀντικηρύττειν ἐπεχείρουν. ### English translation (Claude) But when the sacred band of the apostles had in various ways reached the end of their life, and that generation had passed of those thought worthy to hear the divine wisdom with their own ears, then the conspiracy of godless error took its beginning through the deceit of false teachers, who, since none of the apostles was left any longer, attempted with bare head thereafter to proclaim against the proclamation of the truth the knowledge falsely so called. ### Scripture references - 1 Tim 6:20: echo, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Paraphrase of Hegesippus; “knowledge falsely so called” is from 1 Tim 6:20. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.32.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/32/8/). ## Church History 3.33.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/33/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:126 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Pliny, alarmed by the number of martyrs, told Trajan that Christians only sang to Christ at dawn and forbade adultery and murder. ### Greek text Τοσοῦτός γε μὴν ἐν πλείοσι τόποις ὁ καθʼ ἡμῶν ἐπετάθη τότε διωγμὸς, ὡς Πλίνιον Σεκοῦνδον ἐπισημότατον ἡγεμόνων, ἐπὶ τῷ πλήθει τῶν μαρτύρων κινηθέντα, βασιλεῖ κοινωσασθαι περὶ τοῦ πλήθους τῶν ὑπὲρ τῆς πίστεως ἀναιρουμένων, ἅμα δʼ ἐν ταὐτῷ μηνῦσαι, μηδὲν ἀνόσιον μηδὲ παρὰ τοὺς νόμους πράττειν αὐτοὺς κατειληφέναι, πλὴν τό γε ἅμα τῇ ἕῳ διεγειρομένους τὸν Χριστὸν θεοῦ δίκην ὑμνεῖν, τὸ δὲ μοιχεύειν καὶ φονεύειν καὶ τὰ συγγενῆ τούτοις ἀθέμιτα πλημμελήματα καὶ αὐτοὺς ἀπαγορεύειν, πάντα τε πράττειν ἀκολούθως τοῖς νόμοις. ### English translation (Claude) So severe was the persecution against us then in many places that Plinius Secundus, a most distinguished governor, moved by the number of the martyrs, communicated with the emperor about the multitude of those being put to death for the faith, and at the same time reported that he had found them doing nothing unholy or unlawful, except that they rose at dawn and sang hymns to Christ as to a god, and that they themselves forbade adultery, murder, and the lawless offences akin to these, and did everything in accordance with the laws. ### Extrabiblical texts - Pliny the Younger, Ep. 10.96 (Pliny the Younger, Letters): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The source is Pliny, Ep. 10.96, known to Eusebius through Tertullian (3.33.3). The digital text repeats ἡγεμόνων. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.33.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/33/1/). ## Church History 3.33.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/33/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:126 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Trajan ruled that Christians should not be hunted but punished if accused; local persecutions and martyrdoms continued. ### Greek text πρὸς ἃ τὸν Τραϊανὸν δόγμα τοιόνδε τεθεικέναι, τὸ Χριστιανῶν φῦλον μὴ ἐκζητεῖσθαι μὲν, ἐμπεσὸν δὲ κολάζεσθαι· οὗ γενομένου ποσῶς μὲν τοῦ διωγμοῦ σβεσθῆναι τὴν ἀπειλὴν σφοδρότατα ἐγκειμένου, οὐ χείρονάς γε μὴν τοῖς κακουργεῖν περὶ ἡμᾶς ἐθέλουσι λείπεσθαι προφάσεις, ἔσθʼ ὅπη μὲν τῶν δήμων, ἔσθʼ ὅπη δὲ καὶ τῶν κατὰ χώρας ἀρχόντων τὰς καθʼ ἡμῶν συσκευαζομένων ἐπιβουλὰς, ὡς καὶ ἄνευ προφανῶν διωγμῶν μερικοὺς κατʼ ἐπαρχίαν ἐξάπτεσθαι, πλείους τε τῶν πιστῶν διαφόροις ἐναγωνίζεσθαι μαρτυρίοις. ### English translation (Claude) To this Trajan made a decree of this kind: that the tribe of Christians should not be sought out, but punished if they fell in the way. By this the threat of persecution, which had been pressing most violently, was to some extent quenched; yet no fewer pretexts remained for those who wished to do us harm, the populace in some places and in others the local governors devising plots against us, so that even without open persecutions partial ones flared up in the provinces, and many of the faithful contended in various martyrdoms. ### Extrabiblical texts - Pliny the Younger, Ep. 10.97 (Pliny the Younger, Letters): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The source is Pliny, Ep. 10.97 (Trajan's reply). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.33.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/33/2/). ## Church History 3.33.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/33/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:126–127 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Tertullian (quoted) reports Pliny's letter and Trajan's reply forbidding a search for Christians. ### Greek text εἴληπται δ ἡμίν ἡ ἱστορία ἐξ ἧς ἀνωτέρω δεδηλώκαμεν τοῦ Τερτυλλιανοῦ ‘Ρωμαϊκῆς ἀπολογίας, ἧς ἡ ἑρμηνεία τοῦτον ἔχει τὸν τρόπον “καίτοι ηὑρήκαμεν καὶ τὴν εἰς “ἡμᾶς ἐπιζήτησιν κεκωλυμένην. Πλίνιος γὰρ Σε- “κοῦνδος ἡγούμενος ἐπαρχίου, κατακρίνας Χριστια- “νούς τινας καὶ τῆς ἀξίας ἐκβαλὼν, ταραχθεὶς τῷ “πλήθει ἠγνόει τί αὐτῷ λοιπὸν εἴη πρακτέον. Τραϊ- “ανῷ οὖν τῷ βασιλεῖ ἀνεκοινώσατο λέγων ἔξω τοῦ “μὴ βούλεσθαι αὐτοὺς εἰδωλολατρεῖν οὐδὲν ἀνόσιον ‘ἐν αὐτοῖς ηὑρηκέναι. ἐμήνυε δὲ καὶ τοῦτο, ἀνίστα- “σθαι ἔωθεν τοὺς Χριστιανοὺς καὶ τὸν Χριστὸν “θεοῦ δίκην ὑμνεῖν, καὶ πρὸς τὸ τὴν ἐπιστήμην αὐ- “τῶν διαφυλάσσειν κωλύεσθαι φονεύειν, μοιχεύειν, “πλεονεκτεῖν, ἀποστερεῖν καὶ τὰ τούτοις ὅμοια. πρὸς “ταῦτα ἀντέγραψε Τραϊανὸς τὸ τῶν Χριστιανῶν φῦ- “λον μὴ ἐκζητεῖσθαι μὲν, ἐμπεσὸν δὲ κολάζεσθαι.” καὶ ταῦτα μὲν ἐν τούτοις ἠν. ### English translation (Claude) The account has been taken by us from Tertullian's Latin Apology, mentioned above, the translation of which runs thus: “And yet we have found that even search for us has been forbidden. For Plinius Secundus, governor of a province, having condemned some Christians and removed them from their rank, was troubled by their number and did not know what remained for him to do. So he communicated with the emperor Trajan, saying that apart from their unwillingness to worship idols he had found nothing unholy in them. He reported this too, that the Christians rose at dawn and sang hymns to Christ as to a god, and that to preserve their discipline they were forbidden to murder, commit adultery, defraud, rob, and the like. To this Trajan replied that the tribe of Christians should not be sought out, but punished if they fell in the way.” Such were the events of this time. ### Extrabiblical texts - Pliny the Younger, Ep. 10.96–97 (Pliny the Younger, Letters): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Tertullian, Apology 2.6–7 (Greek translation; not tagged, since Tertullian's Apology is not on this site), summarizing Pliny, Ep. 10.96–97. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.33.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/33/3/). ## Church History 3.34.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/34/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:127 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: In Trajan's third year Clement of Rome died and Evarestus succeeded him. ### Greek text Τῶν δὲ ἐπὶ ‘Ρώμης ἐπισκόπων ἔτει τρίτῳ τῆς τοῦ προειρημένου βασιλέως ἀρχῆς Κλήμης Εὐαρέστῳ παραδοὺς τὴν λειτουργίαν ἀναλύει τὸν βίον, τὰ πάντα προστὰς ἔτη ἐννέα τῆς τοῦ θείου λόγου διδασκαλίας. ### English translation (Claude) Of the bishops at Rome, in the third year of the reign of the emperor mentioned, Clement handed the ministry to Evarestus and departed this life, having presided over the teaching of the divine word nine years in all. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.34.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/34/1/). ## Church History 3.35.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/35/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:127 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: After Simeon's martyrdom a Jewish Christian named Justus became bishop of Jerusalem. ### Greek text Ἀλλὰ καὶ τοῦ Συμεῶνος τὸν δηλωθέντα τελειωθέντος τρόπον, τῆς ἐν ‘Ιεροσολύμοις ἐπισκοπῆς τὸν θρόνον Ἰουδαῖός τις ὄνομα Ιοῦστος, μυρίων ὅσων ἐκ περιτομῆς εἰς τὸν Χριστὸν τηνικαῦτα πεπιστευκότων εἶς καὶ αὐτὸς ὢν, διαδέχεται. ### English translation (Claude) And when Simeon had been perfected in the manner shown, a Jew named Justus, himself one of the countless numbers of the circumcision who had then believed in Christ, succeeded to the throne of the episcopate in Jerusalem. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.35.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/35/1/). ## Church History 3.36.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/36/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:127 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Polycarp, companion of the apostles, was bishop of Smyrna. ### Greek text Διέπρεπέ γε μὴν κατὰ τούτους ἐπὶ τῆς Ἀσίας τῶν ἀποστόλων ὁμιλητὴς Πολύκαρπος, τῆς κατὰ Σμύρναν ἐκκλησίας πρὸς τῶν αὐτοπτῶν καὶ ὑπηρετῶν τοῦ κυρίου τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν ἐγκεχειρισμένος. ### English translation (Claude) At this time there flourished in Asia Polycarp, a companion of the apostles, who had been entrusted with the episcopate of the church at Smyrna by the eyewitnesses and ministers of the Lord. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.36.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/36/1/). ## Church History 3.36.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/36/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:127–128 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Papias of Hierapolis and Ignatius of Antioch were then known. ### Greek text καθʼ ὃν ἐγνωρίζετο Παπίας τῆς ἐν Ἱεραπόλει παροικίας καὶ αὐτὸς ἐπίσκοπος, ὅ τε παρὰ πλείστοις εἰσέτι νῦν διαβόητος Ἰγνάτιος, τῆς κατʼ Ἀντιόχειαν Πέτρου διαδοχῆς δεύτερος τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν κεκληρωμένος. ### English translation (Claude) In his time Papias was known, himself bishop of the community in Hierapolis, and Ignatius, still celebrated by very many even now, who was allotted the episcopate at Antioch second in the succession of Peter. ### Translation notes - Eusebius counts Ignatius second after Peter (Evodius being the first after Peter; compare 3.22.1). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.36.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/36/2/). ## Church History 3.36.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/36/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:128 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Ignatius was taken from Syria to Rome and thrown to the beasts for Christ. ### Greek text λόγος δʼ ἔχει τοῦτον ἀπὸ Συρίας ἐπὶ τὴν Ῥωμαίων πόλιν ἀναπεμφθέντα θηρίων γενέσθαι βορὰν τῆς εἰς Χριστὸν μαρτυρίας ἕνεκεν. ### English translation (Claude) The account holds that he was sent from Syria to the city of the Romans and became food for wild beasts because of his witness to Christ. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.36.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/36/3/). ## Church History 3.36.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/36/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:128 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: On his way through Asia, Ignatius warned the churches against heresies and urged them to hold to apostolic tradition, also in writing. ### Greek text οὗτος δὴ οὖν τὴν διʼ Ἀσίας ἀνακομιδὴν μετʼ ἐπιμελεστάτης φρουρῶν φυλακῆς ποιούμενος τὰς κατὰ πόλιν αἷς ἐπεδήμει παροικίας ταῖς διὰ λόγων ὁμιλίαις τε καὶ προτροπαῖς ἐπιρρωννὺς, ἐν πρώτοις μάλιστα προφυλάττεσθαι τὰς αἱρέσεις ἄρτι τότε πρῶτον ἀναφυείσας καὶ ἐπιπολαζούσας παρῄνει, προύτρεπέ τε ἀπρὶξ ἔχεσθαι τῆς τῶν ἀποστόλων παραδόσεως, ἣν ὑπὲρ ἀσφαλείας καὶ ἐγγράφως ἤδη μαρτυρόμενος διατυποῦσθαι ἀναγκαῖον ἡγεῖτο. ### English translation (Claude) As he made the journey through Asia under the most careful guard of soldiers, he strengthened the communities in each city where he stayed with spoken homilies and exhortations, above all urging them to be on guard against the heresies which had just then first sprung up and were prevailing, and exhorting them to hold fast to the tradition of the apostles, which, for safety's sake, he thought necessary, now that he was a martyr, to set down also in writing. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.36.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/36/4/). ## Church History 3.36.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/36/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:128 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: From Smyrna Ignatius wrote to Ephesus, Magnesia, and Tralles, naming their bishops. ### Greek text οὕτω δῆτα ἐν Σμύρνῃ γενόμενος, ἔνθα ὁ Πολύκαρπος ἦν, μίαν μὲν τῇ κατὰ τὴν Ἔφεσον ἐπιστολὴν ἐκκλησίᾳ γράφει, ποιμένος αὐτῆς μνημονεύων Ὀνησίμου, ἑτέραν δὲ τῇ ἐν Μαγνησίᾳ τῇ πρὸς Μαιάνδρῳ, ἔνθα πάλιν ἐπισκόπου Δάμα μνήμην πεποίηται, καὶ τῇ ἐν Τράλλεσι δὲ ἄλλην, ἧς ἄρχοντα τότʼ ὄντα Πολύβιον ἱστορεῖ. ### English translation (Claude) So, being at Smyrna, where Polycarp was, he wrote one letter to the church at Ephesus, mentioning its pastor Onesimus; another to the church in Magnesia on the Maeander, where again he mentions the bishop Damas; and another to the church in Tralles, whose ruler at that time he records was Polybius. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ign. Eph. 1.3 (To the Ephesians): allusion, high confidence - Ign. Magn. 2.1 (To the Magnesians): allusion, high confidence - Ign. Trall. 1.1 (To the Trallians): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - References: Ign. Eph. 1.3; Ign. Magn. 2.1; Ign. Trall. 1.1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.36.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/36/5/). ## Church History 3.36.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/36/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:128 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: He also wrote to Rome, begging them not to prevent his martyrdom. ### Greek text πρὸς ταύταις καὶ τῇ ‘Ρωμαίων ἐκκλησίᾳ γράφει, ᾗ καὶ παράκλησιν προτείνει, ὡς μὴ παραιτησάμενοι τοῦ μαρτυρίου τῆς ποθουμένης αὐτὸν ἀποστερήσαιεν ἐλπίδος· ἐξ ὧν καὶ βραχύτατα εἰς ἐπίδειξιν τῶν εἰρημένων παραθέσθαι ἄξιον. ### English translation (Claude) In addition to these he wrote also to the church of the Romans, to which he makes an appeal that they should not, by begging him off from martyrdom, deprive him of his longed-for hope. From these it is worth setting down a very few words to illustrate what has been said. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ign. Rom. (To the Romans): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.36.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/36/6/). ## Church History 3.36.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/36/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:128 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Ignatius (quoted): chained to ten “leopards,” he fights beasts all the way to Rome. ### Greek text γράφει δὴ οὖν κατὰ λέξιν “ἀπὸ Συρίας μέχρι ‘Ρώ- ‘μης θηριομαχῶ διὰ γῆς καὶ θαλάσσης, νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας, ἐνδεδεμένος δέκα λεοπάρδοις, ὅ ἐστι στρατιωτικὸν τάγμα, οἳ καὶ εὐεργετούμενοι χείρονες γίνονται. ἐν δὲ τοῖς ἀδικήμασιν αὐτῶν μᾶλλον μαθη- “τεύομαι, ἀλλʼ οὐ παρὰ τοῦτο δεδικαίωμαι. ### English translation (Claude) He writes, then, word for word: “From Syria to Rome I fight with wild beasts, by land and sea, by night and day, bound to ten leopards, that is, a company of soldiers, who become worse even when they are treated well. By their wrongdoings I am becoming more a disciple, but not by this am I justified. ### Scripture references - 1 Cor 4:4: echo, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Ign. Rom. 5.1 (To the Romans): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation (3.36.7–9) is Ign. Rom. 5.1–3. The last clause echoes 1 Cor 4:4. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.36.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/36/7/). ## Church History 3.36.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/36/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:128–129 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Ignatius (quoted): he longs for the beasts and will even force them to devour him. ### Greek text ὀναί- ”μην τῶν θηρίων τῶν ἐμοὶ ἑτοίμων, ἃ καὶ εὔχομαι “σύντομά μοι εὑρεθῆναι, ἃ καὶ κολακεύσω συντόμως “με καταφαγεῖν, οὐχ ὥσπερ τινῶν δειλαινόμενα οὐχ “ἥψαντο· κἂν αὐτὰ δὲ ἄκοντα μὴ θέλῃ, ἐγὼ προσ- ῾ βιάσομαι. ### English translation (Claude) May I have joy of the beasts prepared for me, and I pray that they may be found prompt with me; I will even coax them to devour me promptly, not as they have done with some whom they were afraid to touch; and if they themselves are unwilling, I will force them. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ign. Rom. 5.2 (To the Romans): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Ign. Rom. 5.2. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.36.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/36/8/). ## Church History 3.36.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/36/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:129 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Ignatius (quoted): let any torment come, if only he may attain Jesus Christ. ### Greek text συγγνώμην μοι ἔχετε. τί μοι συμφέ- “ρει ἐγὼ γινώσκω. νῦν ἄρχομαι μαθητὴς εἶναι. μη- “ δέν με ζηλώσαι τῶν ὁρατῶν καὶ ἀοράτων, ἔνα Ἰησοῦ “ Χριστοῦ ἐπιτύχω· πῦρ καὶ σταυρὸς, θηρίων τε συ- “ στάσεις, σκορπισμοὶ ὀστέων, συγκοπαὶ μελῶν, ἀλε- “σμοὶὅλου τοῦ σώματος, κολάσεις τοῦ διαβόλου εἰς ἐμὲ “ ἐρχέσθωσαν, μόνον ἔνα Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐπιτύχω.’’ ### English translation (Claude) Forgive me; I know what is to my advantage. Now I am beginning to be a disciple. May nothing of things visible and invisible envy me, that I may attain Jesus Christ. Fire and cross, and struggles with wild beasts, scatterings of bones, mangling of limbs, grinding of the whole body, cruel tortures of the devil, let them come upon me, only that I may attain Jesus Christ.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Ign. Rom. 5.3 (To the Romans): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Ign. Rom. 5.3. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.36.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/36/9/). ## Church History 3.36.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/36/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:129 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: From Troas Ignatius wrote to Philadelphia, Smyrna, and Polycarp, entrusting Antioch's flock to him. ### Greek text καὶ ταῦτα μὲν ἀπὸ τῆς δηλωθείσης πόλεως ταῖς καταλεχθείσαις ἐκκλησίαις διετυπώσατο. ἤδη δʼ ἐπέκεινα τῆς Σμύρνης γενόμενος ἀπὸ Τρωάδος τοῖς τε ἐν Φιλαδελφείᾳ αὖθις διὰ γραφῆς ὁμιλεῖ καὶ τῇ Σμυρναίων ἐκκλησίᾳ, ἰδίως τε τῷ ταύτης προηγουμένῳ Πολυκάρπῳ, ὃν οἶα δὴ ἀποστολικὸν ἄνδρα εὖ μάλα γνωρίζων, τὴν κατʼ Ἀντιόχειαν αὐτῷ ποίμνην ὡσὰν γνήσιος καὶ ἀγαθὸς ποιμὴν παρατίθεται, τὴν περὶ αὐτῆς φροντίδα διὰ σπουδῆς ἔχειν αὐτὸν ἀξιῶν. ### English translation (Claude) These things he wrote from the city mentioned to the churches listed. And when he was already beyond Smyrna, from Troas he again addressed in writing those in Philadelphia and the church of the Smyrnaeans, and particularly Polycarp, who presided over it; knowing him well as an apostolic man, he commends to him the flock at Antioch as a true and good shepherd, asking him to take earnest care of it. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ign. Phld. (To the Philadelphians): allusion, high confidence - Ign. Smyrn. (To the Smyrnaeans): allusion, high confidence - Ign. Pol. 7.1–2 (To Polycarp): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Ign. Pol. 7.1–2. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.36.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/36/10/). ## Church History 3.36.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/36/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:129 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Ignatius (quoted) says that the risen Christ told Peter's company to touch him, for he was not a bodiless spirit. ### Greek text ὁ δʼ αὐτὸς Σμυρναίοις γράφων οὐκ οἶδʼ ὁπόθεν ῥητοῖς συγκέχρηται, τοιαῦτά τινα περὶ τοῦ Χριστοῦ διεξιών “ἐγὼ δὲ καὶ μετὰ τὴν ἀνάστασιν ἐν σαρκὶ αὐτὸν οἶδα καὶ πιστεύω ὄντα. καὶ ὅτε πρὸς τοὺς περὶ Πέτρον ἐλήλυθεν, ἔφη αὐτοῖς, λάβετε, ψηλαφήσατέ με καὶ ἴδετε, ὅτι οὐκ εἰμὶ δαιμόνιον ἀσώματον· καὶ εὐθὺς αὐτοῦ ἥψαντο καὶ ἐπίστευσαν.’’ ### English translation (Claude) The same writer, writing to the Smyrnaeans, has used words from I know not what source, relating such things as these about Christ: “But I know and believe that he was in the flesh even after the resurrection. And when he came to those with Peter, he said to them, Take, handle me, and see that I am not a bodiless demon. And at once they touched him and believed.” ### Scripture references - Luke 24:39: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Ign. Smyrn. 3.1–2 (To the Smyrnaeans): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Ign. Smyrn. 3.1–2. The saying resembles Luke 24:39; Jerome attributes it to the Gospel of the Hebrews, Origen to the Teaching of Peter. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.36.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/36/11/). ## Church History 3.36.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/36/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:129–130 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus (quoted) cites Ignatius's words: “I am God's wheat, ground by the teeth of beasts.” ### Greek text οἶδε δὲ αὐτοῦ τὸ μαρτύριον καὶ ὁ Εἰρήναιος, καὶ τῶν ἐπιστολῶν αὐτοῦ μνημονεύει λέγων οὕτως “ ὡς εἶπέ τις τῶν ἡμετέρων διὰ τὴν πρὸς θεὸν μαρτυρίαν κατα- “κριθεὶς πρὸς θηρία, ὅτι σῖτός εἰμι θεοῦ, καὶ διʼ ‘ὀδόντων θηρίων ἀλήθομαι, ἵνα καθαρὸς ἄρτος εὑ- “ ρεθῶ.” ### English translation (Claude) Irenaeus too knew of his martyrdom and mentions his letters, speaking thus: “As one of ours said, condemned to the beasts because of his witness to God: I am God's wheat, and I am ground by the teeth of beasts, that I may be found pure bread.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 5.28.4 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence - Ign. Rom. 4.1 (To the Romans): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Haer. 5.28.4, citing Ign. Rom. 4.1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.36.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/36/12/). ## Church History 3.36.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/36/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:130 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Polycarp (quoted) urges the Philippians to endure like Ignatius, Rufus, Zosimus, and the apostles, now with the Lord. ### Greek text καὶ ὁ Πολύκαρπος δὲ τούτων αὐτῶν μέμνηται ἐν τῇ φερομένῃ αὐτοῦ πρὸς Φιλιππησίους ἐπιστολῇ, φάσκων αὐτοῖς ῥήμασι “ παρακαλῶ “ πάντας ὑμᾶς πειθαρχεῖν καὶ ἀσκεῖν πᾶσαν ὑπομο- ‘νὴν, ἣν εἴδετε κατʼ ὀφθαλμοὺς οὐ μόνον ἐν τοῖ “μακαρίοις Ἰγνατίῳ καὶ Ῥούφῳ καὶ Ζωσίμῳ, ἀλλα “ καὶ ἐν ἄλλοις τοῖς ἐξ ὑμῶν, καὶ ἐν αὐτῷ Παύλφ “καὶ τοῖς λοιποῖς ἀποστόλοις, πεπεισμένους ὅτι οὗτο “πάντες οὐκ εἰς κενὸν ἔδραμον, ἀλλʼ ἐν πίστει κα “ δικαιοσύνῃ, καὶ ὅτι εἰς τὸν ὀφειλόμενον αὐτοῖς το “πον εἰσὶ παρὰ κυρίῳ, ᾧ καὶ συνέπαθον. οὐ γὰ “ τὸν νῦν ἠγάπησαν αἰῶνα, ἀλλὰ τὸν ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν ἄπο “θανόντα καὶ διʼ ἡμᾶς ὑπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ ἀναστάντα.” ### English translation (Claude) And Polycarp too mentions these very things in his extant letter to the Philippians, saying in these words: “I exhort you all to obey and to practise all endurance, which you saw before your eyes not only in the blessed Ignatius and Rufus and Zosimus, but also in others from among you, and in Paul himself and the rest of the apostles; being persuaded that all these did not run in vain, but in faith and righteousness, and that they are in the place due to them with the Lord, with whom they also suffered. For they did not love the present age, but him who died for our sake and was raised by God for us.” ### Scripture references - Phil 2:16: echo, high confidence - 2 Tim 4:10: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Pol. Phil. 9.1–2 (To the Philippians): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Pol. Phil. 9.1–2, with echoes of Phil 2:16 and 2 Tim 4:10. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.36.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/36/13/). ## Church History 3.36.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/36/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:130 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Polycarp (quoted) promises to forward the Philippians' letter to Syria. ### Greek text καὶ ἐξῆς ἐπιφέρει “ἐγράψατέ μοι καὶ ὑμεῖς καὶ Ἰγνα “τιος, ἵνα ἐάν τις ἀπέρχηται εἰς Συρίαν, καὶ τὰ παρ “ὑμῶν ἀποκομίσῃ γράμματα. ὅπερ ποιήσω, ἐὰν “καιρὸν εὔθετον, εἴτε· ἐγὼ, εἴτε ὃν πέμπω πρεσβεύ- “ σοντα καὶ περὶ ὑμῶν. ### English translation (Claude) And next he adds: “Both you and Ignatius wrote to me that if anyone goes to Syria, he should carry your letters too. This I will do, if I find a suitable opportunity, either myself or one whom I send as envoy on your behalf also. ### Extrabiblical texts - Pol. Phil. 13.1 (To the Philippians): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Pol. Phil. 13.1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.36.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/36/14/). ## Church History 3.36.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/36/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:130 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Polycarp (quoted) sends the Philippians a collection of Ignatius's letters; Heros succeeded Ignatius at Antioch. ### Greek text τὰς ἐπιστολὰς Ἰγνατίου “τὰς πεμφθείσας ἡμῖν ὑπʼ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἄλλας ὅσας εἴ“χομεν παρʼ ἡμῖν ἐπέμψαμεν ὑμῖν καθὼς ἐνετεί- “λασθε, αἵτινες ὑποτεταγμέναι εἰσὶ τῇ ἐπιστολῇ “ταύτῃ, ἐξ ὧν μεγάλα ὠφεληθῆναι δυνήσεσθε. πε- “ ριέχουσι γὰρ πίστιν καὶ ὑπομονὴν καὶ πᾶσαν οἰκο- “ δομὴν τὴν εἰς τὸν κύριον ἡμῶν ἀνήκουσασν.” καὶ τὰ μὲν περὶ τὸν Ἰγνάτιον τοιαῦτα. διαδέχεται δὲ μετʼ αὐτὸν τὴν Ἀντιοχείας ἐπισκοπὴν Ἥρως. ### English translation (Claude) The letters of Ignatius sent to us by him, and others that we had with us, we have sent to you, as you instructed; they are appended to this letter, and from them you will be able to benefit greatly. For they contain faith and endurance and all edification that pertains to our Lord.” Such is what concerns Ignatius. After him Heros succeeded to the episcopate of Antioch. ### Extrabiblical texts - Pol. Phil. 13.2 (To the Philippians): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Pol. Phil. 13.2. The digital text has unread letters and Beta Code (ei(??) xomen par’) for εἴχομεν παρʼ. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.36.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/36/15/). ## Church History 3.37.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/37/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:130–131 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Quadratus, a prophet, and many others of the first generation after the apostles built on their foundations and spread the gospel. ### Greek text Τῶν δὲ κατὰ τού- τους διαλαμψάντων καὶ Κοδρᾶτος ἦν, ὃν ἅμα ταῖς Φιλίππου θυγατράσι προφητικῷ χαρίσματι λόγος ἔχει διαπρέψαι. καὶ ἄλλοι δʼ ἐπὶ τούτοις πλείους εγνωρίζοντο κατὰ τούσδε, τὴν πρώτην τάξιν τῆς τῶν ἀποστόλων ἐπέχοντες διαδοχῆς· οἳ καὶ, ἅτε τηλικῶνδε ὄντες διαπρεπεῖς μαθηταὶ, τοὺς κατὰ πάντα τόπον τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν προκαταβληθέντας ὑπὸ τῶν ἀποστόλων θεμελίους ἐπῳκοδόμουν, αὔξοντες εἰς πλέον τὸ κήρυγμα καὶ τὰ σωτήρια σπέρματα τῆς τῶν οὐρανῶν βασιλείας ἀνὰ πᾶσαν εἰς πλάτος ἐπισπείροντες τὴν οἰκουμένην. ### English translation (Claude) Among those who were distinguished at this time was Quadratus, who, the account holds, excelled, together with the daughters of Philip, in the prophetic gift. And many others besides were known at this time, holding the first rank in the succession of the apostles; and they, as distinguished disciples of such great men, built on the foundations of the churches laid everywhere by the apostles, increasing the proclamation more and more and sowing the saving seeds of the kingdom of heaven far and wide throughout the whole world. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.37.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/37/1/). ## Church History 3.37.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/37/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:131 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Many disciples gave their goods to the poor and went out as evangelists, carrying the written Gospels. ### Greek text καὶ γὰρ δὴ πλεῖστοι τῶν τότε μαθητῶν σφοδροτέρῳ φιλισοφίας ἔρωτι πρὸς τοῦ θείου λόγου τὴν ψυχὴν πληττόμενοι τὴν σωτήριον πρότερον ἀπεπλήρουν παρακέλευσιν, ἐνδεέσι νέμοντες τὰς οὐσίας, ἔπειτα δὲ ἀποδημίας στελλόμενοι ἔργον ἐπετέλουν εὐαγγελιστῶν, τοῖς ἔτι πάμπαν ἀνηκόοις τοῦ τῆς πίστεως λόγου κηρύττειν τὸν Χριστὸν φιλοτιμούμενοι καὶ τὴν τῶν θείων εὐαγγελίων παραδιδόναι γραφήν. ### English translation (Claude) For most of the disciples of that time, their souls struck by the divine word with a more ardent love of philosophy, first fulfilled the Saviour's command, distributing their property to the needy; and then, setting out on journeys, they performed the work of evangelists, eager to preach Christ to those who had not yet heard the word of faith at all and to hand down the scripture of the divine Gospels. ### Scripture references - Matt 19:21: allusion, high confidence - 2 Tim 4:5: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Allusions to Matt 19:21 and 2 Tim 4:5. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.37.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/37/2/). ## Church History 3.37.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/37/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:131 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: They founded churches, appointed pastors, and moved on, aided by miracles through which whole crowds believed. ### Greek text οὑτοι δὲ θεμελίους τῆς πίστεως ἐπὶ ξένοις τισὶ τόποις αὐτὸ μόνον καταβαλλόμενοι, ποιμένας τε καθιστάντες ἑτέρους, τούτοις τε αὐτοῖς ἐγχιρίζοντες τὴν τῶν ἀρτίως εἰσαχθέντων γεωργίαν, ἑτέρας αὐτοὶ πάλιν χώρας τε καὶ ἔθνη μετῄεσαν σὺν τῇ ἐκ θεοῦ χάριτι καὶ συνεργίᾳ, ἐπεὶ καὶ τοῦ θείου πνεύματος εἰσέτι τότε διʼ αὐτῶν πλεῖσται παράδοξοι δυνάμεις ἐνήργουν, ὥστε ἀπὸ πρώτης ἀκροάσεως ἀθρόως αὔτανδρα πλήθη προθύμως τὴν εἰς τὸν τῶν ὅλων δημιουργὸν εὐσέβειαν ἐν ταῖς αὐτῶν ψυχαῖς καταδέχεσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) They only laid the foundations of the faith in foreign places, appointed others as shepherds, and entrusted to them the cultivation of those newly brought in, while they themselves went on again to other countries and nations with the grace and help of God; for at that time very many wonderful works of power of the divine Spirit were still worked through them, so that at the first hearing whole multitudes at once eagerly received in their souls piety toward the Creator of the universe. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.37.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/37/3/). ## Church History 3.37.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/37/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:131–132 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius names only those whose writings still hand down the apostolic teaching. ### Greek text ἀδυνάτου δʼ ὄντος ἡμῖν ἅπαντας ἐξ ὀνόματος ἀπαριθμεῖσθαι, ὅσοι ποτὲ κατὰ τὴν πρώτην τῶν ἀποστόλων διαδοχὴν ἐν ταῖς κατὰ τὴν οἰκουμένην ἐκκλησίαις γεγόνασι ποιμένες ἢ καὶ εὐαγ- γελισταὶ, τούτων εἰκότως ἐξ ὀνόματος γραφῇ μόνων τῂν μνήμην κατατεθείμεθα, ὡν ἔτι καὶ νῦν εἰς ἡμᾶς διʼ ὑπομνημάτων τῆς ἀποστολικῆς διδασκαλίας ἡ παράδοσις φέρεται· ### English translation (Claude) Since it is impossible for us to enumerate by name all who were ever shepherds or evangelists in the churches throughout the world in the first succession of the apostles, we have naturally recorded by name in writing only those of whom the tradition of the apostolic teaching still comes down to us through memoirs; ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.37.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/37/4/). ## Church History 3.38.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/38/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:132 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement's letter, acknowledged by all, draws heavily on Hebrews, proving Hebrews is early. ### Greek text ὥσπερ οὖν ἀμέλει τοῦ Ἰγνατίου ἐν αἷς κατελέξαμεν ἐπιστολαῖς, καὶ τοῦ Κλήμεντος ἐν τῇ ἀνωμολογημένῃ παρὰ πᾶσιν, ἣν ἐκ προσώπου τῆς Ῥωμαίων ἐκκλησίας τῇ Κορινθίων διετυπώσατο, ἐν ᾗ τῆς πρὸς Ἑβραίους πολλὰ νοήματα παραθεὶς, ἤδη δὲ καὶ αὐτολεξεὶ ῥητοῖς τισὶν ἐξ αὐτῆς χρησάμενος, σαφέστατα παρίστησιν ὅτι μη νέον ὑπάρχει τὸ σύγγραμμα. ### English translation (Claude) as, for example, Ignatius in the letters we have listed, and Clement in the letter acknowledged by all, which he composed in the name of the church of the Romans to that of the Corinthians. In it he sets out many thoughts of the Letter to the Hebrews, and even uses some of its words verbatim, and so shows most clearly that the work is not recent. ### Scripture references - Heb 1:3–13: allusion, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - 1 Clem. 36 (1 Clement): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Compare 1 Clem. 36 with Heb 1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.38.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/38/1/). ## Church History 3.38.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/38/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:132 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hebrews is counted with Paul's letters; some say Luke or Clement translated it from Paul's Hebrew. ### Greek text ὅθεν δὴ καὶ εἰκότως ἔδοξεν αὐτὸ τοῖς λοιποῖς ἐγκαταλεχθῆναι γράμμασι τοῦ ἀποστόλου. Ἑβραίοις γὰρ διὰ τῆς πατρίου γλώττης ἐγγράφως ὡμιληκότος τοῦ Παύλου οἱ μὲν τὸν εὐαγγελιστὴν Λουκᾶν, οἱ δὲ τὸν Κλήμεντα τοῦτον αὐτὸν ἑρμηνεῦσαι λέγουσι τὴν γραφήν. ### English translation (Claude) Hence it has reasonably seemed right to count it with the other writings of the apostle. For since Paul had addressed the Hebrews in writing in their native tongue, some say that the evangelist Luke, others that this very Clement, translated the writing. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.38.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/38/2/). ## Church History 3.38.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/38/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:132 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement is the likelier translator, given the similar style and thought. ### Greek text ὃ καὶ μᾶλλον ἂν εἴη ἀληθὲς, τῷ τὸν ὅμοιον τῆς φράσεως χαρακτῆρα τήν τε τοῦ Κλήμεντος ἐπιστολὴν καὶ τὴν πρὸς Ἑβραίους ἀποσώζειν, καὶ τῷ μὴ πόρρω τὰ ἐν ἑκατέροις τοῖς συγγράμμασι νοήματα καθεστάναι. ### English translation (Claude) And this would be more likely true, because the letter of Clement and that to the Hebrews preserve a similar character of style, and because the thoughts in both works are not far apart. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.38.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/38/3/). ## Church History 3.38.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/38/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:132 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: A second letter of Clement exists, but was not used by the ancients. ### Greek text ἰστέον δʼ ὡς καὶ δευτέρα τις εἶναι λέγεται τοῦ Κλήμεντος ἐπιστολή. οὐ μὴν ἴθʼ ὁμοίως τῇ προτέρᾳ καὶ ταύτην γνώριμον ἐπιστάμεθα, ὅτι μηδὲ τοὺς ἀρχαίους αὐτῇ κεχρημένους ἴσμεν. ### English translation (Claude) It should be known that a second letter of Clement is also said to exist. But we do not know it to be recognized like the first, since we do not know that the ancients used it. ### Extrabiblical texts - 2 Clem. (2 Clement): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - This is the work now called 2 Clement. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.38.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/38/4/). ## Church History 3.38.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/38/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:132–133 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Later lengthy works with dialogues of Peter and Apion are wrongly ascribed to Clement. ### Greek text ἤδη δὲ καὶ ἕτερα πολυεπῆ καὶ μακρὰ συγγράμματα ὡς τοῦ αὐτοῦ ἐχθὲς καὶ πρώην τινὲς προήγαγον, Πέτρου δὴ καὶ Ἀπίωνος διαλόγους περιέχοντα, ὧν οὐδʼ ὅλως μνήμη τις παρὰ τοῖς παλαιοῖς φέρεται. οὐδὲ γὰρ καθαρὸν τῆς ἀποστολικῆς ὀρθοδοξίας ἀποσώζει τὸν χαρακτῆρα. ἡ μὲν οὖν τοῦ Κλήμεντος ὁμολογουμένη γραφὴ πρόδηλος. εἴρηται δὲ καὶ τὰ Ἰγνατίου καὶ Πολυκάρπου. ### English translation (Claude) And some have recently brought forward other wordy and lengthy works as his, containing dialogues of Peter and Apion, of which there is no mention at all among the ancients; for they do not preserve the pure character of apostolic orthodoxy. The acknowledged writing of Clement, then, is plain. And what concerns Ignatius and Polycarp has also been told. ### Translation notes - The works are the Pseudo-Clementine writings (Homilies and Recognitions). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.38.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/38/5/). ## Church History 3.39.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/39/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:133 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Papias wrote five books of Expositions of the Lord's Oracles; Irenaeus (quoted) calls him a hearer of John and companion of Polycarp. ### Greek text Τοῦ δὲ Παπία συγγράμματα πέντε τὸν ἀριθμὸν φέρεται, ἃ καὶ ἐπιγέγραπται Λογίων κυριακῶν ἐξηγήσεις. τούτων καὶ Εἰρήναιος ὡς μόνων αὐτῷ γραφέντων μνημονεύει ὧδέ πως λέγων “ταῦτα δὲ καὶ Παπίας ὁ Ἰωάννου μὲν “ ἀκουστὴς, Πολυκάρπου δὲ ἑταῖρος γεγονὼς, ἀρχαῖος “ἀνὴρ, ἐγγράφως ἐπιμαρτυρεῖ ἐν τῇ τετάρτῃ τῶν “ ἑαυτοῦ βίβλων. ἔστι γὰρ αὐτῷ πέντε βιβλία συν- “τεταγμἐνα.’’ καὶ ὁ μὲν Εἰρήναιος ταῦτα. ### English translation (Claude) Five books of Papias are extant, which are entitled Expositions of the Lord's Oracles. Irenaeus too mentions these as the only ones written by him, speaking thus: “These things Papias, who was a hearer of John and a companion of Polycarp, a man of old, attests in writing in the fourth of his books; for he composed five books.” So much Irenaeus. ### Extrabiblical texts - Papias (Papias (fragments)): allusion, high confidence - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 5.33.4 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Haer. 5.33.4. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.39.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/39/1/). ## Church History 3.39.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/39/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:133 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Papias himself says he learned from the apostles' acquaintances, not from the apostles. ### Greek text αὐτός γε μὴν ὁ Παπίας κατὰ τὸ προοίμιον τῶν αὐτοῦ λόγων ἀκροατὴν μὲν καὶ αὐτόπτην οὐδαμῶς ἑαυτὸν γενέσθαι τῶν ἱερῶν ἀποστόλων ἐμφαίνει, παρειληφέναι δὲ τὰ τῆς πίστεως παρὰ τῶν ἐκείνοις γνωρίμων διδάσκει διʼ ὧν φησι λέξεων· ### English translation (Claude) Papias himself, however, in the preface of his work, by no means shows that he was himself a hearer and eyewitness of the holy apostles, but teaches that he received the matters of faith from those who knew them, in these words: ### Extrabiblical texts - Papias (Papias (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.39.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/39/2/). ## Church History 3.39.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/39/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:133 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Papias (quoted): he records what he learned from the presbyters, valuing those who taught the Lord's commandments. ### Greek text “οὐκ ὀκνήσω δέ σοι “καὶ ὅσα ποτὲ παρὰ τῶν πρεσβυτέρων καλῶς ἔμαθον “καὶ καλῶς ἐμνημόνευσα συντάξαι ταῖς ἑρμηνείαις, “ διαβεβαιούμενος ὑπὲρ αὐτῶν ἀλήθειαν. οὐ γὰρ τοῖς “τὰ πολλὰ λέγουσιν ἔχαιρον ὥσπερ οἱ πολλοὶ, ἀλλὰ “τοῖς τἀληθῆ διδάσκουσιν, οὐδὲ τοῖς τὰς ἀλλοτρίας “ ἐντολὰς μνημονεύουσιν, ἀλλὰ τοῖς τὰς παρὰ τοῦ “ κυρίου τῇ πίστει δεδομένας καὶ ἀπʼ αὐτῆς παραγινο- “ μένας τῆς ἀληθείας. ### English translation (Claude) “I will not hesitate to set down for you, along with my interpretations, whatever I once learned well from the presbyters and remembered well, guaranteeing their truth. For I did not, like most, delight in those who say much, but in those who teach the truth; nor in those who recall others' commandments, but in those who recall the commandments given by the Lord to faith and coming from the truth itself. ### Extrabiblical texts - Papias, preface (Papias (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Papias, Expositions, preface. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.39.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/39/3/). ## Church History 3.39.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/39/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:133 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Papias (quoted): he questioned the presbyters' followers about what the apostles said and what Aristion and John the presbyter still say, preferring the living voice to books. ### Greek text εἰ δέ που καὶ “ κώς τις τοῖς πρεσβυτέροις ἔλθοι, τοὺς τῶν πρεσβυτέρων ἀνέκρινον λόγους· τίʼ ἢ τί Πέτρος εἶπεν ἢ τί Φίλιππος ἢ τί Θωμᾶς ἢ Ἰάκωβος ἢ τί Ἰωάννης “ ἢ Ματθαῖος ἤ τις ἕτερος τῶν τοῦ κυρίου μαθητῶν, “ ἅ τε Ἀριστίων καὶ ὁ πρεσβύτερος Ἰωάννης οἱ τοῦ “κυρίου μαθηταὶ λέγουσιν. οὐ γὰρ τὰ ἐκ τῶν βιβλίων “ τοσοῦτόν με ὠφελεῖν ὑπελάμβανον ὅσον τὰ “ ζώσης φωνῆς καὶ μενούσης.’’ ### English translation (Claude) And if anyone chanced to come who had followed the presbyters, I would inquire about the words of the presbyters: what Andrew or what Peter said, or what Philip or what Thomas or James or what John or Matthew or any other of the Lord's disciples, and what Aristion and the presbyter John, the Lord's disciples, are saying. For I did not suppose that what came from books would help me so much as what came from a living and abiding voice.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Papias, preface (Papias (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Papias, Expositions, preface. The digital text is damaged (κώς for παρηκολουθηκώς; τίʼ for τί Ἀνδρέας); translated as the evident sense requires. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.39.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/39/4/). ## Church History 3.39.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/39/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:133–134 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Papias names two Johns: the apostle among the apostles, and John the presbyter with Aristion. ### Greek text ἔνθα καὶ ἐπιστῆσαι ἄξιον δὶς καταριθμοῦντι αὐτῷ τὸ Ἰωάννου ὄνομα, ὧν τὸν μὲν πρότερον Πέτρῳ καὶ Ἰακώβῳ καὶ Ματθαίῳ καὶ τοῖς λοιποῖς ἀποστόλοις συγκαταλέγει, σαφῶς δηλῶν τὸν εὐαγγελιστὴν, τὸν δʼ ἕτερον Ἰωάννην διαστείλας τὸν λόγον ἐν ἑτέροις παρὰ τὸν τῶν ἀποστόλων ἀριθμὸν κατατάσσει, προτάξας αὐτοῦ τὸν Ἀριστίωνα, σαφῶς τε αὐτὸν πρεσβύτερον ὀνομάζει· ### English translation (Claude) Here it is worth noting that he twice lists the name John. The first he lists with Peter, James, Matthew, and the rest of the apostles, clearly indicating the evangelist; the other John, with a distinction in his statement, he places outside the number of the apostles, putting Aristion before him, and clearly calls him presbyter. ### Translation notes - Eusebius's distinction of two Johns remains debated. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.39.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/39/5/). ## Church History 3.39.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/39/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:134 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: This confirms two Johns and two tombs at Ephesus; the second John probably saw the Revelation. ### Greek text ὡς καὶ διὰ τούτων ἀποδείκνυσθαι τὴν ἱστορίαν ἀληθῆ τῶν δύο κατὰ τὴν Ἀίαν ὁμωνυμίᾳ κεχρῆσθαι εἰρηκότων, δύο τε ἐν Ἐφέσῳ γενέσθαι μνήματα καὶ ἑκάτερον Ἰωάννου ἔτι νῦν λέγεσθαι. οἷς καὶ ἀναγκαῖον προσέχειν τὸν νοῦν· εἰκὸς γὰρ τὸν δεύτερον, εἰ μή τις ἐθέλοι τὸν πρῶτον, τὴν ἐπʼ ὀνόματος φερομένην Ἰωάννου ἀποκάλυψιν ἑωρακέναι. ### English translation (Claude) So by this too the account is shown to be true of those who have said that two in Asia used the same name, and that there are two tombs in Ephesus, each of which is still called John's. To this it is necessary to pay attention; for it is likely that the second, unless one prefers the first, saw the Apocalypse that goes under the name of John. ### Translation notes - Eusebius's suggestion reflects his doubts about the apostolic authorship of Revelation (compare 7.25). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.39.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/39/6/). ## Church History 3.39.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/39/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:134 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Papias heard Aristion and John the presbyter himself and records their traditions. ### Greek text καὶ ὁ νῦν δὲ ἡμῖν δηλούμενος Παπίας τοὺς μὲν τῶν ἀποστόλων λόγους παρὰ τῶν αὐτοῖς παρηκολουθηκότων ὁμολογεῖ παρειληφέναι, Ἀριστίωνος δὲ καὶ τοῦ πρεσβυτέρου Ἰωάννου αὐτήκοον ἑαυτόν φησι γενέσθαι. ὀνομαστὶ γοῦν πολλάκις αὐτῶν μνημονεύσας ἐν τοῖς αὐτοῦ συγγράμμασι τίθησιν αὐτῶν καὶ παραδόσεις. ### English translation (Claude) And Papias, of whom we are now speaking, confesses that he received the words of the apostles from those who had followed them, but says that he was himself a hearer of Aristion and the presbyter John. At any rate, he often mentions them by name in his writings and sets down their traditions. ### Extrabiblical texts - Papias (Papias (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.39.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/39/7/). ## Church History 3.39.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/39/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:134 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius will add other marvels Papias reports from tradition. ### Greek text καὶ ταῦτα δʼ ἡμῖν οὐκ εἰς τὸ ἄχρηστον εἰρήσθω. ἄξιον δὲ ταῖς ἀποδοθείσαις τοῦ Παπία φωναῖς προσάψαι λέξεις ἑτέρας αὐτοῦ, διʼ ὧν παράδοξά τινα ἱστορεῖ καὶ ἄλλα ὡσὰν ἐκ παραδόσεως εἰς αὐτὸν ἐλθόντα. ### English translation (Claude) Let this too not have been said by us to no purpose. It is worth adding to the words of Papias already given other sayings of his, in which he relates some marvels and other things as having come to him from tradition. ### Extrabiblical texts - Papias (Papias (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.39.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/39/8/). ## Church History 3.39.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/39/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:134–135 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Papias heard from Philip's daughters of a man raised from the dead, and of Justus Barsabbas surviving poison. ### Greek text τὸ μὲν οὖν κατὰ τὴν Ἱεράπολιν Φίλιππον τὸν ἀπόστολον ἅμα ταῖς θυγατράσι διατρῖψαι διὰ τῶν πρόσθεν δεδήλωται, ὡς δὲ κατὰ τοὺς αὐτοὺς ὁ Παπίας γενόμενος διήγησιν παρειληφέναι θαυμασίαν ὑπὸ τῶν τοῦ Φιλίππου θυγατέρων μνημονεύει τὰ νῦν σημειωτέον. νεκροῦ γὰρ ἀνάστασιν κατʼ αὐτὸν γεγονυῖαν ἱστορεῖ, καὶ αὖ πάλιν ἕτερον παράδοξον περὶ Ἰοῦστον τὸν ἐπικληθέντα Βαρσαββᾶν γεγονὸς, ὡς δηλητήριον φάρμακον ἐμπιόντος καὶ μηδὲν ἀηδὲς διὰ τὴν τοῦ κυρίου χάριν ὑπομείναντος. ### English translation (Claude) That Philip the apostle lived at Hierapolis with his daughters has been shown above; but it should now be noted how Papias, their contemporary, mentions that he received a wonderful story from the daughters of Philip. For he relates that a resurrection of a dead man took place in his time, and again another marvel concerning Justus surnamed Barsabbas, that he drank a deadly poison and, by the grace of the Lord, suffered no harm. ### Scripture references - Mark 16:18: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Papias (Papias (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Mark 16:18. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.39.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/39/9/). ## Church History 3.39.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/39/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:135 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Acts names Justus Barsabbas as the other candidate with Matthias. ### Greek text τοῦτον δὲ τὸν Ἰοῦστον μετὰ τὴν τοῦ σωτῆρος ἀνάληψιν τοὺς ἱεροὺς ἀποστόλους μετὰ Ματθία στῆσαί τε καὶ ἐπεύξασθαι ἀντὶ τοῦ προδότου Ἰούδα ἐπὶ τὸν κλῆρον τῆς ἀναπληρώσεως τοῦ αὐτῶν ἀριθμοῦ ἡ τῶν Πραξέων ὧδέ πως ἱστορεῖ γραφή “καὶ “ἔστησαν δύο, Ἰωσὴφ τὸν καλούμενον Βαρσαββᾶν, ὃς “ ἐπεκλήθη Ἰοῦστος, καὶ Ματθίαν· καὶ προσευξάμε- “νοι εἶπαν.’’ ### English translation (Claude) The scripture of the Acts relates that after the Saviour's ascension the holy apostles put forward this Justus with Matthias and prayed over the lot to fill up their number in place of the traitor Judas, as follows: “And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias; and they prayed and said.” ### Scripture references - Acts 1:23–24: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Acts 1:23–24. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.39.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/39/10/). ## Church History 3.39.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/39/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:135 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Papias also records strange parables, teachings, and legends from oral tradition. ### Greek text καὶ ἄλλα δὲ ὁ αὐτὸς ὡσὰν ἐκ παραδόσεως ἀγράφου εἰς αὐτὸν ἥκοντα παρατέθειται, ξένας τέ τινας παραβολὰς τοῦ σωτῆρος καὶ διδασκαλίας αὐτοῦ, καί τινα ἄλλα μυθικώτερα. ### English translation (Claude) The same writer also sets down other things as having come to him from unwritten tradition, some strange parables of the Saviour and teachings of his, and some other things rather more fabulous. ### Extrabiblical texts - Papias (Papias (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.39.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/39/11/). ## Church History 3.39.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/39/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:135 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Papias taught an earthly thousand-year kingdom after the resurrection, which Eusebius thinks misreads the apostles' figurative language. ### Greek text ἐν οἷς καὶ χιλιάδα τινά φησιν ἐτῶν ἔσεσθαι μετὰ τὴν ἐκ νεκρῶν ἀνάστασιν, σωματικῶς τῆς Χριστοῦ βασιλείας ἐπὶ ταυτησὶ τῆς γῆς ὑποστησομένης. ἃ καὶ ἡγοῦμαι τὰς ἀποστολικὰς παρεκδεξάμενον διηγήσεις ὑπολαβεῖν, τὰ ἐν ὑποδείγμασι πρὸς αὐτῶν μυστικῶς εἰρημένα μὴ συνεωρακότα. ### English translation (Claude) Among these he says that there will be a thousand years after the resurrection from the dead, when the kingdom of Christ will be established bodily on this earth. I think he supposed this by misunderstanding the apostolic accounts, not perceiving what had been said by them mystically in figures. ### Scripture references - Rev 20:4–6: allusion, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Papias (Papias (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Rev 20:4–6. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.39.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/39/12/). ## Church History 3.39.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/39/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:135 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius thinks Papias unintelligent but influential, leading Irenaeus and others into the same view. ### Greek text σφόδρα γάρ τοι σμικρὸς ὢν τὸν νοῦν, ὡσὰν ἐκ τῶν αὐτοῦ λόγων τεκμηράμενον εἰπεῖν, φαίνεται· πλὴν καὶ τοῖς μετʼ αὐτὸν πλείστοις ὅσοις τῶν ἐκκλησιαστικῶν τῆς ὁμοίας αὐτῷ δόξης παραίτιος γέγονε, τὴν ἀρχαιότητα τἀνδρὸς προβεβλημένοις, ὥσπερ οὖν Εἰρηναίῳ, καὶ εἴ τις ἄλλος τὰ ὅμοια φρονῶν ἀναπέφηνεν. ### English translation (Claude) For he appears to have been a man of very small intelligence, if one may judge from his own words; yet he was responsible for very many churchmen after him holding the same opinion as he, since they put forward the man's antiquity, as for example Irenaeus, and anyone else who appeared with like views. ### Extrabiblical texts - Papias (Papias (fragments)): allusion, high confidence - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 5.33 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Eusebius's judgment reflects his opposition to millenarianism. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.39.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/39/13/). ## Church History 3.39.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/39/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:135–136 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Papias also records Aristion's and John the presbyter's traditions, including one about Mark. ### Greek text καὶ ἄλλας δὲ τῇ ἑαυτοῦ γραφῇ παραδίδωσιν Ἀριστίωνος τοῦ πρόσθεν δεδηλωμένου τῶν τοῦ κυρίου λόγων διηγήσεις καὶ τοῦ πρεσβυτέρου Ἰωάννου παραδόσεις, ἐφʼ ἃς τοὺς φιλομαθεῖς ἀναπέμψαντες ἀναγκαίως νῦν προσθήσομεν ταῖς προεκτεθείσαις αὐτοῦ φωναῖς παράδοσιν, ἢ περὶ Μάρκου τοῦ τὸ εὐαγγέλιον γεγραφότος ἐκτἐ- θεῖται διὰ τούτων ### English translation (Claude) In his own writing he also hands down other accounts of the Lord's words from Aristion, mentioned above, and traditions of the presbyter John. Referring the studious to these, we shall now necessarily add to his words already set out a tradition which he has set down about Mark, who wrote the Gospel, in these words: ### Extrabiblical texts - Papias (Papias (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.39.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/39/14/). ## Church History 3.39.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/39/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:136 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Papias (quoted), from the presbyter: Mark, Peter's interpreter, wrote accurately but not in order what Peter taught. ### Greek text “καὶ τοῦτο ὁ πρεσβύτερος ἔλεγε “ Μάρκος μὲν ἑρμηνευτὴς Πέτρου γενόμενος, ὅσα ἐμνη- “ μόνευσεν ἀκριβῶς ἔγραψεν, οὐ μέντοι τάξει, τὰ ὑπο “ τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἢ λεχθέντα ἢ πραχθέντα. οὔτε γὰρ “ἤκουσε τοο͂ κυρίου οὔτε παρηκολούθησεν αὐτῷ, “ὕστερον δὲ, ὡς ἔφην, Πέτρῳ, ὃς πρὸς τἀς χρείας ἐποι- ’’ εἷτο τὰς διδασκαλίας, ἀλλʼ οὐχ ὥσπερ σύνταξιν τῶν “κυριακῶν ποιούμενος λόγων, ὥστε οὐδὲν ἥμαρτε “Μάρκος, οὕτως ἔνια γράψας ὡς ἀπεμνημόνευσεν. " ἑνὸς γὰρ ἐποιήσατο πρόνοιαν, τοῦ μηδὲν ὧν ἤκουσε " παραλιπεῖν, ἢ ψεύσασθαί τι ἐν αὐτοῖς.” ταῦτα οὑν ἱστόρηται τῷ Παπίᾳ περὶ τοῦ Μάρκου. ### English translation (Claude) “And the presbyter used to say this: Mark, having become Peter's interpreter, wrote down accurately, though not in order, as much as he remembered of the things said or done by the Christ. For he had neither heard the Lord nor followed him, but later, as I said, followed Peter, who used to give his teachings as the needs required, but not making, as it were, an arrangement of the Lord's oracles; so that Mark did no wrong in writing some things as he remembered them. For he took care of one thing: to leave out nothing of what he had heard, and to state nothing falsely in them.” This is what Papias has related about Mark. ### Extrabiblical texts - Papias (Papias (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Papias, Expositions. “Oracles” (λόγια) here means sayings or teachings of the Lord. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.39.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/39/15/). ## Church History 3.39.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/39/16/ - Source: Dindorf 4:136 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Papias (quoted): Matthew compiled the oracles in Hebrew, and each translated them as he could. ### Greek text περὶ δὲ τοῦ Ματθαίου ταῦτʼ εἴρηται “ Ματθαῖος μὲν “Ἑβραίδι διαλέκτῳ τὰ λόγια συνεγράψατο, ἡρμή- “ νεῦσε δʼ αὐτὰ ὡς ἦν δυνατὸς ἔκαστος.’’ ### English translation (Claude) About Matthew this was said: “Matthew, then, composed the oracles in the Hebrew language, and each interpreted them as he was able.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Papias (Papias (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Papias, Expositions. “Hebrew language” may mean Hebrew or Aramaic, or possibly a Hebrew style; “oracles” may mean sayings or the whole Gospel. Both points are debated. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.39.16 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/39/16/). ## Church History 3.39.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/39/17/ - Source: Dindorf 4:136 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Papias quotes 1 John and 1 Peter and tells a story of a sinful woman also found in the Gospel of the Hebrews. ### Greek text κέχρηται δʼ αὐτὸς μαρτυρίαις ἀπὸ τῆς Ἰωάννου προτέρας ἐπιστολῆς καὶ ἀπὸ τῆς Πέτρου ὁμοίως. ἐκτέθειται δὲ καὶ ἄλλην ἱστορίαν περὶ γυναικὸς ἐπὶ πολλαῖ ἁμαρτίαις διαβληθείσης ἐπὶ τοῦ κυρίου, ἣν τὸ κατ Ἑβραίους εὐαγγἐλιον περιέχει. καὶ ταῦτα δʼ ἡμῖν ἀναγκαίως πρὸς τοῖς ἐκτεθεῖσιν ἐπιτετηρήσθω. ### English translation (Claude) He himself uses testimonies from the former letter of John and likewise from that of Peter. And he has set out another story about a woman accused before the Lord of many sins, which the Gospel according to the Hebrews contains. Let these things too be necessarily noted by us in addition to what has been set out. ### Scripture references - John 8:3–11: allusion, low confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Papias (Papias (fragments)): allusion, high confidence - Gos. Heb. (Gospel of the Hebrews): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The story may be related to the account of the woman taken in adultery (John 7:53–8:11). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.39.17 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/3/39/17/). ## Church History 4.1.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/1/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:136–137 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Around Trajan's twelfth year Primus became bishop of Alexandria and Alexander bishop of Rome. ### Greek text Ἄμφι δὲ τὸ δωδέκατον ἔτος τῆς Τραϊανου βασιλείας ὁ μικρῷ πρόσθεν ἡμῖν τῆς ἐν Ἀλεξανδρείῳ παροικίας δηλωθεὶς ἐπίσκοπος τὴν ζωὴν μεταλλάττει, τέταρτος δὲ ἀπὸ τῶν ἀποστόλων τὴν τῶν αὐτόθι λειτουργίαν κληροῦται Πρῖμος. ἐν τούτῳ καὶ Ἀλέξανμικρῷ δρος ἐπὶ Ῥώμης, ὄγδοον ἔτος ἀποπλρώσαντος πέμπτην ἀπὸ Πέτρου καὶ Παύλου κατάγων διαδοχὴν, τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν ἀπολαμβάνει. ### English translation (Claude) About the twelfth year of Trajan's reign, the bishop of the community in Alexandria whom we mentioned a little earlier departed this life, and Primus, fourth from the apostles, was allotted the ministry there. At this time also Alexander, when Evarestus had completed his eighth year, received the episcopate at Rome, holding the fifth place in succession from Peter and Paul. ### Translation notes - The digital text is garbled (Ἀλέξανμικρῷ δρος; Evarestus's name has dropped out); translated as the evident sense requires. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.1.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/1/1/). ## Church History 4.2.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/2/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:137 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: While the church flourished, a new Jewish revolt in Trajan's eighteenth year brought great destruction. ### Greek text Καὶ τὰ μὲν τῆς τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν διδασκαλίας τε καὶ ἐκκλησίας ὁσημέραι ἀνθοῦντα ἐπὶ μεῖζον ἐχώρει προκοπῆς, τὰ δὲ τῆς Ἰουδαίων συμφορᾶς κακοῖς ἐπαλλήλοις ἤκμαζεν. ἤδη γοῦν τοῦ αὐτοκράτορος εἰς ἐνιαυτὸν ὀκτωκαιδέκατον ἐλαύνοντος αὖθις Ἰουδαίων κίνησις ἐπαναστᾶσα πάμπολυ πλῆθος αὐτῶν διέφθειρεν. ### English translation (Claude) The teaching and church of our Saviour, flourishing daily, advanced to greater progress, while the calamities of the Jews reached their height in successive evils. When the emperor was already entering his eighteenth year, a Jewish uprising broke out again and destroyed a very great multitude of them. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.2.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/2/1/). ## Church History 4.2.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/2/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:137 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Jews in Egypt and Cyrene rose against the Greeks and made war under the governor Lupus. ### Greek text ἔν τε γὰρ Ἀλεξανδρεᾳ καὶ τῇ λοιπῇ Αἰγύπτῳ καὶ προσέτι κατὰ Κυρήνην ὥσπερ ὑπὸ πνεύματος δεινοῦ τινος καὶ στασιώδους ἀναρριπισθέντες ὥρμηντο πρὸς τοὺς συνοίκους Ἕλληνας στασιάζειν, αὐξήσαντές τε εἰς μέγα τὴν στάσιν τῷ ἐπιόντι ἐνιαυτῷ πόλεμον οὐ σμικρὸν συνῆψαν, ἡγουμένου τηνικαῦτα Λούπου τῆς ἁπάσης Αἰγύπτου. ### English translation (Claude) For in Alexandria and the rest of Egypt, and also in Cyrene, as though fanned by some terrible and seditious spirit, they rushed into sedition against their Greek fellow inhabitants; and having greatly increased the sedition, in the following year they engaged in no small war, when Lupus was governor of all Egypt. ### Translation notes - The digital text repeats γύπτου. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.2.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/2/2/). ## Church History 4.2.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/2/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:137 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Greeks killed Alexandria's Jews; the Cyrenean Jews under Lucuas ravaged Egypt until Trajan sent Marcius Turbo. ### Greek text καὶ δὴ ἐν τῇ πρώτῃ συμβολῇ ἐπικρατῆσαι αὐτοὺς συνέβη τῶν Ἑλλήνων, οἳ καὶ καταφυγόντες εἰς τὴν Ἀλεξάνδρειαν τοὺς ἐν τῇ πόλει Ἰουδαίους ἐζώγρησάν τε καὶ ἀπέκτειναν. τῆς δὲ παρὰ τούτων συμμαχίας ἀποτυχόντες οἱ κατὰ Κυρήνην, τὴν χώραν τῆς Αἰγύπτου λεηλατοῦντες καὶ τοὺς ἐν αὐτῆ̣ νομοὺς φθείροντες διετέλουν, ἡγουμένου αὐτῶν Λουκούα· ἐφʼ οὓς ὁ αὐτοκράτωρ ἔπεμψε Μάρκιον Τούρβωνα σὺν δυνάμει πεζῇ τε καὶ ναυτικῇ, ἔτι δὲ καὶ ἱππικῇ. ### English translation (Claude) In the first engagement they happened to overcome the Greeks, who fled to Alexandria and captured and killed the Jews in the city. The Jews of Cyrene, deprived of help from them, went on plundering the country of Egypt and ravaging its districts, under their leader Lucuas; against them the emperor sent Marcius Turbo with land and naval forces and cavalry as well. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.2.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/2/3/). ## Church History 4.2.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/2/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:137 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Turbo killed many thousands of Jews from Cyrene and Egypt. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ πολλαῖς μάχαις οὐκ ὀλίγῳ τε χρόνῳ τὸν πρὸς αὐτοὺς διαπονήσας πόλεμον πολλὰς μυριάδας Ἰουδαίων, οὐ μόνον τῶν ἀπὸ Κυρήνης, ἀλλὰ καὶ τῶν ἀπʼ Αἰγύπτου συναιρομένων Λουκούᾳ τῷ βασιλεῖ αὐτῶν ἀναιρεῖ. ### English translation (Claude) He, prosecuting the war against them in many battles and for no short time, killed many tens of thousands of Jews, not only those from Cyrene, but also those from Egypt who were helping Lucuas their king. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.2.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/2/4/). ## Church History 4.2.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/2/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:137–138 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Lusius Quietus massacred Mesopotamian Jews and was made governor of Judea, as Greek historians record. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ αὐτοκράτωρ ὑποπτεύσας καὶ τοὺς ἐν Μεσοποταμίᾳ Ἰουδαίους ἐπιθήσεσθαι τοῖς αὐτόθι Λουσίῳ Κυῄτῳ προσέταξεν ἐκκαθᾶραι τῆς ἐπαρχίας αὐτοὺς, ὃς καὶ παραταξάμενος πάμπολυ πλῆθος τῶν αὐτόθι φονεύει, ἐφʼ ᾧ κατορθώματι Ἰουδαίας ἡγεμὼν ὑπὸ τοῦ αὐτοκράτορος ἀνεδείχθη. ταῦτα καὶ Ἑλλήνων οἱ τὰ κατὰ τοὺς αὐτοὺς χρόνους γραφῇ παραδόντες αὐτοῖς ἱστόρησαν ῥήμασι. ### English translation (Claude) The emperor, suspecting that the Jews in Mesopotamia also would attack the inhabitants there, ordered Lusius Quietus to clear them out of the province; he drew up his army and killed a very great multitude of those there, and for this success he was appointed governor of Judea by the emperor. These things the Greek writers who have recorded the events of the same times have related in these very words. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.2.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/2/5/). ## Church History 4.3.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/3/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:138 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Quadratus presented an apology for the Christians to Hadrian, still extant in Eusebius's time. ### Greek text Τραϊανοῦ δὲ ἐφʼ ὅλοις ἔτεσιν εἴκοσι τὴν ἀρχὴν μησὶν ἕξ δέουσι κρατήσαντος Αἴλιος Ἀδριανὸς διαδέχεται τὴν ἡγεμονίαν. τούτῳ Κοδρᾶτος λόγον προσφωνήσας ἀναδίδωσιν, ἀπολογίαν συντάξας ὑπὲρ τῆς καθʼ ἡμὰς θεοσεβείας, ὅτι δὴ πονηροί τινες ἄνδρες τοὺς ἡμετέρους ἐνοχλεῖν ἐπειρῶντο. εἰσέτι δὲ φέρεται παρὰ πλείστοις τῶν ἀδελφῶν, ἀτὰρ καὶ παρʼ ἡμῖν τὸ σύγγραμμα, ἐξ οὗ κατιδεῖν ἔστι λαμπρὰ τεκμήρια τῆς τε τοῦ ἀνδρὸς διανοίας καὶ τῆς ἀποστολικῆς ὀρθοτομίας. ### English translation (Claude) After Trajan had held power for twenty years less six months, Aelius Hadrian succeeded to the rule. To him Quadratus addressed and delivered a discourse, having composed an apology for our religion, because certain wicked men were trying to trouble our people. The work is still extant among very many of the brothers, and in our own possession too, from which one may see clear proofs of the man's intelligence and apostolic orthodoxy. ### Extrabiblical texts - Quadratus, Quadr. (Quadratus, Apology (fragment)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The Apology of Quadratus survives only in the fragment quoted in 4.3.2. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.3.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/3/1/). ## Church History 4.3.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/3/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:138 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Quadratus (quoted): people healed or raised by Jesus lived on, some even into his own time. ### Greek text δʼ αὐτὸς τὴν καθʼ ἑαυτὸν ἀρχαιότητα παραφαίνει διʼ ὧν στορεῖ ταῦτα ἰδίαις φωναῖς “ τοῦ δὲ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν τὰ ἔργα ἀεὶ παρῆν, ἀληθῆ γὰρ ἦν, οἱ θεραπευθέντες, οἱ ἀναστάντες ἐκ νεκρῶν, οἳ οὐκ ὤφθησαν μό- “νον θεραπευόμενοι καὶ ἀνιστάμενοι, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἀεὶ παρόντες, οὐδὲ ἐπιδημοῦντος μόνον τοῦ σωτῆρος, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἀπαλλαγέντος ἦσαν ἐπὶ χρόνον ἱκανὸν, ὥστε καὶ εἰς τοὺς ἡμετέρους χρόνους τινὲς αὐτῶν ἀφίκοντο.’’ ### English translation (Claude) He himself reveals his early date by what he relates in his own words: “But the works of our Saviour were always present, for they were true: those who were healed, those who rose from the dead, who were not only seen being healed and raised, but were also always present; and not only while the Saviour was living here, but also after he had gone they remained for a considerable time, so that some of them have survived even to our own times.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Quadratus, Quadr. (Quadratus, Apology (fragment)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Quadratus, Apology (fragment). The digital text has lost Ὁ at the start and ἱ- in ἱστορεῖ. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.3.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/3/2/). ## Church History 4.3.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/3/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:138 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Aristides also addressed an apology to Hadrian, still widely preserved. ### Greek text τοιοῦτος μὲν οὖν οὗτος. καὶ Ἀριστείδης δὲ πιστὸς ἀνὴρ τῆς καθʼ ἡμὰς ὑρμώμενος εὐσεβείας τῷ Κοδράτῳ παραπλησίως ὑπὲρ τῆς πίστεως ἀπολογίαν ἐπιφωνήσας Ἀδριανῷ καταλέλοιπε. σώζεται δέ γε εἰς δεῦρο παρὰ πλείστοις καὶ ἡ τούτου γράφη. ### English translation (Claude) Such was this man. And Aristides too, a faithful man devoted to our religion, like Quadratus has left an apology for the faith addressed to Hadrian. His writing too has been preserved to this day by very many. ### Translation notes - The Apology of Aristides survives in Syriac and Armenian and reworked in Greek in Barlaam and Josaphat; it has no entry on this site. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.3.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/3/3/). ## Church History 4.4.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/4/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:138–139 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Xystus succeeded Alexander at Rome, and Justus succeeded Primus at Alexandria. ### Greek text Ἔτει δὲ τρίτῳ τῆς αὐτῆς ἡγεμονίας Ἀλέξανδρος Ῥωμαίων ἐπίσκοπος τελευτᾷ, δέκατον τῆς οἰκονομίας ἀποπλήσας ἔτος. Ξυστὸς ἠν τούτῳ διάδοχος. καὶ τῆς Ἀλεξανδρέων δὲ παροικίας ἀμφὶ τὸν αὐτὸν χρόνον Πρῖμον μεταλλάξαντα δωδεκάτῳ τῆς προστασίας ἔτει διαδέχεται Ἰοῦστος. ### English translation (Claude) In the third year of the same reign Alexander, bishop of the Romans, died, having completed the tenth year of his stewardship. Xystus was his successor. And about the same time, when Primus died in the twelfth year of his presidency of the community of the Alexandrians, Justus succeeded him. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.4.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/4/1/). ## Church History 4.5.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/5/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:139 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: No dates survive for the early bishops of Jerusalem, who were said to be short-lived. ### Greek text Τῶν γε μὴν ἐν Ἱεροσολύμοις ἐπισκόπων τοὺς χρόνους γραφῆ̣ σωζομένους οὐδαμῶς ηὑρον· κομιδῆ γὰρ οὐν βραχυβίους αὐτοὺς λόγος κατέχει γενέσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) As for the bishops in Jerusalem, I have nowhere found their dates preserved in writing; for tradition holds that they were altogether short-lived. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.5.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/5/1/). ## Church History 4.5.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/5/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:139 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Until Hadrian's siege Jerusalem had fifteen bishops, all Hebrew Christians, leading a church of Jewish believers. ### Greek text τοσοῦτον δʼ ἐξ ἐγγράφων παρείληφα, ὡς μέχρι τῆς κατὰ Ἀδριανὸν Ἰουδαίων πολιορκίας πεντεκαιδεκα τὸν ἀριθμὸν αὐτόθι γεγόνασιν ἐπισκόπων διαδοχαὶ, οὓς πάντας Ἑβραίους φασὶν ὄντας ἀνέκαθεν τὴν γνῶσιν τοῦ Χριστοῦ γνησίως καταδέξασθαι, ὥστʼ ἤδη πρὸς τῶν τὰ τοιάδε ἐπικρίνειν δυνατῶν καὶ τῆς τῶν ἐπισκόπων λειτουργίας ἀξίους δοκιμασθῆναι· συνεστάναι γὰρ αὐτοῖς τότε τὴν πᾶσαν ἐκκλησίαν ἐξ Ἑβραίων πιστῶν, ἀπὸ τῶν ἀποστόλων καὶ εἰς τὴν τότε διαρκεσάντων πολιορκίαν, καθʼ ἣν Ἰουδαῖοι Ρωμαίων αὖθις ἀποστάντες οὐ μικροῖς πολέμοις ἥλωσαν. ### English translation (Claude) But this much I have received from written sources: that until the siege of the Jews under Hadrian there were fifteen successions of bishops there, all of whom, they say, were Hebrews by origin who had genuinely received the knowledge of Christ, so that they were approved even by those able to judge such things as worthy of the episcopal ministry. For their whole church then consisted of Hebrew believers, from the apostles down to the siege at that time, in which the Jews, having again revolted from the Romans, were overcome in no small wars. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.5.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/5/2/). ## Church History 4.5.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/5/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:139 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius lists the fifteen Jewish-Christian bishops of Jerusalem from James to Judas. ### Greek text διαλελοιπότων δʼ οὐν τηνικαῦτα τῶν ἐκ περιτομῆς ἐπισκόπων τοὺς ἀπὸ πρώτου νῦν αναγκαῖον ἂν εἴη καταλέξαι. πρῶτος τοιγαροῦν Ἰάκωβος ὁ τοῦ κυρίου λεγόμενος ἀδελφὸς ἦν, μεθʼ ὃν δεύτερος Συμεὼν, τρίτος Ἰοῦστος, Ζακχαῖος τέταρτος, πέμπτος Τωβίας, ἕκτος Βενιαμὶν, Ἰωάννης ἕβδομος, ὄγδοος Ματθίας, ἔνατος Φίλιππος, δέκατος Σενέκας, ἑνδέκατος Ἰοῦστος, Λευὶς δωδέκατος, Ἐφρῆς τρισκαιδέκατος, τεσσαρεσκαιδέκατος Ἰωσὴφ, ἐπὶ πᾶσι πεντεκαιδέκατος Ἰούδας. ### English translation (Claude) Since the bishops of the circumcision ceased at that time, it would now be necessary to list them from the first. The first, then, was James, called the brother of the Lord; after him the second was Simeon; the third Justus; Zacchaeus the fourth; the fifth Tobias; the sixth Benjamin; John the seventh; the eighth Matthias; the ninth Philip; the tenth Seneca; the eleventh Justus; Levi the twelfth; Ephres the thirteenth; the fourteenth Joseph; and last of all the fifteenth Judas. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.5.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/5/3/). ## Church History 4.5.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/5/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:139 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: All of Jerusalem's bishops to that time were of the circumcision. ### Greek text τοσοῦτοι καὶ οἱ ἐπὶ τῆς Ἱεροσολύμων πόλεως ἐπίσκοποι ἀπὸ τῶν ἀποστόλων εἰς τὸν δηλούμενον διαγενόμενοι χρόνον, οἱ πάντες ἐκ περιτομῆς. ### English translation (Claude) Such were the bishops of the city of Jerusalem from the apostles down to the time indicated, all of the circumcision. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.5.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/5/4/). ## Church History 4.5.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/5/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:139–140 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Telesphorus succeeded Xystus at Rome, and Eumenes succeeded at Alexandria. ### Greek text ἤδη δὲ δωδέκατον ἐχούσης ἔτος τῆς ἡγεμονίας Ἀδριανοῦ, Ξυστὸν δεκαέτη χρόνον ἀποπλήσαντα ἐπὶ τῆς Ῥωμαίων ἐπισκοπῆς ἕβδομος ἀπὸ τῶν ἀποστόλων διαδέχεται Τελεσφόρος, ἐνιαυτοῦ δὲ μεταξὺ καὶ μηνῶν διαγενομένου τῆς Ἀλεξανδρέων παροικίας τὴν προστασίαν Εὐμένης ἕκτῳ κλήρῳ διαδέχεται, τοῦ πρὸ αὐτοῦ ἔτεσιν ἕνδεκα διαρκέσαντος. ### English translation (Claude) When the reign of Hadrian was already in its twelfth year, Xystus, having completed ten years in the episcopate of the Romans, was succeeded by Telesphorus, seventh from the apostles; and after the interval of a year and some months, Eumenes succeeded, sixth in order, to the presidency of the community of the Alexandrians, his predecessor having lasted eleven years. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.5.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/5/5/). ## Church History 4.6.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/6/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:140 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: When the Jews revolted again under Hadrian, the governor Rufus crushed them mercilessly. ### Greek text Καὶ δῆτα τῆς Ἰουδαίων ἀποστασίας αὖθις εἰς μέγα καὶ πολὺ προελθούσης ῾Ροῦφος ἐπάρχων τῆς Ἰουδαίας, στρατιωτικῆς αὐτῷ συμμαχίας ὑπὸ βασιλέως πεμφθείσης, ταῖς ἀπονοίαις αὐτῶν ἀφειδῶς χρώμενος ἐπεξῄει, μυριάδας ἀθρόως ἀνδρῶν ὁμοῦ καὶ παίδων καὶ γυναικῶν διαφθείρων, πολέμου τε νόμῳ τὰς χώρας αὐτῶν ἐξανδραποδιζόμενος. ### English translation (Claude) When the revolt of the Jews again grew great and extensive, Rufus, governor of Judea, when military help had been sent to him by the emperor, went out against them, making merciless use of their madness, destroying tens of thousands of men, children, and women together, and by the law of war enslaving their lands. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.6.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/6/1/). ## Church History 4.6.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/6/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:140 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The revolt was led by Bar Kokhba (“son of the star”), who claimed to be a heavenly light for his people. ### Greek text ἐστρατήγει δὲ Ἰουδαίων τηνικαῦτα Βαρχωχέβας ὄνομα, (ἀστέρα δηλοῖ τοῦτο), τὰ μὲν ἄλλα λῃστρικὸς καὶ φονικός τις ἀνὴρ, ἐπὶ δὲ τῇ προσηγορία, οἷα ἐπʼ ἀνδραπόδων, ὡς δὴ ἐξ οὐρανοῦ φωστὴρ αὐτοῖς κατεληλυθὼς, κακουμένοις τε ἐπιλάμψαι τερατεύομενος. ### English translation (Claude) The Jews were at that time led by a man named Bar Kokhba (which means ‘star’), in other respects a brigand and murderous man, but who, relying on his name, as with slaves, claimed to be a luminary come down to them from heaven, to shine on them in their misery, working marvels. ### Scripture references - Num 24:17: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Bar Kokhba's title alludes to Num 24:17; Eusebius's hostile description follows Christian sources. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.6.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/6/2/). ## Church History 4.6.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/6/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:140 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: After the fall of Beththera, Hadrian banned Jews even from approaching Jerusalem, as Ariston of Pella relates. ### Greek text ἀκμάσαντος δὲ τοῦ πολέμου ἔτους ὀκτωκαιδεκάτου τῆς ἡγεμονίας Ἀδριανοῦ κατὰ Βίθθηρα πόλιν, ἥτις ἦν ἐχυρωτάτη, τῶν Ἱεροσολύμων οὐ σφόδρα πόρρω διεστῶσα, τῆς τε ἔξωθεν πολιορκίας χρονίου γενομένης, λιμῷ τε καὶ δίψει τῶν νεωτεροποιῶν εἰς ἔσχατον ὀλέθρου περιελαθέντων, καὶ τοῦ τῆς ἀπονοίας αὐτοῖς αἰτίου τὴν ἀξίαν ἐκτίσαντος δίκην, τὸ πᾶν ἔθνος ἐξ ἐκείνου καὶ τῆς περὶ τὰ Ἱεροσόλυμα γῆς πάμπαν ἐπιβαίνειν εἴργεται, νόμου δόγματι καὶ διατάξεσιν Ἀδριανοῦ, ὡς ἂν μηδʼ ἐξ ἀπόπτου θεωροῖεν τὸ πατρῷον ἔδαφος, ἐγκελευσαμένου. Ἀρίστων ὁ Πελλαῖος ἱστορεῖ. ### English translation (Claude) When the war reached its height in the eighteenth year of Hadrian's reign, at the city of Beththera, a very strong place not very far from Jerusalem, and the siege from outside lasted long, and the rebels were driven to the extreme of destruction by hunger and thirst, and the author of their madness had paid the just penalty, from then on the whole nation was altogether forbidden to set foot even on the land around Jerusalem, by the decree of a law and the ordinances of Hadrian, who commanded that they should not even behold their ancestral soil from a distance. So Ariston of Pella relates. ### Extrabiblical texts - Aristo of Pella, Jas. Pap. (Aristo of Pella, Dispute of Jason and Papiscus): allusion, low confidence ### Translation notes - Ariston of Pella's work (probably the Dialogue of Jason and Papiscus) is lost. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.6.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/6/3/). ## Church History 4.6.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/6/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:140–141 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Jerusalem, refounded as Aelia, had a Gentile church whose first bishop was Mark. ### Greek text οὕτω δὴ τῆς πόλεως εἰς ἐρημίαν τοῦ Ἰουδαίων ἔθνους καὶ παντελῆ φθορὰν τῶν πάλαι οἰκητόρων ἐλθούσης, ἐξ ἀλλοφύλου τε γένους συνοικισθείσης, ἡ μετέπειτα συστᾶσα ῾Ρω- μαϊκὴ πόλις τὴν ἐπωνυμίαν ἀμείψασα εἰς τὴν τοὐ κρατοῦντος Αἰλίου Ἀδριανοῦ τιμὴν Αἰλία προσαγορεύεται. καὶ δὴ τῆς αὐτόθι ἐκκλησίας ἐξ ἐθνῶν συγκροτηθείσης πρῶτος μετὰ τοὺς ἐκ περιτομῆς ἐπισκόπους τὴν τῶν ἐκεῖσε λειτουργίαν ἐγχειρίζεται Μάρκος. ### English translation (Claude) So when the city had come to be emptied of the Jewish nation and had suffered the complete destruction of its former inhabitants, and was colonized by a foreign race, the Roman city afterwards founded there changed its name and was called Aelia in honour of the emperor Aelius Hadrian. And when the church there was formed of Gentiles, the first after the bishops of the circumcision to be entrusted with the ministry of those there was Mark. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.6.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/6/4/). ## Church History 4.7.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/7/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:141 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: As the church flourished, the devil, who had first used persecution, turned to new schemes. ### Greek text Ἤδη δὲ λαμπροτάτων δίκην φωστήρων τῶν ἀνὰ τὴν οἰκουμένην ἀποστιλβουσῶν ἐκκλησιῶν, ἀκμαζούσης τε εἰς ἅπαν τὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων γένος τῆς εἰς τὸν σωτῆρα καὶ κύριον ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν πίστεως, ὁ μισόκαλος δαίμων οἷα τῆς ἀληθείας ἐχθρὸς καὶ τῆς τῶν ἀνθρώπων σωτηρίας ἀεὶ τυγχάνων πολεμιώτατος, πάσας στρέφων κατὰ τῆς ἐκκλησίας μηχανὰς, πάλαι μὲν τοῖς ἔξωθεν διωγμοῖς κατʼ αὐτῆς ὡπλίζετο· ### English translation (Claude) When the churches throughout the world were now shining like the most brilliant luminaries, and faith in our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ was flourishing among the whole human race, the demon who hates the good, as the enemy of truth and ever most hostile to human salvation, turned all his devices against the church. Formerly he armed himself against it with persecutions from outside; ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.7.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/7/1/). ## Church History 4.7.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/7/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:141 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: He used heretics bearing the Christian name to destroy believers and repel outsiders. ### Greek text τότε γε μὴν τούτων ἀποκεκλεισμένος, πονηροῖς καὶ ἀνδράσιν ὥσπερ τισὶν ὀλεθρίοις ψυχῶν ὀργάνοις διακόνοις τε ἀπωλείας χρώμενος, ἑτέραις κατεστρατήγει μεθόδοις, πάντα μόρον ἐπινοῶν, ὡς ἂν ὑποδύντες γόητες καὶ ἀπατηλοὶ τὴν αὐτὴν τοῖ δόγματος ἡμῖν προσηγορίαν ὁμοῦ μὲν τῶν πιστῶν τοὺς πρὸς αὐτῶν προσηγορίαν εἰς βυθὸν ἀπωλείας ἄγοιειν, ὁμοῦ δὲ τοὺς τῆς πίστεως ἀγνῶτας διʼ ὧν αὐτοὶ δρῶντες ἐπιχειροῖεν ἀποτρέποιντο τῆς ἐπὶ τὸν σωτήριον λόγον παρόδου. ### English translation (Claude) but then, shut out from these, he used wicked men as destructive instruments of souls and ministers of perdition and campaigned by other methods, devising every kind of scheme, so that sorcerers and deceivers, taking on the same name as our doctrine, might at once lead those of the faithful whom they caught into the abyss of destruction, and at the same time, by what they themselves did, turn away those ignorant of the faith from the approach to the saving word. ### Translation notes - The digital text repeats προσηγορίαν for “whom they caught”; translated as the sense requires. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.7.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/7/2/). ## Church History 4.7.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/7/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:141 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: From Menander came Saturninus in Syria and Basilides in Egypt, founders of two heresies. ### Greek text ἀπὸ γοῦν τοῦ Μενάνδρου, ὃν διάδοχον τοῦ Σίμωνος ἤδη πρότερον παραδεδώκαμεν, ἀμφίστομος ὥσπερ καὶ δικέφαλος ὀφιώδης τις προελθοῦσα δύναμις δυεῖν αἱρέσεων διαφόρων ἀρχηγοὺς κατεστήσατο, Σατορνῖνόν τε Ἀντιοχέα τὸ γένος καὶ Βασιλείδην Ἀλεξανδρέα, ὧν ὁ μὲν κατὰ Συρίαν, ὁ δὲ κατʼ Αἴγυπτον συνεστήσαντο θεομισῶν αἱρέσεων διδασκαλεῖα. ### English translation (Claude) From Menander, then, whom we have already shown to have been Simon's successor, a kind of two-mouthed and two-headed serpentine power came forth and established leaders of two different heresies, Saturninus, an Antiochene by birth, and Basilides, an Alexandrian; the one in Syria, the other in Egypt, established schools of God-hated heresies. ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 1.24.1 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.7.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/7/3/). ## Church History 4.7.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/7/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:141–142 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus says Saturninus repeated Menander's teaching, while Basilides spun endless fables. ### Greek text τὰ μὲν οὖν πλεῖστα τὸν Σατορνῖνον τὰ αὐτὰ τῷ Μενάνδρῳ ψευδολογῆσαι ὁ Εἰρήναιος δηλοῖ, προσχήματι δὲ ἀπορρητοτέρων τὸν Βασιλείδην εἰς τὸ ἄπειρον τεῖναι τὰς ἐπινοίας, δυσσεβοῦς αἱρέσεως ἑαυτῷ τερατώδεις ἀναπλάσαντα μυθοποιίας. ### English translation (Claude) Irenaeus shows that Saturninus spoke most of the same falsehoods as Menander, while Basilides, under pretence of more secret doctrines, extended his speculations infinitely, fashioning for himself monstrous fables of an impious heresy. ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 1.24.1–3 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The source is Irenaeus, Haer. 1.24.1–3. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.7.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/7/4/). ## Church History 4.7.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/7/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:142 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Many churchmen defended the truth, and some wrote works against these heresies. ### Greek text πλείστων οὖν ἐκκλησιαστικῶν ἀνδρῶν κατʼ ἐκεῖνο καιρουτῆς ἀληθείας ὑπεραγωνιζομένων, λογικώτερόν τ τῆς ἀποστολικῆς καὶ ἐκκλησιαστικῆς δόξης ὑπερμαχούντων, ἤδη τινὲς καὶ διὰ συγγραμμάτων τοῖς μετέπειτα προφυλακτικὰς αὐτῶν δὴ τούτων τῶν δηλωθεισῶν αἱρέσεων παρεῖχον ἐφόδους. ### English translation (Claude) While very many churchmen at that time were contending for the truth and fighting more rationally for the apostolic and church doctrine, some already provided, through their writings too, means of defence for later generations against these very heresies we have mentioned. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.7.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/7/5/). ## Church History 4.7.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/7/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:142 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Agrippa Castor's refutation of Basilides has survived. ### Greek text ὡν εἰς ἡμᾶς κατῆλθεν ἐν τοῖς τότε γνωριμωτάτου συγγραφές Ἀγρίππα Κάστορος ἱκανώτατος κατὰ Βασιλείδου ἔλεγχος, τὴν δεινότητα τῆς τἀνδρὸς ἀποκαλύπτων γοητείας. ### English translation (Claude) Of these there has come down to us, from a writer very well known at that time, Agrippa Castor, a most able refutation of Basilides, exposing the cleverness of the man's sorcery. ### Translation notes - Agrippa Castor's work is lost apart from Eusebius's report. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.7.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/7/6/). ## Church History 4.7.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/7/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:142 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Agrippa Castor reports that Basilides wrote 24 books on the gospel, invented prophets, allowed eating idol food and denying the faith under persecution, and imposed five years' silence. ### Greek text ἐκφαίνων δʼ οὖν αὐτοῦ τὰ ἀπόρρητα φησιν αὐτὸν εἰς μὲν τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τέσσαρα πρὸς τοῖς εἴκοσι συντάξαι βιβλία, προφήτας δὲ ἑαυτῷ ὀνομάσαι Βαρκαββᾶν καὶ Βαρκὼφ καὶ ἄλλους ἀνυπάρκτους τινὰς ἑαυτῷ συστησάμενον, βαρβάρους τε αὐτοῖς εἰς κατάπληξιν τῶν τὰ τοιαῦτα τεθηπότωυ ἐπιφημίσαι προσηγορίας, διδάσκειν τε ἀδιαφορεῖ εἰδωλοθύτων ἀπογευομένους καὶ ἐξομνυμένους ἀπαραφυλάκτως τὴν πίστιν κατὰ τοὺς τῶν διωγμῶν καιροὺς, Πυθαγορικῶς τε τοῖς προσιοῦσιν αὐτῷ πενταέτη σιωπὴν παρακελεύεσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) Revealing his secrets, then, he says that he composed twenty-four books on the gospel, and that he named for himself prophets Barcabbas and Barcoph and some other non-existent ones he had set up for himself, and gave them barbarous names to astound those who marvel at such things; and that he taught that it was a matter of indifference to taste food offered to idols and to forswear the faith without caution in times of persecution; and that, like Pythagoras, he enjoined a five years' silence on those who came to him. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.7.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/7/7/). ## Church History 4.7.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/7/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:142 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Agrippa Castor thoroughly exposed Basilides' error. ### Greek text καὶ ἕτερα δὲ τούτοις παραπλήσια ἀμφὶ τοῦ Βασιλείδου καταλέξας ὁ εἰρημένος οὐκ ἀγεννῶς τῆς δηλωθείσης αἱρέσεως εἰς προῦπτον ἐφώρασε τὴν πλάνην. ### English translation (Claude) And having listed other things similar to these about Basilides, the writer mentioned detected, not ignobly, the error of the heresy we have spoken of, bringing it into the open. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.7.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/7/8/). ## Church History 4.7.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/7/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:142–143 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus reports that Carpocrates' Gnostics practised magic openly and taught that shameful deeds were needed to escape the cosmic rulers. ### Greek text γράφει δὲ καὶ Εἰρήναιος συγχρονίσαι τούτοις Καρποκράτην, ἑτέρας αἱρέσεως τῆς τῶν γνωστικῶν ἐπικληθείσης πατέρα, οἳ καὶ τοῦ Σίμωνος οὐχ ὡς ἐκεῖνος κρύβδην, ἀλλʼ ἤδη καὶ εἰς φανερὸν τὰς μαγείας παραδιδόναι ἠξίουν, ὡς ἐπὶ μεγάλοις δὴ μονονουχὶ σεμνυνόμενοι τοῖς κατὰ περιεργίαν πρὸς αὐτῶν ἐπιτελουμένοις φίλτροις ὀνειροπομποῖς τε καὶ παρέδροις τισὶ δαίμοσι καὶ ἄλλαις ὁμοιοτρόποις τισὶν ἀγωγαῖς· τούτοις τε ἀκολούθως πάντα δρᾶν χρῆναι διδάσκειν τὰ αἰσχρουργότατα τοὺς μέλλοντας εἰς τὸ τέλειον τῆς κατʼ αὐτοὺς μυσταγωγίας ἢ καὶ μᾶλλον μυσαροποιίας ἐλεύσεσθαι, ὡς μὴ ἂν ἄλλως ἐκφευξομένους τοὺς κοσμικοὺς, ὡς ἂν ἐκεῖνοι φαῖεν, ἄρχοντας) μὴ οὐχὶ πᾶσι τὰ διʼ ἀρρητοποιίας ἀπονείμαντας χρέα. ### English translation (Claude) Irenaeus also writes that Carpocrates was contemporary with these, the father of another heresy called that of the Gnostics, who thought fit to hand down Simon's magic arts no longer secretly, as he had, but now openly, priding themselves almost as on great things on the love-charms, dream-sending and familiar demons, and other similar practices carried out by them in their curiosity; and in accordance with these they taught that those who were to come to the perfection of their mystagogy, or rather their abomination, must do all the most shameful things, since they could not otherwise escape the cosmic rulers, as they would say, unless they paid to all what was due by means of unspeakable deeds. ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 1.25.3–4 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The source is Irenaeus, Haer. 1.25.3–4. “Cosmic rulers” (κοσμικοὶ ἄρχοντες) are the powers the Gnostics believed governed the world. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.7.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/7/9/). ## Church History 4.7.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/7/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:143 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Through them the devil ruined their followers and gave pagans material to slander all Christians. ### Greek text τούτοις δῆτα συνέβαινε διακόνοις χρώμενον τὸν ἐπιχαιρεσίκακον δαίμονα τοὺς μὲν πρὸς αὐτῶν ἀπατωμένους οἰκτρῶς οὕτως εἰς ἀπώλειαν ἀνδραποδίζεσθαι, τοῖς δʼ ἀπίστοις ἔθνεσι πολλὴν παρέχειν κατὰ τοῦ θείου λόγου δυσφημίας περιουσίαν, τῆς ἐξ αὐτῶν φήμης εἰς τὴν τοῦ παντὸς ἔθνους Χριστιανῶν διαβολὴν καταχεομένης. ### English translation (Claude) Using these men as ministers, the demon who rejoices in evil succeeded in miserably enslaving to destruction those deceived by them, and in providing the unbelieving nations with an abundance of slander against the divine word, since the report about them was poured out to the slander of the whole race of Christians. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.7.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/7/10/). ## Church History 4.7.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/7/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:143 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Pagans came to accuse Christians of incest and cannibal feasts. ### Greek text ταύτῃ δʼ οὑν ἐπὶ πλεῖστον συνέβαινε τὴν περὶ ἡμῶν παρὰ τοῖς τότε ἀπίστοις ὑπόνοιαν δυσσεβῆ καὶ ἀτοπωτάτην διαδίδοσθαι, ὡς δὴ ἀθεμίτοις πρὸς μητέρας καὶ ἀδελφὰς μίξεσιν ἀνοσίαις τε τροφαῖς χρωμένων. ### English translation (Claude) In this way, then, it came about that the impious and most absurd suspicion about us spread very widely among the unbelievers of that time, that we practised unlawful intercourse with mothers and sisters and unholy feasts. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.7.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/7/11/). ## Church History 4.7.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/7/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:143 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: But the truth soon prevailed. ### Greek text οὐκ εἰς μακρόν γε μὴν αὐτῷ ταῦτα προυχώρει, τῆς ἀληθείας αὐτῆς ἑαυτὴν συνιστώσης, ἐπὶ μέγα τε φῶς κατὰ τὸν προι·όντα χρόνον διαλαμπούσης. ### English translation (Claude) Yet this did not succeed for him for long, since the truth itself established itself and shone out as a great light as time went on. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.7.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/7/12/). ## Church History 4.7.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/7/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:143–144 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Heresies came and went, but the one true universal church grew, unchanged and shining on all peoples. ### Greek text ἔσβεστο μὲν γὰρ αὐτίκα πρὸς αὐτῆς ἐνεργείας ἀπελεγχόμενα τὰ τῶν ἐχθρῶν ἐπιτεχνήματα, ἄλλων ἐπʼ ἄλλαις αἱρέσεων καινοτομουμένων, ὑπορρεουσῶν ἀεὶ τῶν προτέρων καὶ εἰς πολυτρόπους καὶ πολυμόρφους ἰδέας ἄλλοτε ἄλλως φθειρομένων· προῄει δʼ εἰς αὔξην καὶ μέγεθος ἀεὶ κατὰ τὰ αὐτὰ καὶ ὡσαύτως ἔχουσα ἡ τῆς καθόλου καὶ μόνης ἀληθοῦς ἐκκλησίας λαμπρότης, τό τε σεμνὸν καὶ εἰλικρινὲς καὶ ἐλευθέριον τό τε σῶφρον καὶ καθαρὸν τῆς ἐνθέου πολιτείας τε καὶ φιλοσοφίας εἰς ἅπαν γένος ῾Ελλήνων τε καὶ βαρβάρων ἀποστίλβουσα. ### English translation (Claude) For the devices of the enemies were at once extinguished, refuted by its power, as one heresy after another was newly invented, the earlier ones always flowing away and perishing in various ways into many-shaped and many-formed kinds; but the splendour of the universal and only true church went on increasing in growth and greatness, remaining always the same and in the same way, shining on every race of Greeks and barbarians with the reverence, sincerity, and freedom, and the sobriety and purity, of its divine way of life and philosophy. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.7.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/7/13/). ## Church History 4.7.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/7/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:144 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: In time the slanders died away, and Christian teaching was acknowledged for its dignity and purity. ### Greek text συναπέσβη γοῦν τῷ χρόνῳ καὶ ἡ κατὰ παντὸς τοῦ δόγματος διαβολὴ, ἔμενε δὲ μόνη ἄρα κρατοῦσʼ καὶ ἀνομολογουμένη τὰ μάλιστα διαπρέπειν ἐπὶ σεμνότητι καὶ σωφροσύνῃ θείοις τε καὶ φιλόσοφοι δόγμασιν ἡ καθʼ ἡμᾶς διδασκαλία, ὡς μηδένα τῶν εἰς νῦν αἰσχρὰν ἐπιφέρειν τολμᾶν κατὰ τῆς πίστεως ἡμῶν δυσφημίαν, μηδέ τινα τοιαύτην διαβολὴν, οἵαις πάλαι πρότερον φίλον ἦν χρῆσθαι τοῖς καθ ἡμῶν ἐπισυνισταμένοις. ### English translation (Claude) So with time the slander against the whole doctrine was extinguished too, and our teaching alone remained prevailing and acknowledged to excel above all in reverence and sobriety and in divine and philosophical doctrines, so that no one now dares to bring shameful calumny against our faith, nor any such slander as those who conspired against us formerly liked to use. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.7.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/7/14/). ## Church History 4.7.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/7/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:144 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The truth raised up champions who refuted the heresies in writing too. ### Greek text ὅμως δʼ οὖν κατὰ τοὺς δηλουμένους αὖθις παρῆγεν εἰς μέσον ἡ ἀλήθει πλείους ἑαυτῆς ὑπερμάχους, οὐ διʼ ἀγράφων αὐτὸ μόνον ἐλέγχων, ἀλλὰ καὶ διʼ ἐγγράφων ἀποδείξεων κατὰ τῶν ἀθέων αἱρέσεων στρατευομένους. ### English translation (Claude) Nevertheless, in the times indicated the truth again brought forward more champions of itself, who campaigned against the godless heresies not only through unwritten refutations but also through written demonstrations. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.7.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/7/15/). ## Church History 4.8.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/8/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:144 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus, often cited already, was one of these writers. ### Greek text ’Εν τούτοις ἐγνωρίζετο ῾Ηγήσιππος, οὗ πλείσταις ἤδη πρότερον κεχρήμεθα φωναῖς, ὡσὰν ἐκ τῆς αὐτοῦ παραδόσεώς τινα τῶν κατὰ τοὺς ἀποστόλους παρατιθέμενοι. ### English translation (Claude) Among these Hegesippus was known, whose words we have already used very many times, setting out from his tradition some things concerning the times of the apostles. ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.8.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/8/1/). ## Church History 4.8.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/8/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:144 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus (quoted) dates himself by mentioning the recent deification of Hadrian's favourite Antinous. ### Greek text ἐν πέντε δ οὖν συγγράμμασιν οὗτος τὴν ἀπλανῆ παράδοσιν του ἀποστολικοῦ κηρύγματος ἁπλουστάτῃ συντάξει γραφῆς ὑπομνηματισάμενος, καθʼ ὃν ἐγνωρίζετο σημαίνει χρόνον, περὶ τῶν ἀρχῆθεν ἱδρυσάντων τὰ εἴδωλα οὕτω πως γράφων “ οἷς καινοτάφια καὶ ναοὺς ἐποίη- “ σαν ὡς μέχρι νῦν, ὧν ἐστι καὶ Ἀντίνοος, δοῦλος “ Ἀδριανοῦ Καίσαρος, οὗ καὶ ἀγὼν ἄγεται Ἀντινό- “ειος, ἐφʼ ἡμῶν γενόμενος. καὶ γὰρ καὶ πόλιν ἔκτι- “ σεν ἐπώνυμον Ἀντινόου καὶ προφήτας.’’ ### English translation (Claude) In five books, recording in the simplest style of writing the unerring tradition of the apostolic preaching, he indicates the time at which he was known, writing thus about those who first set up idols: “To whom they made cenotaphs and temples, as to this day; among whom is Antinous too, a slave of Hadrian Caesar, in whose honour the Antinoian games are held, who lived in our own time. For he also founded a city named after Antinous, and prophets.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Hegesippus, Memoirs. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.8.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/8/2/). ## Church History 4.8.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/8/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:144–145 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin (quoted) also mentions the recent cult of Antinous. ### Greek text κατʼ αὐτὸν δὲ καὶ Ἰουστῖνος, γνήσιος τῆς ἀληθοῦς φιλο- σοφίας ἐραστὴς, ἔτι τε τοῖς παρʼ Ἕλλησιν ἀσκούμενος ἐνδιέτριβε λόγοις. σημαίνει δὲ καὶ αὐτὸς τουτονὶ τὸν χρόνον, ἐν τῇ πρὸς ’Αντωνῖνον ἀπολογίᾳ ὧδε γράφων “ οὐκ ἄτοπον δὲ ἐπιμνησθῆναι ἐν τούτοις ἡγούμεθα καὶ Ἀντινόου τοῦ νῦν γενομένου, ὃν καὶ “ ἅπαντες ὡς θεὸν διὰ φόβον σέβειν ὥρμηντο, ἐπι- “ στάμενοι τίς τε ἦν καὶ πόθεν ὑπῆρχεν.” ### English translation (Claude) At the same time Justin too, a genuine lover of the true philosophy, was still occupied with the learning of the Greeks. He too indicates this time, writing thus in his Apology to Antoninus: “We think it not out of place to mention here also Antinous, who lived recently, whom all were eager to worship as a god through fear, though they knew who he was and where he came from.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 1 Apol. 29 (First Apology): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Justin, 1 Apol. 29.4. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.8.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/8/3/). ## Church History 4.8.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/8/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:145 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin (quoted): Bar Kokhba punished Christians who would not deny Christ. ### Greek text ὁ δʼ αὐτὸς καὶ τοῦ τότε κατὰ Ἰουδαίων πολέμου μνημονεύων ταῦτα παρατίθεται “καὶ γὰρ ἐν τῷ νῦν γενο- ‘μένῳ Ἰουδαικῷ πολέμῳ Βαρχωχέβας, ὁ τῆς ’Ιουδαίων “ἀποστάσεως ἀρχηγέτης, Χριστιανοὺς μόνους εἰς “τιμωρίας δεινὰς, εἰ μὴ ἀρνοῖντο Ἰησοῦν τὸν χριστὸν καὶ βλασφημοῖεν, ἐκέλευεν ἄγεσθαι. ” ### English translation (Claude) The same writer, mentioning the war against the Jews at that time, sets down this: “For in the Jewish war that has just taken place, Bar Kokhba, the leader of the revolt of the Jews, ordered Christians alone to be led away to terrible punishments, unless they denied Jesus the Christ and blasphemed.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 1 Apol. 31 (First Apology): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Justin, 1 Apol. 31.6. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.8.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/8/4/). ## Church History 4.8.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/8/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:145 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin (quoted): seeing Christians fearless of death convinced him, as a Platonist, that the slanders against them were false. ### Greek text ἐν ταὐτῷ δὲ καὶ τὴν ἀπὸ τῆς Ἑλληνικῆς φιλοσοφίας ἐπὶ τὴν θεοσέβειαν μεταβολὴν αὐτοῦ, ὅτι μὴ ἀλόγως, μετὰ κρίσεως δʼ αὐτῷ γεγόνει δηλῶν ταῦτα γράφει “ καὶ γὰρ αὐτὸς ἐγὼ τοῖς Πλάτωνος χαίρων διδάγμασι, ῾ διαβαλλομένους ἀκούων Χριστιανοὺς, ὁρῶν δὲ καὶ “ἀφόβους πρὸς θάνατον καὶ πάντα τὰ νομιζόμενα φοβερὰ, ἐνενόουν ἀδύνατον εἶναι ἐν κακίᾳ καὶ φι- ῾ ληδονίᾳ ὑπάρχειν αὐτούς. τίς γὰρ φιλήδονος ἢ “ ἀκρατὴς καὶ ἀνθρωπείων σαρκῶν βορὰν ἡγούμενος “ ἀγαθὸν δύναιτʼ ἂν θάνατον ἀσπάζεσθαι, ὅπως τῶν “ἑαυτοῦ στερηθείη ἐπιθυμιῶν, ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἐκ παντὸς ζῆν ἀεὶ τὴν ἐνθάδε βιοτὴν καὶ λανθάνειν τοὺς ἄρχοντας ἐπειρᾶτο, οὐχ ὅτι ἑαυτὸν κατήγγελλε φὂνευ- “ θησόμενον;’’ ### English translation (Claude) In the same place, showing that his conversion from Greek philosophy to godliness took place not without reason but with judgment, he writes this: “For I myself too, delighting in the teachings of Plato, and hearing the Christians slandered, but seeing them fearless of death and of all things thought fearful, perceived that it was impossible that they were living in wickedness and love of pleasure. For what lover of pleasure or incontinent man, who counts the eating of human flesh a good, could welcome death, so as to be deprived of his desires, and would not rather try by every means to live always this present life and escape the notice of the rulers, much less denounce himself to be put to death?” ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 2 Apol. 12 (Second Apology): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Justin, 2 Apol. 12.1–2. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.8.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/8/5/). ## Church History 4.8.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/8/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:145–146 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin reports that Hadrian, prompted by Granianus, ordered Fundanus to execute no Christian without a proper charge. ### Greek text ἔτι δʼ ὁ αὐτὸς ἱστορεῖ, δεξάμενον τὸν Ἀδριανὸν παρὰ Σερεννίου Γρανιανοῦ, λαμπροτάτου ἡγουμένου, γράμματα ὑπὲρ Χριστιανῶν, περιέχοντα ὡς οὐ δίκαιον εἴη ἐπὶ μηδενὶ ἐγκλήματι, βοαῖς δήμου χαριζομένους, ἀκρίτως κτείνειν αὐτοὺς, ἀντιγράψαι Μινουκίῳ Φουνδανῷ ἀνθυπάτῳ τῆς Ἀσίας, προστάττοντα μηδένα κτείνειν ἄνευ ἐγκλήματος καὶ εὐλόγου κατηγορίας. ### English translation (Claude) The same writer further relates that Hadrian, having received from Serennius Granianus, a most distinguished governor, a letter on behalf of the Christians, stating that it was not just to kill them without trial, on no charge, to gratify the clamours of the populace, wrote in reply to Minucius Fundanus, proconsul of Asia, ordering him to put no one to death without a charge and a reasonable accusation. ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 1 Apol. 68 (First Apology): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Justin, 1 Apol. 68. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.8.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/8/6/). ## Church History 4.8.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/8/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:146 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin (quoted) introduces the copy of Hadrian's letter, asking for just trials. ### Greek text καὶ τῆς ἐπιστολῆς δὲ ἀντίγραφον παρατέθειται, τὴν ῾Ρωμαϊκὴν φωνὴν, ὡς εἷχε, διαφυλάξας. προλέγει δʼ αὐτῆς ταῦτα “καὶ ἐξ ἐπι- “στολῆς δὲ ταῦτα τοῦ μεγίστου καὶ ἐπιφανεστάτου “Καίσαρος Ἀδριανοῦ τοῦ πατρὸς ὑμῶν ἔχοντες ἀπαι- “τεῖν ὑμᾶς, καθὰ ἠξιώσαμεν κελεῦσαι τὰς κρίσεις “γίνεσθαι, τοῦτο οὐχ ὡς ὑπὸ Ἀδριανοῦ κελευσθὲν “μᾶλλον ἠξιώσαμεν, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἐκ τοῦ ἐπίστασθαι δι- “καίαν ἀξιοῦν τὴν προσφώνησιν. ὑπετάξαμεν δὲ καὶ “τῆς ἐπιστολῆς Ἀδριανοῦ τὸ ἀντίγραφον, ἵνα καὶ “τοῦτο ἀληθεύειν ἡμᾶς γνωρίζητε. καὶ ἔστι τόδε.” ### English translation (Claude) And he has set down a copy of the letter, preserving the Latin language as it was. He says this before it: “Although from a letter of the greatest and most illustrious Caesar Hadrian, your father, we have grounds to demand that you order trials to be held as we have asked, yet we have asked this not so much because it was commanded by Hadrian, but because we know that we ask what is just. We have also subjoined the copy of Hadrian's letter, so that you may know that we speak the truth in this too. And it is this.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 1 Apol. 68 (First Apology): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Justin, 1 Apol. 68.3–4. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.8.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/8/7/). ## Church History 4.8.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/8/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:146 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius translates Hadrian's Latin rescript into Greek. ### Greek text τούτοις ὁ μὲν δηλωθεὶς ἀνὴρ αὐτὴν παρατέθειται τὴν ῾Ρωμαϊκὴν ἀντιγραφὴν, ἡμεῖς δʼ εἰς τὸ Ἑλληνι κὸν κατὰ δύναμιν αὐτὴν μετειλήφαμεν, ἔχουσαν ὧδε· ### English translation (Claude) After these words the writer mentioned has set down the Latin rescript itself; but we have translated it into Greek as best we could, and it runs thus: ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.8.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/8/8/). ## Church History 4.9.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/9/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:146 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hadrian's rescript (quoted): the matter of the Christians must be investigated so that informers cannot exploit it. ### Greek text “Μινουκίῳ Φουνδανῷ. “ἐπιστολὴν ἐδεξάμην γραφεῖσάν μοι ἀπὸ Σερεννίου “Γρανιανοῦ, λαμπροτάτου ἀνδρὸς, ὅντινα σὺ διεδέξω. “οὐ δοκεῖ μοι οὖν τὸ πρᾶγμα ἀζήτητον καταλιπεῖν, “ἵνα μήτε οἱ ἄνθρωποι ταράττωνται καὶ τοῖς συκο- “φάνταις χορηγία κακουργίας παρασχεθῇ. ### English translation (Claude) “To Minucius Fundanus. I have received a letter written to me by Serennius Granianus, a most distinguished man, whom you succeeded. It does not seem right to me, then, to leave the matter uninvestigated, so that men may not be troubled and informers may not be given means for their malice. ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 1 Apol. 68 (First Apology): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The rescript of Hadrian (4.9.1–3) is from Justin, 1 Apol. 68.6–10, in Eusebius's Greek translation. Its authenticity is debated but widely accepted. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.9.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/9/1/). ## Church History 4.9.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/9/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:146 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hadrian (quoted): accusers must bring formal charges in court, not petitions or popular outcry. ### Greek text εἰ οὖν “σαφῶς εἰς ταύτην τὴν ἀξίωσιν οἱ ἐπαρχιῶται δύ- “νανται διισχυρίζεσθαι κατὰ τῶν Χριστιανῶν, ὡς “καὶ πρὸ βήματος ἀποκρίνασθαι, ἐπὶ τοῦτο μόνον “τραπῶσιν, ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἀξιώσεσιν οὐδὲ μόναις βοαῖς. “πολλῷ γὰρ μᾶλλον προσῆκεν, εἴ τις κατηγορεῖν βού- “λοιτο, τοῦτό σε διαγινώσκειν. ### English translation (Claude) If, then, the provincials can clearly support this petition against the Christians, so as to answer before the tribunal, let them take this course alone, but not petitions nor mere clamours. For it is much more fitting, if anyone wishes to accuse, that you should examine this. ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 1 Apol. 68 (First Apology): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Hadrian's rescript (Justin, 1 Apol. 68). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.9.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/9/2/). ## Church History 4.9.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/9/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:146–147 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hadrian (quoted): punish proven crimes, but punish false accusers too. ### Greek text εἴ τις οὖν κατη- “γορεῖ καὶ δείκνυσί τι παρὰ τοὺς νόμους πράττον- τας, οὕτως ὅριζε κατὰ τὴν δύναμιν τοῦ ἁμαρτήματος· ὡς μὰ τὸν Ἡρακλέα εἴ τις συκοφαντίας χάριν τοῦτο προτείνοι, διαλάμβανε ὑπὲρ τῆς δεινότητος, καὶ “φρόντιζε ὅπως ἂν ἐκδικήσειας.’’ καὶ τὰ μὲν τῆς Ἀδριανοῦ ἀντιγραφῆς τοιαῦτα. ### English translation (Claude) If, then, anyone accuses and shows that they are doing anything contrary to the laws, so decide according to the gravity of the offence; but, by Hercules, if anyone brings this forward for the sake of slander, take cognizance of the outrage and see that you punish it.” Such is the rescript of Hadrian. ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 1 Apol. 68 (First Apology): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Hadrian's rescript (Justin, 1 Apol. 68). A stray numeral in the digital text is omitted. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.9.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/9/3/). ## Church History 4.10.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/10/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:147 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Under Antoninus Pius, Telesphorus of Rome died a martyr and Hyginus succeeded; Valentinus and Cerdo were then active in Rome. ### Greek text Τούτου δὲ τὸ χρεὼν μετὰ πρῶτον καὶ εἰκοστὸν ἔτος ἐκτίσαντος Ἀντωνῖνος ὁ κληθεὶς Εὐσεβὴς τὴν Ῥωμαίων ἀρχὴν διαδέχεται. τούτου δὲ ἐν ἔτει πρώτῳ Τελεσφόρου τὸν βίον ἑνδεκάτῳ τῆς λειτουργίας ἐνιαυτῷ μεταλλάξαντος ῾Υγῖνος τὸν κλῆρον τῆς Ῥωμαίων ἐπισκοπῆς παραλαμβάνει. ἱστορεῖ γε μὴν ὁ Εἰρηναῖος τὸν Τελεσφόρον μαρτυρίῳ τὴν τελευτὴν διαπρέψαι, δηλῶν ἐν ταὐτῷ, κατὰ τὸν δηλούμενον Ῥωμαίων ἐπίσκοπον ῾Υγῖνον Οὐαλεντῖνον ἰδίας αἱρέσεως εἰσηγητὴν, καὶ Κέρδωνα τῆς κατὰ Μαρκίωνα πλάνης ἀρχηγὸν ἐπὶ τῆς ῾Ρώμης ἄμφω γνωρίζεσθαι. γράφει δὲ οὕτως· ### English translation (Claude) When he had paid the debt of nature after twenty-one years, Antoninus, called Pius, succeeded to the rule of the Romans. In his first year Telesphorus departed this life in the eleventh year of his ministry, and Hyginus received the lot of the episcopate of the Romans. Irenaeus relates that Telesphorus distinguished his death by martyrdom, showing at the same time that under Hyginus, the bishop of the Romans mentioned, Valentinus, the introducer of his own heresy, and Cerdo, the founder of Marcion's error, were both known at Rome. He writes thus: ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 3.3.3 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The source is Irenaeus, Haer. 3.3.3 and 3.4.3. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.10.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/10/1/). ## Church History 4.11.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/11/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:147 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus (quoted): Valentinus was in Rome from Hyginus to Anicetus; Cerdo repeatedly confessed, taught secretly, and was expelled. ### Greek text . “ Οὐαλεντῖνος μὲν γὰρ ἦλθεν εἰς ῾Ρώμην ἐπὶ Ὑγίνου, ἤκμασε δὲ ἐπὶ Πίου, καὶ παρέμεινεν ἕως Ἀνικήτου. Κέρδων δὲ ὁ πρὸ Μαρκίωνος καὶ αὐτὸς ἐπὶ Ὑγίνου, ὃς ἦν ἔνατος ἐπίσκοπος, εἰς τὴν ἐκκλησίαν ἐλθὼν καὶ ἐξομολογούμενος οὕτω διετέλεσε, ποτὲ μὲν λαθροδι- ῾δασκαλῶν, ποτὲ δὲ πάλιν ἐξομολογούμενος, ποτὲ δὲ ἐλεγχόμενος ἐφʼ οἷς ἐδίδασκε κακῶς, καὶ ἀφιστάμενος τῆς τῶν ἀδελφῶν συνοδίας. ” ταῦτα δέ φησιν ἐν τρίτῳ τῶν πρὸς τὰς αἱρέσεις. ### English translation (Claude) “For Valentinus came to Rome under Hyginus, flourished under Pius, and remained until Anicetus. And Cerdo, the predecessor of Marcion, himself also under Hyginus, who was the ninth bishop, came into the church and made public confession, and so continued, now teaching secretly, now again making confession, and now being refuted for his evil teaching and withdrawing from the assembly of the brothers.” This he says in the third book of Against Heresies. ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 3.4.3 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Haer. 3.4.3. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.11.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/11/1/). ## Church History 4.11.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/11/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:147–148 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus (quoted): Cerdo taught that the just God of the law is not the good, unknown Father of Christ; Marcion developed his school. ### Greek text ἔν γε μὴν τῷ πρώτῳ αὐθις περὶ τοῦ Κέρδωνος ταῦτα διέξεισι “ Κέρδων δέ τις ἀπὸ τῶν περὶ τὸν Σίμωνα τὰς ἀφορμὰς λαβὼν, καὶ ἐπιδημήσας εἰς τὴν ῾Ρώμην ἐπὶ “Ὑγίνου ἔνατον κλῆρον τῆς ἐπισκοπικῆς διαδοχῆς “ἀπὸ τῶν ἀποστόλων ἔχοντος, ἐδίδαξε τὸν ὑπὸ τοῦ ‘νόμου καὶ προφητῶν κεκηρυγμένον θεὸν μὴ εἶναι “ πατέρα τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. τὸν μὲν “ γὰρ γνωρίζεσθαι, τὸν δὲ ἀγνῶτα εἶναι, καὶ τὸν μέν “δίκαιον, τὸν δὲ ἀγαθὸν ὑπάρχειν. διαδεξάμενος δὲ “αὐτὸν Μαρκίων ὁ Ποντικὸς ηὔξησε τὸ διδασκαλεῖον, “ἀπηρυθριασμένως βλασφημῶν.’ ### English translation (Claude) And in the first book he relates this again about Cerdo: “A certain Cerdo, taking his starting point from Simon's followers, and coming to Rome under Hyginus, who held the ninth place in the episcopal succession from the apostles, taught that the God proclaimed by the law and the prophets is not the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. For the one is known, the other unknown; the one is just, the other good. Marcion of Pontus, succeeding him, expanded his school, blaspheming shamelessly.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 1.27.1–2 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Haer. 1.27.1–2. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.11.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/11/2/). ## Church History 4.11.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/11/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:148 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus exposes the hidden wickedness of Valentinus's system. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ αὐτὸς Εἰρηναῖος τὸν ἄπειρον βυθὸν τῆς Οὐαλεντίνου πολυπλανοῦς ὕλης εὐτονώτατα διαπλώσας, ἑρπετοῦ δίκην φωλεύοντος ἀπόκρυφον οὖσαν αὐτοῦ καὶ λεληθυῖαν ἀπογυμνοῖ τὴν κακίαν. ### English translation (Claude) The same Irenaeus, having most vigorously sounded the boundless depth of Valentinus's much-erring system, lays bare his wickedness, which was hidden and concealed like a lurking serpent. ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 1.1–8 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The source is Irenaeus, Haer. 1.1–8. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.11.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/11/3/). ## Church History 4.11.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/11/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:148 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus describes Marcus, a magician of the same period, and his rites. ### Greek text πρὸς τούτοις καὶ ἄλλον τινὰ, Μάρκος αὐτῷ ὄνομα, κατʼ αὐτοὺς γενέσθαι λέγει μαγικῆς κυβείας ἐμπειρότατον. γράφει δὲ καὶ τὰς ἀτελέστους αὐτῶν τελετὰς μυσαράς τε μυσταγωγίας ἐκφαίνων αὐτοῖς δὴ τούτοις τοῖς γράμμασιν ### English translation (Claude) Besides these he says that another, named Marcus, lived in their time, most skilled in magical trickery. He writes, exposing their unholy rites and abominable mysteries, in these very words: ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 1.13 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The source is Irenaeus, Haer. 1.13–21. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.11.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/11/4/). ## Church History 4.11.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/11/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:148 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus (quoted): the Marcosians perform a “bridal chamber” rite and a baptism in the name of the unknown Father, Truth, and the one who descended on Jesus. ### Greek text “οἱ μὲν γὰρ αὐτῶν νυμφῶνα κατασκευάζουσι καὶ “ μυσταγωγίαν ἐπιτελοῦσι μετʼ ἐπιρρήσεών τινων τοῖς τελουμένοις, καὶ πνευματικὸν γάμον φάσκουσιν “ εἶναι τὸ ὑπʼ αὐτῶν γινόμενον, κατὰ τὴν ὁμοιότητα τῶν ἄνω συζυγιῶν. οἱ δὲ ἄγουσιν ἐφʼ ὕδωρ, καὶ “ βαπτίζοντες οὕτως ἐπιλέγουσιν· εἰς ὄνομα ἀγνώστου πατρὸς τῶν ὅλων, εἰς ἀλήθειαν μητέρα τῶν πάντων, ῾ εἰς τὸν κατελθόντα εἰς τὸν Ἰησοῦν. ἄλλοι δὲ Ἑβρα- “ϊκὰ ὀνόματα ἐπιλέγουσι πρὸς τὸ μᾶλλον καταπλῆξαι “τοὺς τελουμένους.’’ ### English translation (Claude) “For some of them prepare a bridal chamber and perform a mystic rite with certain invocations for those being initiated, and they say that what is done by them is a spiritual marriage, after the likeness of the unions above. Others lead them to water, and baptizing them say: Into the name of the unknown Father of all, into Truth the mother of all, into him who descended upon Jesus. Others pronounce Hebrew names, to astound those being initiated the more.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 1.21.3 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Haer. 1.21.3. The “unions above” (συζυγίαι) are the paired Aeons of the Valentinian system. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.11.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/11/5/). ## Church History 4.11.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/11/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:148–149 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Pius succeeded Hyginus at Rome; at Alexandria Mark and then Celadion succeeded Eumenes. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ γὰρ μετὰ τέταρτον τῆς ἐπισκοπῆς ἔτος ῾Υγίνου τελευτήσαντος Πίος ἐπὶ Ῥώμης ἐγχειρίζεται τὴν λειτουργίαν. κατά γε μὴν τὴν ’Αλεξάνδρειαν Μάρκος ἀναδείκνυται ποιμὴν, Εὐμενοῦς ἔτη τὰ πάντα δέκα πρὸς τρισὶν ἐκπλήσαντος, τοῦ τε Μάρκου ἐπὶ δέκα ἔτη τῆς λειτουργίας ἀναπαυσαμένου Κελαδίων τῆς Ἀλεξανδρέων ἐκκλησίας τὴν λειτουργίαν παραλαμβάνει. ### English translation (Claude) But when Hyginus died after the fourth year of his episcopate, Pius was entrusted with the ministry at Rome. At Alexandria Mark was appointed pastor, Eumenes having completed thirteen years in all; and when Mark rested after ten years of ministry, Celadion took over the ministry of the church of the Alexandrians. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.11.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/11/6/). ## Church History 4.11.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/11/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:149 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Anicetus succeeded Pius at Rome; Hegesippus stayed in Rome from his time until Eleutherus. ### Greek text καὶ κατὰ τὴν ῾Ρωμαίων δὲ πόλιν πεντεκαιδεκάτῳ τῆς ἐπισκοπῆς ἐνιαυτῷ Πίου μεταλλάξαντος Ἀνίκητος τῶν ἐκεῖσε προΐσταται. καθʼ ὃν Ἡγήσιππος ἱστορεῖ ἑαυτὸν ἐπιδημῆσαι τῇ ῾Ρώμῃ, παραμεῖναί τε αὐτόθι μέχρι τῆς ἐπισκοπῆς Ἐλευθέρου. ### English translation (Claude) And in the city of the Romans, when Pius departed in the fifteenth year of his episcopate, Anicetus presided over those there. Hegesippus relates that in his time he himself stayed at Rome and remained there until the episcopate of Eleutherus. ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.11.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/11/7/). ## Church History 4.11.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/11/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:149 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin, a philosopher-apologist, also wrote against Marcion while Marcion was still alive. ### Greek text μάλιστα δὲ ἤκμαζεν ἐπὶ τῶνδε ’Ιουστῖνος, ἐν φιλοσόφου σχήματι πρεσβεύων τὸν θεῖον λόγον, καὶ τοῖς ὑπὲρ τῆς πίστεως ἐναγωνιζόμενος συγγράμμασιν. ὃς δὴ καὶ γράψας κατὰ Μαρκίωνος σύγγραμμα μνημονεύει ὡς καθʼ ὃν συνέταττε καιρὸν γνωριζομένου τῷ βίῳ τἀνδρός. φησὶ δὲ οὕτως ### English translation (Claude) In their time Justin especially flourished, serving as an ambassador of the divine word in the garb of a philosopher and contending for the faith in his writings. He also wrote a work against Marcion, in which he mentions that the man was alive and well known at the time he was writing. He says thus: ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.11.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/11/8/). ## Church History 4.11.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/11/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:149 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin (quoted): Marcion teaches that a god greater than the Creator is Christ's Father; his followers are still called Christians. ### Greek text “ Μαρκίωνα δέ τινα Ποντικὸν, ὃς καὶ νῦν ἔτι ἐστὶ ῾ διδάσκων τοὺς πειθομένους ἄλλον τινὰ εἶναι νομί- “ζειν μείζονα τοῦ δημιουργοῦ θεὸν, ὃς καὶ κατὰ πᾶν “γένος ἀνθρώπων διὰ τῆς τῶν δαιμόνων συλλήψεως ‘πολλοὺς πέπεικε βλάσφημα λέγειν, καὶ ἀρνεῖσθαι “ τὸν ποιητὴν τοῦδε τοῦ παντὸς πατέρα εἶναι τοῦ “ Χριστοῦ, ἄλλον δέ τινα ὡς ὄντα μείζονα παρὰ τοῦ- “ τον ὁμολογεῖν πεποιηκέναι. καὶ πάντες οἱ ἀπὸ τού- “ των ὡρμημένοι, ὡς ἔφαμεν, Χριστιανοὶ καλοῦνται, ὃν τρόπον καὶ οὐ κοινῶν ὄντων δογμάτων τοῖς φιλο- “ σόφοις τὸ ἐπικαλούμενον ὄνομα τῆς φιλοσοφίας κοινόν ἐστι.’’ ### English translation (Claude) “And a certain Marcion of Pontus, who is still even now teaching those who believe him to think that there is another god greater than the Creator; who among every race of men, with the help of the demons, has persuaded many to speak blasphemies, and to deny that the maker of this universe is the Father of Christ, and to confess that another, as being greater than he, made greater things. And all who start from these, as we said, are called Christians, just as the name of philosophy is common to philosophers even though their doctrines are not common.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 1 Apol. 26 (First Apology): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Justin, 1 Apol. 26.5–6. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.11.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/11/9/). ## Church History 4.11.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/11/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:149 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin (quoted) mentions his treatise against all heresies. ### Greek text τούτοις ἐπιφέρει λέγων “ἔστι “δὲ ἡμῖν καὶ σύνταγμα κατὰ πασῶν τῶν γεγενημέ- “ νων αἱρέσεων, ᾧ εἰ βούλεσθε ἐντυχεῖν, δώσομεν.’’ ### English translation (Claude) To this he adds: “We have also a treatise against all the heresies that have arisen, which we will give you if you wish to read it.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 1 Apol. 26 (First Apology): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Justin, 1 Apol. 26.8. Justin's Syntagma against the heresies is lost. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.11.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/11/10/). ## Church History 4.11.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/11/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:149–150 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin, living in Rome, addressed an apology to Antoninus Pius and the senate, identifying himself in it. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ αὐτὸς οὗτος Ἰουστῖνος, καὶ πρὸς Ἕλληνας ἱκανώτατα πονήσας, καὶ λόγους ὑπὲρ τῆς ἡμετέρας πίστεως ἀπολογίαν ἔχοντας βασιλεῖ Ἀντωνίνῳ τῷ δὴ ἐπικληθέντι Εὐσεβεῖ καὶ τῇ ῾Ρωμαίων συγκλήτῳ βουλῆ̣ προσφωνεῖ. καὶ γὰρ ἐπὶ τῆς ῾Ρώμης τὰς διατριβὰς ἐποιεῖτο. ἐμφαίνει δὲ ἑαυτὸν, ὅστις καὶ πόθεν ἠν, διὰ τῆς ἀπολογίας ἐν τούτοις· ### English translation (Claude) This same Justin, having laboured most ably against the Greeks as well, addresses discourses containing an apology for our faith to the emperor Antoninus, surnamed Pius, and to the Roman senate; for he was living at Rome. He shows who he was and where he came from in the apology, in these words: ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 1 Apol. (First Apology): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.11.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/11/11/). ## Church History 4.12.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/12/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:150 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin (quoted) addresses his apology to the emperor and his sons as a native of Flavia Neapolis; the emperor also issued an ordinance to the Council of Asia. ### Greek text “ Αὐτοκράτορι Τίτῳ ῾Αἰλίῳ ’Αδριανῷ Ἀντωνίνῳ Εὐσεβεῖ Καίσαρι Σεβα- “στῷ, καὶ Οὐηρισσίμῳ υἱῷ φιλοσόφῳ, καὶ Λουκίῳ ῾φιλοσόφῳ, Καίσαρος φύσει υἱῷ καὶ Εὐσεβοῦς εἰσποι- “ητῷ, ἐραστῇ παιδείας, ἱερᾷ τε συγκλήτῳ καὶ παντὶ “δήμῳ Ῥωμαίων, ὑπὲρ τῶν ἐκ παντὸς γένους ἀνθρώ- “πων ἀδίκως μισουμένων καὶ ἐπηρεαζομένων, ’Ιουστῖνος Πρίσκου τοῦ Βακχείου, τῶν ἀπὸ Φλαουίας “ Νέας πόλεως τῆς Συρίας Παλαιστίνης, εἷς αὐτῶν ὢν, τὴν προσφώνησιν καὶ ἔντευξιν ποιήσομαι. ” ἐντευχθεὶς δὲ καὶ ὑφʼ ἑτέρων ὁ αὐτὸς βασιλεὺς ἐπὶ τῆς Ἀσίας ἀδελφῶν, παντοίαις ὕβρεσι πρὸς τῶν ἐπιχωρίων δήμων καταπονουμένων, τοιαύτης ἠξίωσε τὸ κοινὸν τῆς Ἀσίας διατάξεως· ### English translation (Claude) “To the emperor Titus Aelius Hadrian Antoninus Pius Caesar Augustus, and to Verissimus his son, the philosopher, and to Lucius the philosopher, by nature son of Caesar and by adoption of Pius, a lover of learning, and to the sacred senate and the whole people of the Romans, on behalf of those of every race of men who are unjustly hated and abused, I, Justin, son of Priscus, son of Bacchius, of Flavia Neapolis in Syria Palestine, being one of them, make this address and petition.” The same emperor, petitioned also by other brothers in Asia who were being harassed with all kinds of outrages by the local populace, thought fit to make the following ordinance to the Council of Asia: ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 1 Apol. 1 (First Apology): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Justin, 1 Apol. 1.1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.12.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/12/1/). ## Church History 4.13.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/13/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:150 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The imperial ordinance (quoted) to the Council of Asia begins. ### Greek text “ Αὐτοκράτωρ Καῖσαρ “ Μάρκος Αὐρήλιος Ἀντωνῖνος Σεβαστὸς, Ἀρμένιος, “ἀρχιερεὺς μέγιστος, δημαρχικῆς ἐξουσίας τὸ πέμπτον καὶ δέκατον, ὕπατος τὸ τρίτον, τῷ κοινῷ τῆς Ἀσίας χαίρειν. ### English translation (Claude) “The emperor Caesar Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus, Armenicus, pontifex maximus, holding the tribunician power for the fifteenth time, consul for the third time, to the Council of Asia, greeting. ### Translation notes - The quotation (4.13.1–7) is the so-called Rescript of Antoninus to the Council of Asia, also appended to Justin's Apology; most scholars regard it as spurious or heavily reworked, though a few defend an authentic core. Eusebius attributes it to Antoninus Pius, but the titles given are those of Marcus Aurelius. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.13.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/13/1/). ## Church History 4.13.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/13/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:150 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The ordinance (quoted): the gods themselves will punish those who refuse to worship them. ### Greek text ἐγὼ μὲν οἶδα ὅτι καὶ τοῖς θεοῖς ἐπιμελές ἐστι μὴ λανθάνειν τοὺς τοιούτους. πολὺ γὰρ “μᾶλλον ἐκεῖνοι κολάσαιεν ἂν τοὺς μὴ βουλομένους “ αὐτοὺς προσκυνεῖν ἢ ὑμεῖς. ### English translation (Claude) I know that the gods too take care that such men do not escape notice; for they would much rather punish those unwilling to worship them than you would. ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Rescript to the Council of Asia. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.13.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/13/2/). ## Church History 4.13.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/13/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:150–151 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The ordinance (quoted): persecution only strengthens Christians, who prefer death to obeying. ### Greek text οὓς εἰς ταραχὴν ἐμβάλλετε, βεβαιοῦντες τὴν γνώμην αὐτῶν ἥνπερ “ ἔχουσιν, ὡς ἀθέων κατηγοροῦντες. εἴη δʼ ἂν ἐκείνοις ῾ αἱρετὸν τὸ δοκεῖν κατηγορουμένοις τεθνάναι μᾶλ- ῾λον ἢ ζῆν ὑπὲρ τοῦ οἰκείου θεοῦ. ὅθεν καὶ νικῶσι, “προϊέμενοι τὰς ἑαυτῶν ψυχὰς, ἤπερ πειθόμενοι οἷς “ἀξιοῦτε πράττειν αὐτούς. ### English translation (Claude) You throw them into disturbance, confirming them in the opinion they hold, by accusing them of being atheists. For it would be preferable for them, when accused, to seem to die for their own God rather than to live. Hence they are victorious, giving up their lives rather than obeying what you demand that they do. ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Rescript to the Council of Asia. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.13.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/13/3/). ## Church History 4.13.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/13/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:151 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The ordinance (quoted) urges the Asians to compare their own conduct during earthquakes with the Christians'. ### Greek text περὶ δὲ τῶν σεισμῶν “τῶν γεγονότων καὶ γινομένων οὐκ ἄτοπον ὑμᾶς “ὑπομνῆσαι, ἀθυμοῦντας μὲν ὅταν περ ὦσι, παρα- “βάλλοντας δὲ τὰ ὑμέτερα προς τὰ ἐκείνων. ### English translation (Claude) Concerning the earthquakes that have happened and are happening, it is not out of place to remind you, who are despondent whenever they occur, to compare your conduct with theirs. ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Rescript to the Council of Asia. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.13.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/13/4/). ## Church History 4.13.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/13/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:151 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The ordinance (quoted): the Christians grow bolder toward God while the Asians neglect worship and persecute them. ### Greek text οἱ μὲν “οὖν εὐπαρρησιαστότεροι γίνονται πρὸς τὸν θεὸν, “ὑμεῖς δὲ παρὰ πάντα τὸν χρόνον, καθʼ ὃν ἀγνοεῖν “δοκεῖτε, τῶν τε θεῶν καὶ τῶν ἄλλων ἀμελεῖτε καὶ “τῆς θρησκείας τῆς περὶ τὸν ἀθάνατον, ὃν δὴ τοὺς “Χριστιανοὺς θρησκεύοντας ἐλαύνετε καὶ διώκετε “ἕως θανάτου. ### English translation (Claude) They become more confident toward God, while you, during all the time in which you seem to be ignorant, neglect the gods and everything else, and the worship of the Immortal, whom the Christians worship and whom you drive out and persecute to death. ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Rescript to the Council of Asia. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.13.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/13/5/). ## Church History 4.13.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/13/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:151 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The ordinance (quoted): as the emperor's father ruled, Christians are not to be troubled unless they plot against Rome. ### Greek text ὑπὲρ δὲ τῶν τοιούτων ἤδη καὶ “πολλοὶ τῶν περὶ τὰς ἐπαρχίας ἡγεμόνων καὶ τῷ “θειοτάτῳ ἡμῶν ἔγραψαν πατρὶ, οἷς καὶ ἀντέγραψε “μηδὲν ἐνοχλεῖν τοῖς τοιούτοις, εἰ μηδὲν φαίνοιντο “περὶ τὴν τῶκ ῾Ρωμαίων ἡγεμονίαν ἐγχειροῦντες. καὶ “ἐμοὶ δὲ περὶ τῶν τοιούτων πολλοὶ ἐσήμαναν, οἷς “δὴ καὶ ἀντέγραψα, κατακολουθῶν τῇ τοῦ πατρὸς “γνώμῃ ### English translation (Claude) Concerning such people many of the governors in the provinces have already written to our most divine father, to whom he replied that they should not trouble such people unless they appeared to be attempting something against the Roman government. And to me too many have reported concerning such people, to whom I also replied following my father's judgment. ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Rescript to the Council of Asia. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.13.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/13/6/). ## Church History 4.13.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/13/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:151 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The ordinance (quoted): accused Christians are to be acquitted and their accusers punished. ### Greek text εἰ δέ τις ἐπιμένοι τινὰ τῶν τοιούτων εἰς “πράγματα φέρων ὡς δὴ τοιοῦτον, ἐκεῖνος ὁ καταφε- “ρόμενος ἀπολελύσθω τοῦ ἐγκλήματος, καὶ ἐὰν φαί- “νηται τοιοῦτος ὢν, ὁ δὲ καταφέρων ἔνοχος ἔσται “δίκης. προετέθη ἐν Ἐφέσω ἐν τῷ κοινῷ τῆς Ἀσίας.” ### English translation (Claude) But if anyone persists in bringing any of these people to trial as being such, let the one accused be acquitted of the charge, even if he appears to be such, and let the accuser be liable to punishment. Published at Ephesus in the Council of Asia.” ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Rescript to the Council of Asia. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.13.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/13/7/). ## Church History 4.13.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/13/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:151 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Melito of Sardis's apology to the emperor confirms these events. ### Greek text τούτοις οὕτω χωρήσασιν ἐπιμαρτυρῶν Μελίτων τῆς ἐν Σάρδεσιν ἐκκλησίας ἐπίσκοπος, κατʼ αὐτὸ γνωριζόμενος τοῦ χρόνου, δῆλός ἐστιν ἐκ τῶν εἰρημένων αὐτῷ ἐν ᾗ πεποίηται πρὸς αὐτοκράτορα Οὐῆρον ὑπὲρ τοῦ καθʼ ἡμᾶς δόγματος ἀπολογίᾳ. ### English translation (Claude) That these things happened in this way is attested by Melito, bishop of the church in Sardis, who was known at this very time, as is clear from what he said in the apology he made on behalf of our doctrine to the emperor Verus. ### Extrabiblical texts - Melito of Sardis, Melito Apology (Melito of Sardis (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Compare 4.26.10. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.13.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/13/8/). ## Church History 4.14.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/14/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:151–152 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus reports that Polycarp visited Anicetus in Rome to discuss the date of Easter. ### Greek text Ἐπὶ δὲ τῶν δηλουμένων, Ἀνικήτου τῆς ῾Ρωμαίων ἐκκλησίας ἡγουμένου, Πολύκαρπον ἔτι περιόντα τῷ βίῳ γενέσθαι τε ἐπὶ ῾Ρώμης καὶ εἰς ὁμιλίαν τῷ Ἀνικήτῳ ἐλθεῖν διά τι ζήτημα περὶ τῆς κατὰ τὸ πάσχα ἡμέρας, Εἰρη- ναῖος ἱστορεῖ. ### English translation (Claude) In the times indicated, while Anicetus was leading the church of the Romans, Irenaeus relates that Polycarp, still alive, was at Rome and came into conference with Anicetus about some question concerning the day of the Passover. ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 3.3.4 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Compare 5.24.16. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.14.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/14/1/). ## Church History 4.14.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/14/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:152 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius introduces Irenaeus's account of Polycarp. ### Greek text καὶ ἄλλην δὲ ὁ αὐτὸς περὶ τοῦ Πολυκάρπου παραδίδωσι διήγησιν, ἣν ἀναγκαῖον τοῖς περὶ αὐτοῦ δηλουμένοις ἐπισυνάψαι οὕτως ἔχουσαν· [Ἀπὸ τοῦ τρίτου τῶν πρὸς τὰς αἱρέσεις Εἰρηναίου.] ### English translation (Claude) The same writer hands down another account about Polycarp, which it is necessary to add to what has been said about him; it runs thus: ### Translation notes - The editor deletes the heading that follows in the manuscripts, “From the third book of Irenaeus Against Heresies.” ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.14.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/14/2/). ## Church History 4.14.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/14/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:152 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus (quoted): Polycarp, taught by apostles and appointed by them bishop of Smyrna, was seen by Irenaeus in his youth. ### Greek text “Καὶ Πολύκαρπος δὲ οὐ μόνον ὑπὸ ἀποστόλων μαθητευθεὶς, καὶ συναναστραφεὶς πολλοῖς τὸν Χρι- “ στὸν ἑωρακόσιν, ἀλλὰ καὶ ὑπὸ ἀποστόλων καταστα- “ θεὶς εἰς τὴν Ἀσίαν ἐν τῇ ἐν Σμύρνῃ ἐκκλησίᾳ ἐπί- “σκοπος, ὃν καὶ ἡμεῖς ἑωράκαμεν ἐν τῇ πρώτῃ ἡμῶν ἡλικίᾳ. ### English translation (Claude) “And Polycarp too was not only instructed by apostles and conversed with many who had seen Christ, but was also appointed by apostles in Asia as bishop in the church at Smyrna; we too saw him in our early youth. ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 3.3.4 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation (4.14.3–8) is Irenaeus, Haer. 3.3.4. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.14.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/14/3/). ## Church History 4.14.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/14/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:152 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus (quoted): Polycarp lived long, died a glorious martyr, and always taught the apostles' doctrine. ### Greek text ἐπιπολὺ γὰρ παρέμεινε, καὶ πάνυ. γηρα- ῾λέος, ἐνδόξως καὶ ἐπιφανέστατα μαρτυρήσας, ἐξῆλθε τοῦ βίου, ταῦτα διδάξας ἀεὶ, ἃ καὶ παρὰ τῶν ἀπο- “ στόλων ἔμαθεν, ἃ καὶ ἡ ἐκκλησία παραδίδωσιν, “ καὶ μόνα ἐστὶν ἀληθῆ. ### English translation (Claude) For he lived a long time, and when very old, having borne witness gloriously and most illustriously, departed this life, having always taught the things he had learned from the apostles, which the church also hands down, and which alone are true. ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 3.3.4 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Haer. 3.3.4. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.14.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/14/4/). ## Church History 4.14.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/14/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:152 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus (quoted): the Asian churches confirm Polycarp's teaching; in Rome he won many heretics back to the church. ### Greek text μαρτυροῦσι τούτοις αἱ “κατὰ τὴν Ἀσίαν ἐκκλησίαι πᾶσαι, καὶ οἱ μέχρι νῦν “ διαδεδεγμένοι τὸν Πολύκαρπον, πολλῷ ἐξιοπιστότερον καὶ βεβαιότερον ἀληθείας μάρτυρα ὄντα Οὐα- “λεντίνου καὶ Μαρκίωνος καὶ τῶν λοιπῶν κακογνω- “μόνων, ὃς καὶ ἐπὶ Ἀνικήτου ἐπιδημήσας τῇ Ῥώμῃ πολλοὺς ἀπὸ τῶν προειρημένων αἱρετικῶν ἐπέστρε- ‘ψεν ἐπὶ τὴν ἐκκλησίαν τοῦ θεοῦ, μίαν καὶ μόνην “ ταύτην ἀλήθειαν κηρύξας ὑπὸ τῶν ἀποστόλων παρειληφέναι, τὴν ὑπὸ τῆς ἐκκλησίας παραδεδομένην. “ ### English translation (Claude) To these things all the churches in Asia bear witness, and those who up to now have succeeded Polycarp, a man who was a much more trustworthy and sure witness of the truth than Valentinus and Marcion and the rest of the evil-minded. He, when staying at Rome in the time of Anicetus, turned many from the aforesaid heretics to the church of God, proclaiming that this one and only truth had been received by him from the apostles, that which is handed down by the church. ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 3.3.4 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Haer. 3.3.4. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.14.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/14/5/). ## Church History 4.14.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/14/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:152 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus (quoted): Polycarp told how John fled a bath-house because Cerinthus was inside. ### Greek text καὶ εἰσὶν οἱ ἀκηκοότες αὐτοῦ ὅτι Ἰωάννης ὁ του “ κυρίου μαθητὴς ἐν τῇ Ἐφέσῳ πορευθεὶς λούσασθαι, “καὶ ἰδὼν ἔσω Κήρινθον ἐξήλατο τοῦ βαλανείου μη λουσάμενος, ἀλλʼ ἐπειπὼν, φύγωμεν, μὴ καὶ τὸ βαλανεῖον συμπέσῃ, ἔνδον ὄντος Κηρίνθου τοῦ τῆς “ἀληθείας ἐχθροῦ. ### English translation (Claude) And there are those who heard from him that John, the disciple of the Lord, going to bathe at Ephesus and seeing Cerinthus within, rushed out of the bath-house without bathing, saying, ‘Let us flee, lest the bath-house fall in, since Cerinthus, the enemy of the truth, is inside.’ ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 3.3.4 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Haer. 3.3.4 (compare 3.28.6). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.14.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/14/6/). ## Church History 4.14.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/14/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:152–153 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus (quoted): Polycarp called Marcion “the firstborn of Satan”; the apostles avoided all contact with heretics, as Paul teaches. ### Greek text καὶ αὐτὸς δὲ ὁ Πολύκαρπος “Μαρκίωνί ποτε εἰς ὄψιν αὐτῷ ἐλθόντι καὶ φήσαντι “῾ ἐπιγινώσκεις ἡμᾶςʼ ἀπεκρίθη ἐπιγινώσκω “ πρωτότοκον τοῦ σατανᾶ.’ τοσαύτην οἱ ἀπόστολοι καὶ “οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτῶν ἔσχον εὐλάβειαν πρὸς τὸ μηδὲ ῾ μέχρι λόγου κοινωνεῖν τινὶ τῶν παραχαρασσόντων “τὴν ἀλήθειαν, ὡς καὶ Παῦλος ἔφησεν ‘αἱρετικὸν ἄν- “θρωπον μετὰ μίαν καὶ δευτέραν νουθεσίαν παραι- “τοῦ, εἰδὼς ὅτι ἐξέστραπται ὁ τοιοῦτος, καὶ ἁμαρτά- “νει ὢν αὐτοκατάκριτος.’ ### English translation (Claude) And Polycarp himself, when Marcion once met him and said, ‘Do you recognize us?’, answered, ‘I recognize the firstborn of Satan.’ Such caution did the apostles and their disciples have, not to communicate even in word with any of those who falsify the truth; as Paul too said, ‘After a first and second admonition, have nothing to do with a heretical man, knowing that such a one is perverted and sins, being self-condemned.’ ### Scripture references - Titus 3:10–11: quotation, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 3.3.4 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Haer. 3.3.4, citing Titus 3:10–11. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.14.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/14/7/). ## Church History 4.14.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/14/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:153 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus (quoted) commends Polycarp's letter to the Philippians. ### Greek text ἔστι δὲ καὶ ἐπιστολὴ “ Πολυκάρπου πρὸς Φιλιππησίους γεγραμμένη ἱκανω- “τάτη, ἐξ ἧς καὶ τὸν χαρακτῆρα τῆς πίστεως αὐτοῦ “ καὶ τὸ κήρυγμα τῆς ἀληθείας οἱ βουλόμενοι καὶ φρον- ‘τίζοντες τῆς ἑαυτῶν σωτηρίας δύνανται μαθεῖν.· ### English translation (Claude) There is also a most adequate letter of Polycarp written to the Philippians, from which those who wish and who care for their own salvation can learn both the character of his faith and the preaching of the truth.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 3.3.4 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence - Pol. Phil. (To the Philippians): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Haer. 3.3.4. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.14.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/14/8/). ## Church History 4.14.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/14/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:153 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Polycarp's letter uses testimonies from 1 Peter. ### Greek text ταῦτα ὁ Εἰρήναιος. ὁ γέ τοι Πολύκαρπος ἐν τῇ δηλωθείσῃ πρὸς Φιλιππησίους αὐτοῦ γραφῇ φερομένῃ εἰς δεῦρο κέχρηταί τισι μαρτυρίαις ἀπὸ τῆς Πέτρου προτέρας ἐπιστολῆς. ### English translation (Claude) So much Irenaeus. Polycarp, in his writing to the Philippians mentioned, which is extant to this day, uses some testimonies from the former letter of Peter. ### Scripture references - 1 Pet 1:8: allusion, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Pol. Phil. 1.3 (To the Philippians): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - E.g. Pol. Phil. 1.3 (1 Pet 1:8), 2.1 (1 Pet 1:13, 21). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.14.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/14/9/). ## Church History 4.14.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/14/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:153 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus succeeded Antoninus Pius. ### Greek text ’Αντωνῖνον μὲν δὴ τὸν Εὐσεβῆ κληθέντα, εἰκοστὸν καὶ δεύτερον ἔτος τῆς ἀρχῆς διανύσαντα, Μάρκος Αὐρήλιος Οὐῆρος, ὁ καὶ Ἀντωνῖνος, υἱὸς αὐτοῦ, σὺν καὶ Λουκίῳ ἀδελφῷ διαδέχεται. ### English translation (Claude) Antoninus, called Pius, having completed the twenty-second year of his reign, was succeeded by Marcus Aurelius Verus, also called Antoninus, his son, together with Lucius his brother. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.14.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/14/10/). ## Church History 4.15.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:153 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: During great persecutions in Asia Polycarp was martyred; Eusebius will record the account. ### Greek text Ἐν τούτῳ δὲ ὁ Πολύκαρπος μεγίστων τὴν Ἀσίαν ἀναθορυβησάντων διωγμῶν μαρτυρίῳ τελειοῦται ἀναγκαιότατον δὲ αὐτοῦ τὸ τέλος ἐγγράφως ἔτι φερόμενον ἡγοῦμαι δεῖν μνήμῃ τῆς ἱστορίας καταθέσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) At this time, when the greatest persecutions were throwing Asia into turmoil, Polycarp was perfected by martyrdom. I think it most necessary to place on record in this history his end, which is still extant in writing. ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. (Martyrdom of Polycarp): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Eusebius dates the martyrdom under Marcus Aurelius; many scholars place it ca. 155–160, under Antoninus Pius. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/1/). ## Church History 4.15.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:153 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The account is a letter from Polycarp's church to other churches. ### Greek text ἔστι δὲ ἡ γραφὴ ἐκ προσώπου ἧς αὐτὸς ἐκκλησίας ἡγεῖτο ταῖς κατὰ Πόντον παροικίαις τὰ κατʼ αὐτὸν ἀποσημαίνουσα διὰ τούτων ### English translation (Claude) The writing is from the church which he himself led, informing the communities in Pontus of what concerned him, in these words: ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. (Martyrdom of Polycarp): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Eusebius says “Pontus”; the Martyrdom itself is addressed to Philomelium. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/2/). ## Church History 4.15.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:153–154 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Martyrdom of Polycarp (quoted) opens with Smyrna's greeting and says Polycarp's martyrdom ended the persecution. ### Greek text “ἡ ἐκκλησία τοῦ θεοῦ ἡ παροικοῦσα Σμύρναν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ τοῦ θεοῦ τῇ παροικούσῃ ἐν Φιλομηλίῳ “καὶ πάσαις ταῖς κατὰ πάντα τόπον τῆς ἁγίας καθο “λικῆς ἐκκλησίας παροικίαις ἔλεος, εἰρήνη καὶ ἀγάκ “ θεοῦ πατρὸς καὶ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ πλν ‘θυνθείη. ἐγράψαμεν ὑμῖν, ἀδελφοὶ, τὰ κατὰ του “ μαρτυρήσαντας καὶ τὸν μακάριον Πολύκαρπον, ὅστι ὥσπερ ἐπισφραγίσας διὰ τῆς μαρτυρίας αὐτοῦ κα τέπαυσε τὸν διωγμόν.” ### English translation (Claude) “The church of God which sojourns at Smyrna to the church of God which sojourns in Philomelium and to all the communities of the holy catholic church sojourning in every place: may mercy, peace, and love of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ be multiplied. We write to you, brothers, the things concerning those who bore witness, and the blessed Polycarp, who, as it were, put a seal on the persecution by his witness and brought it to an end.” ### Scripture references - Jude 1:2: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 0–1.1 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Mart. Pol., inscription and 1.1 (Eusebius's text differs slightly from the manuscripts). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/3/). ## Church History 4.15.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:154 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The letter first describes other martyrs, scourged to the bone, laid on shells and spikes, and thrown to beasts. ### Greek text τούτοις ἑξῆς πρὸ τῆς ἀμο τοῦ Πολυκάρπου διηγήσεως τὰ κατὰ τοὺς λοιποὺς ἀνι στοροῦσι μάρτυρας, οἵας ἐνστάσεις πρὸς τὰς ἀλγηδο νας ἐνεδείξαντο, διαγράφοντες. καταπλῆξαι γάρ φαο τοὺς ἐν κύκλῳ περιεστῶτας καὶ θεωμένους τοτὲ μὲ μάστιξι μέχρι καὶ τῶν ἐνδοτάτω φλεβῶν καὶ ἀρτηριῶν καταξαινομένους, ὡς ἤδη καὶ τὰ ἐν μυχοῖς ἀπόρρητα τοῦ σώματος σπλάγχνα τε αὐτῶν καὶ μέλη κατοπτεύεσθαι, τοτὲ δὲ τοὺς ἀπὸ θαλάττης κήρυκας καί τινας ὀξεῖς ὀβελίσκους ὑποστρωννυμένους, καὶ διὰ παντὸς εἴδους κολάσεων καὶ βασάνων προϊόντας, καὶ τέλος θηρσὶν εἰς βορὰν παραδιδομένους. ### English translation (Claude) Next to this, before the account of Polycarp, they relate the story of the other martyrs, describing the steadfastness they showed against their pains. For they say that they astounded those standing around and watching, when at one time they were torn by scourges down to the innermost veins and arteries, so that even the hidden inward parts of the body, their bowels and members, were exposed to view; and at another time were laid on sea-shells and certain sharp spikes, passing through every kind of punishment and torture, and at last were given to wild beasts as food. ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 2.2–4 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Paraphrase of Mart. Pol. 2.2–4. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/4/). ## Church History 4.15.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:154 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Germanicus, though young, refused the proconsul's pleas and provoked the beast to kill him quickly. ### Greek text μάλιστα δὲ ἱστοροῦσιν διαπρέψαι τὸν γενναιότατον Γερμανι κὸν, ὑπορρωννύντα σὺν θείᾳ χάριτι τὴν ἔμφυτο περὶ τὸν θάνατον τοῦ σώματος δειλίαν. βουλομένο γέ τοι τοῦ ἀνθυπάτου πείθειν αὐτὸν, προβαλλομένου τε τὴν ἡλικίαν καὶ ἀντιβολοῦντος κομιδή νέο ὄντα καὶ ἀκμαῖον οἶκτον ἑαυτοῦ λαβεῖν, μὴ μελλη σαι, προθύμως δὲ ἐπισπάσασθαι εἰς ἑαυτὸν τὸ θη ῥίον, μονονουχὶ βιασάμενον καὶ παροξύναντα, ὡς τάχιον τοῦ ἀδίκου καὶ ἀνόμου βίου αὐτῶν ἀπαλλα γείη. ### English translation (Claude) They relate that the most noble Germanicus especially distinguished himself, overcoming by divine grace the natural fear of bodily death. When the proconsul wished to persuade him, putting forward his age and entreating him, very young and in his prime as he was, to take pity on himself, he did not hesitate, but eagerly drew the beast upon himself, all but forcing and provoking it, so that he might be released the more quickly from their unjust and lawless life. ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 3.1 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Paraphrase of Mart. Pol. 3.1. The digital text has Beta Code (proballome nou te for προβαλλομένου τε). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/5/). ## Church History 4.15.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:154 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Amazed at Germanicus's courage, the crowd cried, “Away with the atheists! Find Polycarp!” ### Greek text τούτου δὲ ἐπὶ τῷ διαπρεπεῖ θανάτῳ τὸ πό πλῆθος ἀποθαυμάσαν τῆς ἀνδρείας τὸν θεοφιλῆ μάρ τυρα καὶ τὴν καθόλου τοῦ γένους τῶν Χριστιανο ἀρετὴν, ἀθρόως ἐπιβοᾶν ἄρξασθαι “αἶρε τοὺς ἀθέους ζητείσθω Πολύκαρπος.’’ ### English translation (Claude) At his distinguished death the whole multitude, marvelling at the courage of the God-loving martyr and at the virtue of the whole race of Christians, began to shout all together, ‘Away with the atheists! Let Polycarp be sought!’ ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 3.2 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Paraphrase and quotation of Mart. Pol. 3.2. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/6/). ## Church History 4.15.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:154–155 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Quintus, a Phrygian newcomer, lost courage at the sight of the beasts and fell away. ### Greek text καὶ δὴ πλείστης ἐπὶ ταῖ βοαῖς γενομένης ταραχῆς Φρύγα τινὰ τὸ γένος, Κόϊντον τοὔνομα, νεωστὶ ἐκ τῆς Φρυγίας ἐπιστάντα, ἰδόντα τοὺς θῆρας καὶ τὰς ἐπὶ τούτοις ἀπειλὰς καταπτῆξαι τὴν ψυχὴν μαλακισθέντα, καὶ τέλος τῆς σωτηρίας ἐνσθῦναι. ### English translation (Claude) And when a very great disturbance arose at the shouts, a certain Phrygian by race named Quintus, newly arrived from Phrygia, seeing the beasts and the threats that went with them, was terrified in soul and gave way, and at last gave up his salvation. ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 4 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Paraphrase of Mart. Pol. 4. The digital text has ἐνσθῦναι for ἐνδοῦναι. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/7/). ## Church History 4.15.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:155 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Quintus had rashly volunteered for martyrdom; his fall warns against seeking it recklessly. ### Greek text ἐδήλου δὲ τοῦτον ὁ τῆς προειρημένης γραφῆς λόγος προπετέστερον, ἀλλʼ οὐ κατʼ εὐλάβειαν ἐπιπηδῆσαι τῷ δικαστηρίῳ σὺν ἑτέροις, ἁλόντα δʼ οὖν ὅμως καταφανὲς ὑπόδειγμα τοῖς πᾶσι παρασχεῖν, ὅτι μὴ δέοι τοῖς τοιούτοις ῥιψοκινδύνως καὶ ἀνευλαβῶς ἐπιτολμᾶν. ἀλλὰ ταύτῃ μὲν εἶχε πέρας τὰ κατὰ τούτους. ### English translation (Claude) The words of the writing mentioned showed that he had rashly, and not with reverence, rushed to the tribunal with others; yet when he was caught he gave a clear example to all that one ought not to venture on such things recklessly and without reverence. So ended the affairs of these men. ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 4 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Paraphrase of Mart. Pol. 4. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/8/). ## Church History 4.15.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:155 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Polycarp, calm, was persuaded to withdraw to a farm, where he prayed night and day for the churches. ### Greek text τόν γε μὴν θαυμασιώτατον Πολύκαρπον τὰ μὲν πρῶτα τούτων ἀκούσαντα ἀτάραχον διαμεῖναι, εὐσταθὲς τὸ ἦθος καὶ ἀκίνητον φυλάξαντα, βούλεσθαί τε αὐτοῦ κατὰ τὴν πόλιν περιμένειν· πεισθέντα γε μὴν ἀντιβολοῦσι τοῖς ἀμφʼ αὐτὸν, καὶ ὡς ἂν ὑπεξέλθοι παρακαλοῦσι, προελθεῖν εἰς οὐ πόρρω διεστῶτα τῆς πόλεως ἀγρὸν, διατρίβειν τε σὺν ὀλιγοις ἐνταῦθα, νύκτωρ καὶ μεθʼ ἡμέραν οὔτε ἕτερον πράττοντα ἢ ταῖς πρὸς τὸν κύριον διακαρτεροῦντα εὐχαῖς, διʼ ὧν δεῖσθαι καὶ ἱκετεύειν, εἰρήνην ἐξαιτούμενον ταῖς ἀνὰ πᾶσαν τὴν οἰκουμένην ἐκκλησίαις· τοῦτο γὰρ καὶ εἶναι ἐκ τοῦ παντὸς αὐτῷ σύνηθες. ### English translation (Claude) But the most wonderful Polycarp, when he first heard of these things, remained undisturbed, keeping his character steady and unmoved, and wished to stay there in the city. Yet, persuaded by those around him who entreated him and urged him to slip away, he went out to a farm not far from the city and stayed there with a few, doing nothing else night and day but persevering in prayers to the Lord, in which he begged and entreated, asking peace for the churches throughout the whole world; for this was his custom at all times. ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 5.1 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Paraphrase of Mart. Pol. 5.1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/9/). ## Church History 4.15.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:155 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Three days before his arrest Polycarp dreamed his pillow burned and foretold that he would die by fire. ### Greek text καὶ δὴ εὐχόμενον ἐν ὀπτασίᾳ τριῶν πρότερον ἡμερῶν τῆς συλλήψεως νύκτωρ ἰδεῖν τὸ ὑπὸ κεφαλῆς αὐτῷ στρῶμα ἀθρόως οὕτως ὑπὸ πυρὸς φλεχθὲν δεδαπανῆσθαι, ἔξυπνον δὲ ἐπὶ τούτῳ γενόμενον εὐθὺς ὑφερμηνεῦσαι τοῖς παροῦσι τὸ φανὲν, μονονουχὶ τὸ μέλλον προθεσπίσαντα, σαφῶς τε ἀνειπόντα τοῖς ἀμφʼ αὐτὸν ὅτι δέοι αὐτὸν διὰ Χριστὸν πυρὶ τὴν ζωὴν μεταλλάξαι. ### English translation (Claude) And while praying, in a vision at night three days before his arrest, he saw the pillow under his head suddenly set on fire and consumed; and waking up at this, he at once interpreted what had appeared to those present, all but foretelling the future, and told those around him plainly that he must lay down his life by fire for Christ. ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 5.2 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Paraphrase of Mart. Pol. 5.2. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/10/). ## Church History 4.15.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:155–156 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Moving to another farm, Polycarp was found when a tortured slave betrayed him. ### Greek text ἐπικειμένων δὴ οὖν σὺν πάσῃ σπουδῇ τῶν ἀναζητούντων αὐτὸν αὖθις πρὸς τῆς τῶν ἀδελφῶν διαθέσεως καὶ στοργῆς ἐκβεβιασμένον μεταβῆ- ναί φασιν ἐφʼ ἕτερον ἀγρὸν, ἔνθα μετʼοὐ πλεῖστον τοὺσ συνελαύνοντας ἐπελθεῖν, δύο δὲ τῶν αὐτόθι συλλαβεῖν παίδων, ὧν θάτερον αἰκισαμένους ἐπι– στῆναι διʼαὐτοῖ τῇ τοῦ Πολυκάρπου καταγωγῇ. ### English translation (Claude) When those searching for him pressed on with all zeal, they say that, constrained again by the affection and love of the brothers, he moved to another farm, where not long afterwards the pursuers came, and seized two of the slaves there, one of whom they tortured and so came, through him, to Polycarp's lodging. ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 6.1 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Paraphrase of Mart. Pol. 6.1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/11/). ## Church History 4.15.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:156 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: They found him late in an upper room; he declined to flee, saying, “God's will be done.” ### Greek text ὀψὲ δὲ τῆς ὥρας ἐπελθόντας αὐτὸν μὲν εὑρεῖν ἐν ὑπερᾠῳ κατακείμενον, ὅθεν δυνατὸν ὄν αὐτῷ ἐφʼ ἑτέραν μεταστῆναι οὀκίαν μὴ βεβουλῆσθαι, εἰπόντα “τὸ θέλημα τοῦ θεοῦ γινέσθω.” ### English translation (Claude) Arriving late in the evening, they found him lying in an upper room; though he could have moved from there to another house, he had not wished to, saying, ‘The will of God be done.’ ### Scripture references - Acts 21:14: echo, high confidence - Matt 6:10: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 7.1 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Paraphrase of Mart. Pol. 7.1, echoing Matt 6:10 and Acts 21:14. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/12/). ## Church History 4.15.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:156 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Polycarp came down to his captors so serene that they marvelled at the effort spent to arrest such an old man. ### Greek text Καὶ δὴ μαθὼν πα– ρόντας, ὡς ὁλόγος φηςὶ, καταβὰς αὐτοῖς διελέξατο, εὖ μάλα φαιδρῷ καὶ πραοτάτῳ προσώπῳ, ὡς καὶ θαῦμα δοκεῖν ὁρᾶν τοὺς πάλαι τοῦ ἀνδρὸς ἀγνῶτας, ἐναποβλέποντας τῷ τῆς ἡλικίας αὐτοῦ παλαιῷ καὶ τῷ σεμνῷ καὶ εὐσταθεῖ τοῦ προσώπου, καὶ εἰ το– σαύτη γένοιτο σπουδὴ ὑπὲρ τοῦ τοιοῦτον συλληφθῆ– ναι πρεσβύτην. ### English translation (Claude) And learning that they were there, as the account says, he came down and talked with them, with a very cheerful and gentle face, so that those who had not known the man before seemed to see a marvel, looking at his great age and the dignity and steadiness of his face, and wondering whether there was so much eagerness to arrest such an old man. ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 7.2 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Paraphrase of Mart. Pol. 7.2. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/13/). ## Church History 4.15.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:156 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: He fed his captors, prayed for an hour full of grace, and many regretted arresting him. ### Greek text ὁ δʼ οὐ μελλήσας εὐθέως τρά– πεζαν αὐτοῖς παρατεθῆναι προστάττει, εἶτα τροφῆς ἀφθόνου μεταλαβεῖν ἀξιοῖ, μίαν τε ὥραν, ὡς ἄν προσεύξοιτο ἀδεῶς, παρʼαὐτῶν αἰτεπῖαι. ἐπιτρεψάν– των δὲ ἀναστὰς ηὔχετο, ἔμπλεως τῆς χάριτος ὤν τοῦ κυρίου, ὡς ἐκπληττεσθαι τοὺς παρόντας εὐχομένου αὐτοῦ ἀκροωμένους, πολλούς τε αὐτῶν μετανοεῖν ἤδη ἐπὶ τῷ τοιοῦτον ἀναιρεῖσθαι μέλλειν σεμνὸν καὶ θεοπρεπῆ πρεσβύτην, ### English translation (Claude) He, without delay, at once ordered a table to be set before them, then invited them to partake of abundant food, and asked of them one hour so that he might pray undisturbed. When they permitted it, he stood and prayed, being full of the grace of the Lord, so that those present were amazed as they listened to him praying, and many of them now repented that such a venerable and godlike old man was to be put to death. ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 7.2–3 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Paraphrase of Mart. Pol. 7.2–3. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/14/). ## Church History 4.15.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:156–157 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Martyrdom (quoted): after his prayer he was taken to the city on a great sabbath, and Herod and Nicetes urged him to call Caesar lord and sacrifice. ### Greek text ἐπὶ τούτοις ἡ περὶ αὐτοῦ γραφὴ κατὰ λέξιν ὧδέ πως τὰ ἑξῆς τῆς ἱστορίας ἔχει “ἐπεὶ δέ ποτε κατέπαυσε τὴν προσευχὴν, μνημονεύ– “σας ἁπάντων καὶ τῶν πώποτε συμβεβληκότων αὐτῷ “μικρῶν τε καὶ μεγόλων, ἐνδόξων τε καὶ ἀδόξων, “καὶ πάσης τῆς κατὰ τὴν οἰκουμένην καθολικῆς “ἐκκλησίας, τῆς ὥρας ἐλθούσης τοῦ ἐξιέναι, ὄνῳ “καθίσαντες αὐτὸν ἤγαγον εὶν πόλιν, ὄντος “σαββάτου μεγάλου, καὶ ὑπήντα αὐτῷ ὁ εἰρήναρ– “χος Ἡρώδης καὶ ὁ πατὴρ αὐτοῦ Νικήτης, οἳ καὶ “μεταθέντες αὐτὸν εἰς τὸ ὄχημα ἔπειθον παρακαθεζό- “ μενοι καὶ λέγοντες· τί γὰρ κακόν ἐστιν εἰπεῖν, κύριε ῾Καῖσαρ, καὶ θῦσαι καὶ διασώζεσθαι; ### English translation (Claude) After this the writing about him has the rest of the story word for word as follows: “When at last he had ended his prayer, having remembered all who had ever met him, small and great, famous and obscure, and the whole catholic church throughout the world, when the hour came to go out, they set him on an ass and led him into the city, it being a great sabbath. And the chief of police Herod and his father Nicetes met him, who, transferring him to their carriage, tried to persuade him as they sat beside him, saying, ‘What harm is there in saying, Caesar is Lord, and sacrificing, and being saved?’ ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 8.1–2 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation (4.15.15–43) is Mart. Pol. 8.1–19.1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/15/). ## Church History 4.15.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/16/ - Source: Dindorf 4:157 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Martyrdom (quoted): Polycarp refused; they threw him from the carriage, and he walked on unmoved to the stadium. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ τὰ “μὲν πρῶτα οὐκ ἀπεκρίνατο, ἐπιμενόντων δὲ αὐ- “τῶν ἔφη, οὐ μέλλω πράττειν ὃ συμβουλεύετέ μοι. οἱ “δὲ ἀποτυχόντες τοῦ πεῖσαι αὐτὸν δεινὰ ῥήματα ἔλε- “γον, καὶ μετὰ σπουδῆς καθῄρουν, ὡς κατιόντα ἀπὸ “ τοῦ ὀχήματος ἀποσῦραι τὸ ἀντικνήμιον. ἀλλὰ γὰρ “μὴ ἐπιστραφεὶς, οἷα μηδὲν πεπονθὼς, προθύμως “μετὰ σπουδῆς ἐπορεύετο, ἀγόμενος εἰς τὸ στάδιον. “ ### English translation (Claude) At first he did not answer; but when they persisted, he said, ‘I am not going to do what you advise me.’ Having failed to persuade him, they spoke terrible words and pulled him down in haste, so that as he got down from the carriage he scraped his shin. But without turning round, as though he had suffered nothing, he went on eagerly and quickly, being led into the stadium. ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 8.2–3 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Mart. Pol. 8.2–3. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.16 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/16/). ## Church History 4.15.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/17/ - Source: Dindorf 4:157 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Martyrdom (quoted): as he entered the stadium a heavenly voice said, “Be strong, Polycarp, and play the man.” ### Greek text θορύβου δὲ τηλικούτου ὄντος ἐν τῷ σταδίῳ, ὡς μηδὲ πολλοῖς ἀκουσθῆναι, τῷ Πολυκάρπῳ εἰσιόντι “ εἰς τὸ στάδιον φωνὴ ἐξ οὐρανοῦ γέγονεν ἴσχυε, Πο- “λύκαρπε, καὶ ἀνδρίζου.’ καὶ τὸν μὲν εἰπόντα οὐδεὶς “εἶδεν, τὴν δὲ φωνὴν τῶν ἡμετέρων πολλοὶ ἤκουσαν. ### English translation (Claude) There being such an uproar in the stadium that not even many could be heard, as Polycarp entered the stadium a voice came to him from heaven: ‘Be strong, Polycarp, and play the man.’ And no one saw the speaker, but many of our people heard the voice. ### Scripture references - Josh 1:6: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 9.1 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Mart. Pol. 9.1; compare Josh 1:6–9. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.17 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/17/). ## Church History 4.15.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/18/ - Source: Dindorf 4:157 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Martyrdom (quoted): the proconsul urged Polycarp to respect his age, swear by Caesar's fortune, and say “Away with the atheists.” ### Greek text προσαχθέντος οὑν αὐτοῦ θόρυβος ἠν μέ- “γας, ἀκουσάντων ὅτι Πολύκαρπος συνείληπται. λοι- “πὸν οὖν προσελθόντα ἀνηρώτα ὁ ἀνθύπατος εἰ αὐτὸς εἴη Πολύκαρπος. καὶ ὁμολογήσαντος ἔπειθεν ἀρνεῖσθαι λέγων ‘αἰδέσθητί σου τὴν ἡλικίανʼ καὶ ἕτερα τούτοις ἀκόλουθα, ἃ σύνηθες αὐτοῖς λέγειν ἐστίν ῾ὄμοσον τὴν Καίσαρος τύχην, μετανόησον εἶ- ‘πον· ‘αἶρε τοὺς ἀθέους.’ ### English translation (Claude) When he was brought forward, then, there was a great uproar, as they heard that Polycarp had been arrested. So when he came forward the proconsul asked him whether he was Polycarp. And when he admitted it, he tried to persuade him to deny, saying, ‘Respect your age,’ and other things following from these, which it is their custom to say: ‘Swear by the fortune of Caesar; repent; say, Away with the atheists!’ ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 9.2 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Mart. Pol. 9.2. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.18 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/18/). ## Church History 4.15.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/19/ - Source: Dindorf 4:157 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Martyrdom (quoted): Polycarp, gesturing at the pagan crowd, said, “Away with the atheists!” ### Greek text ὁ δὲ Πολύκαρπος ἐμβριθεῖ τῷ προσώπῳ εἰς πάντα τὸν ὄχλον τὸν ἐν τῷ σταδίῳ ἐμβλέψας, ἐπισείσας αὐτοῖς τὴν χεῖρα, στενάξας τε καὶ ἀναβλέψας εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν εἶπεν ῾ αἶρε τοὺς ἀθέους.’ ### English translation (Claude) But Polycarp, looking with a stern face on the whole crowd in the stadium, waving his hand at them, and groaning and looking up to heaven, said, ‘Away with the atheists!’ ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 9.2 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Mart. Pol. 9.2. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.19 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/19/). ## Church History 4.15.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/20/ - Source: Dindorf 4:157 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Martyrdom (quoted): Polycarp refused to revile Christ, whom he had served eighty-six years. ### Greek text ἐγκειμένου δὲ τοῦ ἡγουμένου καὶ λέγοντος ‘ὄμοσον, καὶ ἀπολύσω σε, λοιδόρησον τὸν Χριστόν, ’ ἔφη ὁ Πολύκαρπος· ‘ὀγδοήκοντα καὶ ἓξ ἔτη δουλεύω αὐτῷ, καὶ οὐδέν με ἠδίκησε· καὶ πῶς δύναμαι βλασφημῆσαι τὸν βασιλέα μου, τὸν σώσαντά με; ### English translation (Claude) When the governor pressed him and said, ‘Swear, and I will release you; revile Christ,’ Polycarp said, ‘Eighty-six years I have served him, and he has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?’ ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 9.3 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Mart. Pol. 9.3. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.20 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/20/). ## Church History 4.15.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/21/ - Source: Dindorf 4:157–158 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Martyrdom (quoted): Polycarp declared, “I am a Christian,” and offered to explain the faith. ### Greek text ἐπιμένοντος δὲ πάλιν αὐτοῦ καὶ λέγοντος “‘ὄμοσον τὴν Καίσαρος τύχην; ὁ Πολύκαρπος ῾ εἰ κε “νοδοξεῖςʼ φησὶν, ‘ἵνα ὀμόσω τὴν Καίσαρος τύχη “ὡς λέγεις, προσποιούμενος ἀγνοεῖν ὅστις εἰμὶ, μεη παρρησίας ἄκουε· Χριστιανός εἰμι. εἰ δὲ θέλεις το “τοῦ Χριστιανισμοῦ μαθεῖν λόγον, δὸς ἡμέραν κα ‘ἄκουσον.’ ### English translation (Claude) When he persisted again and said, ‘Swear by the fortune of Caesar,’ Polycarp said, ‘If you vainly suppose that I will swear by the fortune of Caesar, as you say, pretending not to know who I am, hear plainly: I am a Christian. And if you wish to learn the doctrine of Christianity, give me a day and listen.’ ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 10.1 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Mart. Pol. 10.1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.21 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/21/). ## Church History 4.15.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/22/ - Source: Dindorf 4:158 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Martyrdom (quoted): Polycarp would reason with the proconsul, as Christians honour authorities, but not with the mob. ### Greek text ἔφη ὁ ἀνθύπατος πεῖσον τὸν δῆμον “ Πολύκαρπος ἔφη ‘σὲ μὲν καὶ λόγου ἠξίωσα· δεδι“δάγμεθα γὰρ ἀρχαῖς καὶ ἐξουσίαις ὑπὸ θεοῦ τετα ‘γμέναις τιμὴν κατὰ τὸ προσῆκον τὴν μὴ βλάπτου “σαν ἡμᾶς ἀπονέμειν, ἐκείνους δὲ οὐκ ἀξίους ἡγοῦμα “τοῦ ἀπολογεῖσθαι αὐτοῖς.’ ### English translation (Claude) The proconsul said, ‘Persuade the people.’ Polycarp said, ‘You I have thought worthy of discussion; for we have been taught to give honour, as is fitting, to rulers and authorities appointed by God, such as does not harm us; but those I do not think worthy that I should make a defence to them.’ ### Scripture references - Rom 13:1: echo, high confidence - Rom 13:7: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 10.2 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Mart. Pol. 10.2, echoing Rom 13:1, 7. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.22 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/22/). ## Church History 4.15.23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/23/ - Source: Dindorf 4:158 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Martyrdom (quoted): threatened with beasts, Polycarp said Christians cannot “repent” from better to worse. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ ἀνθύπατος ἔς “ “θηρία ἔχω· τούτοις σε παραβαλῶ, ἐὰν μὴ μετανοή- ῾σῃς.’ ὁ δὲ εἶπεν ‘κάλει, ἀμετάθετος γὰρ ἡμῖν ἡ ἀπὸ τῶν κρειττόνων ἐπὶ τὰ χείρω μετάνοια, καλὸν δὲ “ μετατίθεσθαι ἀπὸ τῶν χαλεπῶν ἐπὶ τὰ δίκαια.’ ### English translation (Claude) The proconsul said, ‘I have wild beasts; I will throw you to them unless you repent.’ He said, ‘Call them; for repentance from better to worse is impossible for us, but it is good to change from what is harsh to what is just.’ ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 11.1 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Mart. Pol. 11.1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.23 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/23/). ## Church History 4.15.24 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/24/ - Source: Dindorf 4:158 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Martyrdom (quoted): threatened with fire, Polycarp pointed to the eternal fire of judgment and told the proconsul to do as he wished. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ πάλιν πρὸς αὐτὸν ‘πυρί σε ποιήσω δαμασθ(??) “ ναλ, ἐὰν τῶν θηρίων καταφρονῇς, ἐὰν μὴ μετανο(??) “σῃς.’ Πολύκαρπος εἶπε ῾πῦρ ἀπειλεῖς πρὸς ὥρα “ καιόμενον καὶ μετʼ ὀλίγον σβεννύμενον· ἀγνοεῖς γα “τὸ τῆς μελλούσης κρίσεως καὶ αἰωνίου κολάσεως τοῖ “ἀσεβέσι τηρούμενον πῦρ. ἀλλὰ τί βραδύνεις; φέρ “ἃ βούλει.’ ### English translation (Claude) And he said to him again, ‘I will have you consumed by fire, if you despise the beasts, unless you repent.’ Polycarp said, ‘You threaten a fire that burns for an hour and is soon quenched; for you are ignorant of the fire of the coming judgment and eternal punishment reserved for the ungodly. But why do you delay? Bring what you will.’ ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 11.2 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Mart. Pol. 11.2. The digital text has unread letters (δαμασθ(??) ναλ for δαμασθῆναι). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.24 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/24/). ## Church History 4.15.25 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/25/ - Source: Dindorf 4:158 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Martyrdom (quoted): Polycarp, radiant with joy, amazed the proconsul, who had the herald announce his confession three times. ### Greek text ταῦτα δὲ καὶ ἕτερα πλείω λέγων θάρ σους καὶ χαρᾶς ἐνεπίμπλατο, καὶ τὸ πρόσωπον αυ τοῦ χάριτος ἐπληροῦτο, ὥστε μὴ μόνον μὴ συμπε “σεῖν ταραχθέντα ὑπὸ τῶν λεγομένων πρὸς αὐτὸν “ἀλλὰ τοὐναντίαν τὸν ἀνθύπατον ἐκστῆναι, πέμψα “ τε τὸν κήρυκα καὶ ἐν μέσῳ τῷ σταδίῳ κηρῦξαι τρὶ Πολύκαρπος ὡμολόγησεν ἑαυτὸν Χριστιανὸν εἶναι “ ### English translation (Claude) Saying these and many other things, he was filled with courage and joy, and his face was full of grace, so that not only did he not collapse, troubled by what was said to him, but on the contrary the proconsul was amazed, and sent the herald to proclaim three times in the midst of the stadium: ‘Polycarp has confessed himself to be a Christian.’ ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 12.1 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Mart. Pol. 12.1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.25 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/25/). ## Church History 4.15.26 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/26/ - Source: Dindorf 4:158–159 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Martyrdom (quoted): the crowd raged against Polycarp as the teacher of Asia and destroyer of their gods. ### Greek text τούτου λεχθέντος ὑπὸ τοῦ κήρυκος πᾶν τὸ πλῆ “θος τῶν ἐθνῶν τε καὶ Ἰουδαίων τῶν τὴν Σμύρνα “ κατοικούντων ἀκατασχέτῳ θυμῷ καὶ μεγάλῃ φων “ ἐβόα οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ τῆς Ἀσίας διδάσκαλος, ὁ πατη “τῶν Χριστιανῶν, ὁ τῶν ἡμετέρων θεῶν καθαιρέ- “της, ὁ πολλοὺς διδάσκων μὴ θύειν μηδὲ προσκυ- “νεῖν.᾿ ### English translation (Claude) When this had been said by the herald, the whole multitude of Gentiles and Jews living in Smyrna cried out with uncontrollable rage and a loud voice: ‘This is the teacher of Asia, the father of the Christians, the destroyer of our gods, who teaches many not to sacrifice nor to worship.’ ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 12.2 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Mart. Pol. 12.2. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.26 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/26/). ## Church History 4.15.27 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/27/ - Source: Dindorf 4:159 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Martyrdom (quoted): the games being over, the crowd demanded that Polycarp be burned alive. ### Greek text ταῦτα λέγοντες ἐπεβόων καὶ ἠρώτων τὸν “ἀσιάρχην Φίλιππον, ἵνα ἐπαφῇ τῷ Πολυκάρπῳ λέ- “οντα. ὁ δὲ ἔφη μὴ εἶναι ἐξὸν αὐτῷ, ἐπειδὴ πεπλη- “ρώκει τὰ κυνηγέσια. τότε ἔδοξεν αὐτοῖς ὁμοθυμα- “δὸν ἐπιβοῆσαι, ὥστε ζῶντα τὸν Πολύκαρπον κατα- “καῦσαι. ### English translation (Claude) Saying this they shouted and asked the Asiarch Philip to let loose a lion on Polycarp. But he said it was not lawful for him, since he had closed the animal hunts. Then they thought fit to shout with one accord that Polycarp should be burned alive. ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 12.2–3 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Mart. Pol. 12.2–3. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.27 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/27/). ## Church History 4.15.28 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/28/ - Source: Dindorf 4:159 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Martyrdom (quoted): this fulfilled his vision of the burning pillow. ### Greek text ἔδει γὰρ τὸ τῆς φανερωθείσης αὐτῷ “ἐπὶ τοῦ προσκεφαλαίου ὀπτασίας πληρωθῆναι, ὅτε “ἰδὼν αὐτὸ καιόμενον προσευχόμενος εἶπεν ἐπιστρα- “φεὶς τοῖς μετʼ αὐτοῦ πιστοῖς προφητικῶς ῾δεῖ με “ζῶντα κατακαῆναι.᾿ ### English translation (Claude) For the vision that had appeared to him about the pillow had to be fulfilled, when, seeing it burning while he prayed, he turned and said prophetically to the faithful with him, ‘I must be burned alive.’ ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 12.3 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Mart. Pol. 12.3. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.28 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/28/). ## Church History 4.15.29 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/29/ - Source: Dindorf 4:159 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Martyrdom (quoted): the crowd, especially the Jews, quickly gathered wood for the pyre. ### Greek text ταῦτα οὖν μετὰ τοσούτου “τάχους ἐγένετο, θᾶττον ἢ ἐλέγετο, τῶν ὄχλων πα- “ραχρῆμα συναγόντων ἐκ τῶν ἐργαστηρίων καὶ ἐκ “τῶν βαλανείων ξύλα καὶ φρύγανα, μάλιστα Ἰου- “δαίων προθύμως, ὡς ἔθος αὐτοῖς, εἰς ταῦτα ὑπουρ- “γούντων. ### English translation (Claude) These things, then, happened with such speed, faster than could be told, the crowds at once gathering wood and brushwood from the workshops and the baths, the Jews especially helping eagerly in this, as is their custom. ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 13.1 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Mart. Pol. 13.1. The hostile remark about the Jews is the Smyrnaean letter's own. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.29 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/29/). ## Church History 4.15.30 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/30/ - Source: Dindorf 4:159 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Martyrdom (quoted): Polycarp undressed himself, though the faithful had always vied to serve him. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ ὅτε ἡ πυρὰ ἡτοιμάσθη, ἀποθέ- “μενος ἑαυτῷ πάντα τὰ ἱμάτια καὶ λύσας τὴν ζώνην “ἐπειρᾶτο καὶ ὑπολύειν ἑαυτὸν, μὴ πρότερον τοῦτο “ποιῶν, διὰ τὸ ἀεὶ ἕκαστον τῶν πιστῶν σπουδάζειν “ὅστις τάχιον τοῦ χρωτὸς αὐτοῦ ἐφάψηται· ἐν παντὶ “γὰρ ἀγαθῆς ἕνεκεν πολιτείας καὶ πρὸ τῆς πολιᾶς “ἐκεκόσμητο. ### English translation (Claude) But when the pyre was ready, he took off all his outer garments and loosed his girdle, and tried also to take off his shoes, though he had not done this before, because each of the faithful was always eager to be the first to touch his skin; for he had been adorned in every way because of his good life even before his old age. ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 13.2 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Mart. Pol. 13.2. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.30 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/30/). ## Church History 4.15.31 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/31/ - Source: Dindorf 4:159 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Martyrdom (quoted): Polycarp asked not to be nailed, trusting God to keep him still; they tied him instead. ### Greek text εὐθέως οὖν αὐτῷ περιετίθετο τὰ “πρὸς τὴν πυρὰν ἡρμοσμένα ὄργανα, μελλόντων δὲ “αὐτῶν καὶ προσηλοῦν αὐτὸν εἶπεν ῾ἄφετέ με οὕτως· “ὁ γὰρ διδοὺς ὑπομεῖναι τὸ πῦρ δώσει καὶ χωρὶς τῆς “ὑμετέρας ἐκ τῶν ἥλων ἀσφαλείας ἀσκύλτως ἐπιμεῖ- “ναι τῇ πυρᾷ.᾿ οἱ δὲ οὐ καθήλωσαν, προσέδησαν δὲ “αὐτόν. ### English translation (Claude) At once, then, the instruments prepared for the pyre were placed around him; and when they were about to nail him too, he said, ‘Leave me as I am; for he who grants me to endure the fire will grant me also to remain on the pyre unmoved without the security of your nails.’ So they did not nail him, but tied him. ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 13.3 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Mart. Pol. 13.3. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.31 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/31/). ## Church History 4.15.32 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/32/ - Source: Dindorf 4:159 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Martyrdom (quoted): bound like a ram chosen for sacrifice, Polycarp prayed. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ ὀπίσω τὰς χεῖρας ποιήσας, καὶ “προσδεθεὶς ὥσπερ κριὸς ἐπίσημος ἀναφερόμενος “ἐκ μεγάλου ποιμνίου ὁλοκαύτωμα δεκτὸν θεῷ παν- “τοκράτορι, εἶπεν ### English translation (Claude) And he, putting his hands behind him and being tied, like a noble ram taken from a great flock as an acceptable whole burnt offering to God Almighty, said: ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 14.1 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Mart. Pol. 14.1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.32 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/32/). ## Church History 4.15.33 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/33/ - Source: Dindorf 4:159–160 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Martyrdom (quoted): Polycarp blessed God for counting him worthy to share Christ's cup among the martyrs. ### Greek text ῾ὁ τοῦ ἀγαπητοῦ καὶ εὐλογη- “τοῦ παιδός σου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ πατὴρ, διʼ οὗ τὴν “περὶ σὲ ἐπίγνωσιν εἰλήφαμεν, ὁ θεὸς ἀγγέλων κα “ δυνάμεων καὶ πάσης τῆς κτίσεως παντός τε τοῦ γε νους τῶν δικαίων, οἳ ζῶσιν ἐνώπιόν σου, εὐλογῶ “ὅτι ἠξίωσάς με τῆς ἡμέρας καὶ ὥρας ταύτης, το “λαβεῖν μέρος ἐν ἀριθμῷ τῶν μαρτύρων, ἐν τῷ ποτη ῾ρίῳ τοῦ Χριστοῦ, εἰς ἀνάστασιν ζωῆς αἰωνίου ψυ “ χῆς τε καὶ σώματος, ἐν ἀφθαρσίᾳ πνεύματος ἁγίον “ ### English translation (Claude) ‘Father of your beloved and blessed Child Jesus Christ, through whom we have received knowledge of you, God of angels and powers and of all creation and of the whole race of the righteous who live before you, I bless you that you have thought me worthy of this day and hour, to take a share among the number of the martyrs in the cup of Christ, to the resurrection of eternal life of soul and body in the incorruptibility of the Holy Spirit; ### Scripture references - Matt 20:22: echo, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 14.1–2 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Mart. Pol. 14.1–2. “Cup” echoes Matt 20:22. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.33 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/33/). ## Church History 4.15.34 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/34/ - Source: Dindorf 4:160 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Martyrdom (quoted): he prayed to be received as an acceptable sacrifice. ### Greek text ἐν οἷς προσδεχθείην ἐνώπιόν σου σήμερον “ θυσίᾳ πίονι καὶ προσδεκτῇ, καθὼς “ προφανερώσας καὶ πληρώσας ὁ ἀψευδὴς καὶ ἀληθι “νὸς θεός. ### English translation (Claude) among whom may I be received before you today as a rich and acceptable sacrifice, as you, the God who does not lie and is true, prepared beforehand, revealed beforehand, and have fulfilled. ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 14.2 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Mart. Pol. 14.2. The digital text has lost προετοιμάσας after καθὼς. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.34 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/34/). ## Church History 4.15.35 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/35/ - Source: Dindorf 4:160 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Martyrdom (quoted): Polycarp ended with praise to the Father through Christ in the Holy Spirit. ### Greek text διὰ τοῦτο καὶ περὶ πάντων σὲ αἰνο “σὲ εὐλογῶ, σὲ δοξάζω, διὰ τοῦ αἰωνίου ἀρχιερέο ῾ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τοῦ ἀγαπητοῦ σου παιδὸς, δι “σοι σὺν αὐτῷ ἐν πνεύματι ἁγίῳ δόξα, καὶ νῦν καὶ εἰ “ τοὺς μέλλοντας αἰῶνας, ἀμήν.’ ### English translation (Claude) For this reason and for all things I praise you, I bless you, I glorify you, through the eternal high priest Jesus Christ, your beloved Child, through whom be glory to you with him in the Holy Spirit, both now and for the ages to come. Amen.’ ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 14.3 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Mart. Pol. 14.3. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.35 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/35/). ## Church History 4.15.36 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/36/ - Source: Dindorf 4:160 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Martyrdom (quoted): the fire was lit, and the witnesses saw a marvel. ### Greek text ἀναπέμψαντα δὲ αὐτοῦ τὸ ἀμὴν καὶ πληρώσαντος τὴν προσευχη “οἱ τοῦ πυρὸς ἄνθρωποι ἐξῆψαν τὸ πῦρ, μεγάλης “ ἐκλαμψάσης φλογὸς θαῦμα εἴδομεν οἶς ἰδεῖν ἐδόθη “ οἳ καὶ ἐτηρήθησαν εἰς τὸ ἀναγγεῖλαι τοῖς λοιποῖς γενόμενα. ### English translation (Claude) When he had uttered the Amen and completed the prayer, the men in charge of the fire lit it; and when a great flame blazed out, we to whom it was given to see saw a marvel, we who were also preserved to report what happened to the rest. ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 15.1 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Mart. Pol. 15.1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.36 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/36/). ## Church History 4.15.37 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/37/ - Source: Dindorf 4:160 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Martyrdom (quoted): the fire formed a vault around him; he looked like refined gold, and a fragrance arose. ### Greek text τὸ γὰρ πῦρ καμάρας εἶδος ποιῆσαη “ὥσπερ ὀθόνης πλοίου ὑπὸ πνεύματος πληρουμένης “κύκλῳ περιετείχισε τὸ σῶμα τοῦ μάρτυρος, καὶ ἦη “ εἰς μέσον οὐχ ὡς σὰρξ καιομένη, ἀλλʼ ὡς χρυσο “καὶ ἄργυρος ἐν καμίνῳ πυρούμενος. καὶ γὰρ εὐα “ δίας τοιαύτης ἀντελαβόμεθα, ὡς λιβανωτοῦ πνέοη “τος ἢ ἄλλου τινὸς τῶν τιμίων ἀρωμάτων. ### English translation (Claude) For the fire, making the shape of a vault, like a ship's sail filled by the wind, walled round the body of the martyr; and it was in the midst, not like flesh burning, but like gold and silver refined in a furnace. And we perceived such a fragrance as of breathing frankincense or some other precious spice. ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 15.2 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Mart. Pol. 15.2. The digital text repeats ὥσπερ. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.37 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/37/). ## Church History 4.15.38 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/38/ - Source: Dindorf 4:160 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Martyrdom (quoted): since the fire did not consume him, an executioner stabbed him. ### Greek text πε ῾ρας γοῦν ἰδόντες οἱ ἄνομοι μὴ δυνάμενον τὸ σῶμα ὑπὸ τοῦ πυρὸς δαπανηθῆναι ἐκέλευσαν προσελ- “θόντα αὐτῷ κομφἐκτορα παραβῦσαι τὸ ξίφος. ### English translation (Claude) At last the lawless, seeing that the body could not be consumed by the fire, ordered an executioner to go up and plunge in a dagger. ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 16.1 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Mart. Pol. 16.1. κομφέκτωρ is the Latin confector, a slayer of wounded beasts. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.38 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/38/). ## Church History 4.15.39 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/39/ - Source: Dindorf 4:160–161 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Martyrdom (quoted): his blood quenched the fire; Polycarp, apostolic and prophetic teacher, bishop of Smyrna, was one of the elect. ### Greek text “καὶ τοῦτο ποιήσαντος ἐξῆλθε πλῆθος αἵματος, ὥστε ῾κατασβέσαι τὸ πῦρ, καὶ θαυμάσαι πάντα τὸν ὄχλον, “εἰ τοσαύτη τις διαφορὰ μεταξὺ τῶν τε ἀπίστων καὶ “τῶν ἐκλεκτῶν, ὧν εἷς καὶ οὗτος γέγονεν ὁ θαυμα- “σιώτατος ἐν τοῖς καθʼ ἡμᾶς χρόνοις διδάσκαλος ἀπο- “στολικὸς καὶ προφητικὸς, γενόμενος ἐπίσκοπος τῆς “ἐν Σμύρνῃ καθολικῆς ἐκκλησίας. πᾶν γὰρ ῥῆμα, ὃ “ἀφῆκεν ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐτελειώθη καὶ “τελειωθήσεται. ### English translation (Claude) And when he had done this, so much blood came out that it quenched the fire, and the whole crowd marvelled that there was so great a difference between the unbelievers and the elect; of whom this man too was one, the most wonderful apostolic and prophetic teacher of our times, bishop of the catholic church in Smyrna. For every word which he uttered from his mouth both has been and will be fulfilled. ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 16.1–2 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Mart. Pol. 16.1–2 (Eusebius's text lacks the “dove” of the manuscripts). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.39 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/39/). ## Church History 4.15.40 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/40/ - Source: Dindorf 4:161 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Martyrdom (quoted): the devil tried to keep the Christians from recovering Polycarp's body. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ ἀντίζηλος καὶ βάσκανος καὶ “πονηρὸς, ὁ ἀντικείμενος τῷ γένει τῶν δικαίων, ἰδὼν “τὸ μέγεθος αὐτοῦ τῆς μαρτυρίας καὶ τὴν ἀπʼ ἀρχῆς “ ἀνεπίληπτον αὐτοῦ πολιτείαν, ἐστεφανωμένον τε τὸν ῾τῆς ἀφθαρσίας στέφανον καὶ βραβεῖον ἀναντίρρη- “ ’τον ἀπενηνεγμένον, ἐπετήδευσεν ὡς μηδὲ τὸ σω- “μάτιον αὐτοῦ ὑφʼ ἡμῶν ληφθείη, καίπερ πολλῶν ἐπιθυμούντων τοῦτο ποιῆσαι, καὶ κοινωνῆσαι τῷ ἁγίῳ αὐτοῦ σαρκίῳ. ### English translation (Claude) But the jealous and envious evil one, who opposes the race of the righteous, seeing the greatness of his martyrdom and his blameless life from the beginning, and that he had been crowned with the crown of incorruption and had carried off an undisputed prize, contrived that not even his poor body should be taken by us, though many desired to do this and to have fellowship with his holy flesh. ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 17.1 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Mart. Pol. 17.1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.40 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/40/). ## Church History 4.15.41 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/41/ - Source: Dindorf 4:161 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Martyrdom (quoted): Nicetes, urged by the Jews, asked that the body not be released lest Christians worship Polycarp; but Christians worship Christ alone. ### Greek text ὑπέβαλον γοῦν τινες Νι- “κήτην, τὸν τοῦ Ἡρώδου πατέρα, ἀδελφὸν Ἄλκης, “ ἐντυχεῖν τῷ ἡγεμόνι, ὥστε μὴ δοῦναι αὐτοῦ τὸ σῶμα, μὴ, φησὶν, ἀφέντες τὸν ἐσταυρωμένον, τοῦ- “τον ἄρξωνται σέβειν. καὶ ταῦτα εἶπον ὑποβαλόντων καὶ ἐνισχυσάντων τῶν Ἰουδαίων, οἳ καὶ ἐτήρησαν μελλόντων ἡμῶν ἐκ τοῦ πυρὸς αὐτὸν λαμβάνειν, ἀγνοοῦντες ὅτι οὔτε τὸν Χριστόν ποτε καταλιπεῖν “ δυνησόμεθα, τὸν ὑπὲρ τῆς τοῦ παντὸς κόσμου τῶν σωζομένων σωτηρίας παθόντα, οὔτε ἕτερόν τινα σέβειν. ### English translation (Claude) Some, then, prompted Nicetes, the father of Herod and brother of Alce, to petition the governor not to give up his body, ‘lest,’ he said, ‘they abandon the crucified one and begin to worship this man.’ And they said this at the prompting and urging of the Jews, who also watched when we were about to take him from the fire, not knowing that we shall never be able either to forsake Christ, who suffered for the salvation of the whole world of those who are saved, or to worship any other. ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 17.2 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Mart. Pol. 17.2. The hostility to the Jews is the Smyrnaean letter's own. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.41 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/41/). ## Church History 4.15.42 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/42/ - Source: Dindorf 4:161 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Martyrdom (quoted): Christians worship Christ the Son of God, but love the martyrs as his disciples and imitators. ### Greek text τοῦτον μὲν γὰρ ὄντα υἱὸν τοῦ θεοῦ προσ- κυνοῦμεν, τοὺς δὲ μάρτυρας ὡς μαθητὰς καὶ μιμητὰς τοῦ κυρίου ἀγαπῶμεν ἀξίως, ἕνεκα εὐνοίας ἀνυπερβλήτου τῆς εἰς τὸν ἴδιον βασιλέα καὶ διδάσκαλον· ὡν γένοιτο καὶ ἡμᾶς συγκοινωνούς τε καὶ “ συμμαθητὰς γενέσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) For him, being the Son of God, we worship; but the martyrs, as disciples and imitators of the Lord, we love as they deserve for their unsurpassable devotion to their own King and Teacher. May it be granted us too to become their companions and fellow disciples. ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 17.3 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Mart. Pol. 17.3. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.42 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/42/). ## Church History 4.15.43 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/43/ - Source: Dindorf 4:161–162 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Martyrdom (quoted): the centurion burned the body; the Christians gathered the precious bones and laid them to rest. ### Greek text ἰδὼν οὖν ὁ ἑκατοντάρχης τὴν τῶν Ἰουδαίων γενομένην φιλονεικίαν, θεὶς αὐτὸν ἐν μέσῳ, ὡς ἔθος αὐτοῖς, ἔκαυσεν. οὕτως τε “ἡμεῖς ὕστερον ἀνελόμενοι τὰ τιμιώτερα λίθων πο- “λυτελῶν καὶ δοκιμώτερα ὑπὲρ χρυσίον ὀστᾶ αὐτου “ ἀπεθέμεθα ὅπου καὶ ἀκόλουθον ἦν. ### English translation (Claude) So the centurion, seeing the contentiousness of the Jews, set the body in the midst, as is their custom, and burned it. And so we afterwards took up his bones, more precious than costly stones and more valuable than gold, and laid them where it was fitting. ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 18.1–2 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Mart. Pol. 18.1–2. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.43 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/43/). ## Church History 4.15.44 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/44/ - Source: Dindorf 4:162 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Martyrdom (quoted): the church will gather there yearly to celebrate the “birthday” of his martyrdom. ### Greek text ἔνθα ὡς “ δυνατὸν ἡμῖν συναγομένοις ἐν ἀγαλλιάσει καὶ χαρδ “παρέξει ὁ κύριος ἐπιτελεῖν τὴν τοῦ μαρτυρίου αὐτου “ἡμέραν γενέθλιον, εἴς τε τὴν τῶν προηθληκότων “ μνήμην καὶ τῶν μελλόντων ἄσκησίν τε καὶ ἑτοιμα- “σίαν. ### English translation (Claude) There, as we are able, gathering in exultation and joy, the Lord will grant us to celebrate the birthday of his martyrdom, both in memory of those who have already contended and for the training and preparation of those to come. ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 18.3 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Mart. Pol. 18.3, the earliest witness to an annual commemoration of a martyr. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.44 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/44/). ## Church History 4.15.45 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/45/ - Source: Dindorf 4:162 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Martyrdom (quoted): Polycarp was the twelfth martyr at Smyrna, yet above all remembered everywhere. ### Greek text τοιαῦτα τὰ κατὰ τὸν μακάριον Πολύκαρ- “πον, σὺν τοῖς ἀπὸ Φιλαδελφείας δωδέκατον ἐν “Σμύρνῃ μαρτυρήσαντα, ὃς μόνος ὑπὸ πάντων μᾶλ- “λον μνημονεύεται, ὡς καὶ ὑπὸ τῶν ἐθνῶν ἐν παντὶ “τόπῳ λαλεῖσθαι.” ### English translation (Claude) Such are the things concerning the blessed Polycarp, who, with those from Philadelphia, was the twelfth to be martyred in Smyrna, and who alone is remembered by all more than the others, so that he is spoken of everywhere even by the Gentiles.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. 19.1 (Martyrdom of Polycarp): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Mart. Pol. 19.1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.45 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/45/). ## Church History 4.15.46 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/46/ - Source: Dindorf 4:162 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The same letter also recorded other Smyrnaean martyrs, including the Marcionite presbyter Metrodorus, burned alive. ### Greek text τὰ μὲν δὴ κατὰ τὸν θαυμάσιον καὶ ἀποστολικὸν Πολύκαρπον τοιούτου κατηξίωτο τέλους, τῶν κατὰ τὴν Σμυρναίων ἐκκλησίαν ἀδελφῶν τὴν ἱστορίαν ἐν ᾗ δεδηλώκαμεν αὐτῶν ἐπιστολῇ κατατεθειμένων. ἐν τῇ αὐτῆ̣ δὲ περὶ αὐτοῦ γραφῇ καὶ ἄλλα μαρτύρια συνῆπτο κατὰ τὴν αὐτὴν Σμύρναν πεπραγμένα ὑπὸ τὴν αὐτὴν περίοδον του χρόνου τῆς τοῦ Πολυκάρπου μαρτυρίας, μεθʼ ὧν καὶ Μητρόδωρος τῆς κατὰ Μαρκίωνα πλάνης πρεσβύτερος δὴ εἶναι δοκῶν πυρὶ παραδοθεὶς ἀνῄρηται. ### English translation (Claude) Such was the end thought worthy of the wonderful and apostolic Polycarp, the brothers of the church of the Smyrnaeans having recorded the story in their letter which we have quoted. In the same writing about him other martyrdoms were attached that took place in the same Smyrna in the same period of time as the martyrdom of Polycarp; among them Metrodorus, who seemed to be a presbyter of the Marcionite error, was given to the fire and put to death. ### Extrabiblical texts - Mart. Pol. (Martyrdom of Polycarp): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The digital text has unread letters in ἐκκλησία(ς) and αὐτο(ῦ). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.46 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/46/). ## Church History 4.15.47 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/47/ - Source: Dindorf 4:162–163 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The martyrdom of Pionius, with his confessions and endurance, is recorded in Eusebius's collection of early martyrdoms. ### Greek text τῶν γε μὴν τότε περιβόητος μάρτυς εἷς τις ἐγνωρίζετο Πιόνιος, οὗ τὰς κατὰ μέρος ὁμολογίας, τήν τε τοῦ λόγου παρρησίαν, καὶ τὰς ὑπὲρ τῆς πίστεως ἐπὶ τοῦ δήμου καὶ τῶν ἀρχόντων ἀπολογίας, διδασκαλικάς τε δημηγορίας, καὶ ἔτι τὰς πρὸς τοὺς ὑποπεπτωκότας τῷ κατὰ τὸν διωγμὸν πειρασμῷ δεξιώσεις, παραμυθίας τε ἃς ἐπὶ τῆς εἱρκτῆς τοῖς παρʼ αὐτὸν εἰσαφικνουμένοις ἀδελφοῖς παρετίθετο, ἅς τε ἐπὶ τούτοις ὑπέμεινε βασάνους τε καὶ τὰς ἐπὶ ταύταις ἀλγηδόνας καθηλώσεις τε, καὶ τὴν ἐπὶ τῆς πυρᾶς καρτερίαν, τήν τε ἐφʼ ἅπασι τοῖς παραδόξοις αὐτοῦ τελευτὴν πληρέστατα τῆς περὶ αὐτοῦ γραφῆς περιεχούσης, τοὺς οἷς φίλον ἐπὶ ταύτην ἀναπέμψομεν, τοῖς τῶν ἀρχαίων συναχθεῖσιν ἡμῖν μαρτυρίοις ἐντεταγμένην. ### English translation (Claude) Of the famous martyrs of that time one was known named Pionius. His several confessions, the boldness of his speech, his defences of the faith before the people and the rulers, his instructive addresses, and further his kindness to those who had fallen in the trial of the persecution, the encouragements he gave in prison to the brothers who came to him, the tortures he endured besides, and the pains that followed them, the nailing, his endurance on the pyre, and his death after all these marvels, are most fully contained in the writing about him; to it we shall refer those who wish, as it is included in the martyrdoms of the ancients collected by us. ### Translation notes - Pionius was martyred under Decius (250); Eusebius misdates him here. Eusebius's Collection of Ancient Martyrdoms is lost. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.47 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/47/). ## Church History 4.15.48 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/48/ - Source: Dindorf 4:163 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Records survive of the martyrs Carpus, Papylus, and Agathonice at Pergamum. ### Greek text ἑξῆς δὲ καὶ ἄλλων ἐν Περγάμῳ πόλει τῆς Ἀσίας ὑπομνήματα μεμαρτυρηκότων φέρεται, Κάρπου καὶ Παπύλου καὶ γυναικὸς Ἀγαθονίκης, μετὰ πλείστας καὶ διαπρεπεῖς ὁμολογίας ἐπιδόξως τετελειωμένων. ### English translation (Claude) Next, records are extant of others who were martyred in Pergamum, a city of Asia: Carpus, Papylus, and a woman Agathonice, who were gloriously perfected after very many distinguished confessions. ### Translation notes - The Martyrdom of Carpus, Papylus, and Agathonice survives separately. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.15.48 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/15/48/). ## Church History 4.16.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/16/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:163 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin, after presenting his second apology, was martyred through the plotting of the Cynic Crescens, whom he had often refuted. ### Greek text Κατὰ τούτους δὲ καὶ ὁ μικρῷ πρόσθεν ἡμῖν δηλωθεὶς Ἰουστῖνος, δεύτερον ὑπὲρ τῶν καθʼ ἡμᾶς δογμάτων βιβλίον ἀναδοὺς τοῖς δεδηλωμένοις ἄρχουσι, θείῳ κατακοσμεῖται μαρτυρίῳ, φιλοσόφου Κρίσκεντος (τὸς φερώνυμον δὲ οὑτος τῇ Κυνικῇ προσηγορίᾳ βίον τε καὶ τρόπον ἐζήλου) τὴν ἐπιβουλὴν αὐτῷ καταρτύσαντος, ἐπείπερ πλεονάκις ἐν διαλόγοις ἐπʼ ἀκροατῶν εὐθύνας αὐτὸν τὰ νικητήρια τελευτῶν ὑπὲρ ἡς ἐπρέσβευεν ἀληθείας διὰ τοῦ μαρτυρίου τοῦ κατʼ αὐτὸν ἀνεδήσατο. ### English translation (Claude) At this time Justin too, whom we mentioned a little earlier, having presented a second book on behalf of our doctrines to the rulers mentioned, was adorned with divine martyrdom, when the philosopher Crescens (who emulated the life and manners of the Cynics, as his name suggested) laid a plot against him; since Justin had often refuted him in debates before hearers, he at last bound on the victor's crown, by his own martyrdom, for the truth he championed. ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 2 Apol. (Second Apology): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Eusebius's “as his name suggested” rests on the Cynics' name (κύων, “dog”); the pun is obscure. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.16.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/16/1/). ## Church History 4.16.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/16/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:163 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin foretold this in his apology. ### Greek text τοῦτο δὲ καὶ αὐτὸς ὁ ταῖς ἀληθείαις φιλοσοφώτατος ἐν τῇ δεδηλωμένῃ ἀπολογίᾳ σαφῶς οὕτως, ὥσπερ οὖν καὶ ἔμελλεν ὅσον οὔπω περὶ αὐτὸν συμβήσεσθαι, προλαβὼν ἀποσημαίνει τούτοις αὐτοῖς τοῖς ῥήμασι ### English translation (Claude) This the truly most philosophical man himself clearly indicates beforehand in the apology mentioned, as though it were about to happen to him very soon, in these very words: ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.16.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/16/2/). ## Church History 4.16.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/16/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:163 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin (quoted) expects to be plotted against by Crescens, no philosopher but a slanderer courting popularity. ### Greek text ‘κἀγὼ οὖν προσδοκῶ ὑπό τινος τῶν ὠνομασμένων ἐπιβουλευθῆναι, κἂν ξύλῳ ἐντιναγῆναι, ἢ κἂν ὑπὸ “Κρίσκεντος τοῦ ἀφιλοσόφου ἢ καὶ φιλοκόμπου. οὐ γὰρ φιλόσοφον εἰπεῖν ἄξιον τ ν ἄνδρα, ὅς γε περὶ ὧν μὴ ἐπίσταται δημοσίᾳ καταμαρτυρεῖ, ὡς ἀθέων καὶ ἀσεβῶν Χριστιανῶν ὄντων, πρὸς χάριν καὶ ἡδονὴν τῶν πολλῶν πεπλανημένως τοῦτο πράττων. ### English translation (Claude) “I too, then, expect to be plotted against by one of those named, and to be fastened to the stocks, or even by Crescens, that lover not of wisdom but of noise. For the man is not worthy to be called a philosopher, since he publicly testifies against things he does not understand, saying that the Christians are atheists and impious, doing this mistakenly to court the favour and pleasure of the many. ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 2 Apol. 8 (Second Apology): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation (4.16.3–6) is Justin, 2 Apol. 3.1–6 in the traditional numbering (chapter 8 in Rauschen's order used on this site). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.16.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/16/3/). ## Church History 4.16.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/16/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:163–164 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin (quoted): whether Crescens is ignorant of Christ's teaching or hides his understanding out of fear, he is wicked. ### Greek text εἴτε γὰρ μὴ ἐντυχὼν τοῖς τοῦ Χριστοῦ διδάγμασι ‘κατατρέχει ημῶν, παμπόνηρός ἐστι καὶ ἰδιωτῶν πολυ χείρων, οἳ φυλάττονται πολλάκις περὶ ὡν οὐκ ἐπι στανται διαλέγεσθαι καὶ ψευδομαρτυρεῖν, καὶ εἰ ἐν τυχὼν μὴ συνῆκε τὸ ἐν αὐτοῖς μεγαλεῖον, ἢ συνεὶς “πρὸς τὸ μὴ ὑποπτευθῆναι τοιοῦτος ταῦτα ποιεῖ, πολυ “μᾶλλον ἀγεννὴς καὶ παμπόνηρος, ἰδιωτικῆς καὶ ἀλο “γου δόξης καὶ φόβου ἐλάττων ὤν ### English translation (Claude) For if he runs us down without having read the teachings of Christ, he is utterly wicked and much worse than the unlearned, who often take care not to talk about or bear false witness about things they do not understand. And if he has read them and did not understand the greatness in them, or understanding them does these things so as not to be suspected of being such, he is much more ignoble and utterly wicked, being inferior to unlearned and irrational opinion and fear. ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 2 Apol. 8 (Second Apology): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Justin, 2 Apol. 3.2–3 (traditional numbering). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.16.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/16/4/). ## Church History 4.16.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/16/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:164 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin (quoted): he questioned Crescens and proved his ignorance, and would repeat it before the emperors. ### Greek text καὶ γὰρ προ θέντα με καὶ ἐρωτήσαντα αὐτὸν ἐρωτήσεις τινὰς “τοιαύτας μαθεῖν καὶ ἐλέγξαι, ὅτι ἀληθῶς μηδὲν ἐπί- “σταται, εἰδέναι ὑμὰς βούλομαι. καὶ ὅτι ἀληθῆ λέγω, “εἰ μὴ ἀνηνέχθησαν ὑμῖν αἱ κοινωνίαι τῶν λόγων, ἕτοιμος καὶ ἐφʼ ὑμῶν κοινωνεῖν τῶν ἐρωτήσεων πάλιν· βασιλικὸν δʼ ἂν καὶ τοῦτο ἔργον εἴη. ### English translation (Claude) For I wish you to know that when I put forward and asked him certain questions of this kind, I learned and proved that he truly knows nothing. And that I speak the truth, if the reports of our discussions have not been conveyed to you, I am ready to share the questions again before you too; and this would be a work worthy of a king. ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 2 Apol. 8 (Second Apology): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Justin, 2 Apol. 3.4–5 (traditional numbering). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.16.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/16/5/). ## Church History 4.16.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/16/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:164 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin (quoted): Crescens is ignorant or cowardly, a lover of glory rather than of wisdom. ### Greek text εἰ δὲ καὶ “ἐγνώσθησαν ὑμῖν αἱ ἐρωτήσεις μου καὶ αἱ ἐκείνου “ἀποκρίσεις, φανερὸν ὑμῖν ἐστιν ὅτι οὐδὲν τῶν ἡμετέρων ἐπίσταται· ἢ εἰ ἐπίσταται, διὰ τοὺς ἀκούον- “οντας δὲ οὐ τολμᾷ λέγειν, ὡς πρότερον ἔφην, οὐ “ φιλόσοφος, ἀλλὰ φιλόδοξος ἀνὴρ δείκνυται, ὅς γε “μηδὲ τὸ Σωκρατικὸν ἀξιέραστον ὂν τιμᾷ.” ταῦτα μὲν οὖν ὁ Ἰουστῖνος. ### English translation (Claude) But if my questions and his answers have become known to you, it is plain to you that he knows nothing of our affairs; or if he knows, but does not dare to speak because of his hearers, he shows himself, as I said before, to be not a philosopher but a lover of glory, since he does not honour even the Socratic saying, which is worthy of love.” So much Justin. ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 2 Apol. 8 (Second Apology): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Justin, 2 Apol. 3.6 (traditional numbering). The digital text repeats -οντας. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.16.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/16/6/). ## Church History 4.16.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/16/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:164 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Tatian (quoted) confirms that Justin was killed through Crescens. ### Greek text ὅτι δὲ κατὰ τὴν αὐτοῦ πρόρρησιν πρὸς τοῦ Κρίσκεντος συσκευασθεὶς ἐτελειώθη, Τατιανὸς ἀνὴρ τὸν πρῶτον αὐτοῦ βίον σοφιστεύσας ἐν τοῖς Ἑλλήνων μαθήμασι, καὶ δόξαν οὐ σμικρὰν ἐν αὐτοῖς ἀπενηνεγμένος, πλεῖστά τε συγγράμμασιν αὐτοῦ καταλιπὼν μνημεῖα, έν τῷ πρὸς Ἕλληνας ἱστορεῖ λέγων ὧδέ πως “ καὶ ὁ θαυμασιώτατος Ἰουστῖνος ὀρ- “θῶς ἐξεφώνησεν ἐοικέναι τοὺς προειρημένους λῃσταῖς.” ### English translation (Claude) That he was perfected according to his own prediction through the machinations of Crescens, Tatian relates, a man who in his early life taught as a sophist in the learning of the Greeks and won no small fame in it, and left very many memorials in his writings; in his work Against the Greeks he says thus: “And the most wonderful Justin rightly declared that the aforesaid were like brigands.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Tatian, Or. Graec. 18 (Oration to the Greeks): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Tatian, Or. 18.6 (or 18–19 in other divisions). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.16.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/16/7/). ## Church History 4.16.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/16/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:164–165 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Tatian (quoted): Crescens in Rome was notorious for pederasty and greed. ### Greek text εἶτʼ ἐπειπών τινα περὶ τῶν φιλοσόφων ἐπιλέγει ταῦτα “Κρίσκης γοῦν, ὁ ἐννεοττεύσας τῇ “μεγάλῃ πόλει, παιδεραστίᾳ μὲν πάντας ὑπερήνεγκε, ‘φιλαργυρίᾳ δὲ πάνυ προσεχὴς ἦν. ### English translation (Claude) Then, after saying some things about the philosophers, he adds this: “Crescens, at any rate, who made his nest in the great city, surpassed all in pederasty and was wholly given to love of money. ### Extrabiblical texts - Tatian, Or. Graec. 19 (Oration to the Greeks): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Tatian, Or. 19.1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.16.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/16/8/). ## Church History 4.16.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/16/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:165 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Tatian (quoted): Crescens, who preached contempt of death, feared it and plotted Justin's death for exposing the philosophers. ### Greek text θανάτου δὲ “ὁ καταφρονεῖν συμβουλεύων οὕτως αὐτὸς ἐδεδίει “τὸν θάνατον ὡς καὶ Ἰουστῖνον καθάπερ μεγάλῳ “ κακῷ τῷ θανάτῳ περιβαλεῖν πραγματεύσασθαι, διότι κηρύττων τὴν ἀλήθειαν λίχνους τοὺς φιλοσόφους “ καὶ ἀπατεῶνας ἐξήλεγχεν.’’ καὶ τὸ μὲν κατὰ ’Ιουστῖνον μαρτύριον τοιαύτην εἴληχε τὴν αἰτίαν. ### English translation (Claude) And he who advised others to despise death was himself so afraid of death that he contrived to inflict death on Justin as a great evil, because Justin, by proclaiming the truth, convicted the philosophers of being gluttons and impostors.” Such was the cause of Justin's martyrdom. ### Extrabiblical texts - Tatian, Or. Graec. 19 (Oration to the Greeks): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Tatian, Or. 19.2. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.16.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/16/9/). ## Church History 4.17.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/17/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:165 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin records earlier martyrs in his apology. ### Greek text Ὁ δʼ αὐτὸς ἀνὴρ πρὸ τοῦ κατʼ αὐτὸν ἀγῶνος ἑτέρων πρὸ αὐτοῦ μαρτυρησάντων ἐν τῇ προτέρᾳ αὐτοῦ μνημονεύει ἀπολογίᾳ, χρησίμως τῇ ὑποθέσει καὶ ταῦτα ἱστορῶν. ### English translation (Claude) The same man, before his own contest, mentions in his former apology others who were martyred before him, recording this too usefully for our subject. ### Translation notes - Eusebius calls it the “former” apology; the passage is in the Second Apology (chapter 2). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.17.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/17/1/). ## Church History 4.17.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/17/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:165 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin (quoted): a formerly dissolute woman, converted, urged her licentious husband to reform, warning of eternal punishment. ### Greek text γράφει δὲ ὧδε “ γυνή τις συνεβίου ἀνδρὶ ἀκολασταίνοντι, ἀκολασταίνουσα καὶ αὐτὴ πρότερον. ἐπειδὴ δὲ τὰ “τοῦ Χριστοῦ διδάγματα ἔγνω, ἐσωφρονίσθη, καὶ τὸν ἄνδρα ὁμοίως σωφρονεῖν πείθειν ἐπειρᾶτο, τὰ δι- “δάγματα ἀναφέρουσα, τήν τε μέλλουσαν τοῖς οὐ σω- “φρόνως καὶ μετὰ λόγου ὀρθοῦ βιοῦσιν ἔσεσθαι ἐν “αἰωνίῳ πυρὶ κόλασιν ἀπαγγέλλουσα. ### English translation (Claude) He writes thus: “A certain woman lived with a husband who was licentious, she herself having formerly been licentious too. But when she came to know the teachings of Christ, she became self-controlled and tried to persuade her husband likewise to be self-controlled, relating the teachings and declaring the punishment in eternal fire that will come to those who do not live with self-control and right reason. ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 2 Apol. 2 (Second Apology): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation (4.17.2–13) is Justin, 2 Apol. 2.1–20. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.17.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/17/2/). ## Church History 4.17.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/17/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:165 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin (quoted): because her husband persisted in unnatural vice, she wished to separate from him. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ ταῖς “ αὐταῖς ἀσελγείαις ἐπιμένων ἀλλοτρίαν διὰ τῶν πράξεων ἐποιεῖτο τὴν γαμετήν. ἀσεβὲς γὰρ ἡγουμένη “ τὸ λοιπὸν ἡ γυνὴ συγκατακλίνεσθαι ἀνδρὶ παρὰ “ τὸν τῆς φύσεως νόμον καὶ παρὰ τὸ δίκαιον πόρους “ ἡδονῆς ἐκ παντὸς πειρωμένῳ ποιεῖσθαι τῆς συζυ- “γίας χωρισθῆναι ἐβουλήθη. ### English translation (Claude) But he, persisting in the same excesses, made his wife estranged by his deeds. For the woman, thinking it impious thereafter to lie with a husband who sought by every means to procure pleasure contrary to the law of nature and to what is right, wished to be separated from the marriage. ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 2 Apol. 2 (Second Apology): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Justin, 2 Apol. 2.3–4. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.17.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/17/3/). ## Church History 4.17.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/17/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:165 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin (quoted): urged by her family, she stayed, hoping he would change. ### Greek text καὶ ἐπεὶ ἐξεδυσω- “πεῖτο ὑπὸ τῶν αὐτῆς, ἔτι προσμένειν συμβουλευόν- “των, ὡς εἰς ἐλπίδα μεταβολῆς ἥξοντός ποτε τοῦ “ ἀνδρὸς, βιαζομένη ἑαυτὴν ἐπέμενεν. ### English translation (Claude) And when she was put to shame by her own people, who advised her still to remain, since her husband might at some time come to the hope of change, she forced herself and remained. ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 2 Apol. 2 (Second Apology): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Justin, 2 Apol. 2.5. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.17.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/17/4/). ## Church History 4.17.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/17/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:165–166 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin (quoted): when her husband behaved even worse in Alexandria, she served him a bill of divorce (repudium) so as not to share his sins. ### Greek text ἐπειδὴ δὲ “ ὁ ταύτης ἀνὴρ εἰς τὴν Ἀλεξάνδρειαν πορευθεὶς χα- “λεπώτερα πράττειν ἀπηγγέλθη, ὅπως μὴ κοινωνὸς “ τῶν ἀδικημάτων καὶ ἀσεβημάτων γένηται, μένουσα “ἐν τῇ συζυγίᾳ, καὶ ὁμοδίαιτος καὶ ὁμόκοιτος γινο- “μένη, τὸ λεγόμενον παρʼ ἡμῖν ῥεπούδιον δοῦσα “ ἐχωρίσθη. ### English translation (Claude) But when her husband went to Alexandria and was reported to be behaving worse, so that she might not become a partner in his wrongs and impieties by remaining in the marriage and sharing his table and bed, she gave him what is called among us a repudium and was separated. ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 2 Apol. 2 (Second Apology): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Justin, 2 Apol. 2.6. Ῥεπούδιον transliterates the Latin repudium, the Roman formal notice of divorce. Eusebius's text reads “among us” (παρʼ ἡμῖν); the manuscript of Justin has “among you” (παρʼ ὑμῖν). Justin presents the separation approvingly as a refusal to share in the husband's sins; he says nothing about remarriage. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.17.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/17/5/). ## Church History 4.17.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/17/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:166 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin (quoted): the husband, instead of rejoicing at her reform, denounced her as a Christian. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ καλὸς κἀγαθὸς ταύτης ἀνὴρ, δέον “αὐτὸν χαίρειν, ὅτι ἃ πάλαι μετὰ τῶν ὑπηρετῶν καὶ “τῶν μισθοφόρων εὐχερῶς ἔπραττε, μέθαις χαίρουσα ’῾καὶ κακίᾳ πάσῃ, τούτων μὲν τῶν πράξεων πέπαυτο, “καὶ αὐτὸν τὰ αὐτὰ παύσασθαι πράττοντα ἐβούλετο, μὴ βουλομένου ἀπαλλαγείσης κατηγορίαν πεποίηται, “λέγων αὐτὴν Χριστιανὴν εἶναι. ### English translation (Claude) But her fine and noble husband, when he ought to have rejoiced that she had ceased from what she used to do readily with the servants and hirelings, delighting in drunkenness and every vice, and wished him too to cease doing the same, since she had left him against his will, brought an accusation, saying that she was a Christian. ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 2 Apol. 2 (Second Apology): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Justin, 2 Apol. 2.7–8. The digital text repeats λέγων. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.17.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/17/6/). ## Church History 4.17.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/17/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:166 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin (quoted): she petitioned the emperor for time to settle her affairs before answering, and it was granted. ### Greek text καὶ ἡ μὲν βιβλί- “διόν σοι τῷ αὐτοκράτορι ἀναδέδωκε, πρότερον συγ- “ χωρηθῆναι αὐτῇ διοικήσασθαι τὰ ἑαυτῆς ἀξιοῦσα, ῾ ἔπειτα ἀπολογήσασθαι περὶ τοῦ κατηγορήματος μετὰ ‘τὴν τᾶν πραγμάτων αὐτῆς διοίκησιν. καὶ συνεχώ- “ρησας τοῦτο. ### English translation (Claude) And she presented a petition to you, the emperor, asking that she be allowed first to set her affairs in order, and then to make her defence concerning the charge after the settlement of her affairs; and you granted this. ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 2 Apol. 2 (Second Apology): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Justin, 2 Apol. 2.8. The digital text repeats -διόν. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.17.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/17/7/). ## Church History 4.17.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/17/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:166 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin (quoted): the husband then turned on Ptolemaeus, her Christian teacher. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ ταύτης ποτὲ ἀνὴρ, πρὸς ἐκεί- “νην μὲν μὴ δυνάμενος τὰ νῦν ἔτι λέγειν, πρὸς Πτολεμαῖόν τινα, ὃν Οὐρβίκιος ἐκολάσατο, διδάσκαλον “ ἐκείνης τῶν Χριστιανῶν μαθημάτων γενόμενον, ἐτράπετο διὰ τοῦδε τοῦ τρόπου. ### English translation (Claude) And her former husband, being unable to say anything more against her for the present, turned against a certain Ptolemaeus, whom Urbicius punished, who had been her teacher in the Christian teachings, in the following way. ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 2 Apol. 2 (Second Apology): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Justin, 2 Apol. 2.9. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.17.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/17/8/). ## Church History 4.17.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/17/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:166 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin (quoted): Ptolemaeus confessed he was a Christian and was long imprisoned. ### Greek text ἑκατόνταρχον “εἰς δεσμὰ ἐμβαλόντα τὸν Πτολεμαῖον, φίλον αὐτῷ “ὑπάρχοντα, ἔπεισε λαβέσθαι τοῦ Πτολεμαίου καὶ ἀνερωτῆσαι εἰ, αὐτὸ τοῦτο μόνον, Χριστιανός ἐστι. “καὶ τὸν Πτολεμαῖον φιλαλήθη, ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἀπατηλὸν “ οὐδὲ ψευδολόγον τὴν γνώμην ὄντα, ὁμολογήσαντα ἑαυτὸν εἶναι Χριστιανὸν, ἐν δεσμοῖς γενέσθαι ὁ “ ἑκατόνταρχος πεποίηκε, καὶ ἐπὶ πολὺν χρόνον ἐν “ τῷ δεσμωτηρίῳ ἐκολάσατο. ### English translation (Claude) He persuaded a centurion who was a friend of his to throw Ptolemaeus into prison, to seize him, and to ask him only this, whether he was a Christian. And when Ptolemaeus, being a lover of truth and not of a deceitful or lying disposition, confessed himself to be a Christian, the centurion had him put in bonds and punished him for a long time in the prison. ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 2 Apol. 2 (Second Apology): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Justin, 2 Apol. 2.10–11. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.17.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/17/9/). ## Church History 4.17.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/17/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:166 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin (quoted): before Urbicius Ptolemaeus again confessed Christ. ### Greek text τελευταῖον δὲ ὅτε “ ἐπὶ Οὐρβίκιον ἤχθη ὁ ἄνθρωπος, ὁμοίως αὐτὸ τοῦτο ‘μόνον ἐξητάσθη, εἰ εἴη Χριστιανός. καὶ πάλιν τὰ “ καλὰ ἑαυτῷ συνεπιστάμενος διὰ τὴν ἀπὸ τοῦ Χρι- “στοῦ διδαχὴν, τὸ διδασκαλεῖον τῆς θείας ἀρετῆς ὡμολόγησεν. ### English translation (Claude) At last, when the man was brought before Urbicius, likewise this alone was asked, whether he was a Christian. And again, conscious of the good that he had through the teaching of Christ, he confessed the school of divine virtue. ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 2 Apol. 2 (Second Apology): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Justin, 2 Apol. 2.12–13. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.17.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/17/10/). ## Church History 4.17.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/17/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:166–167 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin (quoted): a true Christian has no reason to deny his faith. ### Greek text ὁ γὰρ ἀρνούμενος ὁτιοῦν ἢ κα- “τεγνωκὼς τοῦ πράγματος ἔξαρνος γίνεται, ἢ ἑαυτὸν “ἀνάξιον ἐπιστάμενος καὶ ἀλλότριον τοῦ πράγματος “ τὴν ὁμολογίαν φεύγει. ὧν οὐδὲν πρόσεστι τῷ ἀληθινῷ Χριστιανῷ. ### English translation (Claude) For he who denies anything either denies it because he condemns the thing, or avoids confession knowing himself unworthy of and alien to it; neither of which belongs to the true Christian. ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 2 Apol. 2 (Second Apology): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Justin, 2 Apol. 2.14. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.17.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/17/11/). ## Church History 4.17.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/17/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:167 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin (quoted): Lucius protested that Ptolemaeus was condemned for no crime but the name of Christian. ### Greek text καὶ τοῦ Οὐρβικίου κελεύσαν- ‘τος αὐτὸν ἀπαχθῆναι, Λούκιός τις, καὶ αὐτὸς ὢν ῾ Χριστιανὸς, ὁρῶν τὴν ἀλόγως οὕτω γενομένην κρίσιν, πρὸς τὸν Οὐρβίκιον ἔφη ‘τίς ἡ αἰτία τοῦ μήτε μοιχὸν, μήτε πόρνον, μήτε ἀνδροφόνον, μήτε λωποδύτην, μήτε ἅρπαγα, μήτε ἁπλῶς ἀδίκημά τι πράξαντα ἐλεγχόμενον, ὀνόματος δὲ Χριστιανοῦ “ πρωσωνυμίαν ὁμολογοῦντα τὸν ἄνθρωπον τοῦτον “ἐκολάσω; οὐ πρέποντα Εὐσεβεῖ αὐτοκράτορι οὐδὲ φιλοσόφῳ Καίσαρος παιδὶ, οὐδὲ ἱερᾷ συγκλήτῳ κρίνεις, ὠ Οὐρβίκιε.᾿ ### English translation (Claude) And when Urbicius ordered him to be led away, a certain Lucius, himself also a Christian, seeing the judgment given so unreasonably, said to Urbicius, ‘What is the reason why you have punished this man, who is convicted neither of adultery, nor of sexual immorality, nor of murder, nor of stealing clothes, nor of robbery, nor in short of any wrongdoing, but who confesses the name of Christian? You do not judge, Urbicius, as befits the emperor Pius, nor the philosopher, the son of Caesar, nor the sacred senate.’ ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 2 Apol. 2 (Second Apology): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Justin, 2 Apol. 2.15–16. μοιχός “adulterer” and πόρνος “sexually immoral man” are kept distinct. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.17.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/17/12/). ## Church History 4.17.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/17/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:167 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin (quoted): Lucius confessed and was condemned too, thanking God; a third followed; Justin then foresees his own fate. ### Greek text καὶ ὃς οὐδὲν ἄλλο ἀποκρινάμενος καὶ πρὸς τὸν Λούκιον ἔφη ῾δοκεῖς μοι καὶ σὺ εἶναι τοιοῦτος.’ καὶ τοῦ Λουκίου φήσαντος ῾μάλισταʼ πάλιν καὶ αὐτὸν ἀπαχθῆναι ἐκέλευσεν. ὁ δὲ χάριν εἰδέναι ὡμολόγει· πονηρῶν γὰρ δεσποτῶν τῶν τοιούτων ἀπηλλάχθαι ἐπεῖπε, καὶ παρὰ ἀγαθὸν πατέρα καὶ βασιλέα τὸν θεὸν πορεύεσθαι. καὶ ἄλλος δὲ τρίτος ἐπελθὼν κολασθῆναι προσετιμήθη. ” τούτοις ὁ Ἰουστῖνος εἰκότως καὶ ἀκολούθως ἃς προεμνημονεύσαμεν αὐτοῦ φωνὰς ἐπάγει λέγων “κἀγὼ οὐν προσδοκῶ ὑπό τινος τῶν ὠνομασμένων ἐπιβουλευθῆναι” καὶ τὰ λοιπά. ### English translation (Claude) And he, answering nothing else, said to Lucius too, ‘You also seem to me to be such a one.’ And when Lucius said, ‘Certainly,’ he ordered him too to be led away. He professed his thanks; for he said he was being released from such wicked masters and going to God, the good Father and King. And a third also came forward and was sentenced to be punished.” To these words Justin fittingly and consistently adds the words of his which we quoted before, saying, “I too, then, expect to be plotted against by one of those named,” and the rest. ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 2 Apol. 2 (Second Apology): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Justin, 2 Apol. 2.17–20 and 3.1 (traditional numbering). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.17.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/17/13/). ## Church History 4.18.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/18/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:167 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius lists Justin's many useful writings. ### Greek text Πλεῖστα δὲ οὑτος καταλέλοιπεν ἡμῖν πεπαιδευμένης διανοίας καὶ περὶ τὰ θεῖα ἐσπουδακυίας ὑπομνήματα, πάσης ὠφελείας ἔμπλεα, ἐφʼ ἃ τοὺς φιλομαθεῖς ἀναπέμψομεν, τὰ εἰς ἡμετέραν γνῶσιν ἐλθόντα χρησίμως παρασημηνάμενοι. ### English translation (Claude) This man has left us very many memoirs of a cultivated mind devoted to divine things, full of every benefit; to them we shall refer the studious, usefully noting those that have come to our knowledge. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.18.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/18/1/). ## Church History 4.18.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/18/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:167–168 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin wrote a first apology to Antoninus Pius and a second to his successor. ### Greek text ὁ μέν τίς ἐστιν αὐτῷ λόγος πρὸς Ἀντωνῖνον τὸν Εὐσεβῆ προσαγορευθέντα καὶ τοὺς τούτου παῖδας τήν τε ῾Ρωμαίων σύγκλητον προσφωνητικὸς ὑπὲρ τῶν καθʼ ἡμᾶς δογμάτων, ὁ δὲ δευτέραν περιέχων ὑπὲρ τῆς ἡμετέρας πίστεως ἀπολογίαν, ἣν πεποίηται πρὸς τὸν τοῦ δεδηλωμένου αὐτοκράτορος διάδοχόν τε καὶ ὁμώνυμον Ἀντωνῖνον Οὐῆρον, οὗ τὰ κατὰ τοὺς χρόνους ἐπὶ τοῦ παρόντος διέξιμεν. ### English translation (Claude) There is one discourse of his addressed to Antoninus, called Pius, and his sons and the Roman senate, on behalf of our doctrines; and another containing a second apology for our faith, which he made to the successor and namesake of the emperor mentioned, Antoninus Verus, whose times we are now describing. ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 1 Apol. (First Apology): allusion, high confidence - Justin, 2 Apol. (Second Apology): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Eusebius's attribution of the Second Apology to Marcus Aurelius is doubtful; it was probably written under Antoninus Pius. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.18.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/18/2/). ## Church History 4.18.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/18/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:168 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin also wrote a discourse Against the Greeks discussing the nature of demons. ### Greek text καὶ ἄλλος ὁ πρὸς Ἕλληνας, ἐν ᾧ μακρὸν περὶ πλείστων παρʼ ἡμῖν τε καὶ τοῖς Ἑλλήνων φιλοσόφοις ζητουμένων κατατείνας λόγον περὶ τῆς τῶν δαιμόνων διαλαμβάνει φύσεως· ἃ οὐδὲν ἂν ἐπείγοι τὰ νῦν παρατίθεσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) And another, the one Against the Greeks, in which, having extended his discussion at length on very many questions investigated both by us and by the philosophers of the Greeks, he treats of the nature of demons; there is no need to quote these things now. ### Translation notes - This work is lost (the extant Oratio ad Graecos under Justin's name is probably not his). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.18.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/18/3/). ## Church History 4.18.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/18/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:168 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin's Refutation and On the Sovereignty of God, proved from Scripture and Greek books, also survive. ### Greek text καὶ αὖθις ἕτερον πρὸς Ἕλληνας εἰς ἡμᾶς ἐλήλυθεν αὐτοῦ σύγγραμμα, ὃ καὶ ἐπέγραψεν ἔλεγχον. καὶ παρὰ τούτους ἄλλο περὶ θεοῦ μοναρχίας, ἣν οὐ μόνον ἐκ τῶν παρʼ ἡμῖν γραφῶν, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἐκ τῶν Ἑλληνικῶν συνίστησι βιβλίων. ### English translation (Claude) And again another work of his against the Greeks has come down to us, which he also entitled Refutation; and besides these another On the Sovereignty of God, which he establishes not only from our Scriptures but also from the books of the Greeks. ### Translation notes - The extant De monarchia ascribed to Justin is of disputed authenticity. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.18.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/18/4/). ## Church History 4.18.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/18/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:168 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin also wrote The Psalmist and a school treatise On the Soul. ### Greek text ἐπὶ τούτοις ἐπιγεγραμμένον ψάλτης, καὶ ἄλλο σχολικὸν περὶ ψυχῆς, ἐν ᾧ διαφόρους πεύσεις προτείνας περὶ τοῦ κατὰ τὴν ὑπόθεσιν προβλήματος, τῶν παρʼ Ἕλλησι φιλοσόφων παρατίθεται τὰς δόξας, αἷς καὶ ἀντιλέξειν ὑπισχνεῖται, τήν τε αὐτὸς αὐτοῦ δόξαν ἐν ἑτέρῳ παραθήσεσθαι συγγράμματι. ### English translation (Claude) In addition, one entitled The Psalmist, and another, a school treatise On the Soul, in which, putting forward various inquiries concerning the problem of the subject, he sets out the opinions of the Greek philosophers, which he promises to refute, and to set out his own opinion in another work. ### Translation notes - Both works are lost. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.18.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/18/5/). ## Church History 4.18.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/18/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:168 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin's Dialogue with Trypho, set at Ephesus, tells of his philosophical search and conversion. ### Greek text καὶ διάλογον δὲ πρὸς Ἰουδαίους συνέταξεν, ὃν ἐπὶ τῆς Ἐφεσίων πόλεως πρὸς Τρύφωνα τῶν τότε Ἑβραίων ἐπισημότατον πεποίηται, ἐν ᾧ τίνα τρόπον ἡ θεία χάρις αὐτὸν ἐπὶ τὸν τῆς πίστεως παρώρμησε λόγον δηλοῖ, ὁποίαν τε πρότερον περὶ τὰ φιλόσοφα μαθήματα σπουδὴν εἰσενήνεκται καὶ ὅσην ἐποιήσατο τῆς ἀληθείας ἐκθυμοτάτην ζήτησιν. ### English translation (Claude) He also composed a dialogue against the Jews, which he held at the city of Ephesus with Trypho, the most distinguished of the Hebrews of that time, in which he shows how divine grace urged him on to the word of faith, and what zeal he had formerly devoted to philosophical studies, and how ardent a search for the truth he had made. ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, Dial. 1–8 (Dialogue with Trypho): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Dial. 1–8. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.18.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/18/6/). ## Church History 4.18.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/18/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:168–169 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin (quoted) accuses the Jewish leaders of sending envoys everywhere to slander Christians. ### Greek text ἱστορεῖ δʼ ἐν ταὐτῷ περὶ Ἰουδαίων, ὡς κατὰ τῆς τοῦ Χριστοῦ διδασκαλίας ἐπιβουλὴν συσκευασαμένων, αὐτὰ ταῦτα πρὸς τὸν Τρύφωνα ἀποτεινόμενος· “οὐ μόνον δὲ οὐ “μετενοήσατε ἐφʼ οἷς ἐπράξατε κακῶς, ἀλλὰ ἄνδρας “ ἐκλεκτοὺς ἐκλεξάμενοι τότε ἀπὸ ῾Ιερουσαλὴμ ἐξεπέμ- ”ψατε εἰς ἅπασαν τὴν γῆν λέγοντες αἵρεσιν ἄθεον “ Χριστιανῶν πεφάνθαι, καταλέγοντές τε ταῦτα, ἅπερ καθʼ ἡμῶν οἱ ἀγνοοῦντες ἡμᾶς πάντες λέγουσιν, “ὥστε οὐ μόνον ἑαυτοῖς ἀδικίας αἴτιοι ὑπάρχετε, ἀλλὰ “καὶ τοῖς ἄλλοις ἅπασιν ἁπλῶς ἀνθρώποις.” ### English translation (Claude) In the same work he relates concerning the Jews that they had devised a plot against the teaching of Christ, directing these very words to Trypho: “Not only did you not repent of the evil deeds you had done, but you then chose picked men and sent them out from Jerusalem into all the land, saying that a godless heresy of Christians had appeared, and reciting the things which all who do not know us say against us; so that you are the cause of injustice not only to yourselves but to all other men without exception.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, Dial. 17.1 (Dialogue with Trypho): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Justin, Dial. 17.1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.18.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/18/7/). ## Church History 4.18.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/18/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:169 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justin says prophetic gifts still flourished, ascribes Revelation to the apostle John, and accuses the Jews of cutting passages from Scripture. ### Greek text δὲ καὶ ὡς ὅτι μέχρι καὶ αὐτοῦ χαρίσματα προφητικὰ διέλαμπεν ἐπὶ τῆς ἐκκλησίας. μέμνηται δὲ καὶ τῆς Ἰωάννου ἀποκαλύψεως, σαφῶς τοῦ ἀποστόλου αὐτὴν εἶναι λέγων. καὶ ῥητῶν δέ τινων προφητικῶν μνημονεύει, διελέγχων τὸν Τρύφωνα, ὡσὰν περικοψάντων αὐτὰ Ἰουδαίων ἀπὸ τῆς γραφῆς. πλεῖστα δὲ καὶ ἕτερα παρὰ πολλοῖς φέρεται ἀδελφοῖς τῶν αὐτοῦ πόνων. ### English translation (Claude) He writes also that even to his own time prophetic gifts shone forth in the church. He also mentions the Apocalypse of John, saying plainly that it is the apostle's. And he mentions certain prophetic passages, arguing against Trypho that the Jews had cut them out of the Scripture. Very many other works of his are extant among many of the brothers. ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, Dial. 81.4 (Dialogue with Trypho): allusion, high confidence - Justin, Dial. 82.1 (Dialogue with Trypho): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - References: Justin, Dial. 82.1; 81.4; 71–73. The digital text has lost γράφει at the start. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.18.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/18/8/). ## Church History 4.18.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/18/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:169 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus (quoted) twice cites Justin: he would not believe even the Lord if he preached another God, and Satan blasphemed God only after Christ's coming. ### Greek text οὑτωσὶ δὲ σπουδῆς εἶναι ἄξιοι καὶ τοῖς παλαιοῖς ἐδόκουν οἱ τἀνδρὸς λόγοι ὡς τὸν Εἰρηναῖον ἀπομνημονεύειν αὐτοῦ φωνὰς, τοῦτο μὲν ἐν τῷ τετάρτῳ πρὸς τὰς αἱρέσεις αὐτὰ δὴ ταῦτα ἐπιλέγοντα “καὶ καλῶς ὁ Ἰουστῖνος ἐν τῷ πρὸς Μαρκίωνα συντάγματί φησιν ὅτι αὐτῷ τῷ κυρίῳ οὐκ ἂν ἐπεί- ‘σθην ἄλλον θεὸν καταγγέλλοντι παρὰ τὸν δημιουργόν, ” τοῦτο δὲ ἐν τῷ πέμπτῳ τῆς αὐτῆς ὑποθέσεως διὰ τούτων “καὶ καλῶς ὁ Ἰουστῖνος ἔφη ὅτι πρὸ μὲν “τῆς τοῦ κυρίου παρουσίας οὐδέποτε ἐτόλμησεν ὁ σα- “τανᾶς βλασφημῆσαι τὸν θεὸν, ἅτε μηδέπω “αὐτοῦ τὴν κατάκρισιν.” ### English translation (Claude) The man's works seemed so worthy of study even to the ancients that Irenaeus recalls his words, on the one hand in the fourth book Against Heresies, adding these very words: “And Justin well says in his treatise against Marcion that he would not have believed the Lord himself if he had proclaimed another God besides the Creator”; and on the other hand in the fifth book of the same work in these words: “And Justin well said that before the Lord's coming Satan never dared to blaspheme God, since he did not yet know his own condemnation.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 4.6.2 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 5.26.2 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotations from Irenaeus, Haer. 4.6.2 and 5.26.2, citing Justin's lost treatise against Marcion. The digital text has lost ἐπιστάμενος (“knowing”). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.18.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/18/9/). ## Church History 4.18.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/18/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:169 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius commends Justin's works to readers. ### Greek text καὶ ταῦτα δὲ ἀναγκαίως εἰρήσθω, εἰς προτροπὴν τοὐ μετὰ σπουδῆς τοὺς φιλομαθεἴς καὶ τοὺς τούτου περιέπειν λόγους. καὶ τὰ μὲν κατὰ τόνδε τοιαῦτα ἠν. ### English translation (Claude) Let this too be said necessarily, to encourage the studious to embrace this man's works too with zeal. Such, then, were his affairs. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.18.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/18/10/). ## Church History 4.19.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/19/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:169–170 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Soter succeeded Anicetus at Rome, and Agrippinus succeeded Celadion at Alexandria. ### Greek text Ἤδη δὲ εἰς ὄγδοον ἐλαυνούσης ἔτος τῆς δηλουμένης ἡγεμονίας τῆς ῾Ρω- μαίων ἐκκλησίας τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν Ἀνίκητον ἕνδεκα τοῖς πᾶσιν ἔτεσι διελθόντα Σωτὴρ διαδέχεται. ἀλλὰ καὶ τῆς Ἀλεξανδρέων παροικίας Κελαδίωνος τέτταρσιν ἐπὶ δέκα ἔτεσι προστάντος τὴν διαδοχὴν Ἀγριππῖνος δια- λαμβάνει. ### English translation (Claude) When the reign in question was already entering its eighth year, Soter succeeded Anicetus in the episcopate of the church of the Romans, the latter having spent eleven years in all. And Agrippinus took up the succession of the community of the Alexandrians, Celadion having presided fourteen years. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.19.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/19/1/). ## Church History 4.20.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/20/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:170 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Theophilus was sixth bishop of Antioch after Heros, Cornelius, and Eros. ### Greek text Τηνικαῦτα καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς Ἀντιοχέων ἐκκλησίας Θεόφιλος ἕκτος ἀπὸ τῶν ἀποστόλων ἐγνωρίζετο, τετάρτου μὲν τῶν ἐκεῖσε μετὰ Ἥρωνα καταστάντος Κορνηλίου, μετὰ δὲ αὐτὸν πέμπτῳ βαθμῷ τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν Ἔρωτος διαδεξαμένου. ### English translation (Claude) At that time too Theophilus was known in the church of Antioch as the sixth from the apostles; Cornelius had been appointed there fourth after Heros, and after him Eros had succeeded to the episcopate in the fifth place. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.20.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/20/1/). ## Church History 4.21.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/21/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:170 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius lists the orthodox writers of this period, from Hegesippus to Irenaeus. ### Greek text Ἤκμαζον δὲ ἐν τούτοις ἐπὶ τῆς ἐκκλησίας Ἡγήσιππός τε, ὃν ἴσμεν ἐκ τῶν προτέρων, καὶ Διονύσιος Κορινθίων ἐπίσκοπος, Πινυτός τε ἄλλος τῶν ἐπὶ Κρήτης ἐπίσκοπος, Φίλιππός τε ἐπὶ τούτοις καὶ Ἀπολινάριος καὶ Μελίτων, Μουσανός τε καὶ Μόδεστος, καὶ ἐπὶ πᾶσιν Εἰρηναῖος, ὧν καὶ εἰς ἡμᾶς τῆς ἀποστολικῆς παραδόσεως ἡ τῆς ὑγιοῦς πίστεως ἔγγραφος κατῆλθεν ὀρθοδοξία. ### English translation (Claude) At this time there flourished in the church Hegesippus, whom we know from what has gone before, Dionysius bishop of the Corinthians, Pinytus, another, bishop of those in Crete, and besides these Philip, Apolinarius, Melito, Musanus, Modestus, and above all Irenaeus; from them the orthodoxy of the sound faith of the apostolic tradition has come down to us in writing. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.21.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/21/1/). ## Church History 4.22.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/22/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:170 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus met many bishops on his way to Rome and found the same teaching among all. ### Greek text Ὁ μὲν οὖν Ἡγήσιππος ἐν πέντε τοῖς εἰς ἡμᾶς ἐλθοῦσιν ὑπομνήμασι τῆς ἰδίας γνώμης πληρεστάτην μνήμην καταλέλοιπεν, ἐν οἷς δηλοῖ ὡς πλείστοις ἐπισκόποις συμμίξειεν, ἀποδημίαν στειλάμενος μέχρι ῾Ρώμης, καὶ ὡς ὅτι τὴν αὐτὴν παρὰ πάντων παρείληφε διδασκαλίαν. ἀκοῦσαί γέ τοι πάρεστι μετά τινα περὶ τῆς Κλήμεντος πρὸς Κορινθίους ἐπιστολῆς αὐτῷ εἰρημένα ἐπιλέγοντος ταῦτα ### English translation (Claude) Hegesippus, then, in the five books of memoirs that have come down to us, has left a very full record of his own opinion, in which he shows that he met very many bishops on a journey he made as far as Rome, and that he received the same teaching from all. One may hear him, after saying some things about the letter of Clement to the Corinthians, adding this: ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus, Memoirs 5 (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): allusion, high confidence - 1 Clem. (1 Clement): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.22.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/22/1/). ## Church History 4.22.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/22/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:170 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus (quoted): the Corinthian church held the right doctrine under Primus, with whom he stayed on his way to Rome. ### Greek text “καὶ ἐπέμενεν ἡ ἐκκλησία ἡ Κορινθίων ἐν τῷ “ὀρθῷ λόγῳ μέχρι Πρίμου ἐπισκοπεύοντος ἐν Κο- “ρίνθῳ· οἷς συνέμιξα πλέων εἰς ῾Ρώμην, καὶ συνδιέ- “τριψα τοῖς Κορινθίοις ἡμέρας ἱκανὰς, ἐν αἷς συνα- “νεπάημεν τῷ ὀρθῷ λόγῳ. ### English translation (Claude) “And the church of the Corinthians continued in the right doctrine until Primus was bishop in Corinth. I conversed with them when I sailed to Rome, and I spent a number of days with the Corinthians, during which we were refreshed together by the right doctrine. ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation (4.22.2–3) is from Hegesippus, Memoirs. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.22.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/22/2/). ## Church History 4.22.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/22/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:170–171 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus (quoted): in Rome he compiled the succession of bishops; in every succession and city the teaching agrees with the law, prophets, and Lord. ### Greek text γενόμενος δὲ ἐν ῾Ρώμῃ “διαδοχὴν ἐποιησάμην μέχρις Ἀνικήτου, οὗ διάκονος “ἦν Ἐλεύθερος. καὶ παρὰ Ἀνικήτου διαδέχεται Σωτὴρ, μεθʼ ὃν Ελεύθερος. ἐν ἑκάστῃ δὲ διαδοχῇ καὶ ἐν ἑκάστῃ πόλει οὕτως ἔχει ὡς ὁ νόμος κηρύσσει καὶ οἱ προφῆται καὶ ὁ κύριος.” ### English translation (Claude) And when I was in Rome I made a succession-list up to Anicetus, whose deacon was Eleutherus. And Soter succeeds Anicetus, and after him Eleutherus. And in every succession and in every city things are as the law proclaims, and the prophets, and the Lord.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Hegesippus. “Made a succession” (διαδοχὴν ἐποιησάμην) may mean “compiled a succession-list” or “stayed there until”; the first is usual. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.22.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/22/3/). ## Church History 4.22.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/22/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:171 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus (quoted): after James's martyrdom Simeon, the Lord's cousin, became bishop; the church was then called a virgin, uncorrupted. ### Greek text ὁ δʼ αὐτὸς καὶ τῶν κατʼ αὐτὸν αἱρέσεων τὰς ἀρχὰς ὑποτίθεται διὰ τούτων “καὶ μετὰ τὸ μαρτυρῆσαι Ἱάκωβον τὸν δίκαιον ῾ ὡς καὶ ὁ κύριος ἐπὶ τῷ αὐτῷ λόγῳ, πάλιν ὁ ἐκ θείου αὐτοῦ Συμεὼν ὁ τοῦ Κλωπᾶ καθίσταται ἐπίσκοπος, ὃν προέθεντο πάντες ὄντα ἀνεψιὸν τοῦ κυρίου δεύ- ’τερον. διὰ τοῦτο ἐκάλουν τὴν ἐκκλησίαν παρθένον· οὔπω γὰρ ἔφθαρτο ἀκοαῖς ματαίαις. ### English translation (Claude) The same writer also sets out the beginnings of the heresies of his time in these words: “And after James the Just had borne witness, as the Lord also had, on the same account, again his uncle's son Simeon, son of Clopas, was appointed bishop, whom all put forward, being a cousin of the Lord, as the second. For this reason they called the church a virgin, for it had not yet been corrupted by vain teachings. ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation (4.22.4–6) is from Hegesippus, Memoirs. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.22.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/22/4/). ## Church History 4.22.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/22/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:171 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus (quoted): Thebuthis, disappointed of the bishopric, began the corruption; from the Jewish sects came Simon and others, and from them the later heresies. ### Greek text ἄρχεται δʼ ὁ Θέβουθις διὰ τὸ μὴ γενέσθαι αὐτὸν ἐπίσκοπον ὑπο- “ φθείρειν, ἀπὸ τῶν ἑπτὰ αἱρέσεων ὢν (καὶ αὐτὸς ἦν ἐν τῷ λαῷ), ἀφʼ ὧν Σίμων, ὅθεν οἱ Σιμωνια- “νοὶ, καὶ Κλεόβιος, ὅθεν Κλεοβιηνοὶ, καὶ Δοσίθεος, “ὅθεν Δοσιθεανοὶ, καὶ Γορθαῖος, ὅθεν Γοραθηνοὶ, καὶ Μασβώθεος, ὅθεν Μασβα΄θεοι· ἀπὸ τούτων “ Μενανδριανισταὶ καὶ μαρκιωνισταὶ καὶ Καρποκρατιανοὶ καὶ Οὐαλεντινιανοὶ καὶ Βασιλειδιανοὶ καὶ ἕκαστος ἰδίως καὶ ἑτέρως ἰδίαν δόξαν παρεισηγάγοσαν. ### English translation (Claude) But Thebuthis, because he was not made bishop, began to corrupt it, he being from the seven sects (he too was among the people), from which came Simon, whence the Simonians; and Cleobius, whence the Cleobians; and Dositheus, whence the Dositheans; and Gorthaeus, whence the Goratheni; and Masbotheus, whence the Masbothei. From these came the Menandrianists, the Marcionists, the Carpocratians, the Valentinians, and the Basilidians, each privately and differently introducing his own opinion. ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Hegesippus. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.22.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/22/5/). ## Church History 4.22.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/22/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:171 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus (quoted): from them came false Christs, prophets, and apostles who divided the church. ### Greek text ἀπὸ τούτων ψευδόχριστοι, ψευδοπροφῆται, ψευδαπόστολοι, οἵτινες ἐμέρισαν τὴν ἕνωσιν τῆς ἐκκλησίας φθοριμαίοις λόγοις κατὰ ῾τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ κατὰ τοῦ Χριστοῦ αὐτοῦ”. ### English translation (Claude) From these came false Christs, false prophets, false apostles, who divided the unity of the church with corrupting words against God and against his Christ.” ### Scripture references - Matt 24:24: echo, high confidence - Ps 2:2: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Hegesippus; compare Matt 24:24 and Ps 2:2. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.22.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/22/6/). ## Church History 4.22.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/22/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:171 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus (quoted) lists seven Jewish sects: Essenes, Galileans, Hemerobaptists, Masbothei, Samaritans, Sadducees, and Pharisees. ### Greek text ἔτι δὲ ὁ αὐτὸς καὶ τὰς πάλαι γεγενημένας παρὰ Ἰουδαίοις αἱρέσεις ἱστορεῖ λέγων “ἦσαν δὲ γνῶμαι διάφοροι ἐν τῇ περιτομῇ ἐν υἱοῖς Ἰσραὴλ τῶν κατὰ τῆς φυλῆς Ἰούδα καὶ τοῦ Χριστοῦ αὗται· Ἐσσαῖοι, Γαλιλαῖοι, Ημεροβαπτισταὶ, Μασβώθειο, Σαμαρεῖται, Σαδδου- “ καίοι, Φαρισαῖοι.” ### English translation (Claude) The same writer also relates the sects that had arisen of old among the Jews, saying: “There were various opinions among the circumcision, among the sons of Israel, against the tribe of Judah and the Christ, these: Essenes, Galileans, Hemerobaptists, Masbothei, Samaritans, Sadducees, Pharisees.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Hegesippus. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.22.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/22/7/). ## Church History 4.22.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/22/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:171–172 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus used the Gospel of the Hebrews and the Syriac and Hebrew, suggesting he was a Jewish Christian. ### Greek text καὶ ἕτερα δὲ πλεῖστα γράφει, ὧν ἐκ μέρους ἤδη πρότερον ἐμνημονεύσαμεν, οἰκείως τοῖς καιροῖς τὰς ἱστορίας παραθέμενοι. ἔκ τε τοῦ καθʼ Ἑβραίους εὐαγγελίου καὶ τοῦ Συριακοῦ καὶ ἰδίως ἐκ τῆς Ἑβραΐδος διαλέκτου τινὰ τίθησιν, ἐμφαίνων ἐξ Ἑβραίων ἑαυτὸν πεπιστευκέναι, καὶ ἄλλα δὲ ὡσὰν ἐξ Ἰουδαϊκῆς ἀγράφου παραδόσεως μνημονεύει. ### English translation (Claude) He writes very many other things too, some of which we have already mentioned, setting the accounts in their proper times. And he sets down some things from the Gospel according to the Hebrews and from the Syriac, and particularly from the Hebrew language, showing that he was a believer from among the Hebrews; and he mentions other things as from unwritten Jewish tradition. ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): allusion, high confidence - Gos. Heb. (Gospel of the Hebrews): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - “The Syriac” may refer to a Syriac (Aramaic) Gospel; the meaning is uncertain. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.22.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/22/8/). ## Church History 4.22.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/22/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:172 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hegesippus and the ancients called Proverbs “All-virtuous Wisdom”; he says some apocrypha were forged by heretics of his day. ### Greek text οὐ μόνος δὲ οὗτος, ἀλλὰ καὶ Εἰρήναιος καὶ ὁ πᾶς τῶν ἀρχαίων χορὸς πανάρετον σοφίαν τὰς Σολομῶνος παροιμίας ἐκάλουν. καὶ περὶ τῶν λεγομένων δὲ ἀποκρύφων διαλαμβάνων ἐπὶ τῶν αὐτοῦ χρόνων πρός τινων αἱρετικῶν ἀναπεπλάσθαι τινὰ τούτων ἱστορεῖ. ἀλλὰ γὰρ ἐφʼ ἕτερον ἤδη μεταβατέον. ### English translation (Claude) Not he alone, but Irenaeus too and the whole company of the ancients called the Proverbs of Solomon All-virtuous Wisdom. And treating of the so-called apocrypha, he relates that some of them were fabricated by certain heretics in his own times. But now we must pass on to another. ### Extrabiblical texts - Hegesippus (Hegesippus, Memoirs (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.22.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/22/9/). ## Church History 4.23.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/23/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:172 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius, bishop of Corinth, wrote useful catholic letters to many churches. ### Greek text Καὶ πρῶτόν γε περὶ Διονυσίου φατέον ὅτι τε τῆς ἐν Κορίνθῳ παροικίας τὸν τῆς ἐπισκοπῆς ἐγκεχείριστο θρόνον, καὶ ὡς τῆς ἐνθέου φιλοπονίας οὐ μόνοις τοῖς ὑπʼ αὐτὸν, ἀλλʼ ἤδη καὶ τοῖς ἐπὶ τῆς ἀλλοδαπῆς ἀφθόνως ἐκοινώνει, χρησιμώτατον ἅπασιν ἑαυτὸν καθιστὰς ἐν αἷς ὑπετυποῦτο καθολικαῖς πρὸς τὰς ἐκκλησίας ἐπιστολαῖς. ### English translation (Claude) And first we must say of Dionysius that he had been entrusted with the throne of the episcopate of the community in Corinth, and that he shared his divine industry generously not only with those under him but also with those in foreign lands, making himself most useful to all in the catholic letters he composed to the churches. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Corinth (Dionysius of Corinth (letters)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.23.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/23/1/). ## Church History 4.23.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/23/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:172 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius wrote to Sparta on orthodoxy and peace, and to Athens, which had nearly fallen away after its bishop Publius was martyred. ### Greek text ὧν ἐστιν ἡ μὲν πρὸς Λακεδαιμονίους, ὀρθοδοξίας κατηχητικὴ, εἰρήνης τε καὶ ἑνώσεως ὑποθετικὴ, ἡ δὲ πρὸς Ἀθηναίους διεγερτικὴ πίστεως καὶ τῆς κατὰ τὸ εὐαγγέλιον πολιτείας, ἧς ὀλιγωρήσαντας ἐλέγχει, ὡσὰν μικροῦ δεῖν ἀποστάντας τοῦ λόγου, ἐξ οὖπερ τὸν προεστῶτα αὐτῶν Πούπλιον μαρτυρῆσαι κατὰ τοὺς τότε συνέβη διωγμούς. ### English translation (Claude) Of these, one is to the Lacedaemonians, instructing them in orthodoxy and urging peace and unity; another to the Athenians, rousing them to faith and to life according to the gospel, which he rebukes them for neglecting, as having almost fallen away from the word since their leader Publius was martyred in the persecutions of that time. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Corinth, Letters to the Lacedaemonians and Athenians (Dionysius of Corinth (letters)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.23.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/23/2/). ## Church History 4.23.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/23/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:172–173 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Quadratus restored the Athenian church after Publius; Dionysius the Areopagite was its first bishop. ### Greek text Κοδράτου δὲ μετὰ τὸν μαρτυρήσαντα Πούπλιον καταστάντος αὐτῶν ἐπισκόπου μέμνηται, ἐπιμαρτυρῶν ὡς διὰ τῆς αὐτοῦ σπουδῆς ἐπισυναχθέντων καὶ τῆς πίστεως ἀναζωπύρησιν εἰληχότων. δηλοῖ δʼ ἐπὶ τούτοις ὡς καὶ Διονύσιος ὁ Ἀρεοπαγίτης ὑπὸ τοῦ ἀποστόλου Παύλουπροτραπεὶς ἐπὶ τὴν πίστιν κατὰ τὰ ἐν ταῖς Πράξεσι δεδηλωμένα πρῶτος τῆς Ἀθήνησι παροικίας τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν ἐγκεχείριστο. ### English translation (Claude) He mentions Quadratus as appointed their bishop after the martyr Publius, testifying that through his zeal they were gathered together again and obtained a rekindling of their faith. He shows besides that Dionysius the Areopagite too, who was converted to the faith by the apostle Paul, according to what is shown in the Acts, was the first to be entrusted with the episcopate of the community at Athens. ### Scripture references - Acts 17:34: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Corinth, Letter to the Athenians (Dionysius of Corinth (letters)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion to Acts 17:34. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.23.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/23/3/). ## Church History 4.23.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/23/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:173 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius's letter to Nicomedia attacks Marcion's heresy. ### Greek text ἄλλη δʼ ἐπιστολή τις αὐτοῦ πρὸς Νικομηδέας φέρεται, ἐν ᾑ τὴν Μαρκίωνος αἵρεσιν πολεμῶν τῷ τῆς ἀληθείας παρίσταται κανόνι. ### English translation (Claude) Another letter of his is extant, to the Nicomedians, in which, combating the heresy of Marcion, he stands by the rule of truth. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Corinth, Letter to the Nicomedians (Dionysius of Corinth (letters)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.23.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/23/4/). ## Church History 4.23.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/23/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:173 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius praised Bishop Philip of Gortyna's church and warned the Cretans against heretics. ### Greek text καὶ τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ δὲ τῇ παροικούσῃ Γόρτυναν ἅμα ταῖς λοιπαῖς κατὰ Κρήτην παροικίαις ἐπιστείλας Φίλιππον ἐπίσκοπον αὐτῶν ἀποδέχεται, ἅτε δὴ ἐπὶ πλείσταις μαρτυρουμένης ἀνδραγαθίαις τῆς ὑπʼ αὐτὸν ἐκκλησίας, τήν τε τῶν αἱρετικῶν διαστροφὴν ὑπομιμνήσκει φυλάττεσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) And writing to the church sojourning in Gortyna, together with the other communities in Crete, he welcomes their bishop Philip, since the church under him was attested for very many brave deeds, and reminds them to guard against the perversion of the heretics. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Corinth, Letter to the Gortynians (Dionysius of Corinth (letters)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.23.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/23/5/). ## Church History 4.23.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/23/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:173 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius wrote to Amastris and Pontus with scriptural exposition, much counsel on marriage and chastity, and a command to receive back all who repent of sin or heresy. ### Greek text καὶ τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ δὲ τῇ παροικούσῃ Ἄμαστριν ἅμα ταῖς κατὰ Πόντον ἐπιστείλας Βακχυλίδου μὲν καὶ Ἐλπίστου ὡσὰν αὐτὸν ἐπὶ τὸ γράψαι προτρεψάντων μέμνηται, γραφῶν τε θείων ἐξηγήσεις παρατέθειται, ἐπίσκοπον αὐτῶν ὀνοματι Πάλμαν ὑποσημαίνων· πολλὰ δὲ περὶ γάμου καὶ ἁγνείας τοῖς αὐτοῖς παραινεῖ, καὶ τοὺς ἐξ οἴας δʼ οὖν ἀποπτώσεως, εἴτε πλημμελείας, εἴτε μὴν αἱρετικῆς πλάνης ἐπιστρέφοντας δεξιοῦσθαι προστάττει. ### English translation (Claude) And writing to the church sojourning in Amastris together with those in Pontus, he mentions Bacchylides and Elpistus as having urged him to write, sets out interpretations of the divine Scriptures, and names their bishop, Palmas. He gives them much advice about marriage and chastity, and commands them to welcome those who return from any falling away whatever, whether of misconduct or of heretical error. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Corinth, Letter to the Amastrians (Dionysius of Corinth (letters)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The letter is lost; its advice on marriage and chastity may have opposed an ascetic rigorism. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.23.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/23/6/). ## Church History 4.23.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/23/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:173 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius urged Pinytus of Cnossus not to impose celibacy on the brothers as a necessity, but to consider the weakness of the many. ### Greek text ταύταις ἄλλη ἐγκατείλεκται πρὸς Κυωσσίους ἐπιστολὴ, ἐν ᾑ Πινυτὸν τῆς παροικίας ἐπίσκοπον παρακαλεῖ μὴ βαρὺ φορτίον ἐπάναγκες τὸ περὶ ἁγνείας τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς ἐπιτιθέναι, τῆς δὲ τῶν πολλῶν καταστοχάξεσθαι ἀσθενείας. ### English translation (Claude) To these is added another letter, to the Cnossians, in which he urges Pinytus, bishop of the community, not to lay on the brothers as a necessity the heavy burden of chastity, but to have regard to the weakness of the many. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Corinth, Letter to the Cnossians (Dionysius of Corinth (letters)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - “Chastity” (ἁγνεία) here probably means sexual continence or celibacy. The digital text has Κυωσσίους for Κνωσσίους. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.23.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/23/7/). ## Church History 4.23.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/23/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:173 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Pinytus replied, asking Dionysius for more solid teaching rather than milk; his letter shows his orthodoxy and learning. ### Greek text πρὸς ἣν ὁ Πινυτὸς ἀντιγράφων θαυμάζει μὲν καὶ ἀποδέχεται τὸν Διονύσιον, ἀντιπαρακαλεῖ δὲ στερροτέρας ἤδη ποτὲ μεταδιδόναι τροφῆς, τελειοτέροις γράμμασιν εἰσαῦθις τὸν ὑπʼ αὐτῷ λαὸν ὑποθρέψαντα, ὡς μὴ διὰ τέλους τοῖς γαλακτώδεσιν ἐνδιατρίβοντες λόγοις τῇ νηπιώδει ἀγωγῇ λάθοιεν καταγηράσαντες. διʼ ἧς ἐπιστολῆς καὶ ἡ τοῦ Πινυτοῦ περὶ τὴν πίστιν ὀρθοδοξία τε καὶ φροντὶς τῆς τῶν ὑπηκόων ὠφελείας, τό τε λόγιον καὶ ἡ περὶ τὰ θεῖα σύνεσις ὡς διʼ ἀκριβεστάτης ἀναδείκνυται εἰκόνος. ### English translation (Claude) Pinytus, writing in reply, admires and welcomes Dionysius, but in turn urges him at some time to impart more solid food, nourishing the people under him afresh with more mature writings, so that they might not, by continuing to the end in milky words, grow old unawares in childish training. In this letter both Pinytus's orthodoxy in the faith and his care for the benefit of those under him, his learning and his understanding of divine things, are shown as in a most exact image. ### Scripture references - 1 Cor 3:2: allusion, high confidence - Heb 5:12–14: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusions to 1 Cor 3:2 and Heb 5:12–14. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.23.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/23/8/). ## Church History 4.23.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/23/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:173–174 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius's letter to Soter of Rome praises a long-standing Roman custom. ### Greek text ἔτι τοῦ Διονυσίου καὶ πρὸς Ῥωμαίους ἐπιστολὴ φέρεται, ἐπισκόπῳ τῷ τότε Σωτῆρι προσφωνοῦσα, ἐξ ἧς οὐδὲν οἷον τὸ καὶ παραθέσθαι λέξεις, διʼ ὧν τὸ μέχρι τοῦ καθʼ ἡμᾶς διωγμοῦ φυλα χθὲν Ῥωμαίων ἔθος ἀποδεχόμενος ταῦτα γράφε ### English translation (Claude) There is extant also a letter of Dionysius to the Romans, addressing Soter, then bishop, from which there is nothing like quoting words in which, approving the custom of the Romans kept until the persecution in our own time, he writes this: ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Corinth, Letter to the Romans (Dionysius of Corinth (letters)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.23.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/23/9/). ## Church History 4.23.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/23/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:174 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius (quoted): Rome has always sent aid to churches and to Christians in the mines, a custom Soter has increased. ### Greek text “ἐξ ἀρχῆς γὰρ ὑμῖν ἔθος ἐστὶ τοῦτο, πάντας μὲν “ ἀδελφοὺς ποικίλως εὐεργετεῖν, ἐκκλησίαις τε πολ λαῖς ταῖς κατὰ πᾶσαν πόλιν ἐφόδια πέμπειν, ὧδ ‘μὲν τὴν τῶν δεομένων πενίαν ἀναψύχοντας, ἐν με ῾τάλλοις δὲ ἀδελφοῖς ὑπάρχουσιν ἐπιχορηγοῦντας δι “ ὧν πέμπετε ἀρχῆθεν ἐφοδίων, πατροπαράδοτον ἔθο “῾Ρωμαίων Ῥωμαῖοι διαφυλάττοντες, ὃ οὐ μόνον δια ῾ τετήρηκεν ὁ μακάριος ὑμῶν ἐπίσκοπος Σωτῆρʼ, ἀλλα “ καὶ ἐπηύξηκεν, ἐπιχορηγῶν μὲν τὴν διαπεμπομένην “ δαψίλειαν τὴν εἰς τοὺς ἁγίους, λόγοις δὲ μακαρίοις “τοὺς ἀνιόντας ἀδελφοὺς ὡς τέκνα πατὴρ φιλόστορ “γος παρακαλῶν.” ### English translation (Claude) “For this has been your custom from the beginning, to do good in various ways to all the brothers, and to send supplies to many churches in every city, here relieving the poverty of those in need, there supplying brothers in the mines through the supplies you have sent from the beginning, Romans keeping the ancestral custom of Romans, which your blessed bishop Soter has not only maintained but increased, both furnishing the abundance sent to the saints and encouraging with blessed words the brothers who come up to Rome, as a loving father his children.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Corinth, Letter to the Romans (Dionysius of Corinth (letters)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Corinth, Letter to the Romans. The digital text has lost ἐν in ἐν μετάλλοις (“in the mines”) as a line-break slip. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.23.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/23/10/). ## Church History 4.23.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/23/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:174 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius (quoted): Corinth reads Soter's letter on the Lord's day, as it always reads Clement's earlier letter. ### Greek text ἐν αὐτῇ δὲ ταύτῃ καὶ τῆς Κλήμεντος πρὸς Κορινθίους μέμνηται ἐπιστολῆς, δηλῶν ἀνέκαθεν ἐξ ἀρχαίου ἔθους ἐπὶ τῆς ἐκκλησίας τὴν ἀνάγνωσιν αὐτῆς ποιεῖσθαι. λέγει γοῦν “ τὴν “ σήμερον οὖν κυριακὴν ἁγίαν ἡμέραν διηγάγομεν, “ἐν ᾗ ἀνέγνωμεν ὑμῶν τὴν ἐπιστολὴν, ἣν ἕξομεν “ἀεί ποτε ἀναγινώσκοντες νουθετετῖσθαι, ὡς καὶ τὴν “προτέραν ἡμῖν διὰ Κλήμεντος γραφεῖσαν.” ### English translation (Claude) In this same letter he also mentions Clement's letter to the Corinthians, showing that it had been the ancient custom from the beginning to read it in the church. He says, at any rate: “Today, then, we have spent the Lord's holy day, on which we read your letter, which we shall always have to read for admonition, as also the former one written to us through Clement.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Corinth, Letter to the Romans (Dionysius of Corinth (letters)): quotation, high confidence - 1 Clem. (1 Clement): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Corinth, Letter to the Romans. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.23.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/23/11/). ## Church History 4.23.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/23/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:174 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius (quoted): heretics have altered his letters, so it is no wonder they tamper with the Lord's Scriptures. ### Greek text ἔτι δὲ ὁ αὐτὸς καὶ περὶ τῶν ἰδίων ἐπιστολῶν ὡς ῥᾳδιουργηθεισῶν ταῦτά φησιν “ἐπιστολὰς γὰρ ἀδελφῶν ἀξιω- ‘σάντων με γράψαι ἔγραψα. καὶ ταύτας οἱ τοῦ δια- ῾ βόλου ἀπόστολοι ζιζανίων γεγέμικαν, ἃ μὲν ἐξαι- ‘ροῦντες, ἃ δὲ προστιθέντες. οἷς τὸ οὐαὶ κεῖται. οὐ θαυμαστὸν ἄρα εἰ καὶ τῶν κυριακῶν ῥᾳδιουργῆσαί ‘τινες ἐπιβέβληνται γραφῶν, ὁπότε καὶ ταῖς οὐ τοι- ῾αύταις ἐπιβεβουλεύκασι.” ### English translation (Claude) The same writer says this too about his own letters, as having been tampered with: “For when brothers asked me to write letters, I wrote them. And these the apostles of the devil have filled with tares, taking away some things and adding others; for whom the woe is reserved. It is no wonder, then, if some have attempted to tamper even with the Scriptures of the Lord, since they have plotted against writings not of such a kind.” ### Scripture references - Matt 13:25: echo, high confidence - Rev 22:18–19: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Corinth, Letter to the Romans (Dionysius of Corinth (letters)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Corinth, Letter to the Romans. The tares echo Matt 13:25; the woe probably echoes Rev 22:18–19. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.23.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/23/12/). ## Church History 4.23.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/23/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:174–175 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius also wrote a letter of spiritual counsel to Chrysophora, a faithful Christian woman. ### Greek text καὶ ἄλλη δέ τις παρὰ ταύτας ἐπιστολὴ τοῦ Διονυσίου φέρεται, Χρυσοφόρᾳ πιστοτάτῃ ἀδελφῇ ἐπιστείλαντος, ᾗ τὰ κατάλληλα γράφων τῆς προσηκούσης καὶ αὐτῇ μετεδίδου λογικῆς τροφῆς. καὶ τὰ μὲν τοῦ Διονυσίου τοσαῦτα. ### English translation (Claude) Besides these another letter of Dionysius is extant, written to Chrysophora, a most faithful sister, to whom he wrote what was suitable and imparted to her too the rational food that was fitting. So much for Dionysius. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Corinth, Letter to Chrysophora (Dionysius of Corinth (letters)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.23.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/23/13/). ## Church History 4.24.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/24/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:175 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Theophilus of Antioch wrote To Autolycus, works against Hermogenes and Marcion, and catechetical books, as pastors everywhere fought the heretics; Maximinus succeeded him. ### Greek text Τοῦ δὲ Θεοφίλου, ὃν τῆς Ἀντιοχέων ἐκκλησίας ἐπίσκοπον δεδηλώκαμεν, τρία τὰ πρὸς Αὐτόλυκον στοιχειώδη φέρεται συγγράμματα, καὶ ἄλλο πρὸς τὴν αἵρεσιν Ἑρμογένους τὴν ἐπιγραφὴν ἔχον, ἐν ᾧ ἐκ τῆς ἀποκαλύψεως Ἰωάννου κέχρηται μαρτυρίαις, καὶ ἕτερα δέ τινα κατηχητικὰ αὐτοῦ βιβλία. τῶν γε μὴν αἱρετικῶν οὐδὲν χεῖρον καὶ τότε, ζιζανίων δίκην, λυμαινομένων τὸν εἰλικρινῆ τῆς ἀποστολικῆς διδασκαλίας σπόρον, οἱ πανταχόσε τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν ποιμένες ὥσπερ τινὰς θῆρας ἀγρίους τῶν Χριστοῦ προβάτων ἀποσοβοῦντες αὐτοὺς ἀνεῖργον, τοτὲ μὲν ταῖς πρὸς τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς νουθεσίαις καὶ παραινέσεσι, τοτὲ δὲ πρὸς αὐτοὺς γυμνότερον ἀποδυόμενοι, ἀγράφοις τε εἰς πρόσωπον ζητήσεσι καὶ ἀνατροπαῖς, ἤδη δὲ καὶ διʼ ἐγγράφων ὑπομνημάτων τὰς δόξας αὐτῶν ἀκριβεστάτοις ἐλέγχοις διευθύνοντες. ὅ γέ τοι Θεόφιλος σὺν τοῖς ἄλλοις κατὰ τούτων στρατευσάμενος δῆλός ἐστιν ἀπό τινος οὐκ ἀγεννῶς αὐτῷ κατὰ Μαρκίωνος πεπονημένου λόγου, ὃς καὶ αὐτὸς μεθʼ ὧν ἄλλων εἰρήκαμεν εἰσέτι νῦν διασέσωσται. τοῦτον μὲν οὖν ἕβδομος ἀπὸ τῶν ἀποστόλων τῆς Ἀντιοχέων ἐκκλησίας διαδέχεται Μαξιμῖνος. ### English translation (Claude) Of Theophilus, whom we have shown to be bishop of the church of the Antiochenes, three elementary works To Autolycus are extant, and another entitled Against the Heresy of Hermogenes, in which he uses testimonies from the Apocalypse of John, and certain other catechetical books of his. And since the heretics then too, no less, like tares, were ravaging the pure seed of apostolic teaching, the shepherds of the churches everywhere, as though driving away wild beasts from Christ's sheep, kept them off, at one time by admonitions and exhortations to the brothers, at another by stripping more openly for the contest against them, in unwritten inquiries and refutations face to face, and also by correcting their opinions with most exact refutations in written memoirs. Theophilus, at any rate, having campaigned against them with the others, is shown to have done so by a not ignoble treatise of his against Marcion, which, with the others we have mentioned, is still preserved even now. He was succeeded, seventh from the apostles, in the church of the Antiochenes by Maximinus. ### Scripture references - Matt 13:25: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Theophilus, Autol. (To Autolycus): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Only To Autolycus survives. The tares echo Matt 13:25. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.24.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/24/1/). ## Church History 4.25.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/25/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:175–176 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Philip of Gortyna, Irenaeus, Modestus, and others wrote against Marcion. ### Greek text Φίλιππός γε μὴν, ὃν ἐκ τῶν Διονυσίου φωνῶν τῆς ἐν Γορτύνῃ παροικίας ἐπίσκοπον ἔγνωμεν, πάνυ γε σπουδαιότατον πεποίηται καὶ αὐτὸς κατὰ Μαρκίωνος λόγον, Εἰρηναῖος δὲ ὡσαύτως καὶ Μόδεστος, ὃς καὶ διαφερόντως παρὰ τοὺς ἄλλους τὴν τοῦ ἀνδρὸς εἰς ἔκδηλον τοῖς πᾶσι κατεφώρασε πλάνην, καὶ ἄλλοι δὲ πλείους, ὧν παρὰ πλείστοις τῶν ἀδελφῶν εἰσέτι νῦν οἱ πόνοι διαφυλάττονται. ### English translation (Claude) Philip, whom we know from the words of Dionysius to be bishop of the community in Gortyna, also composed a most excellent treatise against Marcion, as did Irenaeus likewise, and Modestus, who more than the others exposed the man's error clearly to all; and many others too, whose works are still preserved among very many of the brothers. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.25.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/25/1/). ## Church History 4.26.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/26/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:176 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Melito of Sardis and Apolinarius of Hierapolis each addressed an apology to the emperor. ### Greek text Ἐπὶ τῶνδε καὶ Μελίτων τῆς ἐν Σάρδεσι παροικίας ἐπίσκοπος, Ἀπολινάριός τε τῆς ἐν Ἱεραπόλει διαπρεπῶς ἤκμαζον, οἳ καὶ τῷ δηλωθέντι κατὰ τοὺς χρόνους ῾Ρωμαίων βασιλεῖ λόγους ὑπὲρ τῆς πίστεως ἰδίως ἑκάτερος ἀπολογίας προσεφώνησαν. ### English translation (Claude) In their time Melito, bishop of the community in Sardis, and Apolinarius of Hierapolis flourished with distinction; each of them addressed discourses in defence of the faith separately to the Roman emperor of the time mentioned. ### Extrabiblical texts - Melito of Sardis, Melito Apology (Melito of Sardis (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.26.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/26/1/). ## Church History 4.26.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/26/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:176 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius lists Melito's many works, from On the Passover to his apology to Antoninus. ### Greek text τούτων εἰς ἡμετέραν γνῶσιν ἀφῖκται τὰ ὑποτεταγμένα· Μελίτωνος τὰ περὶ τοῦ πάσχα δύο, καὶ τὰ περὶ πολιτείας καὶ προφητῶν, καὶ ὁ περὶ ἐκκλησίας; καὶ ὁ περὶ κυριακῆς λόγος, ἔτι δὲ ὁ περὶ φύσεως ἀνθρώπου, καὶ ὁ περὶ πλάσεως, καὶ ὁ περὶ ὑπακοῆς πίστεως [καὶ ὁ περὶ] αἰσθητηρίων, καὶ πρὸς τούτοις ὁ περὶ ψυχῆς καὶ σώματος ἢ νοὸς, καὶ ὁ περὶ λουτροῦ, καὶ ὁ περὶ ἀληθείας, καὶ περὶ κτίσεως καὶ γενέσεως Χριστοῦ, καὶ λόγος αὐτοῦ περὶ προφητείας, καὶ ὁ περὶ φιλοξενίας, καὶ ἡ κλεὶς, καὶ τὰ περὶ τοῦ διαβόλου, καὶ τῆς ἀποκαλύψεως Ἰωάννου, καὶ ὁ περὶ ἐνσωμάτου θεοῦ, ἐπὶ πᾶσι καὶ τὸ πρὸς Ἀντωνῖνον βιβλίδιον. ### English translation (Claude) Of these the following have come to our knowledge. Of Melito: the two books On the Passover; On Christian Life and the Prophets; the discourse On the Church; the discourse On the Lord's Day; further On the Nature of Man; On Creation; On the Obedience of Faith of the Senses; besides these On Soul and Body, or Mind; On Baptism; On Truth; On the Creation and Birth of Christ; his discourse On Prophecy; On Hospitality; The Key; the books On the Devil and the Apocalypse of John; On God Incarnate; and last of all the little book To Antoninus. ### Extrabiblical texts - Melito of Sardis, Melito (Melito of Sardis (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Of these, only the homily On the Passover survives substantially (rediscovered in the 20th century). The editor deletes “and the one on” (καὶ ὁ περὶ) before “the senses,” making one title; other editors read two works. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.26.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/26/2/). ## Church History 4.26.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/26/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:176 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Melito (quoted) dates his On the Passover to a dispute at Laodicea under the proconsul Servilius Paulus, when Sagaris was martyred. ### Greek text ἐν μὲν οὖν τοῖς περὶ τοῦ πάσχα τὸν χρόνον, καθʼ ὃν συνέταττεν, ἀρχόμενος σημαίνει ἐν τούτοις “ἐπὶ Σερουιλίου Παύλου ἀνθυ- “πάτου τῆς Ἀσίας, ᾧ Σάγαρις καιρῷ ἐμαρτύρησεν, “ἐγένετο ζήτησις πολλὴ ἐν Λαοδικείᾳ περὶ τοῦ πάσχα, “ἐμπεσόντος κατὰ καιρὸν ἐν ἐκείναις ταῖς ἡμέραις, καὶ “ἐγράφη ταῦτα.” ### English translation (Claude) In the books On the Passover he indicates at the beginning the time at which he composed it, in these words: “When Servilius Paulus was proconsul of Asia, at the time when Sagaris bore witness, there was much dispute in Laodicea about the Passover, which fell according to season in those days, and these things were written.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Melito of Sardis, Melito On the Passover (Melito of Sardis (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Melito, On the Passover (fragment). The dispute concerned the date of Easter (the Quartodeciman question). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.26.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/26/3/). ## Church History 4.26.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/26/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:176 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement of Alexandria wrote his own On the Passover in response to Melito's. ### Greek text τούτου δὲ τοῦ λόγου μέμνηται Κλήμης ὁ Ἀλεξανδρεὺς ἐν ἰδίῳ περὶ τοῦ πάσχα λόγῳ, ὃν ὡς ἐξ αἰτίας τῆς τοῦ Μελίτωνος γραφῆς φησὶν ἑαυτὸν συντάξαι. ### English translation (Claude) This discourse is mentioned by Clement of Alexandria in his own discourse On the Passover, which he says he composed because of Melito's writing. ### Translation notes - Clement's On the Passover is lost except fragments. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.26.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/26/4/). ## Church History 4.26.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/26/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:176–177 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Melito (quoted): new decrees in Asia let informers plunder innocent Christians day and night. ### Greek text ἐν δὲ τῷ πρὸς τὸν αὐτοκράτορα βιβλίῳ τοιαῦτά τινα καθʼ ἡμῶν ἐπʼ αὐτοῦ γεγονέναι ἱστορεῖ “τὸ γὰρ οὐδεπώποτε γενόμενον, νῦν διώκεται τὸ τῶν θεοσεβῶν γένος, καινοῖς ἐλαυνόμενον δόγμασι κατὰ τὴν Ἀσίαν. οἱ γὰρ ἀναιδεῖς συκοφάνται καὶ τῶν ἀλλοτρίων ἐρασταὶ, τὴν ἐκ τῶν διαταγμάτων ἔχοντες ἀφορμὴν, φανερῶς λῃστεύουσι, νύκτωρ καὶ μεθʼ ἡμέραν διαρπάζοντες τοὺς μηδὲν ἀδικοῦντας.” ### English translation (Claude) In the book to the emperor he relates that such things as these happened to us in his time: “For what has never before happened, the race of the godly is now persecuted, driven by new decrees throughout Asia. For shameless informers and lovers of others' property, taking occasion from the ordinances, openly plunder, robbing night and day those who do no wrong.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Melito of Sardis, Melito Apology (Melito of Sardis (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation (4.26.5–11) is from Melito's Apology to Marcus Aurelius. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.26.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/26/5/). ## Church History 4.26.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/26/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:177 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Melito (quoted) asks the emperor to judge the case himself, and not to abandon Christians to plunder under a decree unfit even for enemies. ### Greek text καὶ μεθʼ ἕτερά φησι “καὶ εἰ μὲν σοῦ κελεύσαντος ταῦτα πράττεται, ἔστω καλῶς γινόμενον. δίκαιος γὰρ βασιλεὺς οὐκ ἂν ἀδίκως βουλεύσαιτο πώποτε. καὶ ἡμεῖς ἡδέως φέρομεν τοῦ τοιούτου θανάτου τὸ γέρας. ταύτην δέ σοι μόνην προσφέρομεν δέησιν, ἵνα αὐτὸς πρότερον ἐπιγνοὺς τοὺς τῆς τοιαύτης φιλονεικίας ἐργάτας δικαίως κρίνειας, εἰ ἄξιοι θανάτου καὶ τιμωρίας ἢ σωτηρίας καὶ ἡσυχίας εἰσίν. εἰ δὲ καὶ παρὰ σοῦ μὴ εἴη ἡ βουλὴ αὕτη καὶ τὸ καινὸν τοῦτο διάταγμα, ὃ μηδὲ κατὰ βαρβάρων πρέπει πολεμίων, πολὺ μᾶλλον δεόμεθά σου μὴ περιιδεῖν ἡμᾶς ἐν τοιαύτῃ δημώδει λεηλασίᾳ.” ### English translation (Claude) And after other things he says: “If this is done at your command, let it be well done; for a just king would never plan unjustly, and we gladly bear the honour of such a death. But this one request we make of you, that you yourself first come to know the authors of such contention and judge justly whether they are worthy of death and punishment or of safety and quiet. But if this counsel and this new decree, which is not fitting even against barbarian enemies, is not from you, much more do we ask you not to overlook us in such public plundering.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Melito of Sardis, Melito Apology (Melito of Sardis (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Melito, Apology. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.26.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/26/6/). ## Church History 4.26.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/26/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:177 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Melito (quoted): Christianity, arising with Augustus, has brought blessing to the empire, which the emperor should protect. ### Greek text τούτοις αὖθις ἐπιφέρει λέγων ἡ γὰρ καθʼ ἡμὰς φιλοσοφία πρότερον μὲν ἐν βαρβάροις ἤκμασεν, ἐπανθήσασα δὲ τοῖς σοῖς ἔθνεσι κατὰ τὴν Αὐγούστου τοῦ σοῦ προγόνου μεγάλην ἀρχὴν, ἐγενήθη μάλιστα τῇ σῇ βασιλείᾳ αἴσιον ἀγαθόν. ἔκτοτε γὰρ εἰς μέγα καὶ λαμπρὸν τὸ Ῥωμαίων ηὐξήθη κράτος, οὗ σὺ διάδοχος εὐκταῖος γέγονάς τε καὶ ἔσῃ μετὰ τοῦ παιδὸς, φυλάσσων τῆς βασιλείας τὴν σύντροφον καὶ συναρξαμένην Αὐγούστῳ φιλοσοφίαν, ἣν καὶ οἱ πρόγονοί σου πρὸς ταῖς ἄλλαις θρησκείαις ἐτίμησαν. ### English translation (Claude) To this he adds again: “For our philosophy first flourished among barbarians, but, having blossomed among your nations in the great reign of your ancestor Augustus, it became especially an auspicious good for your empire. For from then the power of the Romans grew great and splendid, to which you have become, and with your son will be, the longed-for successor, if you guard the philosophy which was nurtured with the empire and began with Augustus, which your ancestors also honoured besides the other religions. ### Extrabiblical texts - Melito of Sardis, Melito Apology (Melito of Sardis (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Melito, Apology. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.26.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/26/7/). ## Church History 4.26.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/26/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:177–178 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Melito (quoted): since Augustus the empire has prospered, proving Christianity's good influence. ### Greek text καὶ τοῦτο μέγιστον τεκμήριον τοῦ πρὸς ἀγαθοῦ τὸν καθʼ ἡμᾶς λόγον συνακμάσαι τῇ καλῶς ἀρξαμένῃ βασιλείᾳ, ἐκ τοῦ μηδὲν φαῦλον ἀπὸ τῆς Αὐγούστου ἀρχῆς ἀπαντῆσαι, ἀλλὰ τοὐναντίον ἅπαντα λαμπρὰ καὶ ἔνδοξα κατὰ τὰς “πάντων εὐχάς. ### English translation (Claude) And this is the greatest proof that our doctrine flourished for good together with the empire so happily begun: that nothing bad has befallen since the reign of Augustus, but on the contrary everything splendid and glorious, according to the prayers of all. ### Extrabiblical texts - Melito of Sardis, Melito Apology (Melito of Sardis (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Melito, Apology. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.26.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/26/8/). ## Church History 4.26.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/26/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:178 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Melito (quoted): only Nero and Domitian, misled by the malicious, slandered the faith. ### Greek text μόνοι πάντων ἀναπεισθέντες ὑπο “τινων βασκάνων ἀνθρώπων τὸν καθʼ ἡμὰς ἐν διαβολῇ “καταστῆσαι λόγον ἠθέλησαν Νέρων καὶ Δομετιανὸς, “ἀφʼ ὧν καὶ τὸ τῆς συκοφαντίας ἀλόγῳ συνηθείᾳ “περὶ τοὺς τοιούτους ῥυῆναι συμβέβηκε ψεῦδος. “ ### English translation (Claude) Alone of all, persuaded by certain malicious men, Nero and Domitian wished to bring our doctrine into disrepute, and from them it has come about that the falsehood of calumny about such people has flowed by unreasonable custom. ### Extrabiblical texts - Melito of Sardis, Melito Apology (Melito of Sardis (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Melito, Apology. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.26.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/26/9/). ## Church History 4.26.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/26/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:178 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Melito (quoted): Hadrian and Antoninus wrote to governors and cities forbidding action against Christians. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ τὴν ἐκείνων ἄγνοιαν οἱ σοὶ εὐσεβεῖς πατέρες “ἐπηνωρθώσαντο, πολλάκις πολλοῖς ἐπιπλήξαντες “ἐγγράφως, ὅσοι περὶ τούτων νεωτερίσαι ἐτόλμησαν. “ἐν οἷς ὁ μὲν πάππος σου Ἀδριανὸς πολλοῖς μὲν καὶ “ἄλλοις, καὶ Φουνδανῷ δὲ τῷ ἀνθυπάτῳ, ἡγουμένῳ “δὲ τῆς Ἀσίας, γράφων φαίνεται, ὁ δὲ πατήρ σου, “καὶ σοῦ τὰ σύμπαντα διοικοῦντος αὐτῷ, ταῖς πόλεσι “περὶ τοῦ μηδὲν νεωτερίζειν περὶ ἡμῶν ἔγραψεν, “ἐν οἶς καὶ πρὸς Λαρισαίους καὶ πρὸς Θεσσα. “λονικεῖς καὶ Ἀθηναίους καὶ πρὸς πάντας Ἕλληνας. “ ### English translation (Claude) But your pious fathers corrected their ignorance, often rebuking in writing many who dared to make innovations concerning them. Among them your grandfather Hadrian is seen writing to many others and to Fundanus the proconsul, governor of Asia; and your father, when you too were governing all things with him, wrote to the cities not to make innovations concerning us, among them to the Larissaeans, the Thessalonians, the Athenians, and all the Greeks. ### Extrabiblical texts - Melito of Sardis, Melito Apology (Melito of Sardis (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Melito, Apology. Compare 4.9. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.26.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/26/10/). ## Church History 4.26.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/26/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:178 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Melito (quoted) trusts the philosopher-emperor to grant his request. ### Greek text σὲ δὲ καὶ μᾶλλον περὶ τούτων τὴν αὐτὴν ἐκείνοις “ἔχοντα γνώμην, καὶ πολύ γε φιλανθρωποτέραν καὶ “φιλοσοφωτέραν, πεπείσμεθα πάντα πράσσειν ὅσα “σου δεόμεθα.” ### English translation (Claude) And we are persuaded that you, who hold the same opinion about these things as they, and one much more humane and philosophical, will do all that we ask of you.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Melito of Sardis, Melito Apology (Melito of Sardis (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Melito, Apology. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.26.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/26/11/). ## Church History 4.26.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/26/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:178 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Melito's Extracts begins with a list of the Old Testament books. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ ταῦτα μὲν ἐν τῷ δηλωθέντι “τέθειται λόγῳ. ἐν δὲ ταῖς γραφείσαις αὐτῷ “κλογαῖς ὁ αὐτὸς κατὰ τὸ προοίμιον αὐτὸ ἀρχόμενος “τῶν ὁμολογουμένων τῆς παλαιᾶς διαθήκης γραφῶν “ποιεῖται κατάλογον, ὃν καὶ ἀναγκαῖον ἐνταῦθα καταλέξαι. “ ### English translation (Claude) These things are set down in the discourse mentioned. And in the Extracts written by him, the same writer, at the very beginning of the preface, makes a list of the acknowledged Scriptures of the Old Testament, which it is necessary to set out here. ### Extrabiblical texts - Melito of Sardis, Melito Extracts (Melito of Sardis (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.26.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/26/12/). ## Church History 4.26.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/26/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:178–179 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Melito (quoted) writes to Onesimus, who asked for extracts about the Saviour and for the number and order of the Old Testament books. ### Greek text γράφει δὲ οὕτως“ Μελίτων Ὀνησίμῳ τῷ “ἀδελφῷ χαίρειν ἐπειδὴ πολλάκις ἠξίωσας σπουδῇ “τῇ πρὸς τὸν λόγον χρώμενος γενέσθαι ἐκλογάς σοι “ ἔκ τε τοῦ νόμου καὶ τῶν προφητῶν περὶ τοῦ σωτῆ- “ ρος καὶ πάσης τῆς πίστεως ἡμῶν, ἔτι δὲ καὶ μαθεῖν “ τὴν τῶν παλαιῶν βιβλίων ἐβουλήθης ἀκρίβειαν, “ πόσα τὸν ἀριθμὸν καὶ ὁποῖα τὴν τάξιν εἶεν, ἐσπούδασα “τὸ τοιοῦτο πρᾶξαι, ἐπιστάμενός σου τὸ σπου- “ δαῖον περὶ τὴν πίστιν καὶ φιλομαθὲς περὶ τὸν λόγον, “ὅτι τε μάλιστα πάντων πόθῳ τῷ πρὸς θεὸν ταῦτα προκρίνεις, περὶ τῆς αἰωνίου σωτηρίας ἀγωνιξόμενος. ### English translation (Claude) He writes thus: “Melito to Onesimus his brother, greeting. Since you have often asked, in your zeal for the word, to have extracts made for you from the Law and the Prophets concerning the Saviour and all our faith, and since you wished also to learn the exact facts about the ancient books, how many they are in number and what is their order, I have been eager to do this, knowing your zeal for the faith and your love of learning concerning the word, and that above all, in your longing for God, you prefer these things, striving for eternal salvation. ### Extrabiblical texts - Melito of Sardis, Melito Extracts (Melito of Sardis (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation (4.26.13–14) is from Melito, Extracts, preface. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.26.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/26/13/). ## Church History 4.26.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/26/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:179 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Melito (quoted), after a journey to Palestine, lists the Old Testament books, which match the Hebrew canon but for Esther's absence. ### Greek text ἀνελθὼν οὖν εἰς τὴν ἀνατολὴν, καὶ ἕως τοῦ τόπου γενόμενος ἔνθα ἐκηρύχθη καὶ ἐπράχθη, καὶ ἀκριβῶς μαθὼν τὰ τῆς παλαιᾶς διαθήκης βιβλία, ὑποτάξας ἔπεμψά σοι· ὧν ἐστὶ τὰ ὐνόματα· Μωυσέως πέντε, Γένεσις, Ἔξοδος, Ἀριθμοὶ, Λευιτικὸν, Δευτερονόμιον. Ἰησοῦς Ναυῆ, Κρι- ‘ταὶ, Ῥούθ· Βασιλειῶν τέσσαρα, Παραλειπομένων “ δύο. Ψαλμῶν Δαβὶδ, Σολομῶνος Παροιμίαι, ἣ καὶ Σοφία, Ἐκκλησιαστὴς, Ἀισμα Ἀισμάτων, Ἰώβ. Προφητῶν, Ἡσαΐου, Ἱερεμίου· τῶν δώδεκα ἐν μονοβίβλῳ· Δανιὴν, Ἰεξεκιὴλ, Ἔσδρας. ἐξ ὧν καὶ τὰς ἐκλογὰς ἐποιησάμην, εἰς ἕξ βιβλία διελών.” καὶ τὰ μὲν τοῦ Μελίτωνος τοσαῦτα. ### English translation (Claude) So having gone up to the East, and having come to the place where these things were proclaimed and done, and having learned accurately the books of the Old Testament, I have set them down and sent them to you. Their names are these: of Moses five, Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Leviticus, Deuteronomy; Joshua son of Nun, Judges, Ruth; four of Kingdoms, two of Chronicles; the Psalms of David, the Proverbs of Solomon, which is also Wisdom, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Job; of the Prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, the Twelve in one book, Daniel, Ezekiel, Ezra. From these I have made the extracts, dividing them into six books.” So much for Melito. ### Extrabiblical texts - Melito of Sardis, Melito Extracts (Melito of Sardis (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Melito, Extracts, preface. The earliest Christian list of Old Testament books; Esther is absent, and “Ezra” probably includes Nehemiah. “Which is also Wisdom” refers to Proverbs. The digital text has Δανιὴν and Ἰεξεκιὴλ for Δανιήλ and Ἰεζεκιήλ. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.26.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/26/14/). ## Church History 4.27.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/27/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:179 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Apolinarius wrote an apology, books against Greeks and Jews, On Truth, and works against the newly rising Montanist heresy. ### Greek text Τοῦ δὲ Ἀπολιναρίου πολλῶν παρὰ πολλοῖς σωζομένων τὰ εἰς ἡμᾶς ἐλθόντα ἐστὶ τάδε· λόγος ὁ πρὸς τὸν εἰρημένον βασιλέα, καὶ πρὸς Ἕλληνας συγγράμματα πέντε, καὶ περὶ ἀληθείας πρῶτον καὶ δεύτερον, καὶ πρὸς Ἰουδαίους πρῶτον καὶ δεύτερον, καὶ ἃ μετὰ ταῦτα συνέγραψε κατὰ τῆς τῶν Φρυγῶν αἱρέσεως μετʼ οὐ πολὺν καινοτομηθείσης χρόνον, τότε γε μὴν ὥσπερ ἐκφύειν ἀρχομένης,, ἔτι τοῦ Μοντανοῦ ἅμα ταῖς αὐτοῦ ψευδοπροφήτισιν ἀρχὰς τῆς παρεκτροπῆς ποιουμένου. ### English translation (Claude) Of Apolinarius, whose many works are preserved by many, those that have come to us are these: the discourse to the emperor mentioned; five books Against the Greeks; On Truth, books one and two; Against the Jews, books one and two; and what he afterwards wrote against the heresy of the Phrygians, which was newly introduced not long after, but was then just beginning to sprout, while Montanus with his false prophetesses was making the beginnings of his deviation. ### Translation notes - “The heresy of the Phrygians” is Montanism. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.27.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/27/1/). ## Church History 4.28.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/28/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:179–180 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Musanus wrote to recall brothers drawn to the new Encratite heresy, said to have been founded by Tatian. ### Greek text Καὶ Μουσανοῦ δὲ, ὃν ἐν τοῖς φθάσασι κατελέξαμεν, φέρεταί τις ἐπιστρεπτικώτατος λόγος πρός τινας αὐτῷ γραφεὶς ἀδελφοὺς, ἀποκλίναντας ἐπὶ τὴν τῶν λεγομένων Ἐγκρατητῶν αἵρεσιν, ἄρτι τότε φύειν ἀρχομένην, ξένην τε καὶ φθοριμαίαν ψευδοδοξίαν εἰσάγουσαν τῷ βίῳ, ἡς παρεκτροπῆς ἀρχηγὸν καταστῆναι Τατιανὸν λόγος ἔχει· ### English translation (Claude) Of Musanus too, whom we listed among those mentioned earlier, a most persuasive discourse is extant, written by him to certain brothers who had inclined to the heresy of the so-called Encratites, which was then just beginning to sprout and was introducing a strange and corrupting false doctrine into life; the account holds that Tatian was the founder of this deviation. ### Translation notes - Encratites (“the self-controlled”) rejected marriage, meat, and wine. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.28.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/28/1/). ## Church History 4.29.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/29/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:180 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Tatian, Justin's disciple, is described by Irenaeus. ### Greek text οὑ μικρῷ πρόσθεν τὰς περὶ τοῦ θαυμασίου Ἰουστίνου παρατεθείμεθα λέξεις, μαθητὴν αὐ τὸν ἱστοροῦντες τοῦ μάρτυρος. δηλοῖ δὲ Εἰρήναιος ἐν τῷ πρώτῳ τῶν πρὸς τὰς αἱρέσεις, ὁμοῦ τά τε περὶ αὐτοῦ καὶ τῆς κατʼ αὐτὸν αἱρέσεως οὕτω γράφων ### English translation (Claude) We quoted his words a little earlier about the wonderful Justin, relating that he was a disciple of the martyr. Irenaeus shows, in the first book Against Heresies, both what concerns him and his heresy, writing thus: ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 1.28.1 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.29.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/29/1/). ## Church History 4.29.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/29/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:180 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus (quoted): the Encratites rejected marriage, implicitly accusing the Creator of male and female, abstained from meat, and denied Adam's salvation. ### Greek text “ἀπὸ Σατορνίνου καὶ Μαρκίωνος οἱ καλούμενοι Εγκρατεῖς ἀγαμίαν ἐκήρυξαν, ἀθετοῦντες τὴν ἀρχαίαν πλάσιν τοῦ θεοῦ, καὶ ἠρέμα κατηγοροῦντες τοῦ ἄρρεν καὶ θῆλυ εἰς γένεσιν ἀνθρώπων πεποιηκότος· καὶ τῶν λεγομένων παρʼ αὐτοῖς ἐμψύχων ἀποχὴν εἰσηγήσαντο, ἀχαριστοῦντες τῷ πάντα πεποιηκότι θεῷ· ἀντιλέγουσί τε τῇ τοῦ πρωτοπλάστου σωτηρίᾳ ### English translation (Claude) “From Saturninus and Marcion those called Encratites preached abstinence from marriage, setting aside the original creation of God and tacitly accusing him who made male and female for the generation of men; and they introduced abstinence from what they call animate things, being ungrateful to God who made all things; and they deny the salvation of the first-formed man. ### Scripture references - Gen 1:27: allusion, high confidence - 1 Tim 4:3: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 1.28.1 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation (4.29.2–3) is Irenaeus, Haer. 1.28.1. Allusions to Gen 1:27 and 1 Tim 4:3. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.29.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/29/2/). ## Church History 4.29.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/29/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:180 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus (quoted): Tatian, after Justin's martyrdom, left the church, taught Valentinian-like Aeons, called marriage corruption and immorality, and denied Adam's salvation. ### Greek text καὶ τοῦτο νῦν ἐξηυρέθη παρʼ αὐτοῖς, Τατιανοῦ τινος πρώτως ταύτην εἰσενέγκαντος τὴν βλασφημίαν, ὃς Ἰουστίνου ἀκροατὴς γεγονὼς, ἐφʼ ὅσον μὲν συνῆν ἐκείνῳ, οὐδὲν ἐξέφηνε τοιοῦτον, μετὰ δὲ τὴν ἐκείνου μαρτυρίαν ἀποστὰς τῆς ἐκκλησίας, οἰήματι διδασκάλου ἐπαρθεὶς καὶ τυφωθεὶς ὡς διαφέρων τῶν λοιπῶν, ἴδιον χαρακτῆρα διδασκαλείου συνεστήσατο, αἰῶνάς τινας ἀοράτους ὁμοίως τοῖς ἀπὸ Οὐαλεντίνου μυθολογήσας, τὸν γάμον τε φθορὰν καὶ πορνείαν παραπλησίως Μαρκίωνι καὶ Σατορνίνῳ ἀναγορεύσας, τῇ δὲ τοῦ Ἀδὰμ σωτηρίᾳ παρʼ ἑαυτοῦ τὴν αἰτιολογίαν ποιησάμενος. ### English translation (Claude) And this has now been devised among them, a certain Tatian first introducing this blasphemy. He had been a hearer of Justin, and as long as he was with him he showed nothing of the kind; but after Justin's martyrdom he departed from the church, and, elated and puffed up by the conceit of being a teacher, as though he were superior to the rest, he established his own type of school, telling myths of certain invisible Aeons like those from Valentinus, declaring marriage to be corruption and sexual immorality, similarly to Marcion and Saturninus, and making his own case against the salvation of Adam.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 1.28.1 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Haer. 1.28.1. πορνεία is rendered “sexual immorality”: Tatian is reported to have classed marriage itself as such. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.29.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/29/3/). ## Church History 4.29.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/29/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:180 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Later one Severus strengthened the heresy, and its followers were called Severians. ### Greek text ταῦτα μὲν ὁ Εἰρήναιος τότε· σμικρῷ δὲ ὕστερον Σεουῆρός τις τοὔνομα κρατύνας τὴν προδεδηλωμένην αἵρεσιν αἴτιος τοῖς ἐξ αὐτῆς ὡρμημένοις τῆς ἀπʼ αὐτοῦ παρηγμένης Σεουηριανῶν προσηγορίας γέγονε. ### English translation (Claude) So Irenaeus at that time. A little later a certain man named Severus strengthened the heresy mentioned before, and became the reason why those who started from it received the name of Severians, derived from him. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.29.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/29/4/). ## Church History 4.29.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/29/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:180–181 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Severians use the Law, Prophets, and Gospels, but reject Paul and Acts. ### Greek text χρῶνται μὲν οὐν οὑτοι νόμῳ καὶ προφήταις καὶ εὐαγγελίοις, ἰδίως ἑρμηνεύοντες τῶν ἱερῶν τὰ νοήματα γραφῶν· βλασφημοῦντες δὲ Παῦλον τὸν ἀπόστολον ἀθετοῦσιν αὐτοῦ τὰς ἐπιστολὰς, μηδὲ τὰς Πράξεις τῶν ἀποστόλων καταδεχόμενοι. ### English translation (Claude) These use the Law, the Prophets, and the Gospels, interpreting the meaning of the sacred Scriptures in their own way; but they blaspheme Paul the apostle and reject his letters, nor do they accept the Acts of the Apostles. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.29.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/29/5/). ## Church History 4.29.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/29/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:181 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Tatian compiled the Diatessaron, a harmony of the four Gospels, and is said to have rephrased some of Paul's words. ### Greek text ὁ μέντοι γε πρότερος αὐτῶν ἀρχηγὸς ὁ Τατιανὸς συνάφειάν τινα καὶ συναγωγὴν οὐκ οἶδʼ ὅπως τῶν εὐαγγελίων συνθεὶς τὸ διὰ τεσσάρων τοῦτο προσωνόμασεν, ὃ καὶ παρά τισιν εἰσέτι νῦν φέρεται. τοῦ δὲ ἀποστόλου φασὶ τολμῆσαί τινας αὐτὸν μεταφράσαι φωνὰς, ὡς ἐπιδιορθούμενον αὐτῶν τὴν τῆς φράσεως σύνταξιν. ### English translation (Claude) Their earlier founder, Tatian, composed a sort of combination and collection of the Gospels, I know not how, and gave it the name Diatessaron, which is still extant among some. And they say that he dared to paraphrase some words of the apostle, as though correcting their style of expression. ### Translation notes - Diatessaron means “through four”; it was widely used in the Syriac church. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.29.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/29/6/). ## Church History 4.29.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/29/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:181 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Tatian's best work is his Oration to the Greeks, which shows Moses and the prophets older than all Greek sages. ### Greek text καταλέλοιπε δὲ οὗτος πολύ τι πλῆθος συγγραμμάτων, ὧν μάλιστα παρὰ πολλοῖς μνημονεύεται διαβόητος αὐτοῦ λόγος ὁ πρὸς Ἕλληνας, ἐν ᾧ τῶν ἀνέκαθεν χρόνων μνημονεύσας τῶν παρʼ Ἕλλησιν εὐδοκίμων ἁπάντων προγενέστερον Μωυσέα τε καὶ τοὺς Ἑβραίων προφήτας ἀπέφηνεν, ὃς δὴ καὶ δοκεῖ τῶν συγγραμμάτων ἁπάντων αὐτοῦ κάλλιστός τε καὶ ὠφελιμώτατος ὑπάρχειν. καὶ τὰ μὲν κατὰ τούσδε τοιαῦτα ἦν. ### English translation (Claude) He left a great multitude of writings, of which the one most remembered by many is his famous discourse Against the Greeks, in which, recalling the ancient times, he showed that Moses and the prophets of the Hebrews were earlier than all who were renowned among the Greeks; it seems indeed to be the finest and most useful of all his writings. Such were the affairs of these men. ### Extrabiblical texts - Tatian, Or. Graec. 31 (Oration to the Greeks): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Tatian, Or. 31, 36–41. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.29.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/29/7/). ## Church History 4.30.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/30/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:181 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: In Mesopotamia Bardesanes wrote Syriac dialogues against Marcion and others, later translated into Greek. ### Greek text Ἐπὶ δὲ τῆς αὐτῆς βασιλείας πληθουσῶν τῶν αἱρέσεων ἐπὶ τῆς μέσης τῶν ποταμῶν Βαρδησάνης, ἱκανώτατός τις ἀνὴρ, ἔν τε τῇ Σύρων φωνῇ διαλεκτικώτατος, πρὸς τοὺς κατὰ Μαρκίωνα καί τινας ἑτέρους διαφόρων προϊσταμένους δογμάτων διαλόγους συστησάμενος, τῇ οἰκείᾳ παρέδωκε γλώττῃ τε καὶ γραφῇ, μετὰ καὶ πλείστων ἑτέρων αὐτοῦ συγγραμμάτων· οὓς οἱ γνώριμοι (πλεῖστοι δὲ ἠσαν αὐτῷ δυνατῶς τῷ λόγῳ παρισταμένῳ) ἐπὶ τὴν Ἑλλήνων ἀπὸ τῆς Σύρων μεταβεβλήκασι φωνῆς ### English translation (Claude) In the same reign, when heresies were multiplying in the region between the rivers, Bardesanes, a most able man and most skilled in dialectic in the Syriac language, composed dialogues against the followers of Marcion and some others who led various doctrines, and committed them to writing in his own language, together with very many other writings of his; and his acquaintances (and he had very many, since he stood forth powerfully in argument) translated them from the Syriac into Greek. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.30.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/30/1/). ## Church History 4.30.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/30/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:181 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: His works include a dialogue On Fate addressed to Antoninus. ### Greek text ἐν οἷς ἐστι καὶ ὁ πρὸς Ἀντωνῖνον ἱκανώτατος αὐτοῦ περὶ εἱμαρμένης διάλογος, ὅσα τε ἄλλα φασὶν αὐτὸν προφάσει τοῦ τότε διωγμοῦ συγγράψαι. ### English translation (Claude) Among these is his most able dialogue On Fate addressed to Antoninus, and whatever other works they say he wrote on the occasion of the persecution of that time. ### Translation notes - The Book of the Laws of the Countries, written by Bardesanes's disciple, may preserve the substance of On Fate. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.30.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/30/2/). ## Church History 4.30.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/30/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:181–182 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Bardesanes left the Valentinians but never fully shed their errors; Soter of Rome died at this time. ### Greek text ἦν δʼ ἄρα οὗτος πρότερον τῆς κατὰ Οὐαλεντῖνον σχολῆς, καταγνοὺς δὲ ταύτης, πλεῖστά τε τῆς κατὰ τοῦτον μυθοποιίας ἀπελέγξας, ἐδόκει μέν πως αὐτὸς ἑαυτῷ ἐπὶ τὴν ὀρθοτέραν γνώμην μετατεθεῖσθαι, οὐ μὴν παντελῶς γε ἀπερρύψατο τὸν τῆς παλαιᾶς αἱρέσεως ῥύπον. ἐν τούτῳ γε μὴν καὶ ὁ τῆς ῾Ρωμαίων ἐκκλησίας ἐπίσκοπος Σωτὴρ τελευτᾷ. ### English translation (Claude) He had formerly belonged to the school of Valentinus, but having condemned it and refuted very many of its myths, he seemed to himself to have changed to a more correct opinion; yet he did not entirely wash off the filth of his old heresy. At this time also Soter, bishop of the church of the Romans, died. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.30.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/4/30/3/). ## Church History, Book 5, preface 1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/0/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:182 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius dates Book 5 by the succession of Eleutherus at Rome and the renewed popular persecution under Marcus Aurelius, which produced countless martyrs. ### Greek text [Προοίμιον.] Ὁ μὲν οὖν τῆς ῾Ρωμαίων ἐκκλησίας ἐπίσκοπος Σωτὴρ ἐπὶ ὄγδοον ἔτος ἡγησάμενος τελευτᾷ τὸν βίον. τοῦτον δωδέκατος ἀπὸ τῶν ἀποστόλων Ἐλεύθερος διαδέχεται· ἔτος δʼ ἦν ἑπτακαιδέκατον αὐτοκράτορος Ἀντωνίνου Οὐήρου, ἐν ᾧ κατά τινα μέρη τῆς γῆς σφοδρότερον ἀναρριπισθέντος τοῦ καθʼ ἡμῶν διωγμοῦ ἐξ ἐπιθέσεως τῶν κατὰ πόλεις δήμων μυριάδας μαρτύρων ἀνὰ τὴν οἰκουμένην διαπρέψαι, στοχασμῷ λαβεῖν ἔνεστιν ἀπὸ τῶν καθʼ ἓν ἔθνος συμβεβηκότων, ἃ καὶ γραφῇ τοῖς μετέπειτα παραδοθῆναι, ἀλήστου μνήμης ὡς ἀληθῶς ἐπάξια ὄντα, συμβέβηκε. ### English translation (Claude) Soter, bishop of the church of the Romans, died after presiding for eight years. He was succeeded by Eleutherus, the twelfth from the apostles. It was the seventeenth year of the emperor Antoninus Verus, in which, in certain parts of the world, the persecution against us was fanned up more violently through the attacks of the populace in the various cities; and one may infer from what happened in a single nation that tens of thousands of martyrs distinguished themselves throughout the world. These events, truly worthy of undying remembrance, happened to be handed down in writing to those who came after. ### Translation notes - “Antoninus Verus” is Marcus Aurelius; his seventeenth year is AD 177. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.0.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/0/1/). ## Church History, Book 5, preface 2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/0/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:182 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius refers readers to his fuller collection of martyr accounts and promises to select what belongs here. ### Greek text τῆς μὲν οὖν περὶ τούτων ἐντελεστάτης ὑφηγήσεως τὸ πᾶν σύγγραμμα τῇ τῶν μαρτύρων ἡμῖν κατατέτακται συναγωγῇ, οὐχ ἱστορικὴν αὐτὸ μόνον, ἀλλὰ καὶ διδασκαλικὴν περιέχον διήγησιν. ὁπόσα γέ τοι τῆς παρούσης ἔχοιτο πραγματείας, ταῦτʼ ἐπὶ τοῦ παρόντος ἀναλεξάμενος παραθήσομαι. ### English translation (Claude) The complete account of these things has been set down by us in our collection of the martyrs, which contains not only a historical but also an instructive narrative. But whatever bears on the present work I shall now select and set out. ### Translation notes - Eusebius's “collection of the martyrs” (a collection of ancient martyrdoms) is lost. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.0.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/0/2/). ## Church History, Book 5, preface 3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/0/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:182–183 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Ordinary historians record wars, victories, and bloodshed for country and property. ### Greek text ἄλλοι μὲν οὖν ἱστορικὰς ποιούμενοι διηγήσεις πάντως ἂν παρέδωκαν τῇ γραφῇ πολέμων νίκας, καὶ τρόπαια κατʼ ἐχθρῶν, στρατηγῶν τε ἀριστείας, καὶ ὁπλιτῶν ἀνδραγαθίας, αἵματι καὶ μυρίοις φόνοις παίδων καὶ πατρίδος καὶ τῆς ἄλλης ἕνεκεν περιου- σίας μιανθέντων. ### English translation (Claude) Other writers of historical narratives would certainly have handed down in writing victories in war and trophies over enemies, the exploits of generals and the valour of soldiers, men stained with blood and countless slaughters for the sake of children and country and other possessions. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.0.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/0/3/). ## Church History, Book 5, preface 4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/0/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:183 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius's history instead celebrates the spiritual warfare of the martyrs and their victories over demons. ### Greek text ὁ δέ γε περὶ τοῦ καθʼ ἡμὰς πολιτεύματος διηγηματικὸς ἡμῖν λόγος τοὺς ὑπὲρ αὐτῆς τῆς κατὰ ψυχὴν εἰρήνης εἰρηνικωτάτους πολέμους, καὶ τοὺς ἐν τούτοις ὑπὲρ ἀληθείας μᾶλλον ἢ πατρίδος, καὶ μᾶλλον ὑπὲρ εὐσεβείας ἢ τῶν φιλτάτων ἀνδρισαμένους αἰωνίαις ἀναγράψεται στήλαις, τῶν εὐσεβείας ἀθλητῶν τὰς ἐνστάσεις, καὶ τὰς πολυτλήτους ἀνδρείας, τρόπαιά τε τὰ κατὰ δαιμόνων, καὶ νίκας τὰς κατὰ τῶν ἀοράτων ἀντιπάλων, καὶ τοὺς ἐπὶ πᾶσι τούτοις στεφάνους εἰς αἰώνιον μνήμην ἀνακηρύττων. ### English translation (Claude) But our narrative of the commonwealth that is ours will inscribe on everlasting monuments the most peaceful wars, fought for the very peace of the soul, and those who in them showed courage for truth rather than for country, and for piety rather than for their dearest ones; it will proclaim for eternal remembrance the steadfastness of the athletes of piety, their much-enduring courage, their trophies over demons, their victories over invisible adversaries, and the crowns won for all these. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.0.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/0/4/). ## Church History 5.1.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:183 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The martyrdoms of AD 177 took place in Gaul, at Lyons and Vienne on the Rhône. ### Greek text Γαλλία μὲν οὐν ἡ χώρα ἦν, καθʼ ἣν τὸ τῶν δηλουμένων συνεκροτεῖτο στάδιον, ἧς μητροπόλεις ἐπίσημοι καὶ παρὰ τὰς ἄλλας τῶν αὐτόθι διαφέρουσαι βεβόηνται Λούγοδουνος καὶ Βίεννα, διʼ ὧν ἀμφοτέρων τὴν ἅπασαν χώραν πολλῷ τῷ ῥεύματι περιρρέων ὁ Ῥοδανὸς ποταμὸς διέξεισι. ### English translation (Claude) Gaul, then, was the country in which the stadium of those whose story is told was set up. Its metropolises, famous and pre-eminent above the others there, are Lyons and Vienne, through both of which the river Rhône passes, flowing with a strong current round the whole region. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/1/). ## Church History 5.1.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:183 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The churches of Gaul sent an account of their martyrs to the churches of Asia and Phrygia. ### Greek text τὴν οὐν περὶ τῶν μαρτύρων γραφὴν αἱ τῇδε διαφανέσταται ἐκκλησίαι ταῖς κατὰ τὴν Ἀσίαν καὶ Φρυγίαν διαπέμπονται, τὰ παρʼ αὐταῖς πραχθέντα τοῦτον ἀνιστοροῦσαι τὸν τρόπον. ### English translation (Claude) The most illustrious churches there sent the written account of the martyrs to the churches in Asia and Phrygia, relating what had been done among them in this manner. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/2/). ## Church History 5.1.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:183 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The letter of the churches of Vienne and Lyons opens with a greeting to the brothers in Asia and Phrygia. ### Greek text παραθήσομαι δὲ τὰς αὐτῶν φωνάς “οἱ ἐν Βιέννῃ καὶ Λουγδούνῳ τῆς Γαλλίας παροικοῦντες δοῦλοι Χριστοῦ τοῖς Ἀσίαν καὶ Φρυγίαν τὴν αὐτὴν τῆς ἀπολυτρώσεως ‘ἡμῖν πίστιν καὶ ἐλπίδα ἔχουσιν ἀδελφοῖς εἰρήνη ‘καὶ χάρις καὶ δόξα ἀπὸ θεοῦ πατρὸς καὶ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν.” ### English translation (Claude) I shall set out their own words. [The letter:] “The servants of Christ who sojourn in Vienne and Lyons in Gaul, to the brothers in Asia and Phrygia who have the same faith and hope of redemption as we: peace and grace and glory from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” ### Scripture references - Rom 1:7: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - From here to 5.2.8 Eusebius quotes the Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons (ca. 177), preserved only in these extracts. The greeting echoes the Pauline form (e.g. Rom 1:7). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/3/). ## Church History 5.1.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:183 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The letter says that the persecution in Gaul was too great to describe fully. ### Greek text εἶτα τούτοις ἐξῆς ἕτερα προοιμιασάμενοι τὴν τοῦ λόγου καταρχὴν ποιοῦνται ἐν τούτοις “τὸ μὲν οὖν μέγεθος τῆς ἐνθάδε θλίψεως καὶ τὴν τοσαύτην τῶν ἐθνῶν εἰς τοὺς ἁγίους ὀργὴν, καὶ ὅσα ὑπέμειναν οἱ μακάριοι μάρτυρες, ἐπʼ ἀκριβὲς οὔθʼ ἡμεῖς εἰπεῖν ἱκανοὶ οὔτε μὴν γραφῇ περιληφθῆναι δυνατόν. ### English translation (Claude) Then, after some further preliminary words, they begin their account thus: “The greatness of the affliction here, the fury of the Gentiles against the saints, and all that the blessed martyrs endured, we are not able to tell exactly, nor indeed can it be contained in writing. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/4/). ## Church History 5.1.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:183–184 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Satan's attack began with Christians being barred from homes, baths, the market, and every public place. ### Greek text παντὶ γὰρ σθένει “ἐνέσκηψεν ὁ ἀντικείμενος, προοιμιαζόμενος ἤδη τὴν “ἀδεῶς μέλλουσαν ἔσεσθαι παρουσίαν αὐτοῦ, καὶ διὰ “πάντων διῆλθεν, ἐθίζων τοὺς ἑαυτοῦ καὶ προγυ- “μνάζων κατὰ τῶν δούλων τοῦ θεοῦ, ὥστε μὴ μόνον “οἰκιῶν καὶ βαλανείων καὶ ἀγορᾶς εἴργεσθαι, ἀλλὰ “καὶ τὸ καθόλου φαίνεσθαι ἡμῶν τινὰ αὐτοῖς ἀπειρῆσθαι “ἐν ὁποίῳ δήποτε τόπῳ. ### English translation (Claude) For the adversary fell upon us with all his might, giving already a foretaste of his coming, which is soon to be unchecked; and he went through everything, training his own and exercising them beforehand against the servants of God, so that not only were we shut out of houses, baths, and the market-place, but any of us was forbidden to appear at all in any place whatever. ### Scripture references - 2 Thess 2:8: allusion, low confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. The adversary's “coming” is the Antichrist's (cf. 2 Thess 2:8–9). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/5/). ## Church History 5.1.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:184 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: God's grace raised up steadfast believers who endured every abuse and hurried to Christ. ### Greek text ἀντεστρατήγει “δὲ ἡ χάρις τοῦ θεοῦ, καὶ τοὺς μὲν ἀσθενεῖς ἐρρύετο, “ἀντιπαρέτασσε δὲ στύλους ἑδραίους, δυναμένους “διὰ τῆς ὑπομονῆς πᾶσαν τὴν ὁρμὴν τοῦ πονηροῦ “εἰς ἑαυτοὺς ἑλκύσαι, οἳ καὶ ὁμόσε ἐχώρουν “αὐτῷ, πᾶν εἶδος ὀνειδισμοῦ καὶ κολάσεως ἀνεχόμενοι, “οἳ καὶ τὰ πολλὰ ὀλίγα ἡγούμενοι ἔσπευδον πρὸς “Χριστὸν, ὄντως ἐπιδεικνύμενοι ὅτι οὐκ ἄξια τὰ παθήματα “τοῦ νῦν καιροῦ πρὸς τὴν μέλλουσαν δόξαν “ἀποκαλυφθῆναι εἰς ἡμᾶς. ### English translation (Claude) But the grace of God led the fight against him: it rescued the weak and set against him firm pillars, able through endurance to draw upon themselves the whole assault of the evil one. They closed with him, bearing every kind of reproach and punishment; counting much as little, they hastened to Christ, showing truly that “the sufferings of the present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” ### Scripture references - Rom 8:18: quotation, high confidence - Gal 2:9: echo, low confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons, which quotes Rom 8:18; “pillars” echoes Gal 2:9 and 1 Tim 3:15. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/6/). ## Church History 5.1.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:184 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Christians first suffered mob violence of every kind. ### Greek text καὶ πρῶτον μὲν τὰ “ἀπὸ τοῦ ὄχλου πανδημεὶ σωρηδὸν ἐπιφερόμενα γενναίως “ὑπέμενον, ἐπιβοήσεις καὶ πληγὰς καὶ συρμοὺς “καὶ διαρπαγὰς καὶ λίθων βολὰς καὶ συγκλείσεις “καὶ πάνθʼ ὅσα ἠγριωμένῳ πλήθει ὡς πρὸς “ἐχθροὺς καὶ πολεμίους φιλεῖ γίνεσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) First they nobly endured what the mob heaped on them en masse: shouts and blows and dragging, plundering and stoning and imprisonment, and everything an enraged multitude likes to do to foes and enemies. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/7/). ## Church History 5.1.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:184 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: After public examination and confession, they were imprisoned to await the governor. ### Greek text καὶ δὴ “ἀναχθέντες εἰς τὴν ἀγορὰν ὑπό τε τοῦ χιλιάρχου “καὶ τῶν προεστηκότων τῆς πόλεως ἐξουσιῶν, ἐπὶ “παντὸς τοῦ πλήθους ἀνακριθέντες καὶ ὁμολογήσαντες, “συνεκλείσθησαν εἰς τὴν εἱρκτὴν ἕως τοῦ ἡγεμόνος “τῆς παρουσίας ### English translation (Claude) Then they were led up to the forum by the tribune and the city's presiding authorities, examined before the whole crowd, and, having confessed, were shut up in prison until the governor's arrival. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/8/). ## Church History 5.1.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:184–185 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Vettius Epagathus, a young man of exemplary life, demanded to be heard in defence of the accused Christians. ### Greek text μετέπειτα δὲ ἐπὶ τὸν ἡγεμόνα “ἀχθέντων αὐτῶν, κἀκείνου πάσῃ τῇ πρὸς ἡμᾶς “ὠμότητι χρωμένου, Οὐέττιος Ἐπάγαθος, εἷς ἐκ τῶν “ἀδελφῶν, πλήρωμα ἀγάπης τῆς πρὸς τὸν θεὸν καὶ “πρὸς τὸν πλησίον κεχωρηκὼς — οὑ καὶ ἐπὶ τοσοῦτον ἠκρίβωτο ἡ πολιτεία, ὡς καίπερ ὄντα νέον συνεξισοῦσθαι τῇ τοῦ πρεσβυτέρου Ζαχαρίου μαρτυρίᾳ· “πεπόρευτο γοῦν ἐν πάσαις ταῖς ἐντολαῖς καὶ δικαιώ- ῾μασι τοῦ κυρίου ἄμεμπτος, πάσῃ τῇ πρὸς τὸν πλη- “σίον λειτουργίᾳ ἄοκνος, ζῆλον θεοῦ πολὺν ἔχων, “καὶ ζέων τῷ πνεύματι — τοιοῦτος δή τις ὢν τὴν ‘οὕτως καθʼ ἡμῶν ἀλόγως γινομένην κρίσιν οὐκ ἐβά- “στασεν, ἀλλʼ ὑπερηγανάκτησε, καὶ ἠξίου καὶ αὐτὸς ἀκουσθῆναι ἀπολογούμενος ὑπὲρ τῶν ἀδελφῶν, ὅτι μηδὲν ἄθεον μηδὲ ἀσεβές ἐστιν ἐν ἡμῖν. ### English translation (Claude) Afterwards, when they were brought before the governor and he treated us with every cruelty, Vettius Epagathus, one of the brothers, who had attained the fullness of love toward God and toward his neighbour (his manner of life was so exact that, though young, he was reckoned equal to the testimony of the elder Zacharias: he “walked in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless,” was tireless in every service to his neighbour, had great zeal for God, and was “fervent in spirit”) — being such a man, he could not bear the judgment so unreasonably passed against us, but was exceedingly indignant, and asked that he too be heard in defence of the brothers, that there is nothing godless or impious among us. ### Scripture references - Luke 1:6: quotation, high confidence - Rom 12:11: quotation, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons, citing Luke 1:6 (of Zechariah) and Rom 12:11. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/9/). ## Church History 5.1.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:185 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: When Vettius confessed he was a Christian he was numbered among the martyrs, a true disciple who had the Spirit as his advocate. ### Greek text τῶν δὲ περὶ τὸ βῆμα καταβοησάντων αὐτοῦ, (καὶ γὰρ ἠν ἐπίσημος), καὶ τοῦ ἡγεμόνος μὴ ἀνασχομένου τῆς οὕτως ὑπʼ αὐτοῦ δικαίας προταθείσης ἀξιώσεως, ἀλλὰ μόνον τοῦτο πυθομένου, εἰ καὶ αὐτὸς εἴη Χριστιανὸς, τοῦ δὲ λαμπροτάτῃ φωνῇ ὁμολογήσαντος, ἀνελήφθη καὶ αὐτὸς εἰς τὸν κλῆρον τῶν μαρτύρων, παράκλητος Χριστιανῶν χρηματίσας, ἔχων δὲ τὸν παράκλητον ἐν ἑαυτῷ, τὸ πνεῦμα πλέον τοῦ Ζαχαρίου, ὃ διὰ τοῦ πληρώματος τῆς ἀγάπης ἐνεδείξατο, εὐδοκήσας ὑπὲρ τῆς τῶν ἀδελφῶν ἀπολογίας καὶ τὴν ἑαυτοῦ θεῖναι ψυχήν. ἦν γὰρ καὶ ἔστι γνήσιος Χριστοῦ μαθητὴς, ἀκολουθῶν τῷ ἀρνίῳ ὅπου ἂν ὑπάγῃ. ### English translation (Claude) Those around the tribunal shouted him down (for he was a man of distinction), and the governor would not allow the just request he had put forward, but only asked whether he too was a Christian. When he confessed it in a most clear voice, he too was taken up into the lot of the martyrs. He was called the advocate of the Christians, but he had the Advocate in himself, the Spirit, more fully than Zacharias, which he showed by the fullness of his love, being well pleased to lay down even his own life in defence of the brothers. For he was and is a true disciple of Christ, “following the Lamb wherever he goes.” ### Scripture references - Rev 14:4: quotation, high confidence - John 14:16: allusion, medium confidence - 1 John 3:16: allusion, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. The play on παράκλητος (“advocate” / the Paraclete) alludes to John 14:16; the quotations are Rev 14:4 and, for laying down one's life, 1 John 3:16. Whether Vettius was executed at once is not stated. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/10/). ## Church History 5.1.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:185–186 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Some were ready for martyrdom, but about ten fell away, grieving the church and discouraging others. ### Greek text ἐντεῦθεν δὴ διεκρίνοντο οἱ λοιποὶ, καὶ φανεροὶ καὶ ἕτοιμοι ἐγίνοντο πρωτομάρτυρες, οἳ καὶ μετὰ πάσης προθυμίας ἀνεπλήρουν τὴν ὁμολογίαν τῆς μαρτυρίας, ἐφαίνοντο δὲ καὶ οἱ ἀνέτοιμοι καὶ ἀγύμναστοι καὶ ἔτι ἀσθενεῖς, ἀγῶνος μεγάλου τόνον ἐνεγκεῖν μὴ δυνάμενοι, ὧν καὶ ἐξέτρωσαν ὡς δέκα τὸν ἀριθμὸν, οἳ καὶ μεγάλην λύπην καὶ πένθος ἀμέτρητον ἐνεποίησαν ἡμῖν, καὶ τὴν προθυμίαν τῶν “λοιπῶν τῶν μὴ συνειλημμένων ἐνέκοψαν, οἳ καί “πάντα τὰ δεινὰ πάσχοντες ὅμως συμπαρῆσαν τοῖς “μάρτυσι καὶ οὐκ ἀπελείποντο αὐτῶν. ### English translation (Claude) From then on the others were divided. Some were manifestly ready to be first martyrs and fulfilled with all eagerness the confession of martyrdom. But others appeared unready and untrained and still weak, unable to bear the strain of a great contest; of these about ten in number miscarried, and they caused us great grief and immeasurable mourning, and checked the eagerness of the rest who had not been arrested, who, though suffering every terror, nevertheless stood by the martyrs and did not abandon them. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. “Miscarried” renders ἐξέτρωσαν, a metaphor of abortive birth that the letter takes up again in 5.1.45–46. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/11/). ## Church History 5.1.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:186 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The church feared not the tortures but that more would fall away. ### Greek text τότε δὴ “ οἱ πάντες μεγάλως ἐπτοήθημεν, διὰ τὸ ἄδηλον τῆς “ὁμολογίας, οὐ τὰς ἐπιφερομένας κολάσεις φοβούμε- ‘νοι, ἀλλὰ τὸ τέλος ἀφορῶντες, καὶ τὸ ἀποπεσεῖν τινὰ ‘δεδιότες. ### English translation (Claude) Then we were all greatly alarmed because of the uncertainty of their confession, not fearing the punishments inflicted, but looking to the end and dreading that someone might fall away. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/12/). ## Church History 5.1.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:186 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Daily arrests brought in the leading members of both churches. ### Greek text συνελαμβάνοντο μέντοι καθʼ ἑκάστην “ἡμέραν οἱ ἄξιοι, τὸν ἐκείνων ἀναπληροῦντες ἀρι- “θμὸν, ὥστε συλλεγῆναι ἐκ τῶν δύο ἐκκλησιῶν πάν- “τας τοὺς σπουδαίους, καὶ διʼ ὧν μάλιστα συνειστή- “κει τὰ ἐνθάδε. ### English translation (Claude) Yet every day the worthy were arrested, filling up their number, so that all the zealous members of the two churches were gathered in, those through whom above all things here had been established. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/13/). ## Church History 5.1.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:186 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Pagan slaves, under pressure, falsely accused the Christians of cannibalism and incest. ### Greek text συνελαμβάνοντο δὲ καὶ ἐθνικοί “τινες οἰκέται τῶν ἡμετέρων, ἐπεὶ δημοσίᾳ ἐκέλευσεν “ὁ ἡγεμὼν ἀναζητεῖσθαι πάντας ἡμᾶς· οἳ καὶ κατʼ ἐνέ- “δραν τοῦ σατανᾶ, φοβηθέντες τὰς βασάνους ἃς τοὺς “ἁγίους ἔβλεπον πάσχοντας, τῶν στρατιωτῶν ἐπί τοῦτο “παρορμώντων αὐτοὺς κατεψεύσαντο ἡμῶν Θυέστεια “δεῖπνα καὶ Οἰδιποδείους μίξεις καὶ ὅσα μήτε λαλεῖν “μήτε νοεῖν θέμις ἡμῖν, ἀλλἀ μηδὲ πιστεύειν, εἴ τι τοι- “οῦτο πώποτε παρὰ ἀνθρώποις ἐγένετο. ### English translation (Claude) Some pagan household slaves of our people were also arrested, since the governor had publicly ordered that all of us be sought out. By the snare of Satan, fearing the tortures they saw the saints suffering, and urged on to this by the soldiers, they falsely accused us of Thyestean feasts and Oedipodean intercourse and things we may neither speak nor think of, nor even believe that such a thing ever happened among human beings. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. “Thyestean feasts” (cannibalism) and “Oedipodean intercourse” (incest) were the standard slanders against Christians. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/14/). ## Church History 5.1.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:186 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The slanders turned everyone against the Christians, fulfilling Christ's prediction in John 16:2. ### Greek text τούτων δὲ “φημισθέντων πάντες ἀπεθηριώθησαν εἰς ἡμᾶς, ὥστε “καὶ εἴ τινες τὸ πρότερον διʼ οἰκειότητα ἐμετρίαζον, “τότε μεγάλως ἐχαλέπαινον καὶ διεπρίοντο καθʼ ἡμῶν. “ἐπληροῦτο δὲ τὸ ὑπὸ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν εἰρημένον, ὅτι ἐλεύσεται καιρὸς ἐν ᾧ πᾶς ὁ ἀποκτείνας ὑμᾶς “δόξει λατρείαν προσφέρειν τῷ θεῷ. ### English translation (Claude) When these things were spread abroad, all became like wild beasts toward us, so that even those who had formerly been moderate because of family ties were then greatly incensed and gnashed their teeth against us. And what was said by our Lord was fulfilled, that “the time will come when whoever kills you will think he is offering worship to God.” ### Scripture references - John 16:2: quotation, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons, citing John 16:2. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/15/). ## Church History 5.1.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/16/ - Source: Dindorf 4:186 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The martyrs endured indescribable tortures as Satan tried to make them blaspheme. ### Greek text ἐνταῦθα “λοιπὸν ὑπεράνω πάσης ἐξηγήσεως ὑπέμενον “σεῖς οἱ ἅγιοι μάρτυρες, φιλοτιμουμένου τοῦ σατανᾶ “καὶ διʼ ἐκείνων ῥηθῆναί τι τῶν βλασφήμων. ### English translation (Claude) Thereafter the holy martyrs endured tortures beyond all description, Satan striving eagerly that something blasphemous might be said by them too. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. The digital text reads a meaningless “σεῖς” before οἱ ἅγιοι; “tortures” (probably αἰκίας) is supplied from the sense. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.16 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/16/). ## Church History 5.1.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/17/ - Source: Dindorf 4:186–187 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The persecutors' fury fell especially on Sanctus, Maturus, Attalus, and the slave Blandina. ### Greek text “ὑπερβεβλημένως δὲ ἐνέσκηψεν ἡ ὀργὴ πᾶσα καὶ “ὄχλου καὶ ἡγεμόνος καὶ στρατιωτῶν εἰς Σάγκτον “τὸν διάκονον ἀπὸ Βιέννης, καὶ εἰς Μάτουρον, νεο- “φώτιστον μὲν, ἀλλὰ γενναῖον ἀγωνιστὴν, καὶ εἰς “Ἄτταλον Περγαμηνὸν τῷ γένει, στῦλον καὶ “τῶν ἐνταῦθα ἀεὶ γεγονότα, καὶ εἰς Βλανδῖναν, δι ἧς ἐπέδειξεν ὁ Χριστὸς ὅτι τὰ παρὰ ἀνθρώποις εὐτελῆ καὶ ἀειδῆ καὶ εὐκαταφρόνητα φαινόμενα μεγάλης καταξιοῦται παρὰ θεῷ δόξης, διὰ τὴν πρὸς “αὐτὸν ἀγάπην, τὴν ἐν δυνάμει δεικνυμένην, καὶ μὴ “ἐν εἴδει καυχωμένην. ### English translation (Claude) The whole fury of mob, governor, and soldiers fell beyond measure on Sanctus, the deacon from Vienne; on Maturus, newly baptized but a noble contender; on Attalus, a native of Pergamum, who had always been a pillar and support of the Christians here; and on Blandina, through whom Christ showed that things that appear cheap, unsightly, and contemptible among human beings are counted worthy of great glory with God, because of love for him shown in power and not boasting in appearance. ### Scripture references - 1 Cor 1:27: allusion, medium confidence - 1 Tim 3:15: echo, low confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons; cf. 1 Cor 1:27–28. The digital text lacks a word after στῦλον καὶ (probably ἑδραίωμα, “support”, from 1 Tim 3:15), which is translated. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.17 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/17/). ## Church History 5.1.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/18/ - Source: Dindorf 4:187 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Blandina, though a frail slave, endured a whole day of torture until her torturers admitted defeat. ### Greek text ἡμῶν γὰρ πάντων δεδιό- ‘των, καὶ τῆς σαρκίνης δεσποίνης αὐτῆς, ἥτις ἦν καὶ αὐτὴ τῶν μαρτύρων μία ἀγωνίστρια, ἀγωνιώσης “μὴ οὐδὲ τὴν ὁμολογίαν δυνήσεται παρρησιάσασθαι διὰ τὸ ἀσθενὲς τοῦ σώματος, ἡ Βλανδῖνα τοσαύτης “ἐπληρώθη δυνάμεως ὥστε ἐκλυθῆναι καὶ παρεθῆ- “ναι τοὺς κατὰ διαδοχὰς παντὶ τρόπῳ βασανίζοντας “αὐτὴν ἀπὸ ἑωθινῆς ἕως ἑσπέρας, καὶ αὐτοὺς ὁμολογοῦντας ὅτι νενίκηνται, μηδὲν ἔχοντες μηκέτι ὃ ῾ποιήσουσιν αὐτῇ, καὶ θαυμάζειν ἐπὶ τῷ παραμένειν ‘ἔμπνουν αὐτὴν, παντὸς τοῦ σώματος διερρωγότος καὶ ἠνεῳγμένου, καὶ μαρτυρεῖν ὅτι ἓν εἶδος στρεβλώσεως ἱκανὸν ἠν πρὸς τὸ ἐξαγαγεῖν τὴν ψυχὴν, οὐχ ὅτι γε τοιαῦτα καὶ τοσαῦτα. ### English translation (Claude) For while we were all afraid, and her mistress according to the flesh, who was herself also one of the contending martyrs, was in agony lest she should not be able even to make her confession boldly because of her bodily weakness, Blandina was filled with such power that those who tortured her in relays in every way from morning until evening grew weary and gave up. They confessed that they were beaten, having nothing more they could do to her, and marvelled that she remained alive when her whole body was broken and laid open, and testified that a single kind of torture was enough to drive out the soul, let alone so many and such tortures. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.18 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/18/). ## Church History 5.1.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/19/ - Source: Dindorf 4:187 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Blandina found strength by repeating, “I am a Christian, and nothing vile is done among us.” ### Greek text ἀλλʼ ἡ μακαρία ὡς γενναῖος ἀθλητὴς ἀνενέαζεν ἐν τῇ ὁμολογίᾳ, καὶ ἦν αὐτῆς ἀνάληψις καὶ ἀνάπαυσις καὶ ἀναλγησία τῶν συμβαινόντων τὸ λέγειν ὅτι Χριστιανή εἰμι καὶ παρʼ ἡμῖν οὐδὲν φαῦλον γίνεται. ### English translation (Claude) But the blessed woman, like a noble athlete, was renewed in her confession; and her refreshment, rest, and freedom from pain in what happened was to say, “I am a Christian, and nothing vile is done among us.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.19 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/19/). ## Church History 5.1.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/20/ - Source: Dindorf 4:187–188 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Sanctus answered every question, even about his name, only with “I am a Christian.” ### Greek text ὁ δὲ Σάγκτος καὶ αὐτὸς ὑπερβεβλημένως καὶ ὑπὲρ πάντα ἄνθρωπον πάσας τὰς ἐξ ἀνθρώπων αἰκίας γενναίως ὑπομένων, τῶν ἀνόμων ἐλπιζόντων διὰ τὴν ἐπιμονὴν καὶ τὸ μέγεθος τῶν βασάνων ἀκούσεσθαί τι παρʼ αὐτοῦ τῶν μὴ δεόντων, τοσαύτῃ ὑποστάσει ἀντιπαρετάξατο αὐτοῖς ὥστε μηδὲ τὸ ἴδιον κατειπεῖν “ὄνομα, μήτε ἔθνους, μήτε πόλεως ὅθεν ἦν, μήτε εἰ “δοῦλος ἢ ἐλεύθερος εἴη, ἀλλὰ πρὸς πάντα τὰ ἐπε- “ρωτώμενα ἀπεκρίνατο τῇ ῾Ρωμαϊκῇ φωνῇ ῾Χριστια- “νός εἰμι.᾿ τοῦτο καὶ ἀντὶ ὀνόματος καὶ ἀντὶ πό- “λεως καὶ ἀντὶ γένους καὶ ἀντὶ παντὸς ἐπαλλήλως “ὡμολόγει, ἄλλην δὲ φωνὴν οὐκ ἤκουσαν αὐτοῦ τὰ “ἔθνη. ### English translation (Claude) Sanctus also nobly endured, beyond measure and beyond all human strength, all the outrages men could inflict. While the lawless hoped that through the persistence and severity of the tortures they would hear from him something improper, he opposed them with such firmness that he did not even state his own name, nor his nation, nor the city he came from, nor whether he was slave or free; to every question he answered in Latin, “I am a Christian.” This he confessed again and again in place of name, city, race, and everything else, and the Gentiles heard no other word from him. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.20 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/20/). ## Church History 5.1.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/21/ - Source: Dindorf 4:188 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: In frustration the torturers applied red-hot plates to Sanctus's body. ### Greek text ὅθεν δὴ καὶ φιλονεικία μεγάλη τοῦ “τε ἡγεμόνος καὶ τῶν βασανιστῶν ἐγένετο πρὸς αὐ- “τὸν, ὥστε ὁπότε μηκέτι μηδὲν εἶχον ὃ ποιήσουσιν “αὐτῷ, τὸ τελευταῖον χαλκᾶς λεπίδας διαπύρους “προσεκόλλων τοῖς τρυφερωτάτοις μέλεσι τοῦ σώμα- “τος αὐτοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) Hence there arose a great rivalry of the governor and the torturers against him, so that, when they had nothing more to do to him, they finally fastened red-hot brass plates to the most tender parts of his body. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.21 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/21/). ## Church History 5.1.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/22/ - Source: Dindorf 4:188 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Sanctus stood firm, refreshed by the living water that flows from Christ. ### Greek text καὶ ταῦτα μὲν ἐκαίετο, αὐτὸς δὲ πα- “ρέμενεν ἀνεπίκαμπτος καὶ ἀνένδοτος, στερρὸς πρὸς “τὴν ὁμολογίαν, ὑπὸ τῆς οὐρανίου πηγῆς τοῦ ὕδα- “τος τῆς ζωῆς τοῦ ἐξιόντος ἐκ τῆς νηδύος τοῦ Χρι- “στοῦ δροσιζόμενος καὶ ἐνδυναμούμενος. ### English translation (Claude) These were burning, but he remained unbending and unyielding, firm in his confession, bedewed and strengthened by the heavenly fountain of the water of life that flows from the belly of Christ. ### Scripture references - John 7:38: allusion, high confidence - Rev 21:6: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons, alluding to John 7:38 and Rev 21:6. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.22 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/22/). ## Church History 5.1.23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/23/ - Source: Dindorf 4:188 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christ suffered in the mangled Sanctus, showing that where God's love is nothing is to be feared. ### Greek text τὸ δὲ “σωμάτιον μάρτυς ἦν τῶν συμβεβηκότων, ὅλον τραῦμα “καὶ μώλωψ καὶ συνεσπασμένον καὶ ἀποβεβληκὸς τὴν “ἀνθρώπειον ἔξωθεν μορφὴν, ἐν ᾧ πάσχων Χριστὸς “μεγάλας ἐπετέλει δόξας, καταργῶν τὸν ἀντικείμε- “νον, καὶ εἰς τὴν τῶν λοιπῶν ὑποτύπωσιν ὑποδει- “κνύων ὅτι μηδὲν φοβερὸν ὅπου πατρὸς ἀγάπη, μηδὲ “ἀλγεινὸν ὅπου Χριστοῦ δόξα. ### English translation (Claude) His poor body was a witness of what had happened: all one wound and bruise, contracted, and having lost outwardly its human shape. Christ, suffering in him, accomplished great glories, bringing the adversary to nothing and showing for the example of the rest that nothing is fearful where the Father's love is, nothing painful where Christ's glory is. ### Scripture references - 1 John 4:18: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons; cf. 1 John 4:18. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.23 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/23/). ## Church History 5.1.24 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/24/ - Source: Dindorf 4:188–189 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: When Sanctus was tortured again, his body was unexpectedly restored, so that the torture became a healing. ### Greek text τῶν γὰρ ἀνόμων “μεθʼ ἡμέρας πάλιν στρεβλούντων τὸν μάρτυρα, καὶ “νομιζόντων ὅτι οἰδούντων καὶ φλεγμαινόντων τῶν “σωμάτων εἰ τὰ αὐτὰ προσενέγκοιεν κολαστήρια, πε- “ριέσοιντο αὐτοῦ, ὁπότε οὐδὲ τὴν ἀπὸ τῶν χειρῶν “ἁφὴν ἠνείχετο, ἢ ὅτι ἐναποθανὼν ταῖς βασάνοις “φόβον ἐμποιήσειε τοῖς λοιποῖς, οὐ μόνον οὐδὲν περὶ “αὐτὸν τοιοῦτο συνέβη, ἀλλὰ καὶ παρὰ πᾶσαν δόξαν “ἀνθρώπων ἀνέκυψε καὶ ἀνωρθώθη τὸ σωμάτιον ἐν “ταῖς μετέπειτα βασάνοις, καὶ τὴν ἰδέαν ἀπέλαβε “τὴν προτέραν καὶ τὴν χρῆσιν τῶν μελῶν, ὥστε μὴ “κόλασιν, ἀλλʼ ἴασιν διὰ τῆς χάριτος τοῦ Χριστοῦ “τὴν δευτέραν στρέβλωσιν αὐτῷ γενέσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) For when the lawless, some days later, tortured the martyr again, thinking that if they applied the same punishments while his body was swollen and inflamed they would overcome him, since he could not bear even the touch of hands, or that by dying under the tortures he would strike fear into the rest, not only did nothing of the kind happen to him, but beyond all human expectation his poor body rose up and was straightened in the subsequent tortures, and regained its former appearance and the use of its limbs, so that through the grace of Christ the second torture became for him not punishment but healing. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.24 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/24/). ## Church History 5.1.25 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/25/ - Source: Dindorf 4:189 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Biblis, who had denied Christ, was tortured to make her slander the Christians. ### Greek text καὶ “Βιβλιάδα δέ τινα, μίαν τῶν ἠρνημένων, ἤδη δοκῶν “ὁ διάβολος καταπεπωκέναι, θελήσας δὲ καὶ διὰ “βλασφημίας κατακρῖναι, ἦγεν ἐπὶ κόλασιν, ἀναγκά- “ζων εἰπεῖν τὰ ἄθεα περὶ ἡμῶν, ὡς εὔθραυστον ἤδη “καὶ ἄνανδρον. ### English translation (Claude) And the devil, thinking he had already swallowed up a certain Biblis, one of those who had denied, and wishing to condemn her also through blasphemy, brought her to punishment, trying to compel her to say godless things about us, as one already easily broken and cowardly. ### Scripture references - 1 Pet 5:8: echo, low confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons; “swallowed up” echoes 1 Pet 5:8. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.25 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/25/). ## Church History 5.1.26 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/26/ - Source: Dindorf 4:189 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Under torture Biblis repented, denied the slander of cannibalism, confessed Christ, and joined the martyrs. ### Greek text ἡ δὲ ἐν τῇ στρεβλώσει ἀνένηψε, “καὶ ὡσὰν εἰπεῖν ἐκ βαθέος ὕπνου ἀνεγρηγόρησεν, “ὑπομνησθεῖσα διὰ τῆς προσκαίρου τιμωρίας τὴν αἰ- “ώνιον ἐν γεέννῃ κόλασιν, καὶ ἐξ ἐναντίας ἀντεῖπε “τοῖς βλασφήμοις φήσασα ῾πῶς ἂν παιδία φάγοιεν οἱ “τοιοῦτοι, οἶς μηδὲ ἀλόγων ζῴων αἷμα φαγεῖν ἐξόν;᾿ “καὶ ἀπὸ τοῦδε Χριστιανὴν ἑαυτὴν ὡμολόγει, καὶ ἐν “τῷ κλήρῳ τῶν μαρτύρων προσετέθη. ### English translation (Claude) But on the rack she came to her senses and, so to speak, woke from a deep sleep, reminded by the temporary punishment of the eternal punishment in Gehenna; and she contradicted the blasphemers, saying, “How could such people eat children, who are not even allowed to eat the blood of irrational animals?” From then on she confessed herself a Christian and was added to the lot of the martyrs. ### Scripture references - Acts 15:29: allusion, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. Biblis's reply reflects continued Christian observance of the ban on blood (Acts 15:29). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.26 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/26/). ## Church History 5.1.27 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/27/ - Source: Dindorf 4:189 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The devil next used dark, cruel imprisonment, and many died of suffocation in prison. ### Greek text καταργη- “θέντων δὲ τῶν τυραννικῶν κολαστηρίων ὑπὸ τοῦ “Χριστοῦ διὰ τῆς τῶν μακαρίων ὑπομονῆς, ἑτέρας μη- “χανὰς ὁ διάβολος ἐπενόει, τὰς κατὰ τὴν εἱρκτὴν ἐν τῷ “σκότει καὶ τῷ χαλεπωτάτῳ χωρίῳ συγκλείσεις, καὶ “τὰς ἐν τῷ ξύλῳ διατάσεις τῶν ποδῶν, ἐπὶ πέμπτον “διατεινομένων τρύπημα, καὶ τὰς λοιπὰς αἰκίας, ὅσας “εἰώθασιν ὀργιζόμενοι ὑπουργοὶ, καὶ ταῦτα διαβόλου “πλήρεις, διατιθέναι τοὺς ἐγκλειομένους, ὥστε ἀπο- “πνιγῆναι τοὺς πλείστους ἐν τῇ εἱρκτῇ, ὅσους γε ὁ “κύριος οὕτως ἐξελθεῖν ἠθέλησεν, ἐπιδεικνύων τὴν “αὐτοῦ δόξαν. ### English translation (Claude) When the tyrannical punishments had been brought to nothing by Christ through the endurance of the blessed ones, the devil devised other machinations: confinement in prison in the darkness and in the most dreadful place, the stretching of the feet in the stocks to the fifth hole, and the other outrages that angry attendants, full of the devil, usually inflict on prisoners; so that most were suffocated in the prison, those whom the Lord wished to depart in this way, showing forth his glory. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.27 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/27/). ## Church History 5.1.28 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/28/ - Source: Dindorf 4:189–190 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Some badly tortured prisoners survived by God's strength, while newly arrested ones died in the prison. ### Greek text οἱ μὲν γὰρ βασανισθέντες πικρῶς, “ὥστε δοκεῖν μηδὲ τῆς θεραπείας πάσης τυχόντας “ἔτι ζήσαι δύνασθαι, παρέμενον ἐν τῇ εἱρκτῇ ἔρημοι “μὲν τῆς παρὰ ἀνθρώπων ἐπιμελείας, ἀναρρωννύ- “μενοι δὲ ὑπὸ κυρίου καὶ ἐνδυναμούμενοι καὶ σώ- “ματι καὶ ψυχῇ, καὶ τοὺς λοιποὺς παρορμῶντες καὶ “παραμυθούμενοι. οἱ δὲ νεαροὶ καὶ ἄρτι συνειλημ- “μένοι, ὧν μὴ προκατῄκιστο τὰ σώματα, τὸ βάρος “ οὐκ ἔφερον τῆς συγκλείσεως, ἀλλʼ ἔνδον ἐναπέθνησκον. ### English translation (Claude) Some, who had been so bitterly tortured that it seemed they could not live even with every care, remained in the prison, bereft of human attention but revived by the Lord and strengthened in body and soul, and they encouraged and comforted the rest. But the young ones, recently arrested, whose bodies had not been hardened by earlier ill-treatment, could not bear the burden of confinement and died inside. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.28 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/28/). ## Church History 5.1.29 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/29/ - Source: Dindorf 4:190 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Pothinus, the more than ninety-year-old bishop of Lyons, was dragged to the tribunal despite his frailty. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ μακάριος Ποθεινὸς, ὁ τὴν διακο- ‘νίαν τῆς ἐπισκοπῆς ἐν Λουγδούνῳ πεπιστευμένος, “ὑπὲρ τὰ ἐνενήκοντα ἔτη τῆς ἡλικίας γεγονὼς, καὶ “πάνυ ἀσθενὴς τῷ σώματι, μόλις μὲν ἐμπνέων διὰ τὴν προκειμένην σωματικὴν ἀσθένειαν, ὑπὸ δὲ προθυμίας πνεύματος ἀναρρωννύμενος διὰ τὴν ἐγκειμένην τῆς μαρτυρίας ἐπιθυμίαν, καὶ αὐτὸς ἐπὶ τὸ “βῆμα ἐσύρετο, τοῦ μὲν σώματος καὶ ὑπὸ τοῦ γήρως καὶ ὑπὸ τῆς νόσου λελυμένου, τηρουμένης δὲ τῆς “ψυχῆς ἐν αὐτῷ, ἵνα διʼ αὐτῆς Χριστὸς θριαμβεύσῃ. ### English translation (Claude) The blessed Pothinus, who had been entrusted with the ministry of the episcopate in Lyons, being over ninety years of age and very weak in body, scarcely breathing because of the bodily weakness that lay upon him, yet strengthened by eagerness of spirit through his pressing desire for martyrdom, was himself also dragged to the tribunal. His body was worn out by old age and disease, but his soul was preserved in him, so that through it Christ might triumph. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. The digital text repeats ὑπὲρ (“over over”). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.29 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/29/). ## Church History 5.1.30 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/30/ - Source: Dindorf 4:190 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Amid the shouts of the crowd, Pothinus bore good witness before the tribunal. ### Greek text ὃς ὑπὸ τῶν στρατιωτῶν ἐπὶ τὸ βῆμα κομισθεὶς, παραπεμπόντων αὐτὸν τῶν πολιτικῶν ἐξουσιῶν καὶ “παντὸς τοῦ πλήθους, ἐπιβοήσεις παντοίας ποιουμένων, ὡς αὐτοῦ ὄντος τοῦ κυρίου, ἀπεδίδου τὴν καλὴν μαρτυρίαν. ### English translation (Claude) He was brought to the tribunal by the soldiers, escorted by the city authorities and the whole multitude, who raised every kind of shout as though he were Christ himself; and he gave the good testimony. ### Scripture references - 1 Tim 6:13: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons; “the good testimony” echoes 1 Tim 6:13. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.30 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/30/). ## Church History 5.1.31 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/31/ - Source: Dindorf 4:190 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Pothinus answered the governor boldly, was beaten by the mob, and died in prison two days later. ### Greek text ἀνεταζόμενος δὲ ὑπὸ τοῦ ἡγεμόνος τίς εἴη Χριστιανῶν ὁ θεὸς, ἔφη ῾ ἐὰν ᾖς ἄξιος, γνώσῃ.’ ἐντεῦθεν δὴ ἀφειδῶς ἐσύρετο, καὶ “ποικίλας ἔπασχε πληγὰς, τῶν μὲν σύνεγγυς χερσὶ καὶ ποσὶν ἐνυβριζόντων παντοίως, μηδὲ τὴν ἡλικίαν αἰδουμένων αὐτοῦ, τῶν δὲ μακρὰν, ὃ μετὰ χεῖρας ἕκαστος εἶχεν, εἰς αὐτὸν ἀκοντιζόντων, πάντων δὲ ἡγουμένων μεγάλως πλημμελεῖν καὶ ἀσεβεῖν, εἴ τις ἀπολειφθείη τῆς εἰς αὐτὸν ἀσελγείας· καὶ γὰρ τοὺς θεοὺς ἑαυτῶν ᾤοντο οὕτως ἐκδικήσειν. καὶ μόγις ἐμπνέων ἐρρίφη εἰς τὴν εἱρκτὴν, καὶ μετὰ δύο ἡμέρας ἀπέψυξεν. ### English translation (Claude) When the governor asked him who the God of the Christians was, he said, “If you are worthy, you will know.” Then he was dragged about unsparingly and suffered all kinds of blows: those near him insulted him in every way with hands and feet, not even respecting his age, while those far off hurled at him whatever each had in hand; and all thought it a great offence and impiety if anyone fell short in violence against him, for they supposed that in this way they would avenge their gods. Scarcely breathing, he was thrown into prison, and after two days he breathed his last. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.31 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/31/). ## Church History 5.1.32 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/32/ - Source: Dindorf 4:190 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: God then showed remarkable mercy in the church. ### Greek text ἐνταῦθα δὴ μεγάλη τις οἰκονομία τοῦ θεοῦ ἐγίνετο, καὶ ἔλεος ἀμέτρητον “ἀνεφαίνετο Ἰησοῦ, σπανίως μὲν ἐν τῇ ἀδελφότητι γεγονὸς, μὴ ἀπολειπόμενον δὲ τῆς τέχνης τοῦ Χριστοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) Then a great dispensation of God took place, and the immeasurable mercy of Jesus was revealed, such as has rarely happened in the brotherhood, yet not beyond the skill of Christ. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.32 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/32/). ## Church History 5.1.33 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/33/ - Source: Dindorf 4:190–191 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Those who had denied Christ gained nothing: they were held as murderers and suffered more than the confessors. ### Greek text οἱ γὰρ κατὰ τὴν πρώτην σύλληψιν ἔξαρνοι “γενόμενοι συνεκλείοντο καὶ αὐτοὶ καὶ μετεῖχον τῶν “δεινῶν· οὐδὲ γὰρ ἐν τῷ καιρῷ τούτʼ ᾦ ὄφελός τι αὐ- “τοῖς ἡ ἐξάρνησις ἐγίνετο· ἀλλʼ οἶ μὲν ὁμολογοῦντες “ὅ καὶ ἦσαν, συνεκλείοντο ὡς Χριστιανοὶ, μηδεμιᾶς “ἄλλης αὐτοῖς αἰτίας ἐπιφερομένης, οὗτοι δὲ λοιπὸν ὡς ἀνδροφόνοι καὶ μιαροὶ κατείχοντο, διπλότερον “παρὰ τοὺς λοιποὺς κολαζόμενοι. ### English translation (Claude) For those who had denied at the first arrest were also imprisoned and shared the sufferings; for at this time their denial was of no benefit to them. Those who confessed what they were were imprisoned as Christians, no other charge being brought against them; but these were now held as murderers and defiled persons, and were punished twice as much as the rest. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. The deniers were now held on the criminal charges (cannibalism, incest) that confession of the name alone did not carry. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.33 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/33/). ## Church History 5.1.34 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/34/ - Source: Dindorf 4:191 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The confessors were upheld by joy and the Spirit; the deniers were tormented by conscience. ### Greek text ἐκείνους μὲν “γὰρ ἐπεκούφιζεν ἡ χαρὰ τῆς μαρτυρίας, καὶ ἡ ἐλ- “πὶς τῶν ἐπηγγελμένων, καὶ ἡ πρὸς τὸν Χριστὸν “ἀγάπη, καὶ τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ πατρικὸν, τούτους δὲ τὸ “συνειδὸς μεγάλως ἐτιμωρεῖτο, ὥστε καὶ παρὰ τοῖς “λοιποῖς ἅπασι κατὰ τὰς παρόδους διαδήλους τὰς “ὄψεις αὐτῶν εἶναι. ### English translation (Claude) For the former were lightened by the joy of martyrdom, the hope of the promises, love for Christ, and the Spirit of the Father; but the latter were greatly tormented by conscience, so that as they passed by their faces were distinguishable from all the rest. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.34 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/34/). ## Church History 5.1.35 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/35/ - Source: Dindorf 4:191 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The confessors went out radiant like a bride, the deniers in disgrace, and this sight strengthened others to confess. ### Greek text οἶ μὲν γὰρ ἱλαροὶ προῄεσαν, “δόξης καὶ χάριτος πολλῆς ταῖς ὄψεσιν αὐτῶν συγκε- “κραμένης, ὥστε καὶ τὰ δεσμὰ κόσμον εὐπρεπῆ πε- “ρικεῖσθαι αὐτοῖς, ὡς νύμφῃ κεκοσμημένῃ ἐν “σωτοῖς χρυσοῖς πεποικιλμένοις, τὴν εὐωδίαν ὀδω- “δότες ἅμα τὴν Χριστοῦ, ὥστε ἐνίους δόξαι καὶ μύρῳ “κοσμικῷ κεχρῖσθαι αὐτούς· οἶ δὲ κατηφεῖς καὶ τα- “πεινοὶ καὶ δυσειδεῖς καὶ πάσης ἀσχημοσύνης ἀνά- “πλεοι, προσέτι δὲ καὶ ὑπὸ τῶν ἐθνῶν ὀνειδιζόμε- “νοι ὡς ἀγεννεῖς καὶ ἄνανδροι, ἀνδροφόνων μὲν ἐγ- “κλήματα ἔχοντες, ἀπολωλεκότες δὲ τὴν πάντιμον “καὶ ἔνδοξον καὶ ζωοποιὸν προσηγορίαν. ταῦτα δὲ “οἱ λοιποὶ θεωροῦντες ἐστηρίχθησαν, καὶ οἱ συλλαμ- “ βανόμενοι ἀδιστάκτως ὡμολόγουν, μηδὲ ἔννοιαν “ἔχοντες διαβολικοῦ λογισμοῦ.” ### English translation (Claude) The former went out joyful, glory and much grace mingled in their faces, so that even their chains lay upon them like a becoming ornament, as on a bride adorned with embroidered golden fringes, and they breathed at the same time the fragrance of Christ, so that some thought they had been anointed with worldly perfume. The latter were downcast, humbled, unsightly, and full of every disgrace, and were besides reproached by the Gentiles as ignoble and cowardly, bearing the charge of murderers and having lost the all-honourable, glorious, and life-giving name. When the rest saw this they were strengthened, and those who were arrested confessed without hesitation, not even giving a thought to the devil's reasoning.” ### Scripture references - Ps 45:13 (44:14 LXX): allusion, medium confidence - 2 Cor 2:15: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons, echoing Ps 45:13–14 (44:14–15 LXX) and 2 Cor 2:15. The digital text reads σωτοῖς for κροσσωτοῖς (“fringes”). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.35 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/35/). ## Church History 5.1.36 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/36/ - Source: Dindorf 4:191–192 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The martyrs' various deaths were like a crown of many flowers offered to the Father. ### Greek text τούτοις μεταξύ τινα ἐπειπόντες αὖθις ἐπιφέρουσι· “μετὰ ταῦτα “λοιπὸν εἰς πᾶν εἶδος διῃρεῖτο τὰ μαρτύρια τῆς ἐξό- “δου αὐτῶν. ἐκ διαφόρων γὰρ χρωμάτων καὶ παν- “τοίων ἀνθῶν ἔνα πλέξαντες στέφανον προσήνεγκαν “τῷ πατρί. ἐχρῆν γοῦν τοὺς γενναίους ἀθλητὰς, “ποικίλον ὑπομείναντας ἀγῶνα καὶ μεγάλως νική- “σαντας, ἀπολαβεῖν τὸν μέγαν τῆς ἀφθαρσίας στέ- “φανον. ### English translation (Claude) After saying some other things in between, they continue: “After this, then, the martyrdoms of their departure were divided into every form. For weaving one crown from different colours and flowers of every kind, they presented it to the Father. It was fitting indeed that the noble athletes, having endured a varied contest and conquered gloriously, should receive the great crown of incorruption. ### Scripture references - 1 Cor 9:25: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons; cf. 1 Cor 9:25. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.36 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/36/). ## Church History 5.1.37 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/37/ - Source: Dindorf 4:192 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Maturus, Sanctus, Blandina, and Attalus were brought to the beasts in the amphitheatre. ### Greek text ὁ μὲν οὖν Μάτουρος καὶ ὁ Σάγκτος καὶ “ἡ Βλανδῖνα καὶ Ἄτταλος ἤγοντο ἐπὶ τὰ θηρία εἰς τὸ “δημόσιον καὶ εἰς τὸ κοινὸν τῶν ἐθνῶν τῆς “πίας θέαμα, ἐπίτηδες τῆς τῶν θηριομαχιῶν ἡμέρας “διὰ τοὺς ἡμετέρους διδομένης. ### English translation (Claude) Maturus, then, and Sanctus and Blandina and Attalus were led to the wild beasts in the amphitheatre, to the public spectacle of the Gentiles' inhumanity, a day of fighting with beasts being given expressly on account of our people. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. Words at line beginnings are lost in this and the following sections of the digital text (e.g. “…πίας” for ἀπανθρωπίας, “inhumanity”); they are translated from the evident sense. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.37 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/37/). ## Church History 5.1.38 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/38/ - Source: Dindorf 4:192 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Maturus and Sanctus endured scourging, the beasts, and the red-hot iron chair. ### Greek text καὶ ὁ μὲν “ρος καὶ ὁ Σάγκτος αὖθις διῄεσαν ἐν τῷ “διὰ πάσης κολάσεως, ὡς μηδὲν ὅλως “τες, μᾶλλον δὲ ὡς διὰ πλειόνων ἤδη κλήρων ἐκβε- “βιακότες τὸν ἀντίπαλον, καὶ περὶ τοῦ στεφάνου “τοῦ τὸν ἀγῶνα ἔχοντες, ὑπέφερον πάλιν τὰς “δους τῶν μαστίγων τὰς ἐκεῖσε εἰθισμένας, καὶ ἄπο τῶν θηρίων ἑλκηθμοὺς, καὶ πάνθʼ ὅσα μαινό- “μενος ὁ δῆμος ἄλλοι ἀλλαχόθεν ἐπεβόων καὶ ἐπεκε- λεύοντο, καὶ ἐπὶ πᾶσι τὴν σιδηρᾶν καθέδραν, ἐφʼ “ ἧς τηγανιζόμενα τὰ σώματα κνίσης αὐτοὺς ἐνεφόρει. “ ### English translation (Claude) Maturus and Sanctus again passed through every punishment in the amphitheatre, as though they had suffered nothing at all before, or rather as though they had already overcome the adversary in many bouts and were now contending for the crown itself. They bore again the gauntlets of whips customary there, the mauling by the beasts, and everything the maddened people, some from one side and some from another, shouted for and demanded, and above all the iron chair, on which their bodies were roasted and filled them with the reek. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. Several words are lost at line beginnings in the digital text; the sense is clear. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.38 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/38/). ## Church History 5.1.39 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/39/ - Source: Dindorf 4:192 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The crowd raged on, but Sanctus said nothing but his confession. ### Greek text οἶ δʼ οὐδʼ οὕτως ἔληγον, ἀλλʼ ἔτι καὶ μᾶλλον “ ἐξεμαίνοντο, βουλόμενοι νικῆσαι τὴν ἐκείνων ὑπο- “μονήν. καὶ οὐδʼ ὣς παρὰ Σάγκτου ἕτερόν τι ἤκου- “σαν παρʼ ἣν ἀπʼ ἀρχῆς εἴθιστο λέγειντῆς “φωνήν. ### English translation (Claude) Even so the crowd did not stop, but raged still more, wishing to conquer their endurance. Yet even so they heard nothing else from Sanctus except the confession he had been accustomed to say from the beginning. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. The end of the section is garbled in the digital text (“λέγειντῆς φωνήν”). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.39 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/39/). ## Church History 5.1.40 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/40/ - Source: Dindorf 4:192 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Maturus and Sanctus were finally killed, made a spectacle to the world. ### Greek text οὗτοι μὲν οὖν, διʼ ἀγῶνος μεγάλου ἐπι- “πολὺ παραμενούσης αὐτῶν τῆς ψυχῆς, τοὔσχατον ‘ ἐτύθησαν διὰ τῆς ἡμέρας ἐκείνης, ἀντὶ πάσης τῆς “ἐν τοῖς μονομαχίοις ποικιλίας αὐτοὶ θέαμα “νοι τῷ κόσμῳ. ### English translation (Claude) These, then, after a great contest, their life lasting a long time, were finally sacrificed that day, having been made themselves a spectacle to the world in place of all the variety of the gladiatorial combats. ### Scripture references - 1 Cor 4:9: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons, echoing 1 Cor 4:9. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.40 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/40/). ## Church History 5.1.41 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/41/ - Source: Dindorf 4:192–193 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Blandina, hung as on a cross, inspired the others, who saw Christ crucified in her. ### Greek text ἡ δὲ Βλανδῖνα ἐπὶ ξύλου “σθεῖσα προύκειτο βορὰ τῶν εἰσβαλλομένων “ἣ καὶ διὰ τοῦ βλέπεσθαι σταυροῦ σχήματι διὰ τῆς εὐτόνου προσευχῆς πολλὴν προθυμίαν “τοῖς ἀγωνιζομένοις ἐνεποίει, βλεπόντων αὐτῶν ἑ “τῷ ἀγῶνί καὶ τοῖς ἔξωθεν ὀφθαλμοῖς διὰ τῆς τὸν ὑπὲρ αὐτῶν ἐσταυρωμένον, ἔνα πείσῃ τοὺς “πιστεύοντας εἰς αὐτὸν, ὅτι πᾶς ὁ ὑπὲρ τῆς Χριστοῦ “δόξης παθὼν τὴν κοινωνίαν ἀεὶ ἔχει μετὰ τοῦ ζῶν- “τος θεοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) Blandina was hung on a stake and exposed as food for the beasts let loose on her. Because she was seen hanging in the form of a cross, and through her fervent prayer, she inspired great eagerness in those contending, since in the contest they saw, even with their outward eyes, in their sister the one who was crucified for them, to persuade those who believe in him that everyone who suffers for the glory of Christ has fellowship for ever with the living God. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. Words are lost in the digital text (“ἑ[ν τῇ ἀδελφῇ]” and others), translated from the sense. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.41 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/41/). ## Church History 5.1.42 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/42/ - Source: Dindorf 4:193 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Untouched by the beasts, Blandina was kept for a later contest, a weak woman clothed with Christ the invincible athlete. ### Greek text καὶ μηδενὸς ἁψαμένου τότε τῶν θηρίων “αὐτῆς, καθαιρεθεῖσα ἀπὸ τοῦ ξύλου ἀνελήφθη πάλιν εἰς τὴν εἱρκτὴν, εἰς ἄλλον ἀγῶνα τηρουμένη, “ἔνα διὰ πλειόνων γυμνασμάτων νικήσασα τῷ μὲν ‘σκολιῷ ὄφει ἀπαραίτητον ποιήσῃ τὴν καταδίκην, “προτρέψηται δὲ τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς ἡ μικρὰ καὶ ἀσθενὴς “καὶ εὐκαταφρόνητος, μέγαν καὶ “ἀθλητὴν Χριστὸν ἐνδεδυμένη, διὰ πολλῶν κλήρων ἐκβιάσασα τὸν ἀντικείμενον, καὶ διʼ ἀγῶνος τὸν τῆς “ἀφθαρσίας στεψαμένη στέφανον. ### English translation (Claude) And since none of the beasts touched her then, she was taken down from the stake and brought back to prison, kept for another contest, so that, conquering in more exercises, she might make the condemnation of the crooked serpent irrevocable and encourage the brothers — she, small and weak and despised, who had put on Christ, the great and invincible athlete, and had overcome the adversary in many bouts and through the contest had been crowned with the crown of incorruption. ### Scripture references - Isa 27:1: allusion, high confidence - Gal 3:27: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. “The crooked serpent” is from Isa 27:1; “put on Christ” echoes Gal 3:27. A word before ἀθλητὴν (probably ἀκαταγώνιστον, “invincible”) is lost in the digital text. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.42 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/42/). ## Church History 5.1.43 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/43/ - Source: Dindorf 4:193 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The well-known Attalus was demanded by the crowd and entered the arena ready. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ Ἄτταλος ‘καὶ αὐτὸς μεγάλως ἐξαιτηθεὶς ὑπὸ τοῦ ὄχλου καὶ γὰρ ἦν ὀνομαστός) ἕτοιμος εἰσῆλθεν ἀγωνιστὴς διὰ τὸ “εὐσυνείδητον, ἐπειδὴ γνησίως ἐν τῇ Χριστιανῇ συν- “τάξει γεγυμνασμένος ἦν, καὶ ἀεὶ μάρτυς ἐγεγόνει “παρʼ ἡμῖν ἀληθείας. ### English translation (Claude) Attalus too, loudly demanded by the crowd (for he was well known), entered ready as a contender because of his good conscience, since he had been genuinely trained in the Christian discipline and had always been a witness of the truth among us. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.43 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/43/). ## Church History 5.1.44 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/44/ - Source: Dindorf 4:193 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Attalus was paraded with a placard, but as a Roman citizen he was returned to prison pending the emperor's decision. ### Greek text καὶ περιαχθεὶς κύκλῳ τοῦ “ἀμφιθεάτρου, πίνακος αὐτὸν προάγοντος ἐν ᾧ ἐγέ- “γραπτο ‘οὗτός ἐστιν Ἄτταλος ὁ “νόςʼ, καὶ τοῦ δήμου σφόδρα σφριγῶντος ἐπʼ αὐτῷ, ‘ μαθὼν ὁ ἡγεμὼν ὅτι Ῥωμαῖός ἐστιν, ἐκέλευσεν αὐτὸν ἀναληφθῆναι μετὰ καὶ τῶν λοιπῶν τῶν ἐν τῇ “εἱρκτῇ ὄντων, περὶ ὧν ἐπέστειλε τῷ Καίσαρι, καὶ περιέμενε τὴν ἀπόφασιν τὴν ἀπʼ ἐκείνου. ### English translation (Claude) He was led round the amphitheatre with a placard carried before him on which was written in Latin, “This is Attalus the Christian,” and the people were swelling with fury against him; but the governor, learning that he was a Roman, ordered him to be taken back with the rest who were in prison, about whom he had written to Caesar, and he awaited his decision. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. The words “in Latin” and “Christian” are partly lost in the digital text and supplied from the sense. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.44 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/44/). ## Church History 5.1.45 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/45/ - Source: Dindorf 4:193 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Meanwhile the confessors restored those who had denied, and the church, the virgin mother, rejoiced to receive them back alive. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ διὰ μέσου καιρὸς οὐκ ἀργὸς αὐτοῖς οὐδὲ ἄκαρπος ἐγίνετο, ἀλλὰ διὰ τῆς ὑπομονῆς αὐτῶν τὸ ἀμέτρητον ἔλεος ἀνεφαίνετο Χριστοῦ. διὰ γὰρ τῶν ζώντων ἐζωοποιοῦντο τὰ νεκρὰ, καὶ μάρτυρες τοῖς μὴ μάρτυσιν ἐχαρίζοντο, καὶ ἐνεγίνετο πολλὴ χαρὰ τῇ παρθένῳ μητρὶ, οὓς ὡς νεκροὺς ἐξέτρωσε, τούτους ζῶντας τὰς ἀπολαμβανούσῃ. ### English translation (Claude) The intervening time was not idle or fruitless for them, but through their endurance the immeasurable mercy of Christ was revealed. For through the living the dead were made alive, and martyrs showed grace to those who were not martyrs, and there was great joy for the virgin mother in receiving back alive those whom she had miscarried as dead. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. The “virgin mother” is the church. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.45 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/45/). ## Church History 5.1.46 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/46/ - Source: Dindorf 4:193–194 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Most of those who had denied were restored and came back to confess before the governor. ### Greek text διʼ ἐκείνων γὰρ οἱ πλείους τῶν ἠρνημένων ἀνεμητροῦντο καὶ ἀνεκυίσκοντο καὶ “ἀνεζωπυροῦντο καὶ ἐμάνθανον ὁμολογεῖν, καὶ ζῶν- “τες ἤδη καὶ τετονωμένοι προσῄεσαν τῷ βήματι, ἐγ- “γλυκαίνοντος τοῦ τὸν μὲν θάνατον τοῦ ἁμαρτωλοῦ “μὴ βουλομένου, ἐπὶ δὲ τὴν μετάνοιαν χρηστευομένου “θεοῦ, ἵνα καὶ πάλιν ἐπερωτηθῶσιν ὑπὸ τοῦ ἡγεμό- “νος. ### English translation (Claude) For through them most of those who had denied were conceived again in the womb, quickened again, and rekindled, and learned to confess; and now alive and braced they came to the tribunal, God, who does not desire the death of the sinner but is kind toward repentance, making it sweet for them, so that they might again be questioned by the governor. ### Scripture references - Ezek 33:11: allusion, high confidence - Ezek 18:23: allusion, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons, alluding to Ezek 18:23 and 33:11. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.46 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/46/). ## Church History 5.1.47 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/47/ - Source: Dindorf 4:194 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Following the emperor's rescript, the governor re-examined the prisoners at the great festival, beheading citizens and sending the rest to the beasts. ### Greek text ἐπιστείλαντος γὰρ τοῦ Καίσαρος τοὺς μὲν “ἀποτυμπανισθῆναι, εἰ δέ τινες ἀρνοῖντο, τούτους “ἀπολυθῆναι, τῆς ἐνθάδε πανηγύρεως (ἔστι δὲ αὕτη “πολυάνθρωπος ἐκ πάντων τῶν ἐθνῶν συνερχομένων “εἰς αὐτήν) ἀρχομένης συνεστάναι ἀνῆγεν ἐπὶ τὸ “βῆμα θεατρίζων τοὺς μακαρίους καὶ ἐμπομπεύων “τοῖς ὄχλοις. διὸ καὶ πάλιν ἀνήταζε, καὶ ὅσοι μὲν “ἐδόκουν πολιτείαν ῾Ρωμαίων ἐσχηκέναι, τούτων ἀπέ- “τεμνε τὰς κεφαλὰς, τοὺς δὲ λοιποὺς ἔπεμπεν εἰς “θηρία. ### English translation (Claude) For Caesar had written that they should be beaten to death, but that if any denied, these should be released. And when the local festival was beginning (it is very crowded, with people coming to it from all the nations), the governor brought the blessed ones up to the tribunal, making a theatrical show and a parade of them for the crowds. So he examined them again, and those who seemed to have Roman citizenship he beheaded, and the rest he sent to the beasts. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. The festival is the annual assembly of the Gallic provinces at Lyons (1 August). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.47 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/47/). ## Church History 5.1.48 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/48/ - Source: Dindorf 4:194 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Most former deniers now confessed and were martyred; only those without any real faith stayed outside. ### Greek text ἐδοξάζετο δὲ μεγάλως ὁ Χριστὸς ἐπὶ τοῖς “πρότερον ἀρνησαμένοις, τότε παρὰ τὴν τῶν ἐθνῶν “ὑπόνοιαν ὁμολογοῦσι. καὶ γὰρ ἰδία̣ οὗτοι ἀνητά- “ζοντο, ὡς δῆθεν ἀπολυθησόμενοι, καὶ ὁμολογοῦντες “προσετίθεντο τῷ τῶν μαρτύρων κλήρῳ. ἔμειναν δὲ ἔξω οἱ μηδὲ ἴχνος πώποτε πίστεως, μηδὲ αἴσθησιν “ἐνδύματος νυμφικοῦ, μηδὲ ἔννοιαν φόβου θεοῦ “σχόντες, ἀλλὰ καὶ διὰ τῆς ἀναστροφῆς αὐτῶν βλασ- “φημοῦντες τὴν ὁδὸν, τουτέστιν οἱ υἱοὶ τῆς ἀπω- “λείας. ### English translation (Claude) Christ was greatly glorified in those who had formerly denied, since then, contrary to the Gentiles' expectation, they confessed. For they were examined separately, supposedly to be released, and confessing they were added to the lot of the martyrs. Those remained outside who had never had any trace of faith, nor any sense of the wedding garment, nor any thought of the fear of God, but through their conduct blasphemed the Way, that is, the sons of perdition. ### Scripture references - Matt 22:11: allusion, high confidence - 2 Pet 2:2: echo, medium confidence - 2 Thess 2:3: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons, alluding to Matt 22:11–12, 2 Pet 2:2, and John 17:12 / 2 Thess 2:3. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.48 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/48/). ## Church History 5.1.49 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/49/ - Source: Dindorf 4:194–195 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Alexander, a Phrygian physician, urged the accused by signs to confess, as though in labour for them. ### Greek text οἱ δὲ λοιποὶ πάντες τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ προσετέ- “θησαν, ὧν καὶ ἀνεταζομένων Ἀλέξανδρός τις, Φρὺξ “μὲν τὸ γένος, ἰατρὸς δὲ τὴν ἐπιστήμην, πολλοῖς “αἔτεσιν ἐν ταῖς Γαλλίαις διατρίψας, καὶ γνωστὸς “σχεδὸν πᾶσι διὰ τὴν πρὸς τὸν θεὸν ἀγάπην καὶ “παρρησίαν τοῦ λόγου (ἦν γὰρ καὶ οὐκ ἄμοιρος ἀπο- “στολικοῦ χαρίσματος), παρεστὼς τῷ βήματι, καὶ “νεύματι προτρέπων αὐτοὺς πρὸς τὴν ὁμολογίαν, “φανερὸς ἦν τοῖς περιεστηκόσι τὸ βῆμα ὥσπερ ὠδί- νῶν. ### English translation (Claude) All the rest were added to the church. While they were being examined, a certain Alexander, a Phrygian by birth and a physician by profession, who had lived in Gaul for many years and was known to almost everyone for his love toward God and boldness of speech (for he was not without a share of apostolic grace), stood by the tribunal and, encouraging them by nods to confess, was plain to those standing round the tribunal as one in the pangs of birth. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.49 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/49/). ## Church History 5.1.50 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/50/ - Source: Dindorf 4:195 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Alexander was blamed by the crowd, confessed, and was condemned to the beasts with Attalus. ### Greek text ἀγανακτήσαντες δὲ οἱ ὄχλοι ἐπὶ τῷ τοὺς·‘πρότερον ἠρνημένους αὖθις ὁμολογεῖν κατεβόησαν τοῦ Ἀλεξάνδρου, ὡς ἐκείνου τοῦτο ποιοῦντος. καὶ ἐπιστήσαντος τοῦ ἡγεμόνος καὶ ἀνετάσαντος αὐτὸν ὅστις εἴη, τοῦ δὲ φήσαντος ὅτι Χριστιανὸς, ἐν ὀργῇ ‘γενόμενος κατέκρινεν αὐτὸν πρὸς θηρία, καὶ τῇ ἐπιούσῃ εἰσῆλθε μετὰ καὶ τοῦ Ἀττάλου. καὶ γὰρ καὶ τὸν Ἄτταλον τῷ ὄχλῳ χαριζόμενος ὁ ἡγεμὼν ἐξέδωκε πάλιν πρὸς θηρία. ### English translation (Claude) The crowds, enraged that those who had formerly denied were confessing again, cried out against Alexander as the one responsible. The governor summoned him and asked who he was; when he said, “A Christian,” the governor in anger condemned him to the beasts, and on the next day he entered the arena together with Attalus. For to please the crowd the governor had handed Attalus over to the beasts again. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. Handing a Roman citizen to the beasts defied the emperor's rescript (5.1.47). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.50 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/50/). ## Church History 5.1.51 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/51/ - Source: Dindorf 4:195 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Alexander and Attalus died after every torture, Alexander silently praying. ### Greek text οἱ· καὶ διὰ πάντων διελθόντες “ἐν τῷ ἀμφιθεάτρῳ τῶν πρὸς κόλασιν ἐξηυρημένων ὀργάνων, καὶ μέγιστον ὑπομείναντες ἀγῶνα, τοὔσχατον ἐτύθησαν καὶ αὐτοὶ, τοῦ μὲν Ἀλεξάνδρου μήτε στενάξαντος μήτε γρύξαντός τι ὅλως, ἀλλὰ κατὰ καρδίαν ὁμιλοῦντος τῷ θεῷ. ### English translation (Claude) They passed through all the instruments devised for punishment in the amphitheatre and, having endured a very great contest, were at last sacrificed themselves as well. Alexander neither groaned nor uttered any sound at all, but conversed with God in his heart. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.51 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/51/). ## Church History 5.1.52 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/52/ - Source: Dindorf 4:195 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Roasting on the iron chair, Attalus told the crowd that they, not the Christians, were eating people, and that God has no name like a man. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ Ἄτταλος, ὁπότε ἐπὶ τῆς σιδηρᾶς ἐπετέθη καθέδρας καὶ περιεκαίετο, ἡνίκα ἡ ἀπὸ τοῦ σώματος κνῖσα ἀνεφέρετο, ἔφη πρὸς τὸ πλῆθος τῇ Ῥωμαϊκῇ φωνῇ ῾ “ἐστιν ἀνθρώπους ἐσθίειν, ὃ ποιεῖτε ὑμεῖς· ἡμεῖς δὲ οὔτε ἀνθρώπους ἐσθίομεν οὔθʼ ἕτερόν τι πονηρὸν πράττομεν.’ ἐπερωτώμενος δὲ τί ὄνομα ἔχει ὁ θεὸς, ἀπεκρίθη ‘ ὁ θεὸς ὄνομα οὐκ ἔχει ὡς ἄνθρωπος. ### English translation (Claude) Attalus, when he was placed on the iron chair and was being burned all round, and the reek rose from his body, said to the multitude in Latin, “Look, this is eating human beings, what you are doing; but we neither eat human beings nor do anything else wicked.” And when asked what name God has, he answered, “God does not have a name as a man does.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. The words “Look, this is” are partly lost in the digital text and supplied from the sense. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.52 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/52/). ## Church History 5.1.53 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/53/ - Source: Dindorf 4:195 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: On the last day Blandina and the fifteen-year-old Ponticus, who had refused to swear by the idols, were brought in. ### Greek text ἐπὶ πάσι δὲ τούτοις τῇ ἐσχάτῃ λοιπὸν ἡμέρᾳ τῶν μονομαχίων ἡ Βλανδῖνα πάλιν εἰσεκομίζετο μετὰ καὶ Ποντικοῦ παιδαρίου ὡς πεντεκαίδεκα ἐτῶν, οἱ καὶ καθʼ ἡμέραν εἰσήγοντο πρὸς τὸ βλέπειν τὴν τῶν λοιπῶν κόλασιν, καὶ ἠναγκάζοντο ὀμνύναι κατὰ τῶν εἰδώλων αὐτῶν. καὶ διὰ τὸ ἐμμένειν εὐσταθῶς καὶ ἐξουθενεῖν αὐτοὺς ἠγριώθη πρὸς αὐτοὺς τὸ πλῆθος, ὡς μήτε τὴν ἡλικίαν τοῦ παιδὸς οἰκτεῖραι μήτε τὸ γύναιον αἰδεσθῆναι. ### English translation (Claude) After all these, on the last day of the gladiatorial games, Blandina was again brought in, together with Ponticus, a boy of about fifteen. They had been brought in every day to watch the punishment of the rest and were being compelled to swear by the idols. Because they remained steadfast and despised them, the multitude was enraged at them, so that it neither pitied the boy's age nor respected the woman. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.53 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/53/). ## Church History 5.1.54 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/54/ - Source: Dindorf 4:195–196 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Encouraged by Blandina, Ponticus endured every torture and died. ### Greek text πρὸς πάντα δὲ τὰ δεινὰ παρέβαλλον αὐτοὺς, καὶ διὰ πάσης ἐν κύκλῳ διῆγον κολάσεως, ἐπαλλήλως ἀναγκάζοντες ὀμόσαι, “ἀλλὰ μὴ δυνάμενοι τοῦτο πρᾶξαι· ὁ μὲν γὰρ Πον- “τικὸς ὑπὸ τῆς ἀδελφῆς παρωρμημένος, ὡς καὶ τὰ “ἔθνη βλέπειν ὅτι ἐκείνη ἦν προτρεπομένη καὶ στη- “ρίζουσα αὐτὸν, πᾶσαν κόλασιν γενναίως ὑπομείνας “ἀπέδωκε τὸ πνεῦμα. ### English translation (Claude) They exposed them to every terror and led them through every punishment in turn, repeatedly trying to force them to swear, but they could not do it. For Ponticus, encouraged by his sister, so that even the Gentiles saw that she was urging him on and strengthening him, nobly endured every punishment and gave up his spirit. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. “Sister” is Christian usage, not blood kinship. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.54 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/54/). ## Church History 5.1.55 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/55/ - Source: Dindorf 4:196 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Blandina, like a noble mother who had sent her children ahead, went joyfully to her death as to a wedding feast. ### Greek text ἡ δὲ μακαρία Βλανδῖνα “πάντων ἐσχάτη, καθάπερ μήτηρ εὐγενὴς παρορμή- “σασα τὰ τέκνα καὶ νικηφόρους προπέμψασα πρὸς “τὸν βασιλέα, ἀναμετρουμένη καὶ αὐτὴ πάντα τὰ “τῶν παίδων ἀγωνίσματα, ἔσπευδε πρὸς αὐτοὺς χαί- “ρουσα καὶ ἀγαλλιωμένη ἐπὶ τῇ ἐξόδῳ, ὡς εἰς νυμ- “φικὸν δεῖπνον κεκλημένη, ἀλλὰ μὴ πρὸς θηρία “βεβλημένη. ### English translation (Claude) But the blessed Blandina, last of all, like a noble mother who has encouraged her children and sent them ahead victorious to the king, herself retraced all her children's contests and hastened to them, rejoicing and exulting at her departure, as if invited to a wedding feast rather than thrown to the beasts. ### Scripture references - Rev 19:9: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - 2 Macc 7:20-23 (2 Maccabees): allusion, medium confidence - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons, recalling the mother in 2 Macc 7 and the wedding supper of Rev 19:9. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.55 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/55/). ## Church History 5.1.56 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/56/ - Source: Dindorf 4:196 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: After scourging, beasts, and the hot chair, Blandina was tossed by a bull and killed; even the pagans admired her endurance. ### Greek text καὶ μετὰ τὰς μάστιγας, μετὰ τὰ “θηρία, μετὰ τὸ τήγανον, τοὔσχατον εἰς γυργαθὸν “βληθεῖσα ταύρῳ παρεβλήθη, καὶ ἱκανῶς ἀναβλη- “θεῖσα πρὸς τοῦ ζῴου, μηδὲ αἴσθησιν ἔτι τῶν συμ- “βαινόντων ἔχουσα διὰ τὴν ἐλπίδα καὶ ἐποχὴν τῶν “πεπιστευμένων καὶ ὁμιλίαν πρὸς Χριστὸν, ἐτύθη “καὶ αὐτὴ, καὶ αὐτῶν ὁμολογούντων τῶν ἐθνῶν ὅτι “μηδεπώποτε παρʼ αὐτοῖς γυνὴ τοιαῦτα καὶ τοσαῦτα “ἔπαθεν. ### English translation (Claude) After the whips, after the beasts, after the frying pan, she was at last put in a net and thrown to a bull. Tossed about for a long time by the animal, no longer even aware of what was happening because of her hope and grasp of what she believed and her communion with Christ, she too was sacrificed; and the Gentiles themselves admitted that never among them had a woman suffered so much and so terribly. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.56 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/56/). ## Church History 5.1.57 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/57/ - Source: Dindorf 4:196 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Even then the persecutors' rage turned against the martyrs' bodies. ### Greek text ἀλλʼ οὐδʼ οὕτως κόρον ἐλάμβανεν αὐτῶν “ἡ μανία καὶ ἡ πρὸς τοὺς ἁγίους ὠμότης. ὑπὸ γὰρ “ἀγρίου θηρὸς ἄγρια καὶ βάρβαρα φῦλα ταραχθέντα “δυσπαύστως εἶχε, καὶ ἄλλην ἰδίαν ἀρχὴν ἐπὶ τοῖς “σώμασιν ἐλάμβανεν ἡ ὕβρις αὐτῶν. ### English translation (Claude) But not even so was their madness and their cruelty toward the saints satisfied. For wild and barbarous tribes, stirred up by a wild beast, were hard to stop, and their insolence took another, peculiar turn against the bodies. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. The “wild beast” is the devil. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.57 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/57/). ## Church History 5.1.58 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/58/ - Source: Dindorf 4:196–197 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Defeat only enraged the persecutors, fulfilling Rev 22:11. ### Greek text τὸ γὰρ “νενικῆσθαι αὐτοὺς οὐκ ἐδυσώπει, διὰ τὸ μὴ ἔχειν “ἀνθρώπινον ἐπιλογισμὸν, μᾶλλον δὲ καὶ ἐξέκαιεν “αὐτῶν τὴν ὀργὴν καθάπερ θηρίου, καὶ τοῦ ἡγεμό- “νος καὶ τοῦ δήμου τὸ ὅμοιον εἰς ἡμᾶς ἄδικον ἐπι- “δεικνυμένων μῖσος, ἵνα ἡ γραφὴ πληρωθῇ ῾ὁ ἄνο- “μος ἀνομησάτω ἔτι, καὶ ὁ δίκαιος δικαιωθήτω ἔτι.᾿ “ ### English translation (Claude) Being defeated did not shame them, since they had no human reasoning; rather it inflamed their anger like that of a beast, the governor and the people showing the same unjust hatred toward us, so that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Let the lawless be lawless still, and let the righteous be made righteous still.” ### Scripture references - Rev 22:11: quotation, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons, citing Rev 22:11 in a form close to its text. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.58 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/58/). ## Church History 5.1.59 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/59/ - Source: Dindorf 4:197 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The martyrs' remains were left unburied and guarded so that the Christians could not bury them. ### Greek text καὶ γὰρ τοὺς ἐναποπνιγέντας ἐν τῇ εἱρκτῇ παρέβαλλον “κυσὶν, ἐπιμελῶς παραφυλάσσοντες νύκτωρ “καὶ μεθʼ ἡμέραν, μὴ κηδευθῇ τις ὑφʼ ἡμῶν, καὶ “τότε δὴ προθέντες τά τε τῶν θηρίων τά τε τοῦ “πυρὸς λείψανα, τῇ μὲν ἐσπαραγμένα, πῆ δὲ ἠν— “θρακευμἐνα, καὶ τῶν λοιπῶν τὰς κεφαλὰς σὺν τοῖς “ἀποτμήμασιν αὐτῶν ὡσαύτως ἀτάφους παρεφύλαττον “μετὰ στρατιωτικῆς ἐπιμελείας ἡμέραις συχναῖς. “ ### English translation (Claude) For they threw those who had been suffocated in the prison to the dogs, keeping careful watch night and day that none should be buried by us. Then they exposed the remains left by the beasts and by the fire, some torn to pieces, some charred, and the heads of the rest together with their trunks, and likewise guarded them unburied with military care for many days. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.59 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/59/). ## Church History 5.1.60 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/60/ - Source: Dindorf 4:197 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Onlookers raged, mocked, or asked where the Christians' God was. ### Greek text καὶ οἱ μὲν ἐνεβριμῶντο καὶ ἔβρυχον τοὺς ὀδόντας “ἐπʼ αὐτοῖς, ζητοῦντές τινα περισσοτέραν ἐκδίκησιν “παρʼ αὐτῶν λαβεῖν, οἱ δὲ ἐνεγέλων καὶ ἐπετώθαζον, “μεγαλύνοντες ἅμα τὰ εἴδωλα αὐτῶν, καὶ ἐκείνοις “προσάπτοντες τὴν τούτων τιμωρίαν, οἱ δὲ ἐπιεικέστεροι “καὶ κατὰ ποσὸν συμπαθεῖν δοκοῦντες ὡνείδιζον “πολὺ λέγοντες ποῦ ὁ θεὸς αὐτῶν, καὶ τί αὐτοὺς “τοὺς ὤνησεν ἡ θρησκεία, ἣν καὶ πρὸ τῆς ἑαυτῶν “εἵλοντο ψυχῆς; ### English translation (Claude) Some raged and gnashed their teeth at them, seeking to take some further vengeance on them; others laughed and mocked, magnifying their idols and ascribing to them the punishment of these; while the more reasonable, who seemed to have some measure of sympathy, reproached them greatly, saying, “Where is their God, and what good did their religion do them, which they chose even before their own lives?” ### Scripture references - Ps 79:10 (78:10 LXX): echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons; “Where is their God?” echoes Ps 79:10 (78:10 LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.60 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/60/). ## Church History 5.1.61 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/61/ - Source: Dindorf 4:197 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Christians grieved that neither bribes nor pleas allowed them to bury the martyrs. ### Greek text καὶ τὰ μὲν ἀπʼ ἐκείνων τοιαύτην “εἶχε τὴν ποικιλίαν, τὰ δὲ καθʼ ἡμᾶς ἐν μεγάλῳ “καθειστήκει πένθει, διὰ τὸ μὴ δύνασθαι τὰ σώματα “κρύψαι τῇ γῇ. οὔτε γὰρ νὺξ συνεβάλλετο ἡμῖν πρὸς “τοῦτο οὔτε ἀργύρια ἔπειθεν οὔτε λιτανεία ἐδυσώπει, “παντὶ δὲ τρόπῳ παρετήρουν, ὡς μέγα τι κερδανουντες, “εἰ μὴ τύχοιεν ταφῆς.” ### English translation (Claude) Such was the variety of their conduct; but our situation was one of great grief, because we could not hide the bodies in the earth. Neither did night help us to this, nor did money persuade, nor did entreaty move them, but they kept guard in every way, as though it were some great gain if they should not obtain burial.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.61 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/61/). ## Church History 5.1.62 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/62/ - Source: Dindorf 4:197 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: After six days the martyrs' bodies were burned and their ashes thrown into the Rhône. ### Greek text τούτοις ἑξῆς “μεθʼ ἕτερά φασι “τὰ οὖν σώματα τῶν μαρτύρων “παραδειγματισθέντα καὶ αἰθαλωθέντα ἐπὶ “ἡμέρας ἓξ, μετέπειτα καέντα καὶ αἰθαλωθέντα ὑπὸ “τῶν ἀνόμων κατεσαρώθη εἰς τὸν Ῥοδανὸν ποταμὸν “πλησίον παραρρέοντα, ὅπως μηδὲ λείψανον αὐτῶν “φαίνηται ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς ἔτι. ### English translation (Claude) After this, following other matters, they say: “So the bodies of the martyrs, having been exposed to every outrage and left in the open for six days, were afterwards burned and reduced to ashes by the lawless and swept into the river Rhône, which flows nearby, so that not even a relic of them might still appear on the earth. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. The digital text repeats αἰθαλωθέντα; the first is probably a slip for a word such as ὑβρισθέντα (“outraged”). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.62 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/62/). ## Church History 5.1.63 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/63/ - Source: Dindorf 4:197–198 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The pagans destroyed the bodies to mock the Christian hope of resurrection. ### Greek text καὶ ταῦτʼ ἔπραττον “ὡς δυνάμενοι νικῆσαι τὸν θεὸν καὶ ἀφελέσθαι αὐτῶν “τῶν τὴν παλιγγενεσίαν, ἔνα, ὡς ἔλεγον ἐκεῖνοι, “μηδὲ ἐλπίδα σχῶσιν ἀναστάσεως, ἐφʼ ᾗ πεποιθότες “ξένην τινὰ καὶ καινὴν ἡμῖν εἰσάγουσι θρησκείαν, “καὶ καταφρονοῦσι τῶν δεινῶν, ἕτοιμοι καὶ “χαρᾶς ἥκοντες ἐπὶ τὸν θάνατον· νῦν ἴδωμεν εἰ ἀναστήσονται, “καὶ εἰ δύναται βοηθῆσαι αὐτοῖς ὁ θεὸς αὐτῶν, καὶ ἐξελέσθαι ἐκ τῶν χειρῶν ἡμῶν.” ### English translation (Claude) And they did this as if able to conquer God and deprive them of their rebirth, “so that,” as they said, “they may not even have hope of a resurrection, trusting in which they introduce a foreign and new religion among us, and despise terrors, coming ready and with joy to death. Now let us see whether they will rise again, and whether their God can help them and deliver them out of our hands.” ### Scripture references - Dan 3:15: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - End of this extract from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. “Deliver them out of our hands” echoes Dan 3:15. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.1.63 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/1/63/). ## Church History 5.2.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/2/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:198 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius adds further extracts from the letter on the martyrs' gentleness. ### Greek text Τοιαῦτα καὶ τὰ κατὰ τὸν δεδηλωμένον αὐτοκράτορα ταῖς Χριστοῦ συμβέβηκεν ἐκκλησίαις, ἀφʼ ὧν καὶ τὰ ἐν ταῖς λοιπαῖς ἐπαρχίαις ἐνηργημένα εἰκότι λογισμῷ στοχάζεσθαι πάρεστιν. ἄξιον τούτοις ἐκ τῆς αὐτῆς ἐπισυνάψαι γραφῆς λέξεις ἑτέρας, διʼ ὧν καὶ τὸ ἐπιεικὲς καὶ φιλάνθρωπον τῶν δεδηλωμένων μαρτύρων ἀναγέγραπται τούτοις αὐτοῖς τοῖςρήμασιν ### English translation (Claude) Such were the things that happened to the churches of Christ under the emperor mentioned, from which one may reasonably infer what was done in the other provinces. It is worth adding other passages from the same document, in which the gentleness and kindness of the martyrs described are recorded in these very words: ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.2.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/2/1/). ## Church History 5.2.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/2/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:198 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The confessors, imitating Christ's humility, refused to be called martyrs. ### Greek text “οἳ καὶ ἐπὶ τοσοῦτον ζηλωταὶ καὶ μιμηταὶ Χριστοῦ ἐγένοντο, ὃς ἐν μορφῇ θεοῦ ὑπάρχων οὐχ ἁρπαγμὸν ἡγήσατο τὸ εἶναι ἴσα θεῷ, ὥστε ἐν τοιαύτῃ δόξῃ ὑπάρχοντες, καὶ οὐχ ἅπαξ οὐδὲ δὶς, ἀλλὰ πολλάκις μαρτυρήσαντες, καὶ ἐκ θηρίων αὖθις ἀναληφθέντες, καὶ τὰ καυτήρια καὶ τοὺς μώλωπας καὶ τὰ τραύματα ἔχοντες περικείμενα, οὔτʼ αὐτοὶ μάρ- “τυρας ἑαυτοὺς ἀνεκήρυττον οὔτε μὴν ἡμῖν τούτῳ τῷ ὀνόματι προσαγορεύειν αὐτοὺς, ἀλλʼ εἴ ποτέ τις ἡμῶν διʼ ἐπιστολῆς ἢ διὰ λόγου μάρτυρας αὐτοὺς προσεῖπεν, ἐπέπλησσον πικρῶς. ### English translation (Claude) “They became such zealous imitators of Christ, ‘who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,’ that, though they were in such glory, and had borne witness not once or twice but many times, and had been taken back from the beasts, and bore burns, bruises, and wounds all over, they neither proclaimed themselves martyrs nor allowed us to address them by this name; but if any of us by letter or by word addressed them as martyrs, they rebuked him sharply. ### Scripture references - Phil 2:6: quotation, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons, citing Phil 2:6. A verb such as ἐπέτρεπον (“allowed”) is missing in the digital text after οὔτε μὴν ἡμῖν; translated from the sense. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.2.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/2/2/). ## Church History 5.2.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/2/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:198–199 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: They gave the title “martyr” to Christ and the dead, calling themselves mere confessors and asking for prayer. ### Greek text ἡδέως γὰρ παρεχώρουν τὴν τῆς μαρτυρίας προσηγορίαν τῷ Χριστῷ, τῷ πιστῷ καὶ ἀληθινῷ μάρτυρι καὶ πρωτοτόκῳ τῶν νεκρῶν καὶ ἀρχηγῷ τῆς ζωῆς τοὐ θεοῦ, καὶ ἐπεμιμνήσκοντο τῶν ἐξεληλυθότων ἤδη μαρτύρων καὶ ἔλεγον ἐκεῖνοι ἤδη μάρτυρες, οὓς ἐν τῇ ὁμολογίᾳ Χριστὸς ἠξίωσεν ἀναληφθῆναι, ἐπι- σφραγισάμενος αὐτῶν διὰ τῆς ἐξόδου τὴν μαρτυ- “ρίαν, ἡμεῖς δὲ ὁμόλογοι μέτριοι καὶ ταπεινοί. καὶ “μετὰ δακρύων παρεκάλουν τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς, δεόμενοι “ἵνα ἐκτενεῖς εὐχαὶ γίνωνται πρὸς τὸ τελειωθῆναι “αὐτούς. ### English translation (Claude) For they gladly yielded the title of martyr to Christ, the faithful and true martyr, the firstborn of the dead and author of the life of God; and they reminded us of the martyrs who had already departed and said, ‘They are already martyrs, whom Christ deemed worthy to be taken up in their confession, sealing their martyrdom by their departure; but we are lowly and humble confessors.’ And with tears they begged the brothers that earnest prayers be made for them to be perfected. ### Scripture references - Rev 1:5: allusion, high confidence - Rev 3:14: allusion, high confidence - Acts 3:15: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons, echoing Rev 1:5, 3:14 and Acts 3:15. Μάρτυς means “witness”; here the distinction between martyr (one who has died) and confessor appears. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.2.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/2/3/). ## Church History 5.2.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/2/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:199 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: They showed a martyr's courage but in the fear of God refused the title. ### Greek text καὶ τὴν μὲν δύναμιν τῆς μαρτυρίας ἔργῳ “ἐπεδείκνυντο, πολλὴν παρρησίαν ἄγοντες πρὸς πάντα “τὰ ἔθνη, καὶ τὴν εὐγένειαν διὰ τῆς ὑπομονῆς καὶ “ἀφοβίας καὶ ἀτρομίας φανερὰν ἐποίουν, τὴν δὲ πρὸς “τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς τῶν μαρτύρων προσηγορίαν παρῃτοῦντο, “ἐμπεπλησμένοι φόβου θεοῦ.” ### English translation (Claude) They showed the power of martyrdom in deed, displaying great boldness toward all the Gentiles, and made their nobility plain by their endurance and their freedom from fear and trembling; but they refused the title of martyrs from the brothers, being filled with the fear of God.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.2.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/2/4/). ## Church History 5.2.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/2/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:199 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The confessors humbly defended and forgave everyone and prayed for their persecutors, like Stephen. ### Greek text καὶ αὖθις “μετὰ βραχέα φασίν “ἐταπείνουν ἑαυτοὺς ὑπὸ τὴν “κραταιὰν χεῖρα, ὑφʼ ἧς ἱκανῶς νῦν εἰσιν ὑψωμένοι. “τότε δὲ πάσι μὲν ἀπελογοῦντο, κατηγόρουν δὲ οὐδενὸς, “ἔλυον μὲν ἅπαντας, ἐδέσμευον δὲ οὐδένα, καὶ “ὑπὲρ τῶν τὰ δεινὰ διατιθέντων ηὔχοντο, καθάπερ “Στέφανος ὁ τέλειος μάρτυς ‘κύριε, μὴ στήσῃς αὐτοῖς “τὴν ἁμαρτίαν ταύτην.· εἰ δʼ ὑπὲρ τῶν λιθαζόντων “ἐδέετο, πόσῳ μᾶλλον ὑπὲρ τῶν ἀδελφῶν; ### English translation (Claude) And again, a little later, they say: “They humbled themselves under the mighty hand, by which they have now been highly exalted. Then they defended all, but accused none; they loosed all, but bound none; and they prayed for those who inflicted the terrors, like Stephen the perfect martyr: ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ But if he prayed for those who stoned him, how much more for the brothers?” ### Scripture references - 1 Pet 5:6: allusion, high confidence - Acts 7:60: quotation, high confidence - Matt 16:19: echo, low confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons, citing 1 Pet 5:6 and Acts 7:60. “Loosed … bound” refers to the confessors' reconciling the lapsed (cf. Matt 16:19). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.2.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/2/5/). ## Church History 5.2.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/2/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:199 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Out of love the confessors fought to rescue the lapsed from the devil, weeping for them before the Father. ### Greek text καὶ “αὖθίς φασι μεθʼ ἕτερα οὗτος γὰρ καὶ μέγιστος αὐτοῖς “πρὸς αὐτὸν ὁ πόλεμος ἐγένετο, διὰ τὸ γνήσιον “τῆς ἀγάπης, ἵνα ἀποπνιχθεὶς ὁ θὴρ, οὓς πρότερον “ᾤετο καταπεπωκέναι, ζῶντας ἐξεμέσῃ. οὐ γὰρ ἔλαβον “καύχημα κατὰ τῶν πεπτωκότων, ἀλλʼ ἐν οἷς “ἐπλεόναζον αὐτοὶ, τοῦτο τοῖς ἐνδεεστέροις ἐπήρκουν, “μητρικὰ σπλάγχνα ἔχοντες, καὶ πολλὰ περὶ αὐτῶν “ἐκχέοντες δάκρυα πρὸς τὸν πατέρα. ### English translation (Claude) And again, after other things, they say: “For this was their greatest war against him, because of the genuineness of their love: that the beast, being choked, might vomit up alive those he had thought he had already swallowed. For they did not boast over the fallen, but supplied to the more needy that in which they themselves abounded, having a mother's compassion, and shedding many tears for them to the Father. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.2.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/2/6/). ## Church History 5.2.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/2/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:199–200 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The martyrs obtained life for others and departed in peace, leaving the church concord and love. ### Greek text ζωὴν ἠτήσαντο, “καὶ ἔδωκεν αὐτοῖς, ἢν καὶ συνεμερίσαντο “τοῖς πλησίον. κατὰ πάντων νικηφόροι πρὸς θεὸν “ἀπελθόντες, εἰρήνην ἀγαπήσαντες ἀεὶ, καὶ εἰρήνην “ἀεὶ παρεγγυήσαντες, μετʼ ειρηνης ἐχώρησαν πρὸς “θεὸν, μὴ καταλιπόντες πόνον τῇ μητρὶ, μηδὲ στάσιν “καὶ πόλεμον τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς, ἀλλὰ χαρὰν καὶ εἰρήνην “καὶ ὁμόνοιαν καὶ ἀγάπην.” ### English translation (Claude) They asked for life, and he gave it to them, and they shared it with their neighbours. Victorious over everything, they departed to God; having always loved peace, and always commended peace, they went in peace to God, leaving no trouble for their mother, nor faction and war for the brothers, but joy and peace and concord and love.” ### Scripture references - Ps 21:4 (20:5 LXX): echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Letter of Vienne and Lyons; “they asked for life, and he gave it” echoes Ps 21:4 (20:5 LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.2.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/2/7/). ## Church History 5.2.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/2/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:200 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius cites this example of mercy to the lapsed as a rebuke to the harshness of later rigorists. ### Greek text ταῦτα καὶ περὶ τῆς τῶν μακαρίων ἐκείνων πρὸς τοὺς παραπεπτωκότας τῶν ἀδελφῶν στοργῆς ὠφελίμως προσκείσθω, τῆς ἀπανθρώπου καὶ ἀνηλεοῦς ἕνεκα διαθέσεως τῶν μετὰ ταῦτα ἀφειδῶς τοῖς Χριστοῦ μέλεσι προσενηνεγμένων. ### English translation (Claude) Let this too be usefully added about the affection of those blessed ones toward the brothers who had fallen away, because of the inhuman and merciless disposition of those who afterwards behaved unsparingly toward the members of Christ. ### Translation notes - Eusebius is probably thinking of the Novatianists (see 6.43). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.2.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/2/8/). ## Church History 5.3.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/3/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:200 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius introduces another story from the letter of the martyrs of Gaul. ### Greek text Ἡ δʼ αὐτὴ τῶν προειρημένων μαρτύρων γραφὴ καὶ ἄλλην τινὰ μνήμης ἀξίαν ἱστορίαν περιέχει, ἣν καὶ οὐδεὶς ἂν γένοιτο φθόνος μὴ οὐχὶ τῶν ἐντευξομένων εἰς γνῶσιν προσθεῖναι. ἔχει δὲ οὕτως. ### English translation (Claude) The same document about the martyrs already mentioned contains another story worth remembering, which no one could grudge being brought to the knowledge of readers. It runs as follows. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.3.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/3/1/). ## Church History 5.3.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/3/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:200 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Attalus received a revelation that Alcibiades's strict diet of bread and water was wrong and a stumbling block. ### Greek text Ἀλκιβιάδου γάρ τινος ἐξ αὐτῶν, πάνυ αὐχμηρὸν βιοῦντος βίον, καὶ μηδενὸς ὅλως τὸ πρότερον μεταλαμβάνοντος, ἀλλʼ ἢ ἄρτῳ μόνῳ καὶ ὕδατι χρωμένου, πειρωμένου τε καὶ ἐν τῇ εἱρκτῇ οὕτω διάγειν, Ἀττάλῳ μετὰ τὸν πρῶτον ἀγῶνα, ὃν ἐν τῷ ἀμφιθεάτρῳ ἤνυσεν, ἀπεκαλύφθη, ὅτι μὴ καλῶς ποιοίη Ἀλκιβιάδης, μὴ χρώμενος τοῖς κτίσμασι τοῦ θεοῦ, καὶ ἄλλοις τύπον σκανδάλου ὑπολειπόμενος. ### English translation (Claude) One of them, Alcibiades, lived a very austere life, having formerly partaken of nothing at all but using only bread and water, and he tried to live so in prison too. But after the first contest which Attalus completed in the amphitheatre, it was revealed to Attalus that Alcibiades was not doing well in not using the creatures of God, and was leaving an example of stumbling to others. ### Scripture references - 1 Tim 4:4: allusion, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Paraphrase of the Letter of Vienne and Lyons; cf. 1 Tim 4:3–4. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.3.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/3/2/). ## Church History 5.3.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/3/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:200 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Alcibiades obeyed, ate freely, and gave thanks; the Holy Spirit guided the martyrs. ### Greek text πεισθεὶς δὲ ὁ Ἀλκιβιάδης πάντων ἀνέδην μετελάμβανε, καὶ ηὐχαρίστει τῷ θεῷ. οὐ γὰρ ἀνεπίσκεπτοι χάριτος θεοῦ ἦσαν, ἀλλὰ τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον ἦν σύμβουλον αὐτοῖς. καὶ ταῦτα μὲν ὧδε ἐχέτω. ### English translation (Claude) Alcibiades was persuaded, partook of everything freely, and gave thanks to God. For they were not without the visitation of God's grace, but the Holy Spirit was their counsellor. So much for this. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.3.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/3/3/). ## Church History 5.3.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/3/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:200–201 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: When the Montanist prophecy in Phrygia caused dispute, the Gallic confessors sent letters on it to Asia and to Eleutherus of Rome, seeking the churches' peace. ### Greek text τῶν δʼ ἀμφὶ τὸν Μοντανὸν καὶ Ἀλκιβιάδην καὶ Θεόδοτον περὶ τὴν Φρυγίαν ἄρτι τότε πρῶτον τὴν περὶ τοῦ προφητεύειν ὑπόληψιν παρὰ πολλοῖς ἐκφερομένων (πλεῖσται γὰρ οὖν καὶ ἄλλαι παραδοξοποιίαι τοῦ θείου χαρίσματος εἰσέτι τότε κατὰ διαφόρους ἐκκλησίας ἐκτελούμεναι πίστιν παρὰ πολλοῖς τοῦ κἀκείνους προφητεύειν παρεῖχον), καὶ δὴ διαφωνίας ὑπαρχούσης περὶ τῶν δεδηλωμένων, αὖθις οἱ κατὰ τὴν Γαλλίαν ἀδελφοὶ τὴν ἰδίαν κρίσιν καὶ περὶ τούτων εὐλαβῆ καὶ ὀρθοδοξοτάτην ὑποτάττουσιν, ἐκθέμενοι καὶ τῶν παρʼ αὐτοῖς τελειωθέντων μαρτύρων διαφόρους ἐπιστολὰς, ἃς ἐν δεσμοῖς ἔτι ὑπάρχοντες τοῖς ἐπʼ Ἀσίας καὶ Φρυγίας ἀδελφοῖς διεχάραξαν, οὐ μὴν ἀλλὰ καὶ Ἐλευθέρῳ τῷ τότε ῾Ρωμαίων ἐπισκόπῳ, τῆς τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν εἰρήνης ἕνεκεν πρεσβεύοντες. ### English translation (Claude) At that very time the followers of Montanus, Alcibiades, and Theodotus in Phrygia were first spreading among many their opinion about prophesying (for the many other wonderful works of the divine gift still being performed at that time in various churches made many believe that these too were prophesying). And since there was disagreement about them, the brothers in Gaul again set out their own judgment on these matters too, a careful and most orthodox one, publishing also various letters of the martyrs who had been perfected among them, which they had written while still in bonds to the brothers in Asia and Phrygia, and also to Eleutherus, then bishop of the Romans, acting as ambassadors for the peace of the churches. ### Translation notes - This Alcibiades is a Montanist, probably not the Gallic martyr of 5.3.2. What judgment the Gallic churches gave on Montanism is not stated; “most orthodox” is Eusebius's assessment. The digital text reads πλεπῖσται for πλεῖσται (“many”). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.3.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/3/4/). ## Church History 5.4.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/4/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:201 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The martyrs recommended the presbyter Irenaeus to Eleutherus of Rome. ### Greek text Οἱ δʼ αὐτοὶ μάρτυρες καὶ τὸν Εἰρήναιον, πρεσβύτερον ἤδη τότʼ ὄντα τῆς ἐν Λουγδούνῳ παροικίας, τῷ δηλωθέντι κατὰ ῾Ρώμην ἐπισκόπῳ συνίστων, πλεῖστα τῷ ἀνδρὶ μαρτυροῦντες, ὡς αἱ τοῦτον ἔχουσαι τὸν τρόπον δηλοῦσι φωναί ### English translation (Claude) The same martyrs also commended Irenaeus, who was then already a presbyter of the community at Lyons, to the bishop of Rome mentioned, bearing him abundant witness, as these words show: ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.4.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/4/1/). ## Church History 5.4.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/4/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:201 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The martyrs' letter to Eleutherus commends Irenaeus as zealous for Christ's covenant. ### Greek text “χαίρειν ἐν θεῷ σε ἐν πᾶσιν εὐχόμεθα καὶ ἀεὶ, πάτερ “Ἐλεύθερε. ταῦτά σοι τὰ γράμματα προετρεψάμεθα “τὸν ἀδελφὸν ἡμῶν καὶ κοινωνὸν Εἰρηναῖον διακομίσαι, καὶ παρακαλοῦμεν ἔχειν σε αὐτὸν ἐν παραθέ- “σει, ζηλωτὴν ὄντα τῆς διαθήκης Χριστοῦ. εἰ γὰρ “ᾔδειμεν, τόπον τινὶ δικαιοσύνην περιποιεῖσθαι, ὡς “πρεσβύτερον ἐκκλησίας, ὅπερ ἐστὶν ἐπʼ αὐτῷ, ἐν “πρώτοις ἂν παρεθέμεθα.” ### English translation (Claude) “We pray, Father Eleutherus, that you may rejoice in God in all things and always. We have urged our brother and companion Irenaeus to carry this letter to you, and we ask you to hold him in esteem, as he is zealous for the covenant of Christ. For if we knew that rank procured righteousness for anyone, we would have commended him first of all as a presbyter of the church, which he is.” ### Translation notes - Quotation from a letter of the Gallic martyrs to Eleutherus of Rome. The sentence “if we knew…” is difficult; the sense is that they commend him for his zeal, not merely for his office. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.4.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/4/2/). ## Church History 5.4.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/4/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:201 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius refers readers to his martyr collection for the full list of those who died. ### Greek text τί δεῖ καταλέγειν τὸν ἐν τῇ δηλωθείσῃ γραφῇ τῶν μαρτύρων κατάλογον, ἰδίᾳ μὲν τῶν ἀποτμήσει κεφαλῆς τετελειωμένων, ἰδίᾳ δὲ τῶν θηρσὶν εἰς βορὰν παραβεβλημένων, καὶ αὖθις τῶν ἐπὶ τῆς εἱρκτῆς κεκοιμημένων, τόν τε ἀριθμὸν τῶν εἰσέτι τότε περιόντων ὁμολογητῶν; ὅτῳ γὰρ φίλον, καὶ ταῦτα ῥᾴδιον πληρέστατα διαγνῶναι μετὰ χεῖρας ἀναλαβόντι τὸ σύγγραμμα, ὃ καὶ αὐτὸ τῇ τῶν μαρτυρίων συναγωγῇ πρὸς ἡμῶν, ὡς γοῦν ἔφην, κατείλεκται. ἀλλὰ τὰ μὲν ἐπʼ Ἀντωνίνου τοιαῦτα. ### English translation (Claude) Why need I list the catalogue of martyrs given in the document mentioned: separately those perfected by beheading, separately those thrown to the beasts as food, and again those who fell asleep in prison, and the number of the confessors still surviving at that time? Anyone who wishes can easily learn these things in full by taking in hand the work, which, as I said, has been included by us in the collection of martyrdoms. Such were the events under Antoninus. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.4.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/4/3/). ## Church History 5.5.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/5/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:201–202 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: In a campaign against the Germans, Christian soldiers of the Melitene legion knelt and prayed while Marcus Aurelius's army suffered from thirst. ### Greek text Τούτου δὴ ἀδελφὸν Μάρ- κον Αὐρήλιον Καίσαρα λόγος ἔχει Γερμανοῖς καὶ Σαρ- μάταις ἀντιπαραταττόμενον μάχῃ δίψει πιεζομένης αὐτοῦ τῆς στρατιᾶς ἐν ἀμηχανίᾳ γενέσθαι, τοὺς δὲ ἐπὶ τῆς Μελιτηνῆς οὕτω καλουμένης λεγεῶνος στρατιώτας διὰ πίστεως ἐξ ἐκείνου καὶ εἰς δεῦρο συνεστώσης ἐν τῇ πρὸς τοὺς πολεμίους παρατάξει γόνυ θέντας ἐπὶ γῆν κατὰ τὸ οἰκεῖον ἡμῖν τῶν εὐχῶν ἔθος ἐπὶ τὰς πρὸς θεὸν ἱκεσίας τραπέσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) It is said that Marcus Aurelius Caesar, brother of this emperor, when drawn up for battle against the Germans and Sarmatians, was in great difficulty because his army was distressed by thirst; but the soldiers of the so-called Melitene legion, through the faith which from that time to this has sustained it, knelt on the ground in the line of battle against the enemy, according to our custom in prayer, and turned to supplications to God. ### Translation notes - The “rain miracle” of ca. 172–174. Eusebius confuses the relationships of the emperors (Marcus Aurelius was the “Antoninus” of the preceding chapters). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.5.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/5/1/). ## Church History 5.5.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/5/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:202 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Lightning routed the enemy and rain saved the Roman army. ### Greek text παραδόξου δὲ τοῖς πολεμίοις τοῦ τοιούτου δὴ θεάματος φανέντος ἄλλο τι λόγος ἔχει παραδοξότερον ἐπικαταλαβεῖν αὐτίκα· σκηπτὸν μὲν εἰς φυγὴν καὶ ἀπώλειαν συνελαύνοντα τοὺς πολεμίους, ὄμβρον δὲ ἐπὶ τὴν τῶν τὸ θεῖον παρακεκληκότων στρατιὰν, πᾶσαν αὐτὴν ἐκ τοῦ δίψους μέλλουσαν ὅσον οὔπω διαφθείρεσθαι ἀνακτώμενον. ### English translation (Claude) The enemy were astonished at such a sight, but, the story says, something more astonishing immediately followed: a thunderbolt drove the enemy to flight and destruction, and rain fell on the army of those who had called on God, reviving the whole of it when it was all but perishing of thirst. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.5.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/5/2/). ## Church History 5.5.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/5/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:202 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Pagan historians record the miracle but do not credit Christian prayer; Christian writers do. ### Greek text ἡ δὲ ἱστορία φέρεται μὲν καὶ παρὰ πόρρω τοῦ καθʼ ἡμᾶς λόγου συγγραφεῦσιν, οἶς μέλον γέγονε τῆς κατὰ τοὺς δηλουμένους γραφῆς, δεδήλωται δὲ καὶ πρὸς τῶν ἡμετέρων. ἀλλὰ τοῖς μὲν ἔξωθεν ἱστορικοῖς, ἅτε τῆς πίστεως ἀνοικείοις, τέθειται μὲν τὸ παράδοξον, οὐ μὴν καὶ ταῖς τῶν ἡμετέρων εὐχαῖς τοῦτο ὡμολογήθη γεγονέναι· τοῖς δέ γε ἡμετέροις, ἅτε ἀληθείας φίλοις, ἁπλῷ καὶ ἀκακοήθει τρόπῳ τὸ πραχθὲν παραδέδοται. ### English translation (Claude) The story is told by writers far removed from our teaching who have concerned themselves with the history of these times, and it has also been recorded by our own. But by outside historians, as strangers to the faith, the marvel is set down, but it is not admitted that it happened through our people's prayers; whereas by ours, as lovers of truth, what happened has been handed down in a simple and guileless way. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.5.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/5/3/). ## Church History 5.5.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/5/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:202 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Apolinarius says the legion was afterwards called “the Thundering Legion.” ### Greek text τούτων δʼ ἂν εἴη καὶ Ἀπολινάριος, ἐξ ἐκείνου φήσας τὴν διʼ εὐχῆς τὸ παράδοξον πεποιηκυῖαν λεγεῶνα οἰκείαν τῷ γεγονότι πρὸς τοῦ βασιλέως εἰληφέναι προσηγορίαν, κεραυνοβόλον τῇ Ῥωμαίων ἐπικληθεῖσαν φωνῇ. ### English translation (Claude) Among these would be Apolinarius, who says that from that time the legion which had worked the marvel by its prayer received from the emperor a name suited to what had happened, being called in Latin “the Thunder-hurling.” ### Translation notes - Claudius Apolinarius, bishop of Hierapolis; his work is lost. The Twelfth Legion was in fact already called Fulminata before this event. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.5.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/5/4/). ## Church History 5.5.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/5/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:202 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Tertullian's Apology also confirms the story. ### Greek text μάρτυς δὲ τούτων γένοιτʼ ἂν ἀξιόχρεως ὁ Τερτυλλιανὸς, τῇ Ρωμαϊκῇ συγκλήτῳ προσφωνήσας ὑπὲρ τῆς πίστεως ἀπολογίαν, ἧς καὶ πρόσθεν ἐμνημονεύσαμεν, τήν τε ἱστορίαν βεβαιῶν σὺν ἀποδείξει μείζονι καὶ ἐναργεστέρᾳ. ### English translation (Claude) A trustworthy witness to these things would be Tertullian, who addressed to the Roman senate an apology for the faith, which we mentioned earlier, confirming the story with greater and clearer proof. ### Translation notes - Tertullian, Apology 5.6. Eusebius read it in a Greek translation and wrongly thought it was addressed to the senate. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.5.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/5/5/). ## Church History 5.5.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/5/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:202–203 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: According to Tertullian, a letter of Marcus Aurelius credited the Christians' prayers and threatened their accusers. ### Greek text γράφει δʼ οὖν καὶ αὐτὸς λέγων Μάρκου τοῦ συνετωτάτου βασιλέως ἐπιστολὰς εἰσέτι νῦν φέρεσθαι, ἐν αἷς αὐτὸς μαρτυρεῖ ἐν Γερμανίᾳ ὕδατος ἀπορία μέλλοντα αὐτοῦ τὸν στρατὸν διαφθείρεσθαι ταῖς τῶν Χριστιανῶν εὐχαῖς σεσῶσθαι. τοῦτον δέ φησι καὶ θάνατον ἀπειλῆσαι τοῖς κατηγορεῖν ἡμῶν ἐπιχειροῦσιν. ### English translation (Claude) He writes, then, that letters of the most wise emperor Marcus are still extant, in which he himself testifies that when his army in Germany was about to perish through lack of water it was saved by the prayers of the Christians. He says too that this emperor threatened death to those who attempted to accuse us. ### Translation notes - Paraphrase of Tertullian, Apology 5.6. The letter Tertullian refers to has not survived (a surviving version appended to Justin's Apology is a later forgery). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.5.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/5/6/). ## Church History 5.5.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/5/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:203 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Tertullian protests that the laws against Christians were not enforced by earlier emperors. ### Greek text οἶς ὁ δηλωθεὶς ἀνὴρ καὶ ταῦτα προσεπιλέγει· ποταποὶ οὖν οἶ νόμοι οὗτοι, οἶς καθʼ ἡμῶν μόνον “ἕπονται ἀσεβεῖς, ἄδικοι, ὠμοί; οὑς οὔτε Οὐεσπα- “σιανὸς ἐφύλαξε, καίτοι γε Ἰουδαίους νικήσας, οὓς “Τραϊανὸς ἐκ μέρους ἐξουθένησε, κωλύων ἐπιζητεῖσθαι Χριστιανοὺς, οὓς οὔτε Ἀδριανὸς, καίτοι γε πάντα τὰ περίεργα πολυπραγμονῶν, οὔτε ὁ Εὐσε- ‘βὴς ἐπικληθεὶς ἐπεκύρωσεν.’ ἀλλὰ ταῦτα μὲν ὅπη τις ἐθέλῃ τιθέσθω, μετίωμεν δὲ ἡμεῖς ἐπὶ τὴν τῶν ἑξῆς ἀκολουθίαν. ### English translation (Claude) The man mentioned adds this as well: “What kind of laws, then, are these, which are applied against us alone, impious, unjust, cruel? Laws which neither Vespasian observed, though he conquered the Jews; which Trajan in part set aside, forbidding Christians to be sought out; which neither Hadrian, though inquisitive about all curious things, nor the one called Pius ratified.” But let each take these things as he will; let us pass on to what followed. ### Translation notes - Quotation from Tertullian, Apology 5.6–8, in the Greek version Eusebius used. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.5.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/5/7/). ## Church History 5.5.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/5/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:203 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus succeeded Pothinus as bishop of Lyons; in youth he had heard Polycarp. ### Greek text Ποθεινοῦ δὴ ἐφʼ ὅλοις τῆς ζωῆς ἔτεσιν ἐνενήκοντα σὺν τοῖς ἐπὶ Γαλλίας μαρτυρήσασι τελειωθέντος, Εἰρηναῖος τῆς κατὰ Λούγδουνον ἧς ὁ Ποθεινὸς ἡγεῖτο παροικίας τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν διαδέχεται. Πολυκάρπου δὲ τοῦτον ἀκουστὴν γενέσθαι κατὰ τὴν νέαν ἐμανθάνομεν ἡλικίαν. ### English translation (Claude) When Pothinus had been perfected with those martyred in Gaul, at the full age of ninety years, Irenaeus succeeded to the episcopate of the community at Lyons over which Pothinus had presided. We have learned that in his youth he had been a hearer of Polycarp. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.5.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/5/8/). ## Church History 5.5.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/5/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:203 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: In Against Heresies Book 3, Irenaeus lists the bishops of Rome down to Eleutherus. ### Greek text οὗτος τῶν ἐπὶ ῾Ρώμης τὴν διαδοχὴν ἐπισκόπων ἐν τρίτῃ συντάξει τῶν πρὸς τὰς αἱρέσεις παραθέμενος, εἰς Ἐλεύθερον, οὗ τὰ κατὰ τοὺς χρόνους ἡμῖν ἐξετάζεται, ὡσὰν δὴ κατʼ αὐτὸν σπουδαζομένης αὐτῷ τῆς γραφῆς, τὸν κατάλογον ἵστησι, γράφων ὧδε· ### English translation (Claude) He, in the third book of his work against the heresies, sets out the succession of the bishops of Rome and brings the list down to Eleutherus, whose times are being examined by us, as though his writing had been done in that bishop's day. He writes thus: ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.5.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/5/9/). ## Church History 5.6.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/6/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:203 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus: the apostles entrusted the church of Rome to Linus, followed by Anencletus. ### Greek text “Θεμελιώσαντες οὖν καὶ οἰκοδομήσαντες οἶ μακάριοι ἀπόστολοι τὴν ἐκκλησίαν Λίνῳ τὴν τῆς ἐπισκοπῆς λειτουργίαν ἐνεχείρισαν. τούτου τοῦ Λίνου Παῦλος ἐν ταῖς πρὸς Τιμόθεον ἐπιστολαῖς μέμνηται, διαδέχεται δὲ αὐτὸν Ανέγκλητος. ### English translation (Claude) “The blessed apostles, then, having founded and built up the church, entrusted the ministry of the episcopate to Linus. Paul mentions this Linus in his letters to Timothy. Anencletus succeeded him. ### Scripture references - 2 Tim 4:21: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 3.3.3 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.3.3 (to 5.6.5). Linus appears in 2 Tim 4:21. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.6.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/6/1/). ## Church History 5.6.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/6/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:203–204 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement, third bishop of Rome, had known the apostles and their teaching. ### Greek text μετὰ τοῦτον δὲ τρίτῳ τόπῳ ἀπὸ “τῶν ἀποστόλων τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν κληροῦται Κλήμης, ὁ “καὶ ἑωρακὼς τοὺς μακαρίους ἀποστόλους, καὶ συμ- “βεβληκὼς αὐτοῖς, καὶ ἔτι ἔναυλον τὸ κήρυγμα τῶν “ἀποστόλων καὶ τὴν παράδοσιν πρὸ ὀφθαλμῶν ἔχων, οὐ μόνος· ἔτι γὰρ πολλοὶ ὑπελείποντο τότε ὑπὸ τῶν “ἀποστόλων δεδιδαγμένοι. ### English translation (Claude) After him, in the third place from the apostles, Clement received the episcopate, who had both seen the blessed apostles and conversed with them, and still had the preaching of the apostles ringing in his ears and their tradition before his eyes — and not he alone, for many were still left at that time who had been taught by the apostles. ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 3.3.3 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.3.3. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.6.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/6/2/). ## Church History 5.6.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/6/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:204 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Under Clement the Roman church wrote to Corinth to restore peace and faith. ### Greek text ἐπὶ τούτου οὖν τοῦ “Κλήμεντος στάσεως οὐκ ὀλίγης τοῖς ἐν Κορίνθῳ “γενομένης ἀδελφοῖς, ἐπέστειλεν ἡ ἐν ῾Ρώμῃ ἐκκλησία “ἱκανωτάτην γραφὴν τοῖς Κορινθίοις, εἰς εἰρήνην “συμβιβάζουσα αὐτοὺς, καὶ ἀνανεοῦσα τὴν πίστιν “αὐτῶν καὶ ἣν νεωστὶ ἀπὸ τῶν ἀποστόλων παρά- “δοσιν εἰλήφει.“ ### English translation (Claude) In the time of this Clement, when no small dissension had arisen among the brothers in Corinth, the church in Rome sent a most powerful letter to the Corinthians, reconciling them in peace and renewing their faith and the tradition it had lately received from the apostles.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 3.3.3 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence - 1 Clem. (1 Clement): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.3.3, referring to 1 Clement. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.6.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/6/3/). ## Church History 5.6.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/6/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:204 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus continues the Roman list to Eleutherus, the twelfth bishop after the apostles. ### Greek text καὶ μετὰ βραχέα φησὶ “τὸν δὲ “Κλήμεντα τοῦτον διαδέχεται Εὐάρεστος, καὶ τὸν “Εὐάρεστον Ἀλέξανδρος. εἶθʼ οὕτως ἕκτος ἀπὸ τῶν “ἀποστόλων καθίσταται Ξύστὸς, μετὰ δὲ τοῦτον Τε- “λεσφόρος, ὃς καὶ ἐνδόξως ἐμαρτύρησεν· ἔπειτα Ὑγῖ- “νος, εἶτα Πίος, μεθʼ ὃν Ἀνίκητος. διαδεξαμένου “τὸν Ἀνίκητον Σωτῆρος νῦν δωδεκάτῳ τόπῳ τὸν τῆς “ἐπισκοπῆς ἀπὸ τῶν ἀποστόλων κατέχει κλῆρον Ἐλεύ- “θερος. ### English translation (Claude) And shortly after he says: “Evarestus succeeded this Clement, and Alexander succeeded Evarestus. Then Xystus was appointed, sixth from the apostles, and after him Telesphorus, who also bore glorious witness as a martyr; then Hyginus, then Pius, after whom Anicetus. Soter having succeeded Anicetus, Eleutherus now holds the lot of the episcopate in the twelfth place from the apostles. ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 3.3.3 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.3.3. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.6.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/6/4/). ## Church History 5.6.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/6/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:204 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Through this succession the apostolic tradition and truth have reached Irenaeus's day. ### Greek text τῇ αὐτῇ τάξει καὶ τῇ αὐτῇ διδαχῇ ἥ τε “ἀπὸ τῶν ἀποστόλων ἐν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ παράδοσις καὶ “τὸ τῆς ἀληθείας κήρυγμα κατήντηκεν εἰς ἡμᾶς.” ### English translation (Claude) In the same order and the same teaching, the tradition in the church from the apostles and the preaching of the truth have come down to us.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 3.3.3 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.3.3. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.6.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/6/5/). ## Church History 5.7.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/7/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:204 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus also testifies that miracles still occurred in the churches of his day. ### Greek text Ταῦτα ὁ Εἰρήναιος, ἀκολούθως ταῖς προδιεξοδευθείσαις ἡμῖν ὑπογράψας ἱστορίαις ἐν οἷς ἐπέγραψε πέντε οὖσι τὸν ἀριθμὸν ἐλέγχου καὶ ἀνατροπῆς τῆς ψευδωνύμου γνώσεως, ἐν δευτέρῳ τῆς αὐτῆς ὑποθέσεως, ὅτι δὴ καὶ εἰς αὐτὸν ὑποδείγματα τῆς θείας καὶ παραδόξου δυνάμεως ἐν ἐκκλησίαις τισὶν ὑπολέλειπτο, διὰ τούτων ἐπισημαίνεται λέγων ### English translation (Claude) This is what Irenaeus writes, in agreement with the accounts we have already set out, in the work, five books in number, which he entitled Refutation and Overthrow of Knowledge Falsely So Called. In the second book of the same treatise he indicates that manifestations of divine and wonderful power had remained until his time in some churches, saying: ### Scripture references - 1 Tim 6:20: echo, high confidence ### Translation notes - The title echoes 1 Tim 6:20. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.7.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/7/1/). ## Church History 5.7.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/7/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:204–205 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus: the heretics cannot raise the dead, but in the church the dead have been restored through fasting and prayer. ### Greek text “τοσοῦτον δὲ ἀποδέουσι “τοῦ νεκρὸν ἐγείραι, καθὼς ὁ κύριος ἤγειρε καὶ “ἀπόστολοι διὰ προσευχῆς, καὶ ἐν τῇ ἀδελφότητι “πολλάκις, διὰ τὸ ἀναγκαῖον τῆς κατὰ τόπον ἐκκλησίας πάσης αἰτησαμένης μετὰ νηστείας καὶ λιτανείας πολλῆς, ἐπέστρεψε τὸ πνεῦμα τοῦ τετελευτηκότος, καὶ ἐχαρίσθη ὁ ἄνθρωπος ταῖς εὐχαῖς τῶν ἁγίων.’’ ### English translation (Claude) “So far are they from raising the dead, as the Lord raised them and the apostles through prayer, and as often in the brotherhood, when necessary, the whole church in a place asked with much fasting and supplication, the spirit of the dead man returned, and the man was granted to the prayers of the saints.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 2.31.2 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Against Heresies 2.31.2. The subject “they” is the followers of Simon and Carpocrates. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.7.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/7/2/). ## Church History 5.7.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/7/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:205 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus: Christ's miracles were real and foretold, and his true disciples still work wonders in his name. ### Greek text καὶ αὖθίς φησι μεθʼ ἕτερα εἰ δὲ καὶ τὸν κύριον “φαντασιωδῶς τὰ τοιαῦτα πεποιηκέναι φήσουσιν, “ἐπὶ τὰ προφητικὰ ἀνάγοντες αὐτοὺς ἐξ αὐτῶν ἐπι- “δείξομεν πάντα οὕτως περὶ αὐτοῦ καὶ προειρῆσθαι “καὶ γεγονέναι βεβαίως, καὶ αὐτὸν μόνον εἶναι τὸν “υἱὸν τοῦ θεοῦ. διὸ καὶ ἐν τῷ ἐκείνου ὀνόματι οἶ “ἀληθῶς αὐτοῦ μαθηταὶ, παρʼ αὐτοῦ λαβόντες τὴν “χάριν, ἐπιτελοῦσιν ἐπʼ εὐεργεσίᾳ τῇ τῶν λοιπῶν “ἀνθρώπων, καθὼς εἷς ἕκαστος τὴν δωρεὰν εἴληφε παρʼ αὐτοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) And again, after other things, he says: “But if they say that the Lord too did such things only in appearance, we shall lead them back to the prophetic writings and show from them that everything concerning him was both foretold in this way and surely took place, and that he alone is the Son of God. Therefore also in his name his true disciples, having received the grace from him, perform works for the benefit of the rest of mankind, as each one has received the gift from him. ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 2.32.4 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Against Heresies 2.32.4. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.7.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/7/3/). ## Church History 5.7.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/7/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:205 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus lists exorcisms, prophecy, healings, and even resurrections in the church of his day. ### Greek text οἶ μὲν γὰρ δαίμονας ἐλαύνουσι βεβαίως καὶ ἀληθῶς, ὥστε πολλάκις καὶ πιστεύειν ἐκείνους αὐτοὺς τοὺς καθαρισθέντας ἀπὸ τῶν πονηρῶν πνευμάτων καὶ εἶναι ἐν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ, οἶ δὲ καὶ πρόγνωσιν ἔχουσι τῶν μελλόντων καὶ ὀπτασίας καὶ ῥήσεις προφητικὰς, ἄλλοι δὲ τοὺς κάμνοντας διὰ τῆς τῶν χειρῶν ἐπιθέσεως ἰῶνται καὶ ὑγιεῖς ἀποκαθιστᾶσιν. ἤδη δὲ, καθὼς ἔφαμεν, καὶ νεκροὶ ἠγέρθησαν, καὶ παρέμειναν σὺν ἡμῖν ἔτεσιν ἱκανοῖς. ### English translation (Claude) For some drive out demons surely and truly, so that often those very ones who have been cleansed from the evil spirits believe and are in the church; others have foreknowledge of things to come, and visions, and prophetic utterances; others heal the sick by the laying on of hands and restore them to health. And already, as we said, even the dead have been raised and have remained with us for many years. ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 2.32.4 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Against Heresies 2.32.4. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.7.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/7/4/). ## Church History 5.7.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/7/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:205–206 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus: the church's gifts are countless and are used freely for the good of all. ### Greek text καὶ τί γάρ; οὐκ ἔστιν ἀριθμὸν εἰπεῖν τῶν χαρισματων, ὧν κατὰ παντὸς του κόσμου ἡ ἐκκλησία παρὰ θεοῦ λαβοῦσα ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τοῦ σταυρωθέντος ἐπὶ Ποντίου Πιλάτου ἑκάστης ἡμέρας ἐπʼ εὐεργεσίᾳ τῇ τῶν ἐθνῶν ἐπιτελεῖ, μήτε ἐξαπατῶσά τινας μήτε ἐξαργυριζομένη· ὡς γὰρ “δωρεὰν εἴληφε παρὰ θεοῦ, δωρεὰν καὶ διακονεῖ. ### English translation (Claude) And what more? It is not possible to tell the number of the gifts which the church throughout the whole world has received from God in the name of Jesus Christ, who was crucified under Pontius Pilate, and performs every day for the benefit of the Gentiles, neither deceiving anyone nor taking money; for as it has received freely from God, it also ministers freely.” ### Scripture references - Matt 10:8: echo, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 2.32.4 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Against Heresies 2.32.4, echoing Matt 10:8. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.7.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/7/5/). ## Church History 5.7.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/7/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:206 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus also reports prophecy, tongues, and other spiritual gifts in his day. ### Greek text καὶ ἐν ἑτέρω δὲ τόπῳ ὁ αὐτὸς γράφει καθὼς καὶ “πολλῶν ἀκούομεν ἀδελφῶν ἐν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ “τικὰ χαρίσματα ἐχόντων, καὶ παντοδαπαῖς λαλούν- “των διὰ τοῦ πνεύματος γλώσσαις, καὶ τὰ κρύφια “τῶν ἀνθρώπων εἰς φανερὸν ἀγόντων ἐπὶ τῷ καὶ τὰ μυστήρια τοῦ θεοῦ ἐκδιηγουμένων. ταῦτα καὶ περὶ τοῦ διαφορὰς χαρισμάτων μέχρι καὶ τῶν δηλουμένων χρόνων παρὰ τοῖς ἀξίοις διαμεῖναι. ### English translation (Claude) And in another place the same writer says: “As we also hear of many brothers in the church who have prophetic gifts, and speak through the Spirit in all kinds of tongues, and bring to light the hidden things of men for their good, and expound the mysteries of God.” So much on the fact that varieties of gifts continued among the worthy until the times in question. ### Scripture references - 1 Cor 12:4: echo, medium confidence - 1 Cor 14:25: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 5.6.1 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Against Heresies 5.6.1; cf. 1 Cor 14:25 and 12:4. The first letters of “prophetic” (προφητικὰ) are lost in the digital text. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.7.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/7/6/). ## Church History 5.8.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/8/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:206 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius will now quote Irenaeus on the books of Scripture. ### Greek text Ἐπεὶ δὲ ἀρχόμενοι πραγματείας ὑπόσχεσιν πεποιήμεθα παραθήσεσθαι κατὰ καιρὸν εἰπόντες τὰς τῶν ἀρχαίων ἐκκλησιαστικῶν πρεσβυτέρων τε καὶ συγγραφέων φωνὰς, ἐν αἷς τὰς περὶ τῶν ἐνδιαθήκων γραφῶν εἰς αὐτοὺς κατελθούσας παραδόσεις γραφῇ παραδεδώκασι, τούτων δὲ καὶ ὁ Εἰρήναιος ἦν, φέρε καὶ τὰς αὐτοῦ παραθώμεθα λέξεις. ### English translation (Claude) Since at the beginning of this work we promised to set out, when the time came, the words of the ancient ecclesiastical presbyters and writers in which they have handed down in writing the traditions that reached them about the canonical Scriptures, and Irenaeus was one of these, let us set out his words too. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.8.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/8/1/). ## Church History 5.8.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/8/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:206 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus: Matthew wrote his Gospel in the Hebrews' language while Peter and Paul preached in Rome. ### Greek text καὶ πρώτας γε τὰς περὶ τῶν ἱερῶν εὐαγγελίων, οὕτως ἐχούσας ὁ μὲν δὴ Ματθαῖος ἐν τοῖς Ἑβραίοις τῇ ἰδίᾳ αὐτῶν διαλέκτῳ καὶ γραφὴν ἐξήνεγκεν εὐαγγελίου, τοῦ Πέτρου καὶ τοῦ Παύλου ἐν ‘Ρώμῃ εὐαγγελιζομένων καὶ θεμελιούντων τὴν ἐκκλησίαν. ### English translation (Claude) And first those about the holy Gospels, which run thus: “Matthew published a written Gospel among the Hebrews in their own language, while Peter and Paul were preaching the gospel in Rome and founding the church. ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 3.1.1 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1 (to 5.8.4). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.8.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/8/2/). ## Church History 5.8.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/8/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:206 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus: Mark recorded Peter's preaching and Luke Paul's. ### Greek text μετὰ δὲ τὴν τούτων ἔξοδον Μάρκος ὁ μαθητὴς καὶ ἑρμηνευτὴς Πέτρου καὶ αὐτὸς τὰ ὑπὸ Πέτρου κηρυσσόμενα ἐγγράφως ἡμὶν παραδέ- “δωκε, καὶ Λουκᾶς δὲ, ὁ ἀκόλουθος Παύλου, τὸ ὑπʼ ἐκείνου κηρυσσόμενον εὐαγγέλιον ἐν βίβλῳ κατέθετο. ### English translation (Claude) After their departure, Mark, the disciple and interpreter of Peter, also handed down to us in writing what was preached by Peter; and Luke, the follower of Paul, set down in a book the gospel preached by him. ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 3.1.1 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1. “Departure” (ἔξοδος) probably means their death. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.8.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/8/3/). ## Church History 5.8.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/8/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:206 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus: John, the beloved disciple, published his Gospel at Ephesus. ### Greek text ἔπειτα Ἰωάννης, ὁ μαθητὴς τοῦ κυρίου, ὁ καὶ ἐπὶ τὸ στῆθος αὐτοῦ ἀναπεσὼν, καὶ αὐτὸς ἐξέδωκε τὸ εὐαγγέλιον, ἐν Ἐφέσω τῆς Ἀσίας δια- “τρίβων.” ### English translation (Claude) Then John, the disciple of the Lord, who also leaned on his breast, himself published the Gospel while living at Ephesus in Asia.” ### Scripture references - John 21:20: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 3.1.1 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1, alluding to John 13:25 and 21:20. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.8.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/8/4/). ## Church History 5.8.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/8/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:206–207 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus defends the number 666 in the Apocalypse as found in the best copies and attested by John's hearers. ### Greek text ταῦτα μὲν οὖν ἐν τρίτῳ τῆς εἰρημένης ὑποθέσεως τῷ προδηλωθέντι εἴρηται. ἐν δὲ τῷ πέμπτῳ περὶ τῆς Ἰωάννου ἀποκαλύψεως καὶ τῆς ψήφου τῆς τοῦ ἀντιχρίστου προσηγορίας οὕτω διαλαμβάνει· “τούτων δὲ οὕτως ἐχόντων, καὶ ἐν πᾶσι δὲ τοῖς σπουδαίοις καὶ ἀρχαίοις ἀντιγράφοις τοῦ ἀριθμοῦ τούτου κειμένου, καὶ μαρτυρούντων αὐτῶν ἐκείνων τῶν κατʼ ὄψιν τὸν Ἰωάννην καὶ τοῦ λόγου διδάσκοντος ἡμὰς ὅτι ὁ ἀριθμὸς τοῦ ὀνόματος τοῦ θηρίου κατὰ τὴν τῶν Ἑλλήνων ψῆφον διὰ τῶν ἐν αὐτῷ γραμμάτων ἐμφαίνεται.’’ ### English translation (Claude) These things are said in the third book of the work mentioned. In the fifth he discusses the Apocalypse of John and the number of the name of the Antichrist thus: “This being so, and this number being found in all the good and ancient copies, and those who saw John face to face bearing witness to it, and reason teaching us that the number of the name of the beast is shown according to the Greek reckoning by the letters in it…” ### Scripture references - Rev 13:18: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 5.30.1 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Against Heresies 5.30.1, on Rev 13:18 (some copies read 616). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.8.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/8/5/). ## Church History 5.8.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/8/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:207 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus refuses to name the Antichrist and dates John's vision to the end of Domitian's reign. ### Greek text καὶ ὑποκαταβὰς περὶ τοῦ αὐτοῦ φάσκει “ἡμεῖς οὖν οὐκ ‘ἀποκινδυνεύομεν περὶ τοῦ ὀνόματος τοῦ ἀντιχρίστου ἀποφαινόμενοι βεβαιωτικῶς. εἰ γὰρ ἔδει ἀναφανδὸν τῷ νῦν καιρῷ κηρύττεσθαι τοὔνομα αὐτοῦ, διʼ ἐκείνου ἂν ἐρρέθη τοῦ καὶ τὴν ἀποκάλυψιν ἑωρακότος· οὐδὲ γὰρ πρὸ πολλοῦ χρόνου ἐωράθη, ἀλλὰ σχεδὸν ἐπὶ τῆς ἡμετέρας γενεάς, πρὸς τῷ τέλει τῆς Δομετιανοῦ ἀρχῆς.” ### English translation (Claude) And further on he says about the same thing: “We, therefore, do not run the risk of declaring positively about the name of the Antichrist. For if it had been necessary for his name to be proclaimed openly at the present time, it would have been spoken by him who also saw the revelation. For it was seen not a long time ago, but almost in our own generation, at the end of the reign of Domitian.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 5.30.3 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Against Heresies 5.30.3. The digital text repeats the syllables κότος. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.8.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/8/6/). ## Church History 5.8.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/8/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:207 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus uses 1 John and 1 Peter and quotes the Shepherd of Hermas as Scripture. ### Greek text ταῦτα καὶ περὶ τῆς ἀποκαλύψεως ἱστόρηται τῷ δεδηλωμένῳ. μέμνηται δὲ καὶ τῆς Ἰωάννου πρώτης ἐπιστολῆς, μαρτύρια ἐξ αὐτῆς πλεῖστα εἰσφέρων, ὁμοίως δὲ καὶ τῆς Πέτρου προτέρας. οὐ μόνον δὲ οἶδεν, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἀποδέχεται τὴν τοῦ Ποιμένος γραφὴν λέγων καλῶς οὖν εἶπεν ἡ γραφὴ ἡ λέγουσα, πρῶτον πάντων πίστευσον ὅτι εἷς ἐστὶν ὁ θεὸς, ὁ τʼ. πάντα κτίσας καὶ τὰ ἑξῆς. ### English translation (Claude) These are the things recorded by this writer about the Apocalypse. He also mentions the first letter of John, bringing many testimonies from it, and likewise the first of Peter. And he not only knows but also accepts the writing of the Shepherd, saying: “Well then did the Scripture speak, which says, ‘First of all believe that God is one, who created all things,’” and so on. ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 4.20.2 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence - Herm. Mand. 1.1 (Shepherd of Hermas: Mandates): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Irenaeus, Against Heresies 4.20.2, quoting Hermas, Mandate 1.1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.8.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/8/7/). ## Church History 5.8.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/8/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:207–208 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus also uses Wisdom of Solomon and the expositions of an unnamed apostolic presbyter. ### Greek text καὶ ῥητοῖς τοῖς δέ τισιν ἐκ τῆς Σολομῶνος Σοφίας κέχρηται, μονονουχὶ φάσκων· ὅρασις ’δε θεοῦ περιποιητικὴ ἀφθαρσίας, ἀφθαρσία δὲ ἐγγὺς εἶναι ποιεῖ θεοῦ. καὶ ἀπομνημονευμάτων δὲ ἀποστολικοῦ τινὸς πρεσβυτέρου, οὗ τοὔνομα σιωπῇ παραδέδωκε, μνημονεύει, ὢ ἐξηγήσεις τε αὐτοῦ θείων γραφῶν παρατέθειται. ### English translation (Claude) He also makes use of certain sayings from the Wisdom of Solomon, saying almost in so many words: “The vision of God produces incorruption, and incorruption makes one to be near God.” He also mentions the memoirs of a certain apostolic presbyter, whose name he has passed over in silence, and sets out his expositions of the divine Scriptures. ### Extrabiblical texts - Wis 6:19 (Wisdom of Solomon): allusion, high confidence - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 4.38.3 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Irenaeus, Against Heresies 4.38.3, using Wis 6:19; the presbyter is cited in Haer. 4.27–32. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.8.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/8/8/). ## Church History 5.8.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/8/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:208 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus cites Justin and Ignatius and promised a separate work against Marcion. ### Greek text ἔτι καὶ Ἰουστίνου τοῦ μάρτυρος καὶ Ἰγνατίου μνήμην πεποίηται, μαρτυρίαις αὖθις καὶ ἀπὸ τῶν τούτοις γραφέντων κεχρημένος. ἐπήγγελται δὲ αὐτὸς ἐκ τῶν Μαρκίωνος συγγραμμάτων ἀντιλέξειν αὐτῷ ἐν ἰδίῳ σπουδάσματι. ### English translation (Claude) He has also mentioned Justin the martyr and Ignatius, again using testimonies from what they wrote. And he promised to answer Marcion from his own writings in a separate work. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ign. Rom. 4.1 (To the Romans): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Irenaeus cites Ignatius, Rom. 4.1 (Haer. 5.28.4) and Justin (Haer. 4.6.2; 5.26.2). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.8.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/8/9/). ## Church History 5.8.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/8/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:208 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus defends the Septuagint's “virgin” in Isaiah 7:14 against the “young woman” of Theodotion and Aquila, whom the Ebionites follow. ### Greek text καὶ περὶ τῆς κατὰ τοὺς ἑβδομήκοντα ἑρμηνείας τῶν θεοπνεύστων γραφῶν ἄκουε οἷα κατὰ λέξιν γράφει ὁ θεὸς οὖν ἄνθρωπος ἐγένετο, καὶ αὐτὸς κύριος ἔσωσεν ἡμᾶς, δοὺς τὸ τῆς παρθένου σημεῖον· ἀλλʼ οὐχ ὡς ἔνιοι φασι τῶν νῦν τολμώντων μεθερμηνεύειν τὴν γραφὴν ‘ ἴδοὺ ἡ νεᾶνις ἐν γαστρὶ ἔξει καὶ τέξεται υἱόνʼ, ὡς Θεοδοτίων ἡρμήνευσεν ὁ Ἐφέσιος, καὶ Ἀκύλας ὁ Ποντικὸς, ἀμφότεροι Ἰουδαῖοι προσήλυτοι, οἷς κατακολουθήσαντες οἱ Ἐβιωναῖοι ἐξ Ἰωσὴφ αὐτὸν γεγενῆσθαι φάσκουσι.’’ ### English translation (Claude) And hear what he writes, word for word, about the translation of the inspired Scriptures by the Seventy: “God then became man, and the Lord himself saved us, giving the sign of the virgin; but not as some of those now venturing to translate the Scripture say, ‘Behold, the young woman shall conceive and bear a son,’ as Theodotion of Ephesus translated, and Aquila of Pontus, both Jewish proselytes; following them the Ebionites say that he was begotten of Joseph.” ### Scripture references - Isa 7:14: quotation, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 3.21.1 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.21.1, on Isa 7:14. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.8.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/8/10/). ## Church History 5.8.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/8/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:208 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus: Ptolemy son of Lagus asked the Jews for a Greek translation of their Scriptures for his library. ### Greek text τούτοις ἐπιφέρει μετὰ βραχέα λέγων πρὸ τοῦ γὰρ Ῥωμαίους κρατῦναι τὴν ἀρχὴν αὐτῶν, ἔτι τῶν Μακεδόνων τὴν Ἀσίαν κατε- ‘χόντων, Πτολεμαῖος ὁ Λάγου, φιλοτιμούμενος τὴν “ὑπʼ αὐτοῦ κατεσκευασμένην βιβλιοθήκην ἐν Ἀλε- “ξανδρείᾳ κοσμῆσαι τοῖς πάντων ἀνθρώπων συγγράμμασιν, ὅσα γε σπουδαῖα ὑπῆρχεν, ᾐτήσατο παρὰ τῶν Ἱεροσολυμιτῶν εἰς τὴν Ἑλληνικὴν διάλεκτον σχεῖν αὐτῶν μεταβεβλημένας τὰς γραφάς. ### English translation (Claude) To this he adds shortly after: “For before the Romans established their empire, while the Macedonians still held Asia, Ptolemy son of Lagus, ambitious to adorn the library he had founded in Alexandria with the writings of all men, as many as were of value, asked the people of Jerusalem to have their Scriptures translated into the Greek language. ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 3.21.2 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.21.2 (to 5.8.15). Other sources name Ptolemy II Philadelphus. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.8.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/8/11/). ## Church History 5.8.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/8/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:208 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Jews sent seventy elders skilled in both languages. ### Greek text οἱ δὲ ὑπήκουον γὰρ ἔτι τοῖς Μακεδόσι τότε) τοὺς παρʼ αὐτοῖς ἐμπειροτάτους τῶν γραφῶν καὶ ἀμφοτέρων τῶν διαλέκτων, ἑβδομήκοντα πρεσβυτέρους ἔπεμψαν Πτολεμαίῳ, ποιήσοντας τοῦθʼ ὅπερ ἠβούλετο ### English translation (Claude) They (for they were still subject to the Macedonians at that time) sent to Ptolemy seventy elders, the most experienced among them in the Scriptures and in both languages, to do what he wished. ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 3.21.2 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.21.2. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.8.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/8/12/). ## Church History 5.8.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/8/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:208–209 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Ptolemy had each translator work separately on every book. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ ἰδέᾳ πεῖραν αὐτῶν λαβεῖν θελή- “σας, εὐλαβηθείς τε μή τι ἄρα συνθέμενοι τὴν ἐν ταῖς γραφαῖς διὰ τῆς ἑρμηνείας ἀλή- “θειαν, χωρίσας αὐτοὺς ἀπʼ ἀλλήλων ἐκέλευσε πάντας τὴν αὐτὴν ἑρμηνείαν γράφειν, καὶ τοῦτο ἐπὶ πάντων τῶν βιβλίων ἐποίησε. ### English translation (Claude) Wishing to test them individually, and fearing that they might by agreement conceal the truth in the Scriptures through their translation, he separated them from one another and ordered all of them to write the same translation; and he did this for all the books. ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 3.21.2 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.21.2. A word (probably “conceal”) is lost in the digital text. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.8.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/8/13/). ## Church History 5.8.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/8/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:209 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: All the translations agreed word for word, showing that the Greek Scriptures were translated by divine inspiration. ### Greek text συνελθόντων δὲ αὐτῶν ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ παρὰ τῷ Πτολεμαίῳ, καὶ “συναντιβαλλόντων ἑκάστου τὴν ἑαυτοῦ ἑρμηνείαν, “ὁ μὲν θεὸς ἐδοξάσθη, αἶ δὲ γραφαὶ ὄντως “ἐγνώσθησαν, τῶν πάντων τὰ αὐτὰ ταῖς αὐταῖς λἐ- “ξεσι καὶ τοῖς αὐτοῖς ὀνόμασιν ἀναγορευσάντων ἀπʼ ἀρχῆς μέχρι τέλους, ὥστε καὶ τὰ παρόντα ἔθνη “γνὠναι ὅτι κατʼ ἐπίπνοιαν τοῦ θεοῦ εἰσιν ἡρμηνευμέναι αἶ γραφαί. ### English translation (Claude) When they came together before Ptolemy and compared each one's translation, God was glorified and the Scriptures were recognized as truly divine, for all had rendered the same things in the same words and the same names from beginning to end, so that even the Gentiles present knew that the Scriptures had been translated by the inspiration of God. ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 3.21.2 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.21.2. The word “divine” (θεῖαι) seems lost in the digital text and is supplied from the sense. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.8.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/8/14/). ## Church History 5.8.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/8/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:209 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus: God had earlier inspired Ezra to restore the lost Scriptures after the exile. ### Greek text καὶ οὐδέν γε θαυμαστὸν τοῦτο ἐνηργηκέναι τὸν θεὸν, ὅς γε καὶ ἐν τῇ ἐπὶ Ναβουχοδονόσορ αἰχμαλωσίᾳ τοῦ λαοῦ, διαφθαρεισῶν τῶν γραφῶν, καὶ μετὰ ἑβδομήκοντα ἔτη τῶν Ἰουδαίων ἀνελθόντων εἰς τὴν χώραν αὐτῶν, ἔπειτα ἐν τοῖς χρόνοις Ἀρταξέρξου τοῦ Περσῶν βασιλέως ἐνέπνευσεν Ἔσδρᾳ τῷ ἱερεῖ ἐκ τῆς φυλῆς Λευὶ, τοὺς “τῶν προγεγονότων προφητῶν πάντας ἀνατάξασθαι λόγους, καὶ ἀποκαταστῆσαι τῷ λαῷ τὴν διὰ Μωυσέως νομοθεσίαν.’’ τοσαῦτα ὁ Εἰρήναιος. ### English translation (Claude) And it is no wonder that God did this, since also in the captivity of the people under Nebuchadnezzar, when the Scriptures had been destroyed, and the Jews returned to their country after seventy years, then in the times of Artaxerxes king of the Persians he inspired Ezra the priest, of the tribe of Levi, to restore all the words of the former prophets and to re-establish for the people the legislation given through Moses.” So much from Irenaeus. ### Extrabiblical texts - Irenaeus, Irenaeus, Haer. 3.21.2 (Irenaeus, Against Heresies): quotation, high confidence - 2 Esd 14 (2 Esdras): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.21.2. The legend of Ezra restoring the Scriptures is found in 2 Esd 14 (4 Ezra). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.8.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/8/15/). ## Church History 5.9.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/9/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:209 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Commodus became emperor, and Julian succeeded Agrippinus as bishop of Alexandria. ### Greek text Ἐννέα δὲ καὶ δέκα ἔτεσι τῇ βασιλείᾳ διαρκέσαντος Ἀντωνίνου, Κόμοδος τὴν ἡγεμονίαν παραλαμβάνει, οὗ κατὰ τὸ πρῶτον ἔτος τῶν κατʼ Ἀλεξάνδρειαν ἐκκλησιῶν Ἰουλιανὸς ἐγχειρίζεται τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν, ἐπὶ δυοκαίδεκα ἔτεσιν Ἀγριππίνου τὴν λειτουργίαν ἀναπλήσαντος. ### English translation (Claude) When Antoninus had continued in the reign for nineteen years, Commodus received the government. In his first year Julian was entrusted with the episcopate of the churches at Alexandria, after Agrippinus had fulfilled the ministry for twelve years. ### Translation notes - Commodus's accession was in 180. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.9.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/9/1/). ## Church History 5.10.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/10/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:209–210 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Pantaenus, a former Stoic, headed the Christian school at Alexandria. ### Greek text Ἡγεῖτο δὲ τηνικαῦτα τῆς τῶν πιστῶν αὐτόθι διατριβῆς τῶν ἀπὸ παιδείας ἀνὴρ ἐπιδοξότατος, ὄνομα αὐτῷ Πάνταινος, ἐξ ἀρχαίου ἔθους διδασκαλείου τῶν ἱερῶν λόγων παρʼ αὐτοῖς συνεστῶτος, ὃ καὶ εἰς ἡμᾶς παρατείνεται, καὶ πρὸς τῶν ἐν λόγῳ καὶ τῇ περὶ τὰ θεῖα σπουδῇ δυνατῶν συγκροτεῖσθαι παρειλήφαμεν. ἐν δὲ τοῖς μάλιστα κατʼ ἐκεῖνο καιροῦ διαλάμψαι λόγος ἔχει τὸν δεδηλωμένον, οἷα καὶ ἀπὸ φιλοσόφου ἀγωγῆς τῶν καλουμένων Στωϊκῶν ὁρμώμενον. ### English translation (Claude) At that time a man highly renowned for his learning, named Pantaenus, led the school of the faithful there, for a school of sacred learning had existed among them from ancient custom, which continues to our time, and which we have learned is conducted by men able in speech and in zeal for divine things. It is said that this man was among the most distinguished at that time, as one who had come from the philosophical training of the so-called Stoics. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.10.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/10/1/). ## Church History 5.10.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/10/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:210 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Pantaenus went as a missionary as far as India, one of many evangelists of that time. ### Greek text τοσαύτην δʼ οὖν φασιν αὐτὸν ἐκθυμοτάτῃ διαθέσει προθυμίαν περὶ τὸν θεῖον λόγον ἐνδείξασθαι ὡς καὶ κήρυκα τοῦ κατὰ Χριστὸν εὐαγγελίου τοῖς ἐπʼ ἀνατολῆς ἔθνεσι ἀναδειχθῆναι, μέχρι καὶ τῆς Ἰνδῶν στειλάμενον γῆς. ἦσαν γὰρ, ἦσαν εἰσέτι τότε πλείους εὐαγγελισταὶ τοῦ λόγου, ἔνθεον ζῆλον ἀποστολικοῦ μιμήματος συνεισφέρειν ἐπʼ αὐξήσει καὶ οἰκοδομῇ τοῦ θείου λόγου προμηθούμενοι ### English translation (Claude) They say that he showed such eagerness for the divine Word, with most ardent disposition, that he was appointed a herald of the gospel of Christ to the nations of the East, travelling as far as the land of the Indians. For there were, there still were at that time, many evangelists of the Word, eager to contribute a divinely inspired zeal, in imitation of the apostles, for the increase and building up of the divine Word. ### Translation notes - “India” in ancient usage can mean southern Arabia or Ethiopia as well as India proper. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.10.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/10/2/). ## Church History 5.10.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/10/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:210 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: In India Pantaenus reportedly found Matthew's Gospel in Hebrew, left there by the apostle Bartholomew. ### Greek text ὧν εἷς γενόμενος καὶ ὁ Πάνταινος καὶ εἰς Ἰνδοὺς ἐλθεῖν λέγεται, ἔνθα λόγος εὑρεῖν αὐτὸν προφθάσαν τὴν αὐτοῦ παρουσίαν τὸ κατὰ Ματθαῖον εὐαγγέλιον παρά τισιν αὐτόθι τὸν Χριστὸν ἐπεγνωκόσιν, οἷς Βαρθολομαῖον τῶν ἀποστόλων ἕνα κηρῦξαι, αὐτοῖς τε Ἑβραίων γράμμασι τὴν τοῦ Ματθαίου καταλεῖψαι γραφὴν, ἣν καὶ σώζεσθαι εἰς τὸν δηλούμενον χρόνον. ### English translation (Claude) Pantaenus was one of these and is said to have gone to the Indians, where the story is that he found that the Gospel according to Matthew had arrived before him among some there who had come to know Christ; Bartholomew, one of the apostles, had preached to them and left them the writing of Matthew in Hebrew letters, which was preserved until the time in question. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.10.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/10/3/). ## Church History 5.10.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/10/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:210 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Pantaenus finally headed the Alexandrian school, teaching by voice and pen. ### Greek text ὅ γε μὴν Πάνταινος ἐπὶ πολλοῖς κατορθώμασι τοῦ κατʼ Ἀλεξάνδρειαν τελευτῶν ἡγεῖται διδασκαλείου, ζώσῃ φωνῇ καὶ διὰ συγγραμμάτων τοὺς τῶν θείων δογμάτων θησαυροὺς ὑπομνηματιζόμενος. ### English translation (Claude) Pantaenus, after many achievements, at last headed the school at Alexandria, expounding the treasures of the divine doctrines by the living voice and in writings. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.10.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/10/4/). ## Church History 5.11.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/11/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:210 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement of Alexandria, trained with Pantaenus, became known at this time. ### Greek text Κατὰ τοῦτον ταῖς θείαις γραφαῖς συνασκούμενος ἐπʼ Ἀλεξανδρείας ἐγνωρίζετο Κλήμης, ὁμώνυμος τῷ πάλαι τῆς ῾Ρωμαίων ἐκκλησίας ἡγησαμένῳ φοιτητῇ τῶν ἀποστόλων. ### English translation (Claude) At this time Clement, who was trained with him in the divine Scriptures at Alexandria, became known; he had the same name as the pupil of the apostles who had once led the church of the Romans. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.11.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/11/1/). ## Church History 5.11.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/11/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:210–211 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement names Pantaenus as his teacher in the Outlines and alludes to him in the Miscellanies. ### Greek text ὃς δὴ καὶ ὀνομαστὶ ἐν αἷς συνέταξεν Ὑποτυπώσεσιν ὡσὰν διδασκάλου τοῦ Πανταίνου μέμνηται, τοῦτόν τε αὐτὸν καὶ τῶν Στρωματέων ἐν πρώτῳ συγγράμματι αἰνίτ- τεσθαί μοι δοκεῖ, ὅτε τοὺς ἐμφανεστέρους ἧς κατείληφεν ἀποστολικῆς διαδοχῆς ἐπισημαινόμενος ταῦτά φησιν ### English translation (Claude) In the Outlines which he composed he mentions Pantaenus by name as his teacher, and he seems to me to allude to him also in the first book of the Miscellanies, when, indicating the more eminent men of the apostolic succession he had come across, he says: ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Clement, Hyp. (Clement of Alexandria, Hypotyposes (fragments)): allusion, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.11.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/11/2/). ## Church History 5.11.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/11/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:211 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement: his Miscellanies are notes preserving what he heard from remarkable teachers. ### Greek text “ἤδη δὲ οὐ γραφὴ εἰς ἐπίδειξιν τετεχνασμένη ἥδε ἡ πραγματεία, ἀλλά μοι ὑπομνήματα εἰς γῆρας θησαυρίζεται, λήθης φάρμακον, εἴδωλον ἀτεχνῶς καὶ σκιαγραφία τῶν ἐναργῶν καὶ ἐμψύχων ἐκείνων ὧν “κατηξιώθην ἐπακοῦσαι λόγων τε καὶ ἀνδρῶν “ρίων καὶ τῷ ὄντι ἀξιολόγων. ### English translation (Claude) “Now this work is not a writing artfully composed for display, but notes are stored up for my old age, a remedy against forgetfulness, simply an image and outline of those clear and living words which I was counted worthy to hear, and of blessed and truly remarkable men. ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Strom. 1.1.11 (Miscellanies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Clement, Miscellanies 1.1.11 (to 5.11.5). A word (μακαρίων, “blessed”) is partly lost in the digital text. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.11.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/11/3/). ## Church History 5.11.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/11/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:211 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement lists teachers from many lands and says he found rest with the last and greatest, in Egypt. ### Greek text τούτων ὁ μὲν τῆς Ἑλλάδος, ὁ Ἰωνικὸς, ὁ δὲ ἐπὶ τῆς μεγάλης Ἑλλάδος, τῆς Κοίλης ἅτερος αὐτῶν Συρίας ἦν, ὁ “δὲ ἀπʼ Αἰγύπτου, ἄλλοι δὲ ἀνὰ τὴν ἀνατολὴν, ταύτης ὁ μέν τις τῶν Ἀσσυρίων, ὁ δὲ ἐν τῇ Παλαιστίνῃ Ἑβραῖος ἀνέκαθεν. ὑστάτῳ δὲ περιτυχὼν δυνάμει δὲ ἄρα πρῶτος ἦν) ἀνεπαυσάμην, ἐν Αἰγύπτῳ θηράσας λεληθότα ### English translation (Claude) Of these, one, the Ionian, was in Greece; another in Magna Graecia; another of them was from Coele-Syria, another from Egypt; and others in the East, one of them an Assyrian, another in Palestine, a Hebrew by descent. When I came upon the last (in power, indeed, he was the first), I found rest, having hunted him out hidden in Egypt. ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Strom. 1.1.11 (Miscellanies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Clement, Miscellanies 1.1.11. The last teacher is probably Pantaenus, as Eusebius thinks. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.11.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/11/4/). ## Church History 5.11.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/11/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:211 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement: these teachers preserved the apostles' tradition and passed it on to him. ### Greek text ἀλλʼ οἶ μὲν τὴν ἀληθῆ τῆς μακαρίας σώζοντες διδασκαλίας παράδοσιν εὐθὺς ἀπὸ Πέτρου καὶ Ἰακώβου, Ἰωάννου τε καὶ Παύλου τῶν ἁγίων ἀποστόλων, παῖς παρὰ πατρὸς ἐκδεξάμενος ὀλίγοι δὲ οἱ πατράσιν ὅμοιοι), ἧκον δὴ σὺν θεῷ καὶ εἰς ἡμᾶς, τὰ προγονικὰ ἐκεῖνα καὶ ἀποστολικὰ καταθησόμενοι σπέρματα.” ### English translation (Claude) But these men, preserving the true tradition of the blessed teaching directly from the holy apostles Peter and James, John and Paul, son receiving it from father (but few are like their fathers), came by God's will even to us, to deposit those ancestral and apostolic seeds.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Strom. 1.1.11 (Miscellanies): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Clement, Miscellanies 1.1.11. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.11.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/11/5/). ## Church History 5.12.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/12/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:211 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Narcissus was bishop of Jerusalem, fifteenth after the first Gentile bishop Mark. ### Greek text Ἐπὶ τούτων τῆς Ἱεροσολύμοις ἐκκλησίας ἐπίσκοπος ὁ παρὰ πολλοῖς εἰσέτι νῦν βεβοημένος Νάρκισσος ἐγνωρίζετο, πεντεκαιδεκάτην ἄγων διαδοχὴν ἀπὸ τῆς τῶν Ἰουδαίων κατὰ Ἀδριανὸν πολιορκίας, ἐξ οὗ δὴ πρῶτον τὴν αὐτόθι ἐκκλησίαν ἐξ ἐθνῶν συστῆναι μετὰ τοὺς ἐκ περιτομῆς, καθηγήσασθαί τε αὐτῶν πρῶτον ἐξ ἐθνῶν ἐπίσκοπον Μάρκον ἐδηλώσαμεν. ### English translation (Claude) At this time Narcissus, still celebrated by many even now, was known as bishop of the church at Jerusalem, holding the fifteenth place in succession from the siege of the Jews under Hadrian, from which time, as we have shown, the church there was first composed of Gentiles after those of the circumcision, and Mark was the first Gentile bishop to lead them. ### Translation notes - See Church History 4.6.4. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.12.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/12/1/). ## Church History 5.12.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/12/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:211–212 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius lists the bishops of Jerusalem from Mark to Narcissus, the thirtieth after the apostles. ### Greek text μεθʼ ὃν ἐπισκοπεῦσαι Κασσιανὸν αἶ τῶν αὐτόθι διαδοχαὶ περιέ- χοῦσι, καὶ μετὰ τοῦτον Πούπλιον, εἶτα Μάξιμον, καὶ ἐπὶ τούτοις Ἰουλιανὸν, ἔπειτα Γάϊον, μεθʼ ὃν Σύμμαχον, καὶ Γάϊον ἕτερον, καὶ πάλιν ἄλλον Ἰουλιανὸν, Καπίτωνά τε πρὸς τούτοις καὶ Οὐάλεντα καὶ Δολιχιανὸν, καὶ ἐπὶ πᾶσι τὸν Νάρκισσον, τριακοστὸ ἀπὸ τῶν ἀποστόλων κατὰ τὴν τῶν ἑξῆς διαδοχὴ γεγενημένον. ### English translation (Claude) After him the successions there record that Cassian was bishop, and after him Publius, then Maximus, and after these Julian, then Gaius, after whom Symmachus, and another Gaius, and again another Julian, and besides these Capito and Valens and Dolichianus, and after them all Narcissus, the thirtieth from the apostles in regular succession. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.12.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/12/2/). ## Church History 5.13.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/13/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:212 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Rhodon, a pupil of Tatian, wrote against Marcion's heresy and its divisions. ### Greek text Ἐν τούτῳ καὶ Ῥόδων, γένος τῶν Ἀσίας, μαθητευθεὶς ἐπὶ Ῥώμης, ὡς αὐτὸς ἱστορεῖ, Τατιανῷ, ὃν ἐκ τῶν πρόσθεν ἔγνωμεν, διάφορα συντάξας βιβλία, μετὰ τῶν λοιπῶν καὶ πρὸς τὴν Μαρκίωνος παρατέτακται αἵρεσιν· ἣν καὶ εἰς διαφόρους γνώμας κατʼ αὐτὸν διαστᾶσαν ἱστορεῖ, τοὺς τὴν διάστασιν ἐμπεποιηκότας ἀναγράφων, ἐπʼ ἀκριβές τε τὰς παρʼ ἑκάστῳ τούτων ἐπινενοημένας διελέγχων ψευδολογίας. ### English translation (Claude) At this time Rhodon also, an Asian by birth, who had been a disciple at Rome of Tatian (whom we have already come to know), composed various books, and among others arrayed himself against the heresy of Marcion. He relates that in his time it split into different opinions, recording those who had caused the division and refuting precisely the falsehoods devised by each of them. ### Translation notes - Rhodon's works are lost except for the extracts in this chapter. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.13.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/13/1/). ## Church History 5.13.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/13/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:212 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Rhodon: the Marcionites disagree; Apelles holds one first principle but ascribes the prophecies to a hostile spirit, following the prophetess Philumene. ### Greek text ἄκουε δʼ οὖν καὶ αὐτοῦ ταῦτα γράφοντος διὰ τοῦτο καὶ παρʼ ἑαυτοῖς ἀσύμφωνοι γεγόνασιν, ἀσυστάτου γνώμης ἀντιποιούμενοι. “ἀπὸ γὰρ τῆς τούτων ἀγέλης Ἀπελλῆς μὲν, ὁ τῇ πο- “λιτείᾳ σεμνυνόμενος καὶ τῷ γήρᾳ, μίαν ἀρχὴν τὰς δὲ προφητείας ἐξ ἀντικειμένου λέγει πνεύματος, πειθόμενος ἀποφθέγμασι παρθένου δαιμονώσης, ὄνομα Φιλουμένης. ### English translation (Claude) Hear him, then, writing this: “Therefore they have also become discordant among themselves, maintaining an inconsistent opinion. For from their herd Apelles, who prides himself on his manner of life and his age, acknowledges one principle, but says that the prophecies come from an opposing spirit, persuaded by the utterances of a possessed virgin named Philumene. ### Extrabiblical texts - Rhodon (Rhodon, Against Marcion): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Rhodon (to 5.13.4). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.13.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/13/2/). ## Church History 5.13.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/13/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:212 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Rhodon: others, like Marcion, hold two first principles. ### Greek text ἕτεροι δὲ, καθὼς καὶ αὐτὸς ὁ ναύτης Μαρκίων, δύο ἀρχὰς εἰσηγοῦνται· “ἀφʼ ὧν εἰσι Ποτίτός τε καὶ Βασιλικός. ### English translation (Claude) Others, like the sailor Marcion himself, introduce two principles; among these are Potitus and Basilicus. ### Extrabiblical texts - Rhodon (Rhodon, Against Marcion): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Rhodon. Marcion was a shipowner of Pontus. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.13.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/13/3/). ## Church History 5.13.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/13/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:212–213 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Rhodon: some Marcionites assert two principles without proof, and Syneros's followers assert three. ### Greek text καὶ οὗτοι ‘·μὲν κατακολουθήσαντες τῷ Ποντικῷ λύκῳ, καὶ μὴ εὑρίσκοντες τὴν διαίρεσιν τῶν πραγμάτων, ὡς οὐδὲ. ἐκεῖνος, ἐπὶ τὴν εὐχέρειαν ἐτράποντο, καὶ δύο ἀρχὰς ἀπεφήναντο ψιλῶς καὶ ἀναποδείκτως. ἄλλοι δὲ πάλιν ἀπʼ αὐτῶν ἐπὶ τὸ χεῖρον ἐξοκείλαντες οὐ μό- “νον δύο, ἀλλὰ καὶ τρεῖς ὑποτίθενται φύσεις, ὧν “ἐστιν ἀρχηγὸς καὶ προστάτης Σύνερως, καθὼς οἶ τὸ “διδασκαλεῖον αὐτοῦ προβαλλόμενοι λέγουσι.” ### English translation (Claude) These, following the wolf of Pontus and, like him, not finding the division of things, turned to an easy solution and declared two principles simply and without proof. Others again from them, running aground on something worse, posit not only two but even three natures; their leader and chief is Syneros, as those who put forward his school say.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Rhodon (Rhodon, Against Marcion): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Rhodon. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.13.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/13/4/). ## Church History 5.13.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/13/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:213 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Rhodon reports a debate with Apelles, who said doctrine need not be examined and that those who hope in the Crucified and do good works will be saved. ### Greek text γράφει δὲ ὁ αὐτὸς ὡς καὶ εἰς λόγους ἐληλύθοι τῷ Ἀπελλῇ, φάσκων οὕτως “ὁ γὰρ γέρων Ἀπελλῆς συμ- “μίξας ἡμῖν πολλὰ μὲν κακῶς λέγων ἠλέγχθη, ὅθεν “καὶ ἔφασκε μὴ δεῖν ὅλως ἐξετάζειν τὸν λόγον, ἀλλʼ “ἕκαστον, ὡς πεπίστευκε, διαμένειν. σωθήσεσθαι “γὰρ τοὺς ἐπὶ τὸν ἐσταυρωμένον ἠλπικότας ἀπεφαί- “νετο, μόνον ἐὰν ἐν ἔργοις ἀγαθοῖς εὑρίσκωνται. τὸ “δὲ πάντων ἀσαφέστατον ἐδογματίζετο αὐτῷ πρᾶγμα, “καθὼς προειρήκαμεν, τὸ περὶ τοῦ θεοῦ. ἔλεγε μὲν “γὰρ μίαν ἀρχὴν καθὼς καὶ ὁ ἡμέτερος λόγος.” ### English translation (Claude) The same writer says that he also came into discussion with Apelles, speaking thus: “For the old man Apelles, when he met with us, was refuted in many things he said wrongly; so he said that one should not examine the doctrine at all, but that each should remain as he has believed. For he declared that those who have set their hope on the Crucified will be saved, provided only that they are found in good works. But the most obscure of all the matters he taught, as we have said before, was about God. For he spoke of one principle, as does our teaching.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Rhodon (Rhodon, Against Marcion): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Rhodon. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.13.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/13/5/). ## Church History 5.13.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/13/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:213 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Apelles told Rhodon that the prophecies refute themselves and that he could not prove his belief in one principle. ### Greek text εἶτα προθεὶς αὐτοῦ πᾶσαν τὴν δόξαν ἐπιφέρει φάσκων “λέγοντος δέ μου πρὸς αὐτὸν ῾πόθεν ἡ ἀπό- “δειξις αὕτη σοι, ἢ πῶς δύνασαι λέγειν μίαν ἀρχὴν, “φράσον ἡμῖνʼ ἔφη τὰς μὲν προφητείας ἑαυτὰς ἐλέγ- “χειν, διὰ τὸ μηδὲν ὅλως ἀληθὲς εἰρηκέναι· ἀσύμφω- “νοι γὰρ ὑπάρχουσι καὶ ψευδεῖς καὶ ἑαυταῖς ἀντι- “κείμεναι. τὸ δὲ πῶς ἐστι μία ἀρχὴ μὴ γινώσκειν “ἔλεγεν, οὕτω δὲ κινεῖσθαι μόνον. ### English translation (Claude) Then, after setting out his whole opinion, he continues: “When I said to him, ‘Where do you get this proof, or how can you say there is one principle? Tell us,’ he said that the prophecies refute themselves because they have said nothing at all true; for they are inconsistent, false, and contradict themselves. But how there is one principle he said he did not know, but was only moved to think so. ### Extrabiblical texts - Rhodon (Rhodon, Against Marcion): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Rhodon. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.13.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/13/6/). ## Church History 5.13.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/13/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:213 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Apelles admitted he believed in one unbegotten God without knowing how to prove it, and Rhodon mocked him. ### Greek text εἶτʼ ἐπομοσα- “μένου μου τἀληθὲς εἰπεῖν, ὤμνυεν ἀληθεύων λέ- ‘’γειν, μὴ ἐπίστασθαι πῶς εἷς ἐστιν ἀγέννητος θεὸς, “τοῦτο δὲ πιστεύειν. ἐγὼ δὲ γελάσας κατέγνων αὐτοῦ, “διότι διδάσκαλος εἶναι λέγων οὐκ ᾔδει τὸ διδασκό- “μενον ὑπʼ αὐτοῦ κρατύνειν.” ### English translation (Claude) Then, when I adjured him to tell the truth, he swore that he was speaking the truth in saying that he did not know how there is one unbegotten God, but that he believed it. I laughed and condemned him, because, while calling himself a teacher, he did not know how to establish what he taught.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Rhodon (Rhodon, Against Marcion): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Rhodon. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.13.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/13/7/). ## Church History 5.13.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/13/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:213–214 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Rhodon, once Tatian's pupil, promised to answer Tatian's Problems and wrote on the six days of creation. ### Greek text ἐν τῷ αὐτῷ δὲ συγγράμματι Καλλιστίωνι προσφωνῶν ὁ αὐτὸς μεμαθητεῦσθαι ἐπὶ ῾Ρώμης Τατιανῷ ἑαυτὸν ὁμολογεῖ. φησὶ δὲ καὶ ἐσπουδάσθαι τῷ Τατιανῷ προβλημάτων βιβλίον, διʼ ὧν τὸ ἀσαφὲς καὶ ἐπικεκρυμμένον τῶν θείων γραφῶν παραστήσειν ὑποσχομένου τοῦ Τατιανοῦ αὐτὸς ὁ ῾Ρόδων ἐν ἰδίῳ συγγράμματι τὰς τῶν ἐκείνου προβλημάτων ἐπιλύσεις ἐκθήσεσθαι ἐπαγγέλλεται. φέρεται δὲ τοῦ αὐτοῦ καὶ εἰς τὴν ἑξαήμε- ρον ὑπόμνημα. ### English translation (Claude) In the same work, addressing Callistio, the same writer admits that he had been a disciple of Tatian at Rome. He says too that a book of Problems had been prepared by Tatian, in which Tatian promised to set forth what was obscure and hidden in the divine Scriptures; and Rhodon himself promises to set out the solutions of Tatian's problems in a work of his own. A commentary of his on the Hexaemeron is also extant. ### Extrabiblical texts - Rhodon (Rhodon, Against Marcion): allusion, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.13.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/13/8/). ## Church History 5.13.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/13/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:214 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Apelles wrote much against the law of Moses. ### Greek text ὅ γέ τοι Ἀπελλῆς οὗτος μυρία κατὰ τοῦ Μωυσέως ἠσέβησε νόμου, διὰ πλειόνων συγγραμμάτων τοὺς θείους βλασφημήσας λόγους, εἰς ἔλεγχόν τε, ὥς γε δὴ ἐδόκει, καὶ ἀνατροπὴν αὐτῶν οὐ μικρὰν πεποιημένος σπουδήν. ταῦτα μὲν οὖν περὶ τούτων. ### English translation (Claude) This Apelles committed countless impieties against the law of Moses, blaspheming the divine words in several writings and taking no small pains, as he thought, to refute and overthrow them. So much about these. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.13.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/13/9/). ## Church History 5.14.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/14/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:214 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The devil raised new heresies; in Asia and Phrygia Montanus was hailed as the Paraclete, with Priscilla and Maximilla as his prophetesses. ### Greek text Μισόκαλός γε μὴν ἐς τὰ μάλιστα καὶ φιλοπόνηρος ὢν ὁ τῆς ἐκκλησίας τοῦ θεοῦ πολέμιος, μηδένα τε μηδαμῶς τῆς κατὰ τῶν ἀνθρώπων ἀπολιπὼν ἐπιβουλῆς τρόπον, αἱρέσεις ξένας αὖθις ἐπιφύεσθαι κατὰ τῆς ἐκκλησίας ἐνήργει, ὧν οἱ μὲν ἰοβόλων δίκην ἑρπετῶν ἐπὶ τῆς Ἀσίας καὶ Φρυγίας εἷρπον, τὸν μὲν παράκλητον Μοντανὸν, τὰς δʼ ἐξ αὐτοῦ γυναῖκας, Πρίσκιλλαν καὶ Μαξίμιλλαν, ὡσὰν τοῦ Μοντανοῦ προφήτιδας γεγονυίας αὐχοῦντες. ### English translation (Claude) The enemy of God's church, who hates good above all and loves evil, leaving no manner of plotting against men untried, again set to work to make strange heresies spring up against the church. Some of these crept like venomous reptiles over Asia and Phrygia, boasting of Montanus as the Paraclete and of the women who followed him, Priscilla and Maximilla, as having been prophetesses of Montanus. ### Translation notes - Montanism (the “New Prophecy”) arose in Phrygia ca. 170. Eusebius's hostile description is his own. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.14.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/14/1/). ## Church History 5.15.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/15/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:214 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: At Rome the deposed presbyter Florinus and Blastus led others into their own innovations. ### Greek text οἱ δʼ ἐπὶ ῾Ρώμης ἤκμαζον, ὧν ἡγεῖτο Φλωρῖνος, πρεσβυτερίου τῆς ἐκκλησίας ἀποπεσὼν, Βλάστος τε σὺν τούτῳ παραπλησίῳ πτώματι κατεσχημένος. οἳ καὶ πλείους τῆς ἐκκλησίας περιέλκοντες ἐπὶ τὸ σφῶν ὑπῆγον βούλημα, θάτερος ἰδίως περὶ τὴν ἀλήθειαν νεωτερίζειν πειρώμενος. ### English translation (Claude) Others flourished at Rome, led by Florinus, who had fallen from the presbyterate of the church, and with him Blastus, overtaken by a similar fall. They drew away many from the church and led them to their own will, each trying to introduce innovations concerning the truth in his own way. ### Translation notes - Florinus seems to have taught Valentinian views; Blastus favoured the Quartodeciman Easter (see 5.20). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.15.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/15/1/). ## Church History 5.16.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:214 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Apolinarius of Hierapolis and other learned men wrote against the Montanists. ### Greek text Πρὸς μὲν οὖν τὴν λεγομένην κατὰ Φρύγας αἵρεσιν ὅπλον ἰσχυρὸν καὶ ἀκαταγώνιστον ἐπὶ τῆς Ἱεραπόλεως τὸν Ἀπολινάριον, οὗ καὶ πρόσθεν μνήμην ὁ λόγος πεποίητο, ἄλλους τε σὺν αὐτῷ πλείους τῶν τηνικάδε λογίων ἀνδρῶν ἡ τῆς ἀληθείας ὑπέρμαχος ἀνίστη δύναμις, ἐξ ὧν καὶ ἡμῖν ἱστορίας πλείστη τις ὑπόθεσις καταλέλειπται. ### English translation (Claude) Against the so-called Phrygian heresy, the power that fights for the truth raised up a strong and invincible weapon in Apolinarius of Hierapolis, whom our account has mentioned before, and with him many other learned men of that time, from whom abundant material for history has been left to us. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.16.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/1/). ## Church History 5.16.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:214–215 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: An anonymous writer against the Montanists had first refuted them orally. ### Greek text ἀρχόμενος γοῦν τῆς κατʼ αὐτῶν γραφῆς τῶν εἰρημένων δή τις πρῶτον ἐπισημαίνεται, ὡς καὶ ἀγράφοις τοῖς κατʼ αὐτῶν ἐπεξέλθοι ἐλέγχοις. προοιμιά- ζεται γοῦν τοῦτον τὸν τρόπον ### English translation (Claude) One of those mentioned, at the beginning of his writing against them, first indicates that he had also opposed them with unwritten refutations. He begins in this way: ### Translation notes - The author of the following extracts (5.16.3–17.4) is anonymous; Jerome's attribution to Rhodon is not accepted. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.16.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/2/). ## Church History 5.16.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:215 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The anonymous writer hesitated to write against the Montanists lest he seem to add to the New Testament. ### Greek text “ἐκ πλείστου ὅσου “καὶ ἱκανωτάτου χρόνου, ἀγαπητὲ Ἀουίρκιε Μάρ- “κελλε, ἐπιταχθεὶς ὑπὸ σοῦ συγγράψαι τινὰ λόγον “εἰς τὴν τῶν κατὰ Μιλτιάδην λεγομένων αἵρεσιν, “ἐφεκτικώτερόν πως μέχρι νῦν διεκείμην, οὐκ ἀπο- “ρίᾳ τοῦ δύνασθαι ἐλέγχειν μὲν τὸ ψεῦδος, μαρτυ- “ρεῖν δὲ τῇ ἀληθείᾳ, δεδιὼς δὲ καὶ ἐξευλαβούμενος “μή πη δόξω τισὶν ἐπισυγγράφειν ἢ ἐπιδιατάσσεσθαι “τῷ τῆς τοῦ εὐαγγελίου καινῆς διαθήκης λόγῳ, ᾧ “μήτε προσθεῖναι μήτʼ ἀφελεῖν δυνατὸν τῷ κατὰ τὸ “εὐαγγέλιον αὐτὸ πολιτεύεσθαι προῃρημένῳ. ### English translation (Claude) “For a very long and ample time, beloved Avircius Marcellus, you have urged me to write some treatise against the heresy of those called after Miltiades, but until now I have been rather hesitant, not from lack of ability to refute the falsehood and bear witness to the truth, but from fear and caution lest I might seem to some to be adding to the writings or injunctions of the word of the new covenant of the gospel, to which one who has chosen to live according to the gospel itself can neither add nor take away. ### Scripture references - Rev 22:18: echo, medium confidence - Deut 4:2: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Anon. Mont. (Anonymous Treatise against the Montanists): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Anonymous Anti-Montanist (to 5.16.10), echoing Deut 4:2 and Rev 22:18–19. “Miltiades” is probably a Montanist leader (Eusebius elsewhere names a Christian writer Miltiades who opposed them); the reading is uncertain. Avircius Marcellus may be the Abercius of the famous inscription. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.16.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/3/). ## Church History 5.16.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:215 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: At Ancyra the writer debated the Montanists for many days, strengthening the church. ### Greek text προσ- “φάτως δὲ γενόμενος ἐν Ἀγκύρᾳ τῆς Γαλατίας, καὶ “καταλαβὼν τὴν κατὰ Πόντον ἐκκλησίαν ὑπὸ τῆς “νέας ταύτης, οὐχ, ὡς αὐτοί φασι, προφητείας, πολὺ “δὲ μᾶλλον, ὡς δειχθήσεται, ψευδοπροφητείας δια- “τεθρυλημένην, καθʼ ὅσον δυνατὸν, τοῦ κυρίου πα- “ρασχόντος, περὶ αὐτῶν τε τούτων καὶ τῶν προτει- “νομένων ὑπʼ αὐτῶν ἕκαστά τε διελέχθημεν ἡμέραις “πλείοσιν ἐν τῇ ἐκκλησία, ὡς τὴν μὲν ἐκκλησίαν “ἀγαλλιασθῆναι καὶ πρὸς τὴν ἀλήθειαν ἐπιρρωσθῆ- “ναι, τοὺς δʼ ἐξ ἐναντίας πρὸς τὸ παρὸν ἀποκρουσθῆ- “ναι, καὶ τοὺς ἀντιθέους λυπηθῆναι. ### English translation (Claude) But having recently been in Ancyra in Galatia and found the church in Pontus deafened by this new, not prophecy, as they call it, but much rather, as will be shown, false prophecy, we discussed, as far as possible, the Lord granting it, both these people themselves and each of their propositions for many days in the church, so that the church rejoiced and was strengthened in the truth, while the opponents were for the present repulsed and the adversaries grieved. ### Extrabiblical texts - Anon. Mont. (Anonymous Treatise against the Montanists): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Anonymous Anti-Montanist. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.16.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/4/). ## Church History 5.16.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:215 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The local presbyters asked for a written record, which he promised to send. ### Greek text ἀξιούντων “οὖν τῶν κατὰ τόπον πρεσβυτέρων, ὅπως τῶν λε- “χθέντων κατὰ τῶν ἀντιδιατιθεμένων τῷ τῆς ἀλη- “θείας λόγῳ ὑπόμνημά τι καταλίπωμεν, παρόντος καὶ “τοῦ συμπρεσβυτέρου ἡμῶν Ζωτικοῦ τοῦ Ὀτρηνοῦ, “τοῦτο μὲν οὐκ ἐπράξαμεν, ἐπηγγειλάμεθα δὲ, ἐν- “θάδε γράψαντες τοῦ κυρίου διδόντος διὰ σπουδῆς “πέμψειν αὐτοῖς.” ### English translation (Claude) So when the presbyters of the place asked that we leave some record of what was said against those who oppose the word of truth, our fellow presbyter Zoticus of Otrous also being present, we did not do it then, but promised to write it here, the Lord granting, and send it to them with all speed.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Anon. Mont. (Anonymous Treatise against the Montanists): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Anonymous Anti-Montanist. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.16.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/5/). ## Church History 5.16.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:215–216 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The anonymous writer turns to the origin of Montanism. ### Greek text ταῦτα καὶ ἑξῆς τούτοις ἕτερα κατʼ ἀρχὰς εἰπὼν τοῦ λόγου, τὸν αἴτιον τῆς δηλουμένης αἱρέσεως προϊὼν τοῦτον ἀνιστορεῖ τὸν τρόπον “ἡ τοίνυν ἔνστασις αὐτῶν καὶ ἡ πρόσφατος τοῦ ἀπο- “σχίσματος αἵρεσις πρὸς τὴν ἐκκλησίαν τὴν αἰτία “ἔσχε τοιαύτην. ### English translation (Claude) After saying this and other things at the beginning of his treatise, he goes on to relate the originator of the heresy in question in this way: “Their opposition and their recent heresy of separation from the church had the following cause. ### Extrabiblical texts - Anon. Mont. (Anonymous Treatise against the Montanists): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Anonymous Anti-Montanist. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.16.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/6/). ## Church History 5.16.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:216 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Montanus, a recent convert at Ardabau, began to prophesy in ecstatic frenzy contrary to the church's tradition. ### Greek text κώμη τις εἶναι λέγεται ἐν τῇ κατὰ “τὴν Φρυγίαν Μυσίᾳ, καλουμένη Ἀρδαβαῦ τοὔνομα· “ἔνθα φασί τινα τῶν νεοπίστων πρώτως, Μοντανὸν “τοὔνομα, κατὰ Γρᾶτον Ἀσίας ἀνθύπατον, ἐν ἐπιθυμίᾳ “ψυχῆς ἀμέτρῳ φιλοπρωτείας δόντα πάροδον εἰς “ἑαυτὸν τῷ ἀντικειμένῳ πνευματοφορηθῆναί τε καὶ “αἰφνιδίως ἐν κατοχῇ τινι καὶ παρεκστάσει γενόμενον “ἐνθουσιᾶν ἄρξασθαί τε λαλεῖν καὶ ξενοφωνεῖν, “παρὰ τὸ κατὰ παράδοσιν καὶ κατὰ διαδοχὴν ἄνωθεν “τῆς ἐκκλησίας ἔθος δῆθεν προφητεύοντα. ### English translation (Claude) There is said to be a village in Mysia on the Phrygian side called Ardabau. There, they say, one of the recent converts named Montanus, when Gratus was proconsul of Asia, in the unbounded lust of his soul for pre-eminence, first gave the adversary access to himself, was carried away in spirit, and suddenly falling into a kind of possession and abnormal ecstasy, began to rave and to speak and utter strange sounds, prophesying contrary to the custom of the church handed down by tradition and succession from the beginning. ### Extrabiblical texts - Anon. Mont. (Anonymous Treatise against the Montanists): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Anonymous Anti-Montanist. The digital text reads ἀπιθυμίᾳ for ἐπιθυμίᾳ (“lust”). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.16.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/7/). ## Church History 5.16.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:216 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Some hearers rebuked Montanus as possessed; others, deceived, encouraged him. ### Greek text τῶν δὲ “κατʼ ἐκεῖνο καιροῦ ἐν τῇ τῶν νόθων ἐκφωνημάτων “ἀκροάσει γενομένων οἶ μὲν ὡς ἐπὶ ἐνεργουμένῳ καὶ “δαιμονῶντι καὶ ἐν πλάνης πνεύματι ὑπάρχοντι καὶ “τοὺς ὄχλους ταράττοντι ἀχθόμενοι ἐπετίμων καὶ λαλεῖν “ἐκώλυον, μεμνημένοι τῆς τοῦ κυρίου διαστολῆς “τε καὶ ἀπειλῆς πρὸς τὸ φυλάττεσθαι τὴν τῶν “ψευδοπροφητῶν ἐγρηγορότως παρουσίαν· οἱ δὲ ὡς “ἁγίῳ πνεύματι καὶ προφητικῷ χαρίσματι ἐπαιρόμενοι “καὶ οὐχ ἥκιστα χαυνούμενοι, καὶ τῆς “τοῦ κυρίου ἐπιλανθανόμενοι, τὸ βλαψίφρον καὶ ὑποκοριστικὸν “καὶ λαοπλάνον πνεῦμα προυκαλοῦντο, “θελγόμενοι καὶ πλανώμενοι ὑπʼ αὐτοῦ, εἰς τὸ μηκέτι “κωλύεσθαι σιωπᾶν. ### English translation (Claude) Of those who at that time heard the spurious utterances, some were vexed with him as possessed, demon-ridden, in a spirit of error, and disturbing the crowds; they rebuked him and forbade him to speak, remembering the Lord's distinction and warning to guard watchfully against the coming of false prophets. But others, elated as though by a holy spirit and a prophetic gift, and not a little puffed up, and forgetting the Lord's distinction, called forth the mind-harming, flattering, people-deceiving spirit, being charmed and led astray by it, so that he was no longer prevented from speaking. ### Scripture references - Matt 7:15: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Anon. Mont. (Anonymous Treatise against the Montanists): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Anonymous Anti-Montanist, alluding to Matt 7:15. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.16.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/8/). ## Church History 5.16.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:216–217 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Two women were also filled with this spirit, which flattered its followers and taught them to revile the whole church for rejecting it. ### Greek text τέχνῃ δέ τινι, μᾶλλον “δὲ τοιαύτῃ μεθόδῳ κακοτεχνίας ὁ διάβολος τὴν κατὰ “τῶν παρηκόων ἀπώλειαν μηχανησάμενος, καὶ παρʼ “ἀξίαν ὑπʼ αὐτῶν τιμώμενος, ὑπεξήγειρέ τε καὶ προσεξέκαυσεν “αὐτῶν τὴν ἀποκεκοιμημένην ἀπὸ τῆς κατʼ “ἀλήθειαν πίστεως διάνοιαν, ὡς καὶ ἑτέρας τινὰς δύο “γυναῖκας ἐπεγεῖραι καὶ τοῦ νόθου πνεύματος πληρῶσαι, “ὡς καὶ λαλεῖν ἐκφρόνως καὶ ἀκαίρως καὶ “ἀλλοτριοτρόπως, ὁμοίως τῷ προειρημένῳ, καὶ τοὺς “μὲν χαίροντας καὶ χαυνουμένους ἐπʼ αὐτῷ μακαρί- “ζοντος τοῦ πνεύματος, καὶ διὰ τοῦ μεγέθους τῶν “ἐπαγγελμάτων ἐκφυσιοῦντος, ἔσθʼ ὅπη δὲ καὶ κα- “τακρίνοντος στοχαστικῶς καὶ ἀξιοπίστως αὐτοὺς “ἄντικρυς, ἵνα καὶ ἐλεγκτικὸν εἶναι δοκῇ, (ὀλίγοι δʼ “ἦσαν οὗτοι τῶν Φρυγῶν ἐξηπατημένοι), τὴν δὲ κα- “θόλου καὶ πᾶσαν τὴν ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανὸν ἐκκλησίαν “βλασφημεῖν διδάσκοντος τοῦ ἀπηυθαδισμένου πνεύ- “ματος, ὅτι μήτε τιμὴν μήτε πάροδον εἰς αὐτὴν τὸ “ψευδοπροφητικὸν ἐλάμβανε πνεῦμα. ### English translation (Claude) By a certain art, or rather by such a method of evil craft, the devil contrived the destruction of the disobedient and, honoured by them beyond his deserts, stirred up and further inflamed their understanding, which had fallen asleep from the true faith, so that he raised up two other women as well and filled them with the spurious spirit, so that they spoke madly, unseasonably, and strangely, like the one already mentioned. The spirit called blessed those who rejoiced and were puffed up in him, and inflated them by the greatness of its promises; yet sometimes it also condemned them outright, shrewdly and plausibly, so as to seem also to reprove (but few of the Phrygians were deceived); and the arrogant spirit taught them to blaspheme the whole catholic church under heaven, because the spirit of false prophecy received from it neither honour nor entrance. ### Extrabiblical texts - Anon. Mont. (Anonymous Treatise against the Montanists): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Anonymous Anti-Montanist. The two women are Priscilla and Maximilla. “Catholic” here means “universal”. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.16.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/9/). ## Church History 5.16.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:217 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Repeated meetings of the Asian faithful condemned the new prophecy and excommunicated its followers. ### Greek text τῶν γὰρ “κατὰ τὴν Ἀσίαν πιστῶν πολλάκις καὶ πολλαχῆ τῆς “Ἀσίας εἰς τοῦτο συνελθόντων, καὶ τοὺς προσφάτους “λόγους ἐξετασάντων καὶ βεβήλους ἀποφηνάντων καὶ “ἀποδοκιμασάντων τὴν αἵρεσιν, οὕτω δὴ τῆς τε ἐκ- “κλησίας ἐξεώσθησαν καὶ τῆς κοινωνίας εἴρχθη- “σαν.” ### English translation (Claude) For when the faithful in Asia had met often and in many places of Asia for this purpose, and examined the recent sayings and declared them profane and rejected the heresy, then they were expelled from the church and shut out from communion.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Anon. Mont. (Anonymous Treatise against the Montanists): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Anonymous Anti-Montanist; among the earliest mentions of church synods. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.16.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/10/). ## Church History 5.16.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:217 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The writer's second book tells of the Montanist leaders' deaths. ### Greek text ταῦτα ἐν πρώτοις ἱστορήσας, καὶ διʼ ὅλου τοῦ συγγράμματος τὸν ἔλεγχον τῆς κατʼ αὐτοὺς πλάνης ἐπαγαγὼν, ἐν τῷ δευτέρῳ περὶ τῆς τελευτῆς τῶν προδεδηλωμένων ταῦτά φησιν ### English translation (Claude) Having related these things at the beginning, and having carried through the whole treatise the refutation of their error, in the second book he says this about the end of those mentioned: ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.16.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/11/). ## Church History 5.16.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:217 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The writer answers the charge of killing prophets: none of the Montanist prophets suffered as the true prophets did. ### Greek text “ἐπειδὴ τοί- “νυν καὶ προφητοφόντας ἡμᾶς ἀπεκάλουν, ὅτι μὴ “τοὺς ἀμετροφώνους αὐτῶν προφήτας ἐδεξάμεθα, “(τούτους γὰρ εἶναί φασιν, οὕσπερ ἐπηγγείλατο τῷ “λαῷ πέμψειν ὁ κύριος), ἀποκρινάσθωσαν ἡμῖν πρὸς “θεοῦ, ἔστι τις, ὦ βέλτιστοι, τούτων τῶν ἀπὸ Μον- “τανοῦ καὶ τῶν γυναικῶν λαλεῖν ἀρξαμένων, ὅστις “ὑπὸ Ἰουδαίων ἐδιώχθη ἢ ὑπὸ παρανόμων ἀπεκτάν- “θη; οὐδείς. οὐδέ γέ τις αὐτῶν κρατηθεὶς ὑπὲρ τοῦ “ὀνόματος ἀνεσταυρώθη. οὐ γὰρ οὖν. οὐδὲ μὴν “οὐδὲ ἐν συναγωγαῖς Ἰουδαίων τῶν γυναικῶν τις “ἐμαστιγώθη ποτὲ ἢ ἐλιθοβολήθη. οὐδαμόσε οὐδα- “μῶς. ### English translation (Claude) “Since, then, they also called us prophet-killers because we did not receive their prophets who speak beyond measure (for they say these are the ones the Lord promised to send to the people), let them answer us before God: is there anyone, good sirs, of these who began to speak from Montanus and the women, who was persecuted by the Jews or killed by the lawless? Not one. Nor was any of them seized and crucified for the Name. Certainly not. Nor indeed was any of the women ever scourged in synagogues of the Jews or stoned. Nowhere at all. ### Scripture references - Matt 23:34: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Anon. Mont. (Anonymous Treatise against the Montanists): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Anonymous Anti-Montanist (to 5.16.15), alluding to Matt 23:34. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.16.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/12/). ## Church History 5.16.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:217–218 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Rumour said Montanus and Maximilla hanged themselves like Judas. ### Greek text ἄλλῳ δὲ θανάτῳ τελευτῆσαι λέγονται Μον- “τανός τε καὶ Μαξίμιλλα. τούτους γὰρ ὑπὸ πνεύμα- “τος βλαψίφρονος ἑκατέρους ὑποκινήσαντος λόγος “ἀναρτῆσαι ἑαυτοὺς, οὐχ ὁμοῦ, κατὰ δὲ τὸν τῆς ἑκά- “στου τελευτῆς καιρὸν φήμη πολλὴ, καὶ οὕτω δὲ τε- “λευτῆσαι καὶ τὸν βίον καταστρέψαι Ἰούδα προδότου “δίκην. ### English translation (Claude) But Montanus and Maximilla are said to have died by another death. For the report is that, moved by a mind-harming spirit, each of them hanged themselves, not together, but at the time of each one's death, as widely rumoured; and so they died and ended their lives like Judas the traitor. ### Scripture references - Matt 27:5: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Anon. Mont. (Anonymous Treatise against the Montanists): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Anonymous Anti-Montanist; cf. Matt 27:5. The writer himself qualifies the rumour in 5.16.15. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.16.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/13/). ## Church History 5.16.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:218 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Theodotus, an early Montanist leader, reportedly fell to his death during an ecstatic ascent. ### Greek text καθάπερ καὶ τὸν θαυμαστὸν ἐκεῖνον τὸν “πρῶτον τῆς κατʼ αὐτοὺς λεγομένης προφητείας οἷον “ἐπίτροπόν τινα Θεόδοτον πολὺς αἱρεῖ λόγος, ὡς αἰ- “ρόμενόν ποτε καὶ ἀναλαμβανόμενον εἰς οὐρανοὺς “παρεκστῆναί τε καὶ καταπιστεῦσαι ἑαυτὸν τῷ τῆς “ἀπάτης πνεύματι, καὶ δισκευθέντα κακῶς τελευτῆ- “σαι. ### English translation (Claude) So too a widespread report holds that that remarkable Theodotus, the first steward, as it were, of their so-called prophecy, was once lifted up and taken up to heaven, fell into a trance and entrusted himself to the spirit of deceit, and, being hurled down like a discus, died miserably. ### Extrabiblical texts - Anon. Mont. (Anonymous Treatise against the Montanists): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Anonymous Anti-Montanist. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.16.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/14/). ## Church History 5.16.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:218 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The writer admits he cannot confirm these reports. ### Greek text φασὶ γοῦν τοῦτο οὕτως γεγονέναι, ἀλλὰ “μὴ ἄνευ τοῦ ἰδεῖν ἡμᾶς ἐπίστασθαί τι τῶν τοιού- “των νομίζομεν, ὦ μακάριε. ἴσως μὲν γὰρ οὕτως, “ἴσως δὲ οὐχ οὕτως τετελευτήκασι Μοντανός τε καὶ “Θεόδοτος καὶ ἡ προειρημένη γυνή.” ### English translation (Claude) They say at least that this happened so; but without having seen it we do not think we know any such thing, blessed man. Perhaps it was so, perhaps not so, that Montanus and Theodotus and the woman mentioned died.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Anon. Mont. (Anonymous Treatise against the Montanists): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Anonymous Anti-Montanist. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.16.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/15/). ## Church History 5.16.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/16/ - Source: Dindorf 4:218 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Bishops who tried to examine Maximilla's spirit were prevented by her supporters. ### Greek text αὖθις δʼ ἐν τῷ αὐτῷ φησι λόγῳ τοὺς τότε ἱεροὺς ἐπισκόπους πεπειρᾶσθαι μὲν τὸ ἐν τῇ Μαξιμίλλῃ πνεῦμα διελέγξαι, κεκωλύσθαι δὲ πρὸς ἑτέρων, συνεργούντων δηλαδὴ τῷ πνεύματι. ### English translation (Claude) Again in the same book he says that the holy bishops of that time tried to refute the spirit in Maximilla but were prevented by others, who evidently co-operated with the spirit. ### Extrabiblical texts - Anon. Mont. (Anonymous Treatise against the Montanists): allusion, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.16.16 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/16/). ## Church History 5.16.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/17/ - Source: Dindorf 4:218 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The writer challenges Maximilla's spirit, which claimed to be “word and spirit and power,” to prove itself before the bishops her followers silenced. ### Greek text γράφει δὲ οὕτως “καὶ μὴ λε- “γέτω ἐν τῷ αὐτῷ λόγῳ τῷ κατὰ Ἀστέριον Οὐρβανὸν “τὸ διὰ Μαξιμίλλης πνεῦμα ῾διώκομαι ὡς λύκος ἐκ “προβάτων· οὐκ εἰμὶ λύκος· ῥῆμά εἰμι καὶ πνεῦμα καὶ “δύναμιςʼ, ἀλλὰ τὴν ἐν τῷ πνεύματι δύναμιν ἐναργῶς “δειξάτω καὶ ἐλεγξάτω, καὶ ἐξομολογεῖσθαι διὰ τοῦ “πνεύματος καταναγκασάτω τοὺς τότε παρόντας εἰς “τὸ δοκιμάσαι καὶ διαλεχθῆναι τῷ πνεύματι λαλοῦντι, “ἄνδρας δοκίμους καὶ ἐπισκόπους, Ζωτικὸν ἀπὸ Κο- “μάνης κώμης καὶ Ἰουλιανὸν ἀπὸ Ἀπαμείας, ὧν οἱ “περὶ Θεμίσωνα τὰ στόματα φιμώσαντες οὐκ εἴασαν “τὸ ψευδὲς καὶ λαοπλάνον πνεῦμα ὑπʼ αὐτῶν ἐλεγ- “χθῆναι.” ### English translation (Claude) He writes thus: “And let not the spirit speaking through Maximilla say, in the same book according to Asterius Urbanus, ‘I am driven away like a wolf from the sheep; I am not a wolf; I am word and spirit and power.’ But let it show clearly the power in the spirit and prove it, and let it compel through the spirit to confess it those who were then present to test and converse with the spirit as it spoke, approved men and bishops, Zoticus from the village of Comana and Julian from Apamea, whose mouths the followers of Themiso muzzled and would not allow the false and people-deceiving spirit to be refuted by them.” ### Scripture references - Matt 7:15: echo, low confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Anon. Mont. (Anonymous Treatise against the Montanists): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Anonymous Anti-Montanist, citing an oracle of Maximilla as recorded by one Asterius Urbanus; cf. Matt 7:15 and John 10:12. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.16.17 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/17/). ## Church History 5.16.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/18/ - Source: Dindorf 4:218–219 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The writer dates his work and refutes Maximilla's predictions of war. ### Greek text ἐν ταὐτῷ δὲ πάλιν ἕτερα μεταξὺ πρὸς ἔλεγχον τῶν τῆς Μαξιμίλλης ψευδοπροφητειῶν εἰ- πὼν, ὁμοῦ τόν τε χρόνον καθʼ ὃν ταῦτʼ ἔγραφε σημαίνει καὶ τῶν προρρήσεων αὐτῆς μέμνηται, διʼ ὧν πολέμους ἔσεσθαι καὶ ἀκαταστασίας προεμαντεύσατο, ὧν καὶ τὴν ψευδολογίαν εὐθύνει ὧδε λέγων ### English translation (Claude) In the same book again, after saying other things in refutation of Maximilla's false prophecies, he indicates at once the time when he was writing and mentions her predictions, in which she foretold that there would be wars and upheavals; and he exposes their falsehood, saying: ### Extrabiblical texts - Anon. Mont. (Anonymous Treatise against the Montanists): allusion, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.16.18 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/18/). ## Church History 5.16.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/19/ - Source: Dindorf 4:219 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Thirteen years after Maximilla's death, no war had come, but peace for Christians. ### Greek text “καὶ “πῶς οὐ καταφανὲς ἤδη γέγονε καὶ τοῦτο τὸ ψεῦδος; “πλείω γὰρ ἢ τρισκαίδεκα ἔτη εἰς ταύτην τὴν ἡμέ- “ραν, ἐξ οὗ τετελεύτηκεν ἡ γυνὴ, καὶ οὔτε μερικὸς “οὔτε καθολικὸς κόσμῳ γέγονε πόλεμος, ἀλλὰ καὶ “Χριστιανοῖς μᾶλλον εἰρήνη διάμονος ἐξ ἐλέου θεοῦ”. καὶ ταῦτα δὲ ἐκ τοῦ δευτέρου συγγράμματος ### English translation (Claude) “And how has not this falsehood too already become manifest? For it is more than thirteen years to this day since the woman died, and there has been neither local nor general war in the world, but rather, by the mercy of God, continuing peace even for Christians.” This too is from the second book. ### Extrabiblical texts - Anon. Mont. (Anonymous Treatise against the Montanists): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Anonymous Anti-Montanist. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.16.19 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/19/). ## Church History 5.16.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/20/ - Source: Dindorf 4:219 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: When refuted, the Montanists appeal to their many martyrs as proof. ### Greek text καὶ ἀπὸ τοῦ τρίτου δὲ σμικρὰς παραθήσομαι λέξεις, διʼ ὧν πρὸς τοὺς αὐχοῦντας, ὡς ἄρα πλείους καὶ αὐτῶν μεμαρτυρηκότες εἶεν, ταῦτά φησιν “ὅταν τοίνυν ἐν “πᾶσι τοῖς εἰρημένοις ἐλεγχθέντες ἀπορήσωσιν, ἐπὶ “τοὺς μάρτυρας πειρῶνται καταφεύγειν, λέγοντες “πολλοὺς ἔχειν μάρτυρας, καὶ τοῦτο εἶναι τεκμήριον “πιστὸν τῆς δυνάμεως τοῦ παρʼ αὐτοῖς λεγομένου “προφητικοῦ πνεύματος. τὸ δʼ ἔστιν ἄρα, ὡς ἔοικε, “παντὸς μᾶλλον οὐκ ἀληθές. ### English translation (Claude) From the third book also I shall set out a few words, in which he says this to those who boast that they too have had many martyrs: “When, then, refuted in all that has been said, they are at a loss, they try to take refuge in the martyrs, saying that they have many martyrs and that this is a trustworthy proof of the power of what they call the prophetic spirit among them. But this, it seems, is anything but true. ### Extrabiblical texts - Anon. Mont. (Anonymous Treatise against the Montanists): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Anonymous Anti-Montanist (to 5.16.22). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.16.20 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/20/). ## Church History 5.16.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/21/ - Source: Dindorf 4:219 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Martyrs prove nothing: the Marcionites have many martyrs but do not truly confess Christ. ### Greek text καὶ γὰρ τῶν ἄλλων “αἱρέσεών τινες πλείστους ὅσους ἔχουσι μάρτυρας, “καὶ οὐ παρὰ τοῦτο δήπου συγκαταθησόμεθα, οὐδὲ “ἀλήθειαν ἔχειν αὐτοὺς ὁμολογήσομεν. καὶ πρῶτοί “γε οἱ ἀπὸ τῆς Μαρκίωνος αἱρέσεως Μαρκιωνισταὶ “καλούμενοι πλείστους ὅσους ἔχειν Χριστοῦ μάρτυ- “ρας λέγουσιν, ἀλλὰ τόν γε Χριστὸν αὐτὸν κατʼ ἀλήθειαν οὐχ ὁμολογοῦσι.” καὶ μετὰ βραχέα τούτοις ἐπιφέρει λέγων ### English translation (Claude) For some of the other heresies have very many martyrs, and surely we shall not on that account agree with them or confess that they have the truth. First of all, those called Marcionites, from the heresy of Marcion, say that they have very many martyrs of Christ, yet they do not confess Christ himself in truth.” And shortly after he adds: ### Extrabiblical texts - Anon. Mont. (Anonymous Treatise against the Montanists): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Anonymous Anti-Montanist. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.16.21 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/21/). ## Church History 5.16.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/22/ - Source: Dindorf 4:219–220 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Catholic martyrs refused communion with Montanist martyrs even when dying together. ### Greek text “ὅθεν τοι καὶ ἐπειδὰν οἱ ἐπὶ τὸ “τῆς κατʼ ἀλήθειαν πίστεως μαρτύριον κληθέντες “ἀπὸ τῆς ἐκκλησίας τύχωσι μετά τινων τῶν ἀπὸ τῆς “τῶν Φρυγῶν αἱρέσεως λεγομένων μαρτύρων, δια- “φέρονταί τε πρὸς αὐτοὺς καὶ μὴ κοινωνήσαντες αὐ- “τοῖς τελειοῦνται, διὰ τὸ μὴ βούλεσθαι συγκαταθέ- “συαι τῷ διὰ Μοντανοῦ καὶ τῶν γυναικῶν πνεύ- “ματι. καὶ ὅτι τοῦτο ἀληθὲς καὶ ἐπὶ τῶν ἡμετέρων “χρόνων ἐν Ἀπαμείᾳ τῇ πρὸς Μαιάνδρῳ τυγχάνει “γεγενημένον ἐν τοῖς περὶ Γάϊον καὶ Ἀλέξανδρον “ἀπὸ Εὐμενείας μαρτυρήσασι πρόδηλον.” ### English translation (Claude) “Hence, whenever those called from the church to martyrdom for the true faith happen to be with any of the so-called martyrs of the Phrygian heresy, they keep apart from them and are perfected without having communion with them, because they are unwilling to assent to the spirit of Montanus and the women. That this is true, and happened even in our own times at Apamea on the Maeander, is plain from those who were martyred with Gaius and Alexander of Eumeneia.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Anon. Mont. (Anonymous Treatise against the Montanists): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Anonymous Anti-Montanist. The digital text reads συγκαταθέσυαι (a slip for συγκατατίθεσθαι or συγκαταθέσθαι). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.16.22 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/16/22/). ## Church History 5.17.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/17/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:220 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The anonymous writer cites Miltiades, who argued that a true prophet does not speak in ecstasy. ### Greek text Ἐν τούτῳ δὲ τῷ συγγράμματι καὶ Μιλτιάδου συγγραφέως μέμνηται, ὡς λόγον τινὰ καὶ αὐτοῦ κατὰ τῆς προειρημένης αἱρέσεως γεγραφότος. παραθέμενος γοῦν αὐτῶν λέξεις τινὰς ἐπιφέρει λέγων “ταῦτα εὑρὼν ἔν τινι συγγράμ- “ματι αὐτῶν ἐνισταμένων τῷ Μιλτιάδου τοῦ ἀδελ- “φοῦ συγγράμματι, ἐν ᾧ ἀποδείκνυσι περὶ τοῦ μὴ “δεῖν προφήτην ἐν ἐκστάσει λαλεῖν, ἐπετεμόμην.” ### English translation (Claude) In this work he also mentions a writer Miltiades, as having himself written a treatise against the heresy mentioned. After quoting some of their words, he continues: “Having found these things in a certain work of theirs opposing the work of our brother Miltiades, in which he proves that a prophet ought not to speak in ecstasy, I made an abridgement.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Anon. Mont. (Anonymous Treatise against the Montanists): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Anonymous Anti-Montanist. Some manuscripts read “Alcibiades” for Miltiades here. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.17.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/17/1/). ## Church History 5.17.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/17/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:220 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The false prophet speaks in an ecstasy that begins in wilful ignorance and ends in madness. ### Greek text ὑποκαταβὰς δὲ ἐν αὐτῷ τοὺς κατὰ τὴν καινὴν διαθήκην προπεφητευκότας καταλέγει, ἐν οἷς καταριθμεῖ Ἀμμίαν τινὰ καὶ Κοδρᾶτον, λέγων οὕτως “ἀλλʼ ὅ γε ψευδοπροφήτης ἐν παρεκστάσει, ᾧ ἕπεται “ἄδεια καὶ ἀφοβία, ἀρχόμενος μὲν ἐξ ἑκουσίου ἀμα- “θίας, καταστρέφων δὲ εἰς ἀκούσιον μανίαν ψυχῆς, “ὡς προείρηται. ### English translation (Claude) Further on in it he lists those who prophesied under the new covenant, among whom he counts a certain Ammia and Quadratus, saying thus: “But the false prophet speaks in ecstasy, which is accompanied by licence and fearlessness; beginning with voluntary ignorance, it ends, as has been said, in involuntary madness of soul. ### Extrabiblical texts - Anon. Mont. (Anonymous Treatise against the Montanists): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Anonymous Anti-Montanist (to 5.17.4). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.17.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/17/2/). ## Church History 5.17.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/17/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:220 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: No biblical or later prophet — Agabus, Judas, Silas, Philip's daughters, Ammia, Quadratus — prophesied in such ecstasy. ### Greek text τοῦτον δὲ τὸν τρόπον οὔτε τινὰ “τῶν κατὰ τὴν παλαιὰν, οὕτε τῶν κατὰ τὴν καινὴν “πνευματοφορηθέντα προφήτην δεῖξαι δυνήσονται, “οὔτε Ἄγαβον, οὔτε Ἰούδαν, οὔτε Σίλαν, οὔτε τὰς “Φιλίππου θυγατέρας, οὔτε τὴν ἐν Φιλαδελφείᾳ Ἀμ- “μίαν, οὔτε Κοδρᾶτον, οὔτε γε δή τινας ἄλλους μη- “δὲν αὐτοῖς προσήκοντας καυχήσονται.” ### English translation (Claude) They will not be able to show any prophet, either under the old or under the new covenant, who was moved by the Spirit in this way: neither Agabus, nor Judas, nor Silas, nor the daughters of Philip, nor Ammia in Philadelphia, nor Quadratus; nor will they boast of any others, since they have nothing to do with them.” ### Scripture references - Acts 11:28: allusion, high confidence - Acts 15:32: allusion, high confidence - Acts 21:9: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Anon. Mont. (Anonymous Treatise against the Montanists): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Anonymous Anti-Montanist; cf. Acts 11:28, 15:32, 21:9. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.17.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/17/3/). ## Church History 5.17.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/17/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:220–221 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: If the Montanist women inherited prophecy, who inherited it from them? None has appeared in fourteen years since Maximilla's death. ### Greek text καὶ αὖθις δὲ μετὰ βραχέα ταῦτά φησιν “εἰ γὰρ μετὰ “Κοδρᾶτον καὶ τὴν ἐν Φιλαδελφείᾳ Ἀμμίαν, ὥς φα- “σιν, αἱ περὶ Μοντανὸν διεδεξαντο γυναῖκες τὸ προ- “φητικὸν χάρισμα, τοὺς ἀπὸ Μοντανοῦ καὶ τῶν γυ- “ναικῶν τίνες παρʼ αὐτοῖς διεδέξαντο δειξάτωσαν· “δεῖν γὰρ εἶναι τὸ προφητικὸν χάρισμα ἐν πάσῃ τῇ “ἐκκλησίᾳ μέχρι τῆς τελείας παρουσίας ὁ ἀπόστολος “ἀξιοῖ· ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἂν ἔχοιεν δεῖξαι “τον ἤδη που τοῦτο ἔτος ἀπὸ τῆς Μαξιμίλλης “τῆς.” ### English translation (Claude) And again shortly after he says: “For if, as they say, the women around Montanus succeeded Quadratus and Ammia in Philadelphia in the prophetic gift, let them show who among them succeeded Montanus and the women. For the apostle holds that the prophetic gift must be in the whole church until the final coming. But they cannot show anyone, though this is already the fourteenth year from the death of Maximilla.” ### Scripture references - 1 Cor 1:7: allusion, medium confidence - Eph 4:13: echo, low confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Anon. Mont. (Anonymous Treatise against the Montanists): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the Anonymous Anti-Montanist, alluding to 1 Cor 1:7 and Eph 4:11–13. Words are lost at the end in the digital text; “the fourteenth year from the death of Maximilla” is supplied from the sense. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.17.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/17/4/). ## Church History 5.17.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/17/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:221 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Miltiades also wrote against Greeks and Jews and an apology to the rulers; all are lost. ### Greek text οὗτος μὲν δὴ τοσαῦτα. ὅ γέ τοι πρὸς δεδηλωμένος Μιλτιάδης καὶ ἄλλας ἡμῖν τῆς ἰδίας περὶ τὰ θεῖα λόγια σπουδῆς μνήμας καταλέλοιπεν, ἔν τε οἷς πρὸς Ἕλληνας συνέταξε λόγοις καὶ τοῖς πρὸς Ἰουδαίους, ἑκατέρᾳ ἰδίως ὑποθέσει ἐν δυσὶν ὑπαντήσας συγγράμμασιν. ἔτι δὲ καὶ πρὸς τοὺς κοσμικοὺς ἄρχοντας ὑπὲρ ἧς μετῄει φιλοσοφίας πεποίῃται ἀπολογίαν. ### English translation (Claude) So much from him. The Miltiades mentioned has left us other records of his own zeal for the divine oracles, in the treatises he composed against the Greeks and against the Jews, meeting each subject separately in two works. Besides, he also made a defence addressed to the rulers of the world on behalf of the philosophy he followed. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.17.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/17/5/). ## Church History 5.18.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/18/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:221 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Apollonius wrote against the Montanists, exposing their prophecies and their leaders' lives. ### Greek text τῆς δὲ κατὰ Φρύγας καλουμένης αἱρέσεως καὶ Ἀπολλών·ιος, ἐκκλησιαστικὸς συγγραφεὺς, ἀκμαζούσης εἰσέτι τότε κατὰ τὴν Φρυγίαν ἔλεγχον ἐνστησάμενος ἴδιον κατʼ αὐτῶν πεποίηται σύγγραμμα, τὰς μὲν φερομένας αὐτῶν προφητείας ψευδεῖς οὔσας κατὰ λέξιν εὐθύνων, τὸν δὲ βίον τῶν τῆς αἱρέσεως ἀρχηγῶν ὁποῖός τις γέγονε διελέγχων. αὐτοῖς δὲ ῥήμασι περὶ τοῦ Μοντανοῦ ταῦτα λέγοντος ἄκουε ### English translation (Claude) Apollonius too, an ecclesiastical writer, undertook a refutation of the so-called Phrygian heresy while it was still flourishing in Phrygia, and composed a special work against them, correcting word for word their current prophecies as false and exposing what sort of life the leaders of the heresy had led. Hear him saying this about Montanus in his own words: ### Translation notes - Apollonius's work (ca. 197) is lost except for these extracts. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.18.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/18/1/). ## Church History 5.18.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/18/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:221 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Apollonius: Montanus dissolved marriages, imposed fasts, called Pepuza “Jerusalem,” and raised money to pay his preachers. ### Greek text “ἀλλὰ τίς οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ “πρόσφατος διδάσκαλος τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ καὶ ἡ διδα- “σκαλία δείκνυσιν. οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ διδάξας λύσεις “γάμων, ὁ νηστείας νομοθετήσας, ὁ Πέπουζαν καὶ Τύμιον Ἰερουσαλὴμ ὀνομάσας πόλεις δέ εἰσιν αὗ- ‘ται μικραὶ τῆς Φρυγίας), τοὺς πανταχόθεν ἐκεῖ ῾συναγαγεῖν ἐθέλων, ὁ πρακτῆρας χρημάτων ‘στήσας, ὁ ἐπʼ ὀνόματι προσφορῶν τὴν δωροληψίαν “ἐπιτεχνώμενος, ὁ σαλάρια χορηγῶν τοῖς κηρύττου- “σιν αὐτοῦ τὸν λόγον, ἵνα διὰ τῆς γαστριμαργίας ἡ διδασκαλία τοῦ λόγου κρατύνηται.’’ ### English translation (Claude) “But who this new teacher is, his works and his teaching show. This is he who taught the dissolution of marriages, who made laws about fasting, who named Pepuza and Tymion, small towns in Phrygia, Jerusalem, wishing to gather people there from everywhere; who appointed collectors of money, who contrived the receiving of gifts under the name of offerings, who provides salaries for those who preach his doctrine, so that the teaching of his word may gain strength through gluttony.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Apollonius (Apollonius, Against the Montanists): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Apollonius (to 5.18.11). Apollonius's is a hostile account; “dissolution of marriages” probably refers to the Montanists' high esteem for continence and their rejection of second marriage. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.18.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/18/2/). ## Church History 5.18.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/18/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:221–222 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Apollonius: the prophetesses left their husbands, yet Prisca was falsely called a virgin. ### Greek text καὶ ταῦτα μὲν περὶ τοῦ Μοντανοῦ· καὶ περὶ τῶν προφητίδων δὲ αὐτοῦ ὑποκαταβὰς οὕτω γράφει “δείκνυμεν οὖν “αὐτὰς πρώτας τὰς προφήτιδας ταύτας, ἀφʼ οὗ τοῦ “πνεύματος ἐπληρώθησαν, τοὺς ἄνδρας καταλιπού- “σας. πῶς οὖν ἐψεύδοντο Πρίσκον. παρθένον “καλοῦντες;” εἶτʼ ἐπιφέρει λέγων ### English translation (Claude) So much about Montanus. Further on he writes thus about his prophetesses: “We show, then, that these very prophetesses were the first, from the time they were filled with the spirit, to leave their husbands. How then did they lie in calling Prisca a virgin?” Then he continues: ### Extrabiblical texts - Apollonius (Apollonius, Against the Montanists): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Apollonius. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.18.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/18/3/). ## Church History 5.18.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/18/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:222 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Apollonius: a prophetess who takes gold, silver, and fine clothes must be rejected. ### Greek text “δοκεῖ σοι “γραφὴ κωλύειν προφήτην λαμβάνειν δῶρα καὶ χρή- “ματα; ὅταν οὖν ἴδω τὴν προφῆτιν εἰληφυῖαν “χρυσὸν καὶ ἄργυρον καὶ πολυτελεῖς ἐσθῆτας, πῶς “ αὐτὴν μὴ παραιτήσωμαι;’’ ### English translation (Claude) “Does it not seem to you that all Scripture forbids a prophet to receive gifts and money? When therefore I see that the prophetess has received gold and silver and costly clothes, how should I not reject her?” ### Scripture references - Matt 10:9: allusion, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Apollonius (Apollonius, Against the Montanists): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Apollonius. A word (probably πᾶσα, “all”) is partly lost in the digital text; cf. Matt 10:9. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.18.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/18/4/). ## Church History 5.18.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/18/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:222 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Apollonius: Themiso bribed his way out of prison, yet posed as a martyr and wrote a “catholic letter” in imitation of the apostle. ### Greek text αὖθις δὲ ὑποκαταβὰς περί τινος τῶν κατʼ αὐτοὺς ὁμολογητῶν ταῦτά φησιν “ἔτι δὲ καὶ Θεμίσων, ὁ τὴν ἀξιόπιστον πλεονεξίαν ἠμφιεσμένος, ὁ μὴ βαστάσας τῆς ὁμολογίας τὸ “σημεῖον, ἀλλὰ πλήθει χρημάτων ἀποθέμενος “δεσμὰ, δέον ἐπὶ τούτῳ ταπεινοφρονεῖν, ὡς μάρτυς “καυχώμενος ἐτόλμησε, μιμούμενος τὸν ἀπόστολον, “καθολικήν τινα συνταξάμενος ἐπιστολὴν κατηχεῖν “μὲν τοὺς ἄμεινον αὐτοῦ πεπιστευκότας, “ζεσθαι δὲ τοῖς τῆς κενοφωνίας λόγοις, βλασφημῆσαι δὲ εἰς τὸν κύριον καὶ τοὺς ἀποστόλους καὶ τὴν ἁγίαν ἐκκλησίαν. ### English translation (Claude) Again further on he says this about one of their confessors: “Moreover Themiso too, clothed in plausible covetousness, who did not bear the sign of confession but threw off his bonds by a great deal of money, and who, when he ought to have been humbled on this account, boasting as a martyr, dared, imitating the apostle, to compose a catholic letter, to instruct those who had believed better than he, to contend for words of empty sound, and to blaspheme against the Lord and the apostles and the holy church. ### Extrabiblical texts - Apollonius (Apollonius, Against the Montanists): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Apollonius. A word (probably συναγωνίζεσθαι, “contend”) is partly lost in the digital text. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.18.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/18/5/). ## Church History 5.18.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/18/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:222 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Apollonius: the prophetess feasts with Alexander, a so-called martyr who was really a convicted robber. ### Greek text καὶ περὶ ἑτέρων δὲ αὖθις τῶν κατʼ αὐτοὺς τετιμημένων ὡς δὴ μαρτύρων οὕτω γράφει ἵνα δὲ μὴ περὶ πλειόνων λέγωμεν, ἡ προφῆτις ἡμῖν εἰπάτω τὰ κατὰ Ἀλέξανδρον τὸν λέγοντα ἑαυτὸν μάρτυρα, ᾧ συνεστιᾶται, ᾧ προσκυνοῦσι καὶ αὐτῷ πολλοὶ, οὗ τὰς λῃστείας καὶ τὰ ἄλλα τολμή- μάτα, ἐφʼ οἶς κεκόλασται, οὐχ ἡμὰς δεῖ λέγειν, ἀλλὰ ὁ ὀπισθόδομος ἔχει. ### English translation (Claude) And again about others honoured among them as martyrs he writes thus: “Not to speak of many, let the prophetess tell us about Alexander, who calls himself a martyr, with whom she banquets, and whom many also worship. We need not speak of his robberies and the other crimes for which he has been punished; the record office has them. ### Extrabiblical texts - Apollonius (Apollonius, Against the Montanists): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Apollonius. The ὀπισθόδομος is the public archive. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.18.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/18/6/). ## Church History 5.18.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/18/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:222–223 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Apollonius: contrary to Christ's command, the Montanist prophets and martyrs extort money even from the poor, orphans, and widows. ### Greek text τίς οὖν τίνι χαρίζεται τὰ ἁμαρτήματα; πότερον ὁ προφήτης τὰς λῃστείας τῷ μάρτυρι, ἢ ὁ μάρτυς τῷ προφήτῃ τὰς πλεονεξίας; εἰρηκότος γὰρ τοῦ κυρίου ‘μὴ κτήσησθε χρυσὸν μήτε ἄργυρον μήτε δύο χιτῶνας οὗτοι πᾶν τοὐναν- “τίον πεπλημμελήκασι περὶ τὰς τούτων τῶν ἀπηγο- “ρευμένων κτήσεις. δείξομεν γὰρ τοὺς λεγομένους “παρʼ αὐτοῖς προφήτας καὶ μάρτυρας μὴ μόνον “πλουσίων, ἀλλὰ καὶ παρὰ πτωχῶν καὶ ὀρφανῶν καὶ “χηρῶν κερματιζομένους. ### English translation (Claude) Who, then, forgives the sins of whom? Does the prophet forgive the martyr his robberies, or the martyr the prophet his covetousness? For though the Lord said, ‘Do not acquire gold or silver or two tunics,’ these have done the very opposite in acquiring these forbidden things. For we shall show that those whom they call prophets and martyrs gather their pennies not only from the rich but also from the poor and orphans and widows. ### Scripture references - Matt 10:9: quotation, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Apollonius (Apollonius, Against the Montanists): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Apollonius, citing Matt 10:9–10. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.18.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/18/7/). ## Church History 5.18.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/18/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:223 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: A prophet must be tested by his fruits. ### Greek text καὶ εἰ πεποίθησιν ἔχου- “σιν, στήτωσαν ἐν τούτῳ, καὶ διορισάσθωσαν “τούτοις, ἵνα ἐὰν ἐλεγχθῶσι, κἂν τοῦ λοιποῦ παύ- “σωνται πλημμελοῦντες· δεῖ γὰρ τοὺς καρποὺς δο- “κιμάζεσθαι τοῦ προφήτου, ἀπὸ γὰρ τοῦ καρποῦ τὸ “ ξύλον γινώσκεται. ### English translation (Claude) And if they are confident, let them stand firm on this and settle it, so that, if they are convicted, they may at least stop offending in future. For the fruits of the prophet must be tested; for the tree is known by its fruit. ### Scripture references - Matt 12:33: quotation, high confidence - Matt 7:16: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Apollonius (Apollonius, Against the Montanists): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Apollonius, citing Matt 12:33 and alluding to Matt 7:16. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.18.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/18/8/). ## Church History 5.18.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/18/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:223 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Alexander was tried at Ephesus for robbery, not for the faith, and his own church would not receive him. ### Greek text ἔνα δὲ τοῖς βουλομένοις τὰ “κατὰ Ἀλέξανδρον ᾖ γνώριμα, κέκριται ὑπὸ Αἰμιλίου “Φροντίνου ἀνθυπάτου ἐν Ἐφέσω, οὐ διὰ τὸ ὄνομα, ‘ἀλλὰ διʼ ἃς ἐτόλμησε λῃστείας, ὢν ἤδη παραβάτης· εἶτα ἐπιψευσάμενος τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ κυρίου ἀπολέ- “λυταὶ, πλανήσας τοὺς ἐκεῖ πιστούς· καὶ ἡ ἰδία πα- ‘ροικία αὐτὸν, ὅθεν ἦν, οὐκ ἐδέξατο, διὰ τὸ “αὐτὸν λῃστήν. καὶ οἱ θέλοντες μαθεῖν τὰ κατʼ αὐ- “τὸν ἔχουσι τὸ τῆς Ἀσίας δημόσιον ἀρχεῖον. ### English translation (Claude) So that those who wish may know about Alexander: he was tried by Aemilius Frontinus, proconsul at Ephesus, not for the Name but for the robberies he dared, being already an apostate. Then, having falsely invoked the name of the Lord, he was released, deceiving the faithful there; and his own community, where he came from, would not receive him, because he was a robber. Those who wish to learn about him have the public archive of Asia. ### Extrabiblical texts - Apollonius (Apollonius, Against the Montanists): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Apollonius. A word is lost before “robber” in the digital text. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.18.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/18/9/). ## Church History 5.18.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/18/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:223 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: A prophet who failed to see through Alexander is himself exposed. ### Greek text ὃν “ὁ προφήτης συνόντα πολλοῖς ἔτεσιν ἀγνοεῖ, “ἐλέγχοντες ἡμεῖς διʼ αὐτοῦ καὶ τὴν ὑπόστασιν ἐξελέγχομεν τοῦ προφήτου. τὸ ὅμοιον ἐπὶ πολλῶν δυ- “νάμεθα ἀποδεῖξαι, καὶ εἰ θαρροῦσιν, ὑπομεινάτω- “σαν τὸν ἔλεγχον.” ### English translation (Claude) When the prophet does not recognize this man, though he has been with him many years, by exposing him we also expose the nature of the prophet. We can show the same in the case of many, and if they are bold, let them submit to the test.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Apollonius (Apollonius, Against the Montanists): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Apollonius. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.18.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/18/10/). ## Church History 5.18.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/18/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:223–224 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Apollonius: true prophets do not dye their hair, use make-up, gamble, or lend at interest, as the Montanist prophets do. ### Greek text πάλιν τε αὖ ἐν ἑτέρῳ τοῦ συγγράμματος περὶ ὧν αὐχοῦσι προφητῶν ἐπιλέγει ταῦτα “ἐὰν ἀρνῶνται δῶρα τοὺς προφήτας αὐτῶν εἰληφέναι, τοῦτο ὁμολογησάτωσαν, ὅτι ἐὰν “ἐλεγχθῶσιν εἰληφότες, οὐκ εἰσὶ προφῆται, καὶ μυρίας ἀποδείξεις τούτων παραστήσομεν. ἀναγκαῖον “δέ ἐστι πάντας καρποὺς δοκιμάζεσθαι προφήτης, εἰπέ μοι, βάπτεται; προφήτης στιβίζε- “ται; προφήτης φιλοκοσμεῖ; προφήτης τάβλαις “κύβοις παίζει; προφήτης δανείζει; ταῦτα ὁμολογη- “σάτωσαν πότερον ἔξεστιν ἢ μὴ, ἐγὼ δὲ ὅτι γέγονε “παρʼ αὐτοῖς δείξω.’’ ### English translation (Claude) And again in another part of the work he says this about the prophets they boast of: “If they deny that their prophets have taken gifts, let them confess this: that if they are convicted of taking them, they are not prophets; and we shall bring countless proofs of this. But all the fruits of a prophet must be tested. Tell me: does a prophet dye his hair? Does a prophet paint his eyelids? Does a prophet love finery? Does a prophet play at gaming-tables and dice? Does a prophet lend money at interest? Let them confess whether these things are permitted or not; I will show that they have happened among them.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Apollonius (Apollonius, Against the Montanists): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Apollonius. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.18.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/18/11/). ## Church History 5.18.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/18/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:224 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Apollonius wrote forty years after Montanus began to prophesy. ### Greek text ὁ δʼ αὐτὸς οὗτος κατὰ τὸ αὐτὸ σύγγραμμα ἱστορεῖ ὡς ἄρα τεσσαρακοστὸν ἐτύγχανεν ἔτος ἐπὶ τὴν τοῦ συγγράμματος αὐτοῦ γραφὴν, ἐξ οὗ τῷ προσποιήτῳ αὐτοῦ προφητείᾳ ὁ Μοντανὸς ἐπικεχείρηκε. ### English translation (Claude) This same writer relates in the same work that it was the fortieth year, at the time he wrote his work, since Montanus had begun his pretended prophecy. ### Extrabiblical texts - Apollonius (Apollonius, Against the Montanists): allusion, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.18.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/18/12/). ## Church History 5.18.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/18/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:224 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Apollonius confirms that Zoticus was prevented from examining Maximilla's spirit, and mentions the martyr Thraseas. ### Greek text καὶ πάλιν φησὶν ὡς ἄρα Ζωτικὸς, οὗ καὶ ὁ πρότερος συγγραφεὺς ἐμνημόνευσεν, ἐν Πεπούζοις προφητεύειν δὴ προσποιουμένης τῆς Μαξιμίλλης ἐπιστὰς διελέγξαι τὸ ἐνεργοῦν ἐν αὐτῇ πνεῦμα πεπείραται, ἐκωλύθη γε μὴν πρὸς τῶν τὰ ἐκείνης φρονούντων. καὶ Θρασέα δέ τινος τῶν τότε μαρτύρων μνημονεύει. ### English translation (Claude) And he says again that Zoticus, whom the earlier writer also mentioned, when Maximilla was pretending to prophesy at Pepuza, stood by and tried to refute the spirit working in her, but was prevented by those who held her views. He also mentions a certain Thraseas among the martyrs of that time. ### Extrabiblical texts - Apollonius (Apollonius, Against the Montanists): allusion, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.18.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/18/13/). ## Church History 5.18.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/18/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:224 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Apollonius records a tradition that the apostles stayed twelve years in Jerusalem, uses the Apocalypse, and tells of John raising a dead man at Ephesus. ### Greek text ἔτι δὲ ὡς ἐκ παραδόσεως τὸν σωτῆρά φησι προστεταχέναι τοῖς αὐτοῦ ἀποστόλοις, ἐπὶ δώδεκα ἔτεσι μὴ χωρισθῆναι τῆς Ἰερουσαλήμ. κέχρηται δὲ καὶ μαρτυρίαις ἀπὸ τῆς Ἰωάννου ἀποκαλύψεως, καὶ νεκρὸν δὲ δυνάμει θείᾳ πρὸς αὐτοῦ Ἰωάννου ἐν τῇ Ἐφέσω ἐγηγέρθαι ἱστορεῖ. καὶ ἄλλα τινά φησι, διʼ ὧν ἱκανῶς τῆς προειρημένης αἱρέσεως πληρέστατα διηύθυνε τὴν πλάνην. ταῦτα καὶ ὁ Ἀπολλώνιος. ### English translation (Claude) He says further, as from tradition, that the Saviour commanded his apostles not to leave Jerusalem for twelve years. He also uses testimonies from the Apocalypse of John, and relates that a dead man was raised by divine power by John himself at Ephesus. And he says other things by which he sufficiently and fully corrected the error of the heresy mentioned. So much from Apollonius. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ker. Pet. (Preaching of Peter): allusion, low confidence - Apollonius (Apollonius, Against the Montanists): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The twelve-year tradition also appears in the Preaching of Peter (Clement, Strom. 6.5.43). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.18.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/18/14/). ## Church History 5.19.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/19/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:224 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Serapion, bishop of Antioch, refers to Apolinarius's writings against the Montanists in a letter to Caricus and Pontius. ### Greek text Τῶν δὲ Ἀπολιναρίου κατὰ τῆς δηλωθείσης αἱρέσεως μνήμην πεποίηται Σαραπίων, ὃν ἐπὶ τῶν δηλουμένων χρόνων μετὰ Μαξιμῖνον ἐπίσκοπον τῆς Ἀντιοχέων ἐκκλησίας γενέσθαι κατέχει λόγος. μέμνηται δὲ αὐτοῦ ἐν ἰδίᾳ ἐπιστολῇ τῇ πρὸς Καρικὸν καὶ Πόντιον, ἐν ᾗ διευθύνων καὶ αὐτὸς τὴν αὐτὴν αἵρεσιν ἐπιλέγει ταῦτα ### English translation (Claude) The writings of Apolinarius against the heresy mentioned are referred to by Serapion, who is said to have become bishop of the church of the Antiochenes after Maximinus in the times in question. He mentions him in his letter to Caricus and Pontius, in which he too corrects the same heresy, saying this: ### Extrabiblical texts - Serapion of Antioch, Serapion (Serapion of Antioch (letters)): allusion, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.19.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/19/1/). ## Church History 5.19.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/19/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:224–225 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Serapion sends Apolinarius's writings to show that the whole church abhors the “New Prophecy.” ### Greek text “ὅπως δὲ καὶ τοῦτο ἴδητε, ὅτι τῆς ψευδοῦς ταύ- “τῆς τάξεως τῆς ἐπικαλουμένης νέας προφητείας “ἐβδέλυκται ἡ ἐνέργεια παρὰ πάσῃ τῇ ἐν κόσμῳ ἀδελφότητι, πέπομφα ὑμῖν καὶ Κλαυδίου Ἀπολινα- ‘ρίου τοῦ μακαριωτάτου γενομένου ἐν Ἱεραπόλει τῆς ‘Ἀσίας ἐπισκόπου γράμματα.’’ ### English translation (Claude) “So that you may see this too, that the working of this lying organization, called the New Prophecy, is abhorred by the whole brotherhood in the world, I have sent you also the writings of Claudius Apolinarius, who became most blessed bishop in Hierapolis in Asia.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Serapion of Antioch, Serapion (Serapion of Antioch (letters)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Serapion of Antioch, Letter to Caricus and Pontius. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.19.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/19/2/). ## Church History 5.19.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/19/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:225 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Bishops signed Serapion's letter; one testifies that Sotas of Anchialus tried to exorcize Priscilla's demon but was prevented. ### Greek text ἐν ταύτῃ δὲ τῇ τοῦ Σαραπίωνος ἐπιστολῇ καὶ ὑποσημειώσεις φέρονται διαφόρων ἐπισκόπων, ὧν ὁ μέν τις ὧδέ πως ὑποσεσημείωται “Αὐρήλιος Κυρήνιος μάρτυς ἐρρῶσθαι ὑμᾶς εὔχομαι”, ὁ δέ τις τοῦτον τὸν τρόπον “Αἴλιος Πούπλιος Ἰούλιος ἀπὸ Δεβελτοῦ κολωνίας τῆς Θρᾴ- κης ἐπίσκοπος· ζῇ ὁ θεὸς ὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς, ὅτι Σωτᾶς ὁ μακάριος ὁ ἐν Ἀγχιάλῳ ἠθέλησε τὸν δαίμονα τὸν Πρισκίλλης ἐκβαλεῖν, καὶ οἶ ὑποκριταὶ οὐκ ἀφῆκαν. ### English translation (Claude) In this letter of Serapion signatures of various bishops are also found. One of them has signed somewhat thus: “I, Aurelius Quirinius, a martyr, pray for your health.” Another in this way: “Aelius Publius Julius, bishop of Debeltum, a colony of Thrace: as God lives who is in heaven, the blessed Sotas in Anchialus wished to cast out the demon of Priscilla, and the hypocrites would not allow it.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Serapion of Antioch, Serapion (Serapion of Antioch (letters)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation of signatures appended to Serapion's letter. “Martyr” here probably means a living confessor. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.19.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/19/3/). ## Church History 5.19.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/19/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:225 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Many other bishops signed in agreement. ### Greek text καὶ ἄλλων δὲ πλειόνων τὸν ἀριθμὸν ἐπισκόπων συμψήφων τούτοις ἐν τοῖς δηλωθεῖσι γράμμασιν αὐτόγραφοι φέρονται σημειώσεις. καὶ τὰ μὲν κατὰ τούτους ἦν τοιαῦτα. ### English translation (Claude) The autograph signatures of many other bishops who agreed with them are also found in the letter mentioned. Such were the affairs concerning these people. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.19.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/19/4/). ## Church History 5.20.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/20/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:225 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus wrote letters against Blastus and Florinus and a treatise On the Ogdoad against Florinus's drift into Valentinianism. ### Greek text Ἐξ ἐναντίας δὲ τῶν ἐπὶ Ῥώμης τὸν ὑγιῆ τῆς ἐκκλησίας θεσμὸν παραχαραττόντων, Εἰρήναιος διαφόρους ἐπιστολὰς συντάττει, τὴν μὲν ἐπιγράψας πρὸς Βλάστον περὶ σχίσματος, τὴν δὲ πρὸς Φλωρῖνον περὶ μοναρχίας ἢ περὶ τοῦ μὴ εἶναι τὸν θεὸν ποιητὴν κακῶν. ταύτης γάρ τοι τῆς γνώμης οὗτος ἐδόκει προασπίζειν· διʼ ὃν αὖθις ὑποσυρόμενον τῇ κατὰ Οὐαλεντῖνον πλάνῃ καὶ τὸ περὶ ὀγδοάδος συντάττεται τῷ Εἰρηναίῳ σπούδασμα, ἐν ᾧ καὶ ἐπισημαίνεται τὴν πρώτην τῶν ἀποστόλων κατειληφέναι ἑαυτὸν διαδοχήν. ### English translation (Claude) Against those at Rome who were debasing the sound ordinance of the church, Irenaeus composed various letters, one entitled To Blastus, On Schism, another To Florinus, On Monarchy, or That God Is Not the Maker of Evil. For Florinus seemed to champion this opinion. And because he was again being drawn away by the error of Valentinus, Irenaeus also composed the treatise On the Ogdoad, in which he indicates that he himself had belonged to the first succession after the apostles. ### Translation notes - These works are lost except for the extracts that follow. The Ogdoad is the first group of eight Aeons in the Valentinian system. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.20.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/20/1/). ## Church History 5.20.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/20/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:225–226 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus adjures future copyists to check their copies carefully and to copy his oath too. ### Greek text ἔνθα πρὸς τῷ τοῦ συγγράμματος τέλει χαριεστάτην αὐτοῦ σημείωσιν εὑρόντες ἀναγκαίως καὶ ταύτην τῇδε καταλέξομεν τῇ γραφῇ, τοῦτον ἔχουσαν τὸν τρόπον “ὁρκίζω σε τὸν μεταγραψόμενον τὸ βιβλίον τοῦτο κατὰ τοῦ κυρίου “ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ καὶ κατὰ τῆς ἐνδόξου παρου- “σίας αὐτοῦ, ἧς ἔρχεται κρῖναι ζῶντας καὶ νεκροὺς, “ἵνα ἀντιβάλῃς ὃ μετεγράψω, καὶ κατορθώσῃς αὐτὸ “πρὸς τὸ ἀντίγραφον τοῦτο, ὅθεν μετεγράψω, ἐπιμε- “λῶς· καὶ τὸν ὅρκον τοῦτον ὁμοίως μεταγράψεις καὶ “θήσεις ἐν τῷ ἀντιγράφῳ.” ### English translation (Claude) Finding at the end of that treatise a most gracious note of his, we must include it in this work too. It runs thus: “I adjure you who shall copy this book, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by his glorious coming, when he comes to judge the living and the dead, to compare what you have copied and correct it carefully against this copy from which you copied it; and you shall likewise copy this oath and put it in the copy.” ### Scripture references - 2 Tim 4:1: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, On the Ogdoad (lost); cf. 2 Tim 4:1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.20.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/20/2/). ## Church History 5.20.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/20/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:226 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius commends Irenaeus's care for accurate copying. ### Greek text καὶ ταῦτα δὲ ὠφελίμως ὑπʼ ἐκείνου λελέχθω, πρὸς ἡμῶν τε ἱστορείσθω, ὡς ἂν ἔχοιμεν ἄριστον σπουδαιοτάτης ἐπιμελείας τοὺς ἀρχαίους ἐκείνους καὶ ὄντως ἱεροὺς ἄνδρας ὑπόδειγμα. ### English translation (Claude) Let this be usefully said by him and recorded by us, so that we may have those ancient and truly holy men as the best example of most earnest care. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.20.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/20/3/). ## Church History 5.20.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/20/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:226 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus tells Florinus that his doctrines are foreign to the church and to the presbyters who knew the apostles. ### Greek text ἐν ᾗ γε μὴν προειρήκαμεν πρὸς τὸν Φλωρῖνον ὁ Εἰρηναῖος ἐπιστολῇ αὖθις τῆς ἅμα Πολυκάρπῳ συνουσίας αὐτοῦ μνημονεύει λέγων “ταῦτα τὰ δόγματα, “Φλωρῖνε, ἵνα πεφεισμένως εἴπω, οὐκ ἔστιν ὑγιοῦς “γνώμης· ταῦτα τὰ δόγματα ἀσύμφωνά ἐστι τῇ ἐκ- “κλησίᾳ, εἰς τὴν μεγίστην ἀσέβειαν περιβάλλοντα “τοὺς πειθομένους αὐτοῖς· ταῦτα τὰ δόγματα οὐδὲ “οἱ ἔξω τῆς ἐκκλησίας αἱρετικοὶ ἐτόλμησαν ἀποφή- “νασθαί ποτε· ταῦτα τὰ δόγματα οἱ πρὸ ἡμῶν πρεσ- “βύτεροι οἱ καὶ τοῖς ἀποστόλοις συμφοιτήσαντες οὐ “παρέδωκάν σοι. ### English translation (Claude) In the letter to Florinus which we mentioned, Irenaeus again mentions his association with Polycarp, saying: “These doctrines, Florinus, to speak mildly, are not of sound judgment; these doctrines are not in harmony with the church and involve those who follow them in the greatest impiety; these doctrines not even the heretics outside the church ever dared to declare; these doctrines the presbyters before us, who also were companions of the apostles, did not hand down to you. ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Letter to Florinus (lost; to 5.20.8). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.20.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/20/4/). ## Church History 5.20.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/20/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:226 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus recalls seeing Florinus, then a courtier, with Polycarp when Irenaeus was a boy. ### Greek text εἶδον γάρ σε παῖς ἔτι ὢν ἐν τῇ “κάτω Ἀσίᾳ παρὰ Πολυκάρπῳ, λαμπρῶς πράσσοντα “ἐν τῇ βασιλικῇ αὐλῇ, καὶ πειρώμενον εὐδοκιμεῖν “παρʼ αὐτῷ. μᾶλλον γὰρ τὰ τότε διαμνημονεύω τῶν “ἔναγχος γινομένων. ### English translation (Claude) For when I was still a boy I saw you in lower Asia with Polycarp, faring brilliantly in the royal court and trying to win his approval. For I remember the events of that time better than those of recent years. ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Letter to Florinus. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.20.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/20/5/). ## Church History 5.20.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/20/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:226–227 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus vividly remembers Polycarp recounting what he had heard from John and other eyewitnesses of the Lord. ### Greek text αἱ γὰρ ἐκ παίδων μαθήσεις “συναύξουσαι τῇ ψυχῇ ἑνοῦνται αὐτῇ, ὥστε με δύ- “νασθαι εἰπεῖν καὶ τὸν τόπον ἐν ᾧ καθεζόμενος διε- “λέγετο ὁ μακάριος Πολύκαρπος, καὶ τὰς προόδους “αὐτοῦ καὶ τὰς εἰσόδους, καὶ τὸν χαρακτῆρα τοῦ βίου, “καὶ τὴν τοῦ σώματος ἰδέαν, καὶ τὰς διαλέξεις ἃς “ἐποιεῖτο πρὸς τὸ πλῆθος, καὶ τὴν μετὰ Ἰωάννου “συναναστροφὴν ὡς ἀπήγγελλε καὶ τὴν μετὰ “λοιπῶν τῶν ἑωρακότων τὸν κύριον, καὶ ὡς ἀπεμνη- “μόνευε τοὺς λόγους αὐτῶν, καὶ περὶ τοῦ κυρίου “τίνα ἦν ἃ παρʼ ἐκείνων ἀκηκόει, καὶ περὶ τῶν “δυνάμεων αὐτοῦ, καὶ περὶ τῆς διδασκαλίας, ὡς “παρὰ τῶν αὐτοπτῶν τῆς ζωῆς τοῦ λόγου παρειληφὼς ὁ Πολύκαρπος ἀπήγγελλε πάντα σύμφωνα “ταἴς γραφαῖς. ### English translation (Claude) For what we learn as children grows with the soul and becomes one with it, so that I can tell even the place where the blessed Polycarp sat and discoursed, his goings out and comings in, the character of his life, the appearance of his body, the discourses he made to the people, how he reported his intercourse with John and with the others who had seen the Lord, how he remembered their words, and what the things were that he had heard from them about the Lord, about his miracles and his teaching; how Polycarp, having received them from the eyewitnesses of the life of the Word, reported all things in agreement with the Scriptures. ### Scripture references - Luke 1:2: echo, medium confidence - 1 John 1:1: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Letter to Florinus; “eyewitnesses … of the Word” echoes Luke 1:2 and 1 John 1:1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.20.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/20/6/). ## Church History 5.20.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/20/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:227 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus is sure that Polycarp would have stopped his ears and fled on hearing Florinus's teaching. ### Greek text ταῦτα καὶ τότε διὰ τὸ ἔλεος τοῦ “θεοῦ τὸ ἐπʼ ἐμοὶ γεγονὸς σπουδαίως ἤκουον, ‘μνηματιζόμενος αὐτὰ οὐκ ἐν χάρτῃ, ἀλλʼ ἐν τῇ ἐμῇ “καρδίᾳ, καὶ ἀεὶ διὰ τὴν χάριν τοῦ θεοῦ γνησίως “αὐτὰ ἀναμαρυκῶμαι· καὶ δύναμαι διαμαρτύρασθαι “ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ θεοῦ, ὅτι εἴ τι τοιοῦτον ἀκηκόει “ἐκεῖνος ὁ μακάριος καὶ ἀποστολικὸς πρεσβύτερος, “ἀνακράξας ἂν καὶ ἐμφράξας τὰ ὦτα αὐτοῦ, καὶ τὸ “σύνηθες αὐτῷ εἰπών ‘ ὦ καλὲ θεὲ, εἰς οἴους με και- “ροὺς τετήρηκας, ἔνα τούτων ἀνέχωμαι πεφεύγει ἂν “καὶ τὸν τόπον ἐν ᾧ καθεζόμενος ἢ ἑστὼς τῶν “ούτων ἀκηκόει λόγων. ### English translation (Claude) These things even then, through the mercy of God that was upon me, I listened to eagerly, noting them down not on paper but in my heart; and always, by the grace of God, I ruminate on them faithfully. And I can bear witness before God that if that blessed and apostolic presbyter had heard any such thing, he would have cried out and stopped his ears and said, as was his custom, ‘O good God, for what times have you kept me, that I should endure these things?’ and would have fled even from the place where, sitting or standing, he had heard such words. ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Letter to Florinus. ἂν (“would have”) is supplied after πεφεύγει (“fled”); the sense is the same without it. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.20.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/20/7/). ## Church History 5.20.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/20/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:227 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Polycarp's letters confirm this. ### Greek text καὶ ἐκ τῶν ἐπιστολῶν δὲ αὐτοῦ ὧν ἐπέστειλεν ἤτοι ταῖς γειτνιώσαις ἐκκλησίαις ἐπιστηρίζων αὐτὰς, ἢ τῶν ἀδελφῶν τισὶ νουθετῶν αὐτοὺς καὶ προτρεπόμενος, δύναται φανερωθῆναι.” ταῦτα ὁ Εἰρήναιος. ### English translation (Claude) And this can be shown from his letters which he sent either to the neighbouring churches, strengthening them, or to some of the brothers, admonishing and exhorting them.” So far Irenaeus. ### Extrabiblical texts - Pol. Phil. (To the Philippians): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Letter to Florinus; cf. Polycarp's surviving Letter to the Philippians. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.20.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/20/8/). ## Church History 5.21.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/21/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:227–228 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Under Commodus the church enjoyed peace and grew, even among the Roman nobility. ### Greek text Κατὰ δὲ τὸν αὐτὸν τῆς Κομόδου βασιλείας χρόνον μεταβέβλητο μὲν ἐπὶ τὸ πρᾶον τὰ καθʼ ἡμᾶς, εἰρήνης σὺν θείᾳ χάριτι τὰς καθʼ ὅλης τῆς οἰκουμένης διαλαβούσης ἐκκλησίας, ὅτε καὶ ὁ σωτήριος λόγος ἐκ παντὸς γένους ἀνθρώπων πᾶσαν ὑπήγετο ψυχὴν ἐπὶ τὴν εὐσεβῆ τοῦ τῶν ὅλων θεοῦ θρησκείαν, ὥστε ἤδη καὶ τῶν ἐπὶ Ῥώμης εὖ μάλα πλούτῳ καὶ γένει διαφανῶν πλείους ἐπὶ τὴν σφῶν ὁμόσε χωρεῖν πανοικί τε καὶ παγγενῆ σωτηρίαν. ### English translation (Claude) About the same time, in the reign of Commodus, our situation changed to a milder state, and by divine grace peace took hold of the churches throughout the whole world. Then too the saving word was leading every soul from every race of men to the pious worship of the God of the universe, so that now many at Rome, very distinguished in wealth and birth, came with all their household and kin to their salvation. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.21.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/21/1/). ## Church History 5.21.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/21/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:228 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The devil had Apollonius, a learned Roman Christian, accused before a court. ### Greek text οὐκ ἦν δὲ ἄρα τοῦτο τῷ μισοκάλῳ δαίμονι βασκάνῳ ὄντι τὴν φύσιν οἰστόν· ἀπεδύετο δʼ οὖν αὖθις, ποικίλας τὰς καθʼ ἡμῶν μηχανὰς ἐπιτεχνώμενος. ἐπὶ γοῦν τῆς Ῥωμαίων πόλεως Ἀπολλώνιον, ἄνδρα τῶν τότε πιστῶν ἐπὶ παιδείᾳ καὶ φιλοσοφίᾳ βεβοημένον, ἐπὶ δικαστήριον ἄγει, ἴνα γέ τινʼ τῶν εἰς ταῦτα ἐπιτηδείων αὐτῷ διακόνων ἐπὶ κατηγορίᾳ τἀνδρὸς ἐγείρας. ### English translation (Claude) But this was intolerable to the demon who hates good, being envious by nature; so he stripped for the fight again, devising various machinations against us. At Rome he brought to court Apollonius, a man renowned among the faithful of that time for learning and philosophy, stirring up one of his servants who was fit for such things to accuse the man. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.21.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/21/2/). ## Church History 5.21.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/21/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:228 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The informer was himself punished by having his legs broken. ### Greek text ἀλλʼ ὁ μὲν δείλαιος παρὰ καιρὸν τὴν δίκην εἰσελθὼν, ὅτι μὴ ζῆν ἐξὸν ἦν κατὰ βασιλικὸν ὅρον τοὺς τῶν τοιῶνδε μηνυτὰς, αὐτίκα κατάγνυται τὰ σκέλη, Περεννίου δικαστοῦ τοιαύτην κατʼ αὐτοῦ ψῆφον ἀπενέγκαντος. ### English translation (Claude) But the wretch, having brought the case at the wrong time, since by an imperial decree informers of such things were not permitted to live, immediately had his legs broken, the judge Perennius passing this sentence on him. ### Translation notes - Perennius was praetorian prefect under Commodus. The decree punishing informers is otherwise unknown. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.21.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/21/3/). ## Church History 5.21.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/21/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:228 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Apollonius defended the faith before the senate and was beheaded. ### Greek text ὁ δέ γε θεοφιλέστατος μάρτυς, πολλὰ λιπαρῶς ἱκετεύσαντος τοῦ δικαστοῦ καὶ λόγον αὐτὸν ἐπὶ τῆς συγκλήτου βουλῆς αἰτήσαντος, λογιωτάτην ὑπὲρ ἧς ἐμαρτύρει πίστεως ἐπὶ πάντων παρασχὼν ἀπολογίαν κεφαλικῇ κολάσει ὡσὰν ἀπὸ δόγματος συγκλήτου τελειοῦται, μηδʼ ἄλλως ἀφεῖσθαι τοὺς ἅπαξ εἰς δικαστήριον παριόντας καὶ μηδαμῶς τῆς προθέσεως μεταβαλλομένους ἀρχαίου παρʼ αὐτοῖς νόμου κεκρατηκότος. ### English translation (Claude) But the most God-beloved martyr, when the judge earnestly entreated him and asked him to give an account before the senate, gave before all a most learned defence of the faith for which he bore witness, and was perfected by beheading, as by decree of the senate; for an ancient law prevailed among them that those who had once come before a court and in no way changed their purpose should not otherwise be released. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.21.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/21/4/). ## Church History 5.21.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/21/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:228 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Apollonius's trial is recorded in Eusebius's martyr collection. ### Greek text τούτου μὲν οὖν τὰς ἐπὶ τοῦ δικαστοῦ φωνὰς καὶ τὰς ἀποκρίσεις, ἃς πρὸς πεῦσιν πεποίητο τοῦ Περεννίου, πᾶσάν τε τὴν πρὸς τὴν σύγκλητον ἀπολογίαν ὅτῳ διαγνῶναι φίλον, ἐκ τῆς τῶν ἀρχαίων μαρτυρίων συναχθείσης ἡμῖν ἀναγραφῆς εἴσεται. ### English translation (Claude) His words before the judge and the answers he made to Perennius's questioning, and the whole defence before the senate, anyone who wishes may learn from the record of the ancient martyrdoms collected by us. ### Translation notes - A later version survives as the Acts of Apollonius. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.21.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/21/5/). ## Church History 5.22.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/22/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:228–229 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius lists the bishops of Rome, Alexandria, Antioch, Caesarea, Jerusalem, Corinth, and Ephesus around 189. ### Greek text Δεκάτῳ γε μὴν τῆς Κομόδου βασιλείας ἔτει δέκα πρὸς τρισὶν ἔτεσι τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν λελειτουργηκότα Ἐλεύθερον διαδέχεται Βίκτωρ· ἐν ᾧ καὶ Ἰουλιανοῦ δέκατον ἔτος ἀναπλήσαντος τῶν κατʼ Ἀλεξάνδρειαν παροικιῶν τὴν λειτουργίαν ἐγχειρίζεται Δημήτριος· καθʼ οὓς καὶ τῆς Ἀντιοχέων ἐκκλησίας ὄγδοος ἀπὸ τῶν ἀποστόλων ὁ πρόσθεν ἤδη δεδηλωμένος ἔτι τότε Σαραπίων ἐπίσκοπος ἐγνωρίζετο· Καισαρείας δὲ τῆς ἐπὶ Παλαιστίνῃ καθηγεῖτο Θεόφιλος. καὶ Νάρκισσος δὲ ὁμοίως, οὗ καὶ πρόσθεν ὁ λόγος μνήμην ἐποιήσατο, τῆς ἐν Ἱεροσολύμοις ἐκκλησίας ἔτι τότε τὴν λειτουργίαν εἶχεν. Κορίνθου δὲ τῆς καθʼ Ἑλλάδα κατὰ τοὺς αὐτοὺς χρόνους ἐπίσκοπος ἦν Βάκχυλλος, καὶ τῆς ἐν Ἐφέσω παροικίας Πολυκράτης, καὶ ἄλλοι δὲ, ὥς γε εἰκὸς, ἐπὶ τούτοις μυρίοι κατὰ τούσδε διέπρεπον. ὧν γε μὴν ἔγγραφος ἡ τῆς πίστεως εἰς ἡμὰς κατῆλθεν ὀρθοδοξία, τούτους εἰκότως ὀνομαστὶ κατελέξαμεν. ### English translation (Claude) In the tenth year of Commodus's reign Victor succeeded Eleutherus, who had held the episcopate for thirteen years. In the same year, when Julian had completed his tenth year, Demetrius was entrusted with the ministry of the communities of Alexandria. At this time Serapion, already mentioned, was still known as bishop of the church of the Antiochenes, the eighth from the apostles. Theophilus presided over Caesarea in Palestine; and Narcissus likewise, whom our account has mentioned before, still held the ministry of the church in Jerusalem. At the same time Bacchyllus was bishop of Corinth in Greece, and Polycrates of the community of Ephesus; and besides these countless others, as is likely, were prominent then. But we have rightly named only those whose orthodoxy of faith has come down to us in writing. ### Translation notes - A noun is missing after τὴν in the digital text; λειτουργίαν (“ministry”) is supplied, as in the phrase used of Narcissus in the same section. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.22.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/22/1/). ## Church History 5.23.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/23/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:229 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Easter controversy: the Asian churches ended the paschal fast on the fourteenth of the month whatever the weekday; the rest of the church ended it only on the Sunday of the resurrection. ### Greek text Ζητήσεως δῆτα κατὰ τούσδε οὐ σμικρὰς ἀνακινηθείσης, ὅτι δὴ τῆς Ἀσίας ἁπάσης αἶ παροικίαι ὡσὰν ἐκ παραδόσεως ἀρχαιοτέρας σελήνης τὴν τεσσαρεσκαιδεκάτην ᾤοντο δεῖν ἐπὶ τῆς τοῦ πάσχα σωτηρίου ἑορτῆς παραφυλάττειν, ἐν ᾗ θύειν τὸ πρόβατον Ἰουδαίοις προηγόρευτο, ὡς δέον ἐκ παντὸς κατὰ ταύτην, ὁποίᾳ δʼ ἂν ἡμέρᾳ τῆς ἑβδομάδος περιτυγχάνοι, τὰς τῶν ἀσιτιῶν ἐπιλύσεις ποιεῖσθαι, οὐκ ἔθους ὄντος τοῦτον ἐπιτελεῖν τὸν τρόπον ταῖς ἀνὰ τὴν λοιπὴν ἅπασαν οἰκουμένην ἐκκλησίαις, ἑ § ἀποστολικῆς παραδόσεως τὸ καὶ εἰς δεῦρο κρατῆσαν ἔθος φυλαττούσαις, ὡς μηδʼ ἑτέρᾳ προσήκειν παρὰ τὴν τῆς ἀναστάσεως τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν ἡμέρᾳ τὰς νηστείας ἐπιλύεσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) At this time no small controversy arose, because the communities of all Asia, as from an older tradition, thought that they ought to observe the fourteenth day of the moon for the feast of the Saviour's Pascha, the day on which the Jews had been commanded to sacrifice the lamb, so that the ending of the fasts had to be made on that day, whatever day of the week it might fall on. But it was not the custom for the churches throughout all the rest of the world to do it in this way; they kept the custom, which has prevailed to this day, from apostolic tradition, that it is not fitting to end the fasts on any other day than the day of our Saviour's resurrection. ### Scripture references - Exod 12:6: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The Asian (“Quartodeciman”) practice follows Exod 12:6. The digital text has a stray “ἑ §” for ἐξ (“from”). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.23.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/23/1/). ## Church History 5.23.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/23/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:229–230 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Synods decreed that Easter be celebrated and the fast ended only on a Sunday. ### Greek text σύνοδοι δὴ καὶ συγκροτήσεις ἐπισκόπων ἐπὶ ταὐτὸν ἐγίνοντο, πάντες τε μιᾷ γνώμῃ διʼ ἐπιστολῶν ἐκκλησιαστικὸν δόγμα τοῖς πανταχόσε διετυποῦντο, ὡς ἂν μηδʼ ἐν ἄλλῃ ποτὲ τῆς κυριακῆς ἡμέρᾳ τὸ τῆς ἐκ νεκρῶν ἀναστάσεως ἐπιτελοῖτο τοῦ κυρίου μυστήριον, καὶ ὅπως ἐν ταύτῃ μόνῃ τῶν κατὰ τὸ πάσχα νηστειῶν φυλαττοίμεθα τὰς ἐπιλύσεις. ### English translation (Claude) Synods and assemblies of bishops were held on this matter, and all with one mind drew up through letters an ecclesiastical decree for everyone everywhere, that the mystery of the Lord's resurrection from the dead should never be celebrated on any other than the Lord's day, and that on this day alone we should observe the ending of the paschal fasts. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.23.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/23/2/). ## Church History 5.23.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/23/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:230 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Letters survive from synods in Palestine, Rome, Pontus, and Gaul. ### Greek text φέρεται δʼ εἰσέτι νῦν τῶν κατὰ Παλαιστίνην τηνικάδε συγκεκροτημένων γραφὴ, ὧν προυτέτακτο Θεόφιλος τῆς ἐν Καισαρείᾳ παροικίας ἐπίσκοπος καὶ Νάρκισσος τῆς ἐν Ἱεροσολύμοις· καὶ τῶν ἐπὶ ῾Ρώμης δὲ ὁμοίως ἄλλη περὶ τοῦ αὐτοῦ ζητήματος, ἐπίσκοπον Βίκτορα δηλοῦσα· τῶν τε κατὰ Πόντον ἐπισκόπων, ὧν Πάλμας ὡς ἀρχαιότατος προυτέτακτο, καὶ τῶν κατὰ Γαλλίαν δὲ παροικιῶν, ἃς Εἰρήναιος ἐπεσκόπει· ### English translation (Claude) There is still extant a letter of those assembled at that time in Palestine, over whom Theophilus, bishop of the community in Caesarea, and Narcissus, of that in Jerusalem, presided; and likewise another of those at Rome on the same question, bearing the name of Bishop Victor; and one of the bishops in Pontus, over whom Palmas presided as the eldest; and of the communities in Gaul, over which Irenaeus was bishop; ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.23.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/23/3/). ## Church History 5.23.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/23/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:230 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Osrhoene, Corinth, and many others agreed in the same decision. ### Greek text ἔτι τε τῶν κατὰ τὴν Ὀσροηνὴν καὶ τὰς ἐκεῖσε πόλεις· καὶ ἰδίως Βακχύλλου τῆς Κορινθίων ἐκκλησίας ἐπισκόπου, καὶ πλείστων ὅσων ἄλλων, οἳ μίαν καὶ τὴν αὐτὴν δόξαν τε καὶ κρίσιν ἐξενηνεγμένοι τὴν αὐτὴν τέθεινται ψῆφον. καὶ τούτων μὲν ἦν ὅρος εἷς, ὁ δεδηλωμένος· ### English translation (Claude) and further of those in Osrhoene and the cities there; and in particular of Bacchyllus, bishop of the church of the Corinthians; and of very many others, who expressed one and the same opinion and judgment and cast the same vote. And theirs was the one rule already described. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.23.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/23/4/). ## Church History 5.24.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:230 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Asian bishops, led by Polycrates of Ephesus, defended their older custom in a letter to Victor. ### Greek text τῶν δὲ ἐπὶ τῆς Ἀσίας ἐπισκόπων, τὸ πάλαι πρότερον αὐτοῖς παραδοθὲν διαφυλάττειν ἔθος χρῆναι διισχυριζομένων, ἡγεῖτο Πολυκράτης, ὃς καὶ αὐτὸς ἐν ᾗ πρὸς Βίκτορα καὶ τὴν ῾Ρωμαίων ἐκκλησίαν διετυπώσατο γραφῇ τὴν εἰς αὐτὸν ἐλθοῦσαν παράδοσιν ἐκτέθειται διὰ τούτων ### English translation (Claude) But the bishops in Asia, insisting that they must keep the custom handed down to them from of old, were led by Polycrates, who himself, in the letter he addressed to Victor and the church of the Romans, set out the tradition that had come down to him in these words: ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.24.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/1/). ## Church History 5.24.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:230 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Polycrates: Asia's great dead, including the apostle Philip and his daughters, await the resurrection. ### Greek text “ἡμεῖς οὖν ἀρρᾳδιούργητον ἄγομεν τὴν ἡμέραν, “μήτε προστιθέντες μήτε ἀφαιρούμενοι. καὶ γὰρ “κατὰ τὴν Ἀσίαν μεγάλα στοιχεῖα κεκοίμηται, ἅτινα “ἀναστήσεται τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τῆς παρουσίας τοῦ κυρίου, “ἐν ᾗ ἔρχεται μετὰ δόξης ἐξ οὐρανῶν, καὶ ἀναστήσει “πάντας τοὺς ἁγίους, Φίλιππον τὸν τῶν δώδεκα ἀπο- “στόλων, ὃς κεκοίμηται Ἱεραπόλει, καὶ δύο θυγα- “τέρες αὐτοῦ γεγηρακυῖαι παρθένοι, καὶ ἡ ἑτέρα “αὐτοῦ θυγάτηρ ἐν ἁγίῳ πνεύματι πολιτευσαμένη, “ἣ ἐν Ἐφέσῳ ἀναπαύεται· ### English translation (Claude) “We, then, keep the day without tampering, neither adding nor taking away. For in Asia too great luminaries have fallen asleep, who will rise again on the day of the Lord's coming, when he comes with glory from heaven and will raise up all the saints: Philip, one of the twelve apostles, who has fallen asleep in Hierapolis, and two of his daughters who grew old as virgins, and his other daughter, who lived in the Holy Spirit and rests at Ephesus; ### Scripture references - Acts 21:9: allusion, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Polycrates of Ephesus, Polycrates (Polycrates of Ephesus, Letter to Victor): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Polycrates of Ephesus, Letter to Victor (to 5.24.8). Polycrates seems to confuse the apostle Philip with Philip the evangelist of Acts 21:8–9. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.24.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/2/). ## Church History 5.24.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:230–231 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Polycrates: John, who leaned on the Lord's breast, is buried at Ephesus. ### Greek text ἔτι δὲ καὶ Ἰωάννης ὁ “ἐπὶ τὸ στῆθος τοῦ κυρίου ἀναπεσὼν, ὃς ἐγενήθη “ἱερεὺς τὸ πέταλον πεφορηκὼς, καὶ μάρτυς καὶ διδά- “σκαλος· οὗτος ἐν Ἐφέσῳ κεκοίμηται· ### English translation (Claude) and moreover John, who leaned on the Lord's breast, who became a priest wearing the sacerdotal plate, both martyr and teacher; he has fallen asleep in Ephesus; ### Scripture references - John 13:25: allusion, high confidence - Exod 28:36: allusion, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Polycrates of Ephesus, Polycrates (Polycrates of Ephesus, Letter to Victor): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Polycrates of Ephesus; cf. John 13:25. The “plate” (πέταλον) is the high priest's gold plate (Exod 28:36); the meaning here is disputed. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.24.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/3/). ## Church History 5.24.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:231 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Polycrates: Polycarp and Thraseas also rest at Smyrna. ### Greek text ἔτι δὲ καὶ “Πολύκαρπος ὁ ἐν Σμύρνῃ καὶ ἐπίσκοπος καὶ μάρτυς, “καὶ Θρασέας ἐπίσκοπος καὶ μάρτυς ἀπὸ ‘ὃς ἐν Σμύρνῃ κεκοίμηται. ### English translation (Claude) and also Polycarp in Smyrna, both bishop and martyr; and Thraseas, bishop and martyr from Eumeneia, who has fallen asleep in Smyrna. ### Extrabiblical texts - Polycrates of Ephesus, Polycrates (Polycrates of Ephesus, Letter to Victor): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Polycrates of Ephesus. “Eumeneia” is lost in the digital text and supplied from the sense. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.24.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/4/). ## Church History 5.24.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:231 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Polycrates adds Sagaris, Papirius, and Melito of Sardis. ### Greek text τί δὲ δεῖ λέγειν Σά- “γαριν ἐπίσκοπον καὶ μάρτυρα, ὃς ἐν Λαοδικείᾳ κε- “κοίμηται, ἔτι δὲ καὶ Παπίριον τὸν μακάριον, καὶ “Μελίτωνα τὸν εὐνοῦχον, τὸν ἐν ἁγίῳ πνεύματι “πάντα πολιτευσάμενον, ὃς κεῖται ἐν Σάρδεσι περι- “μένων τὴν ἀπὸ τῶν οὐρανῶν ἐπισκοπὴν, ἐν ᾗ ἐκ “νεκρῶν ἀναστήσεται. ### English translation (Claude) Why need I speak of Sagaris, bishop and martyr, who has fallen asleep in Laodicea, or the blessed Papirius, or Melito the eunuch, who lived entirely in the Holy Spirit, who lies in Sardis awaiting the visitation from heaven, when he will rise from the dead? ### Extrabiblical texts - Polycrates of Ephesus, Polycrates (Polycrates of Ephesus, Letter to Victor): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Polycrates of Ephesus. “Eunuch” probably means celibate (cf. Matt 19:12). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.24.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/5/). ## Church History 5.24.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:231 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Polycrates: all these, and his seven bishop relatives, kept the fourteenth day, as he does. ### Greek text οὗτοι πάντες ἐτήρησαν “ἡμέραν τῆς τεσσαρεσκαιδεκάτης τοῦ πάσχα κατὰ τὸ “εὐαγγέλιον, μηδὲν παρεκβαίνοντες, ἀλλὰ κατὰ τὸν “κανόνα τῆς πίστεως ἀκολουθοῦντες· ἔτι δὲ κἀγὼ ὁ “μικρότερος πάντων ὑμῶν Πολυκράτης, κατὰ παρά- “δόσιν τῶν συγγενῶν μου, οἷς καὶ παρηκολούθησά “ τισιν αὐτῶν. ἑπτὰ μὲν ἦσαν συγγενεῖς μου ἐπίσκο- “ποι, ἐγὼ δὲ ὄγδοος· καὶ πάντοτε τὴν ἡμέραν “οἶ συγγενεῖς μου, ὅτε ὁ λαὸς ἤρνυε τὴν ζύμην. “ ### English translation (Claude) These all kept the fourteenth day of the Pascha according to the gospel, not deviating at all, but following the rule of faith. And I also, Polycrates, the least of you all, do so according to the tradition of my relatives, some of whom I have followed closely. Seven of my relatives were bishops, and I am the eighth; and my relatives always kept the day when the people put away the leaven. ### Extrabiblical texts - Polycrates of Ephesus, Polycrates (Polycrates of Ephesus, Letter to Victor): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Polycrates of Ephesus. A verb such as ἤγαγον (“kept”) is missing after τὴν ἡμέραν in the digital text. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.24.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/6/). ## Church History 5.24.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:231 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Polycrates, sixty-five years in the Lord, will not be intimidated: one must obey God rather than men. ### Greek text ἐγὼ οὖν, ἀδελφοὶ, ἐξήκοντα πέντε ἔτη ἔχων ἐν “κυρίῳ, καὶ συμβεβληκὼς τοῖς ἀπὸ τῆς οἰκουμένης ἀδελφοῖς, καὶ πᾶσαν ἁγίαν γραφὴν διεληλυθὼς, οὐ “πτύρομαι ἐπὶ τοῖς καταπλησσομένοις. οἱ γὰρ ἐμοῦ μείζονες εἰρήκασι πειθαρχεῖν δεῖ θεῷ μᾶλλον ἢ “ἀνθρώποις” ### English translation (Claude) I therefore, brothers, who have lived sixty-five years in the Lord, and have conversed with the brothers from all the world, and have gone through all holy Scripture, am not frightened by those who try to terrify us. For those greater than I have said, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’” ### Scripture references - Acts 5:29: quotation, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Polycrates of Ephesus, Polycrates (Polycrates of Ephesus, Letter to Victor): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Polycrates of Ephesus, citing Acts 5:29; cf. Phil 1:28. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.24.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/7/). ## Church History 5.24.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:231–232 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Polycrates says many bishops assembled with him and approved his letter. ### Greek text τούτοις ἐπιφέρει περὶ πάντων γράφων τῶν συμπαρόντων αὐτῷ καὶ ὁμοδοξούντων ἐπισκόπων ταῦτα λέγων “ἐδυνάμην δὲ τῶν ἐπισκόπων “τῶν συμπαρόντων μνημονεῦσαι, οὓς ὑμεῖς ἠξιώσατε “μετακληθῆναι ὑπʼ ἐμοῦ, καὶ μετεκαλεσάμην· ὧν τὰ “ὀνόματα ἐὰν γράφω, πολλὰ πλήθη εἰσίν. οἱ δὲ “ἰδόντες τὸν μικρόν μου ἄνθρωπον συνηυδόκησαν “τῇ ἐπιστολῇ, εἰδότες ὅτι εἰκῆ πολιὰς οὐκ ἤνεγκα, “ἀλλὰ ἐν κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ πάντοτε πεπολίτευμαι.” ### English translation (Claude) To this he adds, writing about all the bishops who were with him and shared his opinion: “I could mention the bishops who were present, whom you asked me to summon, and I summoned them; if I were to write their names, they are a great multitude. And they, seeing my littleness, gave their consent to the letter, knowing that I did not bear my grey hairs in vain, but have always lived in the Lord Jesus.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Polycrates of Ephesus, Polycrates (Polycrates of Ephesus, Letter to Victor): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Polycrates of Ephesus, Letter to Victor. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.24.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/8/). ## Church History 5.24.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:232 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Victor of Rome tried to excommunicate all the churches of Asia. ### Greek text ἐπὶ τούτοις ὁ μὲν τῆς ῾Ρωμαίων προεστὼς Βίκτωρ ἀθρόως τῆς Ἀσίας πάσης ἅμα ταῖς ὁμόροις ἐκκλησίαις τὰς παροικίας ἀποτέμνειν, ὡσὰν ἑτεροδοξούσας, τῆς κοινῆς ἑνώσεως πειρᾶται, καὶ στηλιτεύει γε διὰ γραμμάτων, ἀκοινωνήτους πάντας ἄρδην τοὺς ἐκεῖσε ἀνακηρύττων ἀδελφούς. ### English translation (Claude) Thereupon Victor, who presided over the Romans, tried to cut off at a stroke from the common unity the communities of all Asia, together with the neighbouring churches, as heterodox; and he denounced them by letters, proclaiming all the brothers there wholly excommunicate. ### Translation notes - Whether Victor's excommunication took effect is disputed; Eusebius's wording (“tried”) suggests it did not. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.24.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/9/). ## Church History 5.24.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:232 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Other bishops sharply urged Victor to keep peace. ### Greek text ἀλλʼ οὐ πᾶσί γε τοῖς ἐπισκόποις ταὐτʼ ἠρέσκετο. ἀντιπαρακελεύονται δῆτα αὐτῷ τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης καὶ τῆς πρὸς τοὺς πλησίον ἑνώσεως τε καὶ ἀγάπης φρονεῖν. φέρονται δὲ καὶ αἱ τούτων φωναὶ, πληκτικώτερον καθαπτομένων τοῦ Βίκτορος. ### English translation (Claude) But this did not please all the bishops. They urged him in turn to consider the things of peace and of unity and love toward his neighbours. Their words are extant, rebuking Victor rather sharply. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.24.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/10/). ## Church History 5.24.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:232 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus agreed with Sunday observance but urged Victor not to cut off churches keeping an ancient custom. ### Greek text ἐν οἷς καὶ ὁ Εἰρηναῖος ἐκ προσώπου ὧν ἡγεῖτο κατὰ τὴν Γαλλίαν ἀδελφῶν ἐπιστείλας παρίσταται μὲν τῷ δεῖν ἐν μόνῃ τῇ τῆς κυριακῆς ἡμέρᾳ τὸ τῆς τοῦ κυρίου ἀναστάσεως ἐπιτελεῖσθαι μυστήριον, τῷ γε μὴν Βίκτορι προσηκόντως, ὡς μὴ ἀποκόπτοι ὅλας ἐκκλησίας θεοῦ, ἀρχαίου ἔθους παράδοσιν ἐπιτηρούσας, πλεῖστα ἕτερα παραινεῖ, καὶ αὐτοῖς ῥήμασι τάδε ἐπιλέγων ### English translation (Claude) Among them Irenaeus, writing in the name of the brothers in Gaul whom he led, maintains that the mystery of the Lord's resurrection should be celebrated only on the Lord's day, but fittingly exhorts Victor at length not to cut off whole churches of God for observing the tradition of an ancient custom, saying in these very words: ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.24.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/11/). ## Church History 5.24.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:232 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus: practice varies also in the length of the paschal fast. ### Greek text “οὐδὲ γὰρ μόνον “περὶ τῆς ἡμέρας ἐστὶν ἡ ἀμφισβήτησις, ἀλλὰ καὶ “περὶ τοῦ εἴδους αὐτοῦ τῆς νηστείας. οἱ μὲν γὰρ “οἴονται μίαν ἡμέραν δεῖν αὐτοὺς νηστεύειν, οἱ δὲ “δύο, οἱ δὲ καὶ πλείονας· οἱ δὲ τεσσαράκοντα ὥρας “ἡμερινάς τε καὶ νυκτερινὰς συμμετροῦσι τὴν ἡμέραν “αὐτῶν. ### English translation (Claude) “For the dispute is not only about the day, but also about the very form of the fast. For some think they ought to fast one day, others two, others even more; and some measure their day as forty hours, day and night. ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Letter to Victor (lost; to 5.24.17). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.24.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/12/). ## Church History 5.24.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:232–233 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus: such differences are old and did not break the peace; diversity in fasting confirms unity in faith. ### Greek text καὶ τοιαύτη μὲν ποικιλία τῶν ἐπιτη- “ρούντων οὐ νῦν ἐφʼ ἡμῶν γεγονυῖα, ἀλλὰ καὶ πολὺ “πρότερον ἐπὶ τῶν πρὸ ἡμῶν, τῶν παρὰ τὸ ἀκριβὲς, “ὡς εἰκὸς, κρατούντων τὴν καθʼ ἁπλότητα καὶ ἰδιω- “τισμὸν συνήθειαν εἰς τὸ μετέπειτα πεποιηκότων. “καὶ οὐδὲν ἔλαττον πάντες οὗτοι εἰρήνευσάν τε “εἰρηνεύομεν πρὸς ἀλλήλους, καὶ ἡ διαφωνία τῆς “νηστείας τὴν ὁμόνοιαν τῆς πίστεως συνίστησι.’’ ### English translation (Claude) Such variety among the observers did not arise in our time, but much earlier, in the time of those before us, who, it seems, not holding strictly to accuracy, established for posterity the custom in its simplicity and private form. And all these nonetheless lived in peace, and we live in peace with one another; and the disagreement about the fast confirms the agreement in the faith.” ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Letter to Victor. The digital text repeats “live in peace”; a καὶ ἡμεῖς (“and we”) seems lost. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.24.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/13/). ## Church History 5.24.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:233 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus: earlier Roman bishops did not keep the fourteenth day, yet remained at peace with those who did. ### Greek text τούτοις καὶ ἱστορίαν προστίθησιν, ἣν οἰκείως παραθήσομαι, τοῦτον ἔχουσαν τὸν τρόπον ἐν οἷς “καὶ οἶ πρὸ Σωτῆρος πρεσβύτεροι οἶ προστάντες “ἐκκλησίας ἧς σὺ νῦν ἀφηγῇ, Ἀνίκητον λέγομεν “Πίον, Ὑγῖνόν τε καὶ Τελεσφόρον καὶ Ξυστὸν, “αὐτοὶ ἐτήρησαν οὔτε τοῖς μετʼ αὐτῶν ἐπέτρεπον, καὶ οὐδὲν ἔλαττον αὐτοὶ μὴ τηροῦντες εἰρήνευον “τοῖς ἀπὸ τῶν παροικιῶν, ἐν αἷς ἐτηρεῖτο, ἐρχομένοις ‘πρὸς αὐτούς· καίτοι μᾶλλον ἐναντίον ἦν τὸ τηρεῖν “τοῖς μὴ τηροῦσι. ### English translation (Claude) To this he adds a story which I shall fitly quote. It runs thus: “Among these, the presbyters before Soter who presided over the church which you now lead, I mean Anicetus and Pius, Hyginus and Telesphorus and Xystus, neither kept it themselves nor permitted those with them to do so; and nonetheless, though not keeping it, they were at peace with those who came to them from the communities in which it was kept; yet keeping it was the more opposed to those who did not keep it. ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Letter to Victor. Irenaeus calls the bishops of Rome “presbyters.” ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.24.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/14/). ## Church History 5.24.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:233 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus: earlier Roman bishops sent the eucharist to visitors from communities who kept the fourteenth day. ### Greek text καὶ οὐδέποτε διὰ τὸ ‘’τοῦτο ἀπεβλήθησάν τινες, ἀλλʼ αὐτοὶ μὴ τηροῦντες “οἱ πρὸ σοῦ πρεσβύτεροι τοῖς ἀπὸ τῶν “τηροῦσιν ἔπεμπον εὐχαριστίαν. ### English translation (Claude) And never were any cast out on this account; but the presbyters before you, though they did not keep it, sent the eucharist to those from communities who did keep it. ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Letter to Victor. The word for “communities” (παροικιῶν) is lost in the digital text. Sending the eucharist (consecrated bread) was a sign of communion. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.24.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/15/). ## Church History 5.24.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/16/ - Source: Dindorf 4:233 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Polycarp and Anicetus of Rome each kept his own custom, having failed to persuade one another. ### Greek text καὶ τοῦ μακα- “ρίου Πολυκάρπου ἐπιδημήσαντος τῇ Ῥώμῃ ἐπὶ “κήτου, καὶ περὶ ἄλλων τινῶν μικρὰ σχόντες πρὸς “ἀλλήλους εὐθὺς εἰρήνευσαν, περὶ τούτου τοῦ κεφα- “λαίου μὴ φιλεριστήσαντες̣ εἰς ἑαυτούς. οὔτε γὰρ ὁ Ἀνίκητος τὸν Πολύκαρπον πεῖσαι ἐδύνατο μὴ τη- “ῥεῖν, ἅτε μετὰ Ἰωάννου τοῦ μαθητοῦ τοῦ κυρίου “ἡμῶν καὶ τῶν λοιπῶν ἀποστόλων, οἷς “ἀεὶ τετηρηκότα, οὔτε μὴν ὁ Πολύκαρπος τὸν Ἀνίκητον ἔπεισε τηρεῖν, λέγοντα τὴν συνήθειαν τῶν “πρὸ αὐτοῦ πρεσβυτέρων ὀφείλειν κατέχειν. ### English translation (Claude) And when the blessed Polycarp was staying in Rome in the time of Anicetus, and they had some small disagreements about other things, they at once made peace, not wishing to quarrel about this matter. For neither could Anicetus persuade Polycarp not to observe it, since he had always observed it with John the disciple of our Lord and the other apostles with whom he had associated; nor did Polycarp persuade Anicetus to observe it, for he said he ought to keep the custom of the presbyters before him. ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Letter to Victor. The digital text repeats ἡμῶν and lacks the verb “associated” (συνδιέτριψεν). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.24.16 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/16/). ## Church History 5.24.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/17/ - Source: Dindorf 4:233–234 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Anicetus let Polycarp celebrate the eucharist in Rome, and they parted in peace. ### Greek text καὶ τούτων οὕτως ἐχόντων ἐκοινώνησαν ἑαυτοῖς, καὶ ἐν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ παρεχώρησεν ὁ Ἀνίκητος τὴν εὐχαριστίαν τῷ Πολυκάρπῳ κατʼ ἐντροπὴν δηλονότι, καὶ μετʼ εἰρήνης ἀπʼ ἀλλήλων ἀπηλλάγησαν, πάσης τῆς ἐκκλησίας εἰρήνην ἐχόντων καὶ τῶν τηρούντων καὶ “τῶν μὴ τηρούντων.” ### English translation (Claude) And this being so, they communicated with each other, and in the church Anicetus yielded the celebration of the eucharist to Polycarp, obviously out of respect, and they parted from each other in peace, the whole church being at peace, both those who observed and those who did not.” ### Translation notes - Quotation from Irenaeus, Letter to Victor. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.24.17 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/17/). ## Church History 5.24.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/18/ - Source: Dindorf 4:234 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus, a peacemaker as his name implies, wrote to many church leaders about the controversy. ### Greek text καὶ ὁ μὲν Εἰρηναῖος φερώνυμός τις ὢν τῇ προσηγορίᾳ, αὐτῷ τε τῷ τρόπῳ εἰρηνοποιὸς, τοιαῦτα ὑπὲρ τῆς τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν εἰρήνης παρεκάλει τε καὶ ἐπρέσβευεν. ὁ δʼ αὐτὸς οὐ μόνον τῷ Βίκτορι, καὶ διαφόροις δὲ πλείστοις ἄρχουσιν ἐκκλησιῶν τὰ κατάλληλα διʼ ἐπιστολῶν περὶ τοῦ κεκινημένου ζητήματος ὡμίλει. ### English translation (Claude) So Irenaeus, who was true to his name and was a peacemaker in his very conduct, exhorted and negotiated in this way for the peace of the churches. And he corresponded by letters in a similar vein about the controversy that had arisen not only with Victor but also with very many other rulers of churches. ### Translation notes - The name Irenaeus derives from εἰρήνη, “peace.” ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.24.18 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/24/18/). ## Church History 5.25.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/25/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:234 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Palestinian bishops asked that their letter be circulated and noted that Alexandria kept the same day as they did. ### Greek text Οἵ γε μὴν ἐπὶ Παλαιστίνης, οὓς ἀρτίως διεληλύθαμεν, ὅ τε Νάρκισσος καὶ Θεόφιλος, καὶ σὺν αὐτοῖς Κάσσιος τῆς κατὰ Τύρον ἐκκλησίας ἐπίσκοπος, καὶ Κλάρος τῆς ἐν Πτολεμαΐδι, οἵ τε μετὰ τούτων συνεληλυθότες περὶ τῆς κατελθούσης εἰς αὐτοὺς ἐκ διαδοχῆς τῶν ἀποστόλων περὶ τοῦ πάσχα παραδόσεως πλεῖστα διειληφότες, κατὰ τὸ τέλος τῆς γραφὴς αὐτοῖς ῥήμασιν ἐπιλέγουσι ταῦτα “τῆς δʼ ἐπιστολῆς ἡμῶν πειράθητε κατὰ πᾶσαν “ἐκκλησίαν ἀντίγραφα διαπέμψασθαι, ὅπως μὴ ἔνοχοι “ὦμεν τοῖς ῥᾳδίως πλανῶσιν ἑαυτῶν τὰς ψυχάς. δη- “λοῦμεν δὲ ὑμῖν ὅτι τῇ αὐτῇ ἡμέρᾳ καὶ ἐν Ἀλεξαν- “δρείᾳ ἄγουσιν, ᾗπερ καὶ ἡμεῖς. παρʼ ἡμῶν γὰρ τὰ “γράμματα κομίζεται αὐτοῖς καὶ ἡμῖν παρʼ αὐτῶν, “ὥστε συμφώνως καὶ ὁμοῦ ἄγειν ἡμᾶς τὴν ἁγίαν “ἡμέραν.” ### English translation (Claude) Those in Palestine whom we have just mentioned, Narcissus and Theophilus, and with them Cassius, bishop of the church of Tyre, and Clarus of that in Ptolemais, and those who assembled with them, having discussed at length the tradition about the Pascha that had come down to them by succession from the apostles, at the end of their letter add these very words: “Try to send copies of our letter to every church, so that we may not be liable for those who easily lead their own souls astray. We make known to you that in Alexandria too they keep the same day as we do. For letters are carried from us to them and from them to us, so that we keep the holy day in harmony and together.” ### Translation notes - Quotation from the synodal letter of the bishops of Palestine. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.25.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/25/1/). ## Church History 5.26.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/26/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:234–235 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius lists Irenaeus's other works, including the Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching, and records the accession of Severus. ### Greek text Ἀλλὰ γὰρ πρὸς τοῖς ἀποδοθεῖσιν Εἰρηναίου συγγράμμασι καὶ ταῖς ἐπιστολαῖς φέρεταί τις αὐτοῦ ἀναγκαιότατος, λόγος συντομώτατος καὶ τὰ μάλιστα ἀναγκαιότατος, περὶ ἐπιστήμης ἐπιγεγραμμένος· καὶ ἄλλος ὃν ἀνατέθεικεν ἀδελφῷ, Μαρκιανῷ τοὔνομα, εἰς ἐπίδειξιν τοῦ ἀποστολικοῦ κηρύγματος· καὶ βιβλίον τι διαλέξεων διαφόρων, ἐν ᾧ τῆς πρὸς Ἑβραίους ἐπιστολῆς καὶ τῆς λεγομένης Σοφίας Σολομῶνος μνημονεύει, ῥητά τινα ἐξ αὐτῶν παραθέμε- νος. καὶ τὰ μὲν εἰς ἡμετέραν ἐλθόντα γνῶσιν τῶν Εἰρηναίου τοσαῦτα. Κομόδου δὲ τὴν ἀρχὴν ἐπὶ δέκα καὶ τρισὶν ἔτεσι καταλύσαντος αὐτοκράτωρ Σεβῆρος οὐδʼ ὅλοις μησὶν ἓξ μετὰ τὴν Κομόδου τελευτὴν Περτίνακος διαγενομένου κρατεῖ. ### English translation (Claude) Besides the works and letters of Irenaeus already mentioned, there is extant a very brief and most necessary treatise of his entitled On Knowledge; another, which he dedicated to a brother named Marcianus, in demonstration of the apostolic preaching; and a book of various discourses, in which he mentions the Letter to the Hebrews and the so-called Wisdom of Solomon, quoting certain passages from them. These are the works of Irenaeus that have come to our knowledge. When Commodus ended his rule after thirteen years, Severus became emperor, Pertinax having lasted not even six whole months after the death of Commodus. ### Extrabiblical texts - Wis (Wisdom of Solomon): allusion, low confidence ### Translation notes - The Demonstration survives in Armenian; the other works are lost. Severus became emperor in 193. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.26.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/26/1/). ## Church History 5.27.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/27/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:235 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius lists other writers of the period — Heraclitus, Maximus, Candidus, Apion, Sextus, Arabianus — and many anonymous orthodox works. ### Greek text Πλεῖστα μὲν οὖν παρὰ πολλοῖς εἰσέτι νῦν τῶν τότε σώζεται παλαιῶν καὶ ἐκκλησιαστικῶν ἀνδρῶν ἐναρέτου σπουδῆς ὑπομνήματα· ὧν γε μὴν αὐτοὶ διέγνωμεν, εἴη ἂν τὰ Ἡρακλείτου εἰς τὸν ἀπόστολον, καὶ τὰ Μαξίμου περὶ τοῦ πολυθρυλήτου παρὰ τοῖς αἱρεσιώταις ζητήματος, τοῦ πόθεν ἡ κακία, καὶ περὶ τοῦ γενητὴν ὑπάρχειν τὴν ὕλην· τά τε Κανδίδου εἰς τὴν ἑξαήμερον, καὶ Ἀπίωνος εἰς τὴν αὐτὴν ὑπόθεσιν· ὁμοίως Σέξτου περὶ ἀναστάσεως, καὶ ἄλλη τις ὑπόθεσις Ἀραβιανοῦ, καὶ μυρίων ἄλλων, ὧν διὰ τὸ μηδεμίαν ἔχειν ἀφορμὴν οὐχ οἷόν τε οὔτε τοὺς χρόνους παραδοῦναι γραφῇ οὔθʼ ἱστορίας μνήμην ὑποσημήνασθαι. καὶ ἄλλων δὲ πλείστων, ὧν οὐδὲ τὰς προσηγορίας καταλέγειν ἡμῖν δυνατὸν, ἦλθον εἰς ἡμᾶς λόγοι ὀρθοδόξων μὲν καὶ ἐκκλησιαστικῶν, ὥς γε δὴ ἡ ἑκάστου παραδείκνυσι τῆς θείας γραφῆς ἑρμηνεία, ἀδήλων δὲ ὅμως ἡμῖν, ὅτι μὴ τὴν προσηγορίαν ἐπάγεται τῶν συγγραψαμένων. ### English translation (Claude) Very many memorials of the virtuous zeal of the ancient churchmen of that time are still preserved by many. Of those we have ourselves examined there are the works of Heraclitus on the Apostle; those of Maximus on the question so much discussed among the heretics, whence evil comes, and on matter being created; those of Candidus on the Hexaemeron, and of Apion on the same subject; likewise of Sextus on the resurrection, and another treatise of Arabianus, and of countless others, whose dates we cannot record or give any historical note of, because we have no information. And writings of very many others, whose names we cannot even list, have come to us: orthodox and ecclesiastical, as each one's interpretation of the divine Scripture shows, but unknown to us because they do not bear the names of their authors. ### Translation notes - Heraclitus's work was a commentary on Paul's letters. The treatise of Maximus on the origin of evil is partly preserved in Methodius's On Free Will. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.27.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/27/1/). ## Church History 5.28.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:235 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius introduces an anonymous work against the heresy of Artemon. ### Greek text Τούτων ἔν τινος σπουδάσματι μετὰ τῆς Ἀρτέμωνος αἱρέσεως πεπονημένῳ, ἣν αὖθις ὁ ἐκ Σαμοσάτων Παῦλος ὁ καθʼ ἡμᾶς ἀνανεώσασθαι πεπείραται, φέρεταί τις διήγησις, ταῖς ἐξεταζομέναις ἡμῖν προσήκουσα ἱστορίαις. ### English translation (Claude) In a work of one of these, composed against the heresy of Artemon, which Paul of Samosata has in our day tried to renew, there is an account that bears on the history we are examining. ### Translation notes - The work quoted in this chapter is anonymous; it has been called the “Little Labyrinth” and is sometimes ascribed to Hippolytus, but this is uncertain. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.28.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/1/). ## Church History 5.28.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:235–236 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The anonymous author refutes the claim that the “mere man” Christology was ancient. ### Greek text τὴν γάρ τοι δεδηλωμένην αἵρεσιν, ψιλὸν ἄνθρωπον γενέσθαι τὸν σωτῆρα φάσκουσαν, οὐ πρὸ πολλοῦ νεωτερισθεῖσαν διευθύνων, ἐπειδὴ σεμνύνειν αὐτὴν ὡσὰν ἀρχαίαν οἱ ταύτης ἤθελον εἰσηγηταὶ, πολλὰ καὶ ἄλλα εἰς ἔλεγχον αὐτῶν τῆς βλασφήμου ψευδηγορίας παραθεὶς ὁ λόγος ταῦτα κατὰ λέξιν ἱστορεῖ ### English translation (Claude) For in correcting the heresy mentioned, which says that the Saviour was a mere man, and which had been introduced not long before, since its authors wished to dignify it as ancient, the treatise, after setting out many other arguments in refutation of their blasphemous lie, relates this word for word: ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.28.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/2/). ## Church History 5.28.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:236 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Artemonites claimed their view was apostolic and held in Rome until Victor, and corrupted under Zephyrinus. ### Greek text “φασὶ γὰρ τοὺς μὲν προτέρους ἅπαντας καὶ αὐτοὺς “τοὺς ἀποστόλους παρειληφέναι τε καὶ δεδιδαχέναι “ταῦτα, ἃ νῦν οὗτοι λέγουσι, καὶ τετηρῆσθαι τὴν “ἀλήθειαν τοῦ κηρύγματος μέχρι τῶν χρόνων τῶν “Βίκτορος, ὃς ἦν τρισκαιδέκατος ἀπὸ Πέτρου ἐν “῾Ρώμη ἐπίσκοπος, ἀπὸ δὲ τοῦ διαδόχου αὐτοῦ Ζε- “φυρίνου παρακεχαράχθαι τὴν ἀλήθειαν. ### English translation (Claude) “For they say that all the earlier teachers, and the apostles themselves, received and taught what these men now say, and that the truth of the preaching was preserved until the times of Victor, who was the thirteenth bishop in Rome from Peter, but that from his successor Zephyrinus the truth was corrupted. ### Translation notes - Quotation from the anonymous work against Artemon (to 5.28.17). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.28.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/3/). ## Church History 5.28.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:236 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Scripture and earlier writers — Justin, Miltiades, Tatian, Clement — contradict them, calling Christ God. ### Greek text ἦν δʼ “ἂν τυχὸν πιθανὸν τὸ λεγόμενον, εἰ μὴ πρῶτον μὲν “ἀντέπιπτον αὐτοῖς αἱ θεῖαι γραφαί. καὶ ἀδελφῶν “δέ τινων ἐστὶ γράμματα πρεσβύτερα τῶν Βίκτορος “χρόνων, ἃ ἐκεῖνοι πρὸς τὰ ἔθνη ὑπὲρ τῆς ἀληθείας “καὶ πρὸς τὰς τότε αἱρέσεις ἔγραψαν, λέγω δὲ Ἰου- “στίνου καὶ Μιλτιάδου καὶ Τατιανοῦ καὶ Κλήμεντος “καὶ ἑτέρων πλειόνων, ἐν οἷς ἅπασι θεολογεῖται ὁ “Χριστός. ### English translation (Claude) What they say might perhaps be plausible, if first of all the divine Scriptures did not contradict them. And there are also writings of certain brothers older than the times of Victor, which they wrote to the Gentiles on behalf of the truth and against the heresies of that time — I mean Justin and Miltiades and Tatian and Clement and many others — in all of which Christ is spoken of as God. ### Translation notes - Quotation from the anonymous work against Artemon. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.28.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/4/). ## Church History 5.28.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:236 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Irenaeus, Melito, and the church's early hymns all proclaim Christ as God. ### Greek text τὰ γὰρ Εἰρηναίου τε καὶ Μελίτωνος “καὶ τῶν λοιπῶν τίς ἀγνοεῖ βιβλία, θεὸν καὶ ἄνθρω- “πον καταγγέλλοντα τὸν Χριστόν; ψαλμοὶ δὲ ὅσοι “καὶ ᾠδαὶ ἀδελφῶν ἀπʼ ἀρχῆς ὑπὸ πιστῶν γραφεῖσαι “τὸν λόγον τοῦ θεοῦ τὸν Χριστὸν ὑμνοῦσι θεολο- “γοῦντες. ### English translation (Claude) For who does not know the books of Irenaeus and Melito and the rest, which proclaim Christ as God and man? And all the psalms and hymns of the brothers, written by the faithful from the beginning, sing of Christ, the Word of God, calling him God. ### Translation notes - Quotation from the anonymous work against Artemon. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.28.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/5/). ## Church History 5.28.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:236–237 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Victor himself excommunicated Theodotus the cobbler, the first to call Christ a mere man. ### Greek text πῶς οὖν ἐκ τοσούτων ἐτῶν καταγγελ- ’‘λομένου τοῦ ἐκκλησιαστικοῦ φρονήματος ἐνδέχεται “τοὺς μέχρι Βίκτορος οὕτως, ὡς οὗτοι λέγουσι, κεκη- “ρυχέναι; πῶς δὲ οὐκ αἰδοῦνται ταῦτα Βίκτορος “καταψεύδεσθαι, ἀκριβῶς εἰδότες ὅτι Βίκτωρ Θεό- “δοτον τὸν σκυτέα, τὸν ἀρχηγὸν καὶ πατέρα ταύτης “τῆς ἀρνησιθέου ἀποστασίας, ἀπεκήρυξε τῆς κοινω- “νίας, πρῶτον εἰπόντα ψιλὸν ἄνθρωπον τὸν Χριστόν; “εἰ γὰρ Βίκτωρ κατʼ αὐτοὺς οὕτως ἐφρόνει ὡς ἡ “τούτων διδάσκει βλασφημία, πῶς ἂν ἀπέβαλλε Θεό- “δοτον τὸν τῆς αἱρέσεως ταύτης εὑρετήν;” καὶ τὰ μὲν κατὰ τὸν Βίκτορα τοιαῦτα. ### English translation (Claude) How then is it possible, since the mind of the church has been proclaimed for so many years, that those up to Victor preached as these men say? And how are they not ashamed to tell these lies about Victor, knowing well that Victor excommunicated Theodotus the cobbler, the leader and father of this God-denying apostasy, the first to say that Christ was a mere man? For if Victor thought as their blasphemy teaches, how would he have cast out Theodotus, the inventor of this heresy?” Such were the things concerning Victor. ### Translation notes - Quotation from the anonymous work against Artemon. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.28.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/6/). ## Church History 5.28.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:237 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Zephyrinus succeeded Victor about 199; the anonymous author tells of an event in his time. ### Greek text τούτου δὲ ἔτεσι δέκα προστάντος τῆς λειτουργίας διάδοχος καθίσταται Ζεφυρῖνος, ἀμφὶ τὸ ἔνατον τῆς Σεβήρου βασιλείας ἔτος. προστίθησι δὲ ὁ τὸ προειρημένον συντάξας περὶ τοῦ κατάρξαντος τῆς δηλωθείσης αἱρέσεως βιβλίον καὶ ἄλλην κατὰ Ζεφυρῖνον γενομένην πρᾶξιν, ὧδέ πως αὐτοῖς ῥήμασι γράφων ### English translation (Claude) After he had presided over the ministry for ten years, Zephyrinus was appointed his successor, about the ninth year of the reign of Severus. The author of the book mentioned about the founder of this heresy adds another incident that happened under Zephyrinus, writing somewhat thus in these very words: ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.28.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/7/). ## Church History 5.28.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:237 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The author tells the story of Natalius, a confessor of his own day. ### Greek text “ὑπομνήσω γοῦν “πολλοὺς τῶν ἀδελφῶν πρᾶγμα ἐφʼ ἡμῶν γενόμενον, “ὃ νομίζω ὅτι εἰ ἐν Σοδόμοις ἐγεγόνει, τυχὸν ἂν “κἀκείνους ἐνουθέτησε. Νατάλιος ἦν τις ὁμολογη- “τὴς, οὐ πάλαι, ἀλλʼ ἐπὶ τῶν ἡμετέρων γενόμενος “καιρῶν. ### English translation (Claude) “I will remind many of the brothers of an event that happened in our time, which, I think, if it had happened in Sodom, might perhaps have warned even them. There was a certain Natalius, a confessor, not long ago but in our own times. ### Scripture references - Matt 11:23: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the anonymous work against Artemon; cf. Matt 11:23. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.28.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/8/). ## Church History 5.28.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:237 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Natalius was misled by two disciples of Theodotus the cobbler. ### Greek text οὗτος ἠπατήθη ποτὲ ὑπὸ Ἀσκληπιοδότου “καὶ ἑτέρου Θεοδότου τινὸς τραπεζίτου. ἦσαν δὲ “οὗτοι ἄμφω Θεοδότου τοῦ σκυτέως μαθηταὶ, τοῦ “πρώτου ἐπὶ ταύτῃ τῇ φρονήσει, μᾶλλον δὲ ἀφρο- “σύνῃ, ἀφορισθέντος τῆς κοινωνίας ὑπὸ Βίκτορος, “ὡς ἔφην, τοῦ τότε ἐπισκόπου. ### English translation (Claude) He was once deceived by Asclepiodotus and another Theodotus, a banker. Both were disciples of Theodotus the cobbler, who was the first to be excommunicated for this opinion, or rather this folly, by Victor, as I said, who was bishop at that time. ### Translation notes - Quotation from the anonymous work against Artemon. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.28.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/9/). ## Church History 5.28.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:237 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: They made Natalius their bishop for a monthly salary. ### Greek text ἀνεπείσθη δὲ ὁ “Νατάλιος ὑπʼ αὐτῶν ἐπὶ σαλαρίῳ ἐπίσκοπος κλη- “ρωθῆναι ταύτης τῆς αἱρέσεως, ὥστε λαμβάνειν παρʼ “αὐτῶν μηνιαῖα δηνάρια ἑκατὸν πεντήκοντα. ### English translation (Claude) Natalius was persuaded by them to be appointed bishop of this heresy for a salary, so as to receive from them a hundred and fifty denarii a month. ### Translation notes - Quotation from the anonymous work against Artemon. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.28.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/10/). ## Church History 5.28.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:237 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christ warned Natalius in visions, not wanting a confessor to perish outside the church. ### Greek text γε- “νόμενος οὖν σὺν αὐτοῖς διʼ ὁραμάτων πολλάκις ἐνου- “θετεῖτο ὑπὸ τοῦ κυρίου. ὁ γὰρ εὔσπλαγχνος θεὸς “καὶ κύριος ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς οὐκ ἐβούλετο ἔξω “ἐκκλησίας γενόμενον ἀπολέσθαι μάρτυρα τῶν ἰδίων “παθῶν. ### English translation (Claude) Being with them, then, he was often admonished by the Lord through visions. For our compassionate God and Lord Jesus Christ did not wish that one who had been a witness of his own sufferings should perish outside the church. ### Translation notes - Quotation from the anonymous work against Artemon. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.28.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/11/). ## Church History 5.28.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:237–238 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Scourged by angels in the night, Natalius repented in sackcloth and was with difficulty readmitted by Zephyrinus. ### Greek text ἐπεὶ δὲ ῥᾳθυμότερον τοῖς ὁράμασι “προσεῖχε, δελεαζόμενος τῇ τε παρʼ αὐτοῖς πρωτο- “καθεδρίᾳ καὶ τῇ πλείστους ἀπολλυούσῃ αἰσχροκερ- “δείᾳ, τελευταῖον ὑπὸ ἁγίων ἀγγέλων ἐμαστιγώθη, “διʼ ὅλης τῆς νυκτὸς οὐ σμικρῶς αἰκισθεὶς, ὥστε “ἕωθεν ἀναστῆναι, καὶ ἐνδυσάμενον σάκκον καὶ σπο- “δὸν καταπασάμενον μετὰ πολλῆς σπουδῆς καὶ δα- “κρύων προσπεσεῖν Ζεφυρίνῳ τῷ ἐπισκόπῳ, κυλιό- “μενον ὑπὸ τοὺς πόδας οὐ μόνον τῶν ἐν κλήρῳ, “ἀλλὰ καὶ τῶν λαϊκῶν, συγχέαι τε τοῖς δάκρυσι τὴν “εὔσπλαγχνον ἐκκλησίαν τοῦ ἐλεήμονος Χριστοῦ· “πολλῇ τε τῇ δεήσει χρησάμενον, δείξαντά τε τοὺς “μώλωπας ὧν εἰλήφει πληγῶν μόλις κοινωνηθῆναι.” ### English translation (Claude) But since he paid rather careless attention to the visions, being enticed by the first seat among them and by the shameful love of gain that destroys very many, at last he was scourged by holy angels, and was severely beaten through a whole night, so that he rose early in the morning, put on sackcloth, covered himself with ashes, and with great haste and tears fell down before Zephyrinus the bishop, rolling at the feet not only of the clergy but also of the laity, and moved with his tears the compassionate church of the merciful Christ; and after much entreaty, and showing the weals of the blows he had received, he was with difficulty received into communion.” ### Translation notes - Quotation from the anonymous work against Artemon. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.28.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/12/). ## Church History 5.28.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:238 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Artemonites tamper with Scripture and treat it as material for logical syllogisms. ### Greek text τούτοις ἐπισυνάψωμεν καὶ ἄλλας περὶ τῶν αὐτῶν τοῦ αὐτοῦ συγγραφέως φωνὰς, τοῦτον ἐχούσας τὸν τρόπον· “γραφὰς μὲν θείας ἀφόβως ῥερᾳδιουργήκασι, “πίστεώς τε ἀρχαίας κανόνα ἠθετήκασι, Χριστὸν δὲ “ἠγνοήκασιν, οὐ τί αἱ θεῖαι λέγουσι γραφαὶ ζητοῦν- “τες, ἀλλʼ ὁποῖον σχῆμα συλλογισμοῦ εἰς τὴν τῆς “ἀθεότητος σύστασιν εὑρεθῇ, φιλοπόνως ἀσκοῦντες· “κἂν αὐτοῖς προτείνῃ τις ῥητὸν γραφὴς θεϊκῆς, ἐξε- “τάζουσι, πότερον συνημμένον ἢ διεζευγμένον δύνα- “ται ποιῆσαι σχῆμα συλλογισμοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) Let us add to these other words of the same writer about the same people, which run thus: “They have fearlessly tampered with the divine Scriptures, set aside the rule of the ancient faith, and failed to know Christ, not inquiring what the divine Scriptures say, but diligently practising what form of syllogism may be found to establish their godlessness. And if anyone puts before them a text of divine Scripture, they examine whether it can make a conjunctive or disjunctive form of syllogism. ### Translation notes - Quotation from the anonymous work against Artemon. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.28.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/13/). ## Church History 5.28.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:238 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: They neglect Scripture for Euclid, Aristotle, Theophrastus, and Galen. ### Greek text καταλιπόντες “δὲ τὰς ἁγίας τοῦ θεοῦ γραφὰς γεωμετρίαν ἐπιτη- “δεύουσιν, ὡσὰν ἐκ τῆς γῆς ὄντες καὶ ἐκ τῆς γῆς “λαλοῦντες, καὶ τὸν ἄνωθεν ἐρχόμενον ἀγνοοῦντες. “Εὐκλείδης γοῦν παρά τισιν αὐτῶν φιλοπόνως γεω- “μετρεῖται, Ἀριστοτέλης δὲ καὶ Θεόφραστος θαυμά- “ζονται, Γαληνὸς γὰρ ἴσως ὑπό τινων καὶ προσκυ- “νεῖται. ### English translation (Claude) Abandoning the holy Scriptures of God, they practise geometry, being of the earth and speaking of the earth, and not knowing him who comes from above. Euclid, at any rate, is diligently studied by some of them; Aristotle and Theophrastus are admired; and Galen perhaps is even worshipped by some. ### Scripture references - John 3:31: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the anonymous work against Artemon, echoing John 3:31. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.28.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/14/). ## Church History 5.28.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:238 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: They corrupt the faith with pagan learning and have altered the Scriptures, claiming to correct them. ### Greek text οἱ δὲ ταῖς τῶν ἀπίστων τέχναις εἰς τὴν “τῆς αἱρέσεως αὐτῶν γνώμην ἀποχρώμενοι, καὶ τῇ “τῶν ἀθέων πανουργίᾳ τὴν ἁπλῆν τῶν θείων γρα- “φῶν πίστιν καπηλεύοντες, ὅτι μηδὲ ἐγγὺς πίστεως “ὑπάρχουσι, τί δεῖ καὶ λέγειν; διὰ τοῦτο ταῖς θείαις “γραφαῖς ἀφόβως ἐπέβαλον τὰς χεῖρας, λέγοντες αὐ- “τὰς διωρθωκέναι. ### English translation (Claude) As for those who misuse the arts of unbelievers for the opinion of their heresy, and adulterate the simple faith of the divine Scriptures with the craft of the godless, what need is there to say that they are not even near the faith? Therefore they have fearlessly laid their hands on the divine Scriptures, saying that they have corrected them. ### Scripture references - 2 Cor 2:17: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the anonymous work against Artemon; “adulterate” (καπηλεύοντες) echoes 2 Cor 2:17. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.28.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/15/). ## Church History 5.28.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/16/ - Source: Dindorf 4:238–239 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Their copies of Scripture disagree with one another. ### Greek text καὶ ὅτι τοῦτο μὴ καταψευδό- “μενος αὐτῶν λέγω ὁ βουλόμενος δύναται μαθεῖν. “εἰ γάρ τις θελήσει συγκομίσας αὐτῶν ἑκάστου τὰ “ἀντίγραφα ἐξετάζειν πρὸς ἄλληλα, κατὰ πολὺ ἂν “εὕροι διαφωνοῦντα. ἀσύμφωνα γοῦν ἔσται τὰ Ασκλη- ‘πιάδου τοῖς Θεοδότου. ### English translation (Claude) That I am not slandering them in saying this, anyone who wishes can learn. For if anyone will collect the copies of each of them and compare them with one another, he will find them greatly at variance. The copies of Asclepiades, for instance, will not agree with those of Theodotus. ### Translation notes - Quotation from the anonymous work against Artemon. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.28.16 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/16/). ## Church History 5.28.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/17/ - Source: Dindorf 4:239 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Each Artemonite teacher's “corrected” text differs, and some even from their own earlier versions. ### Greek text πολλῶν δὲ ἔστιν εὐπο- “ρῆσαι, διὰ τὸ φιλοτίμως ἐγγεγράφθαι τοὺς μαθητὰς “αὐτῶν τὰ ὑφʼ ἑκάστου αὐτῶν, ὡς αὐτοὶ καλοῦσι, ‘κατωρθωμένα, τουτʼ ἔστιν ἠφανισμένα. πάλιν δὲ τούτοις τὰ Ἑρμοφίλου οὐ συνᾴδει. τὰ γὰρ Ἀπολλωνί- ‘δου οὐδὲ αὐτὰ ἑαυτοῖς ἐστι σύμφωνα. ἔνεστι συγκρῖναι τὰ πρότερον ὑπʼ αὐτῶν κατασκευασθέντα “τοῖς ὕστερον πάλιν ἐπιδιαστραφεῖσι, καὶ εὑρεῖν “πολὺ ἀπᾴδοντα. ### English translation (Claude) Many of these can be obtained, because their disciples have zealously copied what each of them has, as they call it, “corrected,” that is, destroyed. Again, those of Hermophilus do not agree with these; and those of Apollonides are not even consistent with themselves. For one can compare those prepared by them earlier with those they later perverted further, and find them very discordant. ### Translation notes - Quotation from the anonymous work against Artemon. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.28.17 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/17/). ## Church History 5.28.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/18/ - Source: Dindorf 4:239 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: To alter Scripture is either unbelief in the Spirit's inspiration or a claim to be wiser than the Spirit. ### Greek text ὅσης δὲ τόλμης ἐστὶ τοῦτο τὸ “ἁμάρτημα, εἰκὸς μηδὲ ἐκείνους ἀγνοεῖν. ἢ γὰρ πιστεύουσιν ἁγίῳ πνεύματι λελέχθαι τὰς θείας γραφὰς, καί εἰσιν ἄπιστοι, ἢ ἑαυτοὺς ἡγοῦνται σοφω- “τέρους τοῦ ἁγίου πνεύματος ὑπάρχειν, καὶ τί ἕτερον ‘ἢ δαιμονῶσιν. οὐδὲ γὰρ ἀρνήσασθαι δύνανται ἑαυτῶν εἶναι τὸ τόλμημα, ὁπόταν καὶ τῇ αὐτῶν χειρὶ “ᾖ γεγραμμένα, καὶ παρʼ ὧν κατηχήθησαν, μὴ παρέλαβον τὰς γραφὰς, καὶ δεῖξαι ἀντίγραφα, “ὅθεν αὐτὰ μετεγράψαντο, μὴ ἔχωσιν. ### English translation (Claude) How great the audacity of this sin is, it is likely that even they are not ignorant. For either they do not believe that the divine Scriptures were spoken by the Holy Spirit, and are unbelievers; or they think themselves wiser than the Holy Spirit, and what is this but to be possessed by a demon? Nor can they deny that the audacity is theirs, since the copies are written in their own hand, and they did not receive the Scriptures in this form from those who instructed them, nor can they show copies from which they transcribed them. ### Translation notes - Quotation from the anonymous work against Artemon. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.28.18 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/18/). ## Church History 5.28.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/19/ - Source: Dindorf 4:239 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Some rejected the law and prophets altogether, under the pretext of grace. ### Greek text ἔνιοι δὲ “αὐτῶν οὐδὲ παραχαράσσειν ἠξίωσαν αὐτὰς, ἀλλʼ “ ἁπλῶς ἀρνησάμενοι τόν τε νόμον καὶ τοὺς προφή- “τὰς, ἀνόμου καὶ ἀθέου διδασκαλίας προφάσει χάρι- ‘τος εἰς ἔσχατον ἀπωλείας ὄλεθρον κατωλίσθησαν. καὶ ταῦτα μὲν τοῦτον ἱστορήσθω τὸν τρόπον. ### English translation (Claude) And some of them did not even think it worth corrupting them, but simply denied the law and the prophets, and under pretext of grace slid by a lawless and godless teaching into the utmost ruin of perdition.” Let these things be recorded thus. ### Translation notes - End of the quotation from the anonymous work against Artemon. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.28.19 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/5/28/19/). ## Church History 6.1.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/1/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:239–240 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Under Severus many were martyred at Alexandria, among them Leonides, father of the young Origen. ### Greek text Ὡς δὲ καὶ Σεβῆρος διωγμὸν κατὰ τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν ἐκίνει, λαμπρὰ μὲν τῶν ὑπὲρ εὐσεβείας ἀθλητῶν κατὰ πάντα τόπον ἀπετελεῖτο μαρτύρια, μάλιστα δʼ ἐπλήθυεν ἐπʼ Ἀλεξανδρείας, τῶν ἀπʼ Αἰγύπτου καὶ Θηβαίδος ἁπάσης ἀριστίνδην αὐτόθι ὥσπερ ἐπὶ μέγιστον ἀθλητῶν θεοῦ παραπεμπομένων στάδιον, διὰ καρτερικωτάτης τε ποικίλων βασάνων καὶ θανάτου τρόπων ὑπομονῆς τοὺς παρὰ θεῷ στεφάνους ἀναδουμένων. ἐν οἷς καὶ Λεωνίδης ὁ λεγόμενος Ὠριγένους πατὴρ τὴν κεφαλὴν ἀποτμηθεὶς νέον κομιδῆ καταλείπει τὸν παῖδα, ὃς δὴ ὁποίας ἐξ ἐκείνου περὶ τὸν θεῖον λόγον προαιρέσεως ἦν, οὐκ ἄκαιρον διὰ βραχέων διελθεῖν, τῷ μάλιστα πολὺν εἶναι παρὰ τοῖς πολλοῖς τὸν περὶ αὐτοῦ βεβοημένον λόγον. ### English translation (Claude) When Severus too stirred up persecution against the churches, splendid martyrdoms of the athletes of piety were accomplished in every place, but they abounded especially at Alexandria, where the choicest athletes of God from Egypt and the whole Thebaid were sent as to a very great stadium, and, by their most steadfast endurance of various tortures and modes of death, were wreathed with the crowns laid up with God. Among them was Leonides, called the father of Origen, who was beheaded and left his son still quite young. It is not out of place to describe briefly what disposition toward the divine word Origen had from that time, especially since the fame about him is great among most people. ### Translation notes - The persecution is dated ca. 202. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.1.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/1/1/). ## Church History 6.2.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/2/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:240 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius will give a brief account of Origen's life from letters and eyewitnesses. ### Greek text Πολλὰ μὲν οὖν ἄν τις εἴποι, τὸν βίον τοῦ ἀνδρὸς ἐν σχολῇ παραδοῦναι διὰ γραφῆς πειρώμενος, δέοιτο δʼ ἂν καὶ ἰδίας ὑποθέσεως ἡ περὶ αὐτοῦ σύνταξις. ὅμως δʼ ἡμεῖς ἐπὶ τοῦ παρόντος ἐπιτεμνόμενοι τὰ πλεῖστα διὰ βραχέων ὡς οἷόν τε ὀλίγα ἄττα τῶν περὶ αὐτὸν διελευσόμεθα, ἔκ τινων ἐπιστολῶν καὶ ἱστορίας τῶν καὶ εἰς ἡμᾶς τῷ βίῳ πεφυλαγμένων αὐτοῦ γνωρίμων τὰ δηλούμενα φέροντες. ### English translation (Claude) Much might be said by one attempting to hand down in writing at leisure the life of the man, and the account of him would need a work of its own. Yet for the present, abridging most things, we shall go briefly, as far as possible, through a few of the facts about him, drawing what we set out from certain letters and from the reports of his acquaintances who have survived to our time. ### Translation notes - Eusebius and Pamphilus wrote a longer Defence of Origen (6.23.4, 6.33.4), of which Book 1 survives in Latin. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.2.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/2/1/). ## Church History 6.2.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/2/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:240 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The setting: the tenth year of Severus (202), Laetus prefect of Egypt, Demetrius bishop of Alexandria. ### Greek text Ὠριγένους καὶ τὰ ἐξ αὐτῶν ὡς εἰπεῖν σπαργάνων ἀξιομνημόνευτά μοι εἶναι δοκεῖ. δέκατον μὲν γὰρ ἐπεῖχε Σεβῆρος τῆς βασιλείας ἔτος, ἡγεῖτο δὲ Ἀλεξανδρείας καὶ τῆς λοιπῆς Αἰγύπτου Λαῖτος, τῶν δὲ αὐτόθι παροικιῶν τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν νεωστὶ τότε μετὰ Ἰουλιανὸν Δημήτριος ὑπειλήφει. ### English translation (Claude) Even the things about Origen from, so to speak, his swaddling clothes seem to me worth recording. Severus was in the tenth year of his reign, Laetus was governing Alexandria and the rest of Egypt, and Demetrius had recently received the episcopate of the communities there after Julian. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.2.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/2/2/). ## Church History 6.2.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/2/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:240 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The boy Origen was seized with a passion for martyrdom. ### Greek text εἰς μέγα δὴ οὖν τῆς τοῦ διωγμοῦ πυρκαϊᾶς ἁφθείσης, καὶ μυρίων ὅσων τοῖς κατὰ τὸ μαρτύριον ἀναδουμένων στεφάνοις, ἔρως τοσοῦτος μαρτυρίου τὴν Ὠριγένους ἔτι κομιδῆ παιδὸς ὑπάρχοντος κατεῖχε ψυχὴν, ὡς ὁμόσε τοῖς κινδύνοις χωρεῖν, προπηδᾶν τε καὶ ὁρμᾶν ἐπὶ τὸν ἀγῶνα προθύμως ἔχειν. ### English translation (Claude) When the flame of persecution had been kindled greatly, and countless numbers were wreathed with the crowns of martyrdom, such a passion for martyrdom seized the soul of Origen, still quite a boy, that he went close to the dangers and was eager to leap forward and rush into the contest. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.2.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/2/3/). ## Church History 6.2.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/2/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:240–241 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Only his mother, by God's providence, kept him from martyrdom. ### Greek text ἤδη γέ τοι μικρὸν ὅσον αὐτῷ καὶ τὰ τῆς ἀπὸ τοῦ βίου ἀπαλλαγῆς οὐ πόρρω καθίστατο, μὴ οὐχὶ τῆς θείας καὶ οὐρανίου προνοίας εἰς τὴν πλείστων ὠφέλειαν διὰ τῆς αὐτοῦ μητρὸς ἐμποδὼν αὐτῷ τῆς προθυμίας ἐνστάσης. ### English translation (Claude) Indeed, the end of his life was only a little way off, had not the divine and heavenly providence, for the benefit of very many, hindered his eagerness through his mother. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.2.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/2/4/). ## Church History 6.2.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/2/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:241 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: When his father was arrested, his mother hid Origen's clothes to keep him at home. ### Greek text αὕτη γοῦν τὰ μὲν πρῶτα λόγοις ἱκετεύουσα τῆς περὶ αὐτὸν μητρικῆς διαθέσεως φειδὼ λαβεῖν παρεκάλει, σφοδρότερον δʼ ἐπιτείναντα θεασαμένη, ὅτε γνοὺς ἁλόντα τὸν πατέρα δεσμωτηρίῳ φυλάττεσθαι, ὅλος ἐγίνετο τῆς περὶ τὸ μαρτύριον ὁρμῆς, τὴν πᾶσαν αὐτοῦ ἀποκρυψαμένη ἐσθῆτα οἴκοι μένειν ἀνάγκην ἐπῆγεν. ### English translation (Claude) She at first entreated him with words to spare his mother's feelings; but when she saw him more intent, since on learning that his father had been arrested and was held in prison he was wholly carried away by the impulse toward martyrdom, she hid all his clothes and so compelled him to stay at home. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.2.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/2/5/). ## Church History 6.2.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/2/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:241 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Origen wrote to his imprisoned father urging him not to waver for his family's sake. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ, ὡς οὐδὲν ἄλλο πράττειν αὐτῷ παρῆν, τῆς προθυμίας ὑπὲρ τὴν ἡλικίαν ἐπιτεινομένης, οὐχ οἶός τε ὢν ἠρεμεῖν, διαπέμπεται τῷ πατρὶ προτρεπτικωτάτην περὶ μαρτυρίου συντάξας ἐπιστολὴν, ἐν ᾗ κατὰ λέξιν αὐτῷ παραινεῖ “ἔπεχε, μὴ διʼ ἡμᾶς “ἄλλο τι φρονήσῃς”. τοῦτο πρῶτον τῆς Ὠριγένους παιδικῆς ἀγχινοίας καὶ περὶ τὴν θεοσέβειαν γνησιωτάτης διαθέσεως ἀνάγραπτον ἔστω τεκμήριον. ### English translation (Claude) He, since nothing else was possible for him, and his eagerness grew beyond his years, could not keep quiet, and sent his father a most encouraging letter on martyrdom, in which he urges him in these very words: “Take care not to change your mind on our account.” Let this be recorded as the first proof of Origen's boyish quick-wittedness and his most genuine disposition toward piety. ### Translation notes - The quotation is from Origen's lost letter to his father. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.2.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/2/6/). ## Church History 6.2.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/2/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:241 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Origen was trained in the Scriptures from boyhood by his father. ### Greek text καὶ γὰρ ἤδη καὶ τῶν τῆς πίστεως λόγων οὐ σμικρὰς ἀφορμὰς καταβέβλητο, ταῖς θείαις γραφαῖς ἐξέτι παιδὸς ἐνησκημένος. οὐ μετρίως γοῦν καὶ περὶ ταῦτα πεπόνητο, τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτῷ πρὸς τῇ τῶν ἐγκυκλίων παιδείᾳ καὶ τούτων οὐ κατὰ πάρεργον τὴν φροντίδα πεποιημένου. ### English translation (Claude) For he had already laid no small foundations in the doctrines of the faith, having been trained in the divine Scriptures from boyhood. He had laboured not a little at these, since his father, besides the ordinary curriculum, had given no secondary attention to these too. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.2.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/2/7/). ## Church History 6.2.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/2/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:241 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: His father made him memorize and recite Scripture daily. ### Greek text ἐξ ἅπαντος γοῦν αὐτὸν, πρὸ τῆς τῶν Ἑλληνικῶν μαθημάτων μελέτης, ἐνῆγε τοῖς ἱεροῖς ἐνασκεῖσθαι παιδεύμασιν, ἐκμαθήσεις καὶ ἀπαγγελίας ἡμέρας ἑκάστης αὐτὸν εἰσπραττόμενος. ### English translation (Claude) Above all, before the study of Greek learning, he urged him to be trained in sacred studies, requiring him every day to learn by heart and recite. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.2.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/2/8/). ## Church History 6.2.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/2/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:241–242 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Not content with the plain sense, the boy Origen pressed his father about Scripture's deeper meaning. ### Greek text οὐκ ἀπροαιρέτως δὲ ταῦτα ἐγίνετο τῷ παιδὶ, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἄγαν προθυμότατα περὶ ταῦτα πονοῦντι, ὡς μηδʼ ἐξαρκεῖν αὐτῷ τὰς ἁπλᾶς καὶ προχείρους τῶν ἱερῶν λόγων ἐντεύξεις, ζητεῖν δέ τι πλέον καὶ βαθυτέρας ἤδη ἐξ ἐκείνου πολυπραγμονεῖν θεωρίας, ὥστε καὶ πράγματα παρέχειν τῷ πατρὶ τί ἄρα ἐθέλοι δηλοῦν τὸ τῆς θεοπνεύστου γραφῆς ἀναπυνθανόμενος βού- λῆμα. ### English translation (Claude) Nor was this done against the boy's will; he laboured at it with great eagerness, so that the simple and obvious readings of the sacred words did not satisfy him, but he sought something more and already then busied himself with deeper speculations, so that he even troubled his father by asking what the intention of the inspired Scripture might be. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.2.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/2/9/). ## Church History 6.2.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/2/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:242 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: His father outwardly rebuked him but privately thanked God for such a son. ### Greek text ἐκεῖνος δὲ τῷ μὲν δοκεῖν εἰς πρόσωποι ἐπέπληττεν αὐτῷ, μηδὲν ὑπὲρ ἡλικίαν μηδὲ τῆς πρὸ φανοὺς διανοίας περαιτέρω τι ζητεῖν παραινῶν, ἰδίως δὲ παρʼ ἑαυτῷ τὰ μεγάλα γεγηθὼς τὴν μεγίστη ὡμολόγει τῷ πάντων ἀγαθῶν αἰτίῳ θεῷ χάριν, ὅτι δὴ αὐτὸν τοιούτου πατέρα γενέσθαι παιδὸς ἠξίωσεν. ### English translation (Claude) His father rebuked him to his face, as it seemed, advising him to seek nothing beyond his age or further than the evident meaning; but privately he rejoiced greatly and gave the deepest thanks to God, the author of all good, for having deemed him worthy to be father of such a boy. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.2.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/2/10/). ## Church History 6.2.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/2/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:242 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: His father would kiss the sleeping boy's breast as a dwelling of the Spirit. ### Greek text ἐπιστάντα δὲ ἤδη πολλάκις καθεύδοντι τῷ παιδὶ γυμνῶσαι μὲν αὐτοῦ τὰ στέρνα φασὶν, ὥσπερ δὲ θεῖο πνεύματος ἔνδον ἐν αὐτοῖς ἀφιερωμένου, φιλῆσαί τʼ σεβασμίως καὶ τῆς εὐτεκνίας μακάριον ἑαυτὸν ἡγήσασθαι. ταῦτα καὶ ἕτερα τούτοις συγγενῆ περὶ παῖδʼ ὄντα τὸν Ὠριγένην γενέσθαι μνημονεύουσιν. ### English translation (Claude) They say that he often stood over the boy as he slept and uncovered his breast, as if the divine Spirit were enshrined within it, and kissed it reverently, and counted himself blessed in his offspring. These and other things like them are remembered to have happened when Origen was a boy. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.2.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/2/11/). ## Church History 6.2.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/2/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:242 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: After his father's martyrdom, Origen, not yet seventeen, was left with his mother and six brothers. ### Greek text ὡς δὲ ἤδη αὐτῷ ὁ πατὴρ μαρτυρίῳ τετελείωτο, ἔρημος ἅμα μητρὶ καὶ βραχυτέροις ἀδελφοῖς τὸν ἀριθμὸν ἕξ, ἑπτακαιδέκατον οὐ πλῆρες ἔτος ἄγων, καταλείπεται. ### English translation (Claude) When his father had been perfected by martyrdom, he was left destitute with his mother and six younger brothers, not yet seventeen years old. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.2.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/2/12/). ## Church History 6.2.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/2/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:242 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Impoverished, Origen was taken in by a rich woman who also supported a heretic. ### Greek text τῆς γε μὴν τοῦ πατρὸς περιουσίας τοῖς βασιλικοῖς ταμιείοις ἀναληφθείσης, ἐν σπάνει τῶν κατὰ τὸν βίον χρειῶν σὺν τοῖς προσήκουσι καταστὰς, οἰκονομίας τῆς ἐκ θεοῦ καταξιοῦται, καὶ τυγχάνει δεξιώσεως ὁμοῦ καὶ ἀναπαύσεως παρά τινι πλουσιωτάτῃ μὲν τὸν βίον καὶ τὰ ἄλλα περιφανεστάτῃ γυναικὶ, διαβόητόν γε μὴν ἄνδρα περιεπούσῃ τῶν τότε ἐπὶ τῆς Ἀλεξανδρείας αἱρεσιωτῶν· τὸ γένος ἦν οὗτος Ἀντιοχεὺς, θετὸν δὲ αὐτὸν υἱὸν εἶχέ τε σὺν ἑαυτῇ καὶ ἐν τοἴς μάλιστα περιεῖπεν ἡ δεδηλωμένη. ### English translation (Claude) His father's property having been confiscated to the imperial treasury, he and his family were in want of the necessities of life. He was then counted worthy of God's provision, and found welcome and rest with a certain woman, very rich in means and otherwise most distinguished, who was supporting a notorious man among the heretics then at Alexandria. He was an Antiochene by birth, and the woman kept him with her as an adopted son and treated him with special favour. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.2.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/2/13/). ## Church History 6.2.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/2/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:242–243 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Origen refused ever to pray with the heretic Paul, keeping the church's rule. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ τούτῳ γε ἐπάναγκες ὁ Ὠριγένης συνὼν τῆς ἐξ ἐκείνου περὶ τὴν πίστιν ὀρθοδοξίας ἐναργῆ παρείχετο δείγματα, ὅτι δὴ μυρίου πλήθους διὰ τὸ δοκοῦν ἱκανὸν ἐν λόγῳ τοῦ Παύλου τοῦτο γὰρ ἦν ὄνομα τῷ ἀνδρὶ) συναγομένου παρʼ αὐτῷ οὐ μόνον αἱρετικῶν, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἡμετέρων, οὐδεπώποτε προυτράπη κατὰ τὴν εὐχὴν αὐτῷ συστῆναι, φυλάττων ἐξέτι παιδὸς κανόνα ἐκκλησίας, βδελυττόμενός τε, ὡς αὐτῷ ῥήματι φησί που αὐτὸς, τὰς τῶν αἱρέσεων διδασκαλίας. ### English translation (Claude) But though Origen was obliged to be with him, he gave clear proofs of his orthodoxy in the faith even from then. For although a great multitude, not only of heretics but also of our people, gathered to Paul (for that was the man's name) because of his apparent skill in speech, Origen could never be induced to join him in prayer, keeping the rule of the church from boyhood and abhorring, as he himself says somewhere in these very words, the teachings of the heresies. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.2.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/2/14/). ## Church History 6.2.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/2/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:243 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Origen supported himself by teaching grammar. ### Greek text προαχθεὶς δὲ ὑπὸ τοῦ πατρὸς ἐν τοῖς Ἑλλήνων μαθήμασιν, ἐκθυμότερόν τε καὶ μετὰ τὴν ἐκείνου τελευτὴν τῇ περὶ τοὺς λόγους ἀσκήσει ὅλον ἐπιδοὺς ἑαυτὸν, ὡς καὶ παρασκευὴν ἐπὶ τὰ γραμματικὰ οὐ μετρίαν ἔχειν, μετʼ οὐ πολὺ τῆς τοῦ πατρὸς τελειώσεως τούτοις ἐπιδεδωκὼς ἑαυτὸν, ηὐπόρει τῶν ἀνγκαίων, ὡς ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡλικίᾳ, δαψιλῶς. ### English translation (Claude) Having been advanced by his father in Greek learning, and after his death giving himself wholly and more ardently to literary study, so that he had no small equipment in grammar, not long after his father's perfecting he devoted himself to this and was amply supplied with necessities, for one of his age. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.2.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/2/15/). ## Church History 6.3.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/3/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:243 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: With the catechists driven out by persecution, pagans came to Origen for instruction. ### Greek text Σχολάζοντι δὲ τῇ διατριβῇ, ὥς που καὶ αὐτὸς ἐγγράφως ἱστορεῖ, μηδενός τε ἐπὶ τῆς Ἀλεξανδρείας τῷ κατηχεῖν ἀνακειμένου, πάντων δὲ ἀπεληλαμένων ὑπὸ τῆς ἀπειλῆς τοῦ διωγμοῦ, προσῄεσαν αὐτῷ τινὲς ἀπὸ τῶν ἐθνῶν ἀκουσόμενοι τὸν λόγον τοῦ θεοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) While he was devoting himself to teaching, as he himself somewhere records in writing, and there was no one at Alexandria set apart for catechizing, since all had been driven away by the threat of persecution, some of the Gentiles came to him to hear the word of God. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.3.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/3/1/). ## Church History 6.3.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/3/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:243 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: His first pupils were Plutarch, later a martyr, and Heraclas, later bishop of Alexandria. ### Greek text ὧν πρῶτον ἐπισημαίνεται γεγονέναι Πλούταρχον, ὃς μετὰ τὸ βιῶναι καλῶς καὶ μαρτυρίῳ θείῳ κατεκοσμήθη· δεύτερον Ηρακλᾶν τοῦ Πλουτάρχου ἀδελφὸν, ὃς δὴ καὶ αὐτὸς παρʼ αὐτῷ πλείστην βίου φιλοσόφου καὶ ἀσκήσεως ἀπόδειξιν παρασχὼν τῆς Ἀλεξανδρέων μετὰ Δημήτριον τρίον ἐπισκοπῆς ἀξιοῦται. ### English translation (Claude) He notes that the first of them was Plutarch, who after living well was also adorned with divine martyrdom; the second Heraclas, Plutarch's brother, who himself gave great proof of a philosophic and ascetic life with him, and was deemed worthy of the episcopate of the Alexandrians after Demetrius. ### Translation notes - The digital text reads τρίον, apparently a slip; it is left untranslated. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.3.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/3/2/). ## Church History 6.3.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/3/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:243 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: At eighteen Origen headed the catechetical school and became famous for supporting the martyrs. ### Greek text ἔτος δʼ ἦγεν ὀκτωκαιδέκατον, καθʼ ὃ τοῦ τῆς κατηχήσεως προέστη διδασκαλείου. ἐν ᾧ καὶ προκόπτει ἐπὶ τῶν κατὰ Ἀκύλαν τῆς Ἀλεξανδρείας ἡγούμενον διωγμῶν, ὅτε καὶ μάλιστα διαβόητον ἐκτήσατο παρὰ πάσι τοῖς ἀπὸ τῆς πίστεως ὁρμωμένοις ὄνομα, διʼ ἣν ἐνεδείκνυτο πρὸς ἅπαντας τοὺς ἁγίους ἀγνῶτάς τε καὶ γνωρίμους μάρτυρας δεξίωσίν τε καὶ προθυμίαν. ### English translation (Claude) He was in his eighteenth year when he took charge of the catechetical school. In it he advanced during the persecutions under Aquila, governor of Alexandria, when he won a most famous name among all the believers, for the kindness and eagerness he showed toward all the holy martyrs, known and unknown. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.3.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/3/3/). ## Church History 6.3.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/3/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:243–244 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Origen boldly accompanied and kissed the martyrs on their way to death, narrowly escaping stoning. ### Greek text οὐ μόνον γὰρ ἐν δεσμοῖς τυγχάνουσιν, οὐδὲ μέχρις ὑστάτης ἀποφάσεως ἀνακρινομένοις συνῆν, ἀλλὰ καὶ μετὰ ταύτην τὴν ἀπαγομένοις τὴν ἐπὶ θανάτῳ τοῖς ἁγίοις μάρτυσι πολλῇ τῇ παρρησίᾳ χρώμενος καὶ ὁμόσε τοῖς κινδύ- νοῖς χωρῶν· ὥστε ἤδη αὐτὸν προσιόντα θαρσαλέως καὶ τοὺς μάρτυρας μετὰ πολλῆς παρρησίας φιλήματι προσαγορεύοντα πολλάκις ἐπιμανεὶς ὁ ἐν κύκλῳ τῶν ἐθνῶν δῆμος σμικροῦ δεῖν κατέλευσεν, εἰ μὴ τῆς θείας δεξιᾶς βοηθοῦ καθάπαξ τυγχάνων παραδόξως διεδίδρασκεν. ### English translation (Claude) For he was with the holy martyrs not only while they were in bonds, nor only while they were being examined up to the final sentence, but also after it, when they were led away to death, showing great boldness and going close to the dangers; so that, as he boldly approached and greeted the martyrs with a kiss with great boldness, the pagan crowd around, maddened, often came near to stoning him, had he not each time escaped wonderfully, finding the divine right hand as his helper. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.3.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/3/4/). ## Church History 6.3.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/3/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:244 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: God protected Origen from repeated plots; soldiers were even posted around his house. ### Greek text ἡ δʼ αὐτὴ θεία καὶ οὐράνιος χάρις ἄλλοτε πάλιν καὶ πάλιν, καὶ οὐδʼ ἔστιν ὁσάκις εἰπεῖν, τῆς ἄγαν περὶ τὸν Χριστοῦ λόγον προθυμίας τε καὶ παρρησίας ἕνεκεν τηνικαῦτα ἐπιβουλευόμενον αὐτὸν διεφύλαττε. τοσοῦτος δʼ ἦν ἄρα τῶν ἀπίστων ὁ πρὸς αὐτὸν πόλεμος, ὡς καὶ συστροφὰς ποιησαμένους, στρατιώτας αὐτῷ περὶ τὸν οἶκον, ἔνθα κατέμενεν, ἐπιστῆσαι, διὰ τὸ πλῆθος τῶν τὰ τῆς ἱερᾶς πίστεως κατηχουμένων παρʼ αὐτῷ. ### English translation (Claude) The same divine and heavenly grace preserved him again and again, more often than can be told, when he was plotted against at that time for his great zeal and boldness for the word of Christ. So great was the unbelievers' war against him that they formed gangs and set soldiers round the house where he lived, because of the number of those being instructed by him in the holy faith. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.3.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/3/5/). ## Church History 6.3.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/3/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:244 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hunted from house to house, Origen still drew many by his teaching and his holy life. ### Greek text οὕτω δὲ ὁσημέραι ὁ κατʼ αὐτοῦ διωγμὸς ἐξεκάετο ὡς μηκέτι χωρεῖν αὐτὸν τὴν πᾶσαν πόλιν, οἴκους μὲν ἐξ οἴκων ἀμείβοντα, πανταχόθεν δὲ ἐλαυνόμενον, τῆς πληθύος ἕνεκεν τῶν διʼ αὐτοῦ τῇ θείᾳ προσιόντων διδασκαλίᾳ· ἐπεὶ καὶ τὰ κατὰ πρᾶξιν ἔργα αὐτῷ γνησιωτάτης φιλοσοφίας κατορθώματα εὖ μάλα θαυμαστὰ περιεῖχεν. ### English translation (Claude) The persecution against him was kindled daily, so that the whole city could no longer hold him; he moved from house to house, driven out on every side, because of the multitude who came through him to the divine teaching. For his practical deeds too contained very marvellous achievements of the most genuine philosophy. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.3.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/3/6/). ## Church History 6.3.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/3/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:244 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Origen's life matched his teaching, and many imitated him. ### Greek text οἶον γοῦν τὸν λόγον, τοιόνδε φασὶ τὸν τρόπον· καὶ οἷον τὸν τρόπον, τοιόνδε τὸν λόγον ἐπεδείκνυτο. διὸ δὴ μάλιστα συναιρομένης αὐτῷ δυνάμεως θείας μυρίους ἐνῆγεν ἐπὶ τὸν αὐτοῦ ζῆλον. ### English translation (Claude) As his speech, they say, so was his manner of life; and as his manner of life, so his speech. Hence, with divine power assisting him above all, he led countless people to emulate him. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.3.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/3/7/). ## Church History 6.3.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/3/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:244 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Put in sole charge of catechesis, Origen gave up teaching grammar. ### Greek text ἐπειδὴ δὲ ἐώρα φοιτητὰς ἤδη πλείους προσιόντας, αὐτῷ μόνῳ τῆς τοῦ κατηχεῖν διατριβῆς ὑπὸ Δημητρίου τοῦ τῆς ἐκκλησίας προεστῶτος ἐπιτετραμμένης, ἀσύμφωνον ἡγησάμενος τὴν τῶν γραμματικῶν λόγων διδασκαλίαν τῇ πρὸς τὰ θεῖα παιδεύματα ἀσκήσει, μὴ μελλήσας ἀπορρήγνυσιν ἅτε ἀνωφελῆ καὶ τοῖς ἱεροῖς μαθήμασιν ἐναντίαν τὴν τῶν γραμματικῶν λόγων διατριβήν. ### English translation (Claude) When he saw more pupils coming to him, and the school of catechesis had been entrusted to him alone by Demetrius, who presided over the church, he considered the teaching of grammar inconsistent with training in divine studies, and without delay broke off his grammar school as useless and contrary to sacred studies. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.3.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/3/8/). ## Church History 6.3.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/3/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:244–245 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Origen sold his books for a small daily income and lived an austere life of study, fasting, and little sleep. ### Greek text εἶτα λογισμῷ καθήκοντι, ὡς ἂν μὴ γένοιτο τῆς παρʼ ἑτέρων ἐπικουρίας ἐνδεὴς, ὅσαπερ ἦν αὐτῷ πρότερον λόγων ἀρχαίων συγγράμματα φιλοκάλως ἐσπουδασμένα μεταδοὺς, τοῖς ὑπὸ τοῦ ταῦτα ἐωνημένου φερομένοις αὐτῷ τέτταρσιν ὀβολοῖς τῆς ἡμέρας ἠρκεῖτο, πλείστοις τε ἔτεσι τοῦτον φιλοσοφῶν διετέλει τὸν τρόπον, πάσας ὕλας νεωτερικῶν ἐπιθυμιῶν ἑαυτοῦ περιαιρούμενος, καὶ διὰ πάσης μὲν ἡμέρας οὐ σμικροὺς ἀσκήσεως καμάτους ἀνατλῶν, καὶ τῆς νυκτὸς δὲ τὸν πλείονα χρόνον ταῖς τῶν θείων γραφῶν ἑαυτὸν ἀνατιθεὶς μελέταις, βίῳ τε ὡς ἔνι μάλιστα ἐγκαρτερῶν φιλοσοφωτάτῳ, τοτὲ μὲν τοῖς ἐν ἀσιτίαις γυμνασίοις ἐνασκούμενος, τοτὲ δὲ μεμετρημένοις τοῖς κατὰ τὸν ὕπνον καιροῖς, οὗ μεταλαμβάνειν οὐδʼ ὅλως ἐπὶ στρωμνῆς, ἀλλʼ ἐπὶ τοὔδαφος διὰ σπουδῆς ἐποιεῖτο. ### English translation (Claude) Then, with proper foresight, so as not to be in need of help from others, he disposed of all the volumes of ancient literature which he had formerly prized, and was content with four obols a day paid him by the purchaser. For very many years he continued to live as a philosopher in this way, removing from himself every incentive of youthful desires; all day long he endured no small labours of discipline, and he devoted the greater part of the night to the study of the divine Scriptures, persevering as far as possible in a most philosophic life, sometimes exercising himself in fasts, sometimes measuring out the times of sleep, which he was careful to take never on a bed but on the floor. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.3.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/3/9/). ## Church History 6.3.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/3/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:245 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: He literally kept Christ's commands about one coat, no shoes, and no anxiety for tomorrow. ### Greek text πάντων δὲ μάλιστα τὰς εὐαγγελικὰς τοῦ σωτῆρος φωνὰς φυλακτέας εἶναι ᾤετο δεῖν, τάς τε περὶ τοῦ μὴ δύο χιτῶνας μηδʼ ὑποδήμασι χρῆσθαι παραινούσας, μηδὲ μὴν ταῖς περὶ τοῦ μέλλοντος χρόνου φροντίσι κατατρίβεσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) Above all he thought that the Saviour's words in the Gospel should be kept, those which counsel not to have two coats nor to use shoes, nor to be worn out with cares about the future. ### Scripture references - Matt 10:10: allusion, high confidence - Matt 6:34: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Matt 10:10 and 6:34. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.3.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/3/10/). ## Church History 6.3.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/3/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:245 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: He refused others' offers of help and lived in extreme poverty. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ καὶ μείζονι τῆς ἡλικίας προθυμίᾳ χρώμενος, ἐν ψύχει καὶ γυμνότητι διακαρτερῶν, εἰς ἄκρον τε ὑπερβαλλούσης ἀκτημοσύνης ἐλαύνων, τοὺς ἀμφʼ αὐτὸν εἰς τὰ μάλιστα κατέπλησσε, μυρίους μὲν ὅσους λυπῶν εὐχομένους αὐτῷ κοινωνεῖν τῶν ὑπαρχόντων, διʼ οὑς ἑώρων αὐτὸν εἰσφέροντα περὶ τὴν θείαν διδασκαλίαν καμάτους, οὐ μὴν αὐτός γε ἐνδιδοὺς ταῖς καρτερίαις. ### English translation (Claude) With an eagerness beyond his years, persevering in cold and nakedness and going to the very extreme of poverty, he greatly astonished those around him. He grieved countless people who wished to share their goods with him because of the labours they saw him bestow on divine teaching, but he did not relax his endurance. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.3.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/3/11/). ## Church History 6.3.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/3/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:245–246 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: He went barefoot for years and abstained from wine and all but necessary food, endangering his health. ### Greek text λέγεται γοῦν καὶ πλειόνων ἐτῶν γῆν πεπατηκέναι, μηδενὶ μηδαμῶς κεχρημένος ὑποδήματι, ἀλλὰ καὶ οἴνου χρήσεως καὶ τῶν ἄλλων παρὰ τὴν ἀναγκαίαν τροφὴν πλείστοις ἔτεσιν ἀπεσχημένος, ὥστε ἤδη εἰς κίνδυνον ἀνατροπῆς καὶ διαφθορᾶς τοῦ θώρακος περιπεσεῖν. ### English translation (Claude) He is said to have walked the ground for several years without using any shoes at all, and for very many years to have abstained from wine and from everything but necessary food, so that he fell into danger of ruining and destroying his chest. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.3.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/3/12/). ## Church History 6.3.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/3/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:246 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: His example drew educated pagans, some of whom became martyrs. ### Greek text τοιαῦτα δὴ φιλοσόφου βίου τοῖς θεωμένοις παρέχων ὑποδείγματα εἰκότως ἐπὶ τὸν ὅμοιον αὐτῷ ζῆλον πλείους παρώρμα τῶν φοιτητῶν, ὥστε ἤδη καὶ τῶν ἀπίστων ἐθνῶν, τῶν τε ἀπὸ παιδείας καὶ φιλοσοφίας οὐ τοὺς τυχόντας ὑπάγεσθαι τῇ διʼ αὐτοῦ διδασκαλίᾳ· οἷς καὶ αὐτοῖς γνησίως ἐν βάθει ψυχῆς τὴν εἰς τὸν θεῖον λόγον πίστιν διʼ αὐτοῦ παραδεχομένοις διαπρέπειν συνέβαινε κατὰ τὸν τότε τοῦ διωγμοῦ καιρὸν, ὡς καί τινας αὐτόν ἁλόντας μαρτυρίῳ τελειωθῆναι. ### English translation (Claude) By giving such examples of the philosophic life to those who saw him, he naturally stirred many of his pupils to a zeal like his, so that even of the unbelieving Gentiles, and of those from learning and philosophy, men of no ordinary sort came under his teaching. And it happened that these too, receiving through him genuinely, in the depth of the soul, faith in the divine Word, were distinguished in the persecution of that time, so that some of them were arrested and perfected by martyrdom. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.3.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/3/13/). ## Church History 6.4.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/4/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:246 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Plutarch was the first of Origen's pupils martyred; Origen nearly died with him. ### Greek text Πρῶτος μὲν οὖν τούτων ὁ μικρῷ πρόσθεν δηλωθεὶς Πλούταρχος ἦν· οὗ τὴν ἐπὶ θανάτῳ ἀπαγομένου σμικροῦ δεῖν αὖθις ὁ περὶ οὗ ὁ λόγος συμπαρὼν αὐτῷ εἰς ὑστάτην τοῦ βίου τελευτὴν ὑπὸ τῶν αὐτοῦ πολιτῶν ἀνῄρητο, ὡς αἴτιος αὐτῷ πεφηνὼς τοῦ θανάτου· θεοῦ δὲ αὐτὸν ἐτήρει καὶ τότε βουλή. ### English translation (Claude) The first of these was Plutarch, mentioned a little before. As he was being led to death, the man of whom we speak, being with him to the very end of his life, was again nearly killed by his fellow citizens, as having plainly been the cause of his death; but the will of God preserved him then too. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.4.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/4/1/). ## Church History 6.4.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/4/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:246 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Serenus was burned for the faith. ### Greek text μετὰ δὲ Πλούταρχον δεύτερος τῶν Ὠριγένους φοιτητῶν μάρτυς ἀναδείκνυται Σερῆνος, διὰ πυρὸς τὴν δοκιμὴν ἧς παρειλήφει πίστεως παρεσχημένος. ### English translation (Claude) After Plutarch, the second of Origen's pupils shown to be a martyr was Serenus, who gave through fire the proof of the faith he had received. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.4.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/4/2/). ## Church History 6.4.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/4/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:246 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Heraclides, Hero, another Serenus, and the catechumen Herais, “baptized by fire,” were also martyred. ### Greek text τῆς αὐτῆς διατριβῆς τρίτος καθίσταται μάρτυς Ἡρακλείδης, καὶ ἐπὶ τούτῳ τέταρτος Ἥρων, ὁ μὲν πρότερος ἔτι κατηχούμενος, ὁ δὲ νεοφώτιστος, τὴν κεφαλὴν ἀποτμηθέντες. ἔτι πρὸς τούτοις τῆς αὐτῆς σχολῆς πέμπτος ἀθλητὴς τῆς εὐσεβείας ἀνακηρύττεται ἕτερος τοῦ πρώτου Σερῆνος, ὃν μετὰ πλείστην βασάνων ὑπομονὴν κεφαλῆς ἀποτομῇ κολασθῆναι λόγος ἔχει. καὶ γυναικῶν δὲ Ἡραῒς ἔτι κατηχουμένη τὸ βάπτισμα, ὥς φησί που αὐτὸς, τὸ διὰ πυρὸς λαβοῦσα τὸν βίον ἐξελήλυθεν. ### English translation (Claude) From the same school the third martyr was Heraclides, and after him the fourth Hero; the former was still a catechumen, the latter newly baptized; both were beheaded. Besides these, a fifth athlete of piety from the same school is proclaimed, another Serenus, different from the first, who is said to have been punished by beheading after enduring very many tortures. And of women, Herais, still a catechumen, departed this life having received, as he himself somewhere says, the baptism by fire. ### Translation notes - Origen regarded martyrdom as a baptism (cf. Exhortation to Martyrdom 30). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.4.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/4/3/). ## Church History 6.5.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/5/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:246–247 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Basilides led to death the famous virgin Potamiaena, who was burned with her mother Marcella. ### Greek text Ἕβδομος δὲ ἐν τούτοις ἀριθμείσθω Βασιλείδης, τὴν περιβόητον Ποταμίαι- νᾶν ἀπαγαγὼν, περὶ ἧς πολὺς ὁ λόγος εἰσέτι νῦν παρὰ τοῖς ἐπιχωρίοις ᾄδεται, μυρία μὲν ὑπὲρ τῆς τοῦ σώματος ἁγνείας τε καὶ παρθενίας, ἐν ᾗ διέπρεψε, πρὸς ἐραστὰς ἀγωνισαμένης (καὶ γὰρ οὖν αὐτῇ ἀκμαῖον πρὸς τῇ ψυχῇ καὶ τὸ τοῦ σώματος ὡραῖον ἐπήνθει), μυρία δὲ ὑπὲρ τῆς εἰς Χριστὸν πίστεως ἀνατλησάσης, καὶ τέλος μετὰ δεινὰς καὶ φρικτὰς εἰπεῖν βασάνους ἅμα τῇ μητρὶ Μαρκέλλῃ διὰ πυρὸς τελειωθείσης. ### English translation (Claude) Let Basilides be counted the seventh among these. He led away the celebrated Potamiaena, of whom much is still sung by the people of the place. She endured countless contests with lovers for the purity and virginity of her body, in which she excelled (for together with her soul the beauty of her body was in full flower); she endured countless sufferings for faith in Christ, and at last, after tortures terrible and dreadful to speak of, she was perfected by fire together with her mother Marcella. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.5.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/5/1/). ## Church History 6.5.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/5/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:247 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Threatened with rape by gladiators, Potamiaena gave an answer the judge took as impious. ### Greek text φασί γέ τοι τὸν δικαστὴν (Ἀκύλας ἦν τούτῳ ὄνομα), χαλεπὰς ἐπιθέντα αὐτῇ κατὰ παντὸς τοῦ σώματος αἰκίας, τέλος ἐφʼ ὕβρει τοῦ σώματος μονομάχοις αὐτὴν ἀπειλῆσαι παραδοῦναι· τὴν δὲ βραχύ τι εἰς ἑαυτὴν ἐπισκεψαμένην, ἐρωτηθεῖσαν ὃ κρίνειε, τοιαύτην δοῦναι ἀπόκρισιν, διʼ ἧς ἐδόκει νενομισμένον τι αὐτοῖς ἀσεβὲς ἀποφθέγξασθαι ### English translation (Claude) They say that the judge (his name was Aquila), having inflicted severe tortures on her whole body, finally threatened to hand her over to the gladiators to outrage her body; and she, after considering a little within herself, when asked what her decision was, gave such an answer as seemed to them to utter something impious in their eyes. ### Translation notes - The sentence seems to end abruptly in the digital text; her answer is not recorded. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.5.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/5/2/). ## Church History 6.5.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/5/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:247 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Basilides protected her from the crowd, and she promised to pray for him after her death. ### Greek text ἅμα δὲ λόγῳ τὸν τῆς ἀποφάσεως ὅρον καταδεξαμένην ὁ Βασιλείδης, εἶς τις ὢν τῶν ἐν στρατείαις ἀναφερομένων, ἀπάγει παραλαβὼν τὴν ἐπὶ θανάτῳ. ὡς δὲ τὸ πλῆθος ἐνοχλεῖν αὐτῇ καὶ ἀκολάστοις ἐνυβρίζειν ῥήμασιν ἐπειρᾶτο, ὁ μὲν ἀνεῖργεν ἀποσοβῶν τοὺς ἐνυβρίζοντας, πλεῖστον ἔλεον καὶ φιλανθρωπίαν εἰς αὐτὴν ἐνδεικνύμενος, ἡ δὲ τῆς περὶ αὐτὴν συμπαθείας ἀποδεξαμένη τὸν ἄνδρα θαρρεῖν παρακελεύεται· ἐξαιτήσεσθαι γὰρ αὐτὸν ἀπελθοῦσαν παρὰ τοῦ ἑαυτῆς κυρίου, καὶ οὐκ εἰς μακρὸν τῶν εἰς αὐτὴν πεπραγμένων τὴν ἀμοιβὴν ἀποτίσειν αὐτῷ. ### English translation (Claude) No sooner had she spoken than she received the sentence, and Basilides, one of those serving in the army, took her and led her to death. When the crowd tried to annoy her and insult her with licentious words, he restrained them and drove away those who insulted her, showing her very great pity and kindness. She, accepting his sympathy toward her, bade the man be of good courage; for when she had departed she would ask her Lord for him, and before long would repay him for what he had done for her. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.5.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/5/3/). ## Church History 6.5.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/5/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:247 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: She died as boiling pitch was poured slowly over her. ### Greek text ταῦτα δὲ εἰποῦσαν γενναίως τὴν ἔξοδον ὑποστῆναι, πίττης ἐμπύρου κατὰ διάφορα μέρη τοῦ σώματος ἀπʼ ἄκρων ποδῶν καὶ μέχρι κορυφῆς ἠρέμα καὶ κατὰ μικρὸν περιχυθείσης αὐτῇ ### English translation (Claude) Having said this, they say, she nobly endured her departure, boiling pitch being poured slowly and little by little over different parts of her body, from the tips of her feet to the crown of her head. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.5.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/5/4/). ## Church History 6.5.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/5/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:247–248 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Basilides refused to take an oath, confessed he was a Christian, and was imprisoned. ### Greek text καὶ ὁ μὲν τῆς ἀοιδίμου κόρης τοιοῦτος κατηγώνιστο ἆθλος. οὐ μακρὸν δὲ χρόνον διαλιπὼν ὁ Βασιλείδης, ὅρκον διά τινα αἰτίαν πρὸς τῶν συστρατιωτῶν αἰτηθεὶς, μὴ ἐξεῖναι αὐτῷ τὸ παράπαν ὀμνύναι διεβεβαιοῦτο· Χριστιανὸν γὰρ ὑπάρχειν, καὶ τοῦτο ἐμφανῶς ὁμολογεῖν. παίζειν μὲν οὖν ἐνομίζετο τέως τὰ πρῶτα, ὡς δὲ ἐπιμόνως ἀπισχυρίζετο, ἄγεται ἐπὶ τὸν δικαστὴν, ἐφʼ οὗ τὴν ἔνστασιν ὁμολογήσας δεσμοῖς παραδίδοται. ### English translation (Claude) Such was the contest waged by the celebrated maiden. Not long afterward Basilides, being asked for some reason by his fellow soldiers to take an oath, insisted that it was not lawful for him to swear at all, for he was a Christian and confessed it openly. At first they thought he was joking, but when he persistently affirmed it, he was led before the judge, and, having confessed his conviction before him, was put in bonds. ### Scripture references - Matt 5:34: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The refusal to swear follows Matt 5:34. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.5.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/5/5/). ## Church History 6.5.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/5/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:248 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Potamiaena appeared to Basilides and crowned him; he was baptized and beheaded the next day. ### Greek text τῶν δὲ κατὰ θεὸν ἀδελφῶν ὡς αὐτὸν ἀφικνουμένων, καὶ τὴν αἰτίαν τῆς ἀθρόας καὶ παραδόξου ταύτης ὁρμῆς πυνθανομένων, λέγεται εἰπεῖν ὡς ἄρα Ποταμίαινα τρισὶν ὕστερον ἡμέραις τοῦ μαρτυρίου νύκτωρ ἐπιστᾶσα στέφανον αὐτοῦ τῇ κεφαλῇ περιθεῖσα εἴη, φαίη τε παρακεκληκέναι χάριν αὐτοῦ τὸν κύριον, καὶ τῆς ἀξιώσεως τετυχηκέναι, οὐκ εἰς μακρόν τε αὐτὸν παραλήψεσθαι. ἐπὶ τούτοις τῶν ἀδελφῶν τῆς ἐν κυρίῳ σφραγῖδος μεταδόντων αὐτῷ, τῇ μετέπειτα ἡμέρᾳ τῷ τοῦ κυρίου διαπρέψας μαρτυρίῳ τὴν κεφαλὴν ἀποτέμνεται. ### English translation (Claude) When the brothers in God came to him and asked the reason for this sudden and astonishing impulse, he is said to have told them that Potamiaena, three days after her martyrdom, stood by him at night, placed a crown on his head, and said that she had entreated the Lord for him and obtained her request, and that before long she would take him to herself. Thereupon the brothers gave him the seal in the Lord, and on the next day, distinguished in martyrdom for the Lord, he was beheaded. ### Translation notes - “The seal in the Lord” is baptism. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.5.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/5/6/). ## Church History 6.5.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/5/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:248 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Many others at Alexandria converted after dreams of Potamiaena. ### Greek text καὶ ἄλλοι δὲ πλείους τῶν κατʼ Ἀλεξάνδρειαν ἀθρόως τῷ Χριστοῦ λόγῳ προσελθεῖν κατὰ τοὺς δεδηλωμένους ἱστοροῦνται, ὡς δὴ καθʼ ὕπνους τῆς Ποταμιαίνης ἐπιφανείσης καὶ προσκεκλημένης αὐτούς. ἀλλὰ ταῦτα μὲν ὧδε ἐχέτω. ### English translation (Claude) Many others at Alexandria are recorded to have come over to the word of Christ all at once in the times mentioned, because Potamiaena appeared to them in their sleep and summoned them. But let this suffice. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.5.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/5/7/). ## Church History 6.6.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/6/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:248–249 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement, successor of Pantaenus and teacher of Origen, wrote the Miscellanies under Severus. ### Greek text Πάνταινον δὲ Κλήμης διαδεξάμενος τῆς κατʼ Ἀλεξάνδρειαν κατηχήσεως εἰς ἐκεῖνο τοῦ καιροῦ καθηγεῖτο, ὡς καὶ τὸν Ὠριγένην τῶν φοιτητῶν γενέσθαι αὐτοῦ. τήν γέ τοι τῶν Στρωματέων αὐτοῦ πραγματείαν ὁ Κλήμης ὑπομνηματιζόμενος, κατὰ τὸ πρῶτον σύγγραμμα χρονικὴν ἐκθέμενος γραφὴν, εἰς τὴν Κομόδου τελευτὴν περιγράφει τοὺς χρόνους, ὡς εἶναι σαφὲς ὅτι κατὰ Σεβῆρον αὐτῷ πεπόνηται τὰ σπουδάσματα, οὗ τοὺς χρόνους ὁ παρὼν ἱστορεῖ λόγος. ### English translation (Claude) Clement, having succeeded Pantaenus, was at that time in charge of catechetical instruction at Alexandria, so that Origen too was one of his pupils. When Clement wrote his treatise the Miscellanies, he set out a chronology in the first book, bringing the dates down to the death of Commodus, so that it is clear that his work was composed under Severus, whose times the present account records. ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Strom. 1.21.139-147 (Miscellanies): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Clement, Miscellanies 1.21.139–147. That Origen studied under Clement is Eusebius's inference. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.6.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/6/1/). ## Church History 6.7.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/7/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:249 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: A writer named Jude, commenting on Daniel's seventy weeks, thought the Antichrist was near. ### Greek text Ἐν τούτῳ καὶ Ἰούδας συγγραφέων ἕτερος, εἰς τὰς παρὰ τῷ Δανιὴλ ἑβδομάδας ἐγγράφως διαλεχθεὶς, ἐπὶ τὸ δέκατον τῆς Σεβήρου βασιλείας ἵστησι τὴν χρονογραφίαν, ὃς καὶ τὴν θρυλουμένην τοῦ ἀντιχρίστου παρουσίαν ἤδη τότε πλησιάζειν ᾤετο· οὕτω σφοδρῶς ἡ τοῦ τότε καθʼ ἡμῶν διωγμοῦ κίνησις τὰς τῶν πολλῶν ἀνατεταράχει διανοίας. ### English translation (Claude) At this time Jude, another writer, having composed a discussion of the seventy weeks in Daniel, brings his chronology to the tenth year of the reign of Severus. He thought that the much-talked-of coming of the Antichrist was then already near; so violently had the stirring of the persecution against us at that time disturbed the minds of many. ### Scripture references - Dan 9:24: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Jude's work, on Dan 9:24–27, is lost. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.7.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/7/1/). ## Church History 6.8.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/8/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:249 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius introduces a rash but devout act of the young Origen. ### Greek text Ἐν τούτῳ δὲ τῆς κατηχήσεως ἐπὶ τῆς Ἀλεξανδρείας τοὔργον ἐπιτελοῦντι τῷ Ὠριγένει πρᾶγμά τι διαπέπρακται, φρενὸς μὲν ἀτελοῦς καὶ νεανικῆς, πίστεως δὲ ὁμοῦ καὶ σωφροσύνης μέγιστον δεῖγμα περιέχον. ### English translation (Claude) At this time, while Origen was carrying on the work of catechesis at Alexandria, he did a thing which showed an immature and youthful mind, but at the same time contained the greatest proof of faith and self-control. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.8.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/8/1/). ## Church History 6.8.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/8/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:249 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Taking Matt 19:12 literally, and to avoid scandal in teaching women, Origen castrated himself. ### Greek text τὸ γὰρ “εἰσὶν εὐνοῦχοι οἵτινες εὐνούχισαν ἑαυτοὺς διὰ τὴν βασι- ῾ λείαν τῶν οὐρανῶν ἁπλούστερον καὶ νεανικώτερον ἐκλαβὼν ὁμοῦ μὲν σωτήριον φωνὴν ἀποπληροῦν οἰόμενος, ὁμοῦ δὲ καὶ διὰ τὸ νέον τὴν ἡλικίαν ὄντα μὴ ἀνδράσι μόνον, καὶ γυναιξὶ δὲ τὰ θεῖα προσομιλεῖν, ὡς ἂν πᾶσαν τὴν παρὰ τοῖς ἀπίστοις αἰσχρᾶς διαβολῆς ὑπόνοιαν ἀποκλείσειε, τὴν σωτήριον φωνὴν ἔργοις ἐπιτελέσαι ὡρμήθη, τοὺς πολλοὺς τῶν ἀμφʼ αὐτὸν γνωρίμων διαλαθεῖν φροντίσας. ### English translation (Claude) For taking the saying, “There are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven,” in too literal and youthful a sense, and thinking at once to fulfil the Saviour's word, and at the same time, since he was young and had to converse about divine things not only with men but also with women, to cut off from unbelievers all suspicion of shameful slander, he set about carrying out the Saviour's word in deed, taking care to escape the notice of most of his acquaintances. ### Scripture references - Matt 19:12: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Matt 19:12. The report of Origen's self-castration comes from Eusebius; some modern scholars doubt it, but it cannot be settled. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.8.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/8/2/). ## Church History 6.8.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/8/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:249 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Demetrius at first admired Origen's zeal and encouraged him to continue teaching. ### Greek text οὐκ ἦν δὲ ἄρα δυνατὸν αὐτῷ καίπερ βουλομένῳ τοσοῦτον ἔργον ἐπικρύψασθαι. γνοὺς δῆτα ὕστερον ὁ Δημήτριος, ἅτε τῆς αὐτόθι παροικίας προεστὼς, εὖ μάλα μὲν αὐτὸν ἀποθαυμάζει τοῦ τολμήματος, τὴν δέ γε προθυμίαν καὶ τὸ γνήσιον αὐτοῦ τῆς πίστεως ἀποδεξάμενος θαρρεῖν αὐτίκα παρακελεύεται, καὶ νῦν μᾶλλον ἔχεσθαι αὐτὸν τοῦ τῆς κατηχήσεως ἔργου παρορμᾷ. ### English translation (Claude) But it was not possible for him, though he wished it, to conceal so great a deed. When Demetrius, as head of the community there, later learned of it, he greatly admired his daring, and, approving his zeal and the genuineness of his faith, at once bade him take courage and urged him all the more to hold to the work of catechesis. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.8.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/8/3/). ## Church History 6.8.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/8/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:249–250 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Later, jealous of Origen's fame, Demetrius denounced the deed when bishops in Palestine ordained Origen presbyter. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ τότε μὲν οὗτος τοιοῦτός τις ἦν. οὐ μακροῖς δὲ χρόνοις ὕστερον ὁ αὐτὸς ὁρῶν εὖ πράττοντα, μέγαν τε καὶ λαμπρὸν καὶ παρὰ πᾶσιν ὄντα βεβοημένον, ἀνθρώπινόν τι πεπονθὼς τοῖς ἀνὰ τὴν οἰκουμένην ἐπισκόποις καταγράφειν ὡς ἀτοπωτάτου τοῦ πραχθέντος αὐτῷ ἐπειρᾶτο, ὅτε γε τῶν κατὰ Παλαιστίνην οἱ μάλιστα δόκιμοι καὶ διαπρέποντες Καισαρείας τε καὶ Ἱεροσολύμων ἐπίσκοποι πρεσβείων τὸν Ὠριγένην καὶ τῆς ἀνωτάτω τιμῆς ἄξιον εἶναι δοκιμάσαντες χεῖρας εἰς πρεσβυτέριον αὐτῷ τεθείκασι. ### English translation (Claude) Such was he at that time. But not long afterward the same man, seeing him prospering and great and illustrious and famous among all, was affected by human weakness and tried to write to the bishops throughout the world describing what he had done as most absurd, when the most approved and distinguished bishops in Palestine, those of Caesarea and Jerusalem, having judged Origen worthy of privilege and the highest honour, had laid hands on him for the presbyterate. ### Translation notes - Eusebius's account is sympathetic to Origen and critical of Demetrius. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.8.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/8/4/). ## Church History 6.8.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/8/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:250 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Having no other charge, Demetrius accused Origen and those who ordained him. ### Greek text τηνικαῦτα δʼ οὖν εἰς μέγα δόξης προελθόντος αὐτοῦ, ὄνομά τε παρὰ τοῖς πανταχῆ πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις καὶ κλέος ἀρετῆς καὶ σοφίας οὐ σμικρὸν κτησαμένου, μηδεμιᾶς ἄλλης εὐπορῶν ὁ Δημήτριος κατηγορίας, τῆς πάλαι ἐν παιδὶ γεγονυίας αὐτῷ πράξεως δεινὴν ποιεῖται διαβολὴν, συμπεριλαβεῖν τολμήσας ταῖς κατηγορίαις τοὺς ἐπὶ τὸ πρεσβυτέριον αὐτὸν προάξαντας. ### English translation (Claude) So when he had then advanced to great glory and gained no small name and fame for virtue and wisdom among all people everywhere, Demetrius, having no other charge to bring, made a grave accusation of the deed done long before when he was a boy, and dared to include in his accusations those who had advanced him to the presbyterate. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.8.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/8/5/). ## Church History 6.8.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/8/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:250 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Meanwhile Origen taught day and night at Alexandria. ### Greek text ταῦτα μὲν οὖν μικρὸν ἐπράχθη ὕστερον. τότε γε μὴν ὁ Ὠριγένης ἐπὶ τῆς Ἀλεξανδρείας τὸ τῆς θείας διδασκαλίας ἔργον εἰς πάντας ἀφυλάκτως τοὺς προσιόντας νύκτωρ καὶ μεθʼ ἡμέραν ἐπετέλει, τοῖς θείοις ἀόκνως μαθήμασι καὶ τοῖς ὡς αὐτὸν φοιτῶσι τὴν πᾶσαν ἀνατιθεὶς σχολήν ### English translation (Claude) These things were done a little later. At that time Origen carried on at Alexandria the work of divine teaching for all who came to him, night and day, without reserve, devoting all his leisure unweariedly to divine studies and to his pupils. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.8.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/8/6/). ## Church History 6.8.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/8/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:250–251 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Caracalla succeeded Severus; the confessor Alexander became bishop of Jerusalem while Narcissus still lived. ### Greek text ἐπὶ δέκα δὲ καὶ ὀκτὼ ἔτεσι τὴν ἀρχὴν ἐπικρατήσαντα Σεβῆρον Ἀντωνῖνος ὁ παῖς διαδέχεται. ἐν τούτῳ δὲ τῶν κατὰ τὸν διωγμὸν ἀνδρισαμένων καὶ μετὰ τοὺς ἐν ὁμολογίαις ἀγῶνας διὰ προνοίας θεοῦ πεφυλαγμένων εἷς τις ὢν ὁ Ἀλέξανδρος, ὃν ἀρτίως ἐπίσκοπον τῆς ἐν Ἱεροσολύμοις ἐκκλησίας ἐδηλώσαμεν, οἷα ταῖς ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ διαπρέψας ὁμολογίαις, τῆς δηλωθείσης ἐπισκοπῆς ἀξιοῦται, ἔτι Ναρκίσσου, ὃς ἦν αὐτοῦ πρότερος, περιόντος τῷ βίω. ### English translation (Claude) When Severus had held power for eighteen years, his son Antoninus succeeded him. At this time Alexander, one of those who had shown courage in the persecution and after the contests of confession had been preserved by God's providence, whom we have just shown to be bishop of the church in Jerusalem, was deemed worthy of that episcopate because he had distinguished himself in confessions for Christ, while Narcissus, his predecessor, was still alive. ### Translation notes - “Antoninus” is Caracalla (211). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.8.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/8/7/). ## Church History 6.9.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/9/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:251 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Jerusalem preserved traditions of Narcissus's miracles. ### Greek text Πόλλα μὲν οὑν καὶ ἄλλα παράδοξα οἶ τῆς παροικίας πολῖται ὡσὰν ἐκ παραδόσεως τῶν κατὰ διαδοχὴν ἀδελφῶν τοῦ Ναρκίσσου μνημονεύουσιν, ἐν οἶς καὶ τοιόνδε τι θαῦμα διʼ αὐτοῦ γεγονὸς ἱστοροῦσι. ### English translation (Claude) The citizens of that community record many other wonders of Narcissus, as from the tradition of the brothers in succession, among which they relate the following miracle done through him. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.9.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/9/1/). ## Church History 6.9.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/9/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:251 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: At an Easter vigil when the lamp oil ran out, Narcissus had water brought to him. ### Greek text κατὰ τὴν μεγάλην ποτὲ τοῦ πάσχα διανυκτέρευσιν τοὔλαιόν φασι τοῖς διακόνοις ἐπιλιπεῖν. ἐφʼ ᾧ τὸ πᾶν πλῆθος δεινῆς ἀθυμίας διαλαβούσης τὸν Νάρκισσον τοῖς τὰ φῶτα παρασκευάζουσιν ἐπιτάξαι ὕδωρ ἀνιμήσαντας ὡς αὐτὸν κομιεῖσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) Once, during the great all-night vigil of the Pascha, they say, the oil failed the deacons. When deep dismay seized the whole multitude, Narcissus ordered those who prepared the lamps to draw water and bring it to him. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.9.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/9/2/). ## Church History 6.9.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/9/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:251 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: At his prayer the water became oil, and some of it was kept as a relic. ### Greek text τούτου δὲ ἅμα λόγῳ πραχθέντος ἐπευξάμενον τῷ ὕδατι ἐγχέαι κατὰ τῶν λύχνων πίστει τῇ εἰς τὸν κύριον γνησίᾳ παρακελεύσασθαι. ποιησάντων δὲ καὶ τοῦτο παρὰ πάντα λόγον δυνάμει παραδόξῳ καὶ θείᾳ μεταβαλεῖν ἐξ ὕδατος εἰς ἐλαίου ποιότητα τὴν φύσιν, παρά τε πλείστοις τῶν αὐτόθι ἀδελφῶν ἐπὶ μήκιστον ἐξ ἐκείνου καὶ εἰς ἡμᾶς βραχύ τι δεῖγμα τοῦ τότε θαύματος φυλαχθῆναι. ### English translation (Claude) When this was done at once, he prayed over the water and bade them pour it into the lamps with genuine faith in the Lord. When they did this, against all reason, by a wonderful and divine power, its nature was changed from water into the quality of oil; and a small sample of the miracle of that time has been preserved from then until our own day by very many of the brothers there. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.9.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/9/3/). ## Church History 6.9.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/9/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:251 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Wicked men, fearing exposure, slandered Narcissus. ### Greek text ἄλλα τε πλεῖστα περὶ τοῦ βίου τοῦδε τοῦ ἀνδρὸς μνήμης ἄξια καταλέγουσιν, ἐν οἷς καὶ τοιόνδε τι. τὸ εὔτονον αὐτοῦ καὶ στερρὸν τοῦ βίου φαῦλοί τινες ἀνθρωπίσκοι μὴ οἷοί τε φέρειν, δέει τοῦ μὴ δίκην ὑποσχεῖν ἁλόντας, διὰ τὸ μυρία κακὰ ἑαυτοῖς συνειδέναι, συσκευὴν κατʼ αὐτοῦ προλαβόντες συρράπτουσι, καί τινα δεινὴν καταχέουσιν αὐτοῦ διαβολήν. ### English translation (Claude) They relate very many other things about this man's life worthy of remembrance, among them this. Some worthless fellows, unable to bear the strength and firmness of his life, and fearing that they would be caught and punished because they were conscious of countless crimes, anticipated him by concocting a plot against him and poured out a terrible slander against him. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.9.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/9/4/). ## Church History 6.9.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/9/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:251 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The accusers swore self-curses, but no believer credited them. ### Greek text εἶτα πιστούμενοι τοὺς ἀκροωμένους ὅρκοις ἐβεβαίουν τὰς κατηγορίας, καὶ ὁ μὲν ἦ μὴν ἀπόλοιτο πυρὶ ὤμνυεν, ὁ δὲ ἠ μὴν σκαιᾷ νόσῳ δαπανηθείη τὸ σῶμα, ὁ δὲ τρίτος ἧ μὴν τὰς ὁράσεις πηρωθείη. ἀλλʼ οὐδʼ οὕτως αὐτοῖς, καίπερ ὀμνύουσι, τῶν πιστῶν τις προσεῖχε τὸν νοῦν, διὰ τὴν εἰς πάντας λάμπουσαν ἐκ τοῦ παντὸς σωφροσύνην τε καὶ πανάρετον ἀγωγὴν τοῦ Ναρκίσσου. ### English translation (Claude) Then, to convince their hearers, they confirmed the accusations with oaths: one swore, “May I perish by fire, if it is not so”; another, “May my body be wasted by a foul disease”; the third, “May I lose my sight.” But even so, though they swore, none of the faithful paid attention to them, because of the self-control and all-virtuous conduct of Narcissus, which shone upon all in every respect. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.9.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/9/5/). ## Church History 6.9.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/9/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:251–252 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Narcissus withdrew into the desert for many years. ### Greek text αὐτός γε μὴν τὴν τῶν εἰρημένων μηδαμῶς ὑπομένων μοχθηρίαν, καὶ ἄλλως ἐκ μακροῦ τὸν φιλόσοφον ἀσπαζόμενος βίον, διαδρὰς πᾶν τὸ τῆς ἐκκλησίας πλῆθος, ἐν ἐρημίαις καὶ ἀφανέσιν ἀγροῖς λανθάνων, πλείστοις ἔτεσι διέτριβεν. ### English translation (Claude) He himself, however, could not endure the wickedness of what was said, and having long embraced the philosophic life, he fled from the whole multitude of the church and lived for very many years hidden in deserts and obscure places. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.9.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/9/6/). ## Church History 6.9.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/9/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:252 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Divine justice fulfilled the first two perjurers' curses: one burned, one was diseased. ### Greek text ἀλλʼ οὐ καὶ ὁ τῆς δίκης μέγας ὀφθαλμὸς ἐπὶ τοῖς πεπραγμένοις ἠρέμει, μετῄει δὲ ὡς τάχιστα τοὺς ἀσεβεῖς αἷς καθʼ ἑαυτῶν ἐπιορκοῦντες κατεδήσαντο ἀραῖς. ὁ μὲν οὖν πρῶτος, ἐκ μηδεμιᾶς προφάσεως ἁπλῶς οὕτω σμικροῦ διαπεσόντος ἐφʼ ἧς κατέμενεν οἰκίας σπινθῆρος, νύκτωρ ὑφαφθείσης ἁπάσης, παγγενῆ καταφλέγεται. ὁ δὲ ἀθρόως τὸ σῶμα ἐξ ἄκρων ποδῶν ἐπὶ κεφαλὴν, ἧς αὐτὸς προσετίμησεν ἑαυτῷ, νόσου πίμπλαται. ### English translation (Claude) But the great eye of justice did not stay quiet at what had been done, but very quickly pursued the impious with the curses by which they had bound themselves in their perjury. The first, from no cause at all, simply when a little spark fell in the house where he was staying, the whole house was set on fire at night, and he was burned with all his family. The second was suddenly filled from head to foot with the disease he had invoked on himself. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.9.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/9/7/). ## Church History 6.9.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/9/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:252 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The third confessed and wept until he went blind. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ τρίτος τὰς τῶν προτέρων συνιδὼν ἐκβάσεις, καὶ τοῦ πάντων ἐφόρου θεοῦ τρέσας τὴν ἀδιάδραστον δίκην, ὡμολόγει μὲν τοῖς πᾶσι τὰ κοινὴ σφίσιν αὐτοῖς ἐσκαιωρημένα, τοσαύταις δὲ κατετρύχετο μεταμελόμενος οἰμωγαῖς, δακρύων τε ἐς τοσοῦτον οὐκ ἀπέλιπεν, ἕως ἄμφω διεφθάρη τὰς ὄψεις. καὶ οἵδε μὲν τῆς ψευδολογίας τοιαύτας ἐπέσχον τιμωρίας. ### English translation (Claude) The third, seeing what had happened to the others and fearing the inescapable justice of God who oversees all, confessed to everyone what they had plotted together; but he was so worn down by his repentant lamentations and did not cease weeping until both his eyes were destroyed. Such were the punishments these men suffered for their lies. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.9.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/9/8/). ## Church History 6.10.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/10/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:252–253 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: In his absence Dius, Germanion, and Gordius succeeded as bishop, until Narcissus returned and resumed office. ### Greek text Τοῦ δὲ Ναρκίσσου ἀνακεχωρηκότος, καὶ μηδαμῶς ὅπη ὢν τυγχάνοι γινωσκομένου, δόξαν τοῖς τῶν ὁμόρων ἐκκλησιῶν προεστῶσιν ἐφʼ ἑτέρου μετίασιν ἐπισκόπου χειροτονίαν. Δῖος τούτῳ ὄνομα ἦν· ὃν οὐ πολὺν προστάντα χρόνον Γερμανίων διαδέχεται καὶ τοῦτον Γόρδιος, καθʼ ὃν ὥσπερ ἐξ ἀναβιώσεως ἀναφανείς ποθεν ὁ Νάρκισσος αὖθις ὑπὸ τῶν ἀδελφῶν ἐπὶ τὴν προστασίαν παρακλεῖται, μειζόνως ἔτι μᾶλλον τῶν πάντων ἀγασθέντων αὐτὸν, τῆς τε ἀναχωρήσεως ἕνεκα καὶ τῆς φιλοσοφίας, καὶ ἐφʼ ἅπασι διʼ ἣν παρὰ τοῦ θεοῦ κατηξίωτο ἐκδίκησιν. ### English translation (Claude) When Narcissus had withdrawn and nobody knew where he was, it seemed good to those who presided over the neighbouring churches to proceed to the ordination of another bishop. His name was Dius. He presided for no long time and was succeeded by Germanion, and he by Gordius. In his time Narcissus appeared from somewhere as though returned to life, and was again summoned by the brothers to preside, all admiring him still more because of his withdrawal and philosophy, and above all because of the vengeance of which God had deemed him worthy. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.10.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/10/1/). ## Church History 6.11.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/11/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:253 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: When Narcissus grew too old, God called Alexander to share his office. ### Greek text Καὶ δὴ μηκέθʼ οἵου τε ὄντος λειτουργεῖν διὰ λιπαρὸν γῆρας, τὸν εἰρημένον Ἀλέξανδρον, ἐπίσκοπον ἑτέρας ὑπάρχοντα παροικίας, οἰκονομία θεοῦ ἐπὶ τὴν ἅμα τῷ Ναρκίσσῳ λειτουργίαν ἐκάλει, κατὰ ἀποκάλυψιν νύκτωρ αὐτῷ διʼ ὁράματος φανεῖσαν. ### English translation (Claude) When he could no longer perform his ministry because of extreme old age, the providence of God called Alexander, mentioned above, who was bishop of another community, to the ministry together with Narcissus, through a revelation that appeared to him at night in a vision. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.11.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/11/1/). ## Church History 6.11.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/11/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:253 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Alexander came on pilgrimage from Cappadocia, and a revelation led Jerusalem to keep him as bishop. ### Greek text ταύτῃ δʼ οὖν ὡς κατά τι θεοπρόπιον ἐκ τῆς Καππαδοκῶν γῆς, ἔνθα τὸ πρῶτον τῆς ἐπισκοπῆς ἠξίωτο, τὴν πορείαν ἐπὶ τὰ Ἱεροσόλυμα εὐχῆς καὶ τῶν τόπων ἱστορίας ἕνεκεν πεποιημένον φιλοφρονέστατα οἱ τῇδε ὑπολαβόντες οὐκέτʼ οἴκαδε παλινοστεῖν αὐτῷ ἐπιτρέπουσι, καθʼ ἑτέραν ἀποκάλυψιν καὶ αὐτοῖς νύκτωρ ὀφθεῖσαν, μίαν τε φωνὴν σαφεστάτην τοῖς μάλιστα αὐτῶν σπουδαίοις χρήσασαν· ἐδήλου γὰρ προελθόντας ἔξω πυλῶν τὸν ἐκ θεοῦ προωρισμένον αὐτοῖς ἐπίσκοπον ὑποδέξασθαι. τοῦτο δὲ πράξαντες μετὰ κοινῆς τῶν ἐπισκόπων, οἱ τὰς πέριξ διεῖπον ἐκκλησίας, γνώμης ἐπάναγκες αὐτὸν παραμένειν βιάζονται. ### English translation (Claude) So, as if by an oracle, he made the journey from the land of the Cappadocians, where he had first been deemed worthy of the episcopate, to Jerusalem, for prayer and to visit the places. Those there received him most cordially and would no longer allow him to return home, in accordance with another revelation seen by them at night, which gave a very clear voice to the most earnest among them; for it told them to go outside the gates and receive the bishop foreordained for them by God. Having done this with the common consent of the bishops who governed the churches round about, they compelled him to remain. ### Translation notes - An early instance of pilgrimage to the holy places and of a bishop's translation. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.11.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/11/2/). ## Church History 6.11.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/11/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:253 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Alexander writes that Narcissus, aged 116, shared his episcopate. ### Greek text μνημονεύει γέ τοι καὶ αὐτὸς ὁ Ἀλέξανδρος ἐν ἰδίαις ἐπιστολαῖς ταῖς πρὸς Ἀντινοείτας εἰσέτι νῦν παρʼ ἡμῖν σωζομέναις τῆς Ναρκίσσου σὺν αὐτῷ προεδρίας, ταῦτα κατὰ λέξιν ἐπὶ τέλει γράφων τῆς ἐπιστολῆς ἀσπάζεται ὑμᾶς Νάρκισσος, ὁ πρὸ ἐμοῦ διέπων τὸν τόπον τῆς ἐπισκοπῆς τὸν ἐνθάδε, καὶ νῦν συνεξεταζόμενός μοι διὰ τῶν εὐχῶν, ἑκατὸν δεκαὲξ ἔτη ἠνυκὼς, παρακαλῶν ὑμᾶς ὁμοίως ἐμοὶ ὁμοφρονῆσαι ### English translation (Claude) Alexander himself, in his own letters to the Antinoites, still preserved by us, mentions that Narcissus held the presidency together with him, writing thus word for word at the end of the letter: “Narcissus greets you, who held the place of the episcopate here before me and is now associated with me in the prayers, having completed a hundred and sixteen years, and he exhorts you, as I do, to be of one mind.” ### Scripture references - Phil 2:2: echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Alexander of Jerusalem, Letter to the Antinoites; cf. Phil 2:2. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.11.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/11/3/). ## Church History 6.11.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/11/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:253 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Asclepiades, a confessor, succeeded Serapion at Antioch. ### Greek text καὶ ταῦτα μὲν οὕτως εἶχε. τῆς δὲ κατʼ Ἀντιόχειαν ἐκκλησίας Σαραπίωνος ἀναπαυσαμένου τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν διαδέχεται Ἀσκληπιάδης, ἐν ταῖς κατὰ τὸν διωγμὸν ὁμολογίαις διαπρέψας καὶ αὐτός. ### English translation (Claude) So it was with these things. When Serapion went to his rest, Asclepiades succeeded to the episcopate of the church at Antioch; he too had distinguished himself in confessions during the persecution. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.11.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/11/4/). ## Church History 6.11.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/11/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:253–254 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: From prison Alexander rejoiced to hear of Asclepiades's appointment at Antioch. ### Greek text μέμνηται καὶ τῆς τούτου καταστάσεως Ἀλέξανδρος, Ἀντιοχεῦσι γράφων ὧδε “Ἀλέξανδρος, δοῦλος καὶ δέσμιος “Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, τῇ μακαρίᾳ ἐκκλησίᾳ Ἀντιοχέων ἐν “κυρίῳ χαίρειν. ἐλαφρά μοι καὶ κοῦφα τὰ δεσμὰ ὁ “κύριος ἐποίησε κατὰ τὸν καιρὸν τῆς εἱρκτῆς, πυθο- “μένῳ μοι τῆς ἁγίας ὑμῶν τῶν Ἀντιοχέων ἐκκλησίας “κατὰ τὴν θείαν πρόνοιαν Ἀσκληπιάδην τὸν ἐπιτη- “δειότατον κατʼ ἀξίαν τὴν πίστιν τῆς ἐπισκοπῆς ἐγκε- “χειρισμένον.” ### English translation (Claude) Alexander mentions his appointment too, writing to the Antiochenes thus: “Alexander, servant and prisoner of Jesus Christ, to the blessed church of the Antiochenes in the Lord, greeting. The Lord made my bonds light and easy during the time of my imprisonment, when I learned that by divine providence Asclepiades, most fit by the worthiness of his faith, had been entrusted with the episcopate of your holy church of the Antiochenes.” ### Translation notes - Quotation from Alexander of Jerusalem, Letter to the Antiochenes. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.11.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/11/5/). ## Church History 6.11.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/11/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:254 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The letter was carried by the presbyter Clement, who had strengthened the church in Jerusalem. ### Greek text ταύτην δὲ τὴν ἐπιστολὴν σημαίνει διὰ Κλήμεντος ἀπεσταλκέναι, πρὸς τῷ τέλει τοῦτον γράφων τὸν τρόπον “ταῦτα δὲ ὑμῖν, κύριοί μου ἀδελ- “φοὶ, τὰ γράμματα ἀπέστειλα διὰ Κλήμεντος τοῦ “μακαρίου πρεσβυτέρου, ἀνδρὸς ἐναρέτου καὶ δοκί- “μου, ὃν ἴστε καὶ ὑμεῖς καὶ ἐπιγνώσεσθε, ὃς καὶ ἐν- “θάδε παρὼν κατὰ τὴν πρόνοιαν καὶ ἐπισκοπὴν τοῦ “δεσπότου ἐπεστήριξέ τε καὶ ηὔξησε τὴν τοῦ κυρίου “ἐκκλησίαν.” ### English translation (Claude) He indicates that he sent this letter by Clement, writing at the end thus: “I have sent you this letter, my lords and brothers, by Clement the blessed presbyter, a virtuous and approved man, whom you yourselves know and will come to know; who, being here by the providence and oversight of the Master, strengthened and increased the Lord's church.” ### Translation notes - Quotation from Alexander of Jerusalem. Clement is Clement of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.11.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/11/6/). ## Church History 6.12.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/12/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:254 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Serapion's surviving works include letters to Domninus, who lapsed into Judaism, and to Pontius and Caricus. ### Greek text Τοῦ δὲ Σαραπίωνος τῆς περὶ λόγους ἀσκήσεως καὶ ἄλλα μὲν εἰκὸς σώζεσθαι παρʼ ἑτέροις ὑπομνήματα, εἰς ἡμᾶς δὲ μόνα κατῆλθε τὰ πρὸς Δομνῖνον, ἐκπεπτωκότα τινὰ παρὰ τὸν τοῦ διωγμοῦ καιρὸν ἀπὸ τῆς εἰς Χριστὸν πίστεως ἐπὶ τὴν Ἰουδαϊκὴν ἐκκλησιαστικοὺς καὶ τὰ πρὸς Πόντιον καὶ Καρικὸν, ἐκκλησιαστικοὺς ἄνδρας, καὶ ἄλλαι πρὸς ἑτέρους ἐπιστολαί· ### English translation (Claude) Of Serapion's literary labours other records are likely preserved by others, but there have come down to us only those addressed to Domninus, who in the time of persecution had fallen away from faith in Christ to Jewish will-worship; those to Pontius and Caricus, churchmen; and other letters to other persons. ### Extrabiblical texts - Serapion of Antioch, Serapion (Serapion of Antioch (letters)): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The digital text repeats ἐκκλησιαστικοὺς where a word such as ἐθελοθρησκείαν (“will-worship”) is expected. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.12.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/12/1/). ## Church History 6.12.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/12/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:254 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Serapion wrote against the Gospel of Peter because it had misled some at Rhossus. ### Greek text ἕτερός τε συντεταγμένος αὐτῷ λόγος περὶ τοῦ λεγομένου κατὰ Πέτρον εὐαγγελίου, ὃν πεποίηται ἀπελέγχων τὰ ψευδῶς ἐν αὐτῷ εἰρημένα, διά τινας ἐν τῇ κατὰ ῾Ρωσσὸν παροικίᾳ προφάσει τῆς εἰρημένης γραφῆς εἰς ἑτεροδόξους διδασκαλίας ἀποκείλαντας. ἀφʼ ἧς εὔλογον βραχείας παραθέσθαι λέξεις, διʼ ὧν ἣν εἶχε περὶ τοῦ βιβλίου γνώμην προτίθησιν οὕτω γράφων ### English translation (Claude) And another treatise composed by him, On the So-Called Gospel of Peter, which he wrote to refute the falsehoods in it, because of some in the community at Rhossus who had been led astray by that writing into heterodox teachings. It is reasonable to quote brief passages from it, in which he sets out the opinion he held about the book, writing thus: ### Extrabiblical texts - Gos. Pet. (Gospel of Peter): allusion, high confidence - Serapion of Antioch, Serapion (Serapion of Antioch (letters)): allusion, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.12.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/12/2/). ## Church History 6.12.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/12/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:254–255 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Serapion: we receive the apostles as Christ but reject writings forged in their names. ### Greek text “ἡμεῖς γὰρ, ἀδελφοὶ, καὶ “Πέτρον καὶ τοὺς ἄλλους ἀποστόλους ἀποδεχόμεθα “ὡς Χριστὸν, τὰ δὲ ὀνόματι αὐτῶν ψευδεπίγραφα ὡς “ἔμπειροι παραιτούμεθα, γινώσκοντες ὅτι τὰ τοιαῦτα “οὐ παρελάβομεν. ### English translation (Claude) “For we, brothers, receive both Peter and the other apostles as Christ; but the writings falsely ascribed to their names we, as experienced men, reject, knowing that such things we did not receive. ### Extrabiblical texts - Gos. Pet. (Gospel of Peter): allusion, high confidence - Serapion of Antioch, Serapion (Serapion of Antioch (letters)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Serapion, On the Gospel of Peter (to 6.12.6). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.12.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/12/3/). ## Church History 6.12.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/12/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:255 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Serapion had allowed the Gospel of Peter to be read without examining it, but now, hearing of heresy, will return. ### Greek text ἐγὼ γὰρ γενόμενος παρʼ ὑμῖν ‘ὑπενόουν τοὺς πάντας ὀρθῇ πίστει προσφέρεσθαι, καὶ μὴ διελθὼν τὸ ὑπʼ αὐτῶν προφερόμενον ὀνό- “ματι Πέτρου εὐαγγέλιον εἶπον ὅτι, εἰ τοῦτό ἐστι “μόνον τὸ δοκοῦν ὑμῖν παρέχειν μικροψυχίαν, ἀναγινωσκέσθω. νῦν δὲ μαθὼν ὅτι αἱρέσει τινὶ ὁ νοῦς “αὐτῶν ἐνεφώλευεν ἐκ τῶν λεχθέντων μοι, σπουδάσω πάλιν γενέσθαι πρὸς ὑμᾶς, ὥστε, ἀδελφοὶ, “προσδοκᾶτέ με ἐν τάχει. ### English translation (Claude) For when I was with you, I supposed that all held the right faith, and, without going through the Gospel put forward by them under Peter's name, I said, ‘If this is the only thing that seems to cause you petty dispute, let it be read.’ But now, having learned from what was told me that their mind was lurking in some heresy, I will hasten to come to you again; so, brothers, expect me soon. ### Extrabiblical texts - Gos. Pet. (Gospel of Peter): allusion, high confidence - Serapion of Antioch, Serapion (Serapion of Antioch (letters)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Serapion, On the Gospel of Peter. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.12.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/12/4/). ## Church History 6.12.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/12/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:255 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Serapion explains the heresy of Marcianus in his letter. ### Greek text ὑμεῖς δὲ, ἀδελφοὶ, κατα- “λαβόμενοι ὁποίας ἦν αἱρέσεως ὁ Μαρκιανὸς, ὡς καὶ “ἑαυτῷ ἠναντιοῦτο μὴ νοῶν ἃ ἐλάλει μαθήσεσθε ἐξ “ὧν ὑμῖν ἐγράφη. ### English translation (Claude) But you, brothers, grasping what kind of heresy Marcianus held, and how he contradicted himself, not understanding what he said, will learn from what has been written to you. ### Extrabiblical texts - Serapion of Antioch, Serapion (Serapion of Antioch (letters)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Serapion, On the Gospel of Peter. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.12.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/12/5/). ## Church History 6.12.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/12/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:255 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Serapion found the Gospel of Peter mostly orthodox but with Docetic additions. ### Greek text ἐδυνήθημεν γὰρ παρʼ ἄλλων “τῶν ἀσκησάντων αὐτὸ τοῦτο τὸ εὐαγγέλιον, τουτέστι “παρὰ τῶν διαδόχων τῶν. καταρξαμένων αὐτοῦ, οὓς ῾᾿Δοκητὰς καλοῦμεν τὰ γὰρ φρονήματα τὰ πλείονα “ἐκείνων ἐστὶ τῆς διδασκαλίας), χρησάμενοι παρʼ “αὐτῶν, διελθεῖν, καὶ εὑρεῖν τὰ μὲν πλείονα τοῦ “ὀρθοῦ λόγου τοῦ σωτῆρος, τινὰ δὲ προσδιεσταλμένα, ἃ “καὶ ὑπετάξαμεν ὑμῖν.’ καὶ ταῦτα μὲν τὰ Σαραπίωνος. ### English translation (Claude) For we were able, having borrowed it from others who used this very Gospel, that is, from the successors of those who began it, whom we call Docetae (for most of its ideas belong to their teaching), to go through it and to find most of it in accordance with the true teaching of the Saviour, but some things added, which we have set out for you below.” These are the words of Serapion. ### Extrabiblical texts - Gos. Pet. (Gospel of Peter): allusion, high confidence - Serapion of Antioch, Serapion (Serapion of Antioch (letters)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Serapion, On the Gospel of Peter. The Docetists held that Christ only seemed to have a body. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.12.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/12/6/). ## Church History 6.13.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/13/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:255 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius has all eight books of Clement's Miscellanies. ### Greek text Τοῦ δὲ Κλήμεντος Στρωματεῖς οἱ πάντες ὀκτὼ παρʼ ἡμῖν σώζονται, οὓς καὶ τοιαύτης ἠξίωσε προγραφῆς “Τίτου Φλαυίου “Κλήμεντος τῶν κατὰ τὴν ἀληθῆ φιλοσοφίαν γνωστικῶν ὑπομνημάτων στρωματεῖς. ### English translation (Claude) All eight books of Clement's Miscellanies are preserved by us, to which he gave this title: “Titus Flavius Clement's Miscellanies of gnostic notes according to the true philosophy.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Strom. (Miscellanies): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.13.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/13/1/). ## Church History 6.13.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/13/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:255 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement's eight books of Outlines name Pantaenus as his teacher. ### Greek text ἰσάριθμοί τε τούτοις εἰσὶν οἶ ἐπιγεγραμμένοι Ὑποτυπώσεων αὐτοῦ λόγοι, ἐν οἷς ὀνομαστὶ ὡς διδασκάλου τοῦ Πανταίνου μνημονεύει, ἐκδοχάς τε αὐτοῦ γράφων καὶ παραδόσεις ἐκτιθέμενος. ### English translation (Claude) Equal in number to these are the books entitled Outlines, in which he mentions Pantaenus by name as his teacher, and sets out his interpretations and traditions. ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Clement, Hyp. (Clement of Alexandria, Hypotyposes (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.13.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/13/2/). ## Church History 6.13.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/13/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:255–256 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius lists Clement's other works, including the Exhortation, the Instructor, and Who Is the Rich Man. ### Greek text ἔστι δὲ αὐτῷ καὶ πρὸς Ἕλληνας λόγος ὁ προτρεπτικὸς, τρεῖς τε οἶ τοῦ ἐπιγεγραμμένου Παιδαγωγοῦ, καὶ “τίς ὁ σωζόμενος πλούσιος” οὕτως ἐπιγραφεὶς ἕτερος αὐτοῦ λόγος· τό τε περὶ τοῦ πάσχα σύγγραμμα, καὶ διαλέξεις περὶ νηστείας, καὶ περὶ καταλαλιᾶς, καὶ ὁ προτρεπτικὸς εἰς ὑπομονὴν ἢ πρὸς τοὺς νεωστὶ βεβαπτισμένους, καὶ ὁ ἐπιγεγραμμένος κανὼν ἐκκλησιαστικὸς, ἢ πρὸς τοὺς Ἰουδαΐζοντας, ὃν Ἀλεξάνδρῳ τῷ δεδηλωμένῳ ἐπισκόπῳ ἀνατέθεικεν. ### English translation (Claude) There is also his Exhortation to the Greeks, the three books of the work entitled The Instructor, and another work of his entitled Who Is the Rich Man That Is Saved?; the treatise On the Pascha, discourses On Fasting and On Slander, the Exhortation to Endurance, or To the Newly Baptized, and the work entitled The Ecclesiastical Canon, or Against the Judaizers, which he dedicated to Alexander, the bishop mentioned. ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Protr. (Exhortation to the Greeks): allusion, high confidence - Clement of Alexandria, Paed. (The Instructor): allusion, high confidence - Clement of Alexandria, Quis div. (Who Is the Rich Man That Is Saved?): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.13.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/13/3/). ## Church History 6.13.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/13/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:256 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Miscellanies combine Scripture with useful sayings of Greek and other writers. ### Greek text ἐν μὲν οὖν τοῖς Στρωματεῦσιν οὐ μόνον τῆς θείας κατάστρωσιν πεποίηται γραφῆς, ἀλλὰ καὶ τῶν παρʼ Ἕλλησιν, εἴ τι ἄρα ὠφέλιμον ἐδόκει καὶ αὐτοῖς εἰρῆσθαι, μνημονεύει, τῶν τε παρὰ τοῖς πολλοῖς δογμάτων, τὰ Ἑλλήνων ὁμοῦ καὶ τὰ βαρβάρων ἀναπτύσσων. ### English translation (Claude) In the Miscellanies he has made a patchwork not only of the divine Scripture but also of the Greek writers, mentioning anything that seemed useful to have been said by them too, and unfolding the opinions of the many, both Greek and barbarian. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.13.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/13/4/). ## Church History 6.13.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/13/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:256 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement refutes heretics and mixes history and philosophy, as the title suggests. ### Greek text καὶ ἔτι τὰς τῶν αἱρεσιαρχῶν ψευδοδοξίας εὐθύνων ἱστορίαν τε πολλὴν ἐξαπλοῖ, ὑπόθεσιν ἡμῖν πολυμαθοῦς παρέχων παιδείας. τούτοις ἅπασι καταμίγνυσι καὶ τὰ φιλοσόφων δόγματα, ὅθεν εἰκότως κατάλληλον τῇ ὑποθέσει καὶ τὴν προγραφὴν τῶν Στρωματέων πεποίηται. ### English translation (Claude) He also corrects the false opinions of the heresiarchs and unfolds much history, giving us the material for a very learned education. With all these he mixes the doctrines of the philosophers, so that he has fittingly made the title of the Miscellanies correspond to its subject. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.13.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/13/5/). ## Church History 6.13.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/13/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:256 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement cites disputed books: Wisdom, Sirach, Hebrews, Barnabas, 1 Clement, and Jude. ### Greek text κέχρηται δʼ ἐν αὐτοῖς καὶ ταῖς ἀπὸ τῶν ἀντιλεγομένων γραφῶν μαρτυρίαις, τῆς τε λεγομένης Σολομῶνος σοφίας, καὶ τῆς Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Σιρὰχ, καὶ τῆς πρὸς Ἑβραίους ἐπιστολῆς, τῆς τε Βαρνάβα καὶ Κλήμεντος καὶ Ἰούδα ### English translation (Claude) In them he also uses testimonies from the disputed writings: the so-called Wisdom of Solomon, the Wisdom of Jesus son of Sirach, the Letter to the Hebrews, and those of Barnabas, Clement, and Jude. ### Extrabiblical texts - Wis (Wisdom of Solomon): allusion, high confidence - Sir (Sirach): allusion, high confidence - Barn. (Epistle of Barnabas): allusion, high confidence - 1 Clem. (1 Clement): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.13.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/13/6/). ## Church History 6.13.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/13/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:256 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement also cites Tatian, Cassian, and Jewish writers who proved Moses older than the Greeks. ### Greek text μνημονεύει τε τοῦ πρὸς Ἕλληνας Τατιανοῦ λόγου, καὶ Κασσιανοῦ ὡς καὶ αὐτοῦ χρονογραφίαν πεποιημένου· ἔτι μὴν Φίλωνος καὶ Ἀριστοβούλου, Ἰωσήπου τε καὶ Δημητρίου καὶ Εὐπολέμου, Ἰουδαίων συγγραφέων, ὡσὰν τούτων ἁπάντων ἐγγράφως πρεσβύτερον τῆς παρʼ Ἕλλησιν ἀρχαιογονίας Μωυσέα τε καὶ τὸ Ἰουδαίων γένος ἀποδειξάντων. ### English translation (Claude) He mentions Tatian's work Against the Greeks, and Cassian as having also composed a chronology; and further Philo, Aristobulus, Josephus, Demetrius, and Eupolemus, Jewish writers, since all of these showed in writing that Moses and the Jewish race were older than the earliest origins of the Greeks. ### Extrabiblical texts - Tatian, Or. Graec. (Oration to the Greeks): allusion, high confidence - Philo (Philo of Alexandria (works)): allusion, medium confidence - Aristobulus, Aristob. (Aristobulus (fragments)): allusion, medium confidence - Josephus (Josephus (works)): allusion, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.13.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/13/7/). ## Church History 6.13.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/13/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:256 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement says he stood close to the apostolic succession and promised a commentary on Genesis. ### Greek text καὶ ἄλλης δὲ πλείστης χρηστομαθείας ἔμπλεοι οἱ δηλούμενοι τυγχάνουσι τοῦ ἀνδρὸς λόγοι, ὧν ἐν τῷ πρώτῳ περὶ ἑαυτοῦ δηλοῖ ὡς ἔγγιστα τῆς τῶν ἀποστόλων γενομένου διαδοχῆς. ὑπισχνεῖται δʼ ἐν αὐτοῖς καὶ εἰς τὴν Γένεσιν ὑπομνηματιεῖσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) The books of the man mentioned are full of much other useful learning. In the first of them he shows about himself that he was very near the succession of the apostles. He also promises in them to write a commentary on Genesis. ### Translation notes - See 5.11.3–5. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.13.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/13/8/). ## Church History 6.13.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/13/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:256–257 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: In On the Pascha Clement recorded traditions of the ancient presbyters and cited Melito and Irenaeus. ### Greek text καὶ ἐν τῷ λόγῳ δὲ αὐτοῦ τῷ περὶ τοῦ πάσχα ἐκβιασθῆναι ὁμολογεῖ πρὸς τῶν ἑταίρων, ἃς ἔτυχε παρὰ τῶν ἀρχαίων πρεσβυτέρων ἀκηκοὼς παραδόσεις, γραφῇ τοῖς μετὰ ταῦτα παραδοῦναι. μέμνηται δὲ ἐν αὐτῷ Μελίτωνος καὶ Εἰρηναίου καί τινων ἑτέρων, ὧν καὶ τὰς διηγήσεις τέθειται. ### English translation (Claude) And in his book On the Pascha he acknowledges that he was urged by his companions to hand down in writing, to those who would come after, the traditions he had heard from the ancient presbyters. In it he mentions Melito and Irenaeus and some others, whose accounts he has also set down. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.13.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/13/9/). ## Church History 6.14.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/14/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:257 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement's Outlines commented on all Scripture, including disputed books such as Jude, Barnabas, and the Apocalypse of Peter. ### Greek text Ἐν δὲ ταῖς Ὑποτυπώσεσι, ξυνελόντα εἰπεῖν, πάσης τῆς ἐνδιαθήκου γραφῆς ἐπιτετμημένας πεποίηται διηγήσεις, μηδὲ τὰς ἀντιλεγομένας παρελθὼν, τὴν Ἰούδα λέγω καὶ τὰς λοιπὰς καθολικὰς ἐπιστολὰς, τήν τε Βαρνάβα καὶ τὴν Πέτρου λεγομένην ἀποκάλυψιν. ### English translation (Claude) In the Outlines, to speak briefly, he has given concise accounts of the whole of canonical Scripture, not passing over even the disputed writings — I mean Jude and the other catholic letters, and Barnabas, and the so-called Apocalypse of Peter. ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Clement, Hyp. (Clement of Alexandria, Hypotyposes (fragments)): allusion, high confidence - Barn. (Epistle of Barnabas): allusion, medium confidence - Apoc. Pet. (Apocalypse of Peter): allusion, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.14.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/14/1/). ## Church History 6.14.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/14/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:257 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement held that Hebrews was Paul's, written in Hebrew and translated by Luke. ### Greek text καὶ τὴν πρὸς Ἑβραίους δὲ ἐπιστολὴν Παύλου μὲν εἶναί φησι, γεγράφθαι δὲ Ἑβραίοις Ἑβραικῇ φωνῇ, Λουκᾶν δὲ φιλοτίμως αὐτὴν μεθερμηνεύσαντα ἐκδοῦναι τοῖς Ἕλλησιν, ὅθεν τὸν αὐτὸν χρῶτα εὑρίσκεσθαι κατὰ τὴν ἑρμηνείαν ταύτης τε τῆς ἐπιστολῆς καὶ τῶν Πραξέων· ### English translation (Claude) He says that the Letter to the Hebrews is Paul's, but was written to the Hebrews in the Hebrew language, and that Luke carefully translated it and published it for the Greeks; hence the same colouring of style is found in the translation of this letter and of the Acts. ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Clement, Hyp. (Clement of Alexandria, Hypotyposes (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Report of Clement, Outlines (lost). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.14.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/14/2/). ## Church History 6.14.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/14/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:257 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Paul omitted his name so as not to repel Hebrews prejudiced against him. ### Greek text μὴ προγεγράφθαι δὲ τὸ “Παῦλος ἀπόστολος”, εἰκότως· Ἑβραίοις γὰρ, φησὶν, ἐπιστέλλων, πρόληψιν εἰληφόσι κατʼ αὐτοῦ καὶ ὑποπτεύουσιν αὐτὸν, συνετῶς πάνυ οὐκ ἐν ἀρχῇ ἀπέτρεψεν αὐτοὺς τὸ ὄνομα θείς ### English translation (Claude) And that the words “Paul an apostle” were naturally not prefixed; for, he says, writing to Hebrews who had formed a prejudice against him and were suspicious of him, he very wisely did not repel them at the beginning by putting his name. ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Clement, Hyp. (Clement of Alexandria, Hypotyposes (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Report of Clement, Outlines. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.14.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/14/3/). ## Church History 6.14.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/14/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:257 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement cites a presbyter: Paul did not call himself apostle of the Hebrews, since the Lord himself was their apostle. ### Greek text εἶτα ὑποβὰς ἐπιλέγει ‘ἤδη δὲ ὡς ὁ μακάριος ἔλεγε πρεσβύτερος, ἐπεὶ ὁ ‘κύριος ἀπόστολος ὢν τοῦ παντοκράτορος ἀπεστάλη ῾πρὸς Ἑβραίους, διὰ μετριότητα ὁ Παῦλος, ὡσὰν εἰς τὰ ἔθνη ἀπεσταλμένος, οὐκ ἐγγράφει ἑαυτὸν Ἑβραίων ἀπόστολον, διά τε τὴν πρὸς τὸν κύριον τιμὴν, διά τε τὸ ἐκ περιουσίας καὶ τοῖς Ἑβραίοις ἐπιστέλλειν, ἐθνῶν κήρυκα ὄντα καὶ ἀπόστολον.” ### English translation (Claude) Then further on he adds: “But now, as the blessed presbyter used to say, since the Lord, being the apostle of the Almighty, was sent to the Hebrews, Paul, out of modesty, as one sent to the Gentiles, does not inscribe himself apostle of the Hebrews, both out of honour for the Lord and because it was a work of supererogation for him to write also to the Hebrews, being herald and apostle of the Gentiles.” ### Scripture references - Heb 3:1: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Clement, Hyp. (Clement of Alexandria, Hypotyposes (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Clement, Outlines, citing “the blessed presbyter” (probably Pantaenus); cf. Heb 3:1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.14.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/14/4/). ## Church History 6.14.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/14/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:257–258 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Clement records the presbyters' tradition that the Gospels with genealogies were written first. ### Greek text αὖθις δʼ ἐν τοῖς αὐτοῖς ὁ Κλήμης βιβλίοις περὶ τῆς τάξεως τῶν εὐαγγελίων παράδοσιν τῶν ἀνέκαθεν πρεσβυτέρων τέθειται, τοῦτον ἔχουσαν τὸν τρόπον· προγε- γράφθαι [ἔλεγεν] τῶν εὐαγγελίων τὰ περιέχοντα τὰς γενεαλογίας, ### English translation (Claude) Again, in the same books Clement has set down a tradition of the presbyters of old about the order of the Gospels, in this manner. He said that the Gospels containing the genealogies were written first, ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Clement, Hyp. (Clement of Alexandria, Hypotyposes (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Report of Clement, Outlines. The Gospels with genealogies are Matthew and Luke. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.14.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/14/5/). ## Church History 6.14.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/14/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:258 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Mark wrote his Gospel at Rome at the request of Peter's hearers. ### Greek text τὸ δὲ κατὰ Μάρκον ταύτην ἐσχηκέναι τὴν οἰκονομίαν. τοῦ Πέτρου δημοσίᾳ ἐν Ῥώμῃ κηρύξαντος τὸν λόγον, καὶ πνεύματι τὸ εὐαγγέλιον ἐξειπόντος, τοὺς παρόντας πολλοὺς ὄντας παρακαλέσαι τὸν Μάρκον, ὡσὰν ἀκολουθήσαντα αὐτῷ πόρρωθεν καὶ μεμνημένον τῶν λεχθέντων, ἀναγράψαι τὰ εἰρημένα· ποιήσαντα δὲ τὸ εὐαγγέλιον μεταδοῦναι τοῖς δεομένοις αὐτοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) and that the Gospel according to Mark had this occasion. When Peter had publicly preached the word in Rome and declared the gospel by the Spirit, those present, who were many, urged Mark, as one who had followed him for a long time and remembered what had been said, to write out what he had said; and having done so he gave the Gospel to those who asked him. ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Clement, Hyp. (Clement of Alexandria, Hypotyposes (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Report of Clement, Outlines. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.14.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/14/6/). ## Church History 6.14.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/14/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:258 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Peter neither forbade nor encouraged Mark's work; John last wrote a “spiritual Gospel.” ### Greek text ὅπερ ἐπιγνόντα τὸν Πέτρον προτρεπτικῶς μήτε κωλῦσαι μήτε προτρέψασθαι, τὸν μέντοι Ἰωάννην ἔσχατον συνιδόντα ὅτι τὰ σωματικὰ ἐν τοῖς εὐαγγελίοις δεδήλωται, προτραπέντα ὑπὸ τῶν γνωρίμων, πνεύματι θεοφορηθέντα, πνευματικὸν ποιῆσαι εὐαγγέλιον. τοσαῦτα ὁ Κλήμης. ### English translation (Claude) When Peter learned of this, he neither actively forbade nor encouraged it. But John, last of all, perceiving that the bodily facts had been set out in the Gospels, urged by his acquaintances and borne along by the Spirit, composed a spiritual Gospel. So much from Clement. ### Extrabiblical texts - Clement of Alexandria, Clement, Hyp. (Clement of Alexandria, Hypotyposes (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Report of Clement, Outlines. Compare 2.15, where Peter is said to have approved Mark's Gospel. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.14.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/14/7/). ## Church History 6.14.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/14/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:258 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Alexander of Jerusalem, writing to Origen, recalls their shared friendship with earlier teachers. ### Greek text πάλιν δʼ ὁ δηλωθεὶς Ἀλέξανδρος τοῦ Κλήμεντος, ἅμα δὲ καὶ τοῦ Πανταίνου ἔν τινι πρὸς Ὠριγένην ἐπιστολῇ μνημονεύει, ὡς δὴ γνωρίμων αὐτῷ γενομένων τῶν ἀνδρῶν. γράφει δὲ οὕτως “τοῦτο γὰρ καὶ θέλημα θεοῦ, ὡς οἶδας, γέγονεν, ἔνα ἡ ἀπὸ προγόνων ἡμῖν “φιλία μένῃ ἄσυλος, μᾶλλον δὲ θερμοτέρα ᾖ καὶ βεβαιοτέρα. ### English translation (Claude) Again the Alexander mentioned, in a letter to Origen, mentions Clement and also Pantaenus as men he had known. He writes thus: “For this, as you know, has been the will of God, that the friendship begun from our forefathers should remain inviolate, or rather become warmer and firmer. ### Translation notes - Quotation from Alexander of Jerusalem, Letter to Origen. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.14.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/14/8/). ## Church History 6.14.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/14/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:258 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Alexander names Pantaenus and Clement as his teachers, through whom he came to know Origen. ### Greek text πατέρας γὰρ ἴσμεν τοὺς μακαρίους ἐκείνους τοὺς προοδεύσαντας, πρὸς οὓς μετʼ ὀλίγον “ἐσόμεθα, Πάνταινον τὸν μακάριον ὡς ἀληθῶς καὶ κύριον, καὶ τὸν ἱερὸν Κλήμεντα κύριόν μου γενό- “μενον καὶ ὠφελήσαντά με, καὶ εἴ τις ἕτερος ῾διʼ ὧν σε ἐγνώρισα τὸν κατὰ πάντα ἄριστον καὶ κύριόν μου καὶ ἀδελφόν.” ### English translation (Claude) For we know as fathers those blessed ones who have gone before, with whom we shall soon be: Pantaenus, truly blessed and my master, and the holy Clement, who was my master and helped me, and any others like them; through whom I came to know you, the best in all things, my master and brother.” ### Translation notes - Quotation from Alexander of Jerusalem, Letter to Origen. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.14.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/14/9/). ## Church History 6.14.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/14/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:258–259 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Origen, also called Adamantius, visited Rome under Zephyrinus to see its ancient church. ### Greek text καὶ ταῦτα μὲν τοιαῦτα. ὁ μέντοι Ἀδαμάντιος, καὶ τοῦτο γὰρ ἦν τῷ Ὠριγένει ὄνομα, Ζεφυρίνου κατὰ τούσδε τοὺς χρόνους τῆς Ῥωμαίων ἐκκλησίας ἡγουμένου ἐπιδημῆσαι τῇ Ῥώμῃ, καὶ αὐτός που γράφει λέγων “εὐξάμενος τὴν ἀρχαιοτάτην Ῥωμαίων ἐκκλησίαν ἰδεῖνʼ’, ἔνθα οὐ πολὺ διατρίψας ἐπάνεισιν εἰς τὴν Ἀλεξάνδρειαν. ### English translation (Claude) So much for this. Adamantius — for this too was Origen's name — when Zephyrinus was leading the church of the Romans at this time, himself writes somewhere that he stayed at Rome, saying, “wishing to see the most ancient church of the Romans.” After a short stay there he returned to Alexandria. ### Translation notes - The quotation is from a lost work of Origen. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.14.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/14/10/). ## Church History 6.14.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/14/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:259 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Back in Alexandria he resumed catechesis at Demetrius's urging. ### Greek text καὶ δὴ τὰ συνήθη τῆς κατηχήσεως ἐνταῦθα μετὰ πάσης ἐπλήρου σπουδῆς, Δημητρίου τῶν τῇδε ἐπισκόπου ἔτι τότε παρορμῶντος αὐτὸν καὶ μονονουχὶ ἀντιβολοῦντος ἀόκνως τὴν εἰς τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς ὠφέλειαν ποιεῖσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) There he fulfilled the usual duties of catechesis with all zeal, Demetrius, bishop there, still urging him at that time and all but begging him to work unweariedly for the benefit of the brothers. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.14.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/14/11/). ## Church History 6.15.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/15/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:259 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Overwhelmed by students, Origen gave the beginners to Heraclas and kept the advanced. ### Greek text Ὁ δʼ ὡς ἑαυτὸν ἑώρα μὴ ἐπαρκοῦντα τῇ τῶν θείων βαθυτέρᾳ σχολῇ, τῇ τε ἐξετάσει καὶ ἑρμηνείαι τῶν ἱερῶν γραμμάτων, καὶ προσέτι τῇ τῶν προσιόντων κατηχήσει, μηδʼ ἀναπνεῦσαι συγχωρούντων αὐτῷ, ἑτέρων ἐφʼ ἑτέροις ἐξ ἕω καὶ μέχρις ἐσπέρας ἐπὶ τὸ παρʼ αὐτῷ διδασκαλεῖον φοιτώντων, διανείμας τὰ πλήθη, τὸν Ἡρακλᾶν τῶν γνωρίμων προκρίνας, ἔν τε τοῖς θείοις σπουδαῖον καὶ ἄλλως ὄντα λογιώτατον ἄνδρα καὶ φιλοσοφίας οὐκ ἄμοιρον, κοινωνὸν καθίστη τῆς κατηχήσεως, τῷ μὲν τὴν πρώτην τῶν ἄρτι στοιχειουμενων εἰσαγωγὴν ἐπιτρέψας, αὐτῷ δὲ τὴν τῶν ἐν ἕξει φυλάξας ἀκρόασιν. ### English translation (Claude) When he saw that he was not equal to the deeper study of divine things, the examination and interpretation of the sacred writings, and also to the catechesis of those who came to him, since they did not allow him even to breathe, one after another coming to his school from morning till evening, he divided the multitude. Choosing Heraclas from among his pupils, a man zealous in divine things, very learned besides, and not without a share of philosophy, he made him his partner in catechesis, entrusting to him the first introduction of beginners and keeping for himself the instruction of the advanced. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.15.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/15/1/). ## Church History 6.16.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/16/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:259 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Origen learned Hebrew and collected the Hebrew text and the Greek versions of Aquila, Symmachus, Theodotion, and others. ### Greek text Τοσαύτη δὲ εἰσήγετο τῷ Ὠριγένει τῶν θείων λόγων ἀπηκριβωμένη ἐξέτασις ὡς καὶ τὴν Ἑβραίδα γλῶτταν ἐκμαθεῖν, τάς τε παρὰ τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις φερομένας πρωτοτύπους αὐτοῖς Ἑβραίων στοιχείοις γραφὰς κτῆμα ἴδιον ποιήσασθαι, ἀνιχνεῦσαί τε τὰς τῶν ἑτέρων παρὰ τοὺς ἑβδομήκοντα τὰς ἱερὰς γραφὰς ἡρμηνευκότων ἐκδόσεις, καί τινας ἑτέρας παρὰ τὰς καθημαξευμένας ἑρμηνείας ἐναλλαττούσας, τὴν Ἀκύλου καὶ Συμμάχου καὶ Θεοδοτίωνος, ἐφευρεῖν, ἃς οὐκ οἶδʼ ὁπόθεν ἔκ τινων μυχῶν τὸν πάλαι λανθανούσας χρόνον εἰς φῶς ἀνιχνεύσας προήγαγεν. ### English translation (Claude) So precise an examination of the divine words was undertaken by Origen that he even learned the Hebrew language and obtained for his own the original Scriptures current among the Jews in the Hebrew letters themselves. He also traced the editions of the others besides the Seventy who had translated the sacred Scriptures, and discovered certain other translations differing from the well-worn versions, those of Aquila, Symmachus, and Theodotion, which, from I know not what hiding places where they had lain hidden for a long time, he tracked down and brought to light. ### Translation notes - Eusebius's wording (“discovered … besides … Aquila, Symmachus, and Theodotion”) is loose; the “other” versions are those described in 6.16.2–3. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.16.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/16/1/). ## Church History 6.16.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/16/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:259–260 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Of two anonymous versions, Origen noted only where he found them. ### Greek text ἐφʼ ὧν διὰ τὴν ἀδηλότητα, τίνος ἄρ εἶεν οὐκ εἰδὼς, αὐτὸ τοῦτο μόνον ἐπεσημήνατο, ὡς ἄρα τὴν μὲν εὕροι ἐν τῇ πρὸς Ἀκτίοις Νικοπόλει, τὴν δὲ ἐν ἑτέρῳ τοιῷδε τόπῳ. ### English translation (Claude) Of these, because of their obscurity, not knowing whose they were, he noted only this: that he found one at Nicopolis near Actium, and another in some other such place. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.16.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/16/2/). ## Church History 6.16.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/16/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:260 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: In the Psalms the Hexapla had fifth, sixth, and seventh versions, one found in a jar at Jericho. ### Greek text ἔν γε μὴν τοῖς ἑξαπλοῖς τῶν ψαλμῶν μετὰ τὰς ἐπισήμους τέσσαρας ἐκδόσεις οὐ μόνον πέμπτην, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἕκτην καὶ ἑβδόμην παραθεὶς ἑρμηνείαν, ἐπὶ μιᾶς αὖθις σεσημείωται ὡς ἐν Ἱεριχοῖ ηὑρημένης ἐν πίθῳ, κατὰ τοὺς χρόνους Ἀντωνίνου τοῦ υἱοῦ Σεβήρου. ### English translation (Claude) In the Hexapla of the Psalms, after the four well-known editions, he placed beside them not only a fifth but also a sixth and a seventh translation, and noted of one of them again that it had been found in a jar at Jericho in the time of Antoninus son of Severus. ### Translation notes - “Antoninus son of Severus” is Caracalla (211–217). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.16.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/16/3/). ## Church History 6.16.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/16/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:260 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Origen arranged the Hebrew and Greek versions in parallel columns in the Hexapla, and four Greek versions in the Tetrapla. ### Greek text ταύτας δὲ ἁπάσας ἐπὶ ταὐτὸν συναγαγὼν, διελών τε πρὸς κῶλον, καὶ ἀντιπαραθεὶς ἀλλήλαις μετὰ καὶ αὐτῆς τῆς Ἑβραίων σημειώσεως, τὰ τῶν λεγομένων ἡμῖν ἑξαπλῶν ἀντίγραφα καταλέλοιπεν, ἰδίως τὴν Ἀκύλου καὶ Συμμάχου καὶ Θεοδοτίωνος ἔκδοσιν ἅμα τῇ τῶν ἑβδομήκοντα ἐν τοῖς τετραπλοῖς ἐπικατασκευάσας. ### English translation (Claude) Bringing all these together, dividing them into clauses and setting them side by side, together with the Hebrew text itself, he left us the copies of the so-called Hexapla; and he prepared separately the edition of Aquila, Symmachus, and Theodotion together with that of the Seventy in the Tetrapla. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.16.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/16/4/). ## Church History 6.17.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/17/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:260 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Symmachus the translator was an Ebionite; Origen received his writings from a woman named Juliana. ### Greek text Τῶν γε μὴν ἑρμηνευτῶν αὐτῶν δὴ τούτων ἰστέον Ἐβιωναῖον τὸν Σύμμαχον γεγονέναι. αἵρεσις δέ ἐστιν ἡ τῶν Ἐβιωναίων οὕτω καλουμένη τῶν τὸν Χριστὸν ἐξ Ἰωσὴφ καὶ Μαρίας γεγονέναι φασκόντων, ψιλόν τε ἄνθρωπον ὑπειληφότων αὐτὸν, καὶ τὸν νόμον χρῆναι Ἰουδαϊκώτερον φυλάττειν ἀπισχυριζομένων, ὥς που καὶ ἐκ τῆς πρόσθεν ἱστορίας ἔγνωμεν. καὶ ὑπομνήματα δὲ τοῦ Συμμάχου εἰσέτι νῦν φέρεται ἐν οἶς δοκεῖ πρὸς τὸ κατὰ Ματθαῖον ἀποτεινόμενος εὐαγγέλιον τὴν δεδηλωμένην αἵρεσιν κρατύνειν. ταῦτα δὲ ὁ Ὠριγένης μετὰ καὶ ἄλλων εἰς τὰς γραφὰς ἑρμηνειῶν τοῦ Συμμάχου σημαίνει παρὰ Ἰουλιανῆς τινος εἰληφέναι, ἣν καί φησι παρʼ αὐτοῦ Συμμάχου τὰς βίβλους διαδέξασθαι. ### English translation (Claude) Of these translators, it should be known that Symmachus was an Ebionite. The heresy called that of the Ebionites is that of those who say that Christ was born of Joseph and Mary, and suppose him a mere man, and insist that the law should be kept in a more Jewish manner, as we have learned somewhere from the earlier history. Commentaries of Symmachus are still extant, in which he seems to support this heresy by attacking the Gospel according to Matthew. Origen indicates that he received these, together with other interpretations of the Scriptures by Symmachus, from a certain Juliana, who, he says, inherited the books from Symmachus himself. ### Translation notes - See 3.27 on the Ebionites. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.17.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/17/1/). ## Church History 6.18.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/18/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:260–261 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Origen won Ambrose from Valentinianism to orthodoxy. ### Greek text Ἐν τούτῳ καὶ Ἀμβρόσιος, τὰ τῆς Οὐαλεντίνου φρονῶν αἱρέσεως, πρὸς τῆς ὑπὸ Ὠριγένους πρεσβευομένης ἀληθείας ἐλεγχθεὶς, καὶ ὡσὰν ὑπὸ φωτὸς καταυγασθεὶς τὴν διάνοιαν, τῷ τῆς ἐκκλησιαστικῆς ὀρθοδοξίας προστίθεται λόγῳ· ### English translation (Claude) At this time Ambrose too, who held the views of the heresy of Valentinus, was refuted by the truth championed by Origen, and, as if his mind had been illuminated by light, attached himself to the orthodox teaching of the church. ### Translation notes - Ambrose later became Origen's patron (6.23). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.18.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/18/1/). ## Church History 6.18.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/18/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:261 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Scholars, heretics, and philosophers flocked to Origen. ### Greek text καὶ ἄλλοι δὲ πλείους τῶν ἀπὸ παιδείας, τῆς περὶ τὸν Ὠριγένην φήμης πανταχόσε βοωμένης, ᾔεσαν ὡς αὐτὸν, πεῖραν τῆς ἐν τοῖς ἱεροῖς λόγοις ἱκανότητος τἀνδρὸς ληψόμενοι· μυρίοι δὲ τῶν αἱρετικῶν, φιλοσόφων τε τῶν μάλιστα ἐπιφανῶν οὐκ ὀλίγοι διὰ σπουδῆς αὐτῷ προσεῖχον, μονονουχὶ πρὸς τοῖς θείοις καὶ τὰ τῆς ἔξωθεν φιλοσοφίας πρὸς αὐτοῦ παιδευόμενοι. ### English translation (Claude) Many others of the learned too, as Origen's fame was proclaimed everywhere, came to him to test the man's skill in the sacred words; and countless heretics, and not a few of the most distinguished philosophers, listened to him eagerly, being instructed by him almost as much in outside philosophy as in divine things. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.18.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/18/2/). ## Church History 6.18.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/18/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:261 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: He taught gifted students the full course of philosophy, winning fame even among pagans. ### Greek text εἰσῆγέ τε γὰρ ὅσους εὐφυῶς ἔχοντας ἑώρα καὶ ἐπὶ τὰ φιλόσοφα μαθήματα, γεωμετρίαν καὶ ἀριθμητικὴν καὶ τὰ ἄλλα προπαιδεύματα παραδιδοὺς, εἴς τε τὰς αἱρέσεις τὰς παρὰ τοῖς φιλοσόφοις προάγων, καὶ τὰ παρὰ τούτοις συγγράμματα διηγούμενος, ὑπομνηματιζόμενοί τε καὶ θεωρῶν εἰς ἕκαστα, ὥστε μέγαν καὶ παρʼ αὐτοῖς Ἕλλησι φιλόσοφον τὸν ἄνδρα κηρύττεσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) For he introduced all whom he saw to be naturally gifted to philosophical studies as well, teaching geometry and arithmetic and the other preliminary subjects, and leading them on to the schools of the philosophers, expounding their writings, commenting on them and examining each, so that the man was proclaimed a great philosopher even among the Greeks themselves. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.18.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/18/3/). ## Church History 6.18.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/18/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:261 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Origen held general learning to be useful preparation for studying Scripture. ### Greek text πολλοὺς δὲ καὶ τῶν ἰδιωτικωτέρων ἐνῆγεν ἐπὶ τὰ ἐγκύκλια γράμματα, οὐ μικρὰν αὐτοῖς ἔσεσθαι φάσκων ἐξ ἐκείνων ἐπιτηδειότητα εἰς τὴν τῶν θείων γραφῶν θεωρίαν τε καὶ παρασκευήν. ὅθεν μάλιστα καὶ ἑαυτῷ ἀναγκαίαν ἡγήσατο τὴν περὶ τὰ κοσμικὰ καὶ φιλόσοφα μαθήματα ἄσκησιν. ### English translation (Claude) Many of the less educated he also led to the ordinary curriculum, saying that they would gain from it no small fitness for the study and preparation for the divine Scriptures. Hence above all he considered training in secular and philosophical studies necessary for himself too. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.18.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/18/4/). ## Church History 6.19.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:261 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Pagan philosophers dedicated works to Origen and sought his judgment. ### Greek text Μάρτυρες δὲ καὶ τῆς περὶ ταῦτα αὐτοῦ κατορθώσεως αὐτῶν Ἑλλήνων οἱ κατʼ αὐτὸν ἠκμακότες φιλόσοφοι, ὧν ἐν συγγράμμασι πολλὴν μνήμην ηὕρομεν τοῦ ἀνδρὸς, τοτὲ μὲν αὐτῷ προσφωνούντων τοὺς ἑαυτῶν λόγους, τοτὲ δὲ ὡς διδασκάλῳ εἰς ἐπίκρισιν τοὺς ἰδίους ἀναφερόντων πόνους. ### English translation (Claude) Witnesses to his success in these matters are the Greek philosophers themselves who flourished in his time, in whose writings we have found frequent mention of the man, sometimes dedicating their own works to him, sometimes submitting their labours to him as to a teacher for judgment. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.19.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/1/). ## Church History 6.19.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:261–262 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Even Porphyry, attacking Scripture, could only slander its interpreters, especially Origen. ### Greek text τί δεῖ ταῦτα λέγειν, ὅτε καὶ ὁ καθʼ ἡμᾶς ἐν Σικελίᾳ καταστὰς Πορφύριος, συγγράμματα καθʼ ἡμῶν ἐνστησάμενος, καὶ διʼ αὐτῶν τὰς θείας γραφὰς διαβάλλειν πεπειραμένος, τῶν τε εἰς αὐτὰς ἐξηγησα- μένων μνημονεύσας, μηδὲν μηδαμῶς φαῦλον ἔγκλημα τοῖς δόγμασιν ἐπιβαλεῖν δυνηθεὶς, ἀπορίᾳ λόγων ἐπὶ τὸ λοιδορεῖν τρέπεται καὶ τοὺς ἐξηγητὰς ἐνδιαβάλλειν, ὧν μάλιστα τὸν Ὠριγένην· ### English translation (Claude) Why need I say this, when even Porphyry, who settled in Sicily in our own time and composed writings against us, trying through them to slander the divine Scriptures, and mentioning those who had interpreted them, being unable to bring any serious charge against the doctrines, for lack of arguments turned to abuse and slandered the interpreters, above all Origen? ### Translation notes - Porphyry's Against the Christians (15 books, late 3rd century) survives only in fragments. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.19.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/2/). ## Church History 6.19.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:262 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Porphyry, who knew Origen in youth, unwittingly commends him while mixing truth and lies. ### Greek text ὃν κατὰ τὴν νέαν ἡλικίαν ἐγνωκέναι φήσας διαβάλλειν μὲν πειρᾶται, συνιστῶν δὲ ἄρα τὸν ἄνδρα ἐλάνθανε, τὰ μὲν ἐπαληθεύων, ἐν οἶς οὐδʼ ἑτέρως αὐτῷ λέγειν ἦν δυνατὸν, τὰ δὲ καὶ ψευδόμενος, ἐν οἷς λήσεσθαι ἐνόμιζε, καὶ τοτὲ μὲν ὡς Χριστιανοῦ κατηγορῶν, τοτὲ δὲ τὴν περὶ τὰ φιλόσοφα μαθήματα ἐπίδοσιν αὐτοῦ διαγράφων. ### English translation (Claude) He says he knew him in his youth and tries to slander him, but without realizing it he actually commends the man, telling the truth where he could not speak otherwise, and lying where he thought he would escape detection; now accusing him as a Christian, now describing his proficiency in philosophical studies. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.19.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/3/). ## Church History 6.19.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:262 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Porphyry: Christians rescue the Jewish Scriptures by turning their plain sense into allegorical mysteries. ### Greek text ἄκουε δʼ οὖν ἅ φησι κατὰ λέξιν “τῆς δὴ “μοχθηρίας τῶν Ἰουδαϊκῶν γραφῶν οὐκ ἀπόστασιν, “λύσιν δέ τινες εὑρεῖν προθυμηθέντες, ἐπʼ ἐξηγή- ‘σεις ἐτράποντο ἀσυγκλώστους καὶ ἀναρμόστους τοῖς “γεγραμμένοις, οὐκ ἀπολογίαν μᾶλλον ὑπὲρ τῶν “ὀθνείων, παραδοχὴν δὲ καὶ ἔπαινον τοῖς οἰκείοις ‘φερούσας. αἰνίγματα γὰρ τὰ φανερῶς παρὰ Μωυσεῖ ῾λεγόμενα εἶναι κομπάσαντες, καὶ ἐπιθειάσαντες ὡς θεσπίσματα πλήρη κρυφίων μυστηρίων, διά τε τοῦ “τύφου τὸ κριτικὸν τῆς ψυχῆς καταγοητεύσαντες, ἐπάγουσιν ἐξηγήσεις.” ### English translation (Claude) Hear, then, what he says word for word: “Some, eager to find not a way of abandoning the wretchedness of the Jewish Scriptures but a solution of it, turned to interpretations incoherent and inconsistent with what is written, which offer not so much a defence of the foreign as acceptance and praise of their own. For boasting that the things said plainly by Moses are riddles, and treating them as divine oracles full of hidden mysteries, and bewitching the critical faculty of the soul by their conceit, they bring in interpretations.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Porphyry, Porphyry, Chr. (Porphyry, Against the Christians (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Porphyry, Against the Christians, Book 3 (to 6.19.8). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.19.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/4/). ## Church History 6.19.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:262 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Porphyry takes Origen, whom he met as a youth, as his example. ### Greek text εἶτα μεθʼ ἕτερά φησιν ὁ δὲ τρόπος τῆς ἀτοπίας ἐξ ἀνδρὸς, ᾧ κἀγὼ κομιδῆ “νέος ὢν ἔτι ἐντετύχηκα, σφόδρα εὐδοκιμήσαντος καὶ ἔτι διʼ ὧν καταλέλοιπε συγγραμμάτων εὐδοκιμοῦν “τος, παρειλήφθω Ὠριγένους, οὗ κλέος παρὰ τοῖς διδασκάλοις τούτων τῶν λόγων μέγα διαδέδοται. ### English translation (Claude) Then after other things he says: “Let the manner of this absurdity be taken from a man whom I too met when I was still quite young, who was held in great esteem and is still esteemed through the writings he left: Origen, whose fame has spread widely among the teachers of these doctrines. ### Extrabiblical texts - Porphyry, Porphyry, Chr. (Porphyry, Against the Christians (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Porphyry, Against the Christians. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.19.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/5/). ## Church History 6.19.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:262 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Porphyry: Origen studied with the philosopher Ammonius but chose the opposite way of life. ### Greek text ἀκροατὴς γὰρ οὗτʼ ὃς Ἀμμωνίου τοῦ πλείστην ἐν τοῖς καθʼ ἡμὰς χρόνοις ἐπίδοσιν ἐν φιλοσοφίᾳ ἐσχη- “κότος γεγονὼς, εἰς μὲν τὴν τῶν λόγων ἐμπειρίαν “πολλὴν παρὰ τοῦ διδασκάλου τὴν ὠφέλειαν ἐκτήσατο, εἰς δὲ τὴν ὀρθὴν τοῦ βίου προαίρεσιν τὴν ἐναντίαν ἐκείνῳ πορείαν ἐποιήσατο. ### English translation (Claude) For this man, having been a hearer of Ammonius, who had made the greatest progress in philosophy in our times, gained much benefit from his teacher toward skill in reasoning; but as to the right choice of life he took the opposite course to him. ### Extrabiblical texts - Porphyry, Porphyry, Chr. (Porphyry, Against the Christians (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Porphyry, Against the Christians. Ammonius Saccas was also Plotinus's teacher. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.19.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/6/). ## Church History 6.19.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:262–263 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Porphyry claims Ammonius left Christianity for philosophy while Origen, a Greek, turned Christian but thought like a Greek. ### Greek text Ἀμμώνιος “μὲν γὰρ Χριστιανὸς ἐν Χριστιανοῖς ἀνατραφεὶς τοῖς “γονεῦσιν, ὅτε τοῦ φρονεῖν καὶ τῆς φιλοσοφίας ἥψατο, “εὐθὺς πρὸς τὴν κατὰ νόμους πολιτείαν μετεβάλετο, “Ὠριγένης δὲ Ἕλλὴν ἐν Ἕλλησι παιδευθεὶς λόγοις “πρὸς τὸ βάρβαρον ἐξώκειλε τόλμημα· ᾧ δὴ φέρων “αὑτόν τε καὶ τὴν ἐν τοῖς λόγοις ἕξιν ἐκαπήλευσε, “κατὰ μὲν τὸν βίον Χριστιανῶς ζῶν καὶ παρανόμως, “κατὰ δὲ τὰς περὶ τῶν πραγμάτων καὶ τοῦ θείου “δόξας ἑλληνίζων καὶ τὰ Ἑλλήνων τοῖς ὀθνείοις ὑπο- “βαλλόμενος μύθοις. ### English translation (Claude) For Ammonius, a Christian brought up among Christians by his parents, when he began to think and to philosophize, at once changed to a life in accordance with the laws; but Origen, a Greek educated in Greek learning, ran aground on the barbarian recklessness; carrying himself and his skill in reasoning to it, he peddled them, living as a Christian and unlawfully in his manner of life, but in his opinions about things and about the divine acting like a Greek and foisting Greek ideas on foreign fables. ### Extrabiblical texts - Porphyry, Porphyry, Chr. (Porphyry, Against the Christians (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Porphyry, Against the Christians. Eusebius disputes both claims (6.19.9–10). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.19.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/7/). ## Church History 6.19.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:263 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Porphyry: Origen read Plato and the Pythagoreans and borrowed Stoic allegory for the Jewish Scriptures. ### Greek text συνῆν τε γὰρ ἀεὶ τῷ Πλά- “τωνι, τοῖς τε Νουμηνίου καὶ Κρονίου, Ἀπολλοφά- “νους τε καὶ Λογγίνου καὶ Μοδεράτου Νικομάχου τε “καὶ τῶν ἐν τοῖς Πυθαγορείοις ἐλλογίμων ἀνδρῶν “ὡμίλει συγγράμμασιν· ἐχρῆτο δὲ καὶ Χαιρήμονος “τοῦ Στωϊκοῦ, Κορνούτου τε ταῖς βίβλοις, παρʼ ὧν “τὸν μεταληπτικὸν τῶν παρʼ Ἕλλησι μυστηρίων γνοὺς “τρόπον ταῖς Ἰουδαικαῖς προσῆψε γραφαῖς.” ### English translation (Claude) For he was always consorting with Plato, and was conversant with the writings of Numenius and Cronius, Apollophanes and Longinus and Moderatus, Nicomachus and the eminent men among the Pythagoreans; and he used the books of Chaeremon the Stoic and of Cornutus, from whom he learned the allegorical method of the Greek mysteries and applied it to the Jewish Scriptures.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Plato (Plato (works)): allusion, medium confidence - Numenius (Numenius of Apamea): allusion, medium confidence - Porphyry, Porphyry, Chr. (Porphyry, Against the Christians (fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Porphyry, Against the Christians. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.19.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/8/). ## Church History 6.19.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:263 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius: Porphyry is right about Origen's learning but lies about his and Ammonius's religion. ### Greek text ταῦτα τῷ Πορφυρίῳ κατὰ τὸ τρίτον σύγγραμμα τῶν γραφέντων αὐτῷ κατὰ Χριστιανῶν εἴρηται, ἐπαληθεύσαντι μὲν περὶ τῆς τἀνδρὸς ἀσκήσεως καὶ πολυμαθείας, ψευσαμένῳ δὲ σαφῶς (τί γὰρ οὐκ ἔμελλεν ὁ κατὰ Χριστιανῶν;) ἐν οἷς αὐτὸν μὲν ἐξ Ἑλλήνων φησὶν μετατεθεῖσθαι, τὸν δʼ Ἀμμώνιον ἐκ βίου τοῦ κατὰ τὴν θεοσέβειαν ἐπὶ τὸν ἐθνικὸν τρόπον ἐκπεσεῖν. ### English translation (Claude) These things are said by Porphyry in the third book of the work he wrote against Christians. He tells the truth about the man's training and learning, but clearly lies (for what would an opponent of Christians not do?) where he says that Origen had come over from the Greeks, and that Ammonius fell away from a life of piety to pagan ways. ### Extrabiblical texts - Porphyry, Porphyry, Chr. (Porphyry, Against the Christians (fragments)): allusion, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.19.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/9/). ## Church History 6.19.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:263–264 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius: Origen was Christian from birth, and Ammonius remained Christian, as his writings show. ### Greek text τῷ τε γὰρ Ὠριγένει τὰ τῆς κατὰ Χριστὸν διδασκαλίας ἐκ προγόνων ἐσώζετο, ὡς καὶ τὰ τῆς πρόσθεν ἱστορίας ἐδήλου, τῷ τε Ἀμμωνίῳ τὰ τῆς ἐνθέου φιλοσοφίας ἀκέραια καὶ ἀδιάπτωτα καὶ μέχρις ἐσχάτης τοῦ βίου διέμενε τελευτῆς, ὥς που καὶ οἱ τἀνδρὸς εἰσέτι νῦν μαρτυροῦσι πόνοι, διʼ ὧν κατέλιπε συγγραμμάτων παρὰ τοῖς πλείστοις εὐδοκιμοῦντος· ὥσπερ οὖν καὶ ὁ ἐπιγεγραμμένος περὶ τῆς Μωυ- σέως καὶ Ἰησοῦ συμφωνίας, καὶ ὅσοι ἄλλοι παρὰ τὸ φιλοκάλοις ηὕρηνται. ### English translation (Claude) For Origen preserved the Christian teaching from his forebears, as the preceding history showed; and Ammonius kept his inspired philosophy pure and unshaken to the very end of his life, as the man's labours still testify, through the writings he left, which are esteemed by most — such as the one entitled On the Agreement of Moses and Jesus, and all the others found among lovers of learning. ### Translation notes - Eusebius probably confuses Ammonius Saccas with a Christian writer Ammonius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.19.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/10/). ## Church History 6.19.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:264 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius introduces Origen's own defence of his Greek studies. ### Greek text ταῦτα μὲν οὖν εἰς παράστασιν κείσθω τῆς τε τοῦ ψευδηγόρου συκοφαντίας καὶ τῆς Ὠριγένους καὶ περὶ τὰ Ἑλλήνων μαθήματα πολυπειρίας, περὶ ἧς πρός τινας μεμψαμένους αὐτῷ διὰ τὴν περὶ ἐκεῖνα σπουδὴν ἀπολογούμενος ἐν ἐπιστολῇ τινι ταῦτα γράφει ### English translation (Claude) Let this be set down to show both the slander of the liar and Origen's wide experience in Greek learning, about which, defending himself to some who blamed him for his zeal for it, he writes this in a letter: ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.19.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/11/). ## Church History 6.19.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:264 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Origen: because heretics and philosophers came to him, he studied their teachings. ### Greek text “ἐπεὶ δὲ ἀνακειμένῳ μοι τῷ λόγῳ, τῆς φήμης διατρεχούσης περὶ τῆς ἕξεως ἡμῶν, προσῄεσαν ὁτὲ μὲν αἱρετικοὶ, ὁτὲ δὲ οἱ ἀπὸ τῶν Ἑλληνικῶν μαθημάτων, καὶ μάλιστα τῶν ἐν φιλοσοφίᾳ, ἔδοξεν ἐξετάσαι τά τε τῶν αἱρετικῶν δόγματα καὶ τὰ τῶν φιλοσόφων περὶ ἀληθείας λέγειν ἐπαγγελλόμενα. ### English translation (Claude) “When I was devoted to the word, and the report of my proficiency was spreading, and heretics came to me, and sometimes those from Greek studies, especially those in philosophy, it seemed good to examine the doctrines of the heretics and what the philosophers profess to say about truth. ### Translation notes - Quotation from a lost letter of Origen (to 6.19.14). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.19.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/12/). ## Church History 6.19.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:264 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: He followed the example of Pantaenus and Heraclas, who had also studied philosophy. ### Greek text τοῦτο δὲ πεποιήκαμεν μιμησάμενοί τε τὸν πρὸ ἡμῶν πολλοὺς ὠφελήσαντα Πάνταινον, οὐκ ὀλίγην ἐν ἐκείνοις ἐσχηκότα παρασκευὴν, καὶ τὸν νῦν ἐν τῷ πρεσβυτερίῳ καθεζόμενον Ἀλεξανδρέων Ἡρακλᾶν, ὅντινα ηὗρον παρὰ τῷ διδασκάλῳ τῶν φιλοσόφων μαθημάτων, ἤδη πέντε ἔτεσιν αὐτῷ προσκαρτερήσαντα, πρὶν ἢ ἐμὲ ἄρξασθαι ἀκούειν ἐκείνων τῶν λόγων. ### English translation (Claude) We did this imitating Pantaenus, who before us benefited many and had no small preparation in these matters, and Heraclas, who now sits in the presbytery of the Alexandrians, whom I found with the teacher of philosophical studies, having already persevered with him five years before I began to hear those lectures. ### Translation notes - Quotation from a letter of Origen. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.19.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/13/). ## Church History 6.19.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:264 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Heraclas even wore the philosopher's cloak and read Greek books. ### Greek text διὸ καὶ πρότερον κοινῇ ἐσθῆτι χρώμενος, ἀποδυσάμενος καὶ φιλόσοφον ἀναλαβὼν σχῆμα, μέχρι τοῦ δεῦρο τηρεῖ, ‘βιβλία τε Ἑλλήνων κατὰ δύναμιν οὐ παύεται φιλολογῶν.” καὶ ταῦτα μὲν αὐτῷ περὶ τῆς Ἑλληνικῆς ἀσκήσεως ἀπολογουμένῳ εἴρηται. ### English translation (Claude) Hence, though he formerly wore ordinary dress, he put it off and took up the philosopher's garb, which he keeps to this day, and he does not cease studying the books of the Greeks as far as he can.” This is what he said in defence of his Greek training. ### Translation notes - Quotation from a letter of Origen. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.19.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/14/). ## Church History 6.19.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:264–265 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The governor of Arabia summoned Origen to confer with him, and he returned soon after. ### Greek text κατὰ τοῦτον δὲ τὸν χρόνον ἐπʼ Ἀλεξανδρείας αὐτῷ τὰς διατριβὰς ποιουμένῳ ἐπιστάς τις τῶν στρατιωτικῶν ἀνεδίδου γράμματα, Δημητρίῳ τε τῷ τῆς παροικίας ἐπισκόπῳ καὶ τῷ τότε τῆς Αἰγύπτου ἐπάρχῳ παρὰ τοῦ τῆς Ἀραβίας ἡγουμένου, ὡς ἂν μετὰ σπουδῆς ἁπάσης τὸν Ὠριγένην πέμψοιεν κοινωνήσοντα λόγων αὐτῷ. τοιγαροῦν προπεμφθεὶς ὑπʼ αὐτῶν ἀφικνεῖται ἐπὶ τὴν Ἀραβίαν. οὐκ εἰς μακρὸν δὲ τὰ τῆς ἀφίξεως εἰς πέρας ἀγαγὼν αὖθις ἐπὶ τὴν Ἀλεξάνδρειαν ἐπανῄει. ### English translation (Claude) At this time, while he was teaching at Alexandria, a soldier arrived and delivered letters to Demetrius, bishop of the community, and to the then prefect of Egypt, from the governor of Arabia, asking them to send Origen with all speed to confer with him. So, sent off by them, he went to Arabia. Soon, having accomplished the purpose of his visit, he returned to Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.19.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/15/). ## Church History 6.19.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/16/ - Source: Dindorf 4:265 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Fleeing trouble in Alexandria, Origen went to Caesarea, where the bishops had him preach though he was a layman. ### Greek text χρόνου δὲ μεταξὺ διαγενομένου, οὐ σμικροῦ κατὰ τὴν πόλιν ἀναρριπισθέντος πολέμου, ὑπεξελθὼν τῆς Ἀλεξανδρείας, καὶ μηδὲ τὰς κατʼ Αἴγυπτον διατριβὰς ἀσφαλεῖς ἑαυτῷ ἡγούμενος, ἐλθὼν ἐπὶ Παλαιστίνης, ἐν Καισαρείᾳ τὰς διατριβὰς ἐποιεῖτο, ἔνθα καὶ διαλέγεσθαι τάς τε θείας ἑρμηνεύειν γραφὰς ἐπὶ τοῦ κοινοῦ τῆς ἐκκλησίας οἱ τῇδε ἐπίσκοποι, καίτοι τῆς τοῦ πρεσβυτερίου χειροτονίας οὐδέπω τετυχηκότα αὐτὸν ἠξίουν. ### English translation (Claude) Some time later, when no small war had broken out in the city, he left Alexandria secretly and, thinking that not even residence in Egypt was safe for him, went to Palestine and stayed at Caesarea. There the bishops of the region asked him to discourse and to interpret the divine Scriptures publicly in the church, although he had not yet received ordination as presbyter. ### Translation notes - The trouble is Caracalla's massacre at Alexandria (215). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.19.16 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/16/). ## Church History 6.19.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/17/ - Source: Dindorf 4:265 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The bishops answered Demetrius's protest that laymen never preached before bishops. ### Greek text ὃ καὶ αὐτὸ γένοιτʼ ἂν ἔκδηλον ἀφʼ ὧν περὶ τούτου Δημητρίῳ γράφοντες Ἀλέξανδρος ὁ Ἱεροσολύμων ἐπίσκοπος καὶ Θεόκτιστος ὁ Καισαρείας ὧδέ πως ἀπολογοῦνται “προσέθηκε δὲ “τοῖς γράμμασιν ὅτι τοῦτο οὐδέποτε ἠκούσθη οὐδὲ ῾νῦν γεγένηται, τὸ παρόντων ἐπισκόπων λαικοὺς “ὁμιλεῖν, οὐκ οἶδʼ ὅπως προφανῶς οὐκ ἀληθῆ λέγων. “ ### English translation (Claude) This is evident from what Alexander, bishop of Jerusalem, and Theoctistus of Caesarea wrote to Demetrius on the matter, defending themselves somewhat thus: “He added in his letter that such a thing has never been heard of nor has now happened, that laymen should preach in the presence of bishops — in which, I do not know how, he says what is plainly not true. ### Translation notes - Quotation from the letter of Alexander of Jerusalem and Theoctistus of Caesarea to Demetrius (to 6.19.18). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.19.17 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/17/). ## Church History 6.19.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/18/ - Source: Dindorf 4:265 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: They cited other laymen invited to preach, showing how Origen was honoured by bishops abroad. ### Greek text ὅπου γοῦν εὑρίσκονται οἶ ἐπιτήδειοι πρὸς τὸ ῾ὠφελεῖν τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς, καὶ παρακαλοῦνται τῷ λαῷ προσομιλεῖν ὑπὸ τῶν ἁγίων ἐπισκόπων, ὥσπερ ἐν Λαράνδοις Εὔελπις ὑπὸ Νέωνος, καὶ ἐν Ἰκονίῳ “Παυλῖνος ὑπὸ Κέλσου, καὶ ἐν Συννάδοις Θεόδωρος ὑπὸ Ἀττικοῦ τῶν μακαρίων ἀδελφῶν. εἰκὸς δὲ καὶ “ἐν ἄλλοις τόποις τοῦτο γίνεσθαι, ἡμᾶς δὲ μὴ εἰδέναι.” τοῦτον καὶ ἔτι νέος ὢν ὁ δηλούμενος ἀνὴρ οὐ πρὸς μόνων τῶν συνήθων, ἀλλὰ καὶ τῶν ἐπὶ ξένης ἐπισκόπων ἐτιμᾶτο τὸν τρόπον. ### English translation (Claude) For wherever there are found those fit to help the brothers, they are invited by the holy bishops to address the people, as at Laranda Euelpis by Neon, at Iconium Paulinus by Celsus, and at Synnada Theodore by Atticus, our blessed brothers. It is likely that this happens in other places too, though we do not know it.” In this way the man in question was honoured, while still young, not only by those who knew him but also by bishops in foreign lands. ### Translation notes - Quotation from the letter of Alexander and Theoctistus. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.19.18 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/18/). ## Church History 6.19.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/19/ - Source: Dindorf 4:265 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Demetrius recalled Origen, who returned to his work. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ γὰρ αὖθις τοῦ Δημητρίου διὰ γραμμάτων αὐτὸν ἀνακαλέσαντος, διʼ ἀνδρῶν τε διακόνων τῆς ἐκκλησίας ἐπισπεύσαντος ἐπανελθεῖν εἰς τὴν Ἀλεξάνδρειαν, ἀφικόμενος τὰς συνήθεις ἀπετέλει σπουδάς. ### English translation (Claude) But when Demetrius again recalled him by letter and urged him through deacons of the church to return to Alexandria, he came back and carried on his usual labours. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.19.19 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/19/19/). ## Church History 6.20.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/20/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:265–266 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Letters of learned churchmen were preserved in Alexander's library at Jerusalem, a source for Eusebius. ### Greek text Ἤκμαζον δὲ κατὰ τοῦτο πλείους λόγιοι καὶ ἐκκλησιαστικοὶ ἄνδρες, ὧν καὶ ἐπιστολὰς ἃς πρὸς ἀλλήλους διεχάραττον ἔτι νῦν σωζομένας εὑρεῖν εὔπορον, αἳ καὶ εἰς ἡμᾶς ἐφυλάχθησαν ἐν τῇ κατὰ Αἰλίαν βιβλιοθήκῃ, πρὸς τοῦ τηνικάδε τὴν αὐτόθι διέποντος ἐκκλησίαν Ἀλεξάνδρου ἐπισκευασθείσῃ, ἀφʼ ἧς καὶ αὐτοὶ τὰς ὕλας τῆς μετὰ χεῖρας ὑποθέσεως ἐπὶ ταὐτὸ συναγαγεῖν δεδυνήμεθα. ### English translation (Claude) At this time many learned churchmen flourished, whose letters to one another are easily found still preserved. They have been kept even to our time in the library at Aelia, equipped by Alexander, who then governed the church there, from which we too have been able to gather the materials for the present work. ### Translation notes - Aelia (Aelia Capitolina) is Jerusalem. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.20.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/20/1/). ## Church History 6.20.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/20/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:266 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Beryllus of Bostra and Hippolytus, a bishop, left writings. ### Greek text τούτων Βήρυλλος σὺν ἐπιστολαῖς καὶ συγγράμμασι διαφόρους φιλοκαλίας καταλέλοιπεν. ἐπίσκοπος δʼ οὗτος ἦν τῶν κατὰ Βόστραν Ἀράβων· ὡσαύτως δὲ καὶ Ἱππόλυτος, ἑτέρας που καὶ αὐτὸς προεστὼς ἐκκλησίας. ### English translation (Claude) Of these, Beryllus has left various fine works along with letters. He was bishop of the Arabians at Bostra. Likewise Hippolytus, who was himself head of another church somewhere. ### Translation notes - Eusebius does not know Hippolytus's see. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.20.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/20/2/). ## Church History 6.20.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/20/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:266 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Gaius of Rome, arguing against a Montanist, counted only thirteen letters of Paul, excluding Hebrews. ### Greek text ἦλθε δὲ εἰς ἡμᾶς καὶ Γαίου λογιωτάτου ἀνδρὸς διάλογος, ἐπὶ Ῥώμης κατὰ Ζεφυρῖνον πρὸς Πρόκλον τῆς κατὰ Φρύγας αἱρέσεως ὑπερμαχοῦντα κεκινημένος, ἐν ᾧ τῶν διʼ ἐναντίας τὴν περὶ τὸ συντάττειν καινὰς γραφὰς προπέτειάν τε καὶ τόλμαν ἐπιστομίζων τῶν τοῦ ἱεροῦ ἀποστόλου δεκατριῶν μόνων ἐπιστολῶν μνημονεύει, τὴν πρὸς Εβραίους μὴ συναριθμήσας ταῖς λοιπαῖς, ἐπεὶ καὶ εἰς δεῦρο παρὰ Ῥωμαίων τισὶν οὐ νομίζεται τοῦ ἀποστόλου τυγχάνειν. ### English translation (Claude) There has also come to us a dialogue of Gaius, a very learned man, held at Rome in the time of Zephyrinus with Proclus, a champion of the Phrygian heresy. In it, curbing the rashness and daring of his opponents in composing new scriptures, he mentions only thirteen letters of the holy apostle, not counting the one to the Hebrews with the rest; for even to this day it is not considered to be the apostle's by some of the Romans. ### Extrabiblical texts - Gaius of Rome, Gaius, Dial. Procl. (Gaius of Rome, Gaius, Dialogue with Proclus (fragments)): allusion, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.20.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/20/3/). ## Church History 6.21.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/21/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:266 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: After Caracalla and Macrinus came Elagabalus; Zephyrinus of Rome died after eighteen years. ### Greek text Ἀλλὰ γὰρ Ἀντωνῖνον ἔτη βασιλεύσαντα ἑπτὰ καὶ μήνας ἓξ Μακρῖνος διαδέχεται. τούτου δʼ ἐπʼ ἐνιαυτὸν διαγενομένου αὖθις ἕτερος Ἀντωνῖνος τὴν Ῥωμαίων ἡγεμονίαν παραλαμβάνει, οὗ κατὰ τὸ πρῶτον ἔτος ὁ Ῥωμαίων ἐπίσκοπος Ζεφυρῖνος μεταλλάττει τὸν βίον, ὅλοις ὀκτωκαίδεκα διακατασχὼν ἔτεσι τὴν λειτουργίαν. ### English translation (Claude) Antoninus, having reigned seven years and six months, was succeeded by Macrinus. When he had lasted one year, another Antoninus received the government of the Romans. In his first year Zephyrinus, bishop of the Romans, departed this life, having held the ministry for eighteen full years. ### Translation notes - The second “Antoninus” is Elagabalus (218). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.21.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/21/1/). ## Church History 6.21.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/21/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:266–267 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Callistus and then Urban were bishops of Rome; Alexander Severus became emperor; Philetus became bishop of Antioch. ### Greek text μεθʼ ὃν Κάλλιστος τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν ἐγχειρίζεται, ὃς ἐπιβιώσας ἔτεσιν πέντε Οὐρβανῷ τὴν λειτουργίαν καταλείπει. αὐτοκράτωρ Ἀλέξανδρος ἐπὶ τούτοις διαδέχεται τὴν Ῥωμαίων ἀρχὴν, ἐπὶ τέτταρσι μόνοις ἔτεσιν Ἀντωνίνου διαγενομένου. ἐν τούτῳ δὲ καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς Ἀντιοχέων ἐκκλησίας Ἀσκληπιάδην Φιλητὸς διαδέχεται. ### English translation (Claude) After him Callistus was entrusted with the episcopate; he survived five years and left the ministry to Urban. After these, the emperor Alexander succeeded to the rule of the Romans, Antoninus having lasted only four years. At this time Philetus succeeded Asclepiades in the church of the Antiochenes. ### Translation notes - The digital text spells the Antiochene bishop Θιλητὸς; 6.23.3 has Φιλητόν. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.21.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/21/2/). ## Church History 6.21.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/21/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:267 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The emperor's devout mother Mamaea wished to meet Origen. ### Greek text τοῦ δὲ αὐτοκράτορος μήτηρ, Μαμμαία τοὔνομα, γυνὴ θεοσεβεστάτη εἰ καί τις ἄλλη γεγονυῖα καὶ εὐλαβὴς τὸν τρόπον, τῆς Ὠριγένους πανταχόσε βοωμένης φήμης, ὡς καὶ μέχρι τῶν αὐτῆς ἐλθεῖν ἀκοῶν, περὶ πολλοῦ ποιεῖται τῆς τοῦ ἀνδρὸς θέας ἀξιωθῆναι, καὶ τῆς ὑπὸ πάντων θαυμαζομένης περὶ τὰ θεῖα συνέσεως αὐτοῦ πεῖραν λαβεῖν. ### English translation (Claude) The emperor's mother, named Mamaea, a most pious woman if ever there was one and of devout character, when the fame of Origen was proclaimed everywhere so that it reached even her ears, set great store on being deemed worthy to see the man and to test his understanding of divine things, admired by all. ### Translation notes - Whether Julia Mamaea was a Christian is uncertain; Eusebius calls her pious. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.21.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/21/3/). ## Church History 6.21.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/21/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:267 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Mamaea summoned Origen to Antioch, where he taught her before returning. ### Greek text ἐπʼ Ἀντιοχείας δῆτα διατρίβουσα μετὰ στρατιωτικῆς δορυφορίας αὐτὸν ἀνακαλεῖται. παρʼ ᾗ χρόνον διατρίψας, πλεῖστά τε ὅσα εἰς τὴν τοῦ κυρίου δόξαν καὶ τῆς τοῦ θείου διδασκαλείου ἀρετῆς ἐπιδειξάμενος, ἐπὶ τὰς συνήθεις ἔσπευδε διατριβάς. ### English translation (Claude) So, while staying at Antioch, she summoned him with a military escort. He stayed with her some time, displayed very many things for the glory of the Lord and the excellence of the divine teaching, and hastened back to his usual work. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.21.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/21/4/). ## Church History 6.22.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/22/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:267 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius lists Hippolytus's works, including an Easter cycle and Against All the Heresies. ### Greek text Τότε δῆτα καὶ Ἱππόλυτος συντάττων μετὰ πλείστων ἄλλων ὑπομνημάτων καὶ τὸ περὶ τοῦ πάσχα πεποίηται σύγγραμμα, ἐν ᾧ τῶν χρόνων ἀναγραφὴν ἐκθέμενος, καί τινα κανόνα ἑκκαιδεκαετηρίδος περὶ τοῦ πάσχα προθεὶς, ἐπὶ τὸ πρῶτον ἔτος Ἀλεξάνδρου αὐτοκράτορος τοὺς χρόνους περιγράφει. τῶν δὲ λοιπῶν αὐτοῦ συγγραμμάτων τὰ εἰς ἡμᾶς ἐλθόντα ἐστὶ τάδε· εἰς τὴν ἑξαήμερον, εἰς τὰ μετὰ τὴν ἑξαήμερον, πρὸς Μαρκίωνα, εἰς τὸ ᾆσμα, εἰς μέρη τοῦ Ἰεζεκιὴλ, περὶ τοῦ πάσχα, πρὸς ἁπάσας τὰς αἱρέσεις· πλεῖστά τε ἄλλα καὶ παρὰ πολλοῖς εὕροις ἂν σωζόμενα. ### English translation (Claude) At that time Hippolytus too, among very many other works, composed the treatise On the Pascha, in which he set out a record of the dates and put forward a sixteen-year cycle for the Pascha, bringing the dates down to the first year of the emperor Alexander. Of his other writings those that have reached us are these: On the Hexaemeron, On What Follows the Hexaemeron, Against Marcion, On the Song, On Parts of Ezekiel, On the Pascha, Against All the Heresies; and you may find very many others preserved by many. ### Extrabiblical texts - Hippolytus, Haer. (Refutation of All Heresies): allusion, low confidence ### Translation notes - The digital text repeats the syllables λυτὸς. Whether “Against All the Heresies” is the Refutation on this site is disputed. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.22.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/22/1/). ## Church History 6.23.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/23/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:267 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: With Ambrose's encouragement and money, Origen began his commentaries on Scripture. ### Greek text Ἐξ ἐκείνου δὲ καὶ Ὠριγένει τῶν εἰς τὰς θείας γραφὰς ὑπομνημάτων ἐγίνετο ἀρχὴ, Ἀμβροσίου εἰς τὰ μάλιστα παρορμῶντος αὐτὸν μυρίαις ὁσαισοῦν προτροπαῖς, οὐ ταῖς διὰ λόγων καὶ παρακλήσεσιν αὐτὸ μόνον, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἀφθονωτάταις τῶν ἐπιτηδείων χορηγίαις. ### English translation (Claude) From that time Origen too began his commentaries on the divine Scriptures, Ambrose urging him on above all with countless exhortations, not only in words and entreaties but also with most abundant supplies of what was needed. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.23.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/23/1/). ## Church History 6.23.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/23/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:267–268 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Ambrose paid for teams of stenographers, copyists, and women calligraphers to produce Origen's works. ### Greek text ταχυγράφοι γὰρ αὐτῷ πλείους ἢ ἑπτὰ τὸν ἀριθμὸν παρῆσαν ὑπαγορεύοντι, χρόνοις τεταγμένοις ἀλλήλους ἀμείβοντες· βιβλιογράφοι τε οὐχ ἥττους, ἅμα καὶ κόραις ἐπὶ τὸ καλλιγραφεῖν ἠσκημέναις· ὣν ἀπάντων τὴν δέουσαν τῶν ἐπιτηδείων ἄφθονον περιουσίαν ὁ Ἀμβρόσιος παρεστήσατο, ναὶ μὴν καὶ ἐν τῇ περὶ τὰ θεῖα λόγια ἀσκήσει τε καὶ σπουδῇ προθυμίαν ἄφατον αὐτῷ συνεισέφερεν, ᾗ καὶ μάλιστα αὐτὸν προύτρεπεν ἐπὶ τὴν τῶν ὑπομνημάτων σύνταξιν. ### English translation (Claude) For more than seven shorthand writers were at hand when he dictated, relieving one another at fixed times, and no fewer copyists, together with girls trained in fine writing. Ambrose provided the necessary abundant supply for all of them; and moreover he contributed to him an indescribable zeal in the study and pursuit of the divine oracles, by which above all he urged him on to compose the commentaries. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.23.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/23/2/). ## Church History 6.23.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/23/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:268 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Pontianus succeeded Urban at Rome, and Zebinus succeeded Philetus at Antioch. ### Greek text τούτων δὲ οὕτως ἐχόντων Οὐρβανὸν ἐπισκοπεύσαντα τῆς ἐκκλησίας ἔτεσιν ὀκτὼ διαδέχεται Ποντιανὸς, τῆς δʼ Ἀντιοχέων μετὰ Φιλητὸν Ζεβῖνος. ### English translation (Claude) Things being so, Urban, after being bishop of the church for eight years, was succeeded by Pontianus, and at Antioch Zebinus succeeded Philetus. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.23.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/23/3/). ## Church History 6.23.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/23/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:268 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: On a journey to Greece, Origen was ordained presbyter at Caesarea, which caused a dispute recorded in Eusebius's Defence of Origen. ### Greek text καθʼ οὓς Ὠριγένης ἐπειγούσης χρείας ἐκκλησιαστικῶν ἕνεκα πραγμάτων ἐπὶ τὴν Ἑλλάδα στειλάμενος τὴν διὰ Παλαιστίνης πρεσβυτερίου χειροθεσίαν ἐν Καισαρείᾳ πρὸς τῶν τῇδε ἐπισκόπων ἀναλαμβάνει. τὰ μὲν οὖν ἐπὶ τούτῳ περὶ αὐτοῦ κεκινημένα, τά τε ἐπὶ τοῖς κινηθεῖσι δεδογμένα τοῖς τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν προεστῶσιν, ὅσα τε ἄλλα ἀκμάζων περὶ τὸν θεῖον εἰσενήνεκται λόγον, ἰδίας δεόμενα συντάξεως, μετρίως ἐν τῷ δευτέρῳ ἧς ὑπὲρ αὐτοῦ πεποιήμεθα ἀπολογίας ἀνεγράψαμεν. ### English translation (Claude) In their time Origen, travelling to Greece on urgent church business, received ordination as presbyter at Caesarea from the bishops there on his way through Palestine. The controversy that arose about him on this account, the decisions of the church leaders on the matters in dispute, and all the other things he contributed to the divine word in his prime, which need a separate work, we have recorded in moderate detail in the second book of the Defence we composed on his behalf. ### Translation notes - The Defence of Origen by Pamphilus and Eusebius survives only in Book 1, in Rufinus's Latin. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.23.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/23/4/). ## Church History 6.24.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/24/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:268 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Origen wrote the first five books on John at Alexandria; twenty-two books survived to Eusebius's time. ### Greek text Ταῦτα δὲ ἐκείνοις δέοι ἂν προσεπιθεῖναι δηλοῦντας ὡς ἐν μὲν τῷ ἕκτῳ τῶν εἰς τὸ κατὰ Ἰωάννην ἐξηγητικῶν σημαίνει τὰ πρότερα πέντε ἐπʼ Ἀλεξανδρείας ἔτʼ ὄντα αὐτὸν συντάξαι, τῆς δʼ εἰς τὸ πᾶν εὐαγγέλιον αὐτὸ δὴ τοῦτο πραγματείας μόνοι δύο καὶ εἴκοσιν εἰς ἡμὰς περιῆλθον τόμοι. ### English translation (Claude) To this it should be added that in the sixth book of his exegesis of the Gospel according to John he indicates that he composed the first five while still at Alexandria. Of this work on the whole Gospel only twenty-two volumes have come down to us. ### Extrabiblical texts - Origen, Comm. Jo. 6.2 (Commentary on the Gospel of John): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Origen, Commentary on John 6.2.8–12. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.24.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/24/1/). ## Church History 6.24.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/24/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:268–269 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Origen's works written at Alexandria also included commentaries on Genesis 1–8, Psalms 1–25, Lamentations, and On the Resurrection. ### Greek text κατὰ δὲ τὸ ἔνατον τῶν εἰς τὴν Γένεσιν δώδεκα δέ ἐστι τὰ πάντα) οὐ μόνον τοὺς πρὸ τοῦ ἐνάτου δηλοῖ ἐπὶ τῆς Ἀλεξανδρείας ὑπεμνηματίσθαι, ἀλλὰ καὶ εἰς τοὺς πρώτους πέντε καὶ εἴκοσι ψαλμοὺς, ἔτι τε τὰ εἰς τοὺς θρήνους, ὧν εἰς ἡμᾶς ἐληλύθασι τόμοι πέντε, ἐν οἶς μέμνηται καὶ τῶν περὶ ἀναστάσεως· δύο δʼ ἐστὶ καὶ ταῦτα. ### English translation (Claude) In the ninth book of those on Genesis (there are twelve in all) he shows that not only the books before the ninth were written at Alexandria, but also those on the first twenty-five Psalms, and also those on Lamentations, of which five volumes have reached us; in these he mentions also the books On the Resurrection, of which there are two. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.24.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/24/2/). ## Church History 6.24.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/24/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:269 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Origen wrote On First Principles and ten books of Miscellanies at Alexandria. ### Greek text οὐ μὴν ἀλλὰ καὶ τὰ περὶ ἀρχῶν πρὸ τῆς ἀπʼ Ἀλεξανδρείας μεταναστάσεως γράφει, καὶ τοὺς ἐπιγεγραμμένους Στρωματεῖς, ὄντας τὸν ἀριθμὸν δέκα, ἐπὶ τῆς αὐτῆς πόλεως κατὰ τὴν Ἀλεξάνδρου συντάττει βασιλείαν, ὡς καὶ τοῦτο ὁλόγραφοι δηλοῦσιν αὐτοῦ πρὸ τῶν τόμων ἐπισημειώσεις. ### English translation (Claude) Moreover he wrote On First Principles before his departure from Alexandria, and composed the books entitled Miscellanies, ten in number, in the same city during the reign of Alexander, as the notes in his own hand before the volumes show. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.24.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/24/3/). ## Church History 6.25.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/25/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:269 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Origen: the Hebrews count twenty-two canonical books, matching their alphabet. ### Greek text Τὸν μέντοι γε πρῶτον ἐξηγούμενος ψαλμὸν ἔκθεσιν πεποίηται τοῦ τῶν ἱερῶν γραφῶν τῆς παλαιᾶς διαθήκης καταλόγου, ὧδέ πως γράφων κατὰ λέξιν “οὐκ ἀγνοητέον δʼ εἶναι τὰς “διαθήκους βίβλους, ὡς Ἑβραῖοι παραδιδόασιν, δύο “καὶ εἴκοσι, ὅσος ἀριθμὸς τῶν παρʼ αὐτοῖς στοιχείων ῾ἐστίν.” ### English translation (Claude) When expounding the first Psalm, he set out a list of the sacred Scriptures of the Old Testament, writing somewhat thus, word for word: “It should be known that the canonical books, as the Hebrews hand them down, are twenty-two, which is the number of letters among them.” ### Translation notes - Quotation from Origen, Commentary on Psalm 1 (lost; to 6.25.2). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.25.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/25/1/). ## Church History 6.25.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/25/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:269–270 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Origen lists the twenty-two Hebrew books with their Hebrew names, placing Maccabees outside them. ### Greek text εἶτα μετά τινα ἐπιφέρει λέγων “εἰσὶ δὲ “αἱ εἴκοσι δύο βίβλοι καθʼ Ἑβραίους αἵδε· ἡ ἡμῖν Γένεσις ἐπιγεγραμμένη, παρʼ Ἑβραίοις δὲ ἀπὸ “τῆς ἀρχῆς τῆς βίβλου Βρησὶδ, ὅπερ ἐστὶν, ἐν “Ἔξοδος, Οὐελεσμὼθ, ὅπερ ἐστὶ, ταῦτα τὰ ‘Λευιτικὸν, Οὐϊκρὰ, καὶ ἐκάλεσεν· Ἀριθμοὶ, Ἀμμε- “ σφεκωδείμ· Δευτερονόμιον, Ἐλεαδδεβαρεὶμ, οὗτοι “οἱ λόγοι· Ἰησοῦς υἱὸς Ναυῆ, Ἰωσοῦε βὲν “ Κριταὶ, Ῥοὺθ, παρʼ αὐτοῖς ἐν ἐνὶ, Σαφατείμ Βασι- ῾ λειῶν πρώτη, δευτέρα, παρʼ αὐτοῖς ἓν, Σαμουὴλ, “ὁ θεόκλητος· Βασιλειῶν τρίτη, τετάρτη, ἐν ἐνὶ “Οὐαμὲλχ Δαβὶδ, ὅπερ ἐστὶ βασιλεία Δαβίδ· Παρα- “λειπομένων πρώτη, δευτέρα, ἐν ἐνὶ Δαβρηϊαμεὶν, ὅπερ ἐστὶ λόγοι ἡμερῶν· Ἔσδρας πρῶτος, δεύτερος, “ἐν ἑνὶ Ἔζρᾶ, ὅ ἐστι βοηθός· βίβλος Ψαλμῶν, “ θελλείμ· Σολομῶνος παροιμίαι, Μελώθ· Ἐκκλη- “σιαστὴς, Κωέλθ· Ἀισμα Ἀισμάτων, Σὶρ Ἀσσιρίμ· “Ἡσαΐας, Ἰεσσία· Ἱερεμίας σὺν Θρήνοις καὶ τῇ ἐπι- “στολῇ ἐν ἐνὶ, Ἱερεμία· Δανιὴλ, Δανιήλ· “ Ἰεζεκιήλ· Ἰὼβ, Ἰὼβ· Ἐσθὴρ, Ἐσθήρ. ἔξω δὲ τού- “των ἐστὶ τὰ Μακκαβαϊκὰ, ἅπερ ἐπιγέγραπται Σαρ- “βὴθ Σαβαναιέλ.” ### English translation (Claude) Then after a little he continues: “The twenty-two books according to the Hebrews are these: the one entitled Genesis by us, but by the Hebrews, from the beginning of the book, Bresith, that is, ‘In the beginning’; Exodus, Ouelesmoth, that is, ‘These are the names’; Leviticus, Ouikra, ‘And he called’; Numbers, Ammesphekodeim; Deuteronomy, Elleaddebareim, ‘These are the words’; Jesus son of Nave, Iosoue ben Noun; Judges and Ruth, with them in one, Saphateim; the first and second of Kingdoms, with them one, Samuel, ‘the one called by God’; the third and fourth of Kingdoms in one, Ouammelch David, that is, ‘the kingdom of David’; the first and second of Chronicles in one, Dabreiamein, that is, ‘words of days’; Ezra first and second in one, Ezra, that is, ‘helper’; the book of Psalms, Sphertelleim; the Proverbs of Solomon, Meloth; Ecclesiastes, Koelth; the Song of Songs, Sir Hassirim; Isaiah, Iessia; Jeremiah with Lamentations and the Letter in one, Jeremia; Daniel, Daniel; Ezekiel, Ezekiel; Job, Job; Esther, Esther. Outside these are the Maccabees, which are entitled Sarbeth Sabanaiel.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep Jer (Letter of Jeremiah): allusion, medium confidence - 1 Macc (1 Maccabees): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Origen, Commentary on Psalm 1. Several Hebrew names are garbled or partly lost in the digital text (e.g. Ἐλεαδδεβαρεὶμ, “…θελλείμ”) and are given in the forms usually printed; the Twelve Prophets are missing from the list, probably by an early scribal omission. The “Letter” is the Letter of Jeremiah. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.25.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/25/2/). ## Church History 6.25.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/25/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:270 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: In his Commentary on Matthew, Origen acknowledges only four Gospels. ### Greek text ταῦτα μὲν οὖν ἐν τῷ προειρημένῳ τίθησι συγγράμματι· ἐν δὲ τῷ πρώτῳ τῶν εἰς τὸ κατὰ Ματθαῖον, τὸν ἐκκλησιαστικὸν φυλάττων κανόνα, μόνα τέσσαρα εἰδέναι εὐαγγέλια μαρτύρεται, ὧδέ πως γράφων ### English translation (Claude) This he sets out in the work mentioned. In the first book of those on the Gospel according to Matthew, keeping the ecclesiastical canon, he testifies that he knows only four Gospels, writing somewhat thus: ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.25.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/25/3/). ## Church History 6.25.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/25/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:270 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Origen: by tradition, Matthew, once a tax collector, wrote first, in Hebrew, for Jewish believers. ### Greek text “ ὡς ἐν παραδόσει μαθὼν περὶ “τῶν τεσσάρων εὐαγγελίων, ἃ καὶ μόνα ἀναντίρρητά “ἐστιν ἐν τῇ ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανὸν ἐκκλησίᾳ τοῦ θεοῦ, “ὅτι πρῶτον μὲν γέγραπται τὸ κατὰ τόν ποτε ῾νην, ὕστερον δὲ ἀπόστολον Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ Ματ- “θαῖον, ἐκδεδωκότα αὐτὸ τοῖς ἀπὸ Ἰουδαϊσμοῦ πι- “στεύσασι, γράμμασιν Ἑβραϊκοῖς συντεταγμένον· “ ### English translation (Claude) “As I have learned by tradition about the four Gospels, which alone are undisputed in the church of God under heaven: that first was written the one according to Matthew, who was once a tax collector but afterward an apostle of Jesus Christ, who published it for those who came to faith from Judaism, composed in Hebrew letters; ### Translation notes - Quotation from Origen, Commentary on Matthew, Book 1 (to 6.25.6). The word “tax collector” (τελώνην) is partly lost in the digital text. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.25.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/25/4/). ## Church History 6.25.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/25/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:270 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Mark wrote second under Peter's guidance, as 1 Pet 5:13 calls him Peter's son. ### Greek text δεύτερον δὲ τὸ κατὰ Μάρκον, ὡς Πέτρος “σατο αὐτῷ, ποιήσαντα, ὃν καὶ υἱὸν ἐν τῇ “ἐπιστολῇ διὰ τούτων ὡμολόγησε φάσκων ἀσπάζεται “ ὑμᾶς ἡ ἐν Βαβυλῶνι συνεκλεκτὴ καὶ Μάρκος ὁ υἱός “ μουʼ. ### English translation (Claude) second the one according to Mark, who composed it as Peter guided him, whom he also acknowledged as his son in the catholic letter, saying: ‘She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, greets you, and so does Mark my son.’ ### Scripture references - 1 Pet 5:13: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Origen, Commentary on Matthew, citing 1 Pet 5:13. The verb “guided” (ὑφηγήσατο) is partly lost in the digital text. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.25.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/25/5/). ## Church History 6.25.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/25/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:270 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Luke wrote third for Gentiles, and John last. ### Greek text καὶ τρίτον τὸ κατὰ Λουκᾶν, τὸ ὑπὸ Παῦλον ‘ἐπαινούμενον εὐαγγέλιον, τοῖς ἀπὸ τῶν ἐθνῶν πε- ‘ποιηκότα· ἐπὶ πᾶσι τὸ κατὰ Ἰωάννην.” ### English translation (Claude) third the one according to Luke, the Gospel praised by Paul, composed for those from the Gentiles; after them all, the one according to John.” ### Scripture references - 2 Cor 8:18: allusion, low confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Origen, Commentary on Matthew. “Praised by Paul” refers to 2 Cor 8:18 (or Rom 2:16, “my gospel”). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.25.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/25/6/). ## Church History 6.25.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/25/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:270–271 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Origen: Paul did not write to all his churches, and only briefly to some. ### Greek text καὶ ἐν τῷ πέμπτῳ δὲ τῶν εἰς τὸ κατὰ Ἰωάννην ἐξηγητικῶν ὁ αὐτὸς ταῦτα περὶ τῶν ἐπιστολῶν τῶν ἀποστόλων φησίν· “ὁ δὲ ἱκανωθεὶς διάκονος γεγενῆσθαι “διαθήκης, οὐ γράμματος, ἀλλὰ πνεύματος, “ Παῦλος, ὁ πεπληρωκὼς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον ἀπὸ Ἱερουσαλὴμ καὶ κύκλῳ μέχρι τοῦ Ἰλλυρικοῦ, οὐδὲ πάσαις “ἔγραψεν αἷς ἐδίδαξεν ἐκκλησίαις, ἀλλὰ καὶ αἷς ἔγρα- “ψεν, ὀλίγους στίχους ἐπέστειλε. ### English translation (Claude) In the fifth book of his exegesis of the Gospel according to John the same writer says this about the letters of the apostles: “Paul, who was made sufficient to be a minister of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit, who fully preached the gospel from Jerusalem and round about as far as Illyricum, did not write to all the churches he taught, and even to those he wrote to he sent only a few lines. ### Scripture references - 2 Cor 3:6: quotation, high confidence - Rom 15:19: quotation, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Origen, Comm. Jo. 5 (Commentary on the Gospel of John): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Origen, Commentary on John, Book 5 (preserved only here; to 6.25.10), citing 2 Cor 3:6 and Rom 15:19. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.25.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/25/7/). ## Church History 6.25.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/25/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:271 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Origen: Peter left one acknowledged letter and a disputed second. ### Greek text Πέτρος δὲ, “ᾧ οἰκοδομεῖται ἡ Χριστοῦ ἐκκλησία, οὐ κατισχύσουσι, μίαν ἐπιστολὴν ὁμολογουμένην “καταλέλοιπεν, ἔστω δὲ καὶ δευτέραν· ἀμφιβάλλεται “γάρ. ### English translation (Claude) And Peter, on whom the church of Christ is built, against which the gates of Hades shall not prevail, has left one acknowledged letter, and perhaps a second; for it is disputed. ### Scripture references - Matt 16:18: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Origen, Comm. Jo. 5 (Commentary on the Gospel of John): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Origen, Commentary on John, Book 5, alluding to Matt 16:18. The words “the gates of Hades” (πύλαι ᾅδου) are lost in the digital text and supplied from the allusion. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.25.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/25/8/). ## Church History 6.25.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/25/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:271 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Origen: John wrote one Gospel and the Apocalypse. ### Greek text τί δεῖ περὶ τοῦ ἀναπεσόντος ἐπὶ τὸ “λέγειν τοῦ Ἰησοῦ, Ἰωάννου, ὃς εὐαγγέλιον ἓν κατα- ‘λέλοιπεν, ὁμολογῶν δύνασθαι τοσαῦτα ποιήσειν ἃ “οὐδὲ ὁ κόσμος χωρῆσαι ἐδύνατο; ἔγραψε δὲ καὶ τὴν “Αποκάλυψιν, κελευσθεὶς σιωπῆσαι καὶ μὴ γράψαι “τὰς τῶν ἑπτὰ βροντῶν φωνάς. ### English translation (Claude) What need be said of him who leaned on Jesus' breast, John, who has left one Gospel, admitting that he could do so many things that not even the world could contain them? He also wrote the Apocalypse, being commanded to keep silence and not to write the voices of the seven thunders. ### Scripture references - John 21:25: allusion, high confidence - Rev 10:4: allusion, high confidence - John 13:25: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Origen, Comm. Jo. 5 (Commentary on the Gospel of John): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Origen, Commentary on John, Book 5, alluding to John 13:25, John 21:25, and Rev 10:4. The digital text reads λέγειν for στῆθος (“breast”). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.25.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/25/9/). ## Church History 6.25.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/25/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:271 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Origen: John left one short letter; the second and third are disputed. ### Greek text καταλέλοιπε καὶ “ἐπιστολὴν πάνυ ὀλίγων στίχων, ἔστω δὲ καὶ δευτέ- “ραν καὶ τρίτην· ἐπεὶ οὐ πάντες φασὶ γνησίους εἶναι “ ταύτας· πλὴν οὐκ εἰσὶ στίχων ἀμφότεραι᾿ ### English translation (Claude) He has also left a letter of very few lines, and perhaps a second and a third; for not all say that these are genuine; but the two together are not a hundred lines long.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Origen, Comm. Jo. 5 (Commentary on the Gospel of John): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Origen, Commentary on John, Book 5. The numeral “a hundred” is lost in the digital text and supplied from the sense. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.25.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/25/10/). ## Church History 6.25.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/25/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:271 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Origen: the style of Hebrews is more polished Greek than Paul's. ### Greek text ἔτι πρὸς τούτοις περὶ τῆς πρὸς Ἑβραίους ἐπιστολῆς ἐν ταῖς εἰς αὐτὴν ὁμιλίαις ταῦτα διαλαμβάνει “ὅτι ὁ χαρακτὴρ τῆς λέξεως τῆς πρὸς Ἑβραίους ἐπι- “γεγραμμένης ἐπιστολῆς οὐκ ἔχει τὸ ἐν λόγῳ ἰδιω- “τικὸν τοῦ ἀποστόλου, ὁμολογήσαντος ἑαυτὸν ἰδιώτην ‘εἶναι τῷ λόγῳ, τουτέστι τῇ φράσει, ἀλλά ἐστιν ἡ “ἐπιστολὴ συνθέσει τῆς λέξεως Ἑλληνικωτέρα, πᾶς ὁ “ἐπιστάμενος κρίνειν φράσεων διαφορὰς ὁμολογήσαι “ ἄν. ### English translation (Claude) Further, about the Letter to the Hebrews, he discusses this in his homilies on it: “That the character of the style of the letter entitled To the Hebrews does not have the apostle's rudeness in speech, who confessed himself to be rude in speech, that is, in expression, but that the letter is more Greek in the composition of its style, everyone who knows how to judge differences of expression would agree. ### Scripture references - 2 Cor 11:6: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Origen, Homilies on Hebrews (lost; to 6.25.14), alluding to 2 Cor 11:6. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.25.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/25/11/). ## Church History 6.25.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/25/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:271 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Yet its thoughts are worthy of the apostle. ### Greek text πάλιν τε αὖ ὅτι τὰ νοήματα τῆς ἐπιστολῆς “θαυμάσιά ἐστι, καὶ οὐ δεύτερα τῶν ἀποστολικῶν ὁμολογουμένων γραμμάτων, καὶ τοῦτο ἂν συμφήσαι “εἶναι ἀληθὲς πᾶς ὁ προσέχων τῇ ἀναγνώσει τῇ ἀπο- “ στολικῇ.” ### English translation (Claude) Again, that the thoughts of the letter are wonderful and not inferior to the acknowledged writings of the apostle, this too everyone who attends to the reading of the apostle would agree to be true.” ### Translation notes - Quotation from Origen, Homilies on Hebrews. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.25.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/25/12/). ## Church History 6.25.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/25/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:271–272 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Origen: the thoughts of Hebrews are Paul's, the wording a disciple's; churches that hold it as Paul's are not to be blamed. ### Greek text τούτοις μεθʼ ἕτερα ἐπιφέρει λέγων ἐγὼ δὲ ἀποφαινόμενος εἴποιμʼ ἂν ὅτι τὰ μὲν νοήματα τοῦ ἀποστόλου ἐστὶν, ἡ δὲ φράσις καὶ ἡ σύν- “θεσις ἀπομνημονεύσαντός τινος τὰ ἀποστολικὰ, “ὡσπερεὶ σχολιογραφήσαντός τινος τὰ εἰρημένα ὑπὸ “τοῦ διδασκάλου. εἴ τις οὖν ἐκκλησία ἔχει τὴν ἐπιστολὴν ὡς Παύλου, αὕτη εὐδοκιμείτω καὶ “ἐπὶ τούτῳ οὐ γὰρ εἰκῆ οἱ ἀρχαῖοι ἄνδρες ὡς Παύ- “λου αὐτὴν παραδεδώκασι. ### English translation (Claude) After other things he adds: “If I were to give my opinion, I would say that the thoughts are the apostle's, but the phrasing and composition are those of someone who remembered the apostle's teachings and, as it were, wrote notes on what his teacher had said. If then any church holds this letter as Paul's, let it be commended for this too; for it was not without reason that the men of old handed it down as Paul's. ### Translation notes - Quotation from Origen, Homilies on Hebrews. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.25.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/25/13/). ## Church History 6.25.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/25/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:272 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Origen: only God knows who wrote Hebrews; some say Clement of Rome, some Luke. ### Greek text τίς δὲ ὁ γράψας “ἐπιστολὴν, τὸ μὲν ἀληθὲς θεὸς οἶδεν, ἡ δὲ εἰς ἡμᾶς “φθάσασα ἱστορία ὑπό τινων μὲν λεγόντων ὅτι Κλή- “μὴς ὁ γενόμενος ἐπίσκοπος Ῥωμαίων ἔγραψε τὴν ἐπι- “στολὴν, ὑπό τινων δὲ ὅτι Λουκᾶς ὁ γράψας τὸ εὐαγ- “γέλιον καὶ τὰς πράξεις.” ἀλλὰ ταῦτα μὲν ὧδε ἐχέτω. ### English translation (Claude) But who wrote the letter, God truly knows. The account that has reached us is that some say Clement, who became bishop of the Romans, wrote the letter, and others that Luke, who wrote the Gospel and the Acts, did.” But let this suffice. ### Translation notes - Quotation from Origen, Homilies on Hebrews. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.25.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/25/14/). ## Church History 6.26.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/26/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:272 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: In 231/2 Origen moved to Caesarea; Heraclas succeeded Demetrius as bishop of Alexandria. ### Greek text Ἔτος δʼ ἦν τοῦτο δέκατον τῆς δηλουμένης ἡγεμονίας, καθʼ ὃ τὴν ἀπʼ Ἀλεξανδρείας μετανάστασιν ἐπὶ τὴν Καισάρειαν ὁ Ὠριγένης ποιησάμενος, Ἡρακλᾷ τὸ τῆς κατηχήσεως τῶν αὐτόθι διδασκαλεῖον καταλείπει. οὐκ εἰς μακρὸν δὲ καὶ Δημήτριος ὁ τῆς Ἀλεξανδρέων ἐκκλησίας ἐπίσκοπος τελευτᾷ, ἐφʼ ὅλοις ἔτεσι τρισὶ καὶ τεσσαράκοντα τῇ λειτουργίᾳ διαρκέσας· διαδέχεται δʼ αὐτὸν ὁ Ἡρακλᾶς. διέπρεπε δὲ ἐν τούτῳ Φιρμιλλιανὸς, Καισαρείας τῆς Καππαδοκῶν ἐπίσκοπος, ### English translation (Claude) It was the tenth year of the reign mentioned when Origen moved from Alexandria to Caesarea, leaving the catechetical school there to Heraclas. Not long after, Demetrius, bishop of the church of the Alexandrians, died, having continued in the ministry for forty-three full years; and Heraclas succeeded him. At this time Firmilian, bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, was distinguished, ### Translation notes - The sentence continues in 6.27.1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.26.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/26/1/). ## Church History 6.27.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/27/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:272–273 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Firmilian, Alexander, and Theoctistus honoured Origen as their teacher. ### Greek text τοσαύτην εἰσάγων περὶ τὸν Ὠριγένην σπουδὴν ὡς τοτὲ μὲν αὐτὸν ἀμφὶ τὰ κατʼ αὐτὸν κλίματα εἰς τὴν τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν ὠφέλειαν ἐκκαλεῖσθαι, τοτὲ δὲ ὡς αὐτὸν ἐπὶ τὴν Ἰουδαίαν στέλλεσθαι, καί τινας αὐτῷ συνδιατρίβειν χρόνους, τῆς εἰς τὰ θεῖα βελτιώσεως ἕνεκα. οὐ μὴν ἀλλὰ καὶ ὁ τῆς Ιεροσολύμων προεστὼς Ἀλέξανδρος, Θεόκτιστός τε ὁ κατὰ Καισάρειαν, τὸν πάντα χρόνον ὡς ἔπος εἰπεῖν προσανέχοντες αὐτῷ οἷα διδασκάλῳ μόνῳ, τὰ τῆς τῶν θείων γραφῶν ἑρμηνείας καὶ τὰ λοιπὰ τοῦ ἐκκλησιαστικοῦ λόγου πράττειν συνεχώρουν. ### English translation (Claude) who showed such regard for Origen that at one time he invited him to his own region for the benefit of the churches, and at another went himself to Judaea and stayed with him for some time for his improvement in divine things. Moreover Alexander, who presided over Jerusalem, and Theoctistus of Caesarea, attended on him the whole time, so to speak, as their only teacher, and allowed him to undertake the interpretation of the divine Scriptures and the other parts of church teaching. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.27.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/27/1/). ## Church History 6.28.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/28/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:273 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Maximin persecuted church leaders; Origen wrote his Exhortation to Martyrdom for Ambrose and Protoctetus. ### Greek text Τόν γε μὴν Ῥωμαίων αὐτοκράτορα Ἀλέξανδρον τρισὶν ἐπὶ δέκα ἔτεσι τὴν ἀρχὴν διανύσαντα Μαξιμῖνος Καῖσαρ διαδέχεται, ὃς δὴ κατὰ κότον τὸν πρὸς τὸν Ἀλεξάνδρου οἶκον, ἐκ πλειόνων πιστῶν συνεστῶτα, διωγμὸν ἐγείρας, τοὺς τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν ἄρχοντας μόνους ὡς αἰτίους τῆς κατὰ τὸ εὐαγγέλιον διδασκαλίας ἀναιρεῖσθαι προστάττει. τότε καὶ Ὠριγένης τὸν περὶ μαρτυρίου συντάττει, Ἀμβροσίῳ καὶ Πρωτοκτήτῳ πρεσβυτέρῳ τῆς ἐν Καισαρείᾳ παροικίας ἀναθεὶς τὸ σύγγραμμα, ὅτι δὴ ἄμφω περίστασις οὐχ ἡ τυχοῦσα ἐν τῷ διωγμῷ κατειλήφει, ἐν ᾗ καὶ διαπρέψαι κατέχει λόγος ἐν ὁμολογίᾳ τοὺς ἄνδρας, οὐ πλείονος ἢ τριετοῦς χρόνου τῷ Μαξιμίνῳ διαγενομένου. σεσημείωται δὲ τουτονὶ τοῦ διωγμοῦ τὸν καιρὸν ἔν τε τῷ δευτέρῳ καὶ εἰκοστῷ τῶν εἰς τὸ κατὰ Ἰωάννην ἐξηγητικῶν καὶ ἐν διαφόροις ἐπιστολαῖς Ὠριγένης. ### English translation (Claude) When Alexander, emperor of the Romans, had completed thirteen years of rule, he was succeeded by Maximin Caesar. Out of grudge against the house of Alexander, which consisted mostly of believers, he raised a persecution and ordered that only the leaders of the churches be killed, as responsible for the teaching of the gospel. Then Origen composed his work On Martyrdom, dedicating it to Ambrose and Protoctetus, a presbyter of the community at Caesarea, since both had fallen into no ordinary distress in the persecution; the report is that the men distinguished themselves in confession during it, Maximin not lasting more than three years. Origen has noted the time of this persecution in the twenty-second book of his exegesis of the Gospel according to John and in various letters. ### Extrabiblical texts - Origen, Mart. (Exhortation to Martyrdom): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Maximin reigned 235–238. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.28.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/28/1/). ## Church History 6.29.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/29/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:273 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: At Rome Anteros succeeded Pontianus and, a month later, Fabian succeeded Anteros. ### Greek text Γορδιανοῦ δὲ μετὰ Μαξιμῖνον τὴν Ῥωμαίων ἡγεμονίαν διαδεξαμένου, τῆς κατὰ Ῥώμην ἐκκλησίας Ποντιανὸν ἔτεσιν ἕξ ἐπισκοπεύσαντα διαδέχεται Ἀντέρως, καὶ τοῦτον Φαβιανὸς ἐπὶ μῆνα τῇ λειτουργίᾳ διακονησάμενον. ### English translation (Claude) When Gordian had succeeded Maximin in the rule of the Romans, Anteros succeeded Pontianus, who had been bishop of the church at Rome for six years, and Fabian succeeded Anteros after he had served in the ministry for a month. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.29.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/29/1/). ## Church History 6.29.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/29/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:273 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Fabian, a visitor from the country, was chosen bishop wonderfully. ### Greek text ἐξ ἀγροῦ φασι τὸν Φαβιανὸν μετὰ τὴν Ἀντέρωτος τελευτὴν ἅμʼ ἑτέροις συνελθόντα ἐπιχωριάζειν τῇ Ρώμῃ, ἔνθα παραδοξότατα πρὸς τῆς θείας καὶ οὐρανίου χάριτος ἐπὶ τὸν κλῆρον παρεληλυθέναι. ### English translation (Claude) They say that Fabian, after the death of Anteros, came with others from the country and was staying in Rome, where he came to the office in a most wonderful manner by divine and heavenly grace. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.29.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/29/2/). ## Church History 6.29.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/29/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:273–274 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: At the election a dove settled on Fabian's head, recalling the Spirit's descent on Christ. ### Greek text τῶν γὰρ ἀδελφῶν ἁπάντων χειροτονίας ἕνεκεν τῆς τοῦ μέλλοντος διαδέξασθαι τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν ἐπὶ τῆς ἐκκλησίας συγκεκροτημένων, πλείστων τε ἐπιφανῶν καὶ ἐνδόξων ἀνδρῶν τοῖς πολλοῖς ἐν ὑπονοίᾳ ὑπαρχόντων, ὁ Φαβιανὸς παρὼν οὐδενὸς μὲν ἀνθρώπων εἰς διάνοιαν ᾔει, ὅμως δʼ οὖν ἀθρόως ἐκ μετεώρου περι- στερὰν καταπτᾶσαν ἐπικαθεσθῆναι τῇ αὐτοῦ κεφαλῇ μνημονεύουσι, μίμημα ἐνδεικνυμένην τῆς ἐπὶ τὸν σωτῆρα τοῦ ἁγίου πνεύματος ἐν εἴδει περιστερᾶς καθόδου. ### English translation (Claude) For when all the brothers had assembled in the church for the election of the one who was to succeed to the episcopate, and very many eminent and distinguished men were in the minds of most, Fabian, who was present, came into no one's mind; yet they record that suddenly a dove flew down from above and settled on his head, showing an imitation of the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Saviour in the form of a dove. ### Scripture references - Matt 3:16: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Cf. Matt 3:16. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.29.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/29/3/). ## Church History 6.29.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/29/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:274 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The people acclaimed Fabian bishop; Babylas became bishop of Antioch, and Dionysius head of the Alexandrian school. ### Greek text ἐφʼ ᾧ τὸν πάντα λαὸν ὥσπερ ὑφʼ ἑνὸς πνεύματος θείου κινηθέντα ὁμόσε προθυμίᾳ πάσῃ καὶ μιᾷ ψυχῇ ἄξιον ἐπιβοῆσαι, καὶ ἀμελλήτως ἐπὶ τὸν θρόνον τῆς ἐπισκοπῆς λαβόντας αὐτὸν ἐπιθεῖναι. τότε δὴ καὶ τοῦ κατʼ Ἀντιόχειαν ἐπισκόπου Ζεβίνου τὸν βίον μεταλλάξαντος Βαβύλας τὴν ἀρχὴν διαδέχεται, ἔν τε Ἀλεξανδρείᾳ μετὰ Δημήτριον Ἡρακλᾶ τὴν λειτουργίαν παρειληφότος τῆς τῶν αὐτόθι κατηχήσεως τὴν διατριβὴν διαδέχεται Διονύσιος, εἷς καὶ οὗτος τῶν Ὠριγένους γενόμενος φοιτητῶν. ### English translation (Claude) Thereupon the whole people, as if moved by one divine Spirit, with all eagerness and one soul cried out, “Worthy!”, and without delay took him and placed him on the episcopal throne. At that time too, when Zebinus, bishop of Antioch, departed this life, Babylas succeeded to the office; and at Alexandria, when Heraclas had received the ministry after Demetrius, Dionysius, who was also one of Origen's pupils, succeeded to the catechetical school there. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.29.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/29/4/). ## Church History 6.30.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/30/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:274 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Origen's pupils at Caesarea included Gregory Thaumaturgus and Athenodorus, both later bishops in Pontus. ### Greek text Τῷ δὲ Ὠριγένει ἐπὶ τῆς Καισαρείας τὰ συνήθη πράττοντι πολλοὶ προσῄεσαν οὐ μόνον τῶν ἐπιχωρίων, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἀπὸ τῆς ἀλλοδαπῆς μυρίοι φοιτηταὶ τὰς πατρίδας ἀπολιπόντες, ὧν ἐπισήμους μάλιστα ἔγνωμεν Θεόδωρον, ὃς ἦν αὐτὸς οὗτος ὁ καθʼ ἡμὰς ἐπισκόπων διαβόητος Γρηγόριος, τόν τε τούτου ἀδελφὸν Ἀθηνόδωρον, οὓς ἀμφὶ τὰ Ἑλλήνων καὶ Ῥωμαίων μαθήματα δεινῶς ἐπτοημένους, φιλοσοφίας αὐτοῖς ἐνθεὶς ἔρωτα, τῆς προτέρας σπουδῆς τὴν θείαν ἄσκησιν ἀντικαταλλάξασθαι προυτρέψατο. πέντε δὲ ὅλοις ἔτεσιν αὐτῷ συγγενόμενοι τοσαύτην ἀπηνέγκαντο περὶ τὰ θεῖα βελτίωσιν ὡς ἔτι νέους ἄμφω ἐπισκοπῆς τῶν κατὰ Πόντον ἐκκλησιῶν ἀξιωθῆναι. ### English translation (Claude) While Origen was carrying on his usual work at Caesarea, many came to him, not only of the natives but also countless pupils from abroad who had left their own countries. Among the most distinguished of these we know Theodore, who was the very Gregory celebrated among the bishops of our time, and his brother Athenodorus. They were keenly devoted to Greek and Roman learning, but he instilled in them a love of philosophy and urged them to exchange their former zeal for divine training. After being with him five full years, they made such progress in divine things that both, while still young, were deemed worthy of the episcopate of churches in Pontus. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.30.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/30/1/). ## Church History 6.31.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/31/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:274–275 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Julius Africanus wrote to Origen doubting the story of Susanna; Origen replied at length. ### Greek text Ἐν τούτῳ καὶ Ἀφρικανος ὁ τῶν ἐπιγεγραμμένων Κεστῶν συγγραφεὺς ἐγνωρίζετο. ἐπιστολὴ τούτου Ὠριγένει γραφεῖσα φέρεται, ἀποροῦντος ὡσὰν νόθου καὶ πεπλασμένης οὔσης τῆς ἐν τῷ Δανιὴλ κατὰ Σουσάνναν ἱστορίας· πρὸς ἣν Ὠριγένης ἀντιγράφει πληρέστατα. ### English translation (Claude) At this time Africanus too, the author of the work entitled Cesti, was known. A letter of his written to Origen is extant, in which he questions the story of Susanna in Daniel as spurious and fabricated; Origen answers it very fully. ### Extrabiblical texts - Julius Africanus (Julius Africanus (fragments)): allusion, high confidence - Sus (Susanna): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Both letters survive. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.31.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/31/1/). ## Church History 6.31.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/31/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:275 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Africanus's Chronography mentions his journey to Alexandria to see Heraclas. ### Greek text τοῦ δʼ αὐτοῦ Ἀφρικανοῦ καὶ ἄλλα τὸν ἀριθμὸν πέντε χρονογραφιῶν ἦλθεν εἰς ἡμᾶς ἐπʼ ἀκριβὲς πεπονημένα σπουδάσματα, ἐν οἶς φησιν ἑαυτὸν πορείαν στείλασθαι ἐπὶ τὴν Ἀλεξάνδρειαν, διὰ πολλὴν τοῦ Ηρακλᾶ φήμην, ὃν ἐπὶ λόγοις φιλοσόφοις καὶ τοῖς ἄλλοις Ἑλλήνων μαθήμασιν εὖ μάλα διαπρέψαντα τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν τῆς αὐτόθι ἐκκλησίας ἐγχειρισθῆναι ἐδηλώσαμεν. ### English translation (Claude) Of the same Africanus there have come down to us other carefully worked studies, five books of Chronography, in which he says that he made a journey to Alexandria because of the great fame of Heraclas, who, as we have shown, excelled in philosophical and other Greek learning and was entrusted with the episcopate of the church there. ### Extrabiblical texts - Julius Africanus (Julius Africanus (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.31.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/31/2/). ## Church History 6.31.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/31/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:275 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Africanus's letter to Aristides reconciled the genealogies of Christ; Eusebius quoted it in Book 1. ### Greek text καὶ ἑτέρα δὲ τοῦ αὐτοῦ Ἀφρικανοῦ φέρεται ἐπιστολὴ πρὸς Ἀριστείδην, περὶ τῆς νομιζομένης διαφωνίας τῶν παρὰ Ματθαίῳ τε καὶ Λουκᾷ τοῦ Χριστοῦ γενεαλογιῶν, ἐν ἡ σαφέστατα τὴν τῶν εὐαγγελιστῶν συμφωνίαν παρίστησιν ἐξ ἱστορίας εἰς αὐτὸν κατελθούσης, ἣν κατὰ καιρὸν ἐν τῷ πρώτῳ τῆς μετὰ χεῖρας ὑποθέσεως προλαβὼν ἐξεθέμην. ### English translation (Claude) Another letter of the same Africanus is extant, to Aristides, on the supposed disagreement between the genealogies of Christ in Matthew and Luke, in which he very clearly establishes the agreement of the evangelists from a story that came down to him, which I anticipated and set out in its place in the first book of the present work. ### Scripture references - Matt 1:1: allusion, medium confidence - Luke 3:23: allusion, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Julius Africanus (Julius Africanus (fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - See Church History 1.7. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.31.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/31/3/). ## Church History 6.32.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/32/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:275 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Origen wrote thirty books on Isaiah (to ch. 30) and twenty-five on Ezekiel. ### Greek text Καὶ Ὠριγένει δὲ κατὰ τοῦτον τὸν χρόνον τὰ εἰς τὸν Ἠσαίαν, ἐν ταὐτῶ δὲ καὶ τὰ εἰς τὸν Ἰεζεκιὴλ συνετάττετο· ὧν εἰς μὲν τὸ τρίτον μέρος τοῦ Ἡσαΐου, μέχρι τῆς ὁράσεως τῶν τετραπόδων τῶν ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, τριάκοντα εἰς ἡμὰς περιῆλθον τόμοι, εἰς δὲ τὸν Ἰεζεκιὴλ πέντε καὶ εἴκοσιν, οὓς καὶ μόνους εἰς τὸν πάντα πεποίηται προφήτην. ### English translation (Claude) At this time Origen composed his commentaries on Isaiah, and at the same time those on Ezekiel. Of those on the third part of Isaiah, as far as the vision of the four-footed beasts in the desert, thirty volumes have come down to us; and on Ezekiel twenty-five, the only ones he wrote on the whole prophet. ### Scripture references - Isa 30:6: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The “vision of the four-footed beasts in the desert” is Isa 30:6. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.32.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/32/1/). ## Church History 6.32.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/32/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:275 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: At Athens he finished Ezekiel and began the Song of Songs, completing ten books at Caesarea. ### Greek text γενόμενος δὲ τηνικάδε ἐν Ἀθήναις περαίνει μὲν τὰ εἰς τὸν Ἰεζεκιὴλ, τῶν δὲ εἰς τὸ ᾆσμα τῶν ᾀσμάτων ἄρχεται, καὶ πρόεισί γε αὐτόθι μέχρι πέμπτου συγγράμματος. ἐπανελθὼν δὲ ἐπὶ τὴν Καισάρειαν καὶ ταῦτα εἰς πέρας δέκα ὄντα τὸν ἀριθμὸν ἄγει. ### English translation (Claude) Being at Athens at that time, he finished those on Ezekiel and began those on the Song of Songs, proceeding there as far as the fifth book. Returning to Caesarea, he completed these also, ten in number. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.32.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/32/2/). ## Church History 6.32.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/32/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:275–276 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: A full list of Origen's works is in Eusebius's Life of Pamphilus, with the catalogue of Pamphilus's library. ### Greek text τί δεῖ τῶν λόγων τἀνδρὸς ἐπὶ τοῦ παρόντος τὸν ἀκριβῆ κατάλογον ποιεῖσθαι, ἰδίας δεόμενον σχολῆς; ὃν καὶ ἀνεγράψαμεν ἐπὶ τῆς τοῦ Παμφίλου βίου τοῦ καθʼ ἡμᾶς ἱεροῦ μάρτυρος ἀναγραφῆς, ἐν ἡ τὴν περὶ τὰ θεῖα σπουδὴν τοῦ Παμφίλου ὁπόση τις γεγόνει παριστῶντες, τῆς συναχθείσης αὐτῷ τῶν τε Ὠριγένους καὶ τῶν ἄλλων ἐκκλησιαστικῶν συγργαφέων βιβλιοθήκης τοὺς πίνακας παρεθέμην, ἐξ ὧν ὅτῳ φίλον πάρεστιν ἐντελέστατα τῶν Ὠριγένους πόνων τὰ εἰς ἡμᾶς ἐλθόντα διαγνῶναι. νυνὶ δὲ πορευτέον ἐπὶ τὴν τῆς ἱστορίας ἀκολουθίαν. ### English translation (Claude) Why need we make an exact list of the man's works at present, which would need a work of its own? We have in fact recorded it in our account of the life of Pamphilus, the holy martyr of our time, in which, showing how great Pamphilus's zeal for divine things was, I set out the catalogues of the library he collected of the works of Origen and the other church writers; from these anyone who wishes can learn fully which of Origen's labours have come down to us. But now we must proceed with the sequence of the history. ### Translation notes - The Life of Pamphilus is lost. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.32.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/32/3/). ## Church History 6.33.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/33/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:276 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Beryllus of Bostra denied that Christ pre-existed with his own divinity before the incarnation. ### Greek text Βήρυλλος ὁ μικρῷ πρόσθεν δεδηλωμένος Βοστρῶν τῆς Ἀραβίας ἐπίσκοπος, τὸν ἐκκλησιαστικὸν παρεκτρέπων κανόνα, ξένα τινὰ τῆς πίστεως παρεισφέρειν ἐπειρᾶτο, τὸν σωτῆρα καὶ κύριον ἡμῶν λέγειν τολμῶν μὴ προυφεστάναι κατʼ ἰδίαν οὐσίας περιγραφὴν πρὸ τῆς εἰς ἀνθρώπους ἐπιδημίας, μηδὲ μὴν θεότητα ἰδίαν ἔχειν, ἀλλʼ ἐμπολιτευομένην αὐτῷ μόνην τὴν πατρικήν. ### English translation (Claude) Beryllus, mentioned a little before as bishop of Bostra in Arabia, perverting the church's rule, tried to introduce things foreign to the faith, daring to say that our Saviour and Lord did not pre-exist in his own distinct mode of being before his coming to dwell among men, nor had a divinity of his own, but only the Father's divinity dwelling in him. ### Translation notes - “Distinct mode of being” renders κατʼ ἰδίαν οὐσίας περιγραφήν. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.33.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/33/1/). ## Church History 6.33.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/33/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:276 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Origen persuaded Beryllus by argument and restored him to orthodoxy. ### Greek text ἐπὶ τούτῳ πλείστων ἐπισκόπων ζητήσεις καὶ διαλόγους πρὸς τὸν ἄνδρα πεποιημένων, μεθʼ ἑτέρων παρακληθεὶς Ὠριγένης κάτεισι μὲν εἰς ὁμιλίαν τὰ πρῶτα τῷ ἀνδρὶ, τίνα νοῦν ἔχοι ἀποπειρώμενος, ὡς δʼ ἔγνω ὅ τι καὶ λέγοι, εὐθύνας μὴ ὀρθοδοξοῦντα, λογισμῷ τε πείσας καὶ ἀποδείξει ἀναλαβὼν αὐτὸν, τῇ περὶ τοῦ δόγματος ἐφίστησιν ἀληθείᾳ, ἐπί τε τὴν προτέραν ὑγιῆ δόξαν ἀποκαθίστησι. ### English translation (Claude) When very many bishops had held inquiries and discussions with the man about this, Origen was invited along with others. He first entered into conversation with him to find out what he thought; and when he knew what he was saying, he corrected him as unorthodox, persuaded him by reasoning, won him over by proof, established him in the truth of the doctrine, and restored him to his former sound opinion. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.33.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/33/2/). ## Church History 6.33.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/33/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:276 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The records of the synod on Beryllus survive. ### Greek text καὶ φέρεταί γε εἰσέτι νῦν ἔγγραφα τοῦ τε Βηρύλλου καὶ τῆς διʼ αὐτὸν γενομένης συνόδου, ὁμοῦ τὰς Ὠριγένους πρὸς αὐτὸν ζητήσεις καὶ τὰς λεχθείσας ἐπὶ τῆς αὐτοῦ παροικίας διαλέξεις, ἕκαστά τε τῶν τότε πεπραγμένων περιέχοντα. ### English translation (Claude) Records of Beryllus and of the synod held on his account are still extant, containing Origen's questions to him and the discussions held in his community, and every detail of what was then done. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.33.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/33/3/). ## Church History 6.33.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/33/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:276–277 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: More about Origen is in the Defence written by Eusebius and Pamphilus. ### Greek text καὶ ἄλλα μὲν οὖν μυρία Ὠριγένους πέρι μνήμῃ παραδιδόασι τῶν καθʼ ἡμᾶς οἱ πρεσβύτεροι, ἃ καὶ παρήσειν μοι δοκῶ, οὐ τῆς ἐνεστώσης ἐχόμενα πραγματείας· ὅσα δὲ ἀναγκαῖα τῶν περὶ αὐτὸν δια- γνῶναι ἦν, ταῦτα καὶ ἐκ τῆς ὑπὲρ αὐτοῦ πεπονημένης ἡμῖν τε καὶ τῷ καθʼ ἡμὰς ἱερῷ μάρτυρι Παμφίλῳ ἀπολογίας πάρεστιν ἀναλέξασθαι, ἣν τῶν φιλαιτίων ἕνεκα συμπονήσαντες ἀλλήλοις διὰ σπουδῆς πεποιήμεθα. ### English translation (Claude) The elders of our time hand down countless other things about Origen, which I think I shall pass over as not belonging to the present work. Whatever was necessary to know about him can be gathered from the Defence of him composed by us and Pamphilus, the holy martyr of our time, which we wrote together diligently because of the fault-finders. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.33.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/33/4/). ## Church History 6.34.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/34/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:277 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Report has it that the emperor Philip, a Christian, was made to do public penance before joining the Easter vigil. ### Greek text Ἔτεσι δὲ ὅλοις ἓξ Γορδιανοῦ τὴν Ῥωμαίων ἡγεμονίαν ἀνύσαντος Φίλιππος ἅμα παιδὶ Φιλίππῳ τὴν ἀρχὴν διαδέχεται. τοῦτον κατέχει λόγος Χριστιανὸν ὄντα ἐν ἡμέρᾳ τῆς ὑστάτης τοῦ πάσχα παννυχίδος τῶν ἐπὶ τῆς ἐκκλησίας εὐχῶν τῷ πλήθει μετασχεῖν ἐθελῆσαι, οὐ πρότερον δὲ ὑπὸ τοῦ τηνικάδε προεστῶτος ἐπιτραπῆναι εἰσβαλεῖν ἢ ἐξομολογήσασθαι, καὶ τοῖς ἐν παραπτώμασιν ἐξεταζομένοις μετανοίας τε χώραν ἴσχουσιν ἑαυτὸν καταλέξαι· ἄλλως γὰρ μὴ ἄν ποτε πρὸς αὐτοῦ, μὴ οὐχὶ τοῦτο ποιήσαντα, διὰ πολλὰς τῶν κατʼ αὐτὸν αἰτίας παραδεχθῆναι. καὶ πειθαρχῆσαί γε προθύμως λέγεται, τὸ γνήσιον καὶ εὐλαβὲς τῆς περὶ τὸν θεῖον φόβον διαθέσεως ἔργοις ἐπιδεδειγμένον. ### English translation (Claude) When Gordian had completed six full years in the rule of the Romans, Philip succeeded to the government with his son Philip. The report is that, being a Christian, he wished on the day of the last vigil of the Pascha to share in the prayers in the church with the multitude, but was not permitted by the one then presiding to enter until he had confessed and enrolled himself among those reckoned as in sins and occupying the place of penitents; for otherwise, had he not done this, he would never have been received by him, because of the many charges against him. And he is said to have obeyed readily, showing in deeds the genuineness and piety of his disposition toward the fear of God. ### Translation notes - Eusebius presents Philip the Arab's Christianity as a report (“the report is”); it is doubted by many historians. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.34.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/34/1/). ## Church History 6.35.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/35/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:277 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius succeeded Heraclas as bishop of Alexandria in 247/8. ### Greek text Τρίτον δὲ τούτῳ ἔτος ἦν, καθʼ ὃ μεταλλάξαντος Ἡρακλᾶ τὸν βίον ἐπὶ δεκαὲξ ἔτεσι τῆς προστασίας τῶν κατʼ Ἀλεξάνδρειαν ἐκκλησιῶν τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν Διονύσιος ὑπολαμβάνει. ### English translation (Claude) It was his third year when Heraclas departed this life, after presiding over the churches at Alexandria for sixteen years, and Dionysius received the episcopate. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.35.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/35/1/). ## Church History 6.36.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/36/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:277 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Past sixty, Origen at last let stenographers record his public sermons. ### Greek text Τότε δῆτα, οἶα καὶ εἰκὸς ἦν, πληθυούσης τῆς πίστεως, πεπαρρησιασμένου τε τοῦ καθʼ ἡμᾶς παρὰ πᾶσι λόγου, ὑπὲρ τὰ ἐξήκοντά φασιν ἔτη τὸν Ὠριγένην γενόμενον, ἄτε δὴ μεγίστην ἤδη συλλεξάμενον ἐκ τῆς μακρᾶς παρασκευῆς ἔξιν, τὰς ἐπὶ τοῦ κοινοῦ λεγομένας αὐτῷ διαλέξεις ταχυγράφοις μεταλαβεῖν ἐπιτρέψαι, οὐ πρότερόν ποτε τοῦτο γενέσθαι συγκεχωρηκότα. ### English translation (Claude) At that time, as was natural, since the faith was increasing and our teaching was spoken boldly among all, Origen, being, they say, over sixty years old, and having now gathered the greatest skill from long preparation, allowed shorthand writers to take down the discourses he delivered in public, which he had never before permitted. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.36.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/36/1/). ## Church History 6.36.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/36/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:277–278 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Origen also wrote Against Celsus, twenty-five books on Matthew, and commentaries on the twelve prophets. ### Greek text ἐν τούτῳ καὶ τὰ πρὸς τὸν ἐπιγεγραμμένον καθʼ ἡμῶν Κέλσου τοῦ Ἐπικουρείου ἀληθῆ λόγον ὀκτὼ τὸν ἀριθμὸν συγγράμματα συντάττει, καὶ τοὺς εἰς τὸ κατὰ Ματθαῖον εὐαγγέλιον εἴκοσι πέντε τόμους, τούς τε εἰς τοὺς δώδεκα προφήτας, ἀφʼ ὧν μόνους ηὕρομεν πέντε καὶ εἴκοσι. ### English translation (Claude) At this time he also composed the eight books against the work of Celsus the Epicurean entitled The True Word, written against us, and the twenty-five volumes on the Gospel according to Matthew, and those on the twelve prophets, of which we have found only twenty-five. ### Extrabiblical texts - Origen, Cels. (Against Celsus): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Origen himself doubted that his Celsus was an Epicurean. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.36.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/36/2/). ## Church History 6.36.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/36/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:278 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Origen wrote to the emperor Philip and his wife; Eusebius collected over a hundred of his letters. ### Greek text φέρεται δὲ αὐτοῦ καὶ πρὸς αὐτὸν βασιλέα Φίλιππον ἐπιστολὴ, καὶ ἄλλη πρὸς τὴν τούτου γαμετὴν Σεβήραν, διάφοροί τε ἄλλαι πρὸς διαφόρους, ὧν ὁπόσας σποράδην παρὰ διαφόροις σωθείσας συναγαγεῖν δεδυνήμεθα, ἐν ἰδίαις τόμων περιγραφαῖς, ὡς ἂν μηκέτι διαρρίπτοιντο, κατελέξαμεν, τὸν ἑκατὸν ἀριθμὸν ὑπερβαινούσας. ### English translation (Claude) There is extant also a letter of his to the emperor Philip himself, and another to his wife Severa, and various others to various people. As many of these as we have been able to collect, preserved here and there by different people, we have arranged in separate volumes, so that they might no longer be scattered; they number more than a hundred. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.36.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/36/3/). ## Church History 6.36.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/36/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:278 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Origen wrote to Fabian of Rome and others defending his orthodoxy. ### Greek text γράφει δὲ καὶ Φαβιανῷ τῷ κατὰ Ῥώμην ἐπισκόπῳ, ἑτέροις τε πλείστοις ἄρχουσιν ἐκκλησιῶν, περὶ τῆς κατʼ αὐτὸν ὀρθοδοξίας. ἔχεις καὶ τούτων τὰς ἀποδείξεις ἐν ἕκτῳ τῆς γραφείσης ἡμῖν περὶ τοῦ ἀνδρὸς ἀπολογίας. ### English translation (Claude) He also wrote to Fabian, bishop of Rome, and to very many other rulers of churches about his orthodoxy. You have the proofs of these too in the sixth book of the Defence we wrote about the man. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.36.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/36/4/). ## Church History 6.37.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/37/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:278 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: In Arabia some taught that the soul dies with the body until the resurrection; Origen persuaded them otherwise at a synod. ### Greek text Ἄλλοι δʼ αὖ πάλιν ἐπὶ τῆς Ἀραβίας κατὰ τὸν δηλούμενον ἐπιφύονται χρόνον δόγματος ἀλλοτρίου τῆς ἀληθείας εἰσηγηταὶ, οἳ ἔλεγον τὴν ἀνθρωπείαν ψυχὴν τέως μὲν κατὰ τὸν ἐνεστῶτα καιρὸν ἅμα τῇ τελευτῇ συναποθνήσκειν τοῖς σώμασι καὶ συνδιαφθείρεσθαι αὖθις δέ ποτε κατὰ τὸν τῆς ἀναστάσεως καιρὸν σὺν αὐτοῖς ἀναβιώσεσθαι. καὶ δὴ καὶ τότε συγκροτηθείσης οὐ σμικρᾶς συνόδου, πάλιν Ὠριγένης παρακληθεὶς καὶ ἐνταῦθα, κινήσας τε λόγους ἐπὶ τοῦ κοινοῦ περὶ τοῦ ζητουμένου οὕτως ἠνέχθη ὡς μετατεθῆναι τὰς τῶν πρότερον ἐσφαλμένων διανοίας. ### English translation (Claude) At the time mentioned others again sprang up in Arabia, introducers of a doctrine foreign to the truth, who said that the human soul, for the present time, dies with the body at death and perishes with it, but at some time, at the time of the resurrection, will come to life again with it. A synod of no small size was assembled then too, and Origen, again invited there, raised discussions publicly on the question, and was so carried along that the minds of those who had formerly erred were changed. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.37.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/37/1/). ## Church History 6.38.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/38/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:278–279 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Origen warned against the Elkesaites, who rejected Paul, allowed outward denial under persecution, and offered forgiveness through a heavenly book. ### Greek text Τότε δὲ καὶ ἄλλη διαστροφὴ κατάρχεται, ἡ τῶν Ἑλκεσαϊτῶν λεγομένη αἵρεσις, ἣ καὶ ἅμα τῷ ἄρξασθαι ἀπέσβη. μνημονεύει δʼ αὐτῆς ὁμιλῶν ἐπὶ τοῦ κοινοῦ εἰς τὸν ὀγδοηκοστὸν δεύτερον ψαλμὸν ὁ Ὠριγένης, ὧδέ πως λέγων “ ἐλή- “λυθέ τις ἐπὶ τοῦ παρόντος μέγα φρονῶν ἐπὶ τῷ “δύνασθαι πρεσβεύειν γνώμης ἀθέου καὶ ἀσεβεστά- “της, καλουμένης Ἑλκεσαϊτῶν, νεωστὶ “ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις. ἐκείνη ἡ γνώμη οἷα λέγει κακὰ, “παραθήσομαι ὑμῖν) ἵνα μὴ συναρπάζησθε. ἀθετεῖ “τινα ἀπὸ πάσης γραφῆς, κέχρηται ῥητοῖς πάλιν “ἀπὸ πάσης παλαιᾶς τε καὶ εὐαγγελικῆς, τὸν ἀπό- “στολον τέλεον ἀθετεῖ. φησὶ δὲ ὅτι τὸ “ἀδιάφορόν ἐστι, καὶ ὁ μὲν νοήσας τῷ στόματι ἐν ἀνάγκαις ἀρνήσεται, τῇ δὲ καρδίᾳ οὐχί. καὶ βίβλον τινὰ φέρουσιν, ἣν λέγουσιν ἐξ οὐρανοῦ καταπεπτωκέναι, καὶ τὸν ἀκηκοότα ἐκείνης καὶ πιστεύοντα ἄφεσιν λήψεσθαι τῶν ἁμαρτημάτων, ἄλλην ἄφεσιν “παρʼ ἣν Χριστὸς Ἰησοῦς ἀφῆκε.” καὶ τὰ μὲν περὶ τούτων τάδε ἐστίν. ### English translation (Claude) At that time another perversion began, the heresy called that of the Elkesaites, which was extinguished as soon as it began. Origen mentions it when preaching publicly on the eighty-second Psalm, saying somewhat thus: “There has come someone at present, priding himself on being able to champion a godless and most impious opinion, called that of the Elkesaites, which has lately risen up against the churches. What evils that opinion teaches I shall set before you, so that you may not be carried away. It rejects some things from every Scripture; it again uses texts from all the Old Testament and the Gospel; it rejects the apostle entirely. It says that to deny is a matter of indifference, and that the one who understands will deny with the mouth in times of necessity, but not with the heart. And they bring a certain book which they say fell from heaven, and that whoever has heard it and believes will receive forgiveness of sins, another forgiveness than that which Christ Jesus gave.” ### Translation notes - Quotation from Origen, Homily on Psalm 82 (lost). Words are lost in the digital text (e.g. “risen up against” and “to deny”), supplied from the sense. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.38.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/38/1/). ## Church History 6.39.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/39/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:279 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Decius began a persecution (250); Fabian of Rome was martyred and succeeded by Cornelius. ### Greek text Ἀλλὰ γὰρ Φίλιππον ἔτεσιν ἑπτὰ βασιλεύσαντα διαδέχεται Δέκιος, ὃς δὴ τοῦ πρὸς Φίλιππον ἔχθους ἕνεκα κατὰ τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν ἐγείρει, ἐν ᾧ Φαβιανοῦ ἐπὶ Ῥώμης μαρτυρίῳ τελειωθέντος Κορνήλιος τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν διαδέχεται. ### English translation (Claude) When Philip had reigned seven years, he was succeeded by Decius, who, out of enmity toward Philip, raised a persecution against the churches. In it Fabian was perfected by martyrdom at Rome, and Cornelius succeeded to the episcopate. ### Translation notes - The word “persecution” (διωγμὸν) is lost in the digital text after κατὰ τῶν. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.39.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/39/1/). ## Church History 6.39.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/39/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:279 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Alexander of Jerusalem, now very old, confessed again and was imprisoned. ### Greek text ἐπὶ δὲ Παλαιστίνης Ἀλέξανδρος ὁ τῆς Ἱεροσολύμων ἐκκλησίας ἐπίσκοπος, αὖθις διὰ Χριστὸν ἐν τῇ Καισαρείᾳ ἡγεμονικοῖς παραστὰς δικαστηρίοις, καὶ ἐπὶ δευτέρᾳ διαπρέψας ὁμολογίᾳ, δεσμωτηρίου πειρᾶται, λιπαρῷ γήρει καὶ σεμνῇ πολιᾷ κατεστεμμένος. ### English translation (Claude) In Palestine, Alexander, bishop of the church of Jerusalem, again appeared for Christ's sake before the governor's courts at Caesarea, and after distinguishing himself in a second confession, underwent imprisonment, crowned with a ripe old age and venerable grey hairs. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.39.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/39/2/). ## Church History 6.39.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/39/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:279–280 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Alexander died in prison and was succeeded by Mazabanes. ### Greek text τούτου δὲ μετὰ τὴν ἐν τοῖς ἡγεμονικοῖς δικαστηρίοις λαμπρὰν καὶ περιφανῆ μαρτυρίαν ἐπὶ τῆς εἱρκτῆς κοιμηθέντος, Μαζαβάνης διάδοχος τῆς ἐν Ἱεροσολύμοις ἐπισκοπῆς ἀναδείκνυται. ### English translation (Claude) When he fell asleep in prison after his splendid and illustrious testimony before the governor's courts, Mazabanes was declared his successor in the episcopate at Jerusalem. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.39.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/39/3/). ## Church History 6.39.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/39/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:280 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Babylas of Antioch also died in prison and was succeeded by Fabius. ### Greek text τῷ δʼ Ἀλεξάνδρῳ παραπλησίως ἐν Ἀντιοχείᾳ τοῦ Βαβύλα μετὰ τὴν ὁμολογίαν ἐν δεσμωτηρίῳ μεταλλάξαντος Φάβιος τῆς αὐτόθι προΐσταται ἐκκλησίας. ### English translation (Claude) Like Alexander, Babylas at Antioch died in prison after his confession, and Fabius presided over the church there. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.39.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/39/4/). ## Church History 6.39.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/39/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:280 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Origen endured chains, the iron collar, and the stocks under Decius, the judge deliberately keeping him alive; his letters record it. ### Greek text τὰ μὲν οὖν Ὠριγένει κατὰ τὸν διωγμὸν συμβάντα οἷα καὶ ὅσα, καὶ ὁποίας ἔτυχε τελευτῆς, τοῦ πονηροῦ δαίμονος ἐφαμίλλως τῷ ἀνδρὶ πανστρατιᾷ παραταξαμένου, πάσῃ τε μηχανῇ καὶ δυνάμει κατʼ αὐτοῦ στρατηγήσαντος, παρὰ πάντας τε τοὺς τηνικάδε πολεμηθέντας διαφερόντως ἐπισκήψαντος αὐτῷ, οἷά τε καὶ ὅσα διὰ τὸν Χριστοῦ λόγον ὁ ἀνὴρ ὑπέμεινε δεσμὰ καὶ βασάνους τὰς κατὰ τοῦ σώματος, τάς τε ὑπὸ σιδηρῷ κλοιῷ καὶ μυχοῖς εἱρκτῆς τιμωρίας, καὶ ὡς ἐπὶ πλείσταις ἡμέραις τοὺς πόδας ὑπὸ τέσσαρα τοῦ κολαστηρίου ξύλου παραταθεὶς διαστήματα κατασπώμενος πυρός τε ἀπειλὰς καὶ ὅσα ἄλλα πρὸς τῶν ἐχθρῶν ἐπενεχθέντα καρτερῶς ἤνεγκεν, οἵου τε τὰ κατʼ αὐτὸν ἔτυχε τέλους, μηδαμῶς αὐτὸν ἀνελεῖν παντὶ σθένει τοῦ δικαστοῦ φιλονείκως ἐνστάντος, ὁποίας τε μετὰ ταύτα καταλείπει φωνὰς, καὶ αὐτὰς πλήρεις τοῖς ἀναλήψεως δεομένοις ὠφελείας, πλεῖσται ὅσαι τἀνδρὸς ἐπιστολαὶ τἀληθὲς ὁμοῦ καὶ ἀκριβὲς περιέχουσι. ### English translation (Claude) What and how many things happened to Origen in the persecution, and what end he met — the evil demon arraying himself with all his forces against the man in rivalry, leading every device and power against him, and assailing him above all others who were attacked at that time; what and how many things the man endured for the word of Christ, bonds and bodily tortures, punishments under the iron collar and in the recesses of the prison; how for very many days he had his feet stretched four spaces in the stocks, and bore steadfastly threats of fire and all else inflicted by his enemies; what outcome his affairs had, the judge eagerly striving with all his might not to put him to death; and what words he left after this, full of help for those who need encouragement — all these are contained, truthfully and exactly, in the man's very many letters. ### Translation notes - Origen died a few years later, probably ca. 253/4. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.39.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/39/5/). ## Church History 6.40.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/40/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:280 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius of Alexandria: his flight in the persecution was by God's direction. ### Greek text Τά γέ τοι κατὰ Διονύσιον ἐκ τῆς πρὸς Γερμανὸν ἐπιστολῆς αὐτοῦ παραθήσομαι, ἔνθα τοῦτον περὶ ἑαυτοῦ λέγων ἱστορεῖ τὸν τρόπον “ἐγὼ δὲ καὶ ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ λαλῶ, καὶ “αὐτὸς οἶδεν ὅτι οὐ ψεύδομαι· οὐδὲ μίαν ἐπʼ ἐμαυ- “τοῦ βαλλόμενος οὐδὲ ἀθεεί πεποίημαι τὴν φυγήν. “ ### English translation (Claude) What concerns Dionysius I shall set out from his letter to Germanus, where he relates this about himself: “I speak before God, and he knows that I do not lie: I did not take flight on my own initiative nor without God. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, Letter to Germanus (to 6.40.9). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.40.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/40/1/). ## Church History 6.40.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/40/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:280–281 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The prefect's agent searched everywhere for Dionysius except his own house. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ καὶ πρότερον τοῦ κατὰ Δέκιον προτεθέντος “διωγμοῦ Σαβῖνος αὐτῆς ὥρας φρουμεντάριον ἔπεμ- “ψεν εἰς ἀναζήτησίν μου, κἀγὼ μὲν τεσσάρων ἡμε- “ρῶν ἐπὶ τῆς οἰκίας ἔμεινα, τὴν ἄφιξιν τοῦ φρου- “μενταρίου προσδοκῶν. ὁ δὲ πάντα μὲν περιῆλθεν “ἀνερευνῶν, τοὺς ποταμοὺς, τὰς ὁδοὺς, τοὺς ἀγροὺς, “ἔνθα κρύπτεσθαί με ἢ βαδίζειν ὑπενόησεν, ἀορασίᾳ δὲ εἴχετο, μὴ εὑρίσκων τὴν οἰκίαν· οὐ γὰρ ἐπίστευ- “σεν οἴκοι με διωκόμενον ἔχειν. ### English translation (Claude) Even before, when the persecution under Decius was proclaimed, Sabinus at that very hour sent a frumentarius to search for me. I stayed at home four days, expecting the frumentarius to come. But he went round searching everywhere, the rivers, the roads, the fields, where he suspected I was hiding or walking, but was struck with blindness and did not find the house; for he did not believe that I, being pursued, would stay at home. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. Sabinus was prefect of Egypt; a frumentarius was an imperial agent. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.40.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/40/2/). ## Church History 6.40.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/40/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:281 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: On the fourth day God led Dionysius and his companions out safely. ### Greek text καὶ μόλις μετὰ τὴν τετάρτην ἡμέραν κελεύσαντός μοι μεταστῆναι “τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ παραδόξως ὁδοποιήσαντος ἐγώ τε “οἱ παῖδες καὶ πολλοὶ τῶν ἀδελφῶν ἅμα “θομεν. καὶ ὅτι τῆς τοῦ θεοῦ προνοίας ἔργον ἐκεῖνο “γέγονε τὰ ἐξῆς ἐδήλωσεν, ἐν οἷς τάχα τισὶ γεγόναμεν χρήσιμοι.” ### English translation (Claude) And barely, after the fourth day, when God commanded me to depart and wonderfully made a way, I and the servants and many of the brothers went out together. That this was the work of God's providence what followed showed, in which we were perhaps of use to some.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. Words at line beginnings (“and”, “went out”) are lost in the digital text. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.40.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/40/3/). ## Church History 6.40.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/40/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:281 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius was captured and taken to Taposiris; Timothy escaped. ### Greek text εἶτά τινα μεταξὺ εἰπὼν τὰ μετὰ τὴν φυγὴν αὐτῷ συμβεβηκότα δηλοῖ, ταῦτα ἐπιφέρων “ἐγὼ μὲν γὰρ περὶ ἡλίου δυσμὰς ἅμα τοῖς “σὺν ἐμοὶ γενόμενος ὑπὸ τοῖς στρατιώταις εἰς Ταπό- “σιριν ἤχθην, ὁ δὲ Τιμόθεος κατὰ τὴν τοῦ θεοῦ “πρόνοιαν ἔτυχε μὴ παρὼν μηδὲ καταληφθείς. ἐλθὼν “δὲ ὕστερον ηὗρε τὸν οἶκον ἔρημον, καὶ φρουροῦν- “τας αὐτὸν ὑπηρέτας, ἡμᾶς δὲ ἐξηνδραποδισμένους.” ### English translation (Claude) Then, after saying some things in between, he tells what happened to him after the flight, adding this: “About sunset I was seized with those who were with me by the soldiers and taken to Taposiris; but Timothy, by the providence of God, happened not to be present and was not caught. Coming later, he found the house deserted and guarded by attendants, and us taken captive.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.40.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/40/4/). ## Church History 6.40.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/40/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:281 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: A countryman met the fleeing Timothy and asked why he hurried. ### Greek text καὶ μεθʼ ἕτερά φησι “καὶ τίς ὁ τῆς θαυμασίας ‘οἰκονομίας αὐτοῦ τρόπος; τὰ γὰρ ἀληθῆ λεχθήσεται. ‘ἀπηντᾶτό τις τῶν χωρικῶν ὑποφεύγοντι τῷ Τιμο- ‘θέῳ καὶ τεταραγμένῳ, καὶ τὴν αἰτίαν τῆς ἐπείξεως ἐπύθετο. ### English translation (Claude) And after other things he says: “And what was the manner of his wonderful dispensation? For the truth shall be told. One of the country people met Timothy as he fled in distress and asked the reason for his haste. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.40.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/40/5/). ## Church History 6.40.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/40/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:281 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The wedding guests rushed to the place, the guards fled, and the villagers stood over the prisoners. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ τἀληθὲς ἐξεῖπε, κἀκεῖνος ἀκούσας ἀπῄει δὲ εὐωχησόμενος γάμους· διαπαννυχίζειν ‘γὰρ αὐτοῖς ἐν ταῖς τοιαύταις συνόδοις ἔθος) εἰσελ- “θὼν ἀπήγγειλε τοῖς κατακειμένοις· οἶ δὲ ὁρμῇ καθάπερ ἀπὸ συνθήματος πάντες ἐξανέστησαν, καὶ δρόμῳ φερόμενοι τάχιστα ἧκον, ἐπεισπεσόντες τε ἡμῖν ἠλάλαξαν, καὶ φυγῆς εὐθέως τῶν φρουρούντων ἡμὰς στρατιωτῶν γενομένης ἐπέστησαν ἡμῖν, ὡς εἴχομεν ἐπὶ τῶν ἀστρώτων σκιμπόδων κατακείμενοι. ### English translation (Claude) He told the truth, and the man, hearing it (he was on his way to a wedding feast, for it is their custom to spend the whole night at such gatherings), went in and reported it to those at table. They all rose up with one impulse as at a signal, came running at full speed, burst in on us shouting, and as the soldiers guarding us immediately fled, they stood over us, lying as we were on bare pallets. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.40.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/40/6/). ## Church History 6.40.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/40/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:281–282 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Thinking them robbers, Dionysius offered them his clothes, but they told him to leave quickly. ### Greek text κἀγὼ μὲν, οἶδεν ὁ θεὸς, ὡς λῃστὰς εἶναι “πρότερον ἡγούμενος ἐπὶ σύλησιν καὶ ἁρπαγὴν “κομένους, μένων ἐπὶ τῆς εὐνῆς, ἧς ἤμην γυμνὸς ἐν “τῷ λινῷ ἐσθήματι, τὴν δὲ λοιπὴν ἐσθῆτα “μένην αὐτοῖς ὤρεγον, οἱ δὲ ἐξανίστασθαί τε ἐκέλευον καὶ τὴν ταχίστην ἐξιέναι. ### English translation (Claude) And I — God knows — at first thinking they were robbers come for plunder and pillage, stayed on the bed where I was, naked but for my linen garment, and offered them the rest of my clothing lying beside me; but they bade me get up and go out as fast as possible. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. Words are lost in the digital text (“come”, “lying beside me”). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.40.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/40/7/). ## Church History 6.40.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/40/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:282 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius begged to be left to die, but they carried him off by force. ### Greek text καὶ τότε συνεὶς ἐφʼ ᾧ παρῆσαν ἀνέκραγον δεόμενος αὐτῶν καὶ “ἱκετεύων ἀπιέναι καὶ ἡμᾶς ἐᾶν, εἰ δὲ βούλονταί τι χρηστὸν ἐργάσασθαι, τοὺς ἀπάγοντάς με φθάσαι, “καὶ τὴν κεφαλὴν αὐτοὺς τὴν ἐμὴν ἀποτεμεῖν ἠξίουν. “καὶ τοιαῦτα βοῶντος, ὡς ἴσασιν οἱ κοινωνοί μου καὶ “μέτοχοι πάντων γενόμενοι, ἀνίστασαν πρὸς βίαν, “κἀγὼ μὲν παρῆκα ἐμαυτὸν ὕπτιον εἰς τοὔδαφος, οἱ “δὲ διαλαβόντες χειρῶν καὶ ποδῶν σύροντες “γαγον. ### English translation (Claude) Then, understanding why they had come, I cried out, begging and entreating them to go away and leave us alone; and if they wished to do some good, I asked them to forestall those who were taking me away and cut off my head themselves. While I was shouting such things, as my companions, who shared in everything, know, they raised me up by force. I let myself fall on my back on the ground, but they took me by hands and feet, dragged me out and led me away. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. The digital text reads ἐὰν for ἐᾶν (“to leave”). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.40.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/40/8/). ## Church History 6.40.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/40/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:282 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: His companions carried him out of the town on a donkey. ### Greek text ἐπηκολούθουν δέ μοι οἱ τούτων πάντων “γενόμενοι μάρτυρες, Γάϊος, Φαῦστος, Πέτρος, Παῦ- “λος, οἳ καὶ ὑπολαβόντες με φοράδην ἐξήγαγον “πολιχνίου, καὶ ὄνῳ γυμνῷ ἐπιβιβάσαντες ἀπήγαγον.” ταῦτα περὶ ἑαυτοῦ ὁ Διονύσιος. ### English translation (Claude) Those who were witnesses of all these things followed me: Gaius, Faustus, Peter, Paul. They took me up and carried me out of the little town, and setting me on a bare-backed donkey led me away.” So Dionysius about himself. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.40.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/40/9/). ## Church History 6.41.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:282 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius: at Alexandria persecution began a year before Decius's edict, stirred up by a pagan prophet. ### Greek text Ὁ δʼ αὐτὸς ἐν τῇ πρὸς Φαβιανὸν Ἀντιοχέων ἐπίσκοπον τῶν κατὰ Δέκιον μαρτυρησάντων ἐν Ἀλεξανδρείᾳ τοὺς ἀγῶνας τοῦτον ἱστορεῖ τὸν τρόπον “οὐκ ἀπὸ τοῦ βασιλικοῦ προστάγματος ὁ διωγμὸς παρʼ ἡμῖν ἤρξατο, ἀλλὰ γὰρ ὅλον ἐνιαυτὸν προύλαβε, καὶ φθάσας ὁ “κακῶν τῇ πόλει ταύτῃ μάντις καὶ ποιητὴς, ὅστις ἐκεῖνος ἦν, ἐκίνησε καὶ παρώρμησε καθʼ ἡμῶν τὰ πλήθη τῶν ἐθνῶν, εἰς τὴν ἐπιχώριον αὐτοὺς δεισιδαιμονίαν ἀναρριπίσας. ### English translation (Claude) The same writer, in his letter to Fabian, bishop of the Antiochenes, relates the contests of those martyred at Alexandria under Decius thus: “The persecution among us did not begin with the imperial edict, but preceded it by a whole year. The prophet and maker of evils for this city, whoever he was, got in first and stirred and incited the multitudes of the pagans against us, fanning up their native superstition. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, Letter to Fabius of Antioch (to 6.42.6). The edition reads Φαβιανόν (“Fabian”, the name of the bishop of Rome, 6.39.1); this is a variant in the text, not a digitization slip, and is kept as printed. The bishop of Antioch to whom Dionysius wrote was Fabius (6.39.4, 6.44.1), as other editions read here. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/1/). ## Church History 6.41.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:282 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The mob made murdering Christians their form of worship. ### Greek text οἱ δὲ ἐρεθισθέντες ὑπʼ αὐτοῦ, καὶ πάσης ἐξουσίας εἰς ἀνοσιουργίαν λαβό- “μενοι, μόνην εὐσέβειαν τὴν θρησκείαν τῶν “ταύτην ὑπέλαβον, τὸ καθʼ ἡμῶν φονᾶν. “ ### English translation (Claude) Aroused by him and seizing full licence for wickedness, they supposed that this alone was piety, the worship of the demons: to murder us. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. The word “demons” (δαιμόνων) is lost in the digital text. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/2/). ## Church History 6.41.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:282–283 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The old man Metras was tortured and stoned for refusing to blaspheme. ### Greek text πρῶτον μὲν οὖν πρεσβύτην Μητρᾶν ὀνόματι συναρπάσαντες, καὶ κελεύσαντες ἄθεα λέγειν ῥή- “ματα, μὴ πειθόμενον, ξύλοις τε παίοντες τὸ σῶμα, ‘καὶ καλάμοις ὀξέσι τὸ πρόσωπον καὶ τοὺς ὀφθαλ- “μοὺς κεντοῦντες, ἀγαγόντες εἰς τὸ προάστειον “λιθοβόλησαν. ### English translation (Claude) First, then, they seized an old man named Metras and ordered him to speak blasphemous words; when he would not obey, they beat his body with clubs, stabbed his face and eyes with sharp reeds, led him out to the suburb, and stoned him. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/3/). ## Church History 6.41.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:283 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Quinta refused to worship an idol and was dragged through the city and stoned. ### Greek text ἔπειτα πιστὴν γυναῖκα Κοΐνταν “καλουμένην ἐπὶ τὸ εἰδωλεῖον ἀγαγόντες “προσκυνεῖν· ἀποστρεφομένην δὲ καὶ βδελυττομένην “ἐκδήσαντες τῶν ποδῶν, διὰ πάσης τῆς πόλεως κατὰ “τοῦ τραχέος λιθοστρώτου σύροντες, προσαρασσομέ- “νην τοῖς μυλιαίοις λίθοις ἅμα καὶ μαστιγοῦντες, ἐπὶ τὸν αὐτὸν ἀγαγόντες κατέλευσαν τόπον. ### English translation (Claude) Then they led a believing woman called Quinta to the idol temple and tried to compel her to worship; when she turned away in loathing, they tied her by the feet and dragged her through the whole city over the rough pavement, dashing her against the millstones and scourging her at the same time, and brought her to the same place and stoned her. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. A verb (“compelled”) is lost in the digital text. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/4/). ## Church History 6.41.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:283 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Mobs looted Christian homes and burned their goods like a sacked city. ### Greek text εἶθʼ ὁμοθυμαδὸν ἅπαντες ὥρμησαν ἐπὶ τὰς τῶν θεοσε- “βῶν οἰκίας, καὶ οὓς ἐγνώριζον ἕκαστοι “ἐπισπεύδοντες ἦγον, ἐσύλων τε καὶ διήρπαζον, τὰ ‘μὲν τιμιώτερα τῶν κειμηλίων νοσφιζόμενοι, τὰ δὲ “εὐτελέστερα καὶ ὅσα ἐκ ξύλων πεποίητο, διαρριπτοῦντες καὶ κατακαίοντες ἐν ταῖς ὁδοῖς ἑαλωκυίας ὑπὸ πολεμίων πόλεως παρεῖχον θέαν. ### English translation (Claude) Then with one accord they all rushed on the houses of the God-fearing, and each, falling upon those they knew as neighbours, carried them off, robbed and plundered them, taking the more valuable goods for themselves, scattering the cheaper things and whatever was made of wood and burning them in the streets, so that they presented the spectacle of a city taken by enemies. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/5/). ## Church History 6.41.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:283 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Christians accepted the loss of their goods with joy, and scarcely any denied the Lord. ### Greek text ἐξέκλινον δὲ καὶ ὑπανεχώρουν οἱ ἀδελφοὶ, καὶ τὴν ἁρπαγὴν τῶν ὑπαρχόντων, ὁμοίως ἐκείνοις οἷς καὶ Παῦλος ἐμαρτύρησε, μετὰ χαρᾶς προσεδέξαντο. καὶ οὐκ οἶδʼ εἴ τις, πλὴν εἰ μή πού τις εἶς ἐμπεσὼν, μέχρι γε τούτου τὸν κύριον ἠρνήσατο. ### English translation (Claude) The brothers gave way and withdrew, and accepted the plundering of their goods with joy, like those to whom Paul bore witness. And I do not know that anyone, except perhaps one who fell into their hands, has so far denied the Lord. ### Scripture references - Heb 10:34: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, alluding to Heb 10:34 (which Dionysius ascribes to Paul). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/6/). ## Church History 6.41.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:283–284 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The aged virgin Apollonia had her teeth knocked out and leapt into the fire rather than blaspheme. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ καὶ τὴν “θαυμασιωτάτην τότε παρθένον πρεσβῦτιν Ἀπολλωνίαν διαλαβόντες, τοὺς μὲν ὀδόντας ἅπαντας, κόπτοντες τὰς σιαγόνας, ἐξήλασαν, πυρὰν δὲ νήσαν- “τες πρὸ τῆς πόλεως ζῶσαν ἠπείλουν κατακαύσειν, “εἰ μὴ συνεκφωνήσειεν αὐτοῖς τὰ τῆς ἀσεβείας “κηρύγματα. ἡ δὲ ὑποπαραιτησαμένη βραχὺ καὶ “ἀνεθεῖσα συντόνως ἐπεπήδησεν εἰς τὸ πῦρ καὶ “καταπέφλεκται. ### English translation (Claude) They also seized the most wonderful aged virgin Apollonia, broke her jaws and knocked out all her teeth, and piling a pyre before the city threatened to burn her alive if she did not join them in uttering their impious proclamations. She asked for a little time, and when released, leapt eagerly into the fire and was burned up. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/7/). ## Church History 6.41.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:284 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Serapion was tortured and thrown from his roof; the streets were unsafe for Christians. ### Greek text Σαραπίωνά τε καταλαβόντες “ἐφέστιον, σκληραῖς βασάνοις αἰκισάμενοι, καὶ πάντα “τὰ ἄρθρα διακλάσαντες, ἀπὸ τοῦ ὑπερῴου πρηνῆ “ κατέρριψαν. οὐδεμία δὲ ὁδὸς, οὐ λεωφόρος, οὐ στε- “νωπὸς ἡμῖν βάσιμος ἦν, οὐ νύκτωρ, οὐ μεθʼ ἡμέ- “ραν, ἀεὶ καὶ πανταχοῦ πάντων κεκραγότων, εἰ μὴ “τὰ δύσφημά τις ἀνυμνοίη ῥήματα, τοῦτον δεῖν σύρεσθαί τε καὶ πίμπρασθαι. ### English translation (Claude) They seized Serapion in his house, tormented him with harsh tortures, broke all his limbs, and threw him headlong from the upper storey. No road, no highway, no lane was passable for us, by night or by day; always and everywhere all were crying out that anyone who did not chant the blasphemous words must be dragged off and burned. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/8/). ## Church History 6.41.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:284 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Civil strife gave a brief respite, until news of a new, hostile reign arrived. ### Greek text καὶ ταῦτα “ἐπὶ πολὺ μὲν ἤκμασε τοῦτον τὸν τρόπον, διαδεξα- “μένη δὲ τοὺς ἀθλίους ἡ στάσις καὶ ὁ πόλεμος ὁ ἐμφύλιος τὴν καθʼ ἡμῶν ὠμότητα πρὸς ἀλλήλους ‘αὐτῶν ἔτρεψε. καὶ σμικρὸν μὲν προσανεπνεύσαμεν, “ἀσχολίαν τοῦ πρὸς ἡμᾶς θυμοῦ λαβόντων, εὐθέως δὲ ἡ τῆς βασιλείας ἐκείνης τῆς εὐμενεστέρας ἡμῖν “μεταβολὴ διήγγελται, καὶ πολὺς ὁ τῆς ἐφʼ ἡμὰς ‘ἀπειλῆς φόβος ἀνετείνετο. ### English translation (Claude) These things flourished in this way for a long time. But then faction and civil war overtook the wretches and turned their cruelty against us upon one another. We breathed again a little, since they had no leisure for their fury against us; but immediately the change of that reign which had been more kindly to us was announced, and great fear of threats against us was held over us. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. The kinder reign was Philip's, succeeded by Decius. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/9/). ## Church History 6.41.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:284 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The edict arrived, terrible enough to make even the elect stumble. ### Greek text καὶ δὴ καὶ παρῆν “τὸ πρόσταγμα, αὐτοσχεδὸν ἐκεῖνο οἷον τὸ ὑπὸ τοῦ κυρίου ἀποφαῖνον τὸ φοβερώτατον, ὡς, εἰ δυνατὸν, σκανδαλίσαι καὶ τοὺς ἐκλεκτούς. “ ### English translation (Claude) And indeed the edict came, very like what was foretold by our Lord, most terrible, so as, if possible, to cause even the elect to stumble. ### Scripture references - Matt 24:24: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, alluding to Matt 24:24. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/10/). ## Church History 6.41.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:284 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Many prominent Christians came forward to sacrifice, some trembling as if they were the victims. ### Greek text πλὴν πάντες γε κατεπτήχεσαν, καὶ πολλοὶ μὲν “εὐθέως τῶν περιφανεστέρων οἱ μὲν ἀπήντων “τες, οἱ δὲ δημοσιεύοντες ὑπὸ τῶν πράξεων ἤγοντο, “οἱ δὲ ὑπὸ τῶν ἀμφʼ αὐτοῖς ἐφείλκοντο· ὀνομαστί τε καλούμενοι ταῖς ἀνάγνοις καὶ ἀνιέροις θυσίαις προσῄεσαν, οἱ μὲν ὠχριῶντες καὶ τρέμοντες, ὥσπερ οὐ θύσοντες, ἀλλʼ αὐτοὶ θύματα καὶ σφάγια τοῖς “εἰδώλοις ἐσόμενοι, ὡς ὑπὸ πολλοῦ τοῦ περιεστῶτος δήμου χλεύην αὐτοῖς ἐπιφέρεσθαι, καὶ δήλους μὲν εἶναι πρὸς πάντα δειλοὺς ὑπάρχοντας, καὶ πρὸς τὸ “τεθνάναι καὶ πρὸς τὸ θῦσαι· ### English translation (Claude) All indeed cowered. Many of the more prominent came forward at once, some through fear, others, holding public office, were led by their duties, others were dragged by those around them. Called by name, they approached the impure and unholy sacrifices, some pale and trembling, as if they were not to sacrifice but to be themselves the sacrifices and victims to the idols, so that the great crowd standing round mocked them, and it was plain that they were cowards in everything, both to die and to sacrifice. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. A participle (“through fear”) is partly lost in the digital text. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/11/). ## Church History 6.41.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:284–285 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Others eagerly sacrificed, denying they had ever been Christians; the rest fled or were arrested. ### Greek text οἱ δέ τινες ἑτοι- “μότερον τοῖς βωμοῖς προσέτρεχον, ἰσχυριζόμενοι τῇ “θρασύτητι τὸ μηδὲ πρότερον Χριστιανοὶ γεγονέναι, “περὶ ὧν ἡ τοῦ κυρίου πρόρρησις ἀληθεστάτη, ὅτι “δυσκόλως σωθήσονται· τῶν δὲ λοιπῶν οἱ μὲν εἵποντο “τούτοις ἑκατέροις, οἱ δὲ ἔφευγον, οἱ δὲ ἡλίσκοντο. “ ### English translation (Claude) Others ran more readily to the altars, affirming boldly that they had never been Christians; of whom the Lord's prediction is most true, that they will hardly be saved. Of the rest, some followed one or the other of these, some fled, some were captured. ### Scripture references - Mark 10:23: allusion, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, alluding to Mark 10:23. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/12/). ## Church History 6.41.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:285 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Some arrested Christians denied after imprisonment or partial torture. ### Greek text καὶ τούτων οἱ μὲν ἄχρι δεσμῶν καὶ φυλακῆς “χωρήσαντες, καί τινες καὶ πλείονας ἡμέρας καθειρ- “χθέντες, εἶτα καὶ πρὶν ἐπὶ δικαστήριον ἐλθεῖν, “ἐξωμόσαντο, οἱ δὲ καὶ βασάνοις ἐπὶ ποσὸν ἐγκαρ- “τερήσαντες πρὸς τὸ ἑξῆς ἀπεῖπον. ### English translation (Claude) Of these, some went as far as bonds and prison, and some were even shut up for many days, and then, before coming to court, forswore; others, having held out under tortures for a while, afterward gave up. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, Letter to Fabius. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/13/). ## Church History 6.41.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:285 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: But the steadfast became wonderful martyrs of Christ's kingdom. ### Greek text οἱ δὲ στερροὶ “καὶ μακάριοι στῦλοι τοῦ κυρίου, κραταιωθέντες ὑπʼ “αὐτοῦ, καὶ τῆς ἰσχυρᾶς ἐν ἑαυτοῖς πίστεως ἀξίαν “καὶ ἀνάλογον δύναμιν καὶ καρτερίαν λαβόντες, “θαυμαστοὶ γεγόνασιν αὐτοῦ τῆς βασιλείας μάρτυρες. “ ### English translation (Claude) But the firm and blessed pillars of the Lord, strengthened by him and receiving power and endurance worthy of and proportionate to the strong faith in them, became wonderful witnesses of his kingdom. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/14/). ## Church History 6.41.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:285 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The gouty Julian and Cronion Eunus confessed, were paraded on camels, scourged, and burned in quicklime. ### Greek text ὧν πρῶτος Ἰουλιανὸς, ἄνθρωπος ποδαγρὸς, μὴ “στῆναι, μὴ βαδίσαι δυνάμενος, σὺν ἑτέροις δύο τοῖς “φέρουσιν αὐτὸν προσήχθη, ὧν ὁ μὲν ἕτερος εὐθὺς “ἠρνήσατο, ὁ δʼ ἕτερος, Κρονίων ὀνόματι, ἐπίκλην “δὲ Εὔνους, καὶ αὐτὸς ὁ πρεσβύτης Ἰουλιανὸς, ὁμο- “λογήσαντες τὸν κύριον, διὰ πάσης τῆς πόλεως μεγί- “στης οὔσης, ὡς ἴστε, καμήλοις ἐποχούμενοι καὶ “μετέωροι μαστιγούμενοι, τέλος ἀσβέστῳ πυρὶ, περι- “κεχυμένου τοῦ δήμου παντὸς, κατεκάησαν. ### English translation (Claude) The first of them was Julian, a man suffering from gout, unable to stand or walk, who was brought with two others who carried him. One of these denied at once; but the other, named Cronion, surnamed Eunus, and the old man Julian himself, having confessed the Lord, were carried on camels through the whole city, which is very large, as you know, and scourged as they were held up aloft, and finally burned in quicklime, the whole populace standing round. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. “Quicklime” renders ἀσβέστῳ πυρί (literally “unquenchable fire”); the meaning is disputed. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/15/). ## Church History 6.41.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/16/ - Source: Dindorf 4:285 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The soldier Besas, who defended them, was beheaded. ### Greek text στρα- “τιώτης τε αὐτοῖς ἀπαγομένοις παραστὰς καὶ τοῖς “ἐφυβρίζουσιν ἐναντιωθεὶς, ἐκβοησάντων ἐκείνων “προσαχθεὶς ὁ ἀνδρειότατος ὁπλομάχος τοῦ θεοῦ “Βησᾶς, κἀν τῷ μεγάλῳ πολέμῳ τῷ περὶ τῆς εὐσε- “βείας ἀριστεύσας, ἀπετμήθη τὴν κεφαλήν. ### English translation (Claude) A soldier who stood by them as they were led away and opposed those who insulted them, when they cried out against him, was brought forward — Besas, the bravest warrior of God; and having excelled in the great war for piety, he was beheaded. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.16 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/16/). ## Church History 6.41.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/17/ - Source: Dindorf 4:285–286 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Macar was burned alive; Epimachus and Alexander, after long imprisonment and torture, were burned too. ### Greek text καί “τις ἕτερος, τὸ μὲν γένος Λίβυς, τὴν δὲ προσηγορίαν “ἅμα καὶ τὴν εὐλογίαν ἀληθὴς Μάκαρ, προτροπῆς “αὐτῷ πολλῆς ὑπὸ τοῦ δικαστοῦ πρὸς ἄρνησιν γενο- “μένης, οὐχ ὑπαχθεὶς ζῶν καταπέφλεκται. Ἐπίμα- “χός τε μετʼ αὐτοὺς καὶ Ἀλέξανδρος μετὰ πολὺν ὃν “ἔμειναν δεσμῶται χρόνον, μυρίας διενεγκόντες ἀλγη- “ δόνας, ξυστῆρας, μάστιγας, πυρὶ ἀσβέστῳ καὶ οὗτοι “διεχύθησαν. ### English translation (Claude) Another, a Libyan by race, truly Macar (“blessed”) in name and in blessing, though the judge urged him much to deny, was not won over and was burned alive. After them Epimachus and Alexander, after remaining in bonds a long time and enduring countless pains, scrapers and scourges, were also consumed in quicklime. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.17 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/17/). ## Church History 6.41.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/18/ - Source: Dindorf 4:286 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Four women were martyred: Ammonarium after long torture, and Mercuria, Dionysia, and another by the sword. ### Greek text καὶ σὺν αὐτοῖς γυναῖκες τέσσαρες· “ Ἀμμωνάριόν τε ἁγία παρθένος, πάνυ φιλονείκως “αὐτὴν ἐπὶ πλεῖστον τοῦ δικαστοῦ βασανίσαντος, “ἅτε προαποφηναμένην ὅτι μηδὲν ὧν ἐκεῖνος “φθέγξαιτο, ἀληθεύσασα τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν ἀπήχθη· “ αἱ δὲ λοιπαὶ, ἡ σεμνοτάτη πρεσβῦτις Μερκουρία, “καὶ ἡ πολύπαις μὲν, οὐχ ὑπὲρ τὸν κύριον δὲ ‘πήσασα ἑαυτῆς τὰ τέκνα Διονυσία, καταιδεσθέντος “εἰς ἀνήνυτον ἔτι βασανίζειν καὶ ὑπὸ γυναικῶν ἡττᾶσθαι τοῦ ἡγεμόνος, σιδήρῳ τεθνᾶσι, μηκέτι “βασάνων πεῖραν λαβοῦσαι· τὰς γὰρ ὑπὲρ πασῶν “ἡ πρόμαχος Ἀμμωνάριον ἀναδέδεκτο ### English translation (Claude) And with them four women. Ammonarium, a holy virgin, the judge tortured very relentlessly for a long time, because she had declared beforehand that she would utter none of the things he commanded; she kept her promise and was led away. The others — the most venerable aged Mercuria, and Dionysia, mother of many children but not loving them more than the Lord — when the governor was ashamed to go on torturing without result and to be beaten by women, died by the sword, without undergoing tortures; for Ammonarium, their champion, had received them on behalf of all. ### Scripture references - Matt 10:37: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. The participle “loving more” (ἀγαπήσασα) is partly lost in the digital text; cf. Matt 10:37. The fourth woman is not named in this text. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.18 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/18/). ## Church History 6.41.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/19/ - Source: Dindorf 4:286 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hero, Ater, Isidore, and the fifteen-year-old Dioscorus were tried; Dioscorus resisted both persuasion and force. ### Greek text Ἥρων δὲ καὶ Ἀτὴρ καὶ Ἰσίδωρος Αἰγύπτιοι καὶ “σὺν αὐτοῖς παιδάριον ὡς πεντεκαιδεκαέτης ὁ Διόσ- ‘κορος παρεδόθησαν· καὶ πρῶτον τὸ ‘λόγοις τε ἀπατᾶν ὡς εὐπαράγωγον, καὶ “καταναγκάζειν ὡς εὐένδοτον πειρωμένου, οὔτε ἐπείσθη οὔτε εἶξεν ὁ Διοσκόρος. ### English translation (Claude) Hero, Ater, and Isidore, Egyptians, and with them Dioscorus, a boy of about fifteen, were handed over. And first, when the judge tried to deceive the lad with words as easily led, and to compel him by force as easily yielding, Dioscorus neither was persuaded nor gave way. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. Words are lost in the digital text (“the judge … the lad”). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.19 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/19/). ## Church History 6.41.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/20/ - Source: Dindorf 4:286 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The others were burned; Dioscorus was released because of his youth and remained with Dionysius. ### Greek text τοὺς δὲ λοιποὺς “ἀγριώτατα καταξήνας, ἐγκαρτερήσαντας πυρὶ καὶ ‘τούτους παραδέδωκε, τὸν δὲ Διόσκορον ἐλλαμπρυνάμενόν τε δημοσίᾳ, καὶ σοφώτατα πρὸς τὰς ἰδίας πεύσεις ἀποκρινάμενον θαυμάσας παρῆκεν, ὑπέρθεσιν φήσας εἰς μετάνοιαν αὐτῷ διὰ τὴν ἡλικίαν “ἐπιμετρεῖν. καὶ νῦν ὁ θεοπρεπέστατος σὺν ἡμῖν “ἐστι Διοσκόρος, εἰς μακρότερον τὸν ἀγῶνα καὶ διαρκέστερον μείνας τὸν ἆθλον. ### English translation (Claude) The rest he tore most savagely and, when they held out, handed them too over to the fire; but Dioscorus, who had distinguished himself in public and answered his private questions most wisely, he released in admiration, saying that he granted him a delay for repentance because of his age. And now the most godly Dioscorus is with us, waiting for a longer contest and a more lasting struggle. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.20 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/20/). ## Church History 6.41.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/21/ - Source: Dindorf 4:286–287 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Nemesion, cleared of robbery but denounced as a Christian, was burned between robbers, like Christ. ### Greek text Νεμεσίων δέ τις, κἀκεῖνος Αἰγύπτιος, ἐσυκοφαντήθη μὲν ὡς δὴ σύνοικος λῃστῶν, ἀπολυσάμενος δὲ ταύτην παρὰ τῷ “ἑκατοντάρχῳ τὴν ἀλλοτριωτάτην κατʼ αὐτοῦ διαβολὴν, καταμηνυθεὶς ὡς Χριστιανὸς ἧκε δεσμώτης “ἐπὶ τὸν ἡγούμενον. ὁ δὲ ἀδικώτατος διπλαῖς αὐτὸν “ ἢ τοὺς λῃστὰς ταῖς τε βασάνοις καὶ ταῖς μάστιξι “λυμηνάμενος, μεταξὺ τῶν λῃστῶν κατέφλεξε, τιμη- “θέντα τὸν μακάριον τῷ τοῦ Χριστοῦ παραδείγματι. “ ### English translation (Claude) A certain Nemesion, also an Egyptian, was falsely accused of living with robbers; but when he had cleared himself before the centurion of this most unlikely slander, he was denounced as a Christian and came in bonds before the governor. The most unjust man tortured and scourged him twice as much as the robbers, and burned him between the robbers, so that the blessed man was honoured with the likeness of Christ. ### Scripture references - Luke 23:33: allusion, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria; cf. Luke 23:33. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.21 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/21/). ## Church History 6.41.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/22/ - Source: Dindorf 4:287 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christian soldiers at the tribunal signalled to a wavering defendant to stand firm. ### Greek text ἀθρόον δέ τι σύνταγμα στρατιωτικὸν, Ἄμμων “καὶ Ζήνων καὶ Πτολεμαῖος καὶ Ἰγγένης, καὶ σὺν “ αὐτοῖς πρεσβύτης Θεόφιλος, εἱστήκεισαν πρὸ τοῦ “δικαστηρίου· κρινομένου δή τινος ὡς Χριστιανοῦ ‘καὶ πρὸς ἄρνησιν ἤδη ῥέποντος ἐπρίοντο οὗτοι “παρεστηκότες, καὶ τοῖς τε προσώποις ἐνένευον, καὶ “τὰς χεῖρας ἀνέτεινον, καὶ συνεσχηματίζοντο τοῖς σώμασιν. ### English translation (Claude) A whole band of soldiers, Ammon, Zeno, Ptolemy, and Ingenes, and with them an old man Theophilus, were standing before the tribunal. When someone being tried as a Christian was already inclining toward denial, they, standing by, gnashed their teeth, made signs with their faces, stretched out their hands, and gestured with their bodies. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.22 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/22/). ## Church History 6.41.23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/23/ - Source: Dindorf 4:287 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The soldiers declared themselves Christians, alarming the court, and went joyfully to martyrdom. ### Greek text ἐπιστροφῆς δὲ πάντων πρὸς αὐτοὺς γενομένης, πρίν τινας αὐτῶν ἄλλους λαβέσθαι, “φθάσαντες ἐπὶ τὸ βάθρον ἀνέδραμον, εἶναι Χρι- “στιανοὶ λέγοντες, ὡς τόν τε ἡγεμόνα καὶ τοὺς συνέδρους ἐμφόβους γενέσθαι, καὶ τοὺς μὲν κρινομένους “εὐθαρσεστάτους ἐφʼ οἶς πείσονται φαίνεσθαι, “δὲ δικάζοντας ἀποδειλιᾶν. καὶ οὗτοι μὲν ἐκ δικα- ‘στηρίων ἐνεπόμπευσαν καὶ ἠγαλλιάσαντο τῇ μαρ- “τυρίᾳ, θριαμβεύοντος αὐτοὺς ἐνδόξως τοῦ θεοῦ.” ### English translation (Claude) When all turned toward them, before anyone else could seize them, they ran up to the platform first, saying that they were Christians, so that the governor and his assessors were afraid, and those on trial appeared most courageous in the face of what they were about to suffer, while the judges were cowed. And these went in procession from the courts and exulted in their testimony, God leading them gloriously in triumph.” ### Scripture references - 2 Cor 2:14: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria; cf. 2 Cor 2:14. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.23 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/41/23/). ## Church History 6.42.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/42/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:287 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Many were killed in towns and villages, such as Ischyrion, impaled by his employer. ### Greek text “ Ἄλλοι δὲ πλεῖστοι “κατὰ πόλεις καὶ κώμας ὑπὸ τῶν ἐθνῶν διεσπάσθη- “σαν, ὧν ἑνὸς παραδείγματος ἕνεκεν “μαι. Ἰσχυρίων ἐπετρόπευέ τινι τῶν ἀρχόντων μισθῷ. τοῦτον ὁ μισθοδότης ἐκέλευσε θῦσαι, μὴ πειθόμενον ὕβριζεν, ἐμμένοντα προεπηλάκιζεν· ὑφι- “σταμένου, βακτηρίαν μεγίστην λαβὼν, διὰ τῶν ἐν- ‘τέρων καὶ τῶν σπλάγχνων διώσας ἀπέκτεινε. ### English translation (Claude) “Very many others were torn apart by the pagans in cities and villages, of whom I shall mention one as an example. Ischyrion was employed as steward for one of the magistrates. His employer ordered him to sacrifice; when he would not obey, he insulted him; when he persisted, he abused him; and when he held out, he took a very large stake, drove it through his bowels and entrails, and killed him. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. The digital text reads κόλεις for πόλεις; a verb (“I shall mention”) is partly lost. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.42.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/42/1/). ## Church History 6.42.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/42/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:287–288 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Many fugitives died in deserts and mountains from hunger, exposure, robbers, and beasts. ### Greek text τί δεῖ λέγειν τὸ πλῆθος τῶν ἐν ἐρημίαις καὶ ὄρεσι “ πλανηθέντων, ὑπὸ λιμοῦ καὶ δίψης καὶ κρύους καὶ ‘νόσων καὶ λῃστῶν καὶ θηρίων διεφθαρμένων; ὧν “οἱ περιγενόμενοι τῆς ἐκείνων εἰσὶν ἐκλογῆς καὶ “νίκης μάρτυρες. ἓν δὲ καὶ τούτων εἰς δήλωσιν “ἔργον παραθήσομαι. ### English translation (Claude) What need is there to speak of the multitude who wandered in deserts and mountains and perished from hunger and thirst and cold and disease and robbers and wild beasts? Those who survived are witnesses of their election and victory. I shall set out one deed of these too as an illustration. ### Scripture references - Heb 11:38: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria; cf. Heb 11:38. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.42.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/42/2/). ## Church History 6.42.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/42/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:288 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The aged bishop Chaeremon fled with his wife to the Arabian mountains and was never found. ### Greek text Χαιρήμων ἦν ὑπεργήρως “τῆς Νείλου καλουμένης ἐπίσκοπος πόλεως. “εἰς τὸ Ἀράβιον ὄρος ἅμα τῇ συμβίῳ ἑαυτοῦ φυγὼν “οὐκ ἐπανελήλυθεν, οὐδὲ ἐδυνήθησαν ἰδεῖν οὐκέτι “καίτοι πολλὰ διερευνησάμενοι οἷ ἀδελφοὶ οὔτε αὐτοὺς οὔτε τὰ σώματα. ### English translation (Claude) Chaeremon was a very old man, bishop of the city called Nilopolis. He fled with his wife to the Arabian mountain and did not return; and the brothers, though they searched much, could no longer find either them or their bodies. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. A married bishop is mentioned without comment. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.42.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/42/3/). ## Church History 6.42.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/42/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:288 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Others were enslaved by Saracens; Dionysius tells this so the extent of the sufferings may be known. ### Greek text πολλοὶ δὲ οἶ κατʼ αὐτὸ τὸ “Ἀραβικὸν ὄρος ἐξανδραποδισθέντες ὑπὸ “Σαρακηνῶν, οἱ μὲν μόλις ἐπὶ πολλοῖς χρήμασιν “ἐλυτρώθησαν, οἶ δὲ μέχρι καὶ νῦν οὐδέπω. καὶ ταῦτα διεξῆλθον οὐ μάτην, ἀδελφὲ, ἀλλʼ ἔνα εἰδῇς “ὅσα καὶ ἡλίκα δεινὰ παρʼ ἡμῖν συνέβη· ὧν οἶ μᾶλλον πεπειραμένοι πλείονα ἂν εἰδεῖεν.’ ### English translation (Claude) Many on that same Arabian mountain were enslaved by the barbarous Saracens; some were ransomed with difficulty for large sums, others not even yet. I have related these things not in vain, brother, but so that you may know how many and how great the terrors were that happened among us; those who experienced them more would know more.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. The word “barbarous” is partly lost in the digital text. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.42.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/42/4/). ## Church History 6.42.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/42/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:288 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The martyrs, now judging with Christ, had received back repentant lapsed Christians into communion. ### Greek text εἶτα τούτοις ἐπιφέρει μετὰ βραχέα λέγων ‘αὐτοὶ τοίνυν οἶ “θεῖοι μάρτυρες παρʼ ἡμῖν, οἷ νῦν τοῦ “πάρεδροι καὶ τῆς βασιλείας αὐτοῦ κοινωνοὶ καὶ “μέτοχοι τῆς κρίσεως αὐτοῦ καὶ συνδικάζοντες αὐτῷ, “τῶν παραπεπτωκότων ἀδελφῶν τινὰς ὑπευθύνους “τοῖς τῶν θυσιῶν ἐγκλήμασι γενομένους προσελά- “βοντο, καὶ τὴν ἐπιστροφὴν καὶ μετάνοιαν αὐτῶν “ἰδόντες, δεκτήν τε γενέσθαι δυναμένην τῷ μὴ βου- “λομένῳ καθόλου τὸν θάνατον τοῦ ἁμαρτωλοῦ ὡς “τὴν μετάνοιαν δοκιμάσαντες, εἰσεδέξαντο καὶ συνή- “γαγον καὶ συνέστησαν, καὶ προσευχῶν αὐτοῖς καὶ “ἑστιάσεων ἐκοινώνησαν. ### English translation (Claude) Then shortly after he adds: “These divine martyrs among us, who now sit beside Christ as assessors and share his kingdom and partake of his judgment and judge with him, took up some of the brothers who had fallen away and become liable to the charge of sacrificing. Seeing their conversion and repentance, and judging it such as could be accepted by him who does not at all desire the death of the sinner but his repentance, they received them, gathered them in, united them with themselves, and shared with them in prayers and meals. ### Scripture references - Ezek 33:11: allusion, high confidence - Matt 19:28: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, alluding to Ezek 33:11 and to the martyrs judging with Christ (1 Cor 6:2; Matt 19:28). The word “Christ” is lost in the digital text. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.42.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/42/5/). ## Church History 6.42.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/42/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:288–289 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius asks whether the church should uphold the martyrs' mercy to the lapsed or overturn it. ### Greek text τί οὖν ἡμῖν, ἀδελφοὶ, “περὶ τούτων συμβουλεύετε; τί ἡμῖν πρακτέον; σύμ- “ψηφοι καὶ ὁμογνώμονες αὐτοῖς καταστῶμεν, καὶ κρίσιν αὐτῶν καὶ τὴν χάριν φυλάξωμεν, καὶ τοῖς ἐλεηθεῖσιν ὑπʼ αὐτῶν χρηστευσώμεθα, ἢ τὴν κρίσιν “αὐτῶν ἄδικον ποιησώμεθα, καὶ δοκιμαστὰς αὐτοὺς “τῆς ἐκείνων γνώμης ἐπιστήσωμεν, καὶ τὴν χρηστότητα λυπήσωμεν, καὶ τὴν τάξιν ἀνασκευάσωμεν; ταῦτα δὲ εἰκότως ὁ Διονύσιος παρατέθειται, τὸν περὶ τῶν ἐξησθενηκότων κατὰ τὸν τοῦ διωγμοῦ καιρὸν ἀνακινῶν λόγον. ### English translation (Claude) What then do you advise us, brothers, about these? What must we do? Shall we agree with them and be of one mind, and preserve their judgment and grace, and be kind to those to whom they showed mercy? Or shall we declare their judgment unjust, set ourselves up as judges of their opinion, grieve their kindness, and overturn their order?” Dionysius fittingly set these things out, raising the question of those who had grown weak in the time of persecution. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.42.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/42/6/). ## Church History 6.43.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:289 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Novatian, a Roman presbyter, denied the lapsed any hope and founded the sect of the “Pure.” ### Greek text Ἐπειδήπερ τῇ κατὰ τούτων ἀρθεὶς ὑπερηφανίᾳ Νοουάτος, τῆς Ῥωμαίων ἐκκλησίας πρεσβύτερος, ὡς μηκέτʼ οὔσης αὐτοῖς σωτηρίας ἐλπίδος, μηδʼ εἰ πάντα τὰ εἰς ἐπιστροφὴν γνησίαν καὶ καθαρὰν ἐξομολόγησιν ἐπιτελοῖεν, ἰδίας αἱρέσεως τῶν κατὰ λογισμοῦ φυσίωσιν Καθαροὺς ἑαυτοὺς ἀποφηνάντων ἀρχηγὸς καθίσταται. ### English translation (Claude) For Novatus, a presbyter of the church of the Romans, lifted up by arrogance against them, as though there were no longer hope of salvation for them, not even if they did everything for genuine conversion and pure confession, became the leader of a heresy of his own, that of those who in the pride of their reasoning called themselves Cathari. ### Translation notes - Eusebius and his Greek sources call Novatian “Novatus” (Νοουάτος). “Cathari” means “the Pure.” Eusebius's hostile description is his own. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/1/). ## Church History 6.43.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:289 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: A Roman synod of sixty bishops excommunicated Novatian and ruled that the lapsed be restored through penance. ### Greek text ἐφʼ ᾧ συνόδου μεγίστης ἐπὶ Ῥώμης συγκροτηθείσης, ἑξήκοντα μὲν τὸν ἀριθμὸν ἐπισκόπων, πλειόνων δʼ ἔτι μᾶλλον πρεσβυτέρων τε καὶ διακόνων, ἰδίως τε κατὰ τὰς λοιπὰς ἐπαρχίας τῶν κατὰ χώραν ποιμένων περὶ τοῦ πρακτέου διασκεψαμένων, δόγμα παρίσταται τοῖς πᾶσι τὸν μὲν Νοουάτον ἅμα τοῖς αὐτῷ συνεπαρθεῖσι τούς τε συνευδοκεῖν τῇ μισαδέλφῳ καὶ ἀπανθρωποτάτῃ γνώμῃ τἀνδρὸς προαιρουμένους ἐν ἀλλοτρίοις τῆς ἐκκλησίας ἡγεῖσθαι, τοὺς δὲ τῇ συμφορᾷ περιπεπτωκότας τῶν ἀδελφῶν ἰᾶσθαι καὶ θεραπεύειν τοῖς τῆς μετανοίας φαρμάκοις. ### English translation (Claude) On this account a very great synod was assembled at Rome, of sixty bishops and a still greater number of presbyters and deacons, while the pastors in the other provinces deliberated separately in their regions about what should be done. A decree was passed by all: that Novatus, together with those who joined him in his arrogance and those who chose to agree with the man's brother-hating and most inhuman opinion, should be reckoned as strangers to the church; but that the brothers who had fallen into misfortune should be healed and treated with the medicines of repentance. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/2/). ## Church History 6.43.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:289 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Letters of Cornelius and of Cyprian confirm that the lapsed should be helped and Novatian excommunicated. ### Greek text ἦλθον δʼ οὖν εἰς ἡμᾶς ἐπιστολαὶ Κορνηλίου Ῥωμαίων ἐπισκόπου πρὸς τὸν τῆς Ἀντιοχέων ἐκκλησίας Φάβιον, δηλοῦσαι τὰ περὶ τῆς Ῥωμαίων συνόδου καὶ τὰ δόξαντα πᾶσι τοῖς κατὰ τὴν Ἰταλίαν καὶ Ἀφρικὴν καὶ τὰς αὐτόθι χώρας· καὶ ἄλλαι πάλιν Ῥωμαϊκῇ φωνῇ συντεταγμέναι Κυπριανοῦ καὶ τῶν ἅμʼ αὐτῷ κατὰ τὴν Ἀφρικὴν, διʼ ὧν τὸ καὶ αὐτοὺς συνευδοκεῖν τῷ δεῖν τυγχάνειν ἐπικουρίας τοὺς πεπειρασμένους ἐφαίνετο, καὶ τῷ χρῆναι εὐλόγως τῆς καθολικῆς ἐκκλησίας ἐκκήρυκτον ποιήσασθαι τὸν τῆς αἱρέσεως ἀρχηγὸν, πάντας τε ὁμοίως τοὺς συναπαγομένους αὐτῷ. ### English translation (Claude) There have come down to us letters of Cornelius, bishop of the Romans, to Fabius of the church of the Antiochenes, which tell of the Roman synod and of what was decided by all those in Italy and Africa and the regions there; and others again, composed in Latin, of Cyprian and those with him in Africa, which showed that they too agreed that those who had been tempted should receive help, and that the leader of the heresy, and all who were carried away with him, should rightly be put out of the catholic church. ### Extrabiblical texts - Cyprian, Ep. (Letters): allusion, medium confidence - Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch): allusion, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/3/). ## Church History 6.43.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:289–290 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius will quote Cornelius's letter about Novatian. ### Greek text ταύταις ἄλλη τις ἐπιστολὴ συνῆπτο τοῦ Κορνηλίου περὶ τῶν κατὰ τὴν σύνοδον ἀρεσάντων, καὶ πάλιν ἑτέρα περὶ τῶν κατὰ Νοουάτον πραχθέντων, ἀφʼ ἧς καὶ μέρη παραθέσθαι οὐδὲν ἂν κωλύοι, ὅπως εἰδεῖεν τὰ κατʼ αὐτὸν οἱ τῇδε ἐντυγχάνοντες τῇ γραφῆ. ### English translation (Claude) To these was joined another letter of Cornelius about the decisions of the synod, and again another about the doings of Novatus, from which nothing would prevent our quoting parts, so that those who read this work may know about him. ### Extrabiblical texts - Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The digital text has “ἑτέρ(??)”; the reading ἑτέρα (“another”) is certain from the context. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/4/). ## Church History 6.43.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:290 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Cornelius: Novatian long coveted the episcopate, hiding his ambition behind the confessors' support. ### Greek text τὸν δὴ οὖν Φάβιον ἀναδιδάσκων ὁποῖός τις ὁ Νοουάτος ἐγεγόνει τὸν τρόπον αὐτὰ δὴ ταῦτα γράφει ὁ Κορνήλιος “ἵνα δὲ γνῷς ὅτι πρόπαλαι ὀρεγόμενος “ἐπισκοπῆς ὁ θαυμάσιος οὗτος καὶ κρύπτων ἐν “ἑαυτῷ τὴν προπετῆ ταύτην αὐτοῦ ἐπιθυμίαν ἐλάν- “θανεν, ἐπικαλύμματι τῆς αὐτοῦ ἀπονοίας τῷ ἀρχὰς σὺν αὐτῷ τοὺς ὁμολογητὰς ἐσχηκέναι χρώμενος, εἰπεῖν βούλομαι. ### English translation (Claude) Informing Fabius what sort of man Novatus was, Cornelius writes these very words: “That you may know that this remarkable man had long desired the episcopate, and kept this rash desire of his hidden within himself, using as a cloak for his folly the fact that he had the confessors with him from the beginning, I wish to tell you. ### Extrabiblical texts - Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch (to 6.43.20). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/5/). ## Church History 6.43.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:290 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Confessors who had joined Novatian returned to the church and exposed his deceit. ### Greek text Μάξιμος, πρεσβύτερος “τῶν παρʼ ἡμῖν, καὶ Οὐρβανὸς, δὶς τὴν ἐξ ὁμολογίας “δόξαν ἀρίστην καρπωσάμενοι, Σιδώνιός τε καὶ Κε- “λερῖνος, ἀνὴρ ὃς πάσας βασάνους διὰ τὸν τοῦ θεοῦ “ἔλεον καρτερικώτατα διενέγκας, καὶ τῇ ῥώμῃ τῆς “αὐτοῦ πίστεως τὸ ἀσθενὲς τῆς σαρκὸς ἐπιρρώσας, “κατὰ κράτος νενίκηκε τὸν ἀντικείμενον — οὗτοι δὴ “οὖν οἱ ἄνδρες κατανοήσαντες αὐτὸν, καὶ καταφω- “ράσαντες τὴν ἐν αὐτῷ πανουργίαν τε καὶ παλιμβο- “λίαν, τάς τε ἐπιορκίας καὶ ψευδολογίας, καὶ τὴν “ἀκοινωνησίαν αὐτοῦ καὶ λυκοφιλίαν, ἐπανῆλθον εἰς τὴν ἁγίαν ἐκκλησίαν, καὶ ἅπαντα αὐτοῦ τὰ τεχνά- “σματα καὶ πονηρεύματα, ἃ ἐκ πολλοῦ ἔχων ἐν ἑαυτῷ “ὑπεστέλλετο, παρόντων ἱκανῶν τοῦτο μὲν ἐπισκό- “πων, τοῦτο δὲ πρεσβυτέρων καὶ λαϊκῶν ἀνδρῶν ‘παμπόλλων, ἐξήγγειλαν ἀποδυρόμενοι καὶ μεταγι- “νώσκοντες ἐφʼ οἷς πεισθέντες τῷ δολερῷ καὶ κα- “κοήθει θηρίῳ πρὸς ὀλίγον χρόνον τῆς ἐκκλησίας “ἀπελείφθησαν.” ### English translation (Claude) Maximus, one of our presbyters, and Urban, who twice gained the highest glory of confession, and Sidonius, and Celerinus, a man who by the mercy of God most steadfastly endured all tortures, and by the strength of his faith strengthened the weakness of the flesh and mightily overcame the adversary — these men, having come to know him and detected his craftiness and duplicity, his perjuries and lies, his unsociability and wolfish friendship, returned to the holy church; and in the presence of many bishops, presbyters, and very many laymen, they announced all his tricks and wickedness, which he had long kept hidden within himself, lamenting and repenting that, persuaded by the treacherous and malicious beast, they had for a short time left the church.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Cornelius of Rome. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/6/). ## Church History 6.43.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:290–291 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Cornelius: Novatian, who swore he did not want to be bishop, suddenly appeared as one. ### Greek text εἶτα μετὰ βραχέα φησίν “ἀμή- “χανον ὅσην, ἀγαπητὲ ἀδελφὲ, τροπὴν καὶ “ἐν βραχεῖ καιρῷ ἐθεασάμεθα ἐπʼ αὐτοῦ γεγενημένην. “ὁ γάρ τοι λαμπρότατος καὶ διʼ ὅρκων φοβερῶν ‟τινῶν πιστούμενος τὸ μηδʼ ὅλως ἐπισκοπῆς ὀρέγε- ‟σθαι, αἰφνίδιον ἐπίσκοπος ὥσπερ ἐκ μαγγάνου τινὸς ‟εἰς τὸ μέσον ῥιφεὶς ἀναφαίνεται. ### English translation (Claude) Then shortly after he says: “How great a change, beloved brother, we have seen take place in him in a short time! For this most illustrious man, who pledged with terrible oaths that he did not desire the episcopate at all, suddenly appears a bishop, as if thrown into our midst by some magic device. ### Extrabiblical texts - Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Cornelius of Rome. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/7/). ## Church History 6.43.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:291 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Novatian lured three simple rural bishops to Rome on a false pretext. ### Greek text οὗτος γάρ τοι ‟ὁ δογματιστὴς, ὁ τῆς ἐκκλησιαστικῆς ἐπιστήμης “ὑπερασπιστὴς, ὁπηνίκα παρασπᾶσθαί τε καὶ ὑφαρ- “πάζειν τὴν μὴ δοθεῖσαν αὐτῷ ἄνωθεν ἐπισκοπὴν ‟ἐπεχείρει, δύο δύο ἑαυτῷ κοινωνοὺς ἀπεγνωκότας ‟ἑαυτῶν σωτηρίας ἐπελέξατο ὡς ἂν εἰς βραχύ τι ‟μέρος καὶ ἐλάχιστον τῆς Ἰταλίας ἀποστείλῃ, κάκεῖ- ‟θὲν ἐπισκόπους τρεῖς, ἀνθρώπους ἀγροίκους καὶ ‟ἁπλουστάτους, πλαστῇ τινι ἐπιχειρήσει ἐξαπατήσῃ, ‟διαβεβαιούμενος καὶ διισχυριζόμενος δεῖν αὐτοὺς ‟ἐν τάχει παραγενέσθαι εἰς Ῥώμην, ὡς δῆθεν πάσα ‟ἡτισδηποτοῦν διχοστασία γεγονυῖα σὺν καὶ ἑτέροις ‟ἐπισκόποις καὶ αὐτῶν μεσιτευόντων διαλυθῇ. ### English translation (Claude) For this dogmatist, this champion of the church's knowledge, when he undertook to seize and snatch away the episcopate not given him from above, chose for himself two companions who had given up their own salvation, to send them to a small and insignificant part of Italy, and to deceive three bishops there, rustic and very simple men, by some fabricated scheme, affirming and insisting that they must come quickly to Rome, so that whatever dissension had arisen might be resolved through their mediation together with other bishops. ### Extrabiblical texts - Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Cornelius of Rome. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/8/). ## Church History 6.43.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:291 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Novatian had the drunken bishops ordain him by force in a sham ceremony. ### Greek text οὓς “παραγενομένους, ἄτε δὴ, ὡς ἔφθημεν λέγοντες, ‟ἀνθρώπους ἁπλουστέρους περὶ τὰς τῶν πονηρῶν μηχανάς τε καὶ ῥᾳδιουργίας, συγκλεισθέντας ὑπό “τινων ὁμοίων αὐτῷ τεταγμένων ἀνθρώπων, ὥρᾳ “δεκάτῃ μεθύοντας καὶ κραιπαλῶντας μετὰ βίας “ἠνάγκασεν εἰκονικῇ τινι καὶ ματαίᾳ χειρεπιθεσίᾳ ‟ἐπισκοπὴν αὐτῶ δοῦναι, ἣν ἐνέδρᾳ καὶ πανουργίᾳ, ‟μὴ ἐπιβάλλουσαν αὐτῷ, ἐκδικεῖ. ### English translation (Claude) When they arrived, being, as we said before, too simple for the devices and knavery of wicked men, they were shut up by certain men like himself whom he had arranged, and at the tenth hour, drunk and sick with debauch, he compelled them by force to give him the episcopate by a counterfeit and vain laying on of hands — an episcopate which he claims by treachery and craft, though it does not belong to him. ### Extrabiblical texts - Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Cornelius of Rome; a hostile account. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/9/). ## Church History 6.43.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:291 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: One of the bishops repented and was received as a layman; the others were replaced. ### Greek text ἐξ ὣν εἷς μετʼ οὐ πολὺ ἐπανῆλθεν εἰς τὴν ἐκκλησίαν, ἀποδυρό- “μενος καὶ ἐξομολογούμενος τὸ ἑαυτοῦ ἁμάρτημα, ‟καὶ ἐκοινωνήσαμεν ὡς λαϊκῷ, ὑπὲρ αὐτοῦ δεηθέντος “παντὸς τοῦ παρόντος λαοῦ. καὶ τῶν λοιπῶν δὲ ἐπι- “σκόπων διαδόχους εἰς τοὺς τόπους, ἐν οἷς ἦσαν, χειρο- ‘τονήσαντες ἀπεστάλκαμεν. ### English translation (Claude) One of them not long after returned to the church, lamenting and confessing his sin; and we admitted him to communion as a layman, all the people present interceding for him. And we ordained successors for the other bishops and sent them to the places where they were. ### Extrabiblical texts - Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Cornelius of Rome. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/10/). ## Church History 6.43.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:291–292 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Cornelius: there can be only one bishop in a catholic church, and Rome's has 46 presbyters, 7 deacons, and over 1,500 widows and needy. ### Greek text ὁ ἐκδικητὴς οὖν τοῦ ‟εὐαγγελίου οὐκ ἠπίστατο ἕνα ἐπίσκοπον δεῖν εἶναι ἐν καθολικῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ, ἐν ᾗ οὐκ ἠγνόει πῶς γάρ;) “πρεσβυτέρους εἶναι τεσσαράκοντα ἓξ, διακόνους “ἑπτὰ, ὑποδιακόνους ἑπτὰ, ἀκολούθους δύο καὶ “τεσσαράκοντα, ἐξορκιστὰς δὲ καὶ ἀναγνώστας ἅμα “πυλωροῖς δύο καὶ πεντήκοντα, χήρας σὺν θλιβομέ- “νοις ὑπὲρ τὰς χιλίας πεντακοσίας, οὓς πάντας ‟τοῦ δεσπότου χάρις καὶ φιλανθρωπία διατρέφει. ‟ ### English translation (Claude) This avenger of the gospel, then, did not know that there should be one bishop in a catholic church, in which he was not ignorant (how could he be?) that there are forty-six presbyters, seven deacons, seven subdeacons, forty-two acolytes, fifty-two exorcists, readers, and doorkeepers, and more than fifteen hundred widows and persons in distress, all of whom the grace and kindness of the Master nourishes. ### Extrabiblical texts - Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Cornelius of Rome; a valuable record of the Roman clergy about 251. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/11/). ## Church History 6.43.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:292 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Not even this great church could recall Novatian from his course. ### Greek text ὂν οὐδὲ τοσοῦτο πλῆθος καὶ οὕτως ἀναγκαῖον ἐν ‟τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ, διὰ τῆς τοῦ θεοῦ προνοίας πλούσιός ῾τε καὶ πληθύων ἀριθμὸς μετὰ μεγίστου καὶ ἄνα ‟ριθμήτου λαοῦ, ἀπὸ τῆς τοιαύτης ἀνεκαλέσατο τε ‘καὶ ἀπαγορεύσεως ἐνέτρεψέ τε καὶ ἀνεκαλέσατο εἰς ‟τὴν ἐκκλησίαν.” ### English translation (Claude) Yet not even so great a multitude, so necessary in the church, a number rich and growing by the providence of God, together with a very great and innumerable people, turned him back from such desperation and failure and recalled him to the church.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Cornelius of Rome. The digital text is garbled here (words repeated and lost); the sense is clear. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/12/). ## Church History 6.43.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:292 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Cornelius asks what merit Novatian had to claim the episcopate: none of long service or suffering. ### Greek text καὶ αὖθις μεθʼ ἕτερα τούτοις προστίθησι ταῦτα· ‟φέρε δὴ ἑξῆς εἴπωμεν τίσιν ‟ἔργοις ἢ τίσι πολιτείαις τεθαρρηκὼς ἀντεποιήθη ‟τῆς ἐπισκοπῆς. ἆρά γε διὰ τὸ ἐξ ἀρχῆς ἐν τῇ ἐκ- ‘κλησίᾳ ἀνεστράφθαι, καὶ πολλοὺς ἀγῶνας ὑπὲρ ‟αὐτῆς ἠγωνίσθαι, καὶ ἐν κινδύνοις πολλοῖς τε καὶ μεγάλοις ἕνεκα τῆς θεοσεβείας γεγονέναι; ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἔστιν· ### English translation (Claude) And again, after other things, he adds this: “Come, let us say next on what works or conduct he relied in laying claim to the episcopate. Was it because he had been brought up in the church from the beginning, fought many contests on her behalf, and been in many great dangers for the sake of piety? No, it is not. ### Extrabiblical texts - Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Cornelius of Rome. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/13/). ## Church History 6.43.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:292 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Cornelius: Novatian came to faith through exorcism and was baptized by pouring on his sickbed, a doubtful baptism. ### Greek text ᾧ γε ἀφορμὴ τοῦ πιστεῦσαι γέγονεν ὁ ‟σατανᾶς, φοιτήσας εἰς αὐτὸν καὶ οἰκήσας ἐν αὐτῷ χρόνον ἱκανόν. ὃς βοηθούμενος ὑπὸ τῶν ἐπορκιστῶν, νόσῳ περιπεσὼν χαλεπῇ, καὶ ἀποθανεῖσθαι ὅσον οὐδέπω νομιζόμενος, ἐν αὐτῇ τῇ κλίνῃ, ᾗ ἔκειτο, περιχυθεὶς ἔλαβεν· εἴ γε χρὴ λέγειν τὸν τοιοῦτον εἰληφέναι. ### English translation (Claude) For him the occasion of believing was Satan, who entered into him and dwelt in him a considerable time. Being helped by the exorcists, he fell into a severe illness and, being thought about to die, received baptism by affusion on the very bed on which he lay — if indeed such a one can be said to have received it. ### Extrabiblical texts - Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius. “Received by affusion” renders περιχυθεὶς ἔλαβεν (clinical baptism by pouring). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/14/). ## Church History 6.43.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:292 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Novatian never received the bishop's sealing, and so, Cornelius argues, not the Spirit. ### Greek text οὐ μὴν οὐδὲ τῶν λοιπῶν ῾ἔτυχε διαφυγὼν τὴν νόσον, ὧν χρὴ μεταλαμβάνειν κατὰ τὸν τῆς ἐκκλησίας κανόνα, τοῦ τε σφραγισθῆναι ὑπὸ τοῦ ἐπισκόπου. τούτων δὲ μὴ τυχὼν πῶς ἂν τοῦ ἁγίου πνεύματος ἔτυχε;” ### English translation (Claude) Nor, when he had escaped the illness, did he receive the other things which one ought to partake of according to the rule of the church, namely to be sealed by the bishop. And not having received these, how could he have received the Holy Spirit?” ### Extrabiblical texts - Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Cornelius of Rome. The sealing is the post-baptismal anointing or laying on of hands by the bishop. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/15/). ## Church History 6.43.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/16/ - Source: Dindorf 4:292–293 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Cornelius: in the persecution Novatian refused to help the brethren, saying he no longer wished to be a presbyter. ### Greek text καὶ πάλιν μετὰ βραχέα φησίν ‟ὁ διὰ δειλίαν καὶ φιλοζωίαν ἐν τῷ ‘καιρῷ τῆς διώξεως πρεσβύτερον εἶναι ἑαυτὸν ἀρνησάμενος. ἀξιούμενος γὰρ καὶ παρακαλούμενος ὑπὸ ‟τῶν διακόνων, ἵνʼ ἐξελθὼν τοῦ οἰκίσκου, ἐν ᾧ ‟καθεῖρξεν ἑαυτὸν, βοηθήσῃ τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς ὅσα ‘θέμις καὶ ὅσα δυνατὸν πρεσβυτέρῳ ‟ἀδελφοῖς καὶ ἐπικουρίας δεομένοις βοηθεῖν, τοσοῦ- ‟τον ἀπέσχε τοῦ πειθαρχῆσαι παρακαλοῦσι τοῖς δια- ‘κόνοις ὡς καὶ χαλεπαίνοντα ἀπιέναι καὶ “τεσθαι· μὴ γὰρ ἔτι βούλεσθαι πρεσβύτερος εἶναι “ἔφη· ἑτέρας γὰρ εἶναι φιλοσοφίας ἐραστής.” ### English translation (Claude) And again shortly after he says: “He who in the time of persecution, through cowardice and love of life, denied that he was a presbyter. For when he was asked and urged by the deacons to come out of the chamber in which he had shut himself up and help the brothers, as far as is lawful and possible for a presbyter to help brothers in danger and in need of aid, he was so far from obeying the deacons who urged him that he even went away angry and departed; for he said he no longer wished to be a presbyter, being a lover of another philosophy.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Cornelius of Rome. Words at line beginnings are lost in the digital text (e.g. “in danger”, “departed”). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.16 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/16/). ## Church History 6.43.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/17/ - Source: Dindorf 4:293 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Novatian was ordained presbyter only by the bishop's special favour, over objections to his clinical baptism. ### Greek text ὑπερβὰς δʼ ὀλίγα τούτοις πάλιν ἐπιφέρει λέγων ‟καταλιπὼν ‟γὰρ ὁ λαμπρὸς οὗτος τὴν ἐκκλησίαν τοῦ θεοῦ, ἐν ᾗ πιστεύσας κατηξιώθη τοῦ πρεσβυτερίου κατὰ ‟χάριν τοῦ ἐπισκόπου τοῦ ἐπιθέντος αὐτῷ χεῖρα εἰς “πρεσβυτερίου κλῆρον, ὃς διακωλυόμενος ὑπὸ παντὸς ‟τοῦ κλήρου, ἀλλὰ καὶ λαικῶν πολλῶν, ἐπεὶ μὴ ἐξὸν ‟ἦν τὸν ἐπὶ κλίνης διὰ νόσον περιχυθέντα, ὥσπερ ‟καὶ οὗτος, εἰς κλῆρόν τινα γενέσθαι, ἠξίωσε συγχωρηθῆναι αὐτῷ τοῦτον μόνον χειροτονῆσαι.” ### English translation (Claude) Passing over a few things, he adds again: “For this illustrious man forsook the church of God, in which, after believing, he was deemed worthy of the presbyterate by the favour of the bishop who laid his hand on him for the order of presbyter; who, when the whole clergy and many laymen objected, since it was not lawful for one who had been baptized by affusion on his bed because of illness, as this man was, to be admitted to any order, asked that he be allowed to ordain this one man only.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Cornelius of Rome. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.17 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/17/). ## Church History 6.43.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/18/ - Source: Dindorf 4:293 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Cornelius: at communion Novatian made people swear by Christ's body and blood never to return to Cornelius. ### Greek text εἶτʼ ἄλλο τι χείριστον τούτοις προστίθησι τῶν τοῦ ἀνδρὸς ἀτοπημάτων, λέγων οὕτως ‘ποιήσας γὰρ τὰς προσ- “φορὰς, καὶ διανέμων ἑκάστῳ τὸ μέρος καὶ ἐπιδιδοὺς ‟τοῦτο, ὀμνύειν ἀντὶ τοῦ εὐλογεῖν τοὺς ταλαιπώρους ῾ἀνθρώπους ἀναγκάζει, κατέχων ἀμφοτέραις ταῖς ‘χερσὶ τὰς τοῦ λαβόντος, καὶ μὴ ἀφεὶς ἔστʼ ἂν ‟ὀμνύοντες εἴπωσι ταῦτα τοῖς γὰρ ἐκείνου χρήσομαι λόγοις)· ὄμοσόν μοι κατὰ τοῦ σώματος καὶ τοῦ “αἵματος τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ μηδέποτέ ‟με καταλιπεῖν καὶ ἐπιστρέψαι πρὸς Κορνήλιον. ### English translation (Claude) Then he adds another, the worst of the man's absurdities, saying thus: “For when he has made the offerings, and is distributing to each his portion, as he gives it he compels the wretched people to swear instead of giving thanks, holding the hands of the recipient in both his own and not letting go until they have sworn, saying these words (for I shall use his own): ‘Swear to me by the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ never to forsake me and turn to Cornelius.’ ### Extrabiblical texts - Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Cornelius of Rome; a hostile account. “Giving thanks” (εὐλογεῖν) may mean saying the blessing or “Amen” at reception. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.18 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/18/). ## Church History 6.43.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/19/ - Source: Dindorf 4:293 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Instead of “Amen” at communion, the recipient had to say, “I will not go back to Cornelius.” ### Greek text καὶ ὁ ἄθλιος ἄνθρωπος οὐ πρότερον γεύεται, εἰ μὴ πρότερον αὐτῷ καταράσαιτο. καὶ ἀντὶ τοῦ ῾εἰπεῖν λαμβάνοντα τὸν ἄρτον ἐκεῖνον τὸ ἀμήν ῾οὐκ- ‟ἔτι ἀνήξω πρὸς Κορνήλιον λέγει.” ### English translation (Claude) And the unhappy man does not taste until he has first called down a curse on himself; and instead of saying ‘Amen’ as he takes that bread, he says, ‘I will not go back to Cornelius.’” ### Extrabiblical texts - Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Cornelius of Rome. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.19 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/19/). ## Church History 6.43.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/20/ - Source: Dindorf 4:293–294 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Novatian's followers were leaving him; the martyr Moses had excommunicated him and five presbyters. ### Greek text καὶ μεθʼ ἕτερα πάλιν ταῦτά φησιν “ἤδη δὲ ἴσθι γεγυμνῶσθαι ‟καὶ ἔρημον γεγονέναι, καταλιμπανόντων αὐτὸν καθʼ “ἡμέραν ἑκάστην τῶν ἀδελφῶν, καὶ εἰς τὴν ἐκκλη- ‟σίαν ἐπανερχομένων. ὃν καὶ Μωυσῆς ὁ μακάριος μάρτυς, ὁ παρʼ ἡμῖν ἔναγχος μαρτυρήσας καλήν “τινα καὶ θαυμαστὴν μαρτυρίαν, ἔτι ὢν ἐν κόσμῳ, “κατιδὼν αὐτοῦ τὴν θρασύτητα καὶ τὴν ἀπόνοιαν, ‟ἀκοινώνητον ἐποίησε σὺν τοῖς πέντε πρεσβυτέροις ῾τοῖς ἅμα αὐτῷ ἀποσχίσασιν ἑαυτοὺς τῆς ἐκκλησίας.” ### English translation (Claude) And after other things again he says: “Know now that he is stripped and deserted, the brothers leaving him every day and returning to the church. Moses, too, the blessed martyr, who recently bore among us a noble and wonderful testimony, while he was still in the world, seeing his audacity and folly, excommunicated him together with the five presbyters who with him had cut themselves off from the church.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Cornelius of Rome. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.20 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/20/). ## Church History 6.43.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/21/ - Source: Dindorf 4:294 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Cornelius lists the bishops who condemned Novatian at Rome. ### Greek text καὶ ἐπὶ τέλει δὲ τῆς ἐπιστολῆς τῶν ἐπὶ Ῥώμης παραγενομένων ἐπισκόπων τῆς τε τοῦ Νοουάτου κατεγνωκότων ἀβελτερίας κατάλογον πεποίηται, ὁμοῦ τά τε ὀνόματα καὶ ἧς ὁ καθεῖς αὐτῶν προηγεῖτο παροικίας ἐπισημαινόμενος. ### English translation (Claude) At the end of the letter he gives a list of the bishops who came to Rome and condemned the stupidity of Novatus, together with their names and the community each of them presided over. ### Extrabiblical texts - Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch): allusion, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.21 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/21/). ## Church History 6.43.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/22/ - Source: Dindorf 4:294 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: He also names bishops who agreed by letter. ### Greek text τῶν τε μὴ παραγενομένων μὲν ἐπὶ τῆς Ῥώμης, συνευδοκησάντων δὲ διὰ γραμμάτων τῇ τῶν προειρημένων ψήφῳ, τὰς προσηγορίας ὁμοῦ καὶ τὰς πόλεις ὅθεν ἕκαστος ὁρμώμενος ἐπέστελλε μνημονεύει. ταῦτα μὲν ὁ Κορνήλιος Φαβίῳ Ἀντιοχείας ἐπισκόπῳ δηλῶν ἔγραφε. ### English translation (Claude) He also mentions the names of those who were not present at Rome but agreed by letter with the vote of those mentioned, together with the cities from which each wrote. These things Cornelius wrote to inform Fabius, bishop of Antioch. ### Extrabiblical texts - Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch): allusion, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.22 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/43/22/). ## Church History 6.44.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/44/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:294 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius wrote to Fabius, who leaned toward Novatian, and told a wonderful story. ### Greek text Τῷ δʼ αὐτῷ τούτῳ Φαβίῳ ὑποκατακλινομένῳ πως τῷ σχίσματι καὶ Διονύσιος ὁ κατʼ Ἀλεξάνδρειαν ἐπιστείλας, πολλά τε καὶ ἄλλα περὶ μετανοίας ἐν τοῖς πρὸς αὐτὸν γράμμασι διελθὼν, τῶν τε κατʼ Ἀλεξάνδρειαν ἔναγχος τότε μαρτυρησάντων τοὺς ἀγῶνας διιὼν, μετὰ τῆς ἄλλης ἱστορίας πρᾶγμά τι μεστὸν θαύματος διηγεῖται, ὃ καὶ αὐτὸ ἀναγκαῖον τῇδε παραδοῦναι τῇ γραφῇ, οὕτως ἔχον ### English translation (Claude) To this same Fabius, who was somewhat inclined toward the schism, Dionysius of Alexandria also wrote; and in his letter to him, after discussing much else about repentance and describing the contests of those recently martyred at Alexandria, he tells, with the rest of his account, a story full of wonder, which must also be handed down in this work. It is as follows: ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.44.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/44/1/). ## Church History 6.44.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/44/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:294–295 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius: Serapion, an old believer who had sacrificed, often asked for pardon in vain and then fell gravely ill. ### Greek text ἕν δέ σοι τοῦτο παράδειγμα παρʼ ‟ἡμῖν συμβεβηκὸς ἐκθήσομαι. Σαραπίων τις ἦν ‟παρʼ ἡμῖν πιστὸς γέρων, ἀμέμπτως μὲν τὸν πολὺν “διαβιώσας χρόνον, ἐν δὲ τῷ πειρασμῷ πεσών. οὗτος ‘πολλάκις ἐδεῖτο, καὶ οὐδεὶς προσεῖχεν αὐτῷ, καὶ ‟γὰρ ἐτεθύκει· ἐν νόσῳ δὲ γενόμενος τριῶν ἐξῆς ἡμερῶν ἄφωνος καὶ ἀναίσθητος διετέλεσε. ### English translation (Claude) “I shall set out for you this one example that happened among us. There was among us a certain Serapion, a faithful old man, who had lived blamelessly for a long time but had fallen in the trial. He often begged, and no one paid attention to him, for he had sacrificed. Falling ill, he continued speechless and unconscious for three days in succession. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, Letter to Fabius (to 6.44.6). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.44.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/44/2/). ## Church History 6.44.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/44/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:295 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: On the fourth day Serapion asked for a presbyter to release him. ### Greek text βραχὺ δὲ ἀνασφήλας τῇ τετάρτῃ προσεκαλέσατο τὸν θυγατριδοῦν, καὶ “μέχρι τίνος, φησὶν, ὠ τέκνον, με κατέχετε; δέομαι, σπεύσατε, καί με θᾶττον ἀπολύσατε, τῶν πρεσβυτέρων μοί τινα κάλεσον.” καὶ ταῦτα εἰπὼν πάλιν ἦν ἄφωνος. ### English translation (Claude) Recovering a little on the fourth day, he called his grandson and said, ‘How long, child, will you hold me back? I beg you, hurry and release me quickly. Call one of the presbyters for me.’ And saying this he was again speechless. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.44.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/44/3/). ## Church History 6.44.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/44/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:295 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The sick presbyter sent a portion of the eucharist, to be moistened and given to Serapion, following Dionysius's instruction to absolve the dying. ### Greek text ἔδραμεν ὁ παῖς ἐπὶ τὸν πρεσβύτερον· νὺξ δὲ ἦν, κἀκεῖνος ἠσθένει. ἀφικέσθαι μὲν οὖν οὐκ ἐδυνήθη, ἐντολῆς δὲ ὑπʼ ἐμοῦ δεδομένης, τοὺς ἀπαλλαττομένους τοῦ βίου, εἰ δέοιντο, καὶ μάλιστα εἰ καὶ πρότερον ἱκετεύσαντες τύχοιεν, ἀφίεσθαι, ἵνʼ εὐέλπιδες ἀπαλλάττωνται, βραχὺ τῆς εὐχαριστίας ἔδωκεν τῷ παιδαρίῳ, ἀποβρέξαι κελεύσας καὶ τῷ πρεσβύτῃ κατὰ τοῦ στόματος ἐπιστάξαι. ### English translation (Claude) The boy ran to the presbyter. It was night, and he was sick. He could not come; but since an order had been given by me that those departing this life, if they asked, and especially if they had formerly entreated, should be absolved, so that they might depart with good hope, he gave the boy a little of the eucharist, telling him to soak it and let it drop into the old man's mouth. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. The digital text repeats βρέξαι. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.44.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/44/4/). ## Church History 6.44.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/44/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:295 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Serapion received the eucharist and died at once. ### Greek text ἐπανῆκεν ὁ παῖς φέρων· ἐγγύς τε γενομένου, πρὶν εἰσελθεῖν, ἀνενέγκας πάλιν ὁ Σαραπίων, ἧκες, ἔφη, τέκνον; καὶ ὁ μὲν πρεσβύτερος ἐλθεῖν οὐκ ἠδυνήθη, σὺ δὲ ποίησον ταχέως τὸ προσταχθὲν, καὶ ἀπάλλαττέ με. ἀπέβρεξεν ὁ παῖς καὶ ἅμα τε ἐνέχεε τῷ στόματι καὶ μικρὸν ἐκεῖνος καταβροχθίσας εὐθέως ἀπέδωκε τὸ πνεῦμα. ### English translation (Claude) The boy returned bringing it; and when he was near, before he went in, Serapion revived again and said, ‘You have come, child? The presbyter could not come; but do quickly what you were told, and let me go.’ The boy soaked it and at the same time poured it into his mouth, and when he had swallowed a little, he immediately gave up the spirit. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.44.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/44/5/). ## Church History 6.44.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/44/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:295 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius: God evidently kept Serapion alive until he was absolved. ### Greek text ἆρʼ οὐκ ἐναργῶς διετηρήθη καὶ παρέμεινεν, ἕως λυθῇ, καὶ τῆς ἁμαρτίας ἐξαλειφθείσης ἐπὶ πολλοῖς οἷς ἔπραξε καλοῖς ὁμολογηθῆναι δυνηθῇ;” ταῦτα ὁ Διονύσιος. ### English translation (Claude) Was he not plainly preserved, and did he not remain until he was released, and, his sin blotted out, could be acknowledged for the many good things he had done?” So Dionysius. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.44.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/44/6/). ## Church History 6.45.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/45/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:295–296 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius urged Novatian to end the schism: dying to avoid schism is a greater martyrdom than dying to avoid idolatry. ### Greek text Ἴδωμεν δὲ ὁ αὐτὸς ὁποῖα καὶ τῷ Νοουάτῳ διεχάραξε, ταράττοντι τηνικάδε τὴν Ῥωμαίων ἀδελφότητα. ἐπειδὴ οὖν τῆς ἀποστασίας καὶ τοῦ σχίσματος πρόφασιν ἐποιεῖτο τῶν ἀδελφῶν τινας, ὡς δὴ πρὸς αὐτῶν ἐπὶ τοῦτʼ ἐλθεῖν ἐκβεβιασμένος, ὅρα τίνα τρόπον αὐτῷ γράφει· ‟Διονύσιος ‟Νοουάτῳ τῷ ἀδελφῷ χαίρειν. εἰ ἄκων, ὡς φῄς, ‘ἤχθης, δείξεις, ἐὰν ἀναχωρήσῃς ἑκών. ἔδει μὲν γὰρ ‟καὶ πᾶν ὁτιοῦν παθεῖν ὑπὲρ τοῦ μὴ διακόψαι τὴν ἐκ- “κλησίαν τοῦ θεοῦ, καὶ ἦν οὐκ ἀδοξοτέρα τῆς ἕνεκεν ‟τοῦ μὴ εἰδωλολατρῆσαι γινομένης ἡ ἕνεκεν τοῦ μὴ σχίσαι μαρτυρία, κατʼ ἐμὲ δὲ καὶ μείζων. ἐκεῖ μὲν ‟γὰρ ὑπὲρ μιᾶς τις τῆς ἑαυτοῦ ψυχῆς, ἐνταῦθα δὲ ‟ὑπὲρ ὅλης τῆς ἐκκλησίας μαρτυρεῖ. καὶ νῦν δὲ εἰ ‟πείσαις ἢ βιάσαιο τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς εἰς ὁμόνοιαν ἐλ- ‟θεῖν, μεῖζον ἔσται σοι τοῦ σφάλματος τὸ κατόρθωμα, ‟καὶ τὸ μὲν οὐ λογισθήσεται, τὸ δὲ ἐπαινεθήσεται. ‟εἰ δὲ ἀπειθούντων ἀδυνατοίης, σώζων σῶζε τὴν ‟σεαυτοῦ ψυχήν. ἐρρῶσθαί σε ἐχόμενον τῆς εἰρήνης ῾ἐν κυρίῳ εὔχομαι.” ταῦτα καὶ πρὸς τὸν Νοουάτον. ### English translation (Claude) Let us see also what the same man wrote to Novatus, who was then troubling the brotherhood of the Romans. Since he made some of the brothers his pretext for the apostasy and schism, as though he had been forced by them to come to this, see how he writes to him: “Dionysius to Novatus his brother, greeting. If you were led on unwillingly, as you say, you will show it if you withdraw willingly. For one ought to suffer anything whatever rather than divide the church of God; and martyrdom to avoid schism would be no less glorious than that incurred to avoid idolatry — in my judgment, even greater. For there one bears witness for one's own single soul, here for the whole church. And even now, if you persuade or compel the brothers to come to concord, your right action will be greater than your fault; the one will not be reckoned, the other will be praised. But if you are powerless because they disobey, save, save your own soul. I pray that you may be well, holding fast to peace in the Lord.” This he wrote to Novatus. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, Letter to Novatian. The digital text reads ἐγών for ἑκών (“willingly”). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.45.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/45/1/). ## Church History 6.46.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/46/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:296 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius wrote to the Egyptians on repentance, distinguishing degrees of lapse. ### Greek text Γράφει δὲ καὶ τοῖς κατʼ Αἴγυπτον ἐπιστολὴν περὶ μετανοίας, ἐν ᾗ τὰ δόξαντα αὐτῷ περὶ τῶν ὑποπεπτωκότων παρατέθειται, τάξεις παραπτωμάτων διαγράψας. ### English translation (Claude) He also wrote to those in Egypt a letter on repentance, in which he set out his opinions about those who had fallen, describing degrees of lapses. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.46.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/46/1/). ## Church History 6.46.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/46/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:296 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Other letters of Dionysius: to Conon, to Alexandria, to Origen on martyrdom, to Laodicea, and to Armenia. ### Greek text καὶ πρὸς Κόνωνα ( τῆς Ερμουπολιτῶν δὲ παροικίας ἐπίσκοπος ἦν οὗτος) ἰδία τις περὶ μετανοίας αὐτοῦ φέρεται γραφὴ, καὶ ἄλλη ἐπιστρεπτικὴ πρὸς τὸ κατʼ Ἀλεξάνδρειαν ποίμνιον αὐτοῦ. ἐν τούτοις ἐστὶ καὶ ἡ περὶ μαρτυρίου πρὸς τὸν Ὠριγένην γραφεῖσα, καὶ τοῖς κατὰ Λαοδίκειαν ἀδελφοῖς, ὧν προΐστατο Θηλυμίδρης ἐπίσκοπος. καὶ τοῖς κατὰ Ἀρμενίαν ὡσαύτως περὶ μετανοίας ἐπιστέλλει, ὧν ἐπεσκόπευε Μερουζάνης. ### English translation (Claude) There is also extant a personal writing of his on repentance to Conon (he was bishop of the community of Hermopolis), and another admonitory one to his flock at Alexandria. Among these is also the one on martyrdom written to Origen, and one to the brothers at Laodicea, over whom Thelymidres presided as bishop. He also writes likewise on repentance to those in Armenia, whose bishop was Meruzanes. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.46.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/46/2/). ## Church History 6.46.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/46/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:296–297 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius told Cornelius he had been invited to a synod at Antioch on the Novatianist schism. ### Greek text πρὸς ἅπασι τούτοις καὶ Κορνηλίῳ τῷ κατὰ Ῥώμην γράφει, δεξάμενος αὐτοῦ τὴν κατὰ τοῦ Νοουάτου ἐπιστολὴν, ᾧ καὶ σημαίνει δηλῶν ἑαυτὸν παρακεκλῆσθαι ὑπό τε Ἑλένου τοῦ ἐν Ταρσῷ τῆς Κιλικίας ἐπισκόπου καὶ τῶν λοιπῶν τῶν σὺν αὐτῷ, Φιρμιλλιανοῦ τε τοῦ ἐν Καππαδοκίᾳ καὶ τοῦ κατὰ Παλαιστίνην Θεοκτίστου, ὡς ἂν ἐπὶ τὴν σύνοδον ἀπαντήσοι τὴν κατὰ Ἀντιόχειαν, ἔνθα τοῦ Νοουάτου κρατύνειν τινὲς ἐπεχείρουν τὸ σχίσμα. ### English translation (Claude) Besides all these he writes also to Cornelius of Rome, having received his letter against Novatus, and indicates to him that he had been invited by Helenus, bishop of Tarsus in Cilicia, and the others with him, Firmilian in Cappadocia and Theoctistus in Palestine, to attend the synod at Antioch, where some were attempting to strengthen the schism of Novatus. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.46.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/46/3/). ## Church History 6.46.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/46/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:297 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius reports Fabius's death, Demetrianus's succession at Antioch, and Alexander's death in prison. ### Greek text πρὸς τούτοις ἐπιστέλλει μηνυθῆναι αὐτῷ Φάβιον μὲν κεκοιμῆσθαι, Δημητριανὸν δὲ διάδοχον ἐκείνου τῆς κατʼ Ἀντιόχειαν ἐπισκοπῆς καθεστάναι. γράφει δὲ καὶ περὶ τοῦ ἐν Ἱεροσολύμοις αὐτοῖς ῥήμασι φάσκων ‟ὁ μὲν γὰρ “μακάριος Ἀλέξανδρος ἐν φρουρᾷ γενόμενος μακα- “ρίως ἀνεπαύσατο.” ### English translation (Claude) In addition he writes that he had been informed that Fabius had fallen asleep and that Demetrianus had been appointed his successor in the episcopate at Antioch. He writes also about the bishop in Jerusalem, saying in these words: “For the blessed Alexander, having been put in prison, went blessedly to his rest.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, Letter to Cornelius. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.46.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/46/4/). ## Church History 6.46.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/46/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:297 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius wrote several letters to Rome, including to the Novatianist confessors before and after their return. ### Greek text ἐξῆς ταύτῃ καὶ ἑτέρα τις ἐπιστολὴ τοῖς ἐν Ῥώμᾐ τοῦ Διονυσίου φέρεται διακονικὴ διὰ Ἱππολύτου. τοῖς αὐτοῖς ἄλλην περὶ εἰρήνης διατυποῦται, καὶ ὡσαύτως περὶ μετανοίας, καὶ αὖ πάλιν ἄλλην τοῖς ἐκεῖσε ὁμολογηταῖς, ἔτι τῇ τοῦ Νοουάτου συμφερομένοις γνώμῃ. τοῖς δὲ αὐτοῖς τούτοις ἑτέρας δύο μεταθεμένοις ἐπὶ τὴν ἐκκλησίαν ἐπιστέλλει. καὶ ἄλλοις δὲ πλείοσιν ὁμοίως διὰ γραμμάτων ὁμιλήσας ποικίλας τοῖς ἔτι νῦν σπουδὴν περὶ τοὺς λόγους αὐτοῦ ποιουμένοις καταλέλοιπεν ὠφελείας. ### English translation (Claude) Next to this there is extant another letter of Dionysius to those in Rome, a diaconal one, sent by Hippolytus. To the same he writes another on peace, and likewise on repentance, and yet another to the confessors there who still agreed with the opinion of Novatus. To these same, when they had come over to the church, he writes two others. And having conversed likewise by letter with many others, he has left varied benefits to those who still study his writings. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - “Diaconal” probably means a letter on service or one carried by a deacon; the sense is uncertain. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.46.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6/46/5/). ## Church History, Book 7, preface 1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/0/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:297 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Book 7 will rely largely on the letters of Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Greek text [Προοίμιον] Τὸν ἕβδομον τῆς ἐκκλησιαστικῆς ἱστορίας αὖθις ὁ μέγας ἡμῖν Ἀλεξανδρέων ἐπίσκοπος Διονύσιος ἰδίαις φωναῖς συνεκπονήσει, τῶν καθʼ ἑαυτὸν πεπραγμένων ἕκαστα ἐν μέρει διʼ ὧν καταλέλοιπεν ἐπιστολῶν ὑφηγούμενος. ἐμοὶ δὲ ὁ λόγος ἐντεῦθεν ποιήσεται τὴν ἀρχήν. ### English translation (Claude) The seventh book of the Church History the great bishop of the Alexandrians, Dionysius, will again help us compose in his own words, relating in part each of the events of his own time through the letters he has left. From here my account will begin. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.0.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/0/1/). ## Church History 7.1.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/1/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:297–298 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Decius died and Gallus succeeded; Origen died at sixty-nine; Dionysius says Gallus repeated Decius's error by persecuting those who prayed for him. ### Greek text Δέκιον οὐδʼ ὅλον ἐπικρατήσαντα δυοῖν ἐτοῖν χρόνον, αὐτίκα τε ἅμα παισὶ κατασφαγέντα Γάλλος διαδέχεται. Ὠριγένης ἐν τούτῳ ἑνὸς δέοντα τῆς ζωῆς ἑβδομήκοντα ἀποπλήσας ἔτη τελευτᾷ. γράφων γέ τοι ὁ Διονύσιος Ἑρμάμμωνι περὶ τοῦ Γάλλου ταῦτα φάσκει ‟ἀλλʼ οὐδὲ Γάλλος ἔγνω τὸ Δεκίου κακὸν, οὐδὲ προεσκόπησε τί ποτʼ ἐκεῖνον ἔσφηλεν, ἀλλὰ πρὸς τὸν αὐτὸν πρὸ τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτοῦ γενόμενον ἔπταισε λίθον. ὃς εὖ φερομένης αὐτῷ τῆς βασιλείας, καὶ κατὰ νοῦν χωρούντων τῶν πραγμάτων, τοὺς ἱεροὺς ἄνδρας περὶ τῆς εἰρήνης αὐτοῦ καὶ τῆς ὑγιείας πρεσβεύοντας πρὸς τὸν θεὸν ἤλασεν. οὐκοῦν σὺν ἐκείνοις ἐδίωξε καὶ τὰς ὑπὲρ ἑαυτοῦ προσευχάς.” ταῦτα μὲν οὖν περὶ τοῦδε. ### English translation (Claude) Decius, having ruled not even two whole years, was immediately slain with his sons and was succeeded by Gallus. At this time Origen died, having completed seventy years of life less one. Dionysius, writing to Hermammon, says this about Gallus: “But neither did Gallus recognize the evil of Decius, nor consider what had caused his fall, but stumbled on the same stone that lay before his eyes. When his reign was prospering and affairs were going as he wished, he drove out the holy men who were interceding with God for his peace and health. So with them he persecuted also the prayers offered on his behalf.” So much about him. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, Letter to Hermammon. The digital text repeats the syllables βεύοντας. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.1.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/1/1/). ## Church History 7.2.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/2/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:298 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Stephen became bishop of Rome; Dionysius wrote to him on whether converts from heresy should be rebaptized, against the old custom of laying on hands. ### Greek text Κατὰ δὲ τὴν Ῥωμαίων πόλιν Κορνηλίου ἔτεσιν ἀμφὶ τὰ τρία τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν διανύσαντος Λούκιος κατέστη διάδοχος, μησὶ δʼ οὐδʼ ὅλοις οὗτος ὀκτὼ τῇ Στεφάνῳ τελευτῶν μεταδίδωσι τὸν κλῆρον. τούτῳ τὴν πρώτην ὁ Διονύσιος τῶν περὶ βαπτίσματος ἐπιστολῶν διατυποῦται, ζητήματος οὐ μικροῦ τηνικάδε ἀνακινηθέντος, εἰ δέοι τοὺς ἐξ οἵας δʼ οὖν αἱρέσεως ἐπιστρέφοντας διὰ λουτροῦ καθαίρειν, παλαιοῦ γέ τοι κεκρατηκότος ἔθους ἐπὶ τῶν τοιούτων μόνῃ χρῆσθαι τῇ διὰ χειρῶν ἐπιθέσεως εὐχῇ. ### English translation (Claude) In the city of the Romans, when Cornelius had completed about three years in the episcopate, Lucius was appointed his successor; and he, dying after not quite eight months, handed on the office to Stephen. To him Dionysius wrote the first of his letters on baptism, since no small question had then been raised whether those turning from any heresy whatever should be purified by the washing, though an old custom had prevailed in such cases of using only prayer with the laying on of hands. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.2.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/2/1/). ## Church History 7.3.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/3/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:298 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Cyprian required rebaptism of converts from heresy; Stephen angrily defended the older tradition. ### Greek text Πρῶτος τῶν τότε Κυπριανὸς τῆς κατὰ Καρχηδόνα παροικίας ποιμὴν οὐδʼ ἄλλως ἢ διὰ λουτροῦ πρότερον τῆς πλάνης ἀποκαθηραμένους προσίεσθαι δεῖν ἡγεῖτο. ἀλλʼ ὅ γε Στέφανος, μὴ δεῖν τι νεώτερον παρὰ τὴν κρατήσασαν ἀρχῆθεν παράδοσιν ἐπικαινοτομεῖν οἰόμενος, ἐπὶ τούτῳ διηγανάκτει. ### English translation (Claude) Cyprian, pastor of the community of Carthage, was the first of those then living to think that they should not be admitted otherwise than after first being purified from their error by the washing. But Stephen, thinking that no innovation should be made contrary to the tradition that had prevailed from the beginning, was greatly indignant at this. ### Extrabiblical texts - Cyprian, Ep. (Letters): allusion, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.3.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/3/1/). ## Church History 7.4.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/4/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:298–299 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius told Stephen that the churches had rejected Novatian and were at peace. ### Greek text Πλεῖστα δὴ οὖν αὐτῷ περὶ τούτου διὰ γραμμάτων ὁ Διονύσιος ὁμιλήσας τελευτῶν δηλοῖ ὡς ἄρα τοῦ διωγμοῦ λελωφηκότος αἱ πανταχόσε ἐκκλησίαι τὴν κατὰ Νοουάτον ἀποστραφεῖσαι νεωτεροποιίαν εἰρήνην πρὸς ἑαυτὰς ἀνειλήφεσαν. γράφει δὲ ὧδε· ### English translation (Claude) Dionysius, having written to him at great length about this, finally shows that, the persecution having abated, the churches everywhere had rejected the innovation of Novatus and resumed peace among themselves. He writes thus: ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.4.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/4/1/). ## Church History 7.5.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/5/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:299 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius: the churches of the East, once divided, are united under their bishops. ### Greek text “Ἴσθι δὲ νῦν, ἀδελφὲ, ὅτι ἥνωνται “αἱ πρότερον διεσχισμέναι κατά τε τὴν ‟ἐκκλησίαι καὶ ἔτι προσωτέρω. καὶ πάντες εἰσὶν “ὁμόφρονες οἱ πανταχοῦ προεστῶτες, χαίροντες καθʼ “ὑπερβολὴν ἐπὶ τῇ παρὰ προσδοκίαν εἰρήνῃ γενο- ‟μένῃ, Δημητριανὸς ἐν Ἀντιοχείᾳ, Θεόκτιστος ἐν ‟Καισαρείᾳ, Μαζαβάνης ἐν Αἰλίᾳ, Μαρῖνος ἐν Τυρῷ ῾κοιμηθέντος Ἀλεξάνδρου, Ἡλιόδωρος ἐν Λαοδικείᾳ ‟ἀναπαυσαμένου Θηλυμίδρου, Ἕλενος ἐν Ταρσῷ καὶ ‘πᾶσαι αἶ τῆς Κιλικίας ἐκκλησίαι, Φιρμιλλιανὸς καὶ πᾶσα Καππαδοκία. τοὺς γὰρ περιφανεστέρους μό- ‟νους τῶν ἐπισκόπων ὠνόμασα, ἵνα μήτε μῆκος τῇ ‟ἐπιστολῇ μήτε βάρος προσάψω τῷ λόγῳ. ### English translation (Claude) “Know now, brother, that the churches formerly divided throughout the East and still further have been united; and all who preside everywhere are of one mind, rejoicing exceedingly at the peace that has come beyond expectation: Demetrianus in Antioch, Theoctistus in Caesarea, Mazabanes in Aelia, Marinus in Tyre (Alexander having fallen asleep), Heliodorus in Laodicea (Thelymidres having gone to rest), Helenus in Tarsus and all the churches of Cilicia, Firmilian and all Cappadocia. For I have named only the more prominent bishops, so as not to make my letter long or my words burdensome. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, First Letter on Baptism, to Stephen. The word “East” (ἀνατολὴν) is lost in the digital text. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.5.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/5/1/). ## Church History 7.5.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/5/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:299 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: All the eastern regions rejoice in the restored concord. ### Greek text αἶ “μέντοι Συρίαι ὅλαι καὶ ἡ Ἀραβία, οἷς ἐπαρκεῖτε ῾ἑκάστοτε καὶ οἶς νῦν ἐπεστείλατε, ἥτε Μεσοποταμία, ῾Πόντος τε καὶ Βιθυνία καὶ συνελόντι εἰπεῖν ἀγαλ- ‟λιῶνται πάντες πανταχοῦ τῇ ὁμονοίᾳ καὶ φιλαδελ- “φίᾳ, δοξάζοντες τὸν θεόν.’’ ### English translation (Claude) But all Syria and Arabia, which you help from time to time and to which you have now written, and Mesopotamia, Pontus and Bithynia — in short, all everywhere are rejoicing in the concord and brotherly love, glorifying God.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.5.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/5/2/). ## Church History 7.5.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/5/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:299 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Xystus II succeeded Stephen; Dionysius wrote him a second letter on baptism. ### Greek text ταῦτα μὲν ὁ Διονύσιος. Στέφανον δʼ ἐπὶ δυσὶν ἀποπλήσαντα τὴν λειτουργίαν ἔτεσι Ξύστος διαδέχεται. τούτῳ δευτέραν ὁ Διονύσιος περὶ βαπτίσματος ἐγχαράξας ἐπιστολὴν ὁμοῦ τὴν Στεφάνου καὶ τῶν λοιπῶν ἐπισκόπων γνώμην τε καὶ κρίσιν δηλοῖ, περὶ τοῦ Στεφάνου λέγων ταῦτα· ### English translation (Claude) So Dionysius. When Stephen had completed his ministry in two years, Xystus succeeded him. To him Dionysius wrote a second letter on baptism, showing at the same time the opinion and judgment of Stephen and of the other bishops, and saying this about Stephen: ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.5.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/5/3/). ## Church History 7.5.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/5/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:299 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius: Stephen had threatened to break communion with the eastern bishops who rebaptized heretics. ### Greek text ‟ἐπεστάλκει μὲν οὖν πρότερον καὶ ‟περὶ Ἑλένου καὶ περὶ Φιρμιλλιανοῦ καὶ πάντων ‟τῶν τε ἀπὸ Κιλικίας καὶ Γαλατίας καὶ πάντων τῶν ‟ἑξῆς ὁμορούντων ἐθνῶν, ὡς οὐδὲ ἐκείνοις κοινωνήσων διὰ τὴν αὐτὴν ταύτην αἰτίαν, ἐπειδὴ τοὺς ‟αἱρετικοὺς, φησὶν, ἀναβαπτίζουσι. ### English translation (Claude) “He had written before about Helenus and Firmilian and all those from Cilicia and Cappadocia and Galatia and all the neighbouring nations, that he would not have communion with them either, for this same reason, because, he says, they rebaptize the heretics. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, Second Letter on Baptism, to Xystus (to 7.5.5). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.5.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/5/4/). ## Church History 7.5.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/5/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:299–300 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius: great synods had decreed that converts from heresy be instructed and baptized; he pleaded with Stephen. ### Greek text καὶ σκόπει ‟τὸ μέγεθος τοῦ πράγματος. ὄντως γὰρ δόγματα ‟περὶ τούτου γέγονεν ἐν ταῖς μεγίσταις τῶν ἐπισκόπων συνόδοις, ὡς πυνθάνομαι, ὥστε τοὺς προσιόντας “ἀπὸ αἱρέσεως, προκατηχηθέντας, εἶτα ἀπολούσασθαι ‟καὶ ἀνακαθαίρεσθαι τὸν τῆς παλαιᾶς καὶ ἀκαθάρτου “ζύμης ῥύπον. καὶ περὶ τούτων αὐτοῦ πάντων δεόμε- ῾νος ἐπέστειλα.” ### English translation (Claude) And consider the greatness of the matter. For decrees have truly been made about this in the greatest synods of bishops, as I learn, that those who come over from heresy should first be instructed, and then be washed and cleansed from the filth of the old and impure leaven. And I wrote to him entreating him about all these things.” ### Scripture references - 1 Cor 5:7: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, Second Letter on Baptism; cf. 1 Cor 5:7. A stray “6” at the end of the digital text is a section marker. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.5.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/5/5/). ## Church History 7.5.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/5/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:300 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius also wrote to the Roman presbyters Dionysius and Philemon about the question. ### Greek text καὶ μεθʼ ἕτερά φησι “καὶ ‟ἀγαπητοῖς δὲ ἡμῶν καὶ συμπρεσβυτέροις Διονυσίῳ ‟καὶ Φιλήμονι, συμψήφοις πρότερον Στεφάνῳ γενο- ‟μένοις, καὶ περὶ τῶν αὐτῶν μοι γράφουσι, πρότερον ‟μὲν ὀλίγα, καὶ νῦν δὲ διὰ πλειόνων ἐπέστειλα.” ἀλλὰ ταῦτα μὲν περὶ τοῦ δηλουμένου ζητήματος. ### English translation (Claude) And after other things he says: “And to our beloved fellow presbyters Dionysius and Philemon, who formerly agreed with Stephen and wrote to me about the same things, I wrote before briefly, and now at greater length.” So much on the question in hand. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.5.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/5/6/). ## Church History 7.6.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/6/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:300 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius reports the Sabellian teaching in the Pentapolis and his letters against it. ### Greek text Σημαίνων δὲ ἐν ταὐτῷ καὶ περὶ τῶν κατὰ Σαβέλλιον αἱρετικῶν ὡς κατʼ αὐτὸν ἐπιπολαζόντων ταῦτά φησι “περὶ γὰρ τοῦ νῦν “κινηθέντος ἐν τῇ Πτολεμαίδι τῆς Πενταπόλεως “δόγματος, ὄντος ἀσεβοῦς καὶ βλασφημίαν πολλὴν “ἔχοντος περὶ τοῦ παντοκράτορος θεοῦ, πατρὸς τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ἀπιστίαν τε πολλὴν περὶ τοῦ μονογενοῦς παιδὸς αὐτοῦ καὶ πρωτοτόκου πάσης κτίσεως, τοῦ ἐνανθρωπήσαντος λόγου, ἀναισθησίαν δὲ τοῦ ἁγίου πνεύματος, ἐλθόντων ἑκατέ- ‟πωθεν πρὸς ἐμὲ καὶ προγραμμάτων καὶ τῶν διαλεξομένων ἀδελφῶν, ἐπέστειλά τινα ὡς ἐδυνήθην, παρασχόντος τοῦ θεοῦ, διδασκαλικώτερον ὑφηγούμενος, ὧν τὰ ἀντίγραφα ἔπεμψά σοι. ### English translation (Claude) Indicating in the same letter also that the Sabellian heretics were then spreading, he says this: “As for the doctrine now stirred up in Ptolemais of the Pentapolis, which is impious and full of blasphemy against the almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and of much unbelief about his only-begotten Son, the firstborn of all creation, the Word made man, and of insensibility to the Holy Spirit — since both documents and brothers to discuss it came to me from both sides, I wrote some letters as I could, with God's help, setting the matter out rather didactically, copies of which I have sent you.” ### Scripture references - Col 1:15: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, Second Letter on Baptism; cf. Col 1:15. Sabellianism treated Father, Son, and Spirit as one person under different names. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.6.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/6/1/). ## Church History 7.7.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/7/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:300 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius had read the heretics' books, gaining the power to refute them. ### Greek text Καὶ ἐν τῇ τρίτῃ δὲ περὶ βαπτίσματος, ἣν Φιλήμονι τῷ κατὰ Ῥώμην πρεσβυτέρῳ ὁ αὐτὸς γράφει Διονύσιος, ταῦτα παρατίθεται “ἐγὼ δὲ καὶ τοῖς συντάγμασι καὶ ταῖς παραδόσεσι τῶν αἱρετικῶν ἐνέτυχον, χραίνων μέν μου πρὸς ὀλίγον τὴν ψυχὴν ταῖς παμμιάροις αὐτῶν “ἐνθυμήσεσιν, ὄνησιν δʼ οὖν ἀπʼ αὐτῶν ταύτην λαμβάνων, τὸ ἐξελέγχειν αὐτοὺς παρʼ ἐμαυτῷ, καὶ πολὺ πλέον βδελύττεσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) In the third letter on baptism, which the same Dionysius writes to Philemon, presbyter at Rome, he relates this: “I have read the treatises and traditions of the heretics, defiling my soul for a little with their abominable notions, but gaining this benefit from them, that I refuted them for myself and abhorred them much more. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, Third Letter on Baptism, to Philemon (to 7.7.5). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.7.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/7/1/). ## Church History 7.7.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/7/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:300–301 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: When a presbyter warned him against reading heresy, a vision from God encouraged him. ### Greek text καὶ δή τινος ἀδελφοῦ ‟τῶν πρεσβυτέρων με ἀπείργοντος καὶ δεδιττομένου “συμφύρεσθαι τῷ τῆς πονηρίας αὐτῶν βορβόρῳ· “λυμανεῖσθαι γὰρ τὴν ψυχὴν τὴν ἐμαυτοῦ, καὶ ἀληθῆ ‟γε λέγοντος, ὡς ᾐσθόμην· ὅραμα θεόπεμπτον προσ- “ελθὸν ἐπέρρωσέ με. ### English translation (Claude) And when one of the brothers among the presbyters tried to hold me back, frightening me from mixing myself up with the mire of their wickedness, for it would harm my own soul — and he spoke truly, as I perceived — a vision sent from God came and strengthened me. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.7.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/7/2/). ## Church History 7.7.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/7/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:301 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: A voice told Dionysius to read everything and test it, as the saying “Be approved money-changers” urges. ### Greek text καὶ λόγος πρός με γενό- “μενος προσέταξε διαρρήδην λέγων, πᾶσιν ἐντύγχανε ‟οἷς ἂν εἰς χεῖρας λάβοις· διευθύνειν γὰρ ἕκαστα ‟καὶ δοκιμάζειν ἱκανὸς εἶ, καί σοι γέγονε τοῦτο ἐξ ‟ἀρχῆς καὶ τῆς πίστεως αἴτιον. ἀπεδεξάμην τὸ ὅραμα, ‟ὡς ἀποστολικῇ φωνῇ συντρέχον τῇ λεγούσῃ πρὸς “τοὺς δυνατωτέρους, γίνεσθε δόκιμοι τραπεζῖται.” ### English translation (Claude) And a word came to me and commanded me expressly, saying, ‘Read everything that comes into your hands; for you are able to correct and test each thing; and this was from the beginning the cause of your faith too.’ I accepted the vision as agreeing with the apostolic saying addressed to the stronger: ‘Be approved money-changers.’” ### Scripture references - 1 Thess 5:21: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. “Be approved money-changers” is an agraphon (a saying not in the canonical Gospels) often ascribed to Jesus; Dionysius calls it apostolic; cf. 1 Thess 5:21. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.7.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/7/3/). ## Church History 7.7.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/7/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:301 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Heraclas readmitted converts from heresy after public confession, without rebaptism, since they had already been baptized in the church. ### Greek text εἶτά τινα περὶ πασῶν εἰπὼν τῶν αἱρέσεων ἐπιφέρει λέγων ‟τοῦτον ἐγὼ τὸν κανόνα καὶ τὸν τύπον “παρὰ τοῦ μακαρίου πάπα ἡμῶν Ἡρακλᾶ παρέλαβον. “τοὺς γὰρ προσιόντας ἀπὸ τῶν αἱρέσεων, καίτοι τῆς “ἐκκλησίας ἀποστάντας, μᾶλλον δὲ οὐδὲ ἀποστάντας, “ἀλλὰ συνάγεσθαι μὲν δοκοῦντας, καταμηνυθέντας ‟δὲ ὡς προσφοιτῶντάς τινι τῶν ἑτεροδιδασκαλούντων, ‟ἀπελάσας τῆς ἐκκλησίας, δεομένους οὐ προσήκατο, “ἕως δημοσίᾳ πάντα ὅσα ἠκηκόεσαν παρὰ τοῖς ἀντι- ‟διατιθεμένοις ἐξέφρασαν, καὶ τότε συνήγαγεν αὐτοὺς, “οὐ δεηθεὶς ἐπʼ αὐτῶν ἑτέρου βαπτίσματος· τοῦ γὰρ “ἁγίου πρότερον παρʼ αὐτοῦ τετυχήκεσαν.” ### English translation (Claude) Then, after saying some things about all the heresies, he continues: “This rule and pattern I received from our blessed pope Heraclas. For those who came over from the heresies, though they had left the church — or rather had not even left it, but seemed to be in its assembly, and were denounced as frequenting one of those who taught otherwise — he drove them out of the church and did not receive them when they asked until they had publicly declared all they had heard from the opponents; and then he received them, not requiring of them another baptism; for they had formerly received the holy [gift] from him.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. “Pope” (πάπας) is here a title of the bishop of Alexandria. - “The holy [gift]”: the Greek says only “the holy”, meaning either baptism or the Holy Spirit (so NPNF), received earlier in the church. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.7.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/7/4/). ## Church History 7.7.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/7/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:301–302 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius: rebaptism was long decided in Asia Minor as well, and he will not overturn their ancestral decisions. ### Greek text πάλιν δὲ ἐπὶ πολὺ γυμνάσας τὸ πρόβλημα ταῦτα ἐπιλέγει ‟μεμάθηκα καὶ τοῦτο, ὅτι μὴ νῦν οἱ ἐν Ἀφρικῇ μόνον ‟τοῦτο παρεισήγαγον, ἀλλὰ καὶ πρὸ πολλοῦ κατὰ τοὺς ‟πρὸ ἡμῶν ἐπισκόπους ἐν ταῖς πολυανθρωποτάταις “ἐκκλησίαις καὶ ταῖς συνόδοις τῶν ἀδελφῶν, ἐν Ἰκο- “νίῳ καὶ Συννάδοις καὶ παρὰ πολλοῖς τοῦτο ἔδοξεν· ‟ὧν τὰς βουλὰς ἀνατρέπων εἰς ἔριν αὐτοὺς καὶ φιλο- “νεικίαν ἐμβαλεῖν οὐχ ὑπομένω. οὐ γὰρ μετακινήσεις, ‟φησὶν, ὅρια τοῦ πλησίον σου, ἃ ἔθεντο οἱ πατέρες ‟σου.” ### English translation (Claude) Again, after dealing with the problem at length, he adds: “I have learned this too, that it is not only now that those in Africa have introduced this, but also long ago, in the time of the bishops before us, in the most populous churches and in the synods of the brothers, at Iconium and Synnada and among many, this was decided. I do not venture to overturn their counsels and throw them into strife and contention. For it says, ‘You shall not remove your neighbour's landmarks, which your fathers set up.’” ### Scripture references - Deut 19:14: quotation, high confidence - Prov 22:28: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, citing Deut 19:14 (cf. Prov 22:28). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.7.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/7/5/). ## Church History 7.7.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/7/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:302 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The fourth letter on baptism went to Dionysius of Rome, later its bishop. ### Greek text ἡ τετάρτη αὐτοῦ τῶν περὶ βαπτίσματος ἐπιστολῶν πρὸς τὸν κατὰ Ῥώμην ἐγράφη Διονύσιον, τότε μὲν πρεσβείου ἠξιωμένον, οὐκ εἰς μακρὸν δὲ καὶ τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν τῶν ἐκεῖσε παρειληφότα· ἐξ ἧς γνῶναι πάρεστιν ὅπως καὶ αὐτὸς οὗτος λόγιός τε καὶ θαυμάσιος πρὸς τοῦ κατʼ Ἀλεξάνδρειαν Διονυσίου μεμαρτύρηται. γράφει δὲ αὐτῷ μεθʼ ἕτερα τῶν κατὰ τὸν Νοουάτον μνημονεύων ἐν τούτοις. ### English translation (Claude) His fourth letter on baptism was written to Dionysius of Rome, then a presbyter but not long after entrusted with the episcopate there; from it one may learn how this man too was attested as learned and admirable by Dionysius of Alexandria. Among other things he writes to him, mentioning the affairs of Novatus, in these words: ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.7.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/7/6/). ## Church History 7.8.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/8/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:302 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius condemns Novatian for schism, for making Christ unmerciful, and for rejecting the church's baptism. ### Greek text “Νοουατιανῷ μὲν γὰρ ‟εὐλόγως ἀπεχθανόμεθα διακόψαντι τὴν ἐκκλησίαν, ‘καί τινας τῶν ἀδελφῶν εἰς ἀσεβείας καὶ βλασφημίας ‘ἑλκύσαντι, καὶ περὶ τοῦ θεοῦ διδασκαλίαν ἀνοσιω- ‘τάτην ἐπεισκυκλήσαντι, καὶ τὸν χρηστότατον κύριον “ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν ὡς ἀνηλεῆ συκοφαντοῦντι, ἐπὶ πάσι δὲ τούτοις τὸ λουτρὸν ἀθετοῦντι τὸ ἅγιον, ‟καὶ τήν τε πρὸ αὐτοῦ πίστιν καὶ ὁμολογίαν ἀνατρέποντι, τό τε πνεῦμα τό ἅγιον ἐξ αὐτῶν, εἰ καί τις ἦν ἐλπὶς τοῦ παραμεῖναι ἢ καὶ ἐπανελθεῖν πρὸς ‘αὐτοὺς, παντελῶς φυγαδεύοντι.” ### English translation (Claude) “For we reasonably feel enmity toward Novatian, who divided the church, drew some of the brothers into impieties and blasphemies, brought in a most unholy teaching about God, slanders our most kind Lord Jesus Christ as unmerciful, and besides all this sets aside the holy washing, overturns the faith and confession that precede it, and wholly banishes the Holy Spirit from them, if there were any hope of its remaining with them or even returning to them.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, Fourth Letter on Baptism. Novatian rebaptized those who joined him. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.8.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/8/1/). ## Church History 7.9.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/9/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:302 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: In his fifth letter Dionysius asks Xystus's advice about a difficult case. ### Greek text Καὶ ἡ πέμπτη δὲ αὐτῷ πρὸς τὸν Ῥωμαίων ἐπίσκοπον Ξυστὸν ἐγέγραπτο, ἐν ἡ πολλὰ κατὰ τῶν αἱρετικῶν εἰπὼν τοιοῦτόν τι γεγονὸς κατʼ αὐτὸν ἐκτίθεται λέγων· ‟καὶ γὰρ ὄντως, “ἀδελφὲ, καὶ συμβουλῆς δέομαι, καὶ γνώμην αἰτῶ παρὰ σοῦ, τοιούτου τινός μοι προσελθόντος πρά- ‘γματος, δεδιὼς μὴ ἄρα σφάλλωμαι. ### English translation (Claude) His fifth letter was written to Xystus, bishop of the Romans; in it, after saying much against the heretics, he sets out something that happened in his time, saying: “For truly, brother, I need counsel and ask your judgment, since such a matter has come before me, fearing that I may be mistaken. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, Fifth Letter on Baptism, to Xystus (to 7.9.5). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.9.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/9/1/). ## Church History 7.9.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/9/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:302–303 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: An old church member, hearing the baptismal questions, realized his heretical baptism had been nothing like the church's. ### Greek text τῶν γὰρ συναγομένων ἀδελφῶν πιστὸς νομιζόμενος ἀρχαῖος καὶ πρὸ τῆς ἐμῆς χειροτονίας, οἶμαι δὲ καὶ πρὸ τῆς “τοῦ μακαρίου Ἡρακλᾶ καταστάσεως τῆς συναγωγῆς ‟μετασχὼν, τοῖς ὑπόγυιον βαπτιζομένοις παρατυχὼν, καὶ τῶν ἐπερωτήσεων καὶ ἀποκρίσεων ἐπακούσας, ‟προσῆλθέ μοι κλαίων καὶ καταθρηνῶν ἑαυτὸν καὶ ‟πίπτων πρὸ τῶν ποδῶν μου, ἐξομολογούμενος μὲν ‘καὶ ἐξομνύμενος τὸ βάπτισμα, ὃ παρὰ τοῖς αἱρετι- ῾κοῖς βεβάπτιστο, μὴ τοιοῦτον εἶναι, μηδὲ ὅλως ἔχειν “τινὰ πρὸς τοῦτο κοινωνίαν· ἀσεβείας γὰρ ἐκεῖνο καὶ ῾βλασφημιῶν πεπληρῶσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) One of the brothers who assemble, considered a believer of long standing, a member of the congregation even before my ordination and, I think, even before the appointment of the blessed Heraclas, was present when some were being baptized recently and heard the questions and answers. He came to me weeping and lamenting himself, and falling at my feet, confessing and swearing that the baptism he had received among the heretics was not of this kind, nor had anything at all in common with it; for that was full of impiety and blasphemies. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.9.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/9/2/). ## Church History 7.9.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/9/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:303 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Stricken in conscience, he asked to be baptized properly. ### Greek text λέγων δὲ πάνυ τι τὴν ψυχὴν νῦν κατανενύχθαι, καὶ μηδὲ παρρησίαν ‟ἔχειν ἐπᾶραι τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς πρὸς τὸν θεὸν, ἀπὸ ‟τῶν ἀνοσίων ἐκείνων ῥημάτων καὶ πραγμάτων ὁρ- ‟μώμενος· καὶ διὰ τοῦτο δεόμενος τῆς εἰλικρινεστάτης ‟ταύτης καθάρσεως καὶ παραδοχῆς καὶ χάριτος τυχεῖν. ‟ ### English translation (Claude) He said that his soul was now deeply pierced, and that he had no boldness even to lift up his eyes to God, having started from those unholy words and deeds; and therefore he asked to receive this most pure cleansing, reception, and grace. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.9.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/9/3/). ## Church History 7.9.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/9/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:303 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius would not rebaptize a man who had long shared in the eucharist, and told him to take courage. ### Greek text ὅπερ ἐγὼ μὲν οὐκ ἐτόλμησα ποιῆσαι, φήσας “αὐτάρκη τὴν πολυχρόνιον αὐτῷ κοινωνίαν εἰς τοῦτο γεγονέναι. εὐχαριστίας γὰρ ἐπακούσαντα, καὶ συν- ‟ἐπιφθεγξάμενον τὸ ἀμὴν, καὶ τραπέζῃ παραστάντα, ‟καὶ χεῖρας εἰς ὑποδοχὴν τῆς ἁγίας τροφῆς προτεί- “ναντα, καὶ ταύτην καταδεξάμενον, καὶ τοῦ σώματος ‟καὶ τοῦ αἵματος τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ ῾μετασχόντα ἱκανῷ χρόνῳ, οὐκ ἂν ἐξ ὑπαρχῆς ἀνα- ‟σκευάζειν ἔτι τολμήσαιμι· θαρσεῖν δὲ ἐκέλευον, καὶ “μετὰ βεβαίας πίστεως καὶ ἀγαθῆς συνειδήσεως τῇ ‟μετοχῇ τῶν ἁγίων προσιέναι. ### English translation (Claude) This I did not dare to do, saying that his long communion had been sufficient for this. For one who had heard the thanksgiving and joined in saying the Amen, who had stood at the table and stretched out his hands to receive the holy food, and had received it and partaken of the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ for a long time, I would not dare to renew from the beginning. But I bade him take courage and approach the partaking of the holy things with firm faith and good conscience. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria; a valuable description of the eucharistic rite. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.9.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/9/4/). ## Church History 7.9.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/9/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:303 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The man still mourns and fears to approach the table. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ οὔτε πενθῶν “παύεται, πέφρικέ τε τῇ τραπέζῃ προσιέναι, καὶ “μόλις παρακαλούμενος συνεστάναι ταῖς προσευχαῖς ‟ἀνέχεται.” ### English translation (Claude) But he does not cease mourning, and shudders to approach the table, and scarcely, when urged, can bear to stand with the others at the prayers.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.9.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/9/5/). ## Church History 7.9.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/9/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:303–304 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius wrote further letters on baptism and one about Lucian. ### Greek text ἐπὶ ταῖς προειρημέναις φέρεταί τις καὶ ἄλλη τοῦ αὐτοῦ περὶ βαπτίσματος ἐπιστολὴ, ἐξ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἧς ἡγεῖτο παροικίας Ξυστῷ καὶ τῇ κατὰ Ρώμην ἐκκλησίᾳ προσπεφωνημένη, ἐν ἡ διὰ μακρᾶς ἀποδείξεως τὸν περὶ τοῦ ὑποκειμένου ζητήματος παρατείνει λόγον. καὶ ἄλλη δέ τις αὐτοῦ μετὰ ταύτας φέρεται πρὸς τὸν κατὰ Ῥώμην Διονύσιον, ἡ περὶ Λουκιανοῦ. καὶ περὶ μὲν τούτων τοσαῦτα. ### English translation (Claude) Besides those mentioned there is also another letter of his on baptism, addressed from him and the community he led to Xystus and the church at Rome, in which he extends the argument on the question at issue with lengthy proof. And another of his after these is extant, to Dionysius of Rome, the one about Lucian. So much on these matters. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.9.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/9/6/). ## Church History 7.10.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/10/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:304 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Gallus fell after two years, and Valerian and his son took power. ### Greek text Οἵ γε μὴν ἀμφὶ τὸν Γάλλον οὐδʼ ὅλοις ἔτεσι δύο τὴν ἀρχὴν ἐπικατασχόντες ἐκποδὼν μεθίστανται, Οὐαλεριανὸς δὲ ἅμα παιδὶ διαδέχεται τὴν ἡγεμονίαν. ### English translation (Claude) Gallus and those with him, having held power not quite two whole years, were removed, and Valerian with his son succeeded to the government. ### Translation notes - Valerian and Gallienus, 253. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.10.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/10/1/). ## Church History 7.10.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/10/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:304 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius applies the beast of Revelation 13 to Valerian. ### Greek text αὖθις δὴ οὖν ὁ Διονύσιος οἴα καὶ περὶ τούτου διέξεισιν, ἐκ τῆς πρὸς Ἑρμάμμωνα ἐπιστολῆς μαθεῖν ἔστιν, ἐν ᾗ τοῦτον ἱστορεῖ τὸν τρόπον “καὶ τῷ Ἰωάννῃ δὲ ὁμοίως ἀποκαλύπτεται. καὶ ἐδόθη γὰρ αὐτῷ, φησὶ, στόμα λαλοῦν μεγάλα καὶ βλασφημίαν, καὶ ἐδόθη αὐτῷ ἐξουσία καὶ μῆνες τεσσαράκοντα δύο. ### English translation (Claude) What Dionysius again relates about him can be learned from his letter to Hermammon, in which he gives this account: “And to John likewise it is revealed. For there was given to him, he says, ‘a mouth speaking great things and blasphemy; and there was given him authority, and forty-two months.’ ### Scripture references - Rev 13:5: quotation, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, Letter to Hermammon (to 7.10.9), citing Rev 13:5. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.10.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/10/2/). ## Church History 7.10.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/10/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:304 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: At first Valerian was exceptionally friendly to Christians, and his household was full of believers. ### Greek text ἀμφότερα “δὲ ἔστιν ἐπὶ Οὐαλεριανοῦ θαυμάσαι, καὶ τούτων ‘μάλιστα τὰ πρὸ αὐτοῦ ὡς οὗτος ἔσχε συννοεῖν, ὡς ῾μὲν ἤπιος καὶ φιλόφρων ἦν πρὸς τοὺς ἀνθρώπους ῾τοῦ θεοῦ. οὐδὲ γὰρ ἄλλος τις οὕτω τῶν πρὸ αὐτοῦ “βασιλέων εὐμενῶς καὶ δεξιῶς πρὸς αὐτοὺς διετέθη, “οὐδʼ οἱ λεχθέντες ἀναφανδὸν Χριστιανοὶ γεγονέναι, ῾ὡς ἐκεῖνος οἰκειότατα ἐν ἀρχῇ καὶ προσφιλέστατα “φανερὸς ἦν αὐτοὺς ἀποδεχόμενος. καὶ πᾶς τε ὁ ‘οἶκος αὐτοῦ θεοσεβῶν πεπλήρωτο καὶ ἦν ἐκκλησία “θεοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) Both are to be marvelled at in Valerian, and most of all one should consider how he was before, how mild and friendly he was toward the men of God. For none of the emperors before him was so kindly and favourably disposed toward them, not even those said to have been openly Christians, as he plainly received them at the beginning most intimately and affectionately; and his whole house was filled with godly people and was a church of God. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. “Those said to have been openly Christians” probably refers to Philip (6.34). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.10.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/10/3/). ## Church History 7.10.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/10/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:304–305 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: An Egyptian chief magician turned Valerian against the Christians and toward human sacrifice. ### Greek text ἀποσκευάσασθαι δὲ παρέπεισεν αὐτὸν ὁ “διδάσκαλος καὶ τῶν ἀπʼ Αἰγύπτου μάγων ἀρχισυν- “άγωγος, τοὺς μὲν καθαροὺς καὶ ὁσίους ἄνδρας “κτίννυσθαι καὶ διώκεσθαι κελεύων, ὡς ἀντιπάλους καὶ κωλυτὰς τῶν παμμιάρων καὶ βδελυκτῶν ἐπαοιδῶν ὑπάρχοντας, (καὶ γὰρ εἰσὶ καὶ ἦσαν ἱκανοὶ, παρόντες καὶ ὁρώμενοι, καὶ μόνον ἐμ- “πνέοντες καὶ φθεγγόμενοι, διασκεδάσαι τὰς τῶν ‟ἀλιτηρίων δαιμόνων ἐπιβουλάς), τελετὰς δὲ ἀνάγνους καὶ μαγγανείας ἐξαγίστους καὶ ἱερουργίας ‟ἀκαλλιερήτους ἐπιτελεῖν ὑποτιθέμενος, παῖδας ἀ- “θλίους ἀποσφάττειν, καὶ τέκνα δυστήνων πατέρων καταθύειν, καὶ σπλάγχνα νεογενῆ διαιρεῖν, καὶ τὰ ‟τοῦ θεοῦ διακόπτειν καὶ καταχορδεύειν πλάσματα, ‟ὡς ἐκ τούτων εὐδαιμονήσοντας.” ### English translation (Claude) But the teacher and chief of the synagogue of the magicians from Egypt persuaded him to get rid of them, bidding him kill and persecute the pure and holy men as opponents and hinderers of his abominable and loathsome incantations (for they are and were able, by being present and seen, and merely breathing and speaking, to scatter the plots of the accursed demons), and advising him to perform impure rites, abominable sorceries, and ill-omened sacrifices: to slaughter wretched boys, to sacrifice the children of unhappy fathers, to divide newborn entrails, and to cut up and mangle God's creatures, as though they would prosper by these things.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. The magician is Macrianus (7.10.5). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.10.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/10/4/). ## Church History 7.10.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/10/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:305 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius mocks Macrianus, the finance minister who hoped to be emperor, as one who did not see the “catholic” good. ### Greek text καὶ τούτοις γε ἐπιφέρει λέγων ‘καλὰ γοῦν αὐτοῖς Μακριανὸς τῆς ‟ἐλπιζομένης βασιλείας προσήνεγκε χαριστήρια, ὃς πρότερον μὲν ἐπὶ τῶν καθόλου λόγων λεγόμενος ‟εἶναι βασιλέως οὐδὲν εὔλογον οὐδὲ καθολικὸν ἐφρό- ‟νησεν, ἀλλʼ ὑποπέπτωκεν ἀρᾷ προφητικῇ τῇ λεγούσῃ ‘οὐαὶ τοῖς προφητεύουσιν ἀπὸ καρδίας αὐτῶν, καὶ τὸ καθόλου μὴ βλέπουσιν.’ ### English translation (Claude) To this he adds: “Fine thank-offerings, then, did Macrianus bring them for the empire he hoped for. He was formerly said to be the emperor's minister of the general accounts, but he had no reasonable or catholic thought; he fell under the prophetic curse that says, ‘Woe to those who prophesy from their own heart and do not see the general good.’ ### Scripture references - Ezek 13:3: quotation, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, loosely citing Ezek 13:3; Dionysius plays on καθόλου (“general”) and καθολικός (“catholic”). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.10.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/10/5/). ## Church History 7.10.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/10/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:305 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Macrianus made himself an enemy of the catholic church and fled far from salvation, as his name suggests. ### Greek text οὐ γὰρ συνῆκε τὴν καθόλου πρόνοιαν, οὐδὲ τὴν κρίσιν ὑπείδετο τοῦ πρὸ πάντων καὶ διὰ πάντων καὶ ἐπὶ πᾶσι. διὸ καὶ τῆς μὲν καθολικῆς αὐτοῦ ἐκκλησίας γέγονε πολέμιος, ἠλλοτρίωσε δὲ καὶ ἀπεξένωσεν ἑαυτὸν τοῦ ἐλέους τοῦ θεοῦ, καὶ ὡς πορρωτάτω τῆς ἑαυτοῦ “σωτηρίας ἐφυγάδευσεν, ἐν τούτῳ τὸ ἴδιον ἐπαλη- ῾θεύων ὄνομα.” ### English translation (Claude) For he did not understand the general providence, nor did he suspect the judgment of him who is before all and through all and over all. Therefore he became an enemy of his catholic church, alienated and estranged himself from the mercy of God, and banished himself as far as possible from his own salvation, in this proving true his own name.” ### Scripture references - Eph 4:6: allusion, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, alluding to Eph 4:6; the name Macrianus suggests μακράν, “far off.” ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.10.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/10/6/). ## Church History 7.10.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/10/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:305 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Valerian was given over to disgrace, as Isaiah foretold. ### Greek text καὶ πάλιν μεθʼ ἕτερά φησιν ‟ὁ μὲν γὰρ Οὐαλεριανὸς εἰς ταῦτα ὑπὸ τούτου προαχθεὶς, εἰς ὕβρεις καὶ ὀνειδισμοὺς ἐκδοθεὶς κατὰ τὸ ῥηθὲν πρὸς Ἡσαΐαν· καὶ οὗτοι ἐξελέξαντο τὰς ὁδοὺς αὐτῶν καὶ τὰ βδελύγματα αὐτῶν, ἃ ἡ ψυχὴ ῾ἠθέλησε, καὶ ἐγὼ ἐκλέξομαι τὰ ἐμπαίγματα ‟αὐτῶν, καὶ τὰς ἁμαρτίας ἀνταποδώσω αὐτοῖς.’ ### English translation (Claude) And again after other things he says: “For Valerian, led on to this by him, was given over to insults and reproaches, according to what was said to Isaiah: ‘And these have chosen their own ways and their abominations, which their soul desired; and I will choose their mockeries and repay them their sins.’ ### Scripture references - Isa 66:3: quotation, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, citing Isa 66:3–4 (LXX). Valerian was captured by the Persians in 260. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.10.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/10/7/). ## Church History 7.10.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/10/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:305 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Macrianus, crippled, made his two sons emperors, and they inherited his sins. ### Greek text οὗτος δὲ τῇ βασιλείᾳ παρὰ τὴν ἀξίαν ἐπιμανεὶς, καὶ τὸν βασίλειον ὑποδῦναι κόσμον ἀδυνατῶν ἀναπήρῳ τῷ σώματι, τοὺς δύο παῖδας τὰς πατρῴας ἀναδεξαμένους ἁμαρτίας προεστήσατο. ἐναργὴς γὰρ ἐπὶ τούτων ἡ πρόρρησις ἣν εἶπεν ὁ θεός ‘ἀποδιδοὺς ἁμαρτίας πατέρων ἐπὶ τέκνα ἕως τρίτης καὶ τετάρτης γενεᾶς τοῖς μισοῦσί με.᾿ ### English translation (Claude) But this man, madly desiring the empire beyond his deserts, and unable to put on the imperial robe because of his crippled body, put forward his two sons, who took on their father's sins. For clearly fulfilled in them was the prophecy which God spoke: ‘visiting the sins of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me.’ ### Scripture references - Exod 20:5: quotation, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, citing Exod 20:5. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.10.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/10/8/). ## Church History 7.10.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/10/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:305–306 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Macrianus passed his wickedness on to his sons. ### Greek text τὰς γὰρ ἰδίας πονηρὰς ἐπιθυμίας, ὧν ηὐτύχει, ταῖς τῶν υἱῶν κεφαλαῖς ἐπιβαλὼν, εἰς ἐκείνους ‟τὴν ἑαυτοῦ κακίαν καὶ τὸ πρὸς τὸν θεὸν μῖσος ‟ἐξωμόρξατο.” καὶ περὶ μὲν τοῦ Οὐαλεριανοῦ τοσαῦτα ὁ Διονύσιος. ### English translation (Claude) For heaping his own evil desires, in which he had been unsuccessful, on the heads of his sons, he wiped off onto them his own wickedness and hatred toward God.” So much Dionysius about Valerian. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. The edition reads ηὐτύχει (“was successful”), which NPNF translates; the genitive and the context (Macrianus could not take the throne himself, 7.10.8) require ἠτύχει (“failed to obtain”), and this is translated. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.10.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/10/9/). ## Church History 7.11.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:306 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius describes his own sufferings under Valerian in reply to the slanders of Bishop Germanus. ### Greek text Περὶ δὲ τοῦ κατʼ αὐτὸν διωγμοῦ σφοδρότατα πνεύσαντος οἷα σὺν ἑτέροις ὁ αὐτὸς διὰ τὴν εἰς τὸν τῶν ὅλων θεὸν εὐσέβειαν ὑπέστη, δηλώσουσιν αἱ αὐτοῦ φωναὶ, ἃς πρὸς Γερμανὸν τῶν κατʼ αὐτὸν ἐπισκόπων κακῶς ἀγορεύειν αὐτὸν πειρώμενον ἀποτεινόμενος τοῦτον παρατίθεται τὸν τρόπον ### English translation (Claude) What he himself endured with others for his piety toward the God of the universe in the persecution under him, which blew most violently, his own words will show, which he sets out thus in reply to Germanus, one of the bishops of his time, who was trying to slander him: ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.11.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/1/). ## Church History 7.11.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:306 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius reluctantly tells of God's care for him, to answer Germanus. ### Greek text ‟εἰς ἀφροσύνην δὲ κινδυνεύω πολλὴν καὶ ‟ἀναισθησίαν ὄντως ἐμπεσεῖν, εἰς ἀνάγκην συμβιβαζό- “μενος τοῦ διηγεῖσθαι τὴν θαυμαστὴν περὶ ἡμᾶς οἰκο- “νομίαν τοῦ θεοῦ. ἀλλʼ ἐπειδὴ μυστήριον, φησὶ, βασι- “λέως κρύψαι καλὸν, τὰ δὲ ἔργα τοῦ θεοῦ ἀνακαλύπτειν ἔνδοξον, ὁμόσε χωρήσω τῇ Γερμανοῦ βίᾳ. ### English translation (Claude) “I am in danger of falling into great folly and indeed stupidity, being compelled to relate the wonderful dispensation of God toward us. But since, it says, ‘it is good to hide the mystery of a king, but glorious to reveal the works of God,’ I will meet the violence of Germanus head on. ### Scripture references - 2 Cor 11:17: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence - Tob 12:7 (Tobit): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, Letter to Germanus (to 7.11.19), citing Tob 12:7; cf. 2 Cor 11:16–17. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.11.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/2/). ## Church History 7.11.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:306 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius appeared before the prefect Aemilianus with presbyters and deacons. ### Greek text ἧκον ‟πρὸς Αἰμιλιανὸν οὐ μόνος· ἠκολούθησαν δέ μοι ‟συμπρεσβύτερός τέ μου Μάξιμος καὶ διάκονοι ‟Φαῦστος καὶ Εὐσέβιος καὶ Χαιρήμων· καί τις τῶν “ἀπὸ ῾Ρώμης παρόντων ἀδελφῶν ἡμῖν συνεισῆλθεν. ‟ ### English translation (Claude) I came before Aemilianus not alone; my fellow presbyter Maximus and the deacons Faustus, Eusebius, and Chaeremon accompanied me, and one of the brothers from Rome who were present came in with us. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. Aemilianus was prefect of Egypt. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.11.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/3/). ## Church History 7.11.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:306 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Aemilianus demanded that Dionysius himself cease being a Christian, hoping others would follow. ### Greek text Αἰμιλιανὸς δὲ οὐκ εἶπέ μοι προηγουμένως ῾μὴ “σύναγε.᾿ περιττὸν γὰρ ἦν αὐτῷ τοῦτο καὶ τὸ “τελευταῖον ἐπὶ τὸ πρῶτον ἀνατρέχοντι. οὐ γὰρ “περὶ τοῦ μὴ συνάγειν ἑτέρους ὁ λόγος ἦν αὐτῷ, “ἀλλὰ περὶ τοῦ μηδʼ αὐτοὺς ἡμᾶς εἶναι Χριστιανοὺς, “καὶ τούτου προσέταττε πεπαῦσθαι, εἰ μεταβαλοίμην “ἔγωγε, καὶ τοὺς ἄλλους ἕψεσθαί μοι νομίζων. “ ### English translation (Claude) Aemilianus did not say to me at the outset, ‘Do not hold assemblies.’ That was superfluous for him, and the last thing for one going back to the first. For his concern was not that we should not assemble others, but that we ourselves should not be Christians; and he ordered me to stop being one, thinking that if I changed, the others would follow me. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.11.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/4/). ## Church History 7.11.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:306–307 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius refused, quoting Acts 5:29, and was banished to Cephro. ### Greek text ἀπεκρινάμην δὲ οὐκ ἀπεοικότως οὐδὲ μακράν “῾πειθαρχεῖν δεῖ θεῷ μᾶλλον ἢ ἀνθρώποις.᾿ ἀλλʼ “ἄντικρυς διεμαρτυράμην ὅτι τὸν θεὸν τὸν ὄντα “μόνον καὶ οὐδένα ἕτερον σέβω, οὐδʼ ἂν μεταθεί- “μην οὐδὲ παυσαίμην ποτὲ Χριστιανὸς ὤν. ἐπὶ “τούτοις ἐκέλευσεν ἡμᾶς ἀπελθεῖν εἰς κώμην πλησίον ‟τῆς ἐρήμου καλουμένην Κεφρώ. ### English translation (Claude) I answered, not unfittingly nor at length, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’ And I testified openly that I worship the one who is the only God and no other, and that I would not change nor ever cease to be a Christian. Upon this he ordered us to go to a village near the desert called Cephro. ### Scripture references - Acts 5:29: quotation, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, citing Acts 5:29. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.11.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/5/). ## Church History 7.11.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:307 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The court record: Aemilianus reminds Dionysius and his clergy of the emperors' kindness. ### Greek text αὐτῶν δὲ ἐπα- ‟κούσατε τῶν ὑπ´ ἀμφοτέρων λεχθέντων ὡς ὑπεμνη- “ματίσθη. εἰσαχθέντων Διονυσίου καὶ Φαύστου καὶ “Μαξίμου καὶ Μαρκέλλου καὶ Χαιρήμονος Αἰμιλια- ‟νὸς διέπων τὴν ἡγεμονίαν εἶπε· καὶ ἀγράφως ὑμῖν “διελέχθην περὶ τῆς φιλανθρωπίας τῶν κυρίων ἡμῶν ‟ᾗ περὶ ὑμᾶς κέχρηνταί. ### English translation (Claude) But hear what was said by both sides, as it was recorded: “When Dionysius, Faustus, Maximus, Marcellus, and Chaeremon had been brought in, Aemilianus, acting prefect, said: ‘I have also spoken to you orally about the kindness which our lords have shown toward you. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, Letter to Germanus, quoting the official court record (to 7.11.11). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.11.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/6/). ## Church History 7.11.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:307 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Aemilianus offers safety if they will worship the gods who protect the empire. ### Greek text δεδώκασι γὰρ ἐξουσίαν “ὑμῖν σωτηρίας, εἰ βούλοισθε ἐπὶ τὸ κατὰ φύσιν “τρέπεσθαι, καὶ θεοὺς τοὺς σώζοντας αὐτῶν τὴν ‟βασιλείαν προσκυνεῖν, ἐπιλαθέσθαι τε τῶν παρὰ “φύσιν. τί οὖν φατὲ πρὸς ταῦτα; οὐδὲ γὰρ ἀχαρί- “στους ὑμᾶς ἔσεσθαι περὶ τὴν φιλανθρωπίαν αὐτῶν ‟προσδοκῶ, ἐπειδήπερ ἐπὶ τὰ βελτίω ὑμᾶς προτρέ- “πονται. ### English translation (Claude) For they have given you the opportunity of safety, if you are willing to turn to what is according to nature, and worship the gods who preserve their empire, and forget things contrary to nature. What then do you say to this? For I do not expect you to be ungrateful for their kindness, since they urge you to what is better.’ ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the court record in Dionysius's letter. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.11.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/7/). ## Church History 7.11.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:307 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius: Christians worship the one Creator God, who gave the emperors their rule, and pray for their empire. ### Greek text Διονύσιος ἀπεκρίνατο· οὐ πάντες πάντας “προσκυνοῦσι θεοὺς, ἀλλʼ ἕκαστοι τινὰς, οὓς νομί- “ζουσιν. ἡμεῖς τοίνυν τὸν ἕνα θεὸν, τὸν δημιουργὸν “τῶν ἁπάντων, τὸν καὶ τὴν βασιλείαν ἐγχειρίσαντα ‟τοῖς θεοφιλεστάτοις Οὐαλεριανῷ καὶ Γαλλιηνῷ “σεβαστοῖς, τοῦτον καὶ σέβομεν καὶ προσκυνοῦμεν, “καὶ τούτῳ διηνεκῶς ὑπὲρ τῆς βασιλείας αὐτῶν, “ὅπως ἀσάλευτος διαμένῃ, προσευχόμεθα. ### English translation (Claude) Dionysius answered: ‘Not all men worship all gods, but each worship some whom they believe in. We therefore worship and adore the one God, the Creator of all things, who also entrusted the empire to the most God-beloved Augusti Valerian and Gallienus; and to him we pray continually for their empire, that it may remain unshaken.’ ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the court record in Dionysius's letter. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.11.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/8/). ## Church History 7.11.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:307 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Asked to worship their God alongside the others, Dionysius refuses. ### Greek text Αἰμι- “λιανὸς διέπων τὴν ἡγεμονίαν αὐτοῖς εἶπε· τίς γὰρ “ὑμᾶς κωλύει καὶ τοῦτον, εἴπερ ἐστὶ θεὸς, μετὰ “τῶν κατὰ φύσιν θεῶν προσκυνεῖν; θεοὺς γὰρ “σέβειν ἐκελεύσθητε, καὶ θεοὺς οὓς πάντες ἴσασι. “Διονύσιος ἀπεκρίνατο ῾ἡμεῖς οὐδένα ἕτερον προσ- ‟κυνοῦμεν. ### English translation (Claude) Aemilianus, acting prefect, said to them: ‘Who prevents you from worshipping this one too, if he is a god, together with the natural gods? For you were ordered to worship gods, and gods whom all know.’ Dionysius answered: ‘We worship no other.’ ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the court record in Dionysius's letter. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.11.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/9/). ## Church History 7.11.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:307–308 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Aemilianus banishes them to Cephro and forbids assemblies and visits to the cemeteries. ### Greek text Αἰμιλιανὸς διέπων τὴν ἡγεμονίαν “αὐτοῖς εἶπεν· ὁρῶ ὑμᾶς ὁμοῦ καὶ ἀχαρίστους ὄντας “καὶ ἀναισθήτους τῆς πραότητος τῶν σεβαστῶν ἡμῶν. “διόπερ οὐκ ἔσεσθε ἐν τῇ πόλει ταύτῃ, ἀλλὰ ἀποστα- “λήσεσθε εἰς τὰ μέρη τῆς Λιβύης, καὶ ἐν τόπῳ “λεγομένῳ Κεφρώ· τοῦτον γὰρ τὸν τόπον ἐξελεξάμην ‟ἐκ τῆς κελεύσεως τῶν σεβαστῶν ἡμῶν. οὐδαμῶς ‟δὲ ἐξέσται οὔτε ὑμῖν οὔτε ἄλλοις τισὶν ἢ συνόδους ‟ποιεῖσθαι, ἢ εἰς τὰ καλούμενα κοιμητήρια εἰσιέναι. ‟ ### English translation (Claude) Aemilianus, acting prefect, said to them: ‘I see that you are at once ungrateful and insensible of the clemency of our Augusti. Therefore you shall not be in this city, but shall be sent to the parts of Libya, to a place called Cephro; for I have chosen this place by the command of our Augusti. It will in no way be permitted to you or to any others either to hold assemblies or to enter the so-called cemeteries. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the court record in Dionysius's letter. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.11.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/10/). ## Church History 7.11.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:308 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Anyone disobeying would be punished; Dionysius was sent off at once though ill. ### Greek text εἰ δέ τις φανείη ἢ μὴ γενόμενος εἰς τὸν τόπον ‟τοῦτον ὃν ἐκέλευσα, ἢ ἐν συναγωγῇ τινι εὑρεθείη, ‟ἑαυτῷ τὸν κίνδυνον ἐπαρτήσει. οὐ γὰρ ἐπιλείψει ‟ἡ δέουσα ἐπιστρέφεια. ἀπόστητε οὖν ὅπου ἐκελεύ- ’‘σθητε. καὶ νοσοῦντα δέ με κατήπειξεν, οὐδὲ μιᾶς “ὑπέρθεσιν δοὺς ἡμέρας. ποίαν οὖν ἔτι τοῦ συνα- ‟γαγεῖν ἢ μὴ συναγαγεῖν εἶχον σχολήν;” εἶτα μεθʼ ἕτερά φησιν ### English translation (Claude) If anyone is found not to have gone to the place I have ordered, or is found in any assembly, he will bring the danger on himself; for the necessary watchfulness will not be lacking. Depart therefore where you have been ordered.’ And he hurried me off, though I was ill, not granting a delay of even one day. What leisure, then, did I still have to hold or not to hold assemblies?” Then after other things he says: ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.11.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/11/). ## Church History 7.11.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:308 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius kept gathering the church, in spirit at Alexandria and in person at Cephro. ### Greek text ‟ἀλλʼ οὐδὲ τῆς αἰσθητῆς ἡμεῖς ‟μετὰ τοῦ κυρίου συναγωγῆς ἀπέστημεν, ἀλλὰ τοὺς “μὲν ἐν τῇ πόλει σπουδαιότερον συνεκρότουν ὡς ‟συνὼν, ἀπὼν μὲν τῷ σώματι, ὡς εἰπεῖν, παρὼν δὲ ‟τῷ πνεύματι, ἐν δὲ τῇ Κεφροῖ καὶ πολλὴ συνεπε- ‟δήμησεν ἡμῖν ἐκκλησία, τῶν μὲν ἀπὸ τῆς πόλεως “ἀδελφῶν ἑπομένων, τῶν δὲ συνόντων ἀπʼ Αἰγύπτου. “ ### English translation (Claude) “But we did not abstain even from the visible assembly with the Lord; I gathered those in the city more zealously, as though with them, absent in body, as one might say, but present in spirit; and in Cephro a large church also sojourned with us, some of the brothers following from the city, others joining us from Egypt. ### Scripture references - 1 Cor 5:3: echo, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, echoing 1 Cor 5:3. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.11.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/12/). ## Church History 7.11.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:308 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: At Cephro many pagans converted after first stoning them. ### Greek text κἀκεῖ θύραν ἡμῖν ὁ θεὸς ἀνέῳξε τοῦ λόγου. καὶ “τὸ μὲν πρῶτον ἐδιώχθημεν, ἐλιθοβολήθημεν, ὕστε- “ρον δέ τινες οὐκ ὀλίγοι τῶν ἐθνῶν τὰ εἴδωλα κατα- “λιπόντες ἐπέστρεψαν ἐπὶ τὸν θεόν. οὐ πρότερον “γὰρ παραδεξαμένοις αὐτοῖς τότε πρῶτον διʼ ἡμῶν ‟ὁ λόγος ἐπεσπάρη. ### English translation (Claude) And there God opened to us a door for the word. At first we were persecuted and stoned, but afterward not a few of the pagans left their idols and turned to God. For the word was then sown among them through us for the first time, since they had not received it before. ### Scripture references - Col 4:3: allusion, high confidence - 1 Thess 1:9: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, alluding to Col 4:3 and 1 Thess 1:9. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.11.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/13/). ## Church History 7.11.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:308–309 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Aemilianus then moved them to the Mareotis, placing Dionysius where he could be seized first. ### Greek text καὶ ὥσπερ τούτου ἕνεκεν ‟ἀπαγαγὼν ἡμᾶς πρὸς αὐτοὺς ὁ θεὸς, ἐπεὶ τὴν ‟διακονίαν ταύτην ἐπληρώσαμεν, πάλιν ἀπαγήοχεν. ‟ὁ γὰρ Αἰμιλιανὸς εἰς τραχυτέρους μὲν, ὡς ἐδόκει, “καὶ λιβυκωτέρους ἡμᾶς μεταστῆσαι τόπους ἐβου- ‟λήθη, καὶ τοὺς πανταχόσε εἰς τὸν Μαρεώτην ἐκέ- ‟λευσε συρρεῖν, κώμας ἑκάστοις τῶν κατὰ χώραν “ἀφορίσας, ἡμᾶς δὲ μᾶλλον ἐν ὁδῷ καὶ πρώτους ‟καταληφθησομένους ἔταξεν. ᾠκονόμει γὰρ δηλονότι ‟καὶ παρεσκεύαζεν, ἵνα ὁπόταν βουληθείη συλλαβεῖν, ‟πάντας εὐαλώτους ἔχοι. ### English translation (Claude) And as if God had brought us to them for this purpose, when we had fulfilled this ministry, he took us away again. For Aemilianus wished to transfer us to rougher and, as it seemed, more Libyan places, and ordered those everywhere to stream into the Mareotis, assigning villages to each group throughout the country; but us he placed rather on the road, to be arrested first. For evidently he was arranging and preparing so that, whenever he wished to seize us, he would have all easy to capture. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.11.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/14/). ## Church History 7.11.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:309 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius went calmly to Cephro but was dismayed at the move to Colluthion. ### Greek text ἐγὼ δὲ ὅτε μὲν εἰς “Κεφρὼν κεκελεύσμην ἀπελθεῖν, καὶ τὸν τόπον ‟ἠγνόουν ὅποι ποτὲ οὗτός ἐστιν, οὐδὲ τὸ ὄνομα σχε- “δὸν πρότερον ἀκηκοώς· καὶ ὅμως εὐθύμως καὶ “ἀταράχως ἀπῄειν. ἐπεὶ δὲ μετασκηνώσειν εἰς τὰ “Κολλουθίωνος ἀπηγγέλη μοι, ἴσασιν οἱ παρόντες “ὅπως διετέθην· ἐνταῦθα γὰρ ἐμαυτοῦ κατηγορήσω. ‟ ### English translation (Claude) When I was ordered to go to Cephro, I did not even know where the place was, having scarcely heard its name before; yet I went cheerfully and calmly. But when I was told I was to move to the district of Colluthion, those present know how I was affected; for here I shall accuse myself. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.11.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/15/). ## Church History 7.11.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/16/ - Source: Dindorf 4:309 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: He resented the new place, said to lack Christians and to be troubled by travellers and robbers. ### Greek text τὸ μὲν πρῶτον ἠχθέσθην καὶ λίαν ἐχαλέπηνα· ‟καὶ γὰρ εἰ γνωριμώτεροι καὶ συνηθέστεροι ἐτύγχα- “νον ἡμῖν οἱ τόποι, ἀλλʼ ἔρημον μὲν ἀδελφῶν καὶ ‟σπουδαίων ἀνθρώπων ἔφασκον εἶναι τὸ χωρίον, ‟ταῖς δὲ τῶν ὁδοιπορούντων ἐνοχλήσεσι καὶ λῃστῶν “καταδρομαῖς ἐγκείμενον. ### English translation (Claude) At first I was vexed and very angry; for even if the places were better known and more familiar to us, people said that the district was empty of brothers and earnest people, and exposed to the annoyances of travellers and the raids of robbers. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.11.16 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/16/). ## Church History 7.11.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/17/ - Source: Dindorf 4:309 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: He was consoled that the new place was nearer Alexandria, so friends could visit and assemble. ### Greek text ἔτυχον δὲ παραμυθίας, “ὑπομνησάντων με τῶν ἀδελφῶν, ὅτι γειτνιᾷ μᾶλλον ‟τῇ πόλει, καὶ ἡ μὲν Κεφρὼν πολλὴν ἡμῖν ἦγεν “ἀδελφῶν τῶν ἀπʼ Αἰγύπτου τὴν ἐπιμιξίαν, ὡς “πλατύτερον ἐκκλησιάζειν δύνασθαι, ἐκεῖ δὲ πλησιαί- “τερον οὔσης τῆς πόλεως συνεχέστερον τῆς τῶν “ὄντως ἀγαπητῶν καὶ οἰκειοτάτων καὶ φιλτάτων “ὄψεως ἀπολαύσομεν. ἀφίξονται γὰρ καὶ ἀναπαύ- “σονται, καὶ ὡς ἐν προαστείοις πορρωτέρω κειμένοις ‟κατὰ μέρος ἔσονται συναγωγαί. καὶ οὕτως ἐγένετο.” ### English translation (Claude) But I found comfort when the brothers reminded me that it was nearer the city; and while Cephro brought us much intercourse with the brothers from Egypt, so that we could hold assemblies more widely, there, since the city was nearer, we would enjoy more often the sight of those truly beloved, most intimate, and dearest. For they would come and stay, and, as in suburbs lying farther out, there would be assemblies by turns. And so it happened.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.11.17 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/17/). ## Church History 7.11.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/18/ - Source: Dindorf 4:309–310 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius lists his many sufferings, mocking Germanus's boasts of confession. ### Greek text καὶ μεθʼ ἕτερα περὶ τῶν συμβεβηκότων αὐτῷ αὖθις ταῦτα γράφει ‟πολλαῖς γε ταῖς ὁμολογίαις “Γερμανὸς σεμνύνεται. πολλά γε εἰπεῖν ἔχει καθʼ “ἑαυτοῦ γενόμενα. ὅσας ἀριθμῆσαι δύναται περὶ “ἡμῶν ἀποφάσεις, δημεύσεις, προγραφὰς, ὑπαρχόν- “των ἁρπαγὰς, ἀξιωμάτων ἀποθέσεις, δόξης κοσμι- “κῆς ὀλιγωρίας, ἐπαίνων ἡγεμονικῶν καὶ βουλευτι- “κῶν καταφρονήσεις, καὶ τῶν ἐναντίων ἀπειλῶν καὶ “καταβοήσεων καὶ κινδύνων καὶ διωγμῶν καὶ πλάνης καὶ στενοχωρίας καὶ ποικίλης θλίψεως ὑπομονὴν, ‟οἷα τὰ ἐπὶ Δεκίου καὶ Σαβίνου συμβάντα μοι, οἷα ‟μέχρι νῦν Αἰμιλιανοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) And after other things he writes again about what happened to him: “Germanus prides himself on many confessions; he has many things to tell that happened to him! As many as I can count about ourselves: sentences, confiscations, proscriptions, seizures of property, loss of dignities, contempt of worldly glory, disdain of the praises of governors and councils, and endurance of the contrary — threats, outcries, dangers, persecutions, wandering, distress, and affliction of every kind — such as happened to me under Decius and Sabinus, and up to now under Aemilianus. ### Scripture references - 2 Cor 11:26: echo, low confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, Letter to Germanus; cf. 2 Cor 11:23–27. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.11.18 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/18/). ## Church History 7.11.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/19/ - Source: Dindorf 4:310 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius asks what Germanus ever suffered, then stops his boasting. ### Greek text ποῦ δὲ Γερμανὸς ‟νη; τίς δὲ περὶ αὐτοῦ λόγος; ἀλλὰ τῆς πολλῆς “ἀφροσύνης, εἰς ἣν ἐμπίπτω διὰ Γερμανόν, ὑφίεμαι, διὸ καὶ τὴν καθʼ ἕκαστον τῶν γενομένων διήγησιν παρίημι τοῖς εἰδόσιν ἀδελφοῖς λέγειν.” ### English translation (Claude) But where did Germanus appear? What account is there of him? But I refrain from the great folly into which I am falling because of Germanus; therefore I leave the account of each event to the brothers who know it.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. A verb (“appeared”) is partly lost in the digital text; cf. 2 Cor 11:1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.11.19 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/19/). ## Church History 7.11.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/20/ - Source: Dindorf 4:310 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius: Christians of every age and condition won the martyr's crown under Valerian. ### Greek text ὁ δʼ αὐτὸς καὶ ἐν τῇ πρὸς Δομέτιον καὶ Δίδυμον ἐπιστολῇ τῶν ἀμφὶ τὸν διωγμὸν αὖθις μνημονεύει ἐν τούτοις ‟τοὺς δὲ ἡμετέρους πολλούς τε ὄντας καὶ ἀγνῶτας ὑμῖν περισσὸν ὀνομαστὶ καταλέγειν· πλὴν ‟ἴστε ὅτι ἄνδρες καὶ γυναῖκες, καὶ νέοι καὶ γέροντες, καὶ κόραι καὶ πρεσβύτιδες, καὶ στρατιῶται καὶ ‟ἰδιῶται, καὶ πᾶν γένος καὶ πᾶσα ἡλικία, οἶ μὲν διὰ “μαστίγων καὶ πυρὸς, οἱ δὲ διὰ σιδήρου τὸν ἀγῶνα “νικήσαντες τοὺς στεφάνους ἀπειλήφασι· ### English translation (Claude) The same writer, in his letter to Domitius and Didymus, again mentions the events of the persecution in these words: “It is superfluous to list by name our people, who are many and unknown to you; but know that men and women, young and old, maidens and aged women, soldiers and civilians, every race and every age, some through scourges and fire, others through the sword, having conquered in the contest, have received their crowns. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, Letter to Domitius and Didymus (to 7.11.25). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.11.20 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/20/). ## Church History 7.11.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/21/ - Source: Dindorf 4:310 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: God has kept Dionysius alive for his own chosen time. ### Greek text τοῖς δὲ οὐ πάμπολυς αὐτάρκης ἀπέβη χρόνος εἰς τὸ φανῆναι δεκτοὺς τῷ κυρίῳ, ὥσπερ οὖν ἔοικε μηδὲ ῾ἐμοὶ ὁ μέχρι νῦν. διόπερ εἰς ὃν οἶδεν αὐτὸς ἐπι- ‟τήδειον καιρὸν ὑπερέθετό με ὁ λέγων ῾καιρῷ δεκτῷ ‟ἐπήκουσά σου, καὶ ἐν ἡμέρᾳ σωτηρίας ἐβοήθησά σοι.᾿ ### English translation (Claude) To others a very long time has not proved sufficient for them to appear acceptable to the Lord, as seemingly neither has the time up to now for me. Therefore he has reserved me for a fitting time known to himself, he who says, ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.’ ### Scripture references - Isa 49:8: quotation, high confidence - 2 Cor 6:2: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, citing Isa 49:8 (2 Cor 6:2). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.11.21 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/21/). ## Church History 7.11.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/22/ - Source: Dindorf 4:310 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius and his companions were snatched from their guards by people of the Mareotis. ### Greek text τὰ γὰρ καθʼ ἡμᾶς ἐπειδὴ πυνθάνεσθε καὶ βούλεσθε δηλωθῆναι ὑμῖν ὅπως διάγομεν, ἠκούσατε ‟μὲν πάντως ὅπως ἡμᾶς δεσμώτας ἀπαγομένους ὑπὸ “ἑκατοντάρχου καὶ στρατηγῶν καὶ τῶν σὺν αὐτοῖς στρατιωτῶν καὶ ὑπηρετῶν, ἐμέ τε καὶ Γάϊον καὶ ‟Φαῦστον καὶ Πέτρον καὶ Παῦλον, ἐπελθόντες τινὲς ‟τῶν Μαρεωτῶν ἄκοντας καὶ μηδὲ ἑπομένους, βίᾳ ‟τε σύροντες ἀφήρπασαν. ### English translation (Claude) For since you ask about our affairs and wish to be told how we are doing, you have surely heard how, when we were being led away as prisoners by a centurion and magistrates and the soldiers and attendants with them — I, Gaius, Faustus, Peter, and Paul — some of the people of Mareotis came upon us and, though we were unwilling and would not follow, dragged us off by force and carried us away. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria; compare 6.40. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.11.22 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/22/). ## Church History 7.11.23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/23/ - Source: Dindorf 4:310–311 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius, Gaius, and Peter are now confined in the Libyan desert. ### Greek text ἐγὼ δὲ νῦν καὶ Γάϊος ‟καὶ Πέτρος, μόνοι τῶν ἄλλων ἀδελφῶν ἀπορφανι- ‟σθέντες, ἐν ἐρήμῳ καὶ αὐχμηρῷ τῆς Λιβύης τόπῳ κατακεκλείσμεθα, τριῶν ἡμερῶν ὁδὸν τοῦ Παραι- “τονίου διεστηκότες.’’ ### English translation (Claude) But now I and Gaius and Peter, bereft of the other brothers, are shut up alone in a desert and parched place in Libya, three days' journey from Paraetonium.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.11.23 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/23/). ## Church History 7.11.24 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/24/ - Source: Dindorf 4:311 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hidden presbyters and deacons secretly served the church; the deacon Eusebius cared for prisoners and buried martyrs. ### Greek text καὶ ὑποκαταβάς φησιν ‘ἐν δὲ τῇ πόλει καταδεδύκασιν ἀφανῶς ἐπισκεπτό- ‟μένοι τοὺς ἀδελφούς — πρεσβύτεροι μὲν Μάξιμος, ῾Διοσκόρος, Δημήτριος, Λούκιος· οἱ γὰρ ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ ‟προφανέστεροι Φαυστῖνος καὶ Ἀκύλας ἐν Αἰγύπτῳ πλανῶνται· διάκονοι δὲ οἶ μετὰ τοὺς ἐν τῇ νόσῳ τελευτήσαντας ὑπολειφθέντες Φαῦστος, Εὐσέβιος, ῾Χαιρήμων· Εὐσέβιος, ὃν ἐξ ἀρχῆς ὁ θεὸς καὶ παρεσκεύασε, τὰς ὑπηρεσίας τῶν ἐν ταῖς φυλακαῖς γενομένων ὁμολογητῶν ἐναγωνίως ἀπο- ‟πληροῦν, καὶ τὰς τῶν σωμάτων περιστολὰς τῶν ‟τελείων καὶ μακαρίων μαρτύρων οὐκ ἀκινδύνως ἐκτελεῖν. ### English translation (Claude) And further on he says: “In the city there have concealed themselves, secretly visiting the brothers, the presbyters Maximus, Dioscorus, Demetrius, and Lucius; for Faustinus and Aquila, who are more prominent in the world, are wandering in Egypt. Of the deacons, those left after the ones who died in the plague are Faustus, Eusebius, and Chaeremon. Eusebius is he whom God from the beginning strengthened and prepared to fulfil zealously the services for the confessors in the prisons, and to perform, not without danger, the laying out of the bodies of the perfected and blessed martyrs. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. The verb “strengthened” is lost in the digital text. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.11.24 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/24/). ## Church History 7.11.25 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/25/ - Source: Dindorf 4:311 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The governor still kills, tortures, and imprisons Christians, but the brethren relieve them. ### Greek text καὶ γὰρ μέχρι νῦν οὐκ ἀνίησιν ὁ ‟ἡγούμενος, τοὺς μὲν ἀναιρῶν, ὡς προεῖπον, ὠμῶς ‟τῶν προσαγομένων, τοὺς δὲ βασάνοις καταξαίνων, ‟τοὺς δὲ φυλακαῖς καὶ δεσμοῖς ἐκτήκων, προστάσσων ‟τε μηδένα τούτοις προσιέναι, καὶ ἀνερευνῶν μή τις ‟φανείη. καὶ ὅμως ὁ θεὸς τῇ προθυμίᾳ καὶ λιπαρείᾳ τῶν ἀδελφῶν διαναπαύει τοὺς πεπιεσμένους.” καὶ τοσαῦτα μὲν ὁ Διονύσιος. ### English translation (Claude) For even to this day the governor does not cease cruelly killing, as I said before, some of those brought before him, tearing others with tortures, wasting others away in prisons and bonds, commanding that no one approach them, and searching whether anyone appears. Yet God, through the eagerness and perseverance of the brothers, gives relief to the oppressed.” So much from Dionysius. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.11.25 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/25/). ## Church History 7.11.26 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/26/ - Source: Dindorf 4:311 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius later became bishop of Laodicea, Maximus succeeded Dionysius, and Faustus was martyred in Eusebius's own day. ### Greek text ἰστέον δὲ ὡς ὁ μὲν Εὐσέβιος, ὃν διάκονον προσεῖπεν σμικρὸν ὕστερον ἐπίσκοπος ἐκκλησίας τῆς κατὰ Συρίαν Λαοδικείας καθίσταται, ὁ δὲ Μάξιμος, ὃν τότε πρεσβύτερον εἴρηκε, μετὰ τὸν Διονύσιον τὴν λειτουργίαν τῶν κατʼ Ἀλεξάνδρειαν ἀδελφῶν διαδέχεται, Φαῦστος δὲ ὁ σὺν αὐτῷ τηνικάδε διαπρέψας ἐν τῇ ὁμολογίᾳ, μέχρι τοῦ καθʼ ἡμᾶς διωγμοῦ φυλαχθεὶς, γηραιὸς κομιδῆ καὶ πλήρης ἡμερῶν καθʼ ἡμᾶς αὐτοὺς μαρτυρίῳ τὴν κεφαλὴν ἀποτμηθεὶς τελειοῦται. ἀλλὰ τὰ μὲν κατʼ ἐκεῖνο καιροῦ τῷ Διονυσίῳ συμβάντα τοιαῦτα. ### English translation (Claude) It should be known that Eusebius, whom he called a deacon, was shortly afterward appointed bishop of the church of Laodicea in Syria; Maximus, whom he then called a presbyter, succeeded Dionysius in the ministry of the brothers at Alexandria; and Faustus, who was then distinguished with him in confession, having been preserved until the persecution of our time, very old and full of days, was perfected in our own time by martyrdom, being beheaded. Such were the things that happened to Dionysius at that time. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.11.26 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/11/26/). ## Church History 7.12.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/12/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:311–312 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Priscus, Malchus, and Alexander volunteered for martyrdom at Caesarea and were thrown to beasts; a Marcionite woman also died. ### Greek text Κατὰ δὲ τὸν δηλούμενον Οὐαλεριανοῦ διωγμὸν τρεῖς ἐν Καισαρείᾳ τῆς Παλαιστίνης τῇ κατὰ Χριστὸν διαλάμψαντες ὁμολογίᾳ θείῳ κατεκοσμήθησαν μαρτυρίῳ, θηρίων γενόμενοι βορά. τούτων ὁ μὲν Πρίσκος ἐκαλεῖτο, ὁ δὲ Μάλχος, τῷ δὲ τρίτῳ Ἀλέξανδρος ὄνομα ἦν. τούτους φασὶ κατʼ ἀγρὸν οἰκοῦντας πρότερον μὲν ἑαυτοὺς ὡς ἀμελεῖς καὶ ῥᾳθύμους κακίσαι, ὅτι δὴ βραβείων, τοῦ καιροῦ τοῖς πόθου γλιχομένοις οὐρανίου διανέμοντος, ὀλιγωροῖεν αὐτοὶ μὴ οὐχὶ προαρπάζοντες τὸν τοῦ μαρτυρίου στέφανον· ταῦτα δὲ βουλευσαμένους ὁρμῆσαι ἐπὶ τὴν Καισάρειαν, ὁμόσε τε χωρῆσαι ἐπὶ τὸν δικαστὴν, καὶ τυχεῖν τοῦ προδεδηλωμένου τέλους. ἔτι πρὸς τούτοις γύναιόν τι κατὰ τὸν αὐτὸν διωγμὸν ἐν τῇ αὐτῇ πόλει τὸν ὅμοιον ἱστοροῦσιν ἀγῶνα διηθληκέναι. τῆς δὲ Μαρκίωνος αὐτὴν αἱρέσεως γενέσθαι κατέχει λόγος. ### English translation (Claude) In the persecution of Valerian mentioned, three men at Caesarea in Palestine, who shone in confession of Christ, were adorned with divine martyrdom, becoming food for wild beasts. One was called Priscus, another Malchus, and the third's name was Alexander. They say these lived in the country and at first reproached themselves as careless and slothful, because, while the time was distributing prizes to those longing with heavenly desire, they were neglecting it and not seizing the crown of martyrdom first. Having taken counsel, they set out for Caesarea, went together before the judge, and met the end already described. Besides these, they relate that a woman in the same persecution and the same city underwent a similar contest; but report has it that she belonged to the heresy of Marcion. ### Translation notes - Voluntary martyrdom was controversial; Eusebius reports it without comment. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.12.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/12/1/). ## Church History 7.13.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/13/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:312–313 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Gallienus ended the persecution and by rescript restored the churches' places of worship and cemeteries. ### Greek text Ἀλλʼ οὐκ εἰς μακρὸν δουλείαν τὴν παρὰ βαρβάροις ὑπομείναντος Οὐαλεριανοῦ, μοναρχήσας ὁ παῖς σωφρονέστερον περὶ τὴν ἀρχὴν διατίθεται, ἀνίησί τε αὐτίκα διὰ προγραμμάτων τὸν καθʼ ἡμῶν διωγμὸν, ἐπʼ ἐλευθερίας τοῖς τοῦ λόγου προεστῶσι τὰ ἐξ ἔθους ἐπιτελεῖν διʼ ἀντιγραφῆς προστάξας, ἥτις τοῦτον ἔχει τὸν τρόπον Αὐτοκράτωρ Καῖσαρ Πούπλιος Λικίννιος Γαλλιηνὸς, “εὐσεβὴς, εὐτυχὴς, σεβαστὸς, Διονυσίῳ καὶ Πίννᾳ καὶ ‟Δημητρίῳ καὶ τοῖς λοιποῖς ἐπισκόποις. τὴν εὐεργεσίαν ῾τῆς ἐμῆς δωρεᾶς διὰ παντὸς τοῦ κόσμου ἐκβιβασθῆναι προσέταξα, ὅπως ἀπὸ τόπων τῶν θρησκευ- “σίμων ἀποχωρήσωσι. καὶ διὰ τοῦτο καὶ ὑμεῖς τῆς ‟ἀντιγραφῆς τῆς ἐμῆς τῷ τύπῳ χρῆσθαι δύνασθε, ὥστε μηδένα ὑμῖν ἐνοχλεῖν. καὶ τοῦτο ὅπερ κατὰ τὸ ἐξὸν δύναται ὑφʼ ὑμῶν ἀναπληροῦσθαι ἤδη ‟πρὸ πολλοῦ ὑπʼ ἐμοῦ συγκεχώρηται. καὶ διὰ τοῦτο ῾Αὐρήλιος Κυρήνιος, ὁ τοῦ μεγίστου πράγματος προστατεύων, τὸν τύπον τοῦτον τὸν ὑπʼ ἐμοῦ ‘δοθέντα διαφυλάξει ταῦτα ἐπὶ τὸ σαφέστερον ἐκ τῆς Ῥωμαίων ἑρμηνευθέντα γλώττης ἐγκείσθω. καὶ ἄλλη δὲ τοῦ αὐτοῦ διάταξις φέρεται, ἣν πρὸς ἑτέρους ἐπισκόπους πεποίηται, τὰ τῶν καλουμένων κοιμητηρίων ἀπολαμβάνειν ἐπιτρέπων χωρία. ### English translation (Claude) But not long after, when Valerian had undergone slavery among the barbarians, his son, ruling alone, conducted the government more prudently. He at once ended the persecution against us by edicts, commanding by a rescript that those who preside over the word should freely perform their customary duties. It runs thus: “The Emperor Caesar Publius Licinius Gallienus, Pius, Felix, Augustus, to Dionysius, Pinnas, Demetrius, and the other bishops. I have ordered the benefit of my gift to be extended throughout the whole world, that they should depart from the places of worship. And therefore you too may use the ordinance of my rescript, so that no one may molest you. And this which you are permitted to carry out has already long since been granted by me. And therefore Aurelius Quirinius, who is in charge of the supreme administration, will observe the ordinance given by me.” Let this, translated from the Latin for greater clarity, be inserted here. Another decree of the same emperor is also extant, addressed to other bishops, permitting them to recover the sites of the so-called cemeteries. ### Translation notes - Quotation of Gallienus's rescript (ca. 260), in Eusebius's Greek translation from the Latin. “They should depart from the places of worship” means that those occupying the churches' property must leave it. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.13.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/13/1/). ## Church History 7.14.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/14/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:313 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius lists the bishops of Rome, Antioch, Cappadocia, Pontus, Caesarea, and Jerusalem at this time. ### Greek text Ἐν τούτῳ δὲ τῆς μὲν Ρωμαίων ἐκκλησίας εἰσέτι τότε καθηγεῖτο Ξυστὸς, τῆς δὲ ἐπʼ Ἀντιοχείας μετὰ Φάβιον Δημητριανὸς, Φιρμιλλιανὸς δὲ Καισαρείας τῆς Καππαδοκῶν, καὶ ἐπὶ τούτοις τῶν κατὰ Πόντον ἐκκλησιῶν Γρηγόριος καὶ ὁ τούτου ἀδελφὸς Ἀθηνόδωρος, Ὠριγένους γνώριμοι. τῆς δʼ ἐπὶ Παλαιστίνης Καισαρείας Θεοκτίστου μεταλλάξαντος διαδέχεται τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν Δόμνος, βραχεῖ δὲ χρόνῳ τούτου διαγενομένου Θεότεκνος, ὁ καθʼ ἡμὰς, διάδοχος καθίσταται. τῆς δʼ Ὠριγένους διατριβῆς καὶ οὗτος ἦν. ἀλλὰ καὶ ἐν Ἱεροσολύμοις ἀναπαυσαμένου Μαζαβάνου τὸν θρόνον Ὑμέναιος, ὁ καὶ αὐτὸς ἐπὶ πλείστοις τοῖς καθʼ ἡμὰς διαπρέψας ἔτεσι, διεδέξατο. ### English translation (Claude) At this time Xystus was still leading the church of the Romans, and Demetrianus, after Fabius, that of Antioch; Firmilian that of Caesarea in Cappadocia; and besides these Gregory and his brother Athenodorus, pupils of Origen, the churches of Pontus. When Theoctistus of Caesarea in Palestine died, Domnus succeeded to the episcopate, and when he had lasted a short time, Theotecnus, of our own time, was appointed his successor; he too was of Origen's school. And at Jerusalem, when Mazabanes went to his rest, Hymenaeus succeeded to the throne, he who was distinguished for very many years in our own time. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.14.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/14/1/). ## Church History 7.15.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/15/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:313 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: In peacetime, the officer Marinus was beheaded at Caesarea. ### Greek text Κατὰ τούτους εἰρήνης ἁπανταχοῦ τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν οὔσης, ἐν Καισαρείᾳ τῆς Παλαιστίνης Μαρῖνος τῶν ἐν στρατείαις ἀξιώμασι τετιμημένων, γένει τε καὶ πλούτῳ περιφανὴς ἀνὴρ, διὰ τὴν Χριστοῦ μαρτυρίαν τὴν κεφαλὴν ἀποτέμνεται, τοιᾶσδε ἕνεκεν αἰτίας. ### English translation (Claude) In their time, when there was peace everywhere for the churches, at Caesarea in Palestine Marinus, one of those honoured with military rank, a man distinguished by birth and wealth, was beheaded for his testimony to Christ, for the following reason. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.15.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/15/1/). ## Church History 7.15.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/15/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:313–314 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: When Marinus was due for promotion to centurion, a rival accused him of being a Christian. ### Greek text τιμή τίς ἐστι παρὰ Ρωμαίοις τὸ κλῆμα, οὗ τοὺς τυχόντας φασὶν γίνεσθαι. τόπου σχολάζοντος, ἐπὶ τοῦτο προκοπῆς τὸν Μαρῖνον ἡ τοῦ βαθμοῦ τάξις ἐκάλει. ἤδη τε μέλλοντα τῆς τιμῆς ἔχεσθαι, παρελθὼν ἄλλος πρὸ τοῦ βήματος, μὴ ἐξεῖναι μὲν ἐκείνῳ τῆς ῾Ρωμαίων μετέχειν ἀξίας κατὰ τοὺς παλαιοὺς νόμους, Χριστιανῷ γε ὄντι καὶ τοῖς βασιλεῦσι μὴ θύοντι, κατηγόρει· αὐτῷ δὲ ἐπιβάλλειν τὸν κλῆρον. ### English translation (Claude) There is a certain honour among the Romans, the vine-staff, whose holders, they say, become centurions. A place being vacant, the order of rank called Marinus to this promotion. When he was already about to receive the honour, another came forward before the tribunal and accused him, saying that by the ancient laws he could not share in a Roman dignity, being a Christian and not sacrificing to the emperors, and that the office fell to himself. ### Translation notes - The words “become centurions” (ἑκατοντάρχας) are lost in the digital text and supplied from the sense. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.15.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/15/2/). ## Church History 7.15.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/15/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:314 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The judge gave Marinus three hours to reconsider. ### Greek text ἐφʼ ᾧ κινηθέντα τὸν δικαστὴν (Ἀχαιὸς οὗτος ἦν) πρῶτον μὲν ἐρέσθαι ποίας ὁ Μαρῖνος εἴη γνώμης. ὡς δʼ ὁμολογοῦντα Χριστιανὸν ἐπιμόνως ἑώρα, τριῶν ὡρῶν ἐπιδοῦναι αὐτῷ εἰς ἐπίσκεψιν διάστημα. ### English translation (Claude) The judge (this was Achaeus), moved by this, first asked what Marinus's opinion was. When he saw him persistently confessing himself a Christian, he gave him a space of three hours for reflection. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.15.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/15/3/). ## Church History 7.15.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/15/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:314 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Bishop Theotecnus made Marinus choose between his sword and the Gospels; he chose the Gospels. ### Greek text ἐκτὸς δῆτα γενόμενον αὐτὸν τοῦ δικαστηρίου Θεότεκνος ὁ τῇδε ἐπίσκοπος ἀφέλκει προσελθὼν διʼ ὁμιλίας, καὶ τῆς χειρὸς λαβὼν ἐπὶ τὴν ἐκκλησίαν προάγει, εἴσω τε πρὸς αὐτῷ στήσας τῷ ἁγιάσματι, μικρόν τι παραναστείλας αὐτοῦ τῆς χλαμύδος καὶ τὸ προσηρτημένον αὐτῷ ξίφος ἐπιδείξας, ἅμα τε ἀντιπαρατίθησι προσαγαγὼν αὐτῷ τὴν τῶν θείων εὐαγγελίων γραφὴν, κελεύσας τῶν δυεῖν ἑλέσθαι τὸ κατὰ γνώμην. ὡς δʼ ἀμελλητὶ τὴν δεξιὰν προτείνας ἐδέξατο τὴν θείαν γραφὴν, “ἔχου τοίνυν, ἔχου, ” φησὶ πρὸς αὐτὸν ὁ Θεότεκνος, “τοῦ θεοῦ, καὶ τύχοις ὧν εἵλου, πρὸς αὐτοῦ δυναμούμενος, καὶ βάδιζε μετʼ εἰρήνης.” ### English translation (Claude) When he came out of the court, Theotecnus, the bishop there, came up and drew him aside in conversation, and taking him by the hand led him to the church. Standing him inside by the sanctuary itself, he drew back his cloak a little and pointed to the sword hanging at his side, and at the same time brought and set before him the writing of the divine Gospels, bidding him choose which of the two he wished. When without delay he stretched out his right hand and took the divine Scripture, Theotecnus said to him, “Hold fast, then, hold fast to God, and may you obtain what you have chosen, strengthened by him; and go in peace.” ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.15.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/15/4/). ## Church History 7.15.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/15/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:314 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Marinus returned, confessed with greater zeal, and was executed. ### Greek text εὐθὺς ἐκεῖθεν ἐπανελθόντα αὐτὸν κῆρυξ ἐβόα καλῶν πρὸ τοῦ δικαστηρίου· καὶ γὰρ ἤδη τὰ τῆς προθεσμίας τοῦ χρόνου πεπλήρωτο. καὶ δὴ παραστὰς τῷ δικαστηρίῳ, καὶ μείζονα τῆς πίστεως τὴν προθυμίαν ἐπιδείξας, εὐθὺς, ὡς εἶχεν, ἀπαχθεὶς τὴν ἐπὶ θανάτῳ τελειοῦται. ### English translation (Claude) As soon as he returned from there, a herald called him before the court, for the appointed time had already expired. Standing before the court and showing still greater zeal for the faith, he was at once led away, just as he was, to death and was perfected. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.15.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/15/5/). ## Church History 7.16.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/16/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:314–315 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The senator Astyrius carried off Marinus's body on his own rich garment and buried it. ### Greek text Ἔνθα καὶ Ἀστύριος ἐπὶ τῇ θεοφιλεῖ παρρησίᾳ μνημονεύεται, ἀνὴρ τῶν ἐπὶ ῾Ρώμης συγκλητικῶν γενόμενος, βασιλεῦσί τε προσφιλὴς, καὶ πᾶσι γνώριμος εὐγενείας τε ἕνεκα καὶ περιουσίας· ὃς παρὼν τηνικάδε τελειουμένῳ τῷ μάρτυρι, τὸν ὦμον ὑποθεὶς, ἐπὶ λαμπρᾶς καὶ πολυ- τελοῦς ἐσθῆτος ἄρας τὸ σκήνωμα ἐπιφέρεται, περιστείλας τε εὖ μάλα πλουσίως τῇ προσηκούσῃ ταφῇ παραδίδωσι. τούτου μυρία μὲν καὶ ἄλλα μνημονεύουσιν οἱ τἀνδρὸς καὶ εἰς ἡμᾶς διαμείναντες γνώριμοι, ### English translation (Claude) There Astyrius too is remembered for his God-beloved boldness, a man of senatorial rank at Rome, a favourite of emperors, and well known to all for his noble birth and wealth. Being present when the martyr was perfected, he put his shoulder under the body, carried it off on his splendid and costly garment, laid it out very richly, and gave it fitting burial. The acquaintances of the man who have survived to our time tell countless other things about him, ### Translation notes - The sentence continues in 7.17.1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.16.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/16/1/). ## Church History 7.17.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/17/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:315 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: At the Jordan springs at Paneas, Astyrius's prayer ended a pagan "miracle" in which sacrifices vanished. ### Greek text ἀτὰρ καὶ παραδόξου τοιούτου. ἐπὶ τῆς Φιλίππου Καισαρείας, ἣν Πανεάδα Φοίνικες προσαγορεύουσι, φασὶ παρὰ ταῖς αὐτόθι δεικνυμέναις ἐν ταῖς ὑπωρείαις τοῦ καλουμένου Πανίου ὅρους πηγαῖς, ἐξ ὧν καὶ τὸν Ἰορδάνην προχεῖσθαι, κατά τινα ἑορτῆς ἡμέραν σφάγιόν τι καταβάλλεσθαι, καὶ τοῦτο τῇ τοῦ δαίμονος δυνάμει ἀφανὲς γίνεσθαι παραδόξως, θαῦμά τε εἶναι περιβόητον τοῖς παροῦσι τὸ γινόμενον. παρόντα δʼ οὖν ποτὲ τοῖς πραττομένοις τὸν Ἀστύριον, καὶ τὸ πρᾶγμα καταπεπληγμένους ἰδόντα τοὺς πολλοὺς, οἰκτεῖραι τῆς πλάνης, κἄπειτα ἀνανεύσαντα εἰς οὐρανὸν ἱκετεῦσαι διὰ Χριστοῦ τὸν ἐπὶ πάντων θεὸν, τὸ λαοπλάνον δαιμόνιον ἐλέγξαι καὶ παῦσαι τῆς τῶν ἀνθρώπων ἀπάτης. ταῦτα δέ φασιν εὐξαμένου ἀθρόως τὸ ἱερεῖον ἐπιπολάσαι ταῖς πηγαῖς, οὕτω τε αὐτοῖς τὸ παράδοξον οἴχεσθαι, μηδενὸς μηκέτι θαύματος περὶ τὸν τόπον γενομένου. ### English translation (Claude) and in particular this marvel. At Caesarea Philippi, which the Phoenicians call Paneas, they say that at the springs shown there at the foot of the so-called Mount Panium, from which the Jordan flows, on a certain feast day a victim was thrown in, and by the power of the demon it disappeared marvellously, and what happened was a famous wonder to those present. Once, then, Astyrius was present at these proceedings, and seeing most of the people struck with amazement at the thing, he pitied their error; and then, looking up to heaven, he entreated the God over all, through Christ, to refute the people-deceiving demon and stop its deception of men. They say that when he had prayed, the victim immediately floated on the springs, and so their marvel departed, no wonder ever again occurring at the place. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.17.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/17/1/). ## Church History 7.18.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/18/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:315 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Paneas was said to be the home of the woman with the flow of blood healed by Jesus. ### Greek text Ἀλλʼ ἐπειδὴ τῆσδε τῆς πόλεως εἰς μνήμην ἐλήλυθα, οὐκ ἄξιον ἡγοῦμαι παρελθεῖν διήγησιν καὶ τοῖς μεθʼ ἡμᾶς μνημονεύεσθαι ἀξίαν. τὴν γὰρ αἱμορροοῦσαν, ἣν ἐκ τῶν ἱερῶν εὐαγγελίων πρὸς τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν τοῦ πάθους ἀπαλλαγὴν εὑρέσθαι μεμαθήκαμεν, ἐνθένδε ἔλεγον ὁρμᾶσθαι, τόν τε οἶκον αὐτῆς ἐπὶ τῆς πόλεως δείκνυσθαι, καὶ τῆς ὑπὸ τοῦ σωτῆρος εἰς αὐτὴν εὐεργεσίας θαυμαστὰ τρόπαια παραμένειν. ### English translation (Claude) Since I have come to mention this city, I do not think it right to pass over a story worth remembering for those after us too. They said that the woman with the flow of blood, who we learn from the holy Gospels found relief from her suffering from our Saviour, came from here, and that her house was shown in the city, and that wonderful memorials of the Saviour's benefit to her remained. ### Scripture references - Mark 5:25: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Cf. Mark 5:25–34. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.18.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/18/1/). ## Church History 7.18.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/18/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:315–316 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: A bronze statue group showed a kneeling woman and a man reaching out to her; a healing herb grew at its base. ### Greek text ἑστάναι γὰρ ἐφʼ ὑψηλοῦ λίθου πρὸς μὲν ταῖς πύλαις τοῦ αὐτῆς οἴκου γυναικὸς ἐκτύπωμα χάλκεον ἐπὶ γόνυ κεκλιμένον καὶ τεταμέναις ἐπὶ τὸ πρόσθεν ταῖς χερσὶν, ἱκετευούσῃ ἐοικὸς, τούτου δὲ ἄντικρυς ἄλλο τῆς αὐτῆς ὕλης ἀνδρὸς ὄρθιον σχῆμα, διπλοΐδα κοσμίως περιβεβλημένον, καὶ τὴν χεῖρα τῇ γυναικὶ προτεῖνον, οὗ παρὰ τοῖς ποσὶν ἐπὶ τῆς στήλης αὐτῆς ξένον τι βοτάνης εἶδος φύειν, ὃ μέχρι τοῦ κρασπέδου τῆς τοῦ χαλκοῦ διπλοΐδος ἀνιὸν, ἀλεξιφάρμακόν τι παντοίων νοσημάτων τυγχάνειν. ### English translation (Claude) For on a high stone at the gates of her house stood a bronze figure of a woman on bended knee, with hands stretched out in front, like one in supplication; and opposite it another of the same material, the upright figure of a man, clothed decorously in a double cloak and stretching out his hand to the woman. At his feet on the base itself grew a strange kind of plant, which rose up to the hem of the bronze cloak and was a remedy for all kinds of diseases. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.18.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/18/2/). ## Church History 7.18.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/18/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:316 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The statue was said to depict Jesus, and Eusebius saw it himself. ### Greek text τοῦτον τὸν ἀνδριάντα τοῦ Ἰησοῦ εἰκόνα φέρειν ἔλεγον. ἔμεινε δὲ καὶ εἰς ἡμᾶς, ὡς καὶ ὄψει παραλαβεῖν ἐπιδημήσαντας αὐτοὺς τῇ πόλει. ### English translation (Claude) They said that this statue bore the likeness of Jesus. It has remained even to our day, so that we saw it with our own eyes when we stayed in the city. ### Translation notes - The statue may originally have represented an emperor or a god of healing; this is a modern suggestion. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.18.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/18/3/). ## Church History 7.18.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/18/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:316 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius notes that painted portraits of Paul, Peter, and Christ existed, a custom from pagan practice. ### Greek text καὶ θαυμαστὸν οὐδὲν τοὺς πάλαι ἐξ ἐθνῶν εὐεργετηθέντας πρὸς τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν ταῦτα πεποιηκέναι, ὅτε καὶ τῶν ἀποστόλων αὐτοῦ τὰς εἰκόνας, Παύλου καὶ Πέτρου καὶ αὐτοῦ δὴ τοὐ Χριστοῦ, διὰ χρωμάτων ἐν γραφαῖς σωζομένας ἱστορήσαμεν, ὡς εἰκὸς τῶν παλαιῶν ἀπαραφυλάκτως οἷα σωτῆρας ἐθνικῇ συνηθείᾳ παρʼ ἑαυτοῖς τοῦτον τιμὰν εἰωθότων τὸν τρόπον. ### English translation (Claude) And it is no wonder that those of the Gentiles who were benefited long ago by our Saviour did these things, since we have learned that likenesses of his apostles Paul and Peter, and of Christ himself, have been preserved in paintings, as the ancients were naturally accustomed, by a pagan custom, to honour them in this way as saviours without discrimination. ### Translation notes - Eusebius treats such images as a pagan custom; his later letter to Constantia opposes images of Christ. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.18.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/18/4/). ## Church History 7.19.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/19/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:316 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The episcopal throne of James, the Lord's brother, was still preserved at Jerusalem. ### Greek text Τὸν γὰρ Ἰακώβου θρόνον, τοῦ πρώτου τῆς Ἱεροσολύμων ἐκκλησίας τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν πρὸς αὐτοῦ τοῦ σωτῆρος καὶ τῶν ἀποστόλων ὑποδεξαμένου, ὃν καὶ ἀδελφὸν τοῦ Χριστοῦ χρηματίσαι οἱ θεῖοι λόγοι περιέχουσιν, εἰς δεῦρο πεφυλαγμένον οἱ τῇδε κατὰ διαδοχὴν περιέποντες ἀδελφοὶ σαφῶς τοῖς πᾶσιν ἐπιδείκνυνται οἷον περὶ τοὺς ἁγίους ἄνδρας τοῦ θεοφιλοῦς ἕνεκεν οἵ τε πάλαι καὶ οἱ εἰς ἡμᾶς ἔσωζόν τε καὶ ἀποσώζουσι σέβας. καὶ ταῦτα μὲν ταύτῃ. ### English translation (Claude) For the throne of James, who first received the episcopate of the church of Jerusalem from the Saviour himself and the apostles, whom the divine words call the brother of Christ, has been preserved to this day; and the brothers there who care for it in succession show clearly to all what reverence both the men of old and those of our time kept and keep toward holy men for their love of God. So much for this. ### Scripture references - Gal 1:19: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Cf. Gal 1:19. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.19.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/19/1/). ## Church History 7.20.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/20/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:316–317 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius wrote festal letters, one setting an eight-year Easter cycle placing Easter after the spring equinox. ### Greek text Ὅ γε μὴν Διονύσιος πρὸς ταῖς δηλωθείσαις ἐπιστολαῖς αὐτοῦ ἔτι καὶ τὰς φερομένας ἑορταστικὰς τὸ τηνικαῦτα συντάττει, πανηγυρικωτέρους ἐν αὐταῖς περὶ τῆς τοῦ πάσχα ἑορτῆς ἀνακινῶν λόγους. τούτων τὴν μὲν Φλαουΐῳ προσφωνεῖ, τὴν δὲ Δομετίῳ καὶ Διδύμῳ, ἐν ἡ καὶ κανόνα ἐκτίθεται ὀκταετηρίδος, ὅτι μὴ ἄλλοτε ἢ μετὰ τὴν ἐαρινὴν ἰσημερίαν προσήκοι τὴν τοῦ πάσχα ἑορτὴν ἐπιτελεῖν παριστάμενος. πρὸς ταύταις καὶ ἄλλην τοῖς κατʼ Ἀλεξάνδρειαν συμπρεσβυτέροις ἐπιστολὴν διαχαράττει, ἑτέροις τε ὁμοῦ διαφόρως, καὶ ταύτας ἔτι τοῦ διωγμοῦ συνεστῶτος. ### English translation (Claude) Dionysius, besides the letters mentioned, also composed at that time the extant festal letters, in which he discourses more solemnly about the feast of the Pascha. One of these he addresses to Flavius, another to Domitius and Didymus, in which he also sets out an eight-year cycle, establishing that the feast of the Pascha should be kept at no other time than after the spring equinox. Besides these he writes another letter to his fellow presbyters at Alexandria, and others to various persons, and these while the persecution was still going on. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.20.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/20/1/). ## Church History 7.21.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/21/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:317 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Back in Alexandria during civil strife, Dionysius could reach his own flock only by letter. ### Greek text Ἐπιλαβούσης δὲ ὅσον οὔπω τῆς εἰρήνης ἐπάνεισι μὲν εἰς τὴν Ἀλεξάνδρειαν, πάλιν δʼ ἐνταῦθα στάσεως καὶ πολέμου συστάντος, ὡς οὐχ οἷόν τε ἦν αὐτῷ τοὺς κατὰ τὴν πόλιν ἅπαντας ἀδελφοὺς εἰς ἑκάτερον τῆς στάσεως μέρος διῃρημένους ἐπισκοπεῖν, αὖθις ἐν τῇ τοῦ πάσχα ἑορτῇ ὥσπερ τις ὑπερόριος ἐξ αὐτῆς τῆς Ἀλεξανδρείας διὰ γραμμάτων αὐτοῖς ὡμίλει. ### English translation (Claude) When peace had scarcely taken hold, he returned to Alexandria; but there again faction and war arose, so that he could not oversee all the brothers in the city, who were divided between the two sides of the conflict. So again at the feast of the Pascha, as though in exile, from Alexandria itself he addressed them by letter. ### Translation notes - The civil war is probably the revolt of Aemilianus (ca. 261–262). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.21.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/21/1/). ## Church History 7.21.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/21/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:317 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius to Hierax: in the strife he can hardly communicate even with himself. ### Greek text καὶ Ἱέρακι δὲ μετὰ ταῦτα τῶν κατʼ Αἴγυπτον ἐπισκόπῳ ἑτέραν ἑορταστικὴν ἐπιστολὴν γράφων, τῆς κατʼ αὐτὸν τῶν Ἀλεξανδρέων στάσεως μνημονεύει διὰ τούτων ‘ἐμοὶ δὲ τί θαυμαστὸν εἰ πρὸς τοὺς πορρω- “τέρω παροικοῦντας χαλεπὸν τὸ κἂν διʼ ἐπιστολῶν “ὁμιλεῖν, ὅτε καὶ τὸ πρὸς ἐμαυτὸν αὐτῷ μοι διαλέγε- “σθαι καὶ τῇ ἰδίᾳ ψυχῇ συμβουλεύεσθαι καθέστηκεν ἄπορον; ### English translation (Claude) And later, writing another festal letter to Hierax, a bishop in Egypt, he mentions the faction of the Alexandrians in his time in these words: “What wonder is it to me if it is hard to converse even by letter with those who live farther away, when it has become impossible even to talk with myself and take counsel with my own soul? ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, Festal Letter to Hierax (to 7.21.10). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.21.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/21/2/). ## Church History 7.21.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/21/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:317 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: It is easier to travel from east to west than across Alexandria. ### Greek text πρὸς γοῦν τὰ ἐμαυτοῦ σπλάγχνα, τοὺς “ὁμοσκήνους καὶ συμψύχους ἀδελφοὺς καὶ τῆς αὐτῆς ‘πολίτας ἐκκλησίας ἐπιστολιμαίων δέομαι γραμμάτων, καὶ ταῦθʼ ὅπως διαπεμψαίμην, ἀμήχανον “φαίνεται. ῥᾷον γὰρ ἄν τις οὐχ ὅπως εἰς τὴν ὑπερ- “όριον, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἀπʼ ἀνατολῶν ἐπὶ δυσμὰς περαιωθείη, ἢ τὴν Ἀλεξάνδρειαν ἀπʼ αὐτῆς Ἀλεξανδρείας ἐπέλθοι. ### English translation (Claude) For I need letters to reach my own heart, the brothers who share my home and soul and are citizens of the same church; and how to send them seems impossible. For it would be easier for one to cross not only to a foreign country but even from east to west, than to go from Alexandria to Alexandria itself. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.21.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/21/3/). ## Church History 7.21.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/21/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:317–318 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Alexandria's streets are harder to cross than the wilderness, and its harbours red with blood like the Red Sea. ### Greek text τῆς γὰρ ἐρήμου τῆς πολλῆς “ἀτριβοῦς ἐκείνης, ἣν ἐν δυσὶ γενεαῖς διώδευσεν ὁ “Ἰσραὴλ, ἄπειρος μᾶλλον καὶ ἄβατός ἐστιν ἡ μεσαι- “τάτη τῆς πόλεως ὁδός· καὶ τῆς θαλάσσης, ἣν ἐκεῖνοι “ῥαγεῖσαν καὶ διατειχισθεῖσαν ἔσχον ἱππήλατον, καὶ “ὧυ ἐν τῇ λεωφόρῳ κατεποντίσθησαν Αἰγύπτιοι, οἱ “γαληνοὶ καὶ ἀκύμαντοι λιμένες γεγόνασιν εἰκὼν, “πολλάκις φανέντες ἀπὸ τῶν ἐν αὐτοῖς φόνων οἷον “ἐρυθρὰ θάλασσα. ### English translation (Claude) For the very middle street of the city is more untrodden and impassable than that great and trackless desert which Israel traversed in two generations; and the calm and waveless harbours have become an image of the sea which they found divided and walled up and made a road for horses, and in whose highway the Egyptians were drowned; for they often appear, from the murders in them, like a Red Sea. ### Scripture references - Exod 14:22: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, alluding to Exod 14–15. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.21.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/21/4/). ## Church History 7.21.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/21/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:318 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Nile at times ran drier than the desert where Israel thirsted. ### Greek text ὁ δʼ ἐπιρρέων ποταμὸς τὴμ “πόλιν ποτὲ μὲν ἐρήμου τῆς ἀνύδρου ξηρότερος “ὤφθη, καὶ μᾶλλον αὐχμώδης ἐκείνης, ἣν διαπο- “ρευόμενος ὁ Ἰσραὴλ οὕτως ἐδίψησεν, ὡς Μωυσοῦ “μὲν καταβοᾶν, ῥυῆναι δʼ αὐτοῖς παρὰ τοῦ θαυμάσια “ποιοῦντος μόνου ἐκ πέτρας ἀκροτόμου ποτόν· ### English translation (Claude) And the river flowing by the city has at one time appeared drier than the waterless desert, and more parched than that in which Israel, as it passed through, so thirsted that they cried out against Moses, and drink flowed for them from the sheer rock by him who alone does wonders; ### Scripture references - Exod 17:6: allusion, high confidence - Ps 136:4 (135:4 LXX): echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, alluding to Exod 17:1–7 and Ps 136:4 (135:4 LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.21.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/21/5/). ## Church History 7.21.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/21/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:318 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: At other times it flooded like Noah's deluge, and it ran with blood like the Nile under Moses. ### Greek text ποτὲ “δὲ τοσοῦτον ἐπλήμμυρεν ὡς πᾶσαν τὴν περίχωρον “τάς τε ὁδοὺς καὶ τοὺς ἀγροὺς ἐπικλύσαντα, τῆς ἐπὶ “Νῶς γενομένης τοῦ ὕδατος φορᾶς ἐπαγαγεῖν ἀπει- “λήν· ἀεὶ δὲ αἵματι καὶ φόνοις καὶ καταποντισμοῖς “κάτεισι μεμιασμένος, οἷος ὑπὸ Μωυσεῖ γέγονε τῷ “Φαραὼ, μεταβαλὼν εἰς αἷμα καὶ ἐποζέσας. ### English translation (Claude) at another time it overflowed so much that it flooded all the country round, both roads and fields, threatening a return of the deluge of water that happened in Noah's time. And it always flows down defiled with blood and murders and drownings, as it became for Pharaoh under Moses, changed into blood and stinking. ### Scripture references - Gen 7:17: allusion, medium confidence - Exod 7:20: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, alluding to Gen 7 and Exod 7:20–21. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.21.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/21/6/). ## Church History 7.21.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/21/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:318 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: No water could cleanse such pollution, not even the river of Eden. ### Greek text καὶ “ποῖον γένοιτʼ ἂν τοῦ πάντα καθαίροντος ὕδατος ὕδωρ “καθάρσιον ἄλλο; πῶς ἂν ὁ πολὺς καὶ ἀπέραντος “ἀνθρώποις ὠκεανὸς ἐπιχυθεὶς τὴν πικρὰν ταύτην “ἀποσμήξαι θάλασσαν; ἢ πῶς ἂν ὁ μέγας ποταμὸς “ὁ ἐκπορευόμενος ἐξ Ἐδὲμ, τὰς τέσσαρας ἀρχὰς εἰς “ἃς ἀφορίζεται μετοχετεύσας εἰς μίαν τοῦ Γηὼν, “ἀποπλύναι τὸ λύθρον; ### English translation (Claude) And what other water could purify the water that purifies all things? How could the great ocean, impassable to men, poured out, cleanse this bitter sea? Or how could the great river that goes out from Eden, turning the four heads into which it is divided into the one Gihon, wash away the gore? ### Scripture references - Gen 2:10: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, alluding to Gen 2:10–13. The Gihon was identified with the Nile. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.21.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/21/7/). ## Church History 7.21.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/21/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:318 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The air itself is poisoned by the stench of the dead. ### Greek text ἢ πότε ὁ τεθολωμένος “ὑπὸ τῶν πονηρῶν πανταχόθεν ἀναθυμιάσεων ἀὴρ “εἰλικρινὴς γένοιτο; τοιοῦτοι γὰρ ἀπὸ τῆς γῆς ἀτμοὶ, “καὶ ἀπὸ θαλάσσης ἄνεμοι, ποταμῶν τε αὖραι καὶ “λιμένων ἀνιμήσεις ἀποπνέουσιν, ὡς σηπομένων ἐν “πᾶσι τοῖς ὑποκειμένοις στοιχείοις νεκρῶν ἰχῶρας “εἶναι τὰς δρόσους. ### English translation (Claude) Or when could the air, fouled by evil exhalations from every side, become pure? For such vapours rise from the earth, winds from the sea, breezes from the rivers, and mists from the harbours, that the dews are the discharges of corpses rotting in all the underlying elements. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.21.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/21/8/). ## Church History 7.21.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/21/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:318–319 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The city's population has so fallen that the grain rolls from ages 14 to 80 do not equal the former number aged 40 to 70. ### Greek text εἶτα θαυμάζουσι καὶ διαπο- “ροῦσι πόθεν οἱ συνεχεῖς λοιμοὶ, πόθεν αἱ χαλεπαὶ νόσοι, πόθεν αἶ παντοδαπαὶ φθοραὶ, πόθεν ὁ ποικίλος καὶ πολὺς τῶν ἀνθρώπων ὄλεθρος, διὰ τί “μηκέτι τοσοῦτο πλῆθος οἰκητόρων ἡ μεγίστη πόλις “ἐν αὐτῇ φέρει, ἀπὸ νηπίων ἀρξαμένη παίδων μέχρι “τῶν εἰς ἄκρον γεγηρακότων, ὅσους ὠμογέροντας οὓς “ἐκάλει πρότερον ὄντας ἔτρεφεν, ἀλλʼ οἱ τεσσαρα- ῾κοντοῦται καὶ μέχρι τῶν ἑβδομήκοντα ἐτῶν τοσοῦτο ‘πλείονες τότε ὥστε μὴ συμπληροῦσθαι νῦν τὸν “ἀριθμὸν αὐτῶν, προσεγγραφέντων καὶ συγκαταλε- ῾γέντων εἰς τὸ δημόσιον σιτηρέσιον τόν ἀπὸ τεσσα- ‘ρεσκαίδεκα ἐτῶν μέχρι τῶν ὀγδοήκοντα, καὶ γεγό- “νασιν οἶον ἡλικιῶται τῶν πάλαι γεραιτάτων οἱ ὄψει “νεώτατοι. ### English translation (Claude) Then they wonder and are at a loss whence come the continual plagues, whence the severe diseases, whence the manifold kinds of destruction, whence the various and great mortality of men, why the greatest city no longer carries within it so great a multitude of inhabitants, from infant children to those extremely old, as it formerly supported of those it called hale old men. But those from forty to seventy years of age were then so much more numerous that their number is not now filled up, even when those from fourteen to eighty years are enrolled and registered together for the public grain dole; and those youngest in appearance have become like the contemporaries of those formerly oldest. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria; a notable piece of demographic evidence. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.21.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/21/9/). ## Church History 7.21.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/21/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:319 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Yet people do not tremble at humanity's decline. ### Greek text καὶ οὕτω μειούμενον ἀεὶ καὶ δαπα- “νώμενον ὁρῶντες τὸ ἐπὶ γῆς ἀνθρώπων γένος οὐ ῾τρέμουσιν, αὐξομένου καὶ προκόπτοντος τοῦ παντε- ῾λοῦς αὐτῶν ἀφανισμοῦ.’ ### English translation (Claude) And seeing the human race on earth thus always diminished and consumed, they do not tremble, though their complete destruction increases and advances.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.21.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/21/10/). ## Church History 7.22.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/22/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:319 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Plague followed the war, and Dionysius wrote an Easter letter about it. ### Greek text Μετὰ ταῦτα λοιμικῆς τὸν πόλεμον διαλαβούσης νόσου, τῆς τε ἑορτῆς πλησιαζούσης, αὖθις διὰ γραφῆς τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς ὁμιλεῖ, τὰ τῆς συμφορᾶς ἐπισημαινόμενος πάθη διὰ τούτων ### English translation (Claude) After this, when a pestilential disease followed the war, and the feast was drawing near, he again addressed the brothers by letter, indicating the sufferings of the calamity in these words: ### Translation notes - The plague is the “Plague of Cyprian” (from ca. 250). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.22.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/22/1/). ## Church History 7.22.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/22/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:319 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius: to others this is no time for a feast, with the city full of mourning. ### Greek text “τοῖς μὲν ἄλλοις ἀνθρώποις οὐκ ἂν δόξειε “καιρὸς ἑορτῆς εἶναι τὰ παρόντα. οὐδʼ ἔστιν αὐτοῖς “οὔτε οὗτος οὔτε τις ἕτερος, οὐχ ὅπως τῶν ἐπιλύπων, ῾ἀλλʼ οὐδʼ εἴ τις περιχαρὴς, ὃν οἰηθεῖεν μάλιστα. “νῦν μέν γε θρῆνοι πάντα, καὶ πενθοῦσι πάντες, καὶ περιηχοῦσιν οἰμωγαὶ τὴν πόλιν διὰ τὸ πλῆθος ῾τῶν τεθνηκότων καὶ τῶν ἀποθνησκόντων ὁσημέραι. “ ### English translation (Claude) “To other men the present would not seem a time for festival. Nor is this or any other time a festival for them — not only the sorrowful times, but not even any time they might think especially joyful. Now indeed all things are lamentations, and all mourn, and wailings resound through the city because of the multitude of those who have died and are dying every day. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, Festal Letter (to 7.22.10). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.22.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/22/2/). ## Church History 7.22.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/22/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:319–320 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: As at the death of Egypt's firstborn, every house has its dead. ### Greek text ὡς γὰρ ἐπὶ τῶν πρωτοτόκων τῶν Αἰγυπτίων γέγραπται, οὕτως καὶ νῦν ἐγενήθη κραυγὴ μεγάλη. οὐ γάρ ἐστιν οἰκία, ἐν ᾗ οὐκ ἔστιν ἐν αὐτῇ τεθνη· κώς· καὶ ὤφελόν γε· πολλὰ μὲν γὰρ καὶ δεινὰ καὶ “τὰ πρὸ τούτου συμβεβηκότα. ### English translation (Claude) For as it is written of the firstborn of the Egyptians, so now too ‘there was a great cry; for there is not a house in which there is not one dead.’ And would that it were only one! For many and terrible were the things that happened before this too. ### Scripture references - Exod 12:30: quotation, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, citing Exod 12:30. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.22.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/22/3/). ## Church History 7.22.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/22/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:320 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Even in persecution Christians kept the feast everywhere, and the martyrs kept the brightest feast in heaven. ### Greek text πρῶτον μὲν ἡμᾶς “ἤλασαν, καὶ μόνοι πρὸς ἁπάντων διωκόμενοι καὶ “θανατούμενοι ἑωρτάσαμεν καὶ τότε, καὶ πᾶς ὁ τῆς “καθʼ ἕκαστον θλίψεως τόπος πανηγυρικὸν ἡμῖν “γέγονε χωρίον, ἀγρὸς, ἐρημία, ναῦς, πανδοχεῖον, “δεσμωτήριον· φαιδροτάτην δὲ πασῶν ἤγαγον ἑορ- “τὴν οἱ τέλειοι μάρτυρες εὐωχηθέντες ἐν οὐρανῷ. “ ### English translation (Claude) First they drove us out, and alone, persecuted and put to death by all, we kept the feast even then; and every place of each one's affliction became for us a place of festival: field, desert, ship, inn, prison. And the most radiant festival of all was kept by the perfected martyrs, feasting in heaven. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.22.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/22/4/). ## Church History 7.22.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/22/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:320 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christians shared war and famine with the pagans, yet had Christ's peace. ### Greek text μετὰ δὲ ταῦτα πόλεμος καὶ λιμὸς ἐπέλαβεν, ἃ “τοῖς ἔθνεσι συνδιηνέγκαμεν, μόνοι μὲν ὑποστάντες “ὅσα ἡμῖν ἐλυμήναντο, παραπολαύσαντες δὲ καὶ ὧν “ἀλλήλους εἰργάσαντό τε καὶ πεπόνθασι· καὶ τῇ “Χριστοῦ πάλιν ἐνηυφράνθημεν εἰρήνῃ, ἣν μόνοις “ἡμῖν δέδωκε. ### English translation (Claude) After this, war and famine came upon us, which we bore together with the pagans, enduring alone what they inflicted on us, but sharing also in what they did to and suffered from one another; and again we rejoiced in the peace of Christ, which he has given to us alone. ### Scripture references - John 14:27: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria; cf. John 14:27. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.22.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/22/5/). ## Church History 7.22.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/22/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:320 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The plague terrified the pagans but was a test for Christians, though it struck them too. ### Greek text βραχυτάτης δὲ ἡμῶν τε καὶ αὐτῶν “τυχόντων ἀναπνοῆς, ἐπικατέσκηψεν ἡ νόσος αὕτη, “πρᾶγμα φόβου τε παντὸς φοβερώτερον ἐκείνοις, καὶ “συμφορᾶς ἡστινοσοῦν σχετλιώτερον, καὶ ὡς ἴδιός “τις αὐτῶν ἀπήγγειλε συγγραφεὺς, πρᾶγμα μόνον “δὴ τῆς πάντων ἐλπίδος κρεῖσσον γενόμενον· ἡμῖν “δὲ οὐ τοιοῦτο μὲν, γυμνάσιον δὲ καὶ δοκίμιον οὐ- “δενὸς τῶν ἄλλων ἔλαττον. ἀπέσχετο μὲν γὰρ οὐδὲ “ἡμῶν, πολλὴ δὲ ἐξῆλθεν εἰς τὰ ἔθνη.“ ### English translation (Claude) When both we and they had enjoyed a very short breathing space, this disease fell upon us, a thing more fearful to them than any fear and more dreadful than any calamity whatever, and, as one of their own writers declared, ‘the only thing that has proved greater than all hope.’ But to us it was not such, but a training and testing no less than any of the others. For it did not spare us either, but it went out much among the pagans.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence - Thucydides, 2.64.1 (Thucydides, History): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. The pagan writer is Thucydides 2.64.1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.22.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/22/6/). ## Church History 7.22.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/22/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:320–321 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Many Christians nursed the sick at the cost of their own lives, dying in their place. ### Greek text τούτοις ἑξῆς ἐπιφέρει λέγων “οἱ γοῦν πλεῖστοι τῶν ἀδελφῶν “ἡμῶν διʼ ὑπερβάλλουσαν ἀγάπην καὶ φιλαδελφίαν “ἀφειδοῦντες ἑαυτῶν καὶ ἀλλήλων ἐχόμενοι, ἐπισκο- “ποῦντες ἀφυλάκτως τοὺς νοσοῦντας, λιπαρῶς ὑπη- “ρετούμενοι, θεραπεύοντες ἐν Χριστῷ, συναπηλλάτ- “τοντο ἐκείνοις ἀσμενέστατα, τοῦ παρʼ ἑτέρων ἀνα- “πιμπλάμενοι πάθους, καὶ τὴν νόσον ἐφʼ ἑαυτοὺς “ἕλκοντες ἀπὸ τῶν πλησίον, καὶ ἑκόντες ἀναμασσό- “μενοι τὰς ἀλγηδόνας. καὶ πολλοὶ νοσοκομήσαντες “καὶ ῥώσαντες ἑτέρους ἐτελεύτησαν αὐτοὶ, τὸν ἐκεί- “νων θάνατον εἰς ἑαυτοὺς μεταστησάμενοι, καὶ τὸ “δημῶδες ῥῆμα, μόνης ἀεὶ δοκεῖν φιλοφροσύνης ἔχε- “σθαι, ἔργῳ δὴ τότε πληροῦντες, ἀπιόντες αὐτῶν “περίψημα. ### English translation (Claude) Next he adds: “Most of our brothers, in their exceeding love and brotherly kindness, not sparing themselves and clinging to one another, visited the sick without heed of danger, served them diligently, cared for them in Christ, and departed this life most gladly together with them, being filled with the affliction from others and drawing the disease on themselves from their neighbours and willingly taking over their pains. And many, having nursed and strengthened others, died themselves, transferring their death to themselves, and fulfilling in deed the popular saying, always thought to be mere courtesy, departing as their ‘offscouring.’ ### Scripture references - 1 Cor 4:13: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. “Your offscouring” (περίψημα) was a polite formula (“your humble servant”); cf. 1 Cor 4:13. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.22.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/22/7/). ## Church History 7.22.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/22/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:321 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Presbyters, deacons, and laity died this way, a death Dionysius ranks with martyrdom. ### Greek text οἱ γοῦν ἄριστοι τῶν παρʼ ἡμῖν ἀδελ- “φῶν τοῦτον τὸν τρόπον ἐξεχώρησαν τοῦ βίου, πρεσ- “βύτεροί τέ τινες καὶ διάκονοι καὶ τῶν ἀπὸ τοῦ λαοῦ “λίαν ἐπαινούμενοι, ὡς καὶ τοῦ θανάτου τοῦτο τὸ “εἶδος διὰ πολλὴν εὐσέβειαν καὶ πίστιν ἰσχυρὰν γε- “νόμενον μηδὲν ἀποδεῖν μαρτυρίου δοκεῖν. ### English translation (Claude) In this way the best of our brothers departed this life, some presbyters and deacons and some of the people, highly praised, so that this form of death, arising from great piety and strong faith, seems in no way to fall short of martyrdom. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.22.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/22/8/). ## Church History 7.22.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/22/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:321 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christians washed and buried the dead lovingly, and soon died themselves. ### Greek text καὶ “τὰ σώματα δὲ τῶν ἁγίων ὑπτίαις χερσὶ καὶ κόλποις “ὑπολαμβάνοντες, καθαιροῦντές τε ὀφθαλμοὺς, καὶ στόματα συγκλείοντες, ὠμοφοροῦντές τε καὶ διατι- ‘θέντες, προσκολλώμενοι, συμπλεκόμενοι, λουτροῖς “τε καὶ περιστολαῖς κατακοσμοῦντες, μετὰ μικρὸν “ἐτύγχανον τῶν ἴσων, ἀεὶ τῶν ὑπολειπομένων ἐφε- “πομένων τοῖς πρὸ αὐτῶν. ### English translation (Claude) And taking up the bodies of the saints in their open hands and on their bosoms, closing their eyes and shutting their mouths, carrying them on their shoulders and laying them out, clinging to them, embracing them, adorning them with washings and grave clothes, they shortly after received the same services, those left behind always following those who went before. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. The digital text repeats τε. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.22.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/22/9/). ## Church History 7.22.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/22/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:321 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Pagans abandoned their sick and dead, yet could not escape the plague. ### Greek text τὰ δέ γε ἔθνη πᾶν “τοὐναντίον· καὶ νοσεῖν τε ἀρχομένους ἀπωθοῦντο, “καὶ ἀπέφευγον τοὺς φιλτάτους, κἀν ταῖς ὁδοῖς ἐρ- “ρίπτουν ἡμιθνῆτας, καὶ νεκροὺς ἀτάφους ἀπεσκυ- “βαλίζοντο, τὴν τοῦ θανάτου διάδοσιν καὶ κοινωνίαν ἐκτρεπόμενοι, ἣν οὐκ ἦν καὶ πολλὰ μηχανωμένοις “ἐκκλῖναι ῥᾴδιον.“ ### English translation (Claude) But the pagans did the very opposite. They pushed away those who began to be sick, fled from their dearest, threw them half-dead into the roads, and cast out the dead unburied like refuse, trying to avoid the spread and contagion of death, which was not easy to escape however much they contrived.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.22.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/22/10/). ## Church History 7.22.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/22/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:321 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius wrote more festal letters, and letters on the sabbath and on exercise. ### Greek text μετὰ δὲ καὶ ταύτην τὴν ἐπιστολὴν, εἰρηνευσάντων τῶν κατὰ τὴν πόλιν, τοῖς κατʼ Αἴγυπτον ἀδελφοῖς ἑορταστικὴν αὖθις ἐπιστέλλει γραφὴν, καὶ ἐπὶ ταύτῃ ἄλλας διαφόρους πάλιν διατυποῦται. φέρεται δέ τις αὐτοῦ καὶ περὶ σαββάτου, καὶ ἄλλη περὶ γυμνασίου. ### English translation (Claude) After this letter too, when the affairs of the city were at peace, he again sent a festal letter to the brothers in Egypt, and after this he composed various others. There is extant also one of his on the sabbath, and another on exercise. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.22.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/22/11/). ## Church History 7.22.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/22/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:321 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: In his letter to Hermammon Dionysius describes the peace under Gallienus. ### Greek text Ἑρμάμμωνι δὲ καὶ τοῖς κατʼ Αἴγυπτον ἀδελφοῖς διʼ ἐπιστολῆς ὁμιλῶν, πολλά τε ἄλλα περὶ τῆς Δεκίου καὶ τῶν μετʼ αὐτὸν διεξελθὼν κακοτροπίας, τῆς κατὰ τὸν Γαλλιηνὸν εἰρήνης ἐπιμιμνήσκεται. ### English translation (Claude) Addressing Hermammon and the brothers in Egypt by letter, and relating much else about the wickedness of Decius and his successors, he mentions the peace under Gallienus. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.22.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/22/12/). ## Church History 7.23.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/23/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:321–322 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius: Macrianus and his house perished, and Gallienus was acknowledged as emperor by all. ### Greek text Οὐδὲν δὲ οἷον τὸ καὶ τούτων ὧδέ πως ἔχόντων ἀκοῦσαι· “ἐκεῖνος μὲν “οὖν τῶν πρὸ αὐτοῦ βασιλέων τὸν μὲν προέμενος, “τῷ δὲ ἐπιθέμενος, παγγενῆ ταχέως καὶ πρόρριζος “ἐξηφανίσθη· ἀνεδείχθη δὲ καὶ συνανωμολογήθη “παρὰ πάντων ὁ Γαλλιηνὸς, παλαιὸς ἅμα βασιλεὺς “καὶ νέος, πρῶτος ὢν καὶ μετʼ ἐκείνους παρών. ### English translation (Claude) There is nothing like hearing how these things too stood: “He, then, having betrayed one of the emperors before him and attacked the other, was quickly destroyed root and branch with all his family; and Gallienus was proclaimed and acknowledged by all, at once an old emperor and a new one, being first and yet present after them. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, Letter to Hermammon (to 7.23.4). “He” is Macrianus, who betrayed Valerian and attacked Gallienus. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.23.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/23/1/). ## Church History 7.23.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/23/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:322 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius compares Macrianus to a passing cloud and Gallienus to the sun shining again. ### Greek text “κατὰ γὰρ τὸ ῥηθὲν πρὸς τὸν προφήτην Ἡσαΐαν “τὰ “ἀπʼ ἀρχῆς ἰδοὺ ἥκασι, καὶ καινὰ ἃ νῦν ἀνατελεῖ.“ “ὥσπερ γὰρ νέφος τὰς ἡλιακὰς ἀκτῖνας ὑποδραμὸν καὶ “πρὸς ὀλίγον ἐπηλυγάσαν ἐσκίασεν αὐτὸν καὶ ἀντʼ αὐ- “τοῦ προεφάνη, εἶτα παρελθόντος ἢ διατακέντος τοῦ “νέφους ἐξεφάνη πάλιν ἐπανατείλας ὁ ἥλιος ὁ προα- “νατείλας, οὕτω προστὰς καὶ προσπελάσας ἑαυτὸν ὁ “Μακριανὸς τῆς ἐφεστώσης Γαλλιηνοῦ βασιλείας, ὁ “μὲν οὐκ ἔστιν, ἐπεὶ μηδὲ ἧν, ὁ δʼ ἔστιν ὁμοίως “ὥσπερ ἦν. ### English translation (Claude) For according to what was said to the prophet Isaiah, ‘Behold, the things from the beginning have come, and new things which shall now spring forth.’ For as a cloud running under the sun's rays and darkening them for a little overshadows it and appears in its place, and then, when the cloud has passed or melted away, the sun that had risen before shines forth again, so Macrianus, who put himself forward and pressed close upon the established reign of Gallienus, is not, since he never was; but Gallienus is, just as he was. ### Scripture references - Isa 42:9: quotation, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, Letter to Hermammon, citing Isa 42:9 (LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.23.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/23/2/). ## Church History 7.23.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/23/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:322 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The empire under Gallienus seems renewed. ### Greek text καὶ οἷον ἀποθεμένη τὸ γῆρας ἡ βασι- “λεία, καὶ τὴν προοῦσαν ἀνακαθηραμένη κακίαν, “ἀκμαιότερον νῦν ἐπανθεῖ, καὶ πορρώτερον ὁρᾶται “καὶ ἀκούεται καὶ διαφοιτᾷ πανταχοῦ.” ### English translation (Claude) And the empire, as though it had put off old age and purged itself of its former wickedness, now blooms more vigorously, and is seen and heard farther, and spreads everywhere.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.23.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/23/3/). ## Church History 7.23.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/23/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:322 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius dates his letter to the ninth year of Gallienus. ### Greek text εἶθʼ ἑξῆς καὶ τὸν χρόνον, καθʼ ὃν ταῦτʼ ἔγραφε, διὰ τούτων σημαίνει “καί μοι πάλιν τὰς ἡμέρας τῶν βασιλικῶν “ἐτῶν ἔπεισι σκοπεῖν. ὁρῶ γὰρ, ὡς ὀνομασθέντες “μὲν οἱ ἀσεβέστατοι μετʼ οὐ πολὺ γεγόνασιν ἀνώνυ- “μοι, ὁ δὲ ὁσιώτερος καὶ φιλοθεώτερος ὑπερβὰς τὴν “ἑπταετηρίδα νῦν ἐνιαυτὸν ἔνατον διανύει, ἐν ᾧ “ἡμεϊς ἑορτάσωμεν.” ### English translation (Claude) Then next he indicates the time when he was writing this, in these words: “And again it occurs to me to consider the days of the imperial years. For I see that the most impious, though famous, soon became nameless; while the holier and more God-loving emperor, having passed his seventh year, is now completing his ninth, in which we may keep the feast.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. Gallienus's ninth year is 261/2. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.23.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/23/4/). ## Church History 7.24.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/24/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:322–323 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius wrote On Promises against Bishop Nepos, who taught a literal thousand-year earthly kingdom. ### Greek text Ἐπὶ τούτοις πᾶσι σπουδάζεται αὐτῷ καὶ τὰ περὶ ἐπαγγελιῶν δύο συγγράμματα. ἡ δʼ ὑπόθεσις αὐτῷ Νέπως ἦν, ἐπίσκοπος τῶν κατʼ Αἴγυπτον, Ἰουδαϊκώτερον τὰς ἐπηγγελμένας τοῖς ἁγίοις ἐν ταῖς θείαις γραφαῖς ἐπαγγε- λίας ἀποδοθήσεσθαι διδάσκων, καί τινα χιλιάδα ἐτῶν τρυφῆς σωματικῆς ἐπὶ τῆς ξηρᾶς ταύτης ἔσεσθαι ὑποτιθέμενος. ### English translation (Claude) Besides all these, he also composed the two books On Promises. The occasion was Nepos, a bishop in Egypt, who taught that the promises made to the saints in the divine Scriptures would be fulfilled in a more Jewish manner, and supposed that there would be a thousand years of bodily luxury on this earth. ### Scripture references - Rev 20:4: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Nepos's millenarianism was based on Rev 20:1–6. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.24.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/24/1/). ## Church History 7.24.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/24/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:323 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Nepos based his view on the Apocalypse and wrote a Refutation of the Allegorists. ### Greek text δόξας γοῦν οὗτος ἐκ τῆς Ἀποκαλύψεως Ἰωάννου τὴν ἰδίαν κρατύνειν ὑπόληψιν, “ἔλεγχον ἀλληγοριστῶν” λόγον τινὰ περὶ τούτου συντάξας ἐπέγραψε. ### English translation (Claude) Thinking that he could establish his own opinion from the Apocalypse of John, he composed a treatise on this subject and entitled it Refutation of the Allegorists. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.24.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/24/2/). ## Church History 7.24.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/24/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:323 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius's first book states his view; the second deals with the Apocalypse. ### Greek text πρὸς ὃν ὁ Διονύσιος ἐν τοῖς περὶ ἐπαγγελιῶν ἐνίσταται, διὰ μὲν τοῦ προτέρου τὴν αὑτοῦ γνώμην ἣν εἶχε περὶ τοῦ δόγματος παρατιθέμενος, διὰ δὲ τοῦ δευτέρου περὶ τῆς Ἀποκαλύψεως Ἰωάννου διαλαμβάνων, ἔνθα τοῦ Νέπωτος κατὰ τὴν ἀρχὴν μνημονεύσας ταῦτα περὶ αὐτοῦ γράφει ### English translation (Claude) Against him Dionysius takes his stand in the books On Promises, setting out in the first his own opinion on the doctrine, and in the second treating of the Apocalypse of John. There, mentioning Nepos at the beginning, he writes this about him: ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.24.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/24/3/). ## Church History 7.24.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/24/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:323 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius respects Nepos's faith and hymns but puts truth first and will correct his errors. ### Greek text “ἐπεὶ δὲ σύνταγμά τι προκομίζουσι Νέπωτος, ᾧ λίαν ἐπερείδονται ὡς ἀναντιρρήτως ἀποδεικνύντι τὴν τοῦ Χριστοῦ βασιλείαν ἐπὶ γῆς ἔσεσθαι, ἐν ἄλλοις μὲν πολλοῖς ἀποδέχομαι καὶ ἀγαπῶ Νέπωτα, τῆς τε πίστεως καὶ τῆς φιλοπονίας καὶ τῆς ἐν ταῖς γραφαῖς διατριβῆς καὶ τῆς πολλῆς ψαλμῳδίας, ᾑ μέχρι νῦν πολλοὶ τῶν ἀδελφῶν εὐθυμοῦνται, καὶ πάνυ διʼ αἰδοῦς ἄγω τὸν ἄνθρωπον ταύτῃ μᾶλλον, ᾗ προανεπαύσατο, ἀλλὰ φίλη γὰρ καὶ προτιμοτάτη πάντων ἡ ἀλήθεια) ἐπαινεῖν τε χρὴ καὶ συναινεῖν ἀφθόνως, εἴ τι ὀρθῶς λέγοιτο, ἐξετάζειν δὲ καὶ διευθύνειν, εἴ τι μὴ φαίνοιτο ὑγιῶς ἀναγεγραμμένον. ### English translation (Claude) “But since they bring forward a certain treatise of Nepos, on which they rely greatly as proving beyond dispute that the kingdom of Christ will be on earth, I accept and love Nepos in many other respects, for his faith and industry and diligence in the Scriptures and his abundant psalmody, by which many of the brothers are cheered to this day; and I hold the man in great respect, all the more because he has gone to his rest before us. But truth is dear and to be honoured above all things; and one must praise and approve ungrudgingly whatever is said rightly, but examine and correct whatever does not appear to have been written soundly. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, On Promises (to 7.25.27). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.24.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/24/4/). ## Church History 7.24.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/24/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:323–324 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Because Nepos's book leads simple believers to hope only for earthly pleasures, Dionysius must answer it in writing. ### Greek text καὶ πρὸς μὲν παρόντα καὶ ψιλῷ λόγῳ δογματίζοντα αὐτάρκης ἦν ἂν ἡ ἄγραφος ὁμιλία, διʼ ἐρωτήσεως καὶ ἀποκρίσεως πείθουσα καὶ συμβιβά- ζουσα τοὺς ἀντιδιατιθεμένους· γραφῆς δὲ ἐκκειμένης, ὡς δοκεῖ τισὶ, πιθανωτάτης, καί τινων διδασκάλων τὸν μὲν νόμον καὶ τοὺς προφήτας τὸ μηδὲν “ἡγουμένων, καὶ τὸ τοῖς εὐαγγελίοις ἕπεσθαι παρέντων, καὶ τὰς τῶν ἀποστόλων ἐπιστολὰς ἐκφαυλισάντων, τὴν δὲ τοῦ συγγράμματος τούτου διδασκαλίαν “ὡς μέγα δή τι καὶ κεκρυμμένον μυστήριον κατεπαγ- “γελλομένων, καὶ τοὺς ἁπλουστέρους ἀδελφοὺς ἡμῶν “οὐδὲν ἐώντων ὑψηλὸν καὶ μεγαλεῖον φρονεῖν οὔτε “περὶ τῆς ἐνδόξου καὶ ἀληθῶς ἐνθέου τοῦ κυρίου “ἡμῶν ἐπιφανείας, οὔτε τῆς ἡμετέρας ἐκ νεκρῶν “ἀναστάσεως καὶ τῆς πρὸς αὐτὸν ἐπισυναγωγῆς καὶ “ὁμοιώσεως, ἀλλὰ μικρὰ καὶ θνητὰ καὶ οἷα τὰ νῦν ἐλπί- “ζεῖν ἀναπειθόντων ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ τοῦ θεοῦ, ἀναγκαῖο “καὶ ἡμᾶς ὡς πρὸς παρόντα τὸν ἀδελφὸν ἡμῶν δια- “λεχθῆναι Νέπωτα.” ### English translation (Claude) If he were present and setting forth his opinions by word only, unwritten discussion would have sufficed, persuading and reconciling the opponents by question and answer. But since a writing has been published, very persuasive as it seems to some, and some teachers regard the law and the prophets as nothing, neglect to follow the Gospels, and belittle the letters of the apostles, while proclaiming the teaching of this treatise as some great and hidden mystery, and do not allow our simpler brothers to think anything lofty and great either about the glorious and truly divine appearing of our Lord, or about our resurrection from the dead and our gathering together to him and our being made like him, but persuade them to hope in the kingdom of God for small and mortal things like those of the present — it is necessary for us too to discuss with our brother Nepos as though he were present.” ### Scripture references - 2 Thess 2:1: echo, medium confidence - 1 John 3:2: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria; cf. 2 Thess 2:1 and 1 John 3:2. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.24.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/24/5/). ## Church History 7.24.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/24/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:324 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: In Arsinoe, where the doctrine had split churches, Dionysius called a public examination. ### Greek text τούτοις μεθʼ ἕτερα ἐπιφέρει λέγων “ἐν μὲν οὖν τῷ Ἀρσινοΐτῃ γενόμενος, ἔνθα, “ὡς οἶδας, πρὸ πολλοῦ τοῦτο ἐπεπόλαζε τὸ δόγμα, “ὡς καὶ σχίσματα καὶ ἀποστασίας ὅλων ἐκκλησιῶν “γεγονέναι, συγκαλέσας τοὺς πρεσβυτέρους καὶ δι- “δασκάλους τῶν ἐν ταῖς κώμαις ἀδελφῶν, παρόντων “καὶ τῶν βουλομένων ἀδελφῶν, δημοσίᾳ τὴν ἐξέτα- “σιν ποιήσασθαι τοῦ λόγου προετρεψάμην. ### English translation (Claude) After other things he adds: “When I was in the district of Arsinoe, where, as you know, this doctrine had long been prevalent, so that there were even schisms and apostasies of whole churches, I called together the presbyters and teachers of the brothers in the villages, the brothers who wished being present too, and urged them to make the examination of the teaching publicly. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.24.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/24/6/). ## Church History 7.24.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/24/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:324 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: For three full days he examined Nepos's book with them. ### Greek text καὶ “τοῦτό μοι προσαγόντων τὸ βιβλίον ὥς τι ὅπλον καὶ “τεϊχος ἀκαταμάχητον, συγκαθεσθεὶς αὐτοῖς τριῶν “ἑξῆς ἡμερῶν ἐξ ἕω μέχρις ἑσπέρας, διευθύνειν ἐπει- “ράθην τὰ γεγραμμένα. ### English translation (Claude) And when they brought me this book as a kind of weapon and impregnable wall, I sat with them for three days in succession from morning till evening and tried to correct what was written. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.24.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/24/7/). ## Church History 7.24.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/24/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:324–325 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The discussion was patient, honest, and open to persuasion by Scripture. ### Greek text ἔνθα καὶ τὸ εὐσταθὲς “καὶ τὸ φιλάληθες καὶ τὸ εὐπαρακολούθητον καὶ “συνετὸν ὑπερηγάσθην τῶν ἀδελφῶν, ὡς ἐν τάξει “καὶ μετʼ ἐπιεικείας τὰς ἐρωτήσεις καὶ τὰς ἐπαπορή- “σεις καὶ τὰς συγκαταθέσεις ἐποιούμεθα, τὸ μὲν ἐκ “παντὸς τρόπου φιλονείκως τῶν ἅπαξ δοξάντων πε- “ριέχεσθαι, εἰ καὶ μὴ φαίνοιντο ὀρθῶς ἔχοντα, παρ- “αιτησάμενοι, μήτε δὲ τὰς ἀντιλογίας ὑποστελλόμενοι, “ἀλλʼ εἰς ὅσον οἷόν τε τῶν προκειμένων ἐπιβατεύειν “καὶ κρατύνειν αὐτὰ πειρώμενοι, μήτε, εἰ λόγος αἱ- “ρεῖ, μεταπείθεσθαι καὶ συνομολογεῖν αἰδούμενοι, “ἀλλʼ εὐσυνειδήτως καὶ ἀνυποκρίτως καὶ ταῖς καρ- “δίαις πρὸς τὸν θεὸν ἡπλωμέναις τὰ ταῖς ἀποδείξεσι ‘καὶ διδασκαλίαις τῶν ἁγίων γραφῶν “καταδεχόμενοι. ### English translation (Claude) There I greatly admired the steadiness, love of truth, readiness to follow, and intelligence of the brothers, as we put the questions, difficulties, and agreements in order and with forbearance. We refused to cling contentiously at all costs to opinions once held, if they did not appear correct; we did not evade objections, but as far as possible tried to go into and establish the matters in hand; nor were we ashamed, if reason convinced us, to change our minds and agree, but conscientiously and without pretence, with hearts spread open to God, we accepted what was established by the proofs and teachings of the holy Scriptures. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. A word before “by the proofs” is lost in the digital text. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.24.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/24/8/). ## Church History 7.24.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/24/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:325 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The leader Coracion renounced the doctrine, and all rejoiced at the agreement. ### Greek text καὶ τέλος ὅ τε τῆς διδαχῆς ταύ- ‘της ἀρχηγὸς καὶ εἰσηγητὴς, ὁ καλούμενος Κορακίων, “ἐν ἐπηκόῳ πάντων τῶν παρόντων ἀδελφῶν ὡμολό- “γησε καὶ διεμαρτύρατο ἡμῖν μηκέτι τούτῳ προσ- “έξειν, μηδὲ διαλέξεσθαι περὶ τούτου, μηδὲ μεμνῆ- “σθαι, μηδὲ διδάξειν, ὡς ἱκανῶς ὑπὸ τῶν ἀντι- “λεχθέντων ᾑρημένος· τῶν τε ἄλλων ἀδελφῶν οἱ “παρόντες ἔχαιρον ἐπὶ τῇ κοινολογίᾳ καὶ τῇ πρὸς “πάντας συγκαταβάσει καὶ συνδιαθέσει.’’ ### English translation (Claude) And finally the leader and introducer of this teaching, named Coracion, in the hearing of all the brothers present, confessed and testified to us that he would no longer hold to it, nor discuss it, nor mention it, nor teach it, being sufficiently convinced by the arguments against it. And of the other brothers, those present rejoiced at the conference and at the conciliation and agreement reached with all.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.24.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/24/9/). ## Church History 7.25.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:325 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius: some earlier writers rejected the Apocalypse outright as unintelligible and falsely titled. ### Greek text Εἶθʼ ἐξῆς ὑποβὰς περὶ τῆς Ἀποκαλύψεως Ἰωάννου ταῦτά φησι· τινὲς μὲν οὖν τῶν πρὸ ἡμῶν ἠθέτησαν καὶ ἀνεσκεύασαν πάντη τὸ βιβλίον, καθʼ ἕκαστον κεφάλαιον διευθύνοντες ἄγνωστόν τε καὶ ἀσυλλόγιστον ἀποφαίνοντες, ψεύδεσθαί τε τὴν ἐπιγραφήν. ### English translation (Claude) Then further on he says this about the Apocalypse of John: “Some of those before us rejected the book and entirely demolished it, criticizing it chapter by chapter and declaring it unintelligible and illogical, and the title false. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, On Promises, Book 2 (to 7.25.27). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.25.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/1/). ## Church History 7.25.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:325 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: They ascribed it to the heretic Cerinthus, not to John. ### Greek text Ἰωάννου γὰρ οὐκ εἶναι λέγουσιν· ἀλλʼ οὐδʼ ἀποκάλυψιν εἷναι, τὴν σφοδρῷ καὶ παχεῖ κεκαλυμμένην τῷ τῆς ἀγνοίας παραπετάσματι· καὶ οὐχ ὅπως τῶν ἀποστόλων τινὰ, ἀλλʼ οὐδʼ ὅλως τῶν ἁγίων ἢ τῶν ἀπὸ τῆς ἐκκλησίας τούτου γεγονέναι ποιητὴν τοῦ συγγράμματος, Κήρινθον δὲ τὸν καὶ τὴν ἀπʼ ἐκείνου κληθεῖσαν Κηρινθιανὴν συστησάμενον αἵρεσιν, ἀξιόπιστον ἐπιφημίσαι θελήσαντα τῷ ἑαυτοῦ πλάσματι ὄνομα. ### English translation (Claude) For they say that it is not John's, nor even a revelation, being covered with the heavy and thick veil of ignorance; and that the author of this writing was not only none of the apostles, but none of the saints or members of the church at all, but Cerinthus, who founded the heresy called Cerinthian after him, and wished to attach a trustworthy name to his own fiction. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria; compare 3.28.2. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.25.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/2/). ## Church History 7.25.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:325–326 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Cerinthus reportedly imagined Christ's kingdom as one of bodily pleasures. ### Greek text τοῦτο γὰρ εἶναι τῆς διδα- ‘σκαλίας αὐτοῦ τὸ δόγμα, ἐπίγειον ἔσεσθαι τὴν τοῦ Χριστοῦ βασιλείαν, καὶ ὧν αὐτὸς ὠρέγετο φιλοσώματος ὢν καὶ πάνυ σαρκικὸς, ἐν τούτοις ὀνειροπολεῖν ἔσεσθαι, γαστρὸς καὶ τῶν ὑπὸ γαστέρα πλησμοναῖς, τουτέστι σιτίοις καὶ ποτοῖς καὶ γάμοις, καὶ διʼ ὧν εὐφημότερον ταῦτα ᾠήθη ποριεῖσθαι, “ἑορταῖς καὶ θυσίαις καὶ ἱερείων σφαγαῖς. ### English translation (Claude) For this, they say, was the doctrine of his teaching: that the kingdom of Christ would be on earth; and in the things he himself desired, being a lover of the body and altogether carnal, he dreamed it would consist: in the satisfaction of the belly and what is below the belly, that is, in food and drink and marriages, and, to procure these things under more respectable names, in festivals and sacrifices and slaughterings of victims. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.25.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/3/). ## Church History 7.25.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:326 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius will not reject the Apocalypse, believing it has a deeper meaning beyond him. ### Greek text ἐγὼ “δὲ ἀθετῆσαι μὲν οὐκ ἂν τολμήσαιμι τὸ βιβλίον, “πολλῶν αὐτὸ διὰ σπουδῆς ἐχόντων ἀδελφῶν, μεί- “ζονα δὲ τῆς ἐμαυτοῦ φρονήσεως τὴν ὑπόληψιν τὴν “περὶ αὐτοῦ λαμβάνων, κεκρυμμένην εἶναί τινα καὶ “θαυμασιωτέραν τὴν καθʼ ἕκαστον ἐκδοχὴν ὑπολαμ- “βάνω. καὶ γὰρ εἰ μὴ συνίημι, ἀλλʼ ὑπονοῶ γε νοῦν “τινὰ βαθύτερον ἐγκεῖσθαι τοῖς ῥήμασιν. ### English translation (Claude) But I would not dare to reject the book, since many brothers hold it in esteem; but, taking my opinion of it to be beyond my own understanding, I suppose the interpretation of each part to be hidden and more wonderful. For even if I do not understand it, I suspect that some deeper meaning lies in the words. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.25.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/4/). ## Church History 7.25.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:326 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: He defers to faith and wonders rather than rejects what he cannot understand. ### Greek text οὐκ “ἰδίῳ ταῦτα μετρῶν καὶ κρίνων λογισμῷ, πίστει δὲ “τὸ πλέον νέμων, ὑψηλότερα ἢ ὑπʼ ἐμοῦ καταληφθῆ- “ναι νενόμικα, καὶ οὐκ ἀποδοκιμάζω ταῦτα, ἃ μὴ “συνεώρακα, θαυμάζω δὲ μᾶλλον ὅτι μὴ καὶ εἶδον.’’ ### English translation (Claude) Not measuring and judging these things by my own reasoning, but assigning more to faith, I have considered them too lofty to be grasped by me; and I do not reject what I have not understood, but rather wonder that I have not also seen it.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.25.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/5/). ## Church History 7.25.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:326 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: At the end of his prophecy the author blesses those who keep it and names himself John. ### Greek text ἐπὶ τούτοις τὴν ὅλην τῆς Ἀποκαλύψεως βασανίσας γραφὴν, ἀδύνατον δὲ αὐτὴν κατὰ τὴν πρόχειρον ἀποδείξας νοεῖσθαι διάνοιαν, ἐπιφέρει λέγων “συν- “τελέσας δὴ πᾶσαν ὡς εἰπεῖν τὴν προφητείαν, μα- “καρίζει ὁ προφήτης τούς τε φυλάσσοντας αὐτὴν “καὶ δὴ καὶ ἑαυτόν. μακάριος γὰρ, φησὶν, ὁ τηρῶν “τοὺς λόγους τῆς προφητείας τοῦ βιβλίου τούτου, “κἀγὼ Ἰωάννης ὁ βλέπων καὶ ἀκούων ταῦτα. ### English translation (Claude) After this, having examined the whole book of the Apocalypse and shown that it cannot be understood according to the obvious sense, he continues: “Having completed, so to speak, the whole prophecy, the prophet calls blessed those who keep it, and indeed himself: ‘Blessed,’ he says, ‘is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book, and I John, who saw and heard these things.’ ### Scripture references - Rev 22:7: quotation, high confidence - Rev 22:8: quotation, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, citing Rev 22:7–8. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.25.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/6/). ## Church History 7.25.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:326 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius accepts that the author was a holy, inspired John, but doubts he was the apostle who wrote the Gospel and letter. ### Greek text κα- ῾λεῖσθαι μὲν οὖν αὐτὸν Ἰωάννην, καὶ εἶναι τὴν γρα- “φὴν Ἰωάννου ταύτην, οὐκ ἀντερῶ. ἁγίου μὲν γὰρ “εἶναί τινος καὶ θεοπνεύστου συναινῶ, οὐ μὴν ῥᾳ- “δίως ἂν συνθείμην τοῦτον εἶναι τὸν ἀπόστολον, τὸν “υἱὸν Ζεβεδαίου, τὸν ἀδελφὸν Ἰακώβου, οὗ τὸ εὐ- “αγγέλιον τὸ κατὰ Ἰωάννην ἐπιγεγραμμένον καὶ ἡ “ἐπιστολὴ ἡ καθολική. ### English translation (Claude) That he was called John, and that this writing is John's, I will not deny. For I agree that it is the work of some holy and inspired man. But I would not readily agree that this was the apostle, the son of Zebedee, the brother of James, whose are the Gospel entitled According to John and the catholic letter. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria; a famous early piece of critical reasoning about authorship. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.25.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/7/). ## Church History 7.25.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:326–327 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Character, style, and structure show different authors; the evangelist never names himself. ### Greek text τεκμαίρομαι γὰρ ἔκ τε “τοῦ ἤθους ἐκατέρων καὶ τοῦ τῶν λόγων εἴδους, “καὶ τῆς τοῦ βιβλίου διεξαγωγῆς λεγομένης, μὴ τὸν “αὐτὸν εἶναι. ὁ μὲν γὰρ εὐαγγελιστὴς οὐδαμοῦ τὸ “ὄνομα αὐτοῦ παρεγγράφει, οὐδὲ κηρύσσει ἑαυτὸν, “οὔτε διὰ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου οὔτε διὰ τῆς ἐπιστολῆς.’’ ### English translation (Claude) For I judge from the character of each, and the form of the language, and the arrangement of the book, as it is called, that they are not the same. For the evangelist nowhere adds his name, nor proclaims himself, either in the Gospel or in the letter.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.25.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/8/). ## Church History 7.25.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:327 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The author of the Apocalypse names himself at the very beginning. ### Greek text εἷθʼ ὑποβὰς ταῦτα λέγει πάλιν “’Ιωάννης δὲ οὐδαμοῦ “οὐδὲ ὡς περὶ ἑαυτοῦ οὐδὲ ὡς περὶ ἑτέρου· ὁ δὲ τὴν Ἀποκάλυψιν γράψας εὐθύς τε ἐν ἀρχῇ ἑαυτὸν προ- ‘τάσσει· Ἀποκάλυψις Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ἣν “δεῖξαι τοῖς δούλοις αὐτοῦ ἐν τάχει, καὶ ἐσήμανεν ἀπο- “στείλας διὰ τοῦ ἀγγέλου αὐτοῦ τῷ δούλῳ αὐτοῦ Ἰω- “άννῃ, ὃς ἐμαρτύρησε τὸν λόγον τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ τὴν μαρ- ‘τυρίαν αὐτοῦ, ὅσα εἶδεν. ### English translation (Claude) Then further on he says again: “John nowhere speaks as of himself or as of another; but the one who wrote the Apocalypse puts himself forward immediately at the beginning: ‘The revelation of Jesus Christ, which he gave him to show to his servants quickly; and he signified it, sending it by his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to his testimony, to all that he saw.’ ### Scripture references - Rev 1:1: quotation, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, citing Rev 1:1–2. A few words (“which God gave him”) are lost in the digital text. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.25.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/9/). ## Church History 7.25.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:327 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Apocalypse opens with a named greeting, but 1 John begins with the mystery itself, unnamed. ### Greek text εἶτα καὶ ἐπιστολὴν “γράφει· ῾Ἰωάννης ταῖς ἑπτὰ ἐκκλησίαις ταῖς ἐν τῇ “Ἀσίᾳ, χάρις ὑμίν καὶ εἰρήνη. ὁ δέ γε ῾στὴς οὐδὲ τῆς καθολικῆς ἐπιστολῆς προέγραψεν “ἑαυτοῦ τὸ ὄνομα, ἀλλὰ ἀπερίττως ἀπʼ αὐτοῦ τοῦ “μυστηρίου τῆς θείας ἀποκαλύψεως ἤρξατο ‘ὃ ἦν ἀπʼ “ἀρχῆς, ὃ ἀκηκόαμεν, ὃ ἑωράκαμεν τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς “ἡμῶν.’ ἐπὶ ταύτῃ γὰρ τῇ ἀποκαλύψει καὶ ὁ κύριος ῾τὸν Πέτρον ἐμακάρισεν εἰπών ῾μακάριος εἶ Σίμων ῾βὰρ Ἰωνᾶ, ὅτι σὰρξ καὶ αἷμα οὐκ ἀπεκάλυψέ ‘ἀλλʼ ὁ πατήρ μου ὁ οὐράνιος.’ ### English translation (Claude) Then he also writes a letter: ‘John to the seven churches in Asia, grace to you and peace.’ But the evangelist did not prefix his name even to the catholic letter, but began without superfluity from the very mystery of the divine revelation: ‘That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes.’ For on account of this revelation the Lord also blessed Peter, saying, ‘Blessed are you, Simon bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed it to you, but my heavenly Father.’ ### Scripture references - Rev 1:4: quotation, high confidence - 1 John 1:1: quotation, high confidence - Matt 16:17: quotation, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, citing Rev 1:4, 1 John 1:1, and Matt 16:17. The digital text repeats ἡμῶν and ὅτι, and the word “evangelist” is partly lost. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.25.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/10/). ## Church History 7.25.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:327–328 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Even 2 and 3 John are anonymous, while the Apocalypse names John repeatedly. ### Greek text ἀλλʼ οὐδὲ ἐν τῇ “δευτέρᾳ φερομένῃ Ἰωάννου καὶ τρίτη, καίτοι βραχείαις οὔσαις ἐπιστολαῖς, ὁ Ἰωάννης ὀνομαστὶ πρό- ’κειται, ἀλλὰ ἀνωνύμως ὁ πρεσβύτερος γέγραπται. “οὗτος δέ γε οὐδὲ αὔταρκες ἐνόμισεν, ἅπαξ ἑαυτὸν ὀνομάσας διηγεῖσθαι τὰ ἑξῆς, ἀλλὰ πάλιν ἀναλαμβάνει ῾ἐγὼ Ἰωάννης, ὁ ἀδελφὸς ὑμῶν καὶ συγκοινωνὸς ἐν τῇ θλίψει καὶ βασιλείᾳ καὶ ἐν ὑπομονῇ Ἰησοῦ, ἐγενόμην ἐν τῇ νήσῳ τῇ καλουμένῃ Πάτμῳ, διὰ τὸν λόγον τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ.· “καὶ δὴ καὶ πρὸς τῷ τέλει ταῦτα εἶπε ῾μακάριος ὁ “τηρῶν τοὺς λόγους τῆς προφητείας τοῦ βιβλίου τού- “του· κἀγὼ Ἰωάννης ὁ βλέπων καὶ ἀκούων ταῦτα. “ ### English translation (Claude) But not even in the reputed second and third letters of John, though they are short, is John put forward by name, but ‘the elder’ is written anonymously. But this writer did not even think it sufficient, having named himself once, to relate what follows, but takes it up again: ‘I, John, your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and endurance of Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.’ And indeed at the end he said this: ‘Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book, and I John, who saw and heard these things.’ ### Scripture references - 2 John 1:1: allusion, high confidence - 3 John 1:1: allusion, high confidence - Rev 1:9: quotation, high confidence - Rev 22:7: quotation, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, citing 2 John 1, 3 John 1, Rev 1:9, and Rev 22:7–8. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.25.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/11/). ## Church History 7.25.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:328 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The author is John, but which John is unclear; he never uses the Gospel's self-descriptions. ### Greek text ὅτι μὲν οὖν Ἰωάννης ἐστὶν ὁ ταῦτα γράφων ‘αὐτῷ λέγοντι πιστευτέον· ποῖος δὲ οὗτος ἄδηλον. “οὐ γὰρ εἶπεν ἑαυτὸν εἷναι, ὡς ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ πολ- “λαχοῦ, τὸν ἠγαπημένον ὑπὸ τοῦ κυρίου μαθητὴν, “οὐδὲ τὸν ἀναπεσόντα ἐπὶ τὸ στῆθος αὐτοῦ, οὐδὲ τὸν ἀδελφὸν Ἰακώβου, οὐδὲ τὸν αὐτόπτην καὶ αὐ- “τήκοον τοῦ κυρίου γενόμενον. ### English translation (Claude) That it is John who writes these things we must believe, since he says so; but which John is not clear. For he did not say that he was, as often in the Gospel, the disciple loved by the Lord, nor the one who leaned on his breast, nor the brother of James, nor the eyewitness and hearer of the Lord. ### Scripture references - John 21:20: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria; cf. John 13:23, 21:20, 24. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.25.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/12/). ## Church History 7.25.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:328 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: He calls himself only brother, companion, and witness. ### Greek text εἶπε γὰρ ἄν τι τούτων τῶν προδεδηλωμένων, σαφῶς ἑαυτὸν ἐμφα- “νίσαι βουλόμενος. ἀλλὰ τούτων μὲν οὐδὲν, ἀδελφὸν “δὲ ἡμῶν καὶ συγκοινωνὸν εἶπε καὶ μάρτυρα Ἰησοῦ “καὶ μακάριον ἐπὶ τῇ θέᾳ καὶ ἀκοῇ τῶν ἀποκαλύ- “ψεων. ### English translation (Claude) For he would have said one of these things already mentioned, if he wished to reveal himself clearly. But he says none of these, but calls himself our brother and companion, and a witness of Jesus, and blessed for the sight and hearing of the revelations. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.25.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/13/). ## Church History 7.25.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:328 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Many Christians took the name John, as they did Paul and Peter. ### Greek text πολλοὺς δὲ ὁμωνύμους Ἰωάννῃ τῷ ἀπο- ῾στόλῳ νομίζω γεγονέναι, οἳ διὰ τὴν πρὸς ἐκεῖνον ‘ἀγάπην, καὶ τὸ θαυμάζειν καὶ ζηλοῦν, ἀγαπηθῆναί “τε ὁμοίως αὐτῷ βούλεσθαι ὑπὸ τοῦ κυρίου, καὶ τὴν “ἐπωνυμίαν τὴν αὐτὴν ἠσπάσαντο, ὥσπερ καὶ ὁ Παῦ- “λος πολὺς καὶ δὴ ὁ Πέτρος ἐν τοῖς τῶν πιστῶν παι- “σὶν ὀνομάζεται. ### English translation (Claude) I think there were many of the same name as John the apostle, who, out of love for him, and admiring and emulating him, and wishing to be loved by the Lord as he was, embraced the same name too, just as many of the children of the faithful are named Paul and indeed Peter. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.25.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/14/). ## Church History 7.25.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:328 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: John Mark is unlikely to be the author, since he left Paul before Asia. ### Greek text ἔστι μὲν οὖν καὶ ἕτερος Ἰωάννης “ἐν ταῖς Πράξεσι τῶν ἀποστόλων ὁ ἐπικληθεὶς Μάρ- “κος, ὃν Βαρνάβας καὶ Παῦλος ἑαυτοῖς συμπαρέλα- “βον, περὶ οὗ καὶ πάλιν λέγει εἶχον δὲ καὶ Ἰωάννην “ὑπηρέτην.’ εἰ δὲ οὗτος ὁ γράψας ἐστὶν οὐκ ἂν “φαίην· οὐδὲ γὰρ ἀφῖχθαι σὺν αὐτοῖς εἰς τὴν Ἀσίαν “γέγραπται, ἀλλὰ ἀναχθέντες μὲν, φησὶν, ἀπὸ τῆς “Πάφου οἶ περὶ τὸν Παῦλον ἦλθον εἰς Πέργην τῆς “Παμφυλίας, Ἰωάννης δὲ ἀποχωρήσας ἀπʼ αὐτῶν “ὑπέστρεψεν Ἱεροσόλυμα. ### English translation (Claude) There is indeed also another John in the Acts of the Apostles, surnamed Mark, whom Barnabas and Paul took with them, of whom again it says, ‘And they had John as their assistant.’ But whether this is the one who wrote it, I would not say. For it is not written that he came with them to Asia; but, it says, ‘Paul and his company set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia; but John left them and returned to Jerusalem.’ ### Scripture references - Acts 12:25: allusion, high confidence - Acts 13:5: quotation, high confidence - Acts 13:13: quotation, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, citing Acts 12:25, 13:5, and 13:13. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.25.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/15/). ## Church History 7.25.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/16/ - Source: Dindorf 4:328–329 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The author was probably another John of Asia; two tombs of John are shown at Ephesus. ### Greek text ἄλλον δέ τινα “τῶν ἐν Ἀσίᾳ γενομένων, ἐπεὶ καὶ δύο φασὶν ἐν Ἐφέσῳ γενέσθαι μνήματα, καὶ ἑκάτερον Ἰωάννου λέγεσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) But I think it was some other of those who lived in Asia, since they say there are two tombs at Ephesus, each of which is said to be John's. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. The verb “I think” is implied from 7.25.14; compare 3.39.6. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.25.16 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/16/). ## Church History 7.25.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/17/ - Source: Dindorf 4:329 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Thought, vocabulary, and syntax also distinguish the two authors. ### Greek text καὶ ἀπὸ τῶν νοημάτων δὲ καὶ ἀπὸ τῶν ῥημάτων καὶ τῆς συντάξεως αὐτῶν εἰκότως ἕτερος οὗτος παρʼ ἐκεῖνον ὑπονοηθήσεται. ### English translation (Claude) And from the thoughts, the words, and their arrangement, this one will reasonably be judged different from that one. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.25.17 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/17/). ## Church History 7.25.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/18/ - Source: Dindorf 4:329 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Gospel of John and 1 John open with closely parallel words. ### Greek text συνᾴδουσι μὲν γὰρ ἀλλήλοις τὸ εὐαγγέλιον καὶ ἡ ἐπιστολὴ, ὁμοίως τε ἄρχονται. τὸ μέν φησιν· ἐν ἀρχῇ ἦν ὁ λόγος, ἡ δὲ, ὃ ἦν ἀπʼ ἀρχῆς. τὸ μέν φησι· καὶ ὁ λόγος σὰρξ ἐγένετο καὶ ἐσκήνωσεν ἐν ἡμῖν καὶ ἐθεασάμεθα τὴν δόξαν αὐτοῦ, δόξαν ὡς μονογενοῦς παρὰ πατρός· ἡ δὲ τὰ αὐτὰ σμικρῷ παρηλλαγμένα· ὃ ἀκηκόαμεν, ὃ ἑωράκαμεν τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς ἡμῶν, ὃ ἐθεασάμεθα, καὶ αἱ χεῖρες ἡμῶν ἐψηλάφησαν, περὶ τοῦ λόγου τῆς ζωῆς, καὶ ἡ ζωὴ ἐφανερώθη. ### English translation (Claude) For the Gospel and the letter agree with each other and begin alike. The one says, ‘In the beginning was the Word’; the other, ‘That which was from the beginning.’ The one says, ‘And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, glory as of the only-begotten from the Father’; the other says the same with a slight change: ‘That which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have beheld, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life; and the life was manifested.’ ### Scripture references - John 1:1: quotation, high confidence - John 1:14: quotation, high confidence - 1 John 1:1: quotation, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, citing John 1:1, 1:14, and 1 John 1:1–2. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.25.18 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/18/). ## Church History 7.25.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/19/ - Source: Dindorf 4:329 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: 1 John begins by opposing those who deny Christ came in the flesh. ### Greek text ταῦτα γὰρ προανακρούεται διατεινόμενος, ὡς ἐν τοῖς ἑξῆς ἐδήλωσε, πρὸς τοὺς οὐκ ἐν σαρκὶ φάσκοντας ἐληλυθέναι τὸν κύριον· διὸ καὶ συνῆψεν ἐπιμελῶς· καὶ ἑωράκαμεν καὶ μαρτυροῦμεν, καὶ ἀπαγγέλλομεν ὑμῖν τὴν ζωὴν τὴν αἰώνιον, ἥτις ἣν πρὸς τὸν πατέρα, καὶ ἐφανερώθη ἡμῖν· ὃ ἑωράκαμεν καὶ ἀκηκόαμεν ἀπαγγέλλομεν καὶ ὑμῖν. ### English translation (Claude) For he makes these preliminary statements, contending, as he showed in what follows, against those who say that the Lord has not come in the flesh. Therefore he carefully added: ‘And we have seen and bear witness, and declare to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us; that which we have seen and heard we declare to you also.’ ### Scripture references - 1 John 1:2: quotation, high confidence - 1 John 4:2: allusion, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, citing 1 John 1:2–3; cf. 1 John 4:2 and 2 John 7. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.25.19 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/19/). ## Church History 7.25.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/20/ - Source: Dindorf 4:329 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Gospel and letter keep consistently to the same themes and terms. ### Greek text ἔχεται αὑτοῦ καὶ τῶν προθέσεων οὐκ ἀφίσταται, διὰ δὲ τῶν αὐτῶν κεφαλαίων καὶ ὀνομάτων πάντα διεξέρχεται, ὧν τινα μὲν ἡμεῖς συντόμως ὑπεμνήσαμεν. ### English translation (Claude) He holds to himself and does not depart from his themes, but goes through everything with the same headings and terms, some of which we shall briefly mention. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.25.20 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/20/). ## Church History 7.25.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/21/ - Source: Dindorf 4:329–330 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Gospel and 1 John share distinctive vocabulary: life, light, truth, love, the world, antichrist, Father and Son. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ προσεχῶς ἐντυγχάνων εὑρήσει ἐν ἑκατέρῳ πολλὴν τὴν ζωὴν, πολὺ τὸ φῶς, ἀποτροπὴν τοῦ σκότους, συνεχῆ τὴν ἀλήθειαν, τὴν χάριν, τὴν χαρὰν, τὴν σάρκα καὶ τὸ αἷμα τοῦ κυρίου, τὴν κρίσιν, τὴν ἄφεσιν τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν, τὴν πρὸς ἡμᾶς ἀγάπην τοῦ θεοῦ, τὴν πρὸς ἀλλήλους ἡμὰς ἀγάπης ἐντολὴν, ὡς πάσας δεῖ φυλάσσειν τὰς ἐντολάς· ὁ ἔλεγχος τοῦ κόσμου, τοῦ διαβόλου, τοῦ ἀντιχρίστου, ἡ ἐπαγγε- “λία τοῦ ἁγίου πνεύματος, ἡ υἱοθεσία τοῦ θεοῦ, ἡ “διόλου πίστις ἡμῶν ἀπαιτουμένη, ὁ πατὴρ καὶ ὁ υἱὸς πανταχοῦ· καὶ ὅλως διὰ πάντων χαρακτηρί- “ζοντας ἕνα καὶ τὸν αὐτὸν συνορᾶν τοῦ τε εὐαγγε- “λίου καὶ τῆς ἐπιστολῆς χρῶτα πρόκειται. ### English translation (Claude) The attentive reader will find in each much ‘life,’ much ‘light,’ the turning from ‘darkness,’ constantly ‘truth,’ ‘grace,’ ‘joy,’ the ‘flesh and blood’ of the Lord, ‘judgment,’ ‘forgiveness of sins,’ God's ‘love’ toward us, the ‘commandment’ of ‘love’ toward one another, that we must keep all the ‘commandments’; the conviction of the ‘world,’ of the ‘devil,’ of the ‘antichrist’; the promise of the ‘Holy Spirit,’ the adoption of God, the ‘faith’ required of us throughout, the ‘Father’ and the ‘Son’ everywhere. In short, it is possible to see one and the same complexion in the Gospel and the letter, characterizing them throughout. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.25.21 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/21/). ## Church History 7.25.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/22/ - Source: Dindorf 4:330 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Apocalypse shares almost nothing with them. ### Greek text ἀλ- “λοιοτάτη δὲ καὶ ξένη παρὰ ταῦτα ἡ Ἀποκάλυψις, “μήτε ἐφαπτομένη μήτε γειτνιῶσα τούτων μηδενὶ, “σχεδὸν ὡς εἰπεῖν μηδὲ συλλαβὴν πρὸς αὐτὰ κοινὴν “ἔχουσα. ### English translation (Claude) But the Apocalypse is quite different from these and foreign to them, neither touching nor bordering on any of them, having, one might almost say, not even a syllable in common with them. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.25.22 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/22/). ## Church History 7.25.23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/23/ - Source: Dindorf 4:330 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Neither mentions the other, while Paul at least alludes to his revelations. ### Greek text ἀλλʼ οὐδὲ μνήμην τινὰ οὐδὲ ἔννοιαν “οὔτε ἡ ἐπιστολὴ τῆς Ἀποκαλύψεως ἔχει ἐῶ γὰρ τὸ “εὐαγγέλιον), οὔτε τῆς ἐπιστολῆς ἡ Ἀποκάλυψις, “Παύλου διὰ τῶν ἐπιστολῶν ὑποφήναντός τι καὶ “περὶ τῶν ἀποκαλύψεων αὐτοῦ, ἃς οὐκ ἐνέγραψε “καθʼ αὑτάς. ### English translation (Claude) Nor does the letter (I leave aside the Gospel) contain any mention or thought of the Apocalypse, nor the Apocalypse of the letter; whereas Paul in his letters gave some indication even about his revelations, which he did not write down separately. ### Scripture references - 2 Cor 12:1: allusion, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria; cf. 2 Cor 12:1–7. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.25.23 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/23/). ## Church History 7.25.24 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/24/ - Source: Dindorf 4:330 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Style too distinguishes the Gospel and letter from the Apocalypse. ### Greek text ἔτι δὲ καὶ τῆς φράσεως τὴν δια- “φορὰν ἔστι τεκμήρασθαι τοῦ εὐαγγελίου καὶ τῆς “ἐπιστολῆς πρὸς τὴν Ἀποκάλυψιν. ### English translation (Claude) Moreover, one can also judge from the style the difference between the Gospel and the letter on the one hand and the Apocalypse on the other. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.25.24 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/24/). ## Church History 7.25.25 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/25/ - Source: Dindorf 4:330 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Gospel and letter are written in correct and elegant Greek. ### Greek text τὰ μὲν γὰρ “οὐ μόνον ἀπταίστως κατὰ τὴν τῶν Ἑλλήνων φωνὴν, “ἀλλὰ καὶ λογιώτατα ταῖς λέξεσι, τοῖς συλλογισμοῖς, “ταῖς συντάξεσι τῆς ἑρμηνείας γέγραπται. πολλοῦ “γε δεῖ βάρβαρόν τινα φθόγγον ἢ σολοικισμὸν ἢ “ὅλως ἰδιωτισμὸν ἐν αὐτοῖς εὑρεθῆναι. ἑκάτερον ‘γὰρ εἶχεν, ὡς ἔοικε, τὸν λόγον, ἀμφοτέρους αὐτῷ “χαρισαμένου τοῦ κυρίου, τόν τε τῆς γνώσεως, τόν “τε τῆς φράσεως. ### English translation (Claude) For the former are written not only without error as regards the Greek language, but also most elegantly in their diction, reasoning, and arrangement of expression. Far from any barbarous word or solecism or vulgarism at all being found in them. For he had, it seems, both kinds of word, the Lord having granted him both: that of knowledge and that of expression. ### Scripture references - 1 Cor 12:8: echo, low confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria; cf. 1 Cor 12:8 and 2 Cor 11:6. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.25.25 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/25/). ## Church History 7.25.26 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/26/ - Source: Dindorf 4:330 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Apocalypse's author truly received revelation but writes ungrammatical, barbarous Greek. ### Greek text τοῦτον δὲ ἀποκάλυψιν μὲν “ἑωρακέναι, καὶ γνῶσιν εἰληφέναι καὶ προφητείαν, οὐκ ἀντερῶ, διάλεκτον μέντοι καὶ γλῶτταν οὐκ ἀκριβῶς ἑλληνίζουσαν αὐτοῦ βλέπω, ἀλλʼ ἰδιώ- ῾μασί τε βαρβαρικοῖς χρώμενον, καί που καὶ σολοι- “κίζοντα. ### English translation (Claude) That this other one saw a revelation and received knowledge and prophecy I will not deny; but I see that his dialect and language are not accurate Greek, and that he uses barbarous idioms and in some places commits solecisms. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.25.26 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/26/). ## Church History 7.25.27 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/27/ - Source: Dindorf 4:330–331 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius disclaims mockery; he only wishes to show the writings differ. ### Greek text ἅπερ οὐκ ἀναγκαῖον νῦν ἐκλέγειν· “οὐδὲ γὰρ ἐπισκώπτων, μή τις νομίσῃ, ταῦτα εἷ- ‘πον, ἀλλὰ μόνον τὴν ἀνομοιότητα διευθύνων τῶν γραφῶν. ### English translation (Claude) It is not necessary to pick these out now; for let no one think that I said these things in mockery, but only to set out the dissimilarity of the writings.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - End of the quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, On Promises. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.25.27 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/25/27/). ## Church History 7.26.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/26/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:331 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius wrote letters and four treatises against Sabellianism, the latter to Dionysius of Rome. ### Greek text Ἐπὶ ταύταις τοῦ Διονυσίου φέρονται καὶ ἄλλαι πλείους ἐπιστολαὶ, ὥσπερ αἱ κατὰ Σαβελλίου πρὸς Ἄμμωνα τῆς κατὰ Βερνίκην ἐκκλησίας ἐπίσκοπον, καὶ ἡ πρὸς Τελεσφόρον, καὶ ἡ πρὸς Εὐφράνορα, καὶ πάλιν Ἄμμωνα καὶ Εὔπορον. συντάττει δὲ περὶ τῆς αὐτῆς ὑποθέσεως καὶ ἄλλα τέσσαρα συγγράμματα, ἃ τῷ κατὰ Ῥώμην Διονυσίῳ προσφωνεῖ. ### English translation (Claude) Besides these many other letters of Dionysius are extant, such as those against Sabellius to Ammon, bishop of the church at Berenice, and the one to Telesphorus, and the one to Euphranor, and again to Ammon and Euporus. He also composed four other treatises on the same subject, which he addresses to Dionysius of Rome. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The treatises to Dionysius of Rome are the Refutation and Defence, fragments of which survive in Athanasius. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.26.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/26/1/). ## Church History 7.26.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/26/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:331 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Other works include On Nature and On Temptations. ### Greek text καὶ πλείους δὲ παρὰ ταύτας εἰσὶν αὐτοῦ παρʼ ἡμῖν ἐπιστολαὶ, καὶ δὴ καὶ πολυεπεῖς λόγοι ἐν ἐπιστολῆς χαρακτῆρι γραφέντες, ὡς οἱ περὶ φύσεως, Τιμοθέῳ τῷ παιδὶ προσπεφωνημένοι, καὶ ὁ περὶ πειρασμῶν, ὃν καὶ αὐτὸν Εὐφράνορι ἀνατέθεικεν. ### English translation (Claude) Besides these there are many more letters of his in our possession, and also lengthy works written in the form of letters, such as those On Nature, addressed to his son Timothy, and the one On Temptations, which he also dedicated to Euphranor. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - On Nature (against Epicurean atomism) is partly preserved by Eusebius in the Preparation for the Gospel. “Son” may mean spiritual son. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.26.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/26/2/). ## Church History 7.26.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/26/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:331 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius also commented on Ecclesiastes; Eusebius now turns to his own generation. ### Greek text ἐπὶ τούτοις καὶ Βασιλείδῃ τῶν κατὰ τὴν Πεντάπολιν παροικιῶν ἐπισκόπῳ γράφων φησὶν ἑαυτὸν εἰς τὴν ἀρχὴν ἐξήγησιν πεποιῆσθαι τοῦ Ἐκκλησιαστοῦ. διαφόρους δʼ ἡμῖν καὶ πρὸς τοῦτον καταλέλοιπεν ἐπιστολάς. τοσαῦτα ὁ Διονύσιος. ἀλλὰ γὰρ ἤδη μετὰ τὴν τούτων ἱστορίαν φέρε καὶ τὴν καθʼ ἡμᾶς τοῖς μετέπειτα γνωρίζειν γενεὰν, ὁποία τις ἦν, παραδῶμεν. ### English translation (Claude) In addition, writing to Basilides, bishop of the communities in the Pentapolis, he says that he had made an exposition of the beginning of Ecclesiastes. He has left us various letters to him too. So much for Dionysius. But now, after the account of these, let us hand down to posterity what kind of generation ours was. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.26.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/26/3/). ## Church History 7.27.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/27/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:331 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius succeeded Xystus at Rome; Paul of Samosata became bishop of Antioch. ### Greek text Ξυστὸν τῆς Ῥωμαίων ἐκκλησίας ἔτεσιν ἕνδεκα προστάντα διαδέχεται τῷ κατʼ Ἀλεξάνδρειαν ὁμώνυμος Διονύσιος. ἐν τούτῳ δὲ καὶ Δημητριανοῦ κατʼ Ἀντιόχειαν τὸν βίον μεταλλάξαντος τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν Παῦλος ὁ ἐκ Σαμοσάτων παραλαμβάνει. ### English translation (Claude) When Xystus had presided over the church of the Romans for eleven years, he was succeeded by Dionysius, namesake of the one at Alexandria. At this time also, when Demetrianus at Antioch departed this life, Paul of Samosata received the episcopate. ### Translation notes - Xystus II actually reigned about one year (257–258); Eusebius's “eleven” is a known error. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.27.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/27/1/). ## Church History 7.27.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/27/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:331–332 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Paul taught that Christ was a mere man; bishops gathered at Antioch, and the aged Dionysius sent his view by letter. ### Greek text τούτου δὲ ταπεινὰ καὶ χαμαιπετῆ περὶ τοῦ Χριστοῦ παρὰ τὴν ἐκκλησιαστικὴν διδασκαλίαν φρονήσαντος, ὡς κοινοῦ τὴν φύσιν ἀνθρώπου γενομένου, ὁ μὲν κατʼ Ἀλεξάνδρειαν Διονύσιος, παρακληθεὶς ὡς ἂν ἐπὶ τὴν σύνοδον ἀφίκοιτο, γῆρας ὁμοῦ καὶ ἀσθένειαν τοῦ σώματος αἰτιασάμενος, ἀνατίθεται τὴν παρουσίαν, διʼ ἐπιστολῆς τὴν αὐτοῦ γνώμην, ἣν ἔχοι περὶ τοῦ ζητουμένου, παραστήσας, οἱ δὲ λοιποὶ τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν ποιμένες ἄλλος ἄλλοθεν ὡς ἐπὶ λυμεῶνα τῆς Χριστοῦ ποίμνης συνῄεσαν, οἱ πάντες ἐπὶ τὴν Ἀντιόχειαν σπεύδοντες. ### English translation (Claude) When he held low and earthly views about Christ, contrary to the church's teaching, namely that he was by nature an ordinary man, Dionysius of Alexandria, invited to come to the synod, pleaded old age and bodily weakness and put off his attendance, setting out by letter the opinion he held on the question; but the other pastors of the churches assembled from various places, as against a destroyer of Christ's flock, all hastening to Antioch. ### Translation notes - Paul's teaching is known almost entirely from his opponents' reports. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.27.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/27/2/). ## Church History 7.28.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/28/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:332 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius names the leading bishops at the synods of Antioch. ### Greek text Τούτων οἳ μάλιστα διέπρεπον, Φιρμιλλιανὸς μὲν τῆς Καππαδοκῶν Καισαρείας ἐπίσκοπος ἦν, Γρηγόριος δὲ καὶ Ἀθηνόδωρος ἀδελφοὶ, τῶν κατὰ Πόντον παροικιῶν ποιμένες, καὶ ἐπὶ τούτοις Ἕλενος τῆς ἐν Ταρσῷ παροικίας, καὶ Νικομᾶς τῆς ἐν Ἰκονίῳ· οὐ μὴν ἀλλὰ καὶ τῆς ἐν Ἱεροσολύμοις ἐκκλησίας Ὑμέναιος, τῆς τε ὁμόρου ταύτης Καισαρείας Θεότεκνος, Μάξιμος ἔτι πρὸς τούτοις· τῶν κατὰ Βόστραν δὲ καὶ οὗτος ἀδελφῶν διαπρεπῶς ἡγεῖτο· μυρίους τε ἄλλους οὐκ ἂν ἀπορήσαι τις ἅμα πρεσβυτέροις καὶ διακόνοις τῆς αὐτῆς ἕνεκεν αἰτίας ἐν τῇ προειρημένῃ πόλει τηνικάδε συγκροτηθέντας ἀπαριθμούμενος, ἀλλὰ τούτων γε οἱ μάλιστα ἐπιφανεῖς οἵδε ἦσαν. ### English translation (Claude) Of these the most distinguished were Firmilian, bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia; the brothers Gregory and Athenodorus, pastors of the communities in Pontus; and besides these Helenus of the community of Tarsus, and Nicomas of Iconium; and moreover Hymenaeus of the church in Jerusalem, and Theotecnus of the neighbouring Caesarea; and also Maximus, who too led the brothers at Bostra with distinction. One would not be at a loss to count countless others, with presbyters and deacons, assembled then in the city mentioned for the same cause; but these were the most eminent of them. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.28.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/28/1/). ## Church History 7.28.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/28/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:332 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Repeated synods debated, Paul's party concealing his views and the others exposing them. ### Greek text πάντων οὖν κατὰ καιροὺς διαφόρως καὶ πολλάκις ἐπὶ ταὐτὸ συνιόντων, λόγοι καὶ ζητήσεις καθʼ ἑκάστην ἀνεκινοῦντο σύνοδον, τῶν μὲν ἀμφὶ τὸν Σαμοσατέα τὰ τῆς ἑτεροδοξίας ἐπικρύπτειν ἔτι καὶ παρακαλύπτεσθαι πειρωμένων, τῶν δὲ ἀπογυμνοῦν καὶ εἰς φανερὸν ἄγειν τὴν αἵρεσιν καὶ τὴν εἰς Χριστὸν βλασφημίαν αὐτοῦ διὰ σπουδῆς ποιουμένων. ### English translation (Claude) All of them met at various times and often, and at each synod arguments and questions were raised, Paul of Samosata's party still trying to hide and conceal his heterodoxy, while the others were eager to strip bare and bring into the open his heresy and blasphemy against Christ. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.28.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/28/2/). ## Church History 7.28.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/28/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:332 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dionysius died in 264/5 and was succeeded by Maximus. ### Greek text ἐν τούτῳ δὲ Διονύσιος τελευτᾷ, κατὰ τὸ δωδέκατον ἔτος τῆς Γαλλιηνοῦ βασιλείας, προστὰς τῆς κατʼ Ἀλεξάνδρειαν ἐπισκοπῆς ἔτεσιν ἑπτακαίδεκα· διαδέχεται δὲ αὐτὸν Μάξιμος. ### English translation (Claude) At this time Dionysius died, in the twelfth year of Gallienus's reign, having presided over the episcopate of Alexandria for seventeen years; and Maximus succeeded him. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.28.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/28/3/). ## Church History 7.28.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/28/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:332 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Claudius succeeded Gallienus and was followed by Aurelian. ### Greek text Γαλλιηνοῦ δὲ ἐφʼ ὅλοις ἐνιαυτοῖς πεντεκαίδεκα τὴν ἀρχὴν κεκρατηκότος Κλαύδιος κατέστη διάδοχος. δεύτερον δὲ οὗτος διελθὼν ἔτος Αὐρηλιανῷ μεταδίδωσι τὴν ἡγεμονίαν, ### English translation (Claude) When Gallienus had held power fifteen full years, Claudius was appointed his successor. He, having passed his second year, handed on the government to Aurelian, ### Translation notes - The sentence continues in 7.29.1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.28.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/28/4/). ## Church History 7.29.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/29/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:332–333 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: A final synod condemned and excommunicated Paul of Samosata (ca. 268). ### Greek text καθʼ ὃν τελευταίας συγκροτηθείσης πλεί- στῶν ὅσων ἐπισκόπων συνόδου φωραθεὶς καὶ πρὸς ἀπάντων ἤδη σαφῶς καταγνωσθεὶς ἑτεροδοξίαν ὁ τῆς κατὰ Ἀντιόχειαν αἱρέσεως ἀρχηγὸς τῆς ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανὸν καθολικῆς ἐκκλησίας ἀποκηρύττεται. ### English translation (Claude) in whose time a final synod of very many bishops was assembled, and the leader of the heresy at Antioch, detected and now clearly condemned by all for heterodoxy, was excommunicated from the catholic church under heaven. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.29.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/29/1/). ## Church History 7.29.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/29/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:333 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The presbyter and rhetorician Malchion exposed Paul in a recorded debate. ### Greek text μάλιστα δʼ αὐτὸν εὐθύνας ἐπικρυπτόμενον διήλεγξε Μαλχίων, ἀνὴρ τά τε ἄλλα λόγιος καὶ σοφὸς, τῆς τῶν ἐπʼ Ἀντιοχείας Ἑλληνικῶν παιδευτηρίων διατριβῆς προεστὼς, οὐ μὴν ἀλλὰ καὶ διʼ ὑπερβάλλουσαν τῆς εἰς Χριστὸν πίστεως γνησιότητα πρεσβυτερίου τῆς αὐτόθι παροικίας ἠξιωμένος· οὗτός γέ τοι ἐπισημειουμένων ταχυγράφων ζήτησιν πρὸς αὐτὸν ἐνστησάμενος, ἣν καὶ εἰς δεῦρο φερομένην ἴσμεν, μόνος ἴσχυσε τῶν ἄλλων κρυψίνουν ὄντα καὶ ἀπατηλὸν φωρᾶσαι τὸν ἄνθρωπον. ### English translation (Claude) It was above all Malchion who called him to account and refuted him while he was concealing himself, a man learned and wise in other respects, head of the school of Greek learning at Antioch, and who moreover, because of the surpassing genuineness of his faith in Christ, had been deemed worthy of the presbyterate of the community there. He, conducting a disputation with Paul while shorthand writers took notes, which we know is extant to this day, alone of all was able to detect the man, who was secretive and deceitful. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.29.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/29/2/). ## Church History 7.30.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:333 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The synod sent a circular letter to Rome, Alexandria, and all provinces about Paul. ### Greek text Μίαν δὴ οὖν ἐκ κοινῆς γνώμης οἱ ἐπὶ ταὐτὸ συγκεκροτημένοι ποιμένες διαχαράξαντες ἐπιστολὴν εἰς πρόσωπον τοῦ τε Ῥωμαίων ἐπισκόπου Διονυσίου καὶ Μαξίμου τοῦ Ἀλεξάνδρειαν ἐπὶ πάσας διαπέμπονται τὰς ἐπαρχίας, τὴν αὐτῶν τε σπουδὴν τοῖς πᾶσι φανερὰν καθιστάντες, καὶ τοῦ Παύλου τὴν διάστροφον ἑτεροδοξίαν, ἐλέγχους τε καὶ ἐρωτήσεις ἃς πρὸς αὐτὸν ἀνακεκινήκασι, καὶ ἔτι τὸν πάντα βίον τε καὶ τρόπον τοῦ ἀνδρὸς διηγούμενοι· ἐξ ὧν μνήμης ἕνεκεν καλῶς ἂν ἔχοι ταύτας αὐτῶν ἐπὶ τοῦ παρόντος διελθεῖν τὰς φωνάς ### English translation (Claude) The pastors assembled together, then, composed with common consent one letter addressed to Dionysius, bishop of the Romans, and Maximus of Alexandria, and sent it to all the provinces, making their zeal manifest to all, and relating Paul's perverse heterodoxy, the refutations and questions they had raised against him, and moreover the whole life and conduct of the man. It would be well, for the sake of record, to go through these words of theirs at present: ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. syn. Ant. (Synodal Letter against Paul of Samosata): allusion, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.30.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/1/). ## Church History 7.30.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:333–334 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The greeting of the synodal letter names its senders. ### Greek text “Διονυσίῳ καὶ Μαξίμῳ καὶ τοῖς κατὰ τὴν οἰκουμένην πᾶσι συλλειτουργοῖς ἡμῶν ἐπισκόποις ‘καὶ πρεσβυτέροις καὶ διακόνοις, καὶ πάσῃ τῇ ὑπὸ “τὸν οὐρανὸν καθολικῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ, Ἕλενος καὶ ῾Υμέ- “ναιος καὶ Θεόφιλος καὶ Θεότεκνος καὶ Μάξιμος, Πρόκλος, Νικομᾶς καὶ Αἰλιανὸς καὶ Παῦλος καὶ “Βωλανὸς καὶ Πρωτογενὴς καὶ Ἱέραξ καὶ Εὐτύχιος “καὶ Θεόδωρος καὶ Μαλχίων καὶ Λούκιος, καὶ οἱ λοιποὶ πάντες οἶ σὺν ἡμῖν παροικοῦντες τὰς ἐγγὺς “πόλεις καὶ ἔθνη ἐπίσκοποι καὶ πρεσβύτεροι καὶ διάκονοι καὶ αἱ ἐκκλησίαι τοῦ θεοῦ ἀγαπητοῖς “ἀδελφοῖς ἐν κυρίῳ χαίρειν. ### English translation (Claude) “To Dionysius and Maximus and all our fellow ministers throughout the world, bishops, presbyters, and deacons, and to the whole catholic church under heaven: Helenus, Hymenaeus, Theophilus, Theotecnus, Maximus, Proclus, Nicomas, Aelianus, Paul, Bolanus, Protogenes, Hierax, Eutychius, Theodore, Malchion, and Lucius, and all the others who with us dwell in the neighbouring cities and nations, bishops, presbyters, and deacons, and the churches of God, to the beloved brothers in the Lord, greeting.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. syn. Ant. (Synodal Letter against Paul of Samosata): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the synodal letter of the Council of Antioch against Paul of Samosata (ca. 268; to 7.30.17). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.30.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/2/). ## Church History 7.30.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:334 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The synod had invited Dionysius, who wrote to the Antiochene church without addressing Paul. ### Greek text τούτοις μετὰ βραχέα ἐπιλέγουσι ταῦτα ἐπεστέλλομεν δὲ ἅμα καὶ παρεκαλοῦμεν πολλοὺς καὶ τῶν μακρὰν ἐπισκόπων “ἐπὶ τὴν θεραπείαν τῆς θανατηφόρου διδασκαλίας, “ὥσπερ καὶ Διονύσιον τὸν ἐπὶ τῆς Ἀλεξανδρείας, “καὶ Φιρμιλλιανὸν τὸν ἀπὸ τῆς Καππαδοκίας, τοὺς “μακαρίτας, ὧν ὁ μὲν καὶ ἐπέστειλεν εἰς τὴν Ἀντιόχειαν, τὸν ἡγεμόνα τῆς πλάνης οὐδὲ προσρήσεως ‘ἀξιώσας, οὐδὲ πρὸς πρόσωπον γράψας αὐτῷ, ἀλλὰ τῇ παροικίᾳ πάσῃ, ἧς καὶ τὸ ἀντίγραφον ὑπετάξα- “μεν· ### English translation (Claude) Shortly after they add this: “We wrote at the same time and invited many of the bishops far away to the cure of the deadly teaching, such as Dionysius of Alexandria and Firmilian of Cappadocia, of blessed memory. Of these the former wrote to Antioch, not deigning even to address the leader of the error, nor writing to him personally, but to the whole community; a copy of this letter we have appended. ### Extrabiblical texts - Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments)): allusion, medium confidence - Ep. syn. Ant. (Synodal Letter against Paul of Samosata): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the synodal letter against Paul of Samosata. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.30.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/3/). ## Church History 7.30.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:334 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Firmilian twice condemned Paul but was deceived by his promise to change. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ Φιρμιλλιανὸς καὶ δὶς ἀφικόμενος κατέγνω μὲν τῶν ὑπʼ ἐκείνου καινοτομουμένων, ὡς ἴσμεν καὶ μαρτυροῦμεν οἱ παραγενόμενοι, καὶ ἄλλοι πολ- “λοὶ συνίσασιν, ἐπαγγειλαμένου δὲ μεταθήσεσθαι, πιστεύσας καὶ ἐλπίσας ἄνευ τινὸς περὶ τὸν λόγον “λοιδορίας τὸ πρᾶγμα εἰς δέον καταστήσεσθαι, ἀνε- ῾βάλετο, παρακρουσθεὶς ὑπʼ αὐτοῦ τοῦ καὶ τὸν θεὸν τὸν ἑαυτοῦ ἀρνουμένου, καὶ τὴν πίστιν, ἣν καὶ αὐτὸς πρότερον εἶχε, μὴ φυλάξαντος. ### English translation (Claude) Firmilian came twice and condemned the innovations introduced by him, as we who were present know and testify, and many others are aware; but when he promised to change, Firmilian, believing him and hoping that without any reproach to the word the matter would be set right, postponed judgment, being deceived by him who denied even his own God and did not keep the faith he himself formerly held. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. syn. Ant. (Synodal Letter against Paul of Samosata): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the synodal letter against Paul of Samosata. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.30.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/4/). ## Church History 7.30.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:334 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Firmilian died at Tarsus on his way to the final synod. ### Greek text ἔμελλε δὲ καὶ νῦν ὁ Φιρμιλλιανὸς εἰς Ἀντιόχειαν διαβήσεσθαι, καὶ μέχρι γε Ταρσῶν ἧκεν, ἅτε τῆς ἀρνησιθέου κακίας αὐτοῦ πεῖραν εἰληφώς· ἀλλὰ γὰρ μεταξὺ “συνεληλυθότων ἡμῶν καὶ καλούντων καὶ ἀναμενόν- “των, ἄχρις ἂν ἔλθῃ, τέλος ἔσχε τοῦ βίου.’’ ### English translation (Claude) And Firmilian was now about to cross over to Antioch, and had come as far as Tarsus, having had experience of his God-denying wickedness; but while we were assembled and calling and waiting for him to come, he died.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. syn. Ant. (Synodal Letter against Paul of Samosata): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the synodal letter against Paul of Samosata. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.30.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/5/). ## Church History 7.30.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:334–335 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The synod: since Paul has left the rule of faith, his conduct as an outsider need not be judged — yet they describe it. ### Greek text μεθʼ ἕτερα δʼ αὖθις τὸν βίον τοῦ αὐτοῦ, οἵας ἐτύγχανεν ἀγωγῆς, διαγράφουσιν ἐν τούτοις “ὅπου γε ἀποστὰς “τοῦ κανόνος ἐπὶ κίβδηλα καὶ νόθα διδάγματα με- “τελήλυθεν, οὐδὲν δεῖ τοῦ ἔξω ὄντος τὰς πράξεις κρίνειν· ### English translation (Claude) After other things they again describe his life, what manner of conduct he had, in these words: “But since he has departed from the rule and gone over to spurious and bastard teachings, there is no need to judge the deeds of one who is outside; ### Scripture references - 1 Cor 5:12: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. syn. Ant. (Synodal Letter against Paul of Samosata): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the synodal letter against Paul of Samosata; cf. 1 Cor 5:12. The following charges are a hostile polemical account. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.30.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/6/). ## Church History 7.30.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:335 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The synod charges Paul with enriching himself by extortion and bribery. ### Greek text οὐδʼ ὅτι πρότερον πένης ὢν καὶ πτωχὸς, καὶ μήτε παρὰ πατέρων παραλαβὼν μηδεμίαν εὐπορίαν, μήτε ἐκ τέχνης ἤ τινος ἐπιτηδεύματος κτησάμενος, νῦν εἰς ὑπερβάλλοντα πλοῦτον ἐλήλακεν, ἐξ ἀνομιῶν καὶ ἱεροσυλιῶν καὶ ὧν αἰτεῖ καὶ σείει τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς, καταβραβεύων τοὺς ἀδικουμένους, “καὶ ὑπισχνούμενος βοηθήσειν μισθοῦ, ψευδόμενος “δὲ καὶ τούτους, καὶ μάτην καρπούμενος τὴν τῶν ἐν πράγμασιν ὄντων ἑτοιμότητα πρὸς τὸ διδόναι ὑπὲρ ἀπαλλαγῆς τῶν ἐνοχλούντων, πορισμὸν ἡγούμενος “τὴν θεοσέβειαν· ### English translation (Claude) not even that, though formerly poor and a beggar, having received no wealth from his fathers nor acquired it from any craft or occupation, he has now come to excessive wealth through lawless deeds, sacrileges, and what he demands and extorts from the brothers, deciding against the wronged and promising to help them for a fee, yet deceiving them too, and fruitlessly profiting from the readiness of those in lawsuits to pay for release from their troubles, supposing that godliness is a means of gain; ### Scripture references - 1 Tim 6:5: echo, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. syn. Ant. (Synodal Letter against Paul of Samosata): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the synodal letter against Paul of Samosata, echoing 1 Tim 6:5. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.30.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/7/). ## Church History 7.30.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:335 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: They accuse him of preferring a civil title and parading with a retinue. ### Greek text οὔτε ὡς ὑψηλοφρόνει καὶ ὑπερ- ‘ῆρται κοσμικὰ ἀξιώματα ὑποδυόμενος, καὶ δουκη- “νάριος μᾶλλον ἢ ἐπίσκοπος θέλων καλεῖσθαι, καὶ “σοβῶν κατὰ τὰς ἀγορὰς, καὶ ἐπιστολὰς ἀναγινώ- “σκων καὶ ὑπαγορεύων, ἅμα βαδίζων δημοσίᾳ καὶ “δορυφορούμενος, τῶν μὲν προπορευομένων, τῶν δὲ ἐφεπομένων πολλῶν τὸν ἀριθμὸν, ὡς καὶ τὴν πίστιν φθονεῖσθαι καὶ μισεῖσθαι διὰ τὸν ὄγκον αὐ- “τοῦ καὶ τὴν ὑπερηφανίαν τῆς καρδίας· ### English translation (Claude) nor how he is haughty and puffed up, assuming worldly dignities and wishing to be called ducenarius rather than bishop, strutting in the market-places, reading letters and dictating them as he walks in public, attended by a bodyguard, some going before and many following, so that the faith is envied and hated because of his pomp and the arrogance of his heart; ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. syn. Ant. (Synodal Letter against Paul of Samosata): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the synodal letter against Paul of Samosata. A ducenarius was a high-ranking imperial procurator. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.30.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/8/). ## Church History 7.30.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:335–336 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: They charge him with theatrical conduct in church: a throne, demands for applause, and contempt for earlier teachers. ### Greek text οὔτε τὴν ἐν ταῖς ἐκκλησιαστικαῖς συνόδοις τερατείαν, ἣν μη- ῾χανᾶται δοξοκοπῶν καὶ φαντασιοκοπῶν, καὶ τὰς τῶν ἀκεραιοτέρων ψυχὰς τοῖς τοιούτοις ἐκπλήττων, βῆμα μὲν καὶ θρόνον ὑψηλὸν ἑαυτῷ κατασκευασά- “μένος, οὐχ ὡς Χριστοῦ μαθητὴς, σήκρητον δὲ, “ὥσπερ οἷ τοῦ κόσμου ἄρχοντες, ἔχων τε καὶ ὀνομάζων, παίων τε τῇ χειρὶ τὸν μηρὸν, καὶ τὸ βῆμα “ἀράττων τοῖς ποσὶ, καὶ τοῖς μὴ ἐπαινοῦσι μηδὲ “ὥσπερ ἐν τοῖς θεάτροις κατασείουσι ταῖς ὀθόναις “μηδʼ ἐκβοῶσί τε καὶ ἀναπηδῶσι κατὰ τὰ αὐτὰ τοῖς “μηδʼ ἀμφʼ αὐτὸν στασιώταις ἀνδράσι τε καὶ γυναίοις, “ἀκόσμως οὕτως ἀκροωμένοις, τοῖς δʼ οὖν ὡς ἐν “οἵκῳ θεοῦ σεμνοπρεπῶς καὶ εὐτάκτως ἀκούουσιν “ἐπιτιμῶν καὶ ἐνυβρίζων, καὶ εἰς τοὺς ἀπελθόντας “ἐκ τοῦ βίου τούτου παροινῶν ἐξηγητὰς τοῦ λόγου “φορτικῶς ἐν τῷ κοινῷ, καὶ μεγαλορρημονῶν περὶ “ἑαυτοῦ, καθάπερ οὐκ ἐπίσκοπος, ἀλλὰ σοφιστὴς καὶ “γόης· ### English translation (Claude) nor the charlatanry in church assemblies which he contrives, courting glory and making a show, and astounding the souls of the simpler with such things: preparing for himself a tribunal and lofty throne, unlike a disciple of Christ, and having and calling it a secretum, like the rulers of the world; striking his thigh with his hand and stamping on the tribunal with his feet; and rebuking and insulting those who do not applaud or wave their handkerchiefs as in the theatres, nor shout and leap up like his partisans, men and silly women, who listen so disorderly — those, that is, who listen reverently and in good order as in the house of God; and behaving insolently in public toward the interpreters of the word who have departed this life, and boasting about himself, as if he were not a bishop but a sophist and a charlatan; ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. syn. Ant. (Synodal Letter against Paul of Samosata): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the synodal letter against Paul of Samosata. The secretum was a magistrate's enclosed tribunal. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.30.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/9/). ## Church History 7.30.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:336 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: They say he banned hymns to Christ and had women sing hymns in his own honour at Easter. ### Greek text ψαλμοὺς δὲ τοὺς μὲν εἰς τὸν κύριον ἡμῶν “Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν παύσας, ὡς δὴ νεωτέρους καὶ νεω- “τέρων ἀνδρῶν συγγράμματα, εἰς ἑαυτὸν δὲ ἐν μέσῃ “τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ τῇ μεγάλῃ τοῦ πάσχα ἡμέρᾳ ψαλμῳδεῖν “γυναῖκας παρασκευάζων, ὧν καὶ ἀκούσας ἄν τις “φρίξειεν, οἷα καὶ τοὺς θωπεύοντας αὐτὸν ἐπισκό- “πους τῶν ὁμόρων ἀγρῶν τε καὶ πόλεων καὶ πρεσ- “βυτέρους ἐν ταῖς πρὸς τὸν λαὸν ὁμιλίαις καθίησι “διαλέγεσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) stopping the psalms to our Lord Jesus Christ, as being modern and the compositions of modern men, but training women to sing psalms to himself in the midst of the church on the great day of the Pascha, which one would shudder to hear; and such things he lets the bishops of the neighbouring country and cities who flatter him, and the presbyters, say in their sermons to the people. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. syn. Ant. (Synodal Letter against Paul of Samosata): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the synodal letter against Paul of Samosata. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.30.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/10/). ## Church History 7.30.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:336 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Paul denies that the Son came down from heaven, yet lets his followers call him an angel from heaven. ### Greek text τὸν μὲν γὰρ υἱὸν τοῦ θεοῦ οὐ “βούλεται συνομολογεῖν ἐξ οὐρανοῦ κατεληλυθέναι, “(ἵνα τι προλαβόντες τῶν μελλόντων γραφήσεσθαι “θῶμεν· καὶ τοῦτο οὐ λόγῳ ψιλῷ ῥηθήσεται, ἀλλʼ “ἐξ ὧν ἐπέμψαμεν ὑπομνημάτων δείκνυται πολλα- “χόθεν, οὐχ ἥκιστα δὲ ὅπου λέγει Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν “κάτωθεν), οἱ δὲ εἰς αὐτὸν ψάλλοντες καὶ ἐγκωμιά- “ζοντες ἐν τῷ λαῷ ἄγγελον τὸν ἀσεβῆ διδάσκαλον “ἑαυτῶν ἐξ οὐρανοῦ κατεληλυθέναι λέγουσι, καὶ “ταῦτα οὐ κωλύει, ἀλλὰ καὶ λεγομένοις πάρεστιν ὁ “ὑπερήφανος. ### English translation (Claude) For he will not confess with us that the Son of God came down from heaven (to anticipate something of what is to be written; and this will not be said as a bare assertion, but is shown in many places from the records we have sent, not least where he says that Jesus Christ is from below); while those who sing psalms to him and praise him among the people say that their impious teacher is an angel come down from heaven; and he does not prevent this, but the arrogant man is even present when it is said. ### Scripture references - John 3:13: allusion, medium confidence - John 8:23: allusion, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. syn. Ant. (Synodal Letter against Paul of Samosata): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the synodal letter against Paul of Samosata; cf. John 3:13, 31 and 8:23. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.30.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/11/). ## Church History 7.30.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:336 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The synod accuses Paul and his clergy of keeping women companions, and of buying their silence. ### Greek text τὰς δὲ συνεισάκτους αὐτοῦ γυναῖ- “κας, ὡς Ἀντιοχεῖς ὀνομάζουσι, καὶ τῶν περὶ αὐτὸν “πρεσβυτέρων καὶ διακόνων, οἷς καὶ τοῦτο καὶ τὰ “ἄλλα ἁμαρτήματα ἀνίατα ὄντα συγκρύπτει, συνει- “δὼς καὶ ἐλέγξας, ὅπως αὐτοὺς ὑπόχρεως ἔχῃ, περὶ “ὧν λόγοις καὶ ἔργοις ἀδικεῖ, μὴ τολμῶντας κατηγο- “ρεῖν τῷ καθʼ ἑαυτοὺς φόβῳ — ἀλλὰ καὶ πλουσί- “ους ἀπέφηνεν, ἐφʼ ᾧ πρὸς τῶν τὰ τοιαῦτα ζηλούν- “των φιλεῖται καὶ θαυμάζεται — τί ἂν ταῦτα γρά- “φοιμεν; ### English translation (Claude) And as for his ‘spiritual sisters,’ as the Antiochenes call them, and those of the presbyters and deacons about him, with whom he conceals this and their other incurable sins, knowing and having convicted them, so that he may keep them in his debt, not daring to accuse him for the wrongs he does in word and deed, through fear for themselves — indeed he has even made them rich, for which he is loved and admired by those who covet such things — why should we write of these things? ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. syn. Ant. (Synodal Letter against Paul of Samosata): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the synodal letter against Paul of Samosata. The συνείσακτοι (“women brought in to live with”) were virgins living with clergy in professed chastity; the practice was widely criticized. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.30.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/12/). ## Church History 7.30.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:336–337 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Even if innocent, a bishop should avoid the scandal of living with women. ### Greek text ἐπιστάμεθα δὲ, ἀγαπητοὶ, ὅτι τὸν ἐπί- “σκοπον καὶ τὸ ἱερατεῖον ἅπαν παράδειγμα εἶναι δεῖ “τῷ πλήθει πάντων καλῶν ἔργων, καὶ οὐδὲ ἐκεῖνο “ἀγνοοῦμεν, ὅσοι ὑπὸ τοῦ συνεισάγειν ἑαυτοῖς γυ- “ναῖκας ἐξέπεσον, οἱ δʼ ὑπωπτεύθησαν· ὥστʼ εἰ “καὶ δοίη τις αὐτῷ τὸ μηδὲν ἀσελγὲς ποιεῖν, ἀλλὰ “τήν γε ὑπόνοιαν τὴν ἐκ τοῦ τοιούτου πράγματος “φυομένην ἐχρῆν εὐλαβηθῆναι, μή τινα σκανδαλίσῃ, “τοὺς δὲ καὶ μιμεῖσθαι προτρέψηται. ### English translation (Claude) We know, beloved, that the bishop and the whole priesthood ought to be an example to the multitude of all good works; and we are not ignorant how many have fallen through bringing women to live with them, and others have come under suspicion. So even if one grants that he does nothing licentious, he ought at least to have guarded against the suspicion arising from such a practice, lest he cause anyone to stumble or encourage others to imitate him. ### Scripture references - Titus 2:7: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. syn. Ant. (Synodal Letter against Paul of Samosata): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the synodal letter against Paul of Samosata; cf. Titus 2:7 and 1 Tim 3:2. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.30.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/13/). ## Church History 7.30.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:337 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: How can Paul warn others when he keeps two young, beautiful women with him? ### Greek text πῶς γὰρ “ἂν ἐπιπλήξειεν ἢ νουθετήσειεν ἕτερον μὴ συγκατα- “βαίνειν ἐπὶ πλέον εἰς ταὐτὸν γυναικὶ, μὴ ὀλίσθῃ “φυλαττόμενον, ὡς γέγραπται, ὅστις μίαν μὲν ἀπέ “στησεν ἤδη, δύο δὲ ἀκμαζούσας καὶ εὐπρεπεῖς “ὄψιν ἔχει μεθʼ ἑαυτοῦ, κἂν ἀπίῃ που, συμπερι- “φέρει, καὶ ταῦτα τρυφῶν καὶ ὑπερεμπιμπλάμενος; “ ### English translation (Claude) For how could he rebuke or admonish another not to associate further with a woman, lest he slip, as it is written, when he has already dismissed one, but has two with him in the bloom of youth and fair to look upon, and takes them with him wherever he goes, and this while living in luxury and surfeit? ### Extrabiblical texts - Sir 9:1-9 (Sirach): allusion, low confidence - Ep. syn. Ant. (Synodal Letter against Paul of Samosata): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the synodal letter against Paul of Samosata; “as it is written” may allude to Sir 9:1–9. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.30.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/14/). ## Church History 7.30.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:337 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Everyone laments but fears to accuse him. ### Greek text ὧν ἕνεκα στενάζουσι μὲν καὶ ὀδύρονται πάντες “καθʼ ἑαυτοὺς, οὕτω δὲ τὴν τυραννίδα καὶ δυνα- “στείαν αὐτοῦ πεφόβηνται ὥστε κατηγορεῖν μὴ τολ- “μᾶν. ### English translation (Claude) On account of which all groan and lament among themselves, but so fear his tyranny and power that they dare not accuse him. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. syn. Ant. (Synodal Letter against Paul of Samosata): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the synodal letter against Paul of Samosata. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.30.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/15/). ## Church History 7.30.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/16/ - Source: Dindorf 4:337 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Since Paul follows the heresy of Artemas, the synod need not judge his morals. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ ταῦτα μὲν, ὡς προειρήκαμεν, ηὔθυ- “νεν ἄν τις τὸν ἄνδρα, τὸ γοῦν φρόνημα καθολικὸν “ἔχοντα καὶ συγκαταριθμούμενον ἡμῖν, τὸν δὲ ἐξορ- “χησάμενον τὸ μυστήριον καὶ ἐμπομπεύοντα τῇ μιαρᾷ “αἱρέσει τῇ Ἀρτεμᾶ (τί γὰρ οὐ χρὴ μόλις τὸν πατέρα ῾αὐτοῦ δηλῶσαι;) οὐδὲν δεῖν ἡγούμεθα τούτων τοὺς “λογισμοὺς ἀπαιτεῖν.“ ### English translation (Claude) But these things, as we said before, one might call the man to account for, if he held a catholic mind and were numbered with us; but as for one who has danced away from the mystery and parades himself in the abominable heresy of Artemas (for why should we hesitate to name his father?), we think it unnecessary to demand an account of these things.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. syn. Ant. (Synodal Letter against Paul of Samosata): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from the synodal letter against Paul of Samosata. Artemas is the Artemon of 5.28. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.30.16 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/16/). ## Church History 7.30.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/17/ - Source: Dindorf 4:337–338 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The synod deposed Paul, appointed Domnus, and asked the churches to be in communion with him. ### Greek text εἶτʼ ἐπὶ τέλει τῆς ἐπι- “στολῆς ταῦτʼ ἐπιλέγουσιν· ἠναγκάσθημεν οὖν, ἀν- “τιτασσόμενον αὐτὸν τῷ θεῷ καὶ μὴ εἴκοντα ἐκ- “κηρύξαντες, ἕτερον ἀντʼ αὐτοῦ τῇ καθολικῇ ἐκκλη- “σίᾳ καταστῆσαι ἐπίσκοπον, θεοῦ προνοίᾳ, ὡς “πεπείσμεθα, τὸν τοῦ μακαρίου Δημητριανοῦ καὶ “ἐπιφανῶς προστάντος πρὸ τούτου τῆς αὐτῆς παροικίας υἱὸν Δόμνον, ἅπασι τοῖς πρέπουσιν ἐπι- “σκόπῳ καλοῖς κεκοσμημένον· ἐδηλώσαμέν τε ὑμῖν “ὅπως τούτῳ γράφητε, καὶ τὰ παρὰ τούτου κοινω- “νικὰ δέχησθε γράμματα. τῷ δὲ Ἀρτεμᾷ οὗτος ἐπι “στελλέτω, καὶ οἱ τὰ Ἀρτεμᾶ φρονοῦντες τούτῳ “κοινωνείτωσαν.” ### English translation (Claude) Then at the end of the letter they add: “We were compelled, therefore, having excommunicated him, since he sets himself against God and does not yield, to appoint another bishop in his place for the catholic church, by the providence of God, as we are persuaded: Domnus, the son of the blessed Demetrianus, who presided with distinction over the same community before him, adorned with all the good qualities fitting a bishop. We have informed you so that you may write to him and receive letters of communion from him. But let Paul write to Artemas, and let those who think as Artemas does hold communion with him.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. syn. Ant. (Synodal Letter against Paul of Samosata): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - End of the quotation from the synodal letter against Paul of Samosata. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.30.17 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/17/). ## Church History 7.30.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/18/ - Source: Dindorf 4:338 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Domnus succeeded Paul at Antioch. ### Greek text τοῦ δὴ οὖν Παύλου σὺν καὶ τῇ τῆς πίστεως ὀρθοδοξίᾳ τῆς ἐπισκοπῆς ἐκπεπτωκότος Δόμνος, ὡς εἴρηται, τὴν λειτουργίαν τῆς κατὰ Ἀντιόχειαν ἐκκλησίας διεδέξατο. ### English translation (Claude) So when Paul had fallen from the episcopate together with the orthodoxy of the faith, Domnus, as has been said, succeeded to the ministry of the church at Antioch. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.30.18 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/18/). ## Church History 7.30.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/19/ - Source: Dindorf 4:338 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: When Paul refused to leave the church building, Aurelian ruled it belonged to those in communion with the bishops of Italy and Rome. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ γὰρ μηδαμῶς ἐκστῆναι τοῦ Παύλου τοῦ τῆς ἐκκλησίας οἴκου θέλοντος, βασιλεὺς ἐντευχθεὶς Αὐρηλιανὸς αἰσιώτατα περὶ τοῦ πρακτέου διείληφε, τούτοις νεῖμαι προστάττων τὸν οἶκον, οἷς ἂν οἱ κατὰ τὴν Ἰταλίαν καὶ τὴν ῾Ρωμαίων πόλιν ἐπίσκοποι τοῦ δόγματος ἐπιστείλαιεν. οὕτω δῆτα ὁ προδηλωθεὶς ἀνὴρ μετὰ τῆς ἐσχάτης αἰσχύνης ὑπὸ τῆς κοσμικῆς ἀρχῆς ἐξελαύνεται τῆς ἐκκλησίας. ### English translation (Claude) But when Paul was quite unwilling to leave the church building, the emperor Aurelian, being petitioned, decided most fittingly what should be done, ordering the building to be assigned to those to whom the bishops of the doctrine in Italy and the city of the Romans should write. So the man mentioned was driven out of the church with the utmost disgrace by the secular power. ### Translation notes - A notable early instance of imperial intervention in a church dispute. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.30.19 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/19/). ## Church History 7.30.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/20/ - Source: Dindorf 4:338 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Later Aurelian planned a persecution. ### Greek text τοιοῦτος μέν γέ τις ἦν τὸ τηνικάδε περὶ ἡμᾶς ὁ Αὐρηλιανὸς, προϊούσης δʼ αὐτῷ τῆς ἀρχῆς ἀλλοῖόν τι περὶ ἡμῶν φρονήσας ἤδη τισὶ βουλαῖς, ὡς ἂν διωγμὸν καθʼ ἡμῶν ἐγείρειεν, ἀνεκινεῖτο, πολύς τε ἦν ὁ παρὰ πᾶσι περὶ τούτου λόγος. ### English translation (Claude) Such was Aurelian toward us at that time; but as his reign advanced he changed his mind about us, and was already being moved by certain counsels to raise a persecution against us, and there was much talk of it among all. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.30.20 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/20/). ## Church History 7.30.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/21/ - Source: Dindorf 4:338 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Aurelian died before signing his edicts, showing that persecution comes only by God's permission. ### Greek text μέλλοντα δὲ ἤδη καὶ σχεδὸν εἰπεῖν τοῖς καθʼ ἡμῶν γράμμασιν ὑποσημειούμενον θεία μέτεισιν δίκη, μονονουχὶ ἐξ ἀγκώνων τῆς ἐγχειρήσεως αὐτὸν ἀποδεσμοῦσα, λαμπρῶς τε τοῖς πᾶσι συνορᾶν παριστῶσα, ὡς οὔποτε γένοιτʼ ἂν ῥᾳστώνη τοῖς τοῦ βίου ἄρχουσι κατὰ τῶν τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐκκλησιῶν, μὴ οὐχὶ τῆς ὑπερμάχου χειρὸς θείᾳ καὶ οὐρανίῳ κρίσει, παιδείας ἕνεκα καὶ ἐπιστροφῆς, καθʼ οὓς ἂν αὐτὴ δοκιμάζοι καιροὺς, τοῦτʼ ἐπιτελεῖσθαι συγχωρούσης. ### English translation (Claude) But when he was about to do so, and was all but signing the decrees against us, divine justice overtook him, binding him, so to speak, by the elbows from his undertaking, and showing clearly to all that there could never be facility for the rulers of this life against the churches of Christ, unless the hand that defends them, by divine and heavenly judgment, for chastening and conversion, permitted it to be done at such times as it itself should approve. ### Translation notes - Aurelian was assassinated in 275. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.30.21 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/21/). ## Church History 7.30.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/22/ - Source: Dindorf 4:338–339 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Emperors from Probus to Diocletian, under whom the Great Persecution took place. ### Greek text ἔτεσι γοῦν ἓξ κρατήσαντα τὸν Αὐρηλιανὸν διαδέχεται Πρόβος, καὶ τοῦτον δέ που τοῖς ἴσοις ἐπικατασχόντα Κᾶρος ἅμα παισὶ Καρίνῳ καὶ Νουμεριανῷ· πάλιν τʼ αὖ καὶ τούτων οὐδʼ ὅλοις τρισὶν ἐνιαυτοῖς διαγενομένων μέτεισι τὰ τῆς ἡγεμονίας εἰς Διοκλητιανὸν καὶ τοὺς μετʼ αὐτὸν εἰσποιηθέντας, ἐφʼ ὧν ὁ καθʼ ἡμᾶς συντελεῖται διωγμός καὶ ἡ κατʼ αὐτὸν τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν καθαίρεσις. ### English translation (Claude) Aurelian, having reigned six years, was succeeded by Probus; and he, having ruled about as many, by Carus with his sons Carinus and Numerian. And again, when these had lasted not even three whole years, the government passed to Diocletian and those associated with him, under whom the persecution of our time was accomplished and the destruction of the churches in it. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.30.22 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/22/). ## Church History 7.30.23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/23/ - Source: Dindorf 4:339 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Felix succeeded Dionysius at Rome. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ γὰρ μικρῷ τούτου πρότερον τὸν ἐπὶ Ῥώμης ἐπίσκοπον Διονύσιον ἔτεσιν ἐννέα διελθόντα τὴν λειτουργίαν διαδέχεται Φῆλιξ. ### English translation (Claude) But a little before this, when Dionysius, bishop at Rome, had completed nine years in the ministry, Felix succeeded him. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.30.23 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/30/23/). ## Church History 7.31.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/31/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:339 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Mani arose, claiming to be the Paraclete and choosing twelve disciples like Christ. ### Greek text Ἐν τούτῳ καὶ ὁ Μανεὶς τὰς φρένας, ἐπώνυμός τε τῆς δαιμονώσης αἱρέσεως, τὴν τοῦ λογισμοῦ παρατροπὴν καθωπλίζετο, τοῦ δαίμονος, αὐτοῦ δήπου τοῦ θεομάχου σατανᾶ, ἐπὶ λύμῃ πολλῶν τὸν ἄνδρα προβεβλημένου. βάρβαρος δῆτα τὸν βίον αὐτῷ λόγῳ καὶ τρόπῳ, τήν τε φύσιν δαιμονικός τις ὢν καὶ μανιώδης, ἀκόλουθα τούτοις ἐγχειρῶν, Χριστὸν αὐτὸν μορφάζεσθαι ἐπειρᾶτο, τοτὲ μὲν τὸν παράκλητον καὶ αὐτὸ τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον· αὐτὸς ἑαυτὸν ἀνακηρύττων, καὶ τυφούμενός γε ἐπὶ τῇ μανίᾳ, τοτὲ δὲ, οἷα Χριστὸς, μαθητὰς δώδεκα κοινωνοὺς τῆς καινοτομίας αἱρούμενος. ### English translation (Claude) At this time too the madman Mani, as his name implies, eponym of the demon-inspired heresy, was arming himself with the derangement of reason, the demon, Satan himself, the adversary of God, having put the man forward for the ruin of many. A barbarian in life, in speech and conduct, and demonic and maniacal in nature, he set about things to match, trying to impersonate Christ: at one time proclaiming himself the Paraclete and the Holy Spirit himself, and being puffed up in his madness; at another, like Christ, choosing twelve disciples as partners in his innovation. ### Translation notes - Eusebius puns on Mani and μανία (“madness”); his description is hostile. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.31.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/31/1/). ## Church History 7.31.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/31/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:339 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Mani's doctrines spread from Persia, and the Manichaeans still flourish. ### Greek text δόγματά γε μὴν ψευδῆ καὶ ἄθεα ἐκ μυρίων τῶν πρόπαλαι ἀπεσβηκότων ἀθέων συμπεφορημένα καττύσας, ἐκ τῆς Περσῶν ἐπὶ τὴν καθʼ ἡμᾶς οἰκουμένην ὥσπερ τινὰ θανατηφόρον ἰὸν ἐξωμόρξατο, ἀφʼ οὗ δὴ τὸ Μανιχαίων δυσσεβὲς ὄνομα τοῖς πολλοῖς εἰσέτι νῦν ἐπιπολάζει. τοιαύτη μὲν οὖν ἡ καὶ τῆσδε τῆς ψευδωνύμου γνώσεως ὑπόθεσις, κατὰ τοὺς δεδηλωμένους ὑποφυείσης χρόνους, ### English translation (Claude) Stitching together false and godless doctrines collected from countless godless heresies long extinct, he wiped them off from Persia onto our part of the world like some deadly poison; from him the impious name of the Manichaeans is still prevalent among many. Such, then, was the foundation of this knowledge falsely so called too, which sprang up in the times mentioned, ### Scripture references - 1 Tim 6:20: echo, high confidence ### Translation notes - “Knowledge falsely so called” echoes 1 Tim 6:20. The sentence continues in 7.32.1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.31.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/31/2/). ## Church History 7.32.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:339–340 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: At Rome Eutychian, Gaius, and Marcellinus succeeded Felix. ### Greek text καθʼ οὓς τῆς Ῥωμαίων προστάντα ἐκκλησίας ἔτεσι Εὐτυχιανὸς διαδέχεται· οὐδʼ ὅλοις δὲ μησὶν οὗτος δέκα διαγενόμενος Γαΐῳ τῷ καθʼ ἡμὰς καταλείπει τὸν κλῆρον. καὶ τούτου δὲ ἀμφὶ τὰ πεντεκαίδεκα ἔτη προστάντος Μαρκελλῖνος κατέστη διάδοχος, ὃν καὶ αὐτὸν ὁ διωγμὸς κατείληφε. ### English translation (Claude) in which Eutychian succeeded Felix, who had presided over the church of the Romans for five years; he lasted not even ten whole months and left the office to Gaius, of our own time. When he had presided about fifteen years, Marcellinus was appointed his successor, whom the persecution also overtook. ### Translation notes - The number of Felix's years and his name are lost in the digital text (“ἔτεσι” without a numeral; the name is implied); translated from the sense. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.32.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/1/). ## Church History 7.32.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:340 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Under Cyril of Antioch, Eusebius knew the learned presbyter Dorotheus, who read Scripture in Hebrew. ### Greek text κατὰ τούσδε τῆς Ἀντιοχέων ἐπισκοπῆς μετὰ Δόμνον ἡγήσατο Τίμαιος, ὃν ὁ καθʼ ἡμὰς διεδέξατο Κύριλλος, ὃν Δωρόθεον πρεσβείου τοῦ κατὰ Ἀντιόχειαν ἠξιωμένον τῶν τηνικάδε λόγιον ἄνδρα ἔγνωμεν. φιλόκαλος δʼ οὗτος περὶ τὰ θεῖα γεγονὼς καὶ τῆς Ἑβραίων ἐπεμελήθη γλώττης, ὡς καὶ αὐταῖς ταῖς Ἑβραϊκαῖς γραφαῖς ἐπιστημόνως ἐντυγχάνειν. ### English translation (Claude) At this time Timaeus led the episcopate of Antioch after Domnus, and Cyril, of our own time, succeeded him. In his time we came to know Dorotheus, a learned man of that period, deemed worthy of the presbyterate at Antioch. He was a lover of beauty in divine things and applied himself to the Hebrew language, so that he read the Hebrew Scriptures themselves with understanding. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.32.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/2/). ## Church History 7.32.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:340 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dorotheus, a eunuch from birth, was made head of the imperial purple dye-works at Tyre. ### Greek text . ἦν δʼ οὗτο τῶν μάλιστα ἐλευθερίων, προπαιδείας τε τῆς καθʼ Ἕλληνας οὐκ ἄμοιρος, τὴν φύσιν δὲ ἄλλως εὐνοῦχος, οὕτω πεφυκὼς ἐξ αὐτῆς γενέσεως ὡς καὶ βασιλέα διὰ τοῦτο οἷόν τι παράδοξον αὐτὸν οἰκειώσασθαι, καὶ τιμῆσαί γε ἐπιτροπῇ τῆς κατὰ Τυρὸν ἁλουργοῦ βαφῆς. ### English translation (Claude) He was among the most liberally educated, and not without a share of preliminary Greek learning, but a eunuch by nature, having been so from his very birth, so that the emperor on this account took him into his household as a kind of wonder, and honoured him with the charge of the purple dye-works at Tyre. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.32.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/3/). ## Church History 7.32.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:340 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius heard Dorotheus preach; Tyrannus succeeded Cyril at the height of the persecution. ### Greek text τούτου μετρίως τὰς γραφὰς ἐπὶ τῆς ἐκκλησίας διηγουμένου κατηκούσαμεν. μετὰ δὲ Κύριλλον Τύραννος τῆς Ἀντιοχέων παροικίας τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν διεδέξατο, καθʼ ὃν ἤκμασεν ἡ τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν πολιορκία. ### English translation (Claude) We heard him expounding the Scriptures in the church with moderation. After Cyril, Tyrannus succeeded to the episcopate of the community of Antioch, in whose time the siege of the churches reached its height. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.32.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/4/). ## Church History 7.32.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:340 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius of Alexandria, who came to Syria about Paul of Samosata, was kept as bishop of Laodicea. ### Greek text τῆς δʼ ἐν Λαοδικείᾳ παροικίας ἡγήσατο μετὰ Σωκράτην Εὐσέβιος, ἀπὸ Ἀλεξανδρέων ὁρμηθεὶς πόλεως. αἰτία δʼ αὐτῷ τῆς μεταναστάσεως ὑπῆρξεν ἡ κατὰ τὸν Παῦλον ὑπόθεσις, διʼ ὃν τῆς Συρίας ἐπιβὰς πρὸς τῶν τῇδε περὶ τὰ θεῖα ἐσπουδακότων τῆς οἴκαδε πορείας εἴργεται, ἐπέραστόν τι θεοσεβείας χρῆμα τῶν καθʼ ἡμὰς γενόμενος, ὡς καὶ ἀπὸ τῶν παρατεθεισῶν Διονυσίου φωνῶν διαγνῶναι ῥᾴδιον. ### English translation (Claude) Eusebius, who came from the city of the Alexandrians, led the community at Laodicea after Socrates. The cause of his move was the affair of Paul; having come to Syria on his account, he was kept by those there who were zealous for divine things from returning home. He was a lovable example of piety among the men of our time, as can easily be seen also from the words of Dionysius quoted above. ### Translation notes - See 7.11.24–26. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.32.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/5/). ## Church History 7.32.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:340–341 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Anatolius, a brilliant Alexandrian scholar, succeeded Eusebius at Laodicea. ### Greek text Ἀνατόλιος αὐτῷ διάδοχος, ἀγαθός φασιν ἀγαθοῦ, καθίσταται, γένος μὲν καὶ αὐτὸς Ἀλεξανδρεὺς, λόγων δʼ ἕνεκα καὶ παιδείας τῆς Ἑλλήνων φιλοσοφίας τε τὰ τῶν μάλιστα καθʼ ἡμᾶς δοκιμωτάτων ἀπενηνεγμένος, ἅτε ἀριθμητικῆς καὶ γεωμετρίας ἀστρονομίας τε καὶ τῆς ἄλλης διαλεκτικῆς, ἔτι τε φυσικῆς θεωρίας, ῥητορικῶν τε αὖ μαθημάτων ἐληλακὼς εἰς ἄκρον· ὧν ἕνεκα καὶ τῆς ἐπʼ Ἀριστοτέλους διαδοχῆς τὴν διατριβὴν λόγος ἔχει πρὸς τῶν τῇδε πολιτῶν συστήσασθαι αὐτὸν ἀξιωθῆναι. ### English translation (Claude) Anatolius was appointed his successor, a good man, as they say, succeeding a good one; he too was an Alexandrian by birth, and in learning, Greek education, and philosophy he had carried off the first place among the most approved of our time, having reached the summit in arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, and the rest of dialectic, as well as natural philosophy and rhetoric. For these reasons, it is said, he was asked by the citizens there to establish the school of the Aristotelian succession. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.32.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/6/). ## Church History 7.32.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:341 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Anatolius was a leader during the siege of the Bruchium at Alexandria. ### Greek text μυρίας μὲν οὖν τοῦδε καὶ ἄλλας ἀριστείας ἐν τῇ κατʼ Ἀλεξάνδρειαν τοῦ Προυχείου πολιορκίᾳ μνημονεύουσιν, ἅτε τῶν ἐν τέλει προνομίας ἐξαιρέτου πρὸς ἀπάντων ἠξιωμένου, δείγματος δὲ ἕνεκα μόνου τοῦδε ἐπιμνησθήσομαι. ### English translation (Claude) They record countless other exploits of his in the siege of the Pyrucheum at Alexandria, since he was deemed worthy by all of special precedence among those in authority; but for the sake of example I shall mention only this. ### Translation notes - The Pyrucheum (Bruchium) was a quarter of Alexandria, besieged ca. 272. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.32.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/7/). ## Church History 7.32.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:341 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Anatolius, inside the besieged quarter, told Eusebius, outside, about the starving. ### Greek text τοῦ πυροῦ, φασὶ, τοῖς πολιορκουμένοις ἐπιλελοιπότος, ὡς ἤδη τῶν ἔξωθεν πολεμίων μᾶλλον αὐτοῖς τὸν λιμὸν ἀφόρητον καθεστάναι, παρὼν ὁ δηλούμενος οἰκονομεῖταί τι τοιοῦτον. θατέρου μέρους τῆς πόλεως τῷ Ῥωμαϊκῷ συμμαχοῦντος στρατῷ, ταύτῃ τε τυγχάνοντος ἀπολιορκήτου, τὸν Εὐσέβιον ἔτι γὰρ εἶναι τότε αὐτόθι πρὸ τῆς ἐπὶ Συρίαν μεταναστάσεως) ἐν τοῖς ἀπολιορκήτοις ὄντα, μέγα τε κλέος καὶ διαβόητον ὄνομα μέχρι καὶ τοῦ Ῥωμαίων στρατηλάτου κεκτημένον, περὶ τῶν λιμῷ διαφθειρομένων κατὰ τὴν πολιορκίαν πέμψας ὁ Ἀνατόλιος ἐκδιδάσκει. ### English translation (Claude) When the grain, they say, had failed the besieged, so that famine had become more unbearable to them than the enemies outside, the man in question, being present, arranged something like this. Since the other part of the city was fighting alongside the Roman army and was therefore not besieged, Anatolius sent word about those perishing of famine in the siege to Eusebius — for he was still there then, before his move to Syria — who was among those not besieged and had a great reputation and famous name reaching even to the Roman general. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.32.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/8/). ## Church History 7.32.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:341–342 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius obtained safe conduct for deserters; Anatolius persuaded the council to release the old, the young, and the infirm. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ μαθὼν σωτηρίαν τοῖς ἀπὸ τῶν πολεμίων αὐτομόλοις παρασχεῖν ὡς ἐν μεγίστῃ χάριτι δωρεὰς τὸν Ῥωμαίων στρατηγὸν αἰτεῖται, καὶ τῆς ἀξιώσεως γε τυχὼν ἐμφανὲς τῷ Ἀνατολίῳ καθίστησιν. ὁ δὲ αὐτίκα τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν δεξάμενος, βουλὴν τῶν Ἀλεξανδρέων συναγαγὼν, τὰ μὲν πρῶτα πάντας ἠξίου φιλικὴν δοῦναι Ῥωμαίοις δεξιὰν, ὡς δʼ ἀγριαίνοντας ἐπὶ τῷ λόγῳ συνεῖδεν, ἀλλʼ οὐ τούτῳ γε, φησὶν, ἀντιλέξειν ποθʼ ὑμὰς οἴομαι, εἰ τοὺς περιττοὺς καὶ ἡμῖν αὐτοῖς οὐδαμῆ χρησίμους, γραΐδας καὶ νήπια καὶ πρεσβύτας, ἐκδοῦναι πυλῶν ἔξω βαδίζειν ὅποι καὶ βούλοιντο συμβουλεύσαιμι. τί γὰρ δὴ τούτους εἰς μάτην ὅσον οὔπω τεθνηξομένους παρʼ ἑαυτοῖς ἔχοιμεν; τί δὲ τοὺς ἀναπήρους καὶ τὰ σώματα λελωβημένους τῷ λιμῷ κατατρύχομεν, τρέφειν δέον μόνους ἄνδρας καὶ νεανίας, καὶ τὸν ἀναγκαῖον πυρὸν τοῖς ἐπὶ φυλακῇ τῆς πόλεως ἐπιτηδείοις ταμιεύεσθαι; ### English translation (Claude) He, on learning this, asked the Roman general, as the greatest favour, to grant safety to those who deserted from the enemy, and having obtained the request, made it known to Anatolius. He at once accepted the promise, assembled the council of the Alexandrians, and first asked all to give the right hand of friendship to the Romans; but when he saw them enraged at the proposal, he said, “But I do not think you will object to this, if I advise that we let the superfluous and those of no use to us, old women, infants, and old men, go outside the gates wherever they wish. For why should we keep with us to no purpose those who are about to die? Why do we wear down the crippled and maimed with famine, when we ought to feed only men and youths, and husband the necessary grain for those fit to guard the city?” ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.32.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/9/). ## Church History 7.32.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:342 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The council voted to release all who could not fight. ### Greek text τοιούτοις τισὶ λογισμοῖς πείσας τὸ συνέδριον, ψῆφον πρῶτος ἀναστὰς ἐκφέρει, πὰν τὸ τῇ στρατείᾳ μὴ ἐπιτήδειον εἴτε ἀνδρῶν εἴτε γυναικῶν γένος ἀπολύειν τῆς πόλεως, ὅτι μηδὲ καταμένουσιν αὐτοῖς καὶ εἰς τὸ ἄχρηστον ἐν τῇ πόλει διατρίβουσιν ἐλπὶς ἂν γένοιτο σωτηρίας, πρὸς τοῦ λιμοῦ διαφθαρησομένοις. ### English translation (Claude) Having persuaded the council with such arguments, he rose first and gave his vote that every person, man or woman, unfit for military service should be released from the city, since even if they stayed and remained useless in the city there would be no hope of safety for them, as they would perish from famine. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.32.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/10/). ## Church History 7.32.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:342 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Anatolius smuggled out almost all the besieged, and Eusebius nursed them like a father and physician. ### Greek text ταύτῃ δὲ τῶν λοιπῶν ἁπάντων τῇ βουλῇ συγκατατεθειμένων μικροῦ δεῖν τοὺς πάντας τῶν πολιορκουμένων διεσώσατο, ἐν πρώτοις μὲν τοὺς ἀπὸ τῆς ἐκκλησίας, ἔπειτα δὲ καὶ τῶν ἄλλων τῶν κατὰ τὴν πόλιν πᾶσαν ἡλικίαν διαδιδράσκειν προμηθούμενος, οὐ μόνον τῶν κατὰ τὴν ψῆφον δεδογμένων, τῇ δὲ τούτων προφάσει καὶ μυρίους ἄλλους λεληθότως γυναικείαν στολὴν ἀμπισχομένους, νύκτωρ τε τῇ ἐκείνου φροντίδι τῶν πυλῶν ἐξιόντας καὶ ἐπὶ τὴν Ῥωμαίων στρατιὰν ὁρμῶντας. ἔνθα τοὺς πάντας ὑποδεχόμενος ὁ Εὐσέβιος πατρὸς καὶ ἰατροῦ δίκην κεκακωμένους ἐκ τῆς μακρᾶς πολιορκίας διὰ πάσης προνοίας καὶ θεραπείας ἀνεκτᾶτο. ### English translation (Claude) When all the rest agreed to this counsel, he saved almost all the besieged: first those of the church, and then others of every age in the city, taking care that they escaped — not only those covered by the vote, but under this pretext countless others too, who secretly put on women's clothes and by his arrangement went out of the gates at night and hurried to the Roman army. There Eusebius received them all and, like a father and physician, restored them, worn out by the long siege, with every kind of care and treatment. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.32.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/11/). ## Church History 7.32.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:342 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Laodicea thus received two excellent bishops from Alexandria. ### Greek text τοιούτων ἡ κατὰ Λαοδίκειαν ἐκκλησία δύο ἐφεξῆς κατὰ διαδοχὴν ἠξιώθη ποιμένων, σὺν θείᾳ προμηθείᾳ μετὰ τὸν δηλωθέντα πόλεμον ἐκ τῆς Αλεξανδρέων πόλεως ἐπὶ τὰ τῇδε μετεληλυθότων. ### English translation (Claude) The church at Laodicea was deemed worthy of two such pastors in succession, who by divine providence came there from the city of the Alexandrians after the war mentioned. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.32.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/12/). ## Church History 7.32.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:342–343 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius introduces Anatolius's work on the date of Easter. ### Greek text οὐ ὢ μὲν οὖν ἐσπουδάσθη πλεῖστα τῷ Ἀνατολίῳ συγγράμματα, τοσαῦτα δʼ εἰς ἡμᾶς ἐλήλυθε, διʼ ὧν αὐτοῦ καταμαθεῖν δυνατὸν ὁμοῦ τό τε λόγιον καὶ πολυμαθὲς, ἐν οἷς μάλιστα τὰ περὶ τοῦ πάσχα δόξαντα παρίστησιν, ἀφʼ ὧν ἀναγκαῖον ἂν εἴη τούτων ἐπὶ τοῦ παρόντος μνημονεῦσαι. [Ἐκ τῶν περὶ τοῦ πάσχα Ἀνατολίου κανόνων] ### English translation (Claude) Anatolius did not compose very many works, but enough have come down to us from which one can learn his eloquence and great learning, in which he particularly sets out his opinions about the Pascha. It is necessary to mention some of these at present. [From the Canons of Anatolius on the Pascha.] ### Translation notes - The digital text begins with a garbled “οὐ ὢ”; the sense (“not very many”) is clear. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.32.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/13/). ## Church History 7.32.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:343 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Anatolius: the nineteen-year cycle begins with a new moon on 22 March. ### Greek text “Ἔχει τοίνυν ἐν τῷ πρώτῳ ἔτει τὴν νου- “μηνίαν τοῦ πρώτου μηνὸς, ἥτις ἁπάσης ἐστὶν ἀρχὴ “τῆς ἐννεακαιδεκαετηρίδος, τῇ κατʼ Αἰγυπτίους μὲν “Φαμενὼθ ἕκτῃ καὶ εἰκάδι, κατὰ δὲ τοὺς Μακεδό- “νων μῆνας Δύστρου δευτέρα καὶ εἰκάδι, ὡς δʼ “ἄν εἴποιεν ῾Ρωμαῖοι, πρὸ ἕνδεκα Καλανδῶν Ἀπριλ- “λίων. ### English translation (Claude) “In the first year, then, the new moon of the first month, which is the beginning of the whole nineteen-year cycle, falls on the twenty-sixth of Phamenoth according to the Egyptians, the twenty-second of Dystrus according to the months of the Macedonians, or, as the Romans would say, the eleventh day before the Kalends of April. ### Extrabiblical texts - Anatolius of Laodicea, Anatolius, Pasch. (Anatolius of Laodicea, On the Pascha): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Anatolius of Laodicea, On the Pascha (to 7.32.19). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.32.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/14/). ## Church History 7.32.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:343 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Anatolius: by that date the sun has passed the equinox; placing the first month before it is a serious error. ### Greek text εὑρίσκεται δὲ ὁ ἥλιος ἐν τῇ προκειμένῃ “Φαμενὼθ ἕκτῃ καὶ εἰκάδι οὐ μόνον ἐπιβὰς τοῦ “πρώτου τμήματος, ἀλλʼ ἤδη καὶ τετάρτην ἡμέραν “ἐν αὐτῷ διαπορευόμενος. τοῦτο δὲ τὸ τμῆμα πρῶ- “τον δωδεκατημόριον καὶ ἰσημερινὸν καὶ μηνῶν “ἀρχὴν καὶ κεφαλὴν τοῦ κύκλου καὶ ἄφεσιν τοῦ “τῶν πλανητῶν δρόμου καλεῖν εἰώθασι, τὸ δὲ πρὸ “τούτου μηνῶν ἔσχατον καὶ τμῆμα δωδέκατον καὶ “τελευταῖον δωδεκατημόριον καὶ τέλος τῆς τῶν πλα- “νητῶν περιόδου. διὸ καὶ τοὺς ἐν αὐτῷ τιθεμένους “τὸν πρῶτον μῆνα καὶ τὴν τεσσαρεσκαιδεκάτην “τοῦ πάσχα κατʼ αὐτὴν λαμβάνοντας οὐ μικρῶς “οὐδʼ ὡς ἔτυχεν ἁμαρτάνειν φαμέν. ### English translation (Claude) On the said twenty-sixth of Phamenoth the sun is found not only to have entered the first segment, but to be already passing through its fourth day. This segment they usually call the first twelfth, the equinoctial, the beginning of months, the head of the cycle, and the starting-point of the course of the planets; and the one before it the last of the months, the twelfth segment, the final twelfth, and the end of the circuit of the planets. Therefore we say that those who place the first month in it, and take the fourteenth of the Pascha by it, err not a little nor by chance. ### Extrabiblical texts - Anatolius of Laodicea, Anatolius, Pasch. (Anatolius of Laodicea, On the Pascha): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Anatolius of Laodicea. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.32.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/15/). ## Church History 7.32.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/16/ - Source: Dindorf 4:343–344 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Anatolius: Jewish writers before Christ — Philo, Josephus, Aristobulus and others — held the same rule. ### Greek text ἔστι δʼ οὐχ “ἡμέτερος οὗτος ὁ λόγος, Ἰουδαίοις δὲ ἐγινώσκετο “τοῖς πάλαι καὶ πρὸ Χριστοῦ, ἐφυλάττετό τε πρὸς “αὐτῶν μάλιστα. μαθεῖν δʼ ἔστιν ἐκ τῶν ὑπὸ Φί- “λωνος, Ἰωσήπου, Μουσαίου λεγομένων, καὶ οὐ “μόνων τούτων, ἀλλὰ καὶ τῶν ἔτι παλαιοτέρων, “ἀμφοτέρων Ἀγαθοβούλων τῶν ἐπίκλην διδασκά- “λων, Ἀριστοβούλου τοῦ πάνυ, ὃς ἐν τοῖς ἑβδομή- “κοντα κατειλεγμένος τοῖς τὰς ἱερὰς καὶ θείας “Ἑβραίων ἑρμηνεύσασι γραφὰς Πτολεμαίῳ τῷ Φιλα- “δέλφῳ καὶ τῷ τούτου πατρὶ, καὶ βίβλους ἐξηγητι- “κὰς τοῦ Μωυσέως νόμου τοῖς αὐτοῖς προσεφώνησε “βασιλεῦσιν. ### English translation (Claude) This reasoning is not ours, but was known to the Jews of old, even before Christ, and was observed by them above all. One may learn it from what is said by Philo, Josephus, and Musaeus, and not only these, but also by those still more ancient, the two Agathobuli, surnamed the Teachers, and the famous Aristobulus, who was numbered among the Seventy who translated the sacred and divine Scriptures of the Hebrews for Ptolemy Philadelphus and his father, and who dedicated books of exegesis of the law of Moses to the same kings. ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo (Philo of Alexandria (works)): allusion, medium confidence - Josephus (Josephus (works)): allusion, medium confidence - Aristobulus, Aristob. (Aristobulus (fragments)): allusion, high confidence - Anatolius of Laodicea, Anatolius, Pasch. (Anatolius of Laodicea, On the Pascha): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Anatolius of Laodicea, On the Pascha. Musaeus and the Agathobuli are otherwise unknown; the claim that Aristobulus was one of the Seventy is Anatolius's. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.32.16 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/16/). ## Church History 7.32.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/17/ - Source: Dindorf 4:344 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: They held that the Passover must follow the spring equinox; Aristobulus adds a rule about the moon. ### Greek text οὗτοι τὰ ζητούμενα κατὰ τὴν Ἔξοδον ἐπιλύοντές φασι δεῖν τὰ διαβατήρια θύειν ἐπʼ “ἴσης ἅπαντας μετὰ ἰσημερίαν ἐαρινὴν, μεσοῦντος “τοῦ πρώτου μηνός· τοῦτο δὲ εὑρίσκεσθαι, τὸ πρῶ- “τον τμῆμα τοῦ ἡλιακοῦ, ἢ ὥς τινες αὐτῶν ὠνόμασαν, ζωοφόρου κύκλου διεξιόντος ἡλίου. ὁ δὲ Ἀριστόβουλος προστίθησιν ὡς εἴη ἐξ ἀνάγκης τῇ “τῶν διαβατηρίων ἑορτῇ, μὴ μόνον τὸν ἥλιον τὸ ἰσημερινὸν διαπορεύεσθαι τμῆμα, καὶ τὴν σελήνην “δέ. ### English translation (Claude) These, solving questions about Exodus, say that all alike must sacrifice the Passover after the spring equinox, in the middle of the first month; and that this is found when the sun is passing through the first segment of the solar, or, as some of them named it, the zodiacal circle. And Aristobulus adds that at the feast of the Passover it is necessary that not only the sun should be passing through the equinoctial segment, but the moon too. ### Scripture references - Exod 12:2: allusion, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Aristobulus, Aristob. (Aristobulus (fragments)): allusion, high confidence - Anatolius of Laodicea, Anatolius, Pasch. (Anatolius of Laodicea, On the Pascha): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Anatolius of Laodicea; cf. Exod 12:2–6. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.32.17 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/17/). ## Church History 7.32.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/18/ - Source: Dindorf 4:344 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: At the paschal full moon the sun is in the spring equinox and the moon opposite it. ### Greek text τῶν γὰρ ἰσημερινῶν τμημάτων ὄντων δύο, “τοῦ μὲν ἐαρινοῦ, τοῦ δὲ μετοπωρινοῦ, καὶ διαμετρούντων ἄλληλα, δοθείσης τε τῆς τῶν διαβα- “τηρίων ἡμέρας τῇ τεσσαρεσκαιδεκάτῃ τοῦ μηνὸς μεθʼ ἐσπέραν, ἐστήξεται μὲν ἡ σελήνη τὴν ἐναντίαν καὶ διάμετρον τῷ ἡλίῳ στάσιν, ὥσπερ οὖν ἔξεστιν ἐν ταῖς πανσελήνοις ὁρᾶν, ἔσονται δὲ ὁ μὲν κατὰ τὸ ἐαρινὸν ἰσημερινὸν, ὁ ἥλιος, τμῆμα, ἡ δὲ ἐξ ἀνάγκης κατὰ τὸ φθινοπωρινὸν ἰσημερινὸν, ἡ σελήνη. ### English translation (Claude) For since there are two equinoctial segments, the spring and the autumn, diametrically opposite each other, and the day of the Passover is fixed on the fourteenth of the month after evening, the moon will stand in the position opposite and diametrically across from the sun, as one can see at full moons; and the sun will be in the spring equinoctial segment, and the moon necessarily in the autumn equinoctial one. ### Extrabiblical texts - Anatolius of Laodicea, Anatolius, Pasch. (Anatolius of Laodicea, On the Pascha): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation from Anatolius of Laodicea. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.32.18 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/18/). ## Church History 7.32.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/19/ - Source: Dindorf 4:344 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christians, with the veil removed, need no such proofs; the Book of Enoch also places the first month at the equinox. ### Greek text οἶδα πλεῖστα καὶ ἄλλα πρὸς αὐτῶν λεγόμενα, τοῦτο μὲν πιθανὰ, τοῦτο δὲ κατὰ τὰς κυριακὰς ἀποδείξεις προϊόντα, διʼ ὧν παριστάνειν πειρῶνται, τὴν τοῦ πάσχα καὶ τῶν ἀζύμων ἑορτὴν δεῖν πάντως μετʼ ἰσημερίαν ἄγεσθαι· παρίημι δὲ τὰς τοιαύτας τῶν ἀποδείξεων ὕλας ἀπαιτῶν, ὧν περιῄρηται μὲν τὸ ἐπὶ τοῦ Μωυσέως νόμῳ κάλυμμα, ἀνακεκαλυμμένῳ δὲ τῷ προσώπῳ λοιπὸν ἤδη Χριστὸν καὶ τὰ Χριστοῦ ἀεὶ κατοπτρίζεσθαι μαθήματά τε καὶ παθήματα. τοῦ δὲ τὸν πρῶτον παρʼ Ἑβραί- “οις μῆνα περὶ ἰσημερίαν εἶναι παραστατικὰ καὶ τὰ “ἐν τῷ Ἐνὼχ μαθήματα.“ ### English translation (Claude) I know that very many other things are said by them, some plausible, others advancing to strict demonstrations, by which they try to prove that the feast of the Pascha and of unleavened bread must by all means be kept after the equinox. But I pass over requiring such materials of proof from those for whom the veil over the law of Moses has been removed, and who with unveiled face may now always behold as in a mirror Christ and the teachings and sufferings of Christ. That the first month among the Hebrews is about the equinox is shown also by the teachings in Enoch.” ### Scripture references - 2 Cor 3:18: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - 1 En. 72 (1 Enoch): allusion, high confidence - Anatolius of Laodicea, Anatolius, Pasch. (Anatolius of Laodicea, On the Pascha): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - End of the quotation from Anatolius, alluding to 2 Cor 3:14–18 and to 1 Enoch 72 (the astronomical book). The digital text reads Ἐωὼχ for Ἐνώχ and repeats a syllable (“ὄις”). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.32.19 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/19/). ## Church History 7.32.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/20/ - Source: Dindorf 4:344–345 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Anatolius also wrote ten books on arithmetic. ### Greek text καὶ ἀριθμητικὰς δὲ καταλέλοιπεν ὁ αὐτὸς ἐν ὅλοις δέκα συγγράμμασιν εἰσαγωγὰς, καὶ ἄλλα δείγματα τῆς περὶ τὰ θεῖα σχολῆς τε αὐτοῦ καὶ πολυπειρίας. ### English translation (Claude) The same writer has also left introductions to arithmetic in ten whole books, and other proofs of his study of divine things and his wide learning. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.32.20 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/20/). ## Church History 7.32.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/21/ - Source: Dindorf 4:345 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Anatolius was first ordained coadjutor at Caesarea, but was kept by Laodicea on the death of Eusebius. ### Greek text τούτῳ πρῶτος ὁ τῆς Παλαιστινῶν Καισαρείας ἐπίσκοπος Θεότεκνος χεῖρας εἰς ἐπισκοπὴν ἐπιτέθεικε, διάδοχον ἑαυτοῦ μετὰ τελευτὴν ποριεῖσθαι τῇ ἰδίᾳ παροικίᾳ προμνώμενος. καὶ δὴ ἐπὶ σμικρόν τινα χρόνον ἄμφω τῆς αὐτῆς προύστησαν ἐκκλησίας, ἀλλὰ γὰρ ἐπὶ τὴν Ἀντιόχειαν τῆς κατὰ Παῦλον συνόδου καλούσης, τὴν Λαοδικέων πόλιν παριὼν πρὸς τῶν ἀδελφῶν αὐτόθι κοιμηθέντος Εὐσεβίου κεκράτηται· ### English translation (Claude) Theotecnus, bishop of Caesarea in Palestine, was the first to lay hands on him for the episcopate, intending to secure him as his own successor in his community after his death. And for a short time both presided over the same church. But when the synod about Paul summoned him to Antioch, as he passed through the city of the Laodiceans he was retained there by the brothers, Eusebius having fallen asleep. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.32.21 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/21/). ## Church History 7.32.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/22/ - Source: Dindorf 4:345 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Stephen, a learned but faithless bishop, proved a coward in the persecution. ### Greek text καὶ τοῦ Ἀνατολίου δὲ τὸν βίον μεταλλάξαντος τῆς ἐκεῖσε παροικίας ὕστατος τῶν πρὸ τοῦ διωγμοῦ καθίσταται Στέφανος, λόγων μὲν φιλοσόφων καὶ τῆς ἄλλης παρʼ Ἕλλησι παιδείας παρὰ τοῖς πολλοῖς θαυμασθεὶς, οὐχ ὁμοίως γε μὴν περὶ τὴν θείαν πίστιν διατεθειμένος, ὡς προϊὼν ὁ τοῦ διωγμοῦ καιρὸς ἀπήλεγξεν, εἴρωνα μᾶλλον δειλόν τε καὶ ἄνανδρον ἤπερ ἀληθῆ φιλόσοφον ἀποδείξας τὸν ἄνδρα. ### English translation (Claude) When Anatolius departed this life, Stephen was appointed over the community there, the last of those before the persecution. He was admired by many for philosophical learning and the rest of Greek education, but was not similarly disposed toward the divine faith, as the time of the persecution, as it advanced, proved, showing the man to be a dissembler, cowardly and unmanly, rather than a true philosopher. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.32.22 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/22/). ## Church History 7.32.23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/23/ - Source: Dindorf 4:345 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Theodotus, a physician of bodies and souls, replaced Stephen at Laodicea. ### Greek text οὐ μὴν ἐπὶ τούτῳ γε καταστρέφειν ἤμελλε τὰ τῆς ἐκκλησίας, ἀνορθοῦται δʼ αὐτὰ πρὸς αὐτοῦ θεοῦ τοῦ πάντων σωτῆρος αὐτίκα τῆς αὐτόθι παροικίας ἐπίσκοπος ἀναδειχθεὶς Θεόδοτος, πράγμασιν αὐτοῖς ἀνὴρ καὶ τὸ κύριον ὄνομα καὶ τὸν ἐπίσκοπον ἐπαληθεύσας. ἰατρικῆς μὲν γὰρ σωμάτων ἀπεφέρετο τὰ πρῶτα τῆς ἐπιστήμης, ψυχῶν δὲ θεραπευτικῆς οἷος οὐδὲ ἄλλος ἀνθρώπων ἐτύγχανε, φιλανθρωπίας, γνησιότητος, συμπαθείας, σπουδῆς τῆς τῶν παρʼ αὐτοῦ δεομένων ὠφελείας ἕνεκεν. πολὺ δὲ ἦν αὐτῷ καὶ τὸ περὶ τὰ θεῖα μαθήματα συνησκημένον. οὗτος μὲν δὴ τοιοῦτος ἦν. ### English translation (Claude) Yet the affairs of the church were not to be ruined by him, but they were set right by God himself, the Saviour of all, Theodotus being immediately declared bishop of the community there, a man who proved true in his very deeds both to his lordly name and to that of bishop. For he carried off the first place in the science of healing bodies, and in the healing of souls was such as no other man, for kindness, sincerity, sympathy, and zeal for the benefit of those who needed his help. He was also much trained in divine studies. Such was he. ### Translation notes - Theodotus means “given by God.” ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.32.23 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/23/). ## Church History 7.32.24 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/24/ - Source: Dindorf 4:345–346 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Agapius succeeded Theotecnus at Caesarea and cared especially for the poor. ### Greek text ἐν Καισαρείᾳ δὲ τῆς Παλαιστίνης Θεότεκνον σπουδαιότατα τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν διελ- θόντα Ἀγάπιος διαδέχεται, ὃν καὶ πολλὰ καμεῖν, γνησιωτάτην τε πρόνοιαν τῆς τοῦ λαοῦ προστασίας ἴσμεν πεποιημένον, πλουσίᾳ τε χειρὶ πάντων μάλιστα πενήτων ἐπιμεμελημένον. ### English translation (Claude) At Caesarea in Palestine, when Theotecnus had most diligently completed his episcopate, Agapius succeeded him. We know that he laboured much and exercised the most genuine care in the leadership of the people, and with a generous hand cared above all for the poor. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.32.24 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/24/). ## Church History 7.32.25 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/25/ - Source: Dindorf 4:346 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius knew the presbyter Pamphilus, whose life and martyrdom he recorded in a separate work. ### Greek text κατὰ τοῦτον ἐλλογιμώτατον αὐτῷ τε βίῳ φιλόσοφον ἀληθῆ, πρεσβείου τῆς αὐτόθι παροικίας ἠξιωμένον, Πάμφιλον ἔγνωμεν, ὃν ὁποῖός τις ἦν καὶ ὁπόθεν ὁρμώμενος, οὐ σμικρᾶς ἂν γένοιτο δηλοῦν ὑποθέσεως· ἕκαστα δὲ τοῦ κατʼ αὐτὸν βίου καὶ ἧς συνεστήσατο διατριβῆς, τούς τε κατὰ τὸν διωγμὸν ἐν διαφόροις ὁμολογίαις ἀγῶνας αὐτοῦ, καὶ ὃν ἐπὶ πᾶσιν ἀνεδήσατο τοῦ μαρτυρίου στέφανον, ἐν ἰδίᾳ τῇ περὶ αὐτοῦ διειλήφαμεν ὑποθέσει. ### English translation (Claude) In his time we came to know Pamphilus, a most eloquent man, a true philosopher in his very life, deemed worthy of the presbyterate of the community there. What kind of man he was and whence he came would be no small subject to declare; but every detail of his life and of the school he established, his contests in various confessions during the persecution, and the crown of martyrdom with which he was wreathed at the last, we have treated in a separate work about him. ### Translation notes - The Life of Pamphilus is lost. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.32.25 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/25/). ## Church History 7.32.26 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/26/ - Source: Dindorf 4:346 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Other remarkable men were the presbyter Pierius of Alexandria and Bishop Meletius of Pontus. ### Greek text ἀλλʼ οὗτος μὲν τῶν τῇδε θαυμασιώτατος, ἐν δὲ τοῖς μάλιστα καθʼ ἡμᾶς σπανιωτάτους γενομένους ἴσμεν τῶν μὲν ἐπʼ Ἀλεξανδρείας πρεσβυτέρων Πιέριον, Μελέτιον δὲ τῶν κατὰ Πόντον ἐκκλησιῶν ἐπίσκοπον. ### English translation (Claude) He was the most admirable of those there; but among the rarest of our time we know Pierius of the presbyters at Alexandria, and Meletius, bishop of the churches in Pontus. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.32.26 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/26/). ## Church History 7.32.27 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/27/ - Source: Dindorf 4:346 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Pierius was poor, learned, and a fine preacher; Meletius, “the honey of Attica,” was outstanding in eloquence and learning. ### Greek text ἀλλʼ ὁ μὲν ἄκρως ἀκτήμονι βίῳ καὶ μαθήμασι φιλοσόφοις δεδοκίμαστο, ταῖς περὶ τὰ θεῖα θεωρίαις καὶ ἐξηγήσεσι, καὶ ταῖς ἐπὶ τοῦ κοινοῦ τῆς ἐκκλησίας διαλέξεσιν ὑπερφυῶς ἐξησκημένος, ὁ δὲ Μελέτιος τὸ μέλιτῆςʼ Αττικῆς ἐκάλουν αὐτὸν οἱ ἀπὸ παιδείας) τοιοῦτος ἦν, οἷον ἂν γράψειέ τις τῶν κατὰ πάντα λόγων ἕνεκα τελεώτατον· ῥητορικῆς μέν γε τὴν ἀρετὴν οὐδὲ οἶόν τε θαυμάζειν ἐπαξίως, ἀλλὰ τοῦτο μὲν εἶναι αὐτῷ φαίη ἄν τις τὸ κατὰ φύσιν· τῆς δʼ ἄλλης πολυπειρίας τε καὶ πολυμαθείας τίς ἂν τὴν ἀρετὴν ὑπερβάλοιτο; ### English translation (Claude) The former was esteemed for his extreme poverty of life and philosophical learning, and was exceedingly practised in divine speculations and expositions and in public discourses in the church. Meletius (the educated called him “the honey of Attica”) was such a man as one would describe as most perfect in every kind of learning. It is impossible to admire his excellence in rhetoric adequately, though one might say it was natural to him; but who could surpass his excellence in wide experience and learning? ### Translation notes - The nickname plays on Μελέτιος and μέλι (“honey”). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.32.27 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/27/). ## Church History 7.32.28 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/28/ - Source: Dindorf 4:346–347 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Meletius was a fugitive in Palestine for seven years of the persecution. ### Greek text ὅτι δὴ ἐπὶ πάσαις λογικαῖς ἐπιστήμαις τὸν τεχνικώτατον καὶ λογιώτατον καὶ μόνον πεῖραν αὐτοῦ λαβὼν ἂν εἶπες. ἐφάμιλλα δὲ αὐτῷ καὶ τὰ τῆς ἀρετῆς παρῆν τοῦ βίου. τοῦτον κατὰ τὸν τοῦ διωγμοῦ καιρὸν τοῖς κατὰ Παλαιστίνην κλίμασι διαδιδράσκοντα ἐφʼ ὅλοις ἔτεσιν ἑπτὰ κατενοήσαμεν. ### English translation (Claude) For in all the logical sciences you would have called him the most skilled and learned, had you made trial of him even once. And the virtues of his life were equal to these. We observed him in the time of the persecution fleeing about the regions of Palestine for seven whole years. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.32.28 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/28/). ## Church History 7.32.29 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/29/ - Source: Dindorf 4:347 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: At Jerusalem Zabdas and then Hermon succeeded Hymenaeus. ### Greek text τῆς δʼ ἐν Ἱεροσολύμοις ἐκκλησίας μετὰ τὸν σμικρῷ πρόσθεν δεδηλωμένον ἐπίσκοπον Ὑμέναιον Ζάμβδας τὴν λειτουργίαν παραλαμβάνει. μετʼ οὐ πολὺ δὲ τούτου κεκοιμημένου Ἕρμων ὕστατος τῶν μέχρι τοῦ καθʼ ἡμᾶς διωγμοῦ τὸν εἰσέτι νῦν ἐκεῖσε πεφυλαγμένον ἀποστολικὸν διαδέχεται θρόνον. ### English translation (Claude) In the church at Jerusalem, after the bishop Hymenaeus mentioned a little before, Zabdas received the ministry. Not long after he fell asleep, and Hermon, the last before the persecution of our time, succeeded to the apostolic throne which has been preserved there to this day. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.32.29 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/29/). ## Church History 7.32.30 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/30/ - Source: Dindorf 4:347 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Theonas succeeded Maximus at Alexandria; the presbyter Achillas headed the catechetical school. ### Greek text καὶ ἐπʼ Ἀλεξανδρείας δὲ Μάξιμον ὀκτωκαίδεκα ἔτεσι μετὰ τὴν Διονυσίου τελευτὴν ἐπισκοπεύσαντα Θεωνᾶς διαδέχεται· καθʼ ὃν ἐπὶ τῆς Ἀλεξανδρείας ἐπὶ ταὐτὸν τῷ Πιερίῳ πρεσβυτερίου ἠξιωμένος Ἀχιλλᾶς ἐγνωρίζετο, τῆς ἱερᾶς πίστεως τὸ διδασκαλεῖον ἐγκεχειρισμένος, οὐδενὸς ἧττον σπανιώτατον φιλοσοφίας ἔργον καὶ πολιτείας εὐαγγελικῆς τρόπον γνήσιον ἐπιδεδειγμένος. ### English translation (Claude) At Alexandria, when Maximus had been bishop eighteen years after the death of Dionysius, Theonas succeeded him. In his time Achillas, who had been deemed worthy of the presbyterate at Alexandria together with Pierius, was well known, having been entrusted with the school of the sacred faith, and having shown a work of philosophy second to none in rarity and a genuine manner of gospel life. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.32.30 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/30/). ## Church History 7.32.31 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/31/ - Source: Dindorf 4:347 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Peter of Alexandria, bishop for twelve years, was beheaded in the ninth year of the persecution (311). ### Greek text μετὰ δὲ Θεωνᾶν ἐννεακαίδεκα ἔτεσιν ἐξυπηρετησάμενον διαδέχεται τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν τῶν ἐπʼ Ἀλεξανδρείας Πέτρος, ἐν τοῖς μάλιστα καὶ αὐτὸς διαπρέψας ἐφʼ ὅλοις δυοκαίδεκα ἐνιαυτοῖς, ὧν πρὸ τοῦ διωγμοῦ τρισὶν οὐδʼ ὅλοις ἔτεσιν ἡγησάμενος τῆς ἐκκλησίας, τὸν λοιπὸν τοῦ βίου χρόνον εὐτονωτέρᾳ τῇ συνασκήσει ἑαυτόν τε ἦγε, καὶ τῆς κοινῆς τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν ὠφελείας οὐκ ἀφανῶς ἐπεμέλετο. ταύτῃ δʼ οὖν ἐνάτῳ ἔτει τοῦ διωγμοῦ τὴν κεφαλὴν ἀποτμηθεὶς τῷ τοῦ μαρτυρίου κατεκοσμήθη στεφάνῳ. ### English translation (Claude) After Theonas had served nineteen years, Peter succeeded to the episcopate of the Alexandrians. He too was very distinguished during twelve whole years; he led the church for not quite three years before the persecution, and for the rest of his life he disciplined himself with a more rigorous asceticism and took care, not obscurely, of the common good of the churches. So in the ninth year of the persecution he was beheaded and adorned with the crown of martyrdom. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.32.31 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/31/). ## Church History 7.32.32 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/32/ - Source: Dindorf 4:347–348 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius closes the successions (305 years to the destruction of the churches) and turns to the martyrs of his own day. ### Greek text Ἐν τούτοις τὴν τῶν διαδοχῶν περιγράψαντες ὑπόθεσιν, ἀπὸ τῆς τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν γενέσεως ἐπὶ τὴν τῶν προσευκτηρίων καθαίρεσιν εἰς ἔτη συντείνουσαν πέντε καὶ τριακόσια, φέρε ἐξῆς τοὺς καθʼ ἡμᾶς τῶν ὑπὲρ εὐσεβείας ἀνδρισαμένων ἀγῶνας, ὅσοι τε καὶ πηλίκοι γεγόνασι, καὶ τοῖς μεθʼ ἡμᾶς εἰδέναι διὰ γραφῆς καταλείψωμεν. ### English translation (Claude) Having in these books completed the subject of the successions, from the birth of our Saviour to the destruction of the houses of prayer, extending to three hundred and five years, let us next leave in writing, for those after us to know, the contests of those in our own time who showed courage for piety, how many and how great they were. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 7.32.32 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/7/32/32/). ## Church History, Book 8, preface 1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/0/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:348 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius introduces Book 8, which turns from the succession of the apostles to the events of his own lifetime. ### Greek text Προοίμιον. Τὴν τῶν ἀποστόλων διαδοχὴν ἐν ὅλοις ἑπτὰ περιγράψαντες βιβλίοις ἐν ὀγδόῳ τούτῳ συγγράμματι τὰ καθʼ ἡμᾶς αὐτοὺς, οὐ τῆς τυχούσης ἄξια ὄντα γραφής, ἕν τι τῶν ἀναγκαιοτάτων ἡγούμεθα δεῖν εἰς γνῶσιν καὶ τῶν μεθʼ ἡμᾶς παραδοῦναι, καὶ ἄρξεταί γε ὁ λόγος ἐντεῦθεν ἡμῖν. ### English translation (Claude) Preface. Having described the succession from the apostles in seven whole books, in this eighth work we consider it one of the most necessary things to hand down, for the knowledge also of those after us, the events of our own time, which deserve no ordinary record; and from this point our account will begin. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.0.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/0/1/). ## Church History 8.1.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/1/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:348 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Before the persecution of his day, Eusebius says, the Christian message enjoyed great honor and freedom everywhere. ### Greek text Ὅσης μὲν καὶ ὁποίας πρὸ τοῦ καθʼ ἡμᾶς διωγμοῦ δόξης ὁμοῦ καὶ παρρησίας ὁ διὰ Χριστοῦ τῷ βίῳ κατηγγελμένος τῆς εἰς τὸν τῶν ὅλων θεὸν εὐσεβείας λόγος παρὰ πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις, Ἕλλησι τε καὶ βαρβάροις, ἠξίωτο, μεῖζον ἢ καθʼ ἡμᾶς ἐπαξίως διηγήσασθαι. ### English translation (Claude) How great and of what kind was the glory, and at the same time the freedom of speech, which the message of piety toward the God of the universe, proclaimed to the world through Christ, enjoyed among all people, Greeks and barbarians alike, before the persecution of our time, is beyond our power to relate worthily. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.1.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/1/1/). ## Church History 8.1.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/1/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:348 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The emperors showed Christians favor, even appointing them provincial governors and excusing them from sacrifice. ### Greek text τεκμήρια δʼ ἂν γένοιτο τῶν κρατούντων αἱ περὶ τοὺς ἡμετέρους δεξιώσεις, οἷς καὶ τὰς τῶν ἐθνῶν ἐνεχείριζον ἡγεμονίας, τῆς περὶ τὸ θύειν ἀγωνίας κατὰ πολλὴν, ἣν ἀπέσωζον περὶ τὸ δόγμα, φιλίαν αὐτοὺς ἀπαλλάττοντες. ### English translation (Claude) Proofs of it would be the favor the rulers showed our people, to whom they even entrusted the government of provinces, releasing them from anxiety about sacrificing because of the great friendship they kept toward our doctrine. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.1.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/1/2/). ## Church History 8.1.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/1/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:348 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Even in the imperial palaces, Christian wives, children, and servants were allowed to practice their faith openly and were esteemed. ### Greek text τί δεῖ περὶ τῶν κατὰ τοὺς βασιλικοὺς λέγειν οἴκους, καὶ τῶν ἐπὶ πᾶσιν ἀρχόντων; οἱ τοῖς οἰκείοις εἰς πρόσωπον ἐπὶ τῷ θείῳ παρρησιαζομένοις λόγῳ τε καὶ βίῳ συνεχώρουν, γαμεταῖς καὶ παισὶ καὶ οἰκέταις, μονονουχὶ καὶ ἐγκαυχᾶσθαι ἐπὶ τῇ παρρησίᾳ τῆς πίστεως ἐπιτρέποντες· οὓς ἐξόχως καὶ μᾶλλον τῶν συνθεραπόντων ἀποδεκτοὺς ἡγοῦντο. ### English translation (Claude) What need is there to speak of those in the imperial palaces and of the rulers over all? They allowed the members of their households, wives, children, and servants, to speak openly to their faces for the divine word and way of life, all but permitting them even to boast of their freedom in the faith; and they esteemed them especially and more highly than their fellow servants. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.1.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/1/3/). ## Church History 8.1.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/1/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:348 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dorotheus and Gorgonius, Christians of the imperial household, were highly honored by the emperors. ### Greek text οἷος ἐκεῖνος ἦν Δωρόθεος, πάντων αὐτοῖς εὐνούστατος καὶ πιστότατος, καὶ τούτων ἕνεκα διαφερόντως παρὰ τοὺς ἐν ἀρχαῖς καὶ ἡγεμονίαις αὐτοῖς τιμιωτάταις ἐντιμότατος, ὅ τε σὺν αὐτῷ περιβόητος Γοργόνιος, καὶ ὅσοι τῆς αὐτῆς ὁμοίως τούτοις ἠξίωντο διὰ τὸν τοῦ θεοῦ λόγον τιμῆς. ### English translation (Claude) Such was that Dorotheus, the most devoted and most faithful of all to them, and for this reason held in higher honor than those in high offices and governorships; and with him the celebrated Gorgonius, and all who had been counted worthy of the same honor as these because of the word of God. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.1.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/1/4/). ## Church History 8.1.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/1/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:348–349 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Church leaders were respected by officials, and congregations grew so large that new, spacious churches were built in every city. ### Greek text οἵας τε καὶ τοὺς καθʼ ἑκάστην ἐκκλησίαν ἄρχοντας παρὰ πᾶσιν ἐπιτρόποις καὶ ἡγεμόσιν ἀποδοχῆς ἦν ὁρᾶν ἀξιουμένους. πῶς δʼ ἄν τις διαγράψειε τὰς μυριάνδρους ἐκείνας ἐπισυναγωγὰς καὶ τὰ πλήθη τῶν κατὰ πᾶσαν πόλιν ἀθροισμάτων, τάς τε ἐπισήμους ἐν τοῖς προσευκτηρίοις συνδρομὰς, ὧν δὴ ἕνεκα μηδαμῶς ἔτι τοῖς παλαιοῖς οἰκοδομήμασιν ἀρκούμενοι εὐρείας εἰς πλάτος ἀνὰ πάσας τὰς πόλεις ἐκ θεμελίων ἀνίστων ἐκκλησίας. ### English translation (Claude) And one could see how the rulers of each church were received with favor by all procurators and governors. How could anyone describe those gatherings of countless thousands, and the crowds that assembled in every city, and the remarkable concourses in the houses of prayer? Because of them, no longer content with the old buildings, they raised spacious churches from the foundations in all the cities. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.1.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/1/5/). ## Church History 8.1.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/1/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:349 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: As long as God's hand protected his people, no envy or demon could stop the church's growth. ### Greek text ταῦτα δὲ τοῖς χρόνοις προιόντα, ὁσημέραι τε εἰς αὔξησιν καὶ μέγεθος ἐπιδιδόντα οὐδεὶς ἀνεῖργε φθόνος, οὐδέ τις δαίμων πονηρὸς οἰός τε ἦν βασκαίνειν οὐδʼ ἀνθρώπων ἐπιβουλαῖς κωλύειν, εἰς ὅσον ἡ θεία καὶ οὐράνιος χεὶρ ἔσκεπέ τε καὶ ἐφρούρει οἷα δὴ ἄξιον ὄντα τὸν ἑαυτῆς λαόν. ### English translation (Claude) As these things advanced with time and grew daily in increase and greatness, no envy held them back, nor was any evil demon able to cast its spell on them or hinder them through human plots, so long as the divine and heavenly hand sheltered and guarded its own people, as being worthy. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.1.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/1/6/). ## Church History 8.1.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/1/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:349 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: When freedom bred pride, envy, and quarrels among Christians and their leaders, God's judgment began gently, with persecution of Christian soldiers. ### Greek text ὡς δὲ ἐκ τῆς ἐπὶ πλέον ἐλευθερίας ἐπὶ χαυνότητα καὶ νωθρίαν τὰ καθʼ ἡμᾶς μετηλλάττετο, ἄλλων ἄλλοις διαφθονουμένων καὶ διαλοιδορουμένων, καὶ μονονουχὶ ἡμῶν αὐτῶν ἑαυτοῖς προσπολεμούντων ὅπλοις, εἰ οὕτω τύχοι, καὶ δόρασι τοῖς διὰ λόγων, ἀρχόντων τε ἄρχουσι προσρηγνύντων, καὶ λαῶν ἐπὶ λαοὺς καταστασιαζόντων, τῆς τε ὑποκρίσεως ἀφάτου καὶ τῆς εἰρωνείας ἐπὶ πλεῖστον ὅσον κακίας προϊούσης, ἡ μὲν δὴ θεία κρίσις, οἷα φίλον αὐτῇ, πεφεισμένως, τῶν ἀθροισμάτων ἔτι συγκροτουμένων, ἠρέμα καὶ μετρίως τὴν αὐτῆς ἐπισκοπὴν ἀνεκίνει, ἐκ τῶν ἐν στρατείαις ἀδελφῶν καταρχομένου τοῦ διωγμοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) But when, from greater freedom, our affairs changed to arrogance and sloth, and we envied and reviled one another, all but making war on ourselves, as it happened, with weapons and spears of words, rulers clashing with rulers and peoples rising in faction against peoples, while unspeakable hypocrisy and dissimulation advanced to the utmost height of wickedness, then the divine judgment, as is its way, sparingly, while the congregations were still assembling, gently and moderately began to exercise its oversight, the persecution beginning with the brothers in the army. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.1.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/1/7/). ## Church History 8.1.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/1/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:349–350 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Because Christians and their pastors did not repent but quarreled and sought power, God brought on them the judgment described in Lamentations. ### Greek text ὡς δʼ ἀνεπαισθήτως ἔχοντες οὐχ ὅπως εὐμενὲς καὶ ἵλεω καταστήσεσθαι τὸ θεῖον προυθυμούμεθα, οἷα δέ τινες ἄθεοι ἀφρόντιστα καὶ ἀνεπίσκοπα τὰ καθʼ ἡμᾶς ἡγούμενοι ἄλλας ἐπʼ ἄλλαις προσετίθεμεν κακίας, οἵ τε δοκοῦντες ἡμῶν ποιμένες τὸν τῆς θεοσεβείας θεσμὸν παρωσάμενοι ταῖς πρὸς ἀλλήλους ἀνεφλέγοντο φιλονεικίαις, αὐτὰ δὴ ταῦτα μόνα, τὰς ἔρεις καὶ τὰς ἀπειλὰς τόν τε ζῆλον καὶ τὸ πρὸς ἀλλήλους ἔχθος τε καὶ μῖσος ἀπαύζοντες, οἶά τε τυραννίδας τὰς φιλαρχίας ἐκθύμως διεκδικοῦντες, τότε δὴ, τότε κατὰ τὴν φάσκουσαν τοῦ Ἱερεμίου φωνὴν „ἐγνόφωσεν ἐν ὀργῇ αὐτοῦ κύριος τὴν θυγατέρα Σιὼν, καὶ κατέρριψεν οὐρανοῦ εἰς γῆν δόξασμα Ἰσραὴλ, οὐκ ἐμνήσθη τε ὑποποδίου ποδῶν αὐτοῦ ἐν ἡμέρᾳ ὀργῆς αὐτοῦ· ἀλλὰ καὶ κατεπόντισε κύριος πάντα τὰ ὡραῖα Ἰσραὴλ, καὶ καθεῖλε πάντας τοὺς φραγμοὺς αὐτοῦ, “ ### English translation (Claude) But when, being without feeling, we took no pains to make the Deity kindly and propitious, but, like certain atheists who think our affairs are uncared for and unwatched, we added one wickedness to another; and those who seemed to be our shepherds, thrusting aside the rule of piety, were inflamed with contentions against one another, increasing only these things, strifes and threats, jealousy, enmity, and hatred toward one another, and passionately claiming their ambitions for power as though they were tyrannies: then indeed, then, according to the word of Jeremiah, “the Lord darkened the daughter of Zion in his anger, and cast down from heaven to earth the glory of Israel, and did not remember his footstool in the day of his anger; but the Lord also swallowed up all the beauty of Israel, and broke down all his hedges”; ### Scripture references - Lam 2:1–2: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Lam 2:1–2 (LXX), which Eusebius ascribes to Jeremiah. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.1.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/1/8/). ## Church History 8.1.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/1/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:350 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius applies a lament from the Psalms to the destruction of the churches in the persecution. ### Greek text κατά τε τὰ ἐν ψαλμοῖς προθεσπισθέντα κατέστρεψε τὴν διαθήκην τοῦ δούλου αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐβεβήλωσεν εἰς γῆν διὰ τῆς τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν καθαιρέσεως τὸ ἁγίασμα αὐτοῦ, καὶ καθεῖλε πάντας τοὺς φραγμοὺς αὐτοῦ, ἔθετο τὰ ὀχυρώματα αὐτοῦ δειλίαν· διήρπασάν τε τὰ πλήθη τοῦ λαοῦ πάντες οἱ διοδεύοντες ὁδὸν, καὶ δὴ ἐπὶ τούτοις ὄνειδος ἐγενήθη τοῖς γείτοσιν αὐτοῦ. ὕψωσε γὰρ τὴν δεξιὰν τῶν ἐχθρῶν αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἀπέστρεψε τὴν βοήθειαν τῆς ῥομφαίας αὐτοῦ, καὶ οὐκ ἀντελάβετο αὐτοῦ ἐν τῷ πολέμῳ· ἀλλὰ καὶ κατέλυσεν ἀπὸ καθαρισμοῦ αὐτὸν καὶ τὸν θρόνον αὐτοῦ εἰς τὴν γῆν κατέρραξεν· ἐσμίκρυνέ τε τὰς ἡμέρας τοῦ χρόνου αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐπὶ πᾶσι κατέχεεν αὐτοῦ αἰσχύνην. ### English translation (Claude) and, as was foretold in the Psalms, “he overthrew the covenant of his servant, and profaned his sanctuary to the ground” (through the destruction of the churches), “and broke down all his hedges, and made his strongholds a terror; all who pass along the road plundered the multitudes of the people, and besides this he became a reproach to his neighbors. For he exalted the right hand of his enemies, and turned back the help of his sword, and did not support him in the battle; but he also put an end to his purification and hurled his throne to the ground; and he shortened the days of his time, and above all poured shame upon him.” ### Scripture references - Ps 89:39–45 (88:40-Ps LXX): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Ps 89:39–45 (88:40–46 LXX), adapted; “through the destruction of the churches” is Eusebius's own comment inserted into it. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.1.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/1/9/). ## Church History 8.2.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/2/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:350–351 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius saw churches demolished, Scriptures burned in public, and church leaders hiding or captured, as the psalm foretold. ### Greek text Συντετέλεσται δῆτα καθʼ ἡμᾶς πάντα, ὁπηνίκα τῶν μὲν προσευκτηρίων τοὺς οἴκους ἐξ ὕψους εἰς ἔδαφος αὐτοῖς θεμελίοις καταρριπτουμένους, τὰς δὲ ἐνθέους καὶ ἱερὰς γραφὰς κατὰ μέσας ἀγορὰς πυρὶ παραδιδομένας αὐτοῖς ἐπείδομεν ὀφθαλμοῖς, τούς τε τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν ποιμένας αἰσχρῶς ὧδε κἀκεῖσε κρυπταζομένους, τοὺς δὲ ἀσχημόνως ἁλισκομένους, καὶ πρὸς τῶν ἐχθρῶν καταπαιζομένους, ὅτε καὶ κατὰ τὸν προφητικὸν λόγον, ἐξεχύθη ἐξουδένωσις ἐπʼ ἄρχοντας, καὶ ἐπλάνησεν αὐτοὺς ἐν ἀβάτῳ καὶ οὐχ ὁδῷ. “ ### English translation (Claude) All these things have indeed been fulfilled in our day, when we saw with our own eyes the houses of prayer thrown down from their height to the ground, foundations and all, and the inspired and holy Scriptures committed to the fire in the middle of the marketplaces, and the shepherds of the churches shamefully hiding here and there, while others were disgracefully captured and mocked by their enemies; when also, according to the prophetic word, “contempt was poured out upon rulers, and he made them wander in a trackless place and not on a road.” ### Scripture references - Ps 107:40 (106:40 LXX): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Ps 107:40 (106:40 LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.2.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/2/1/). ## Church History 8.2.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/2/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:351 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius declines to describe the failures and quarrels of church leaders beyond what shows that God's judgment was just. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ τούτων μὲν οὐχ ἡμέτερον διαγράφειν τὰς ἐπὶ τέλει σκυθρωπὰς συμφορὰς, ἐπεὶ καὶ τὰς πρόσθεν τοῦ διωγμοῦ διαστάσεις τε αὐτῶν εἰς ἀλλήλους καὶ ἀτοπίας οὐχ ἡμῖν οἰκεῖον μνήμῃ παραδιδόναι. διὸ καὶ πλέον οὐδὲν ἱστορῆσαι περὶ αὐτῶν διέγνωμεν ἢ διʼ ὧν ἂν τὴν θείαν δικαιώσαιμεν κρίσιν. ### English translation (Claude) But it is not our part to describe the gloomy misfortunes that befell these men in the end, since it is not fitting for us either to hand down to memory their dissensions with one another and their misconduct before the persecution. Therefore we have decided to record nothing more about them than what may vindicate the divine judgment. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.2.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/2/2/). ## Church History 8.2.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/2/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:351 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius will pass over those who fell away and record only what is useful: the contests of the martyrs. ### Greek text οὐκοῦν οὐδὲ τῶν πρὸς τοῦ διωγμοῦ πεπειραμένων, ἢ τῶν εἰς ἅπαν τῆς σωτηρίας νεναυαγηκότων, αὐτῇ τε γνώμῃ τοῖς τοῦ κλύδωνος ἐναπορριφέντων βυθοῖς, μνήμην ποιήσασθαι προήχθημεν, μόνα δὲ ἐκεῖνα τῇ καθόλου προσθήσομεν ἱστορίᾳ, ἃ πρώτοις μὲν ἡμῖν αὐτοῖς, ἔπειτα δὲ καὶ τοῖς μεθʼ ἡμᾶς γένοιτʼ ἂν πρὸς ὠφελείας. ἴωμεν οὖν ἐντεῦθεν ἤδη, τοὺς ἱεροὺς ἀγῶνας τῶν τοῦ θεοῦ λόγου μαρτύρων ἐν ἐπιτομῇ διαγράψοντες. ### English translation (Claude) Accordingly, we have not been led to make mention either of those who were tried by the persecution or of those who made complete shipwreck of their salvation and of their own will were cast into the depths of the flood; we shall add to the general history only those things that may be profitable first to ourselves and then to those after us. Let us go on, then, from here to describe in summary the sacred contests of the martyrs of the divine Word. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.2.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/2/3/). ## Church History 8.2.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/2/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:351 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: In March 303, near Easter, Diocletian's first edict ordered churches razed, Scriptures burned, and Christians stripped of rank and freedom. ### Greek text ἔτος τοῦτο ἦν ἐννεακαιδέκατον τῆς Διοκλητιανοῦ βασιλείας, Δύστρος μὲν (λέγοιτο δʼ ἂν οὗτος Μάρτιος κατὰ Ῥωμαίους), ἐν ᾧ τῆς τοῦ σωτηρίου πάθους ἑορτῆς ἐπελαυνούσης ἥπλωτο πανταχόσε βασιλικὰ γράμματα, τὰς μὲν ἐκκλησίας εἰς ἔδαφος φέρειν, τὰς δὲ γραφὰς ἀφανεῖς πυρὶ γενέσθαι προστάττοντα, καὶ τοὺς μὲν τιμῆς ἐπειλημμένους ἀτίμους, τοὺς δὲ ἐν οἰκετίαις, εἰ ἐπιμένοιεν τῇ τοῦ Χριστιανισμοῦ προθέσει, ἐλευθερίας στερεῖσθαι προαγορεύοντα. ### English translation (Claude) It was the nineteenth year of the reign of Diocletian, the month Dystrus (which the Romans would call March), when, as the feast of the Savior's passion was approaching, imperial letters were published everywhere, ordering the churches to be razed to the ground and the Scriptures to be destroyed by fire, and proclaiming that those who held honors should lose them, and those in households, if they persisted in the profession of Christianity, should be deprived of their freedom. ### Translation notes - The first edict of the Great Persecution, AD 303. Dystrus is the Macedonian month name. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.2.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/2/4/). ## Church History 8.2.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/2/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:351–352 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: A second edict ordered all church leaders imprisoned and then forced to sacrifice. ### Greek text καὶ ἡ μὲν πρώτη καθʼ ἡμῶν γραφὴ τοιαύτη τις ἦν· μετʼ οὐ πολὺ δὲ ἑτέρων ἐπιφοιτησάντων γραμμάτων προσετάττετο τοὺς τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν προέδρους πάντας τοὺς κατὰ πάντα τόπον πρῶτα μὲν δεσμοῖς παραδίδοσθαι, εἶθʼ ὕστερον πάσῃ μηχανῇ θύειν ἐξαναγκάζεσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) Such was the first decree against us. But not long after, other letters arrived, commanding that all the presidents of the churches in every place should first be put in chains, and afterward be compelled by every means to sacrifice. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.2.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/2/5/). ## Church History 8.3.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/3/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:352 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Many church leaders endured torture bravely, many others gave way at once, and some died under the rack and scourge. ### Greek text Τότε δὴ οὖν, τότε πλεῖστοι μὲν ὅσοι τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν ἄρχοντες, δειναῖς αἰκίαις προθύμως ἐναθλήσαντες, μεγάλων ἀγώνων ἱστορίας ἐπεδείξαντο, μυρίοι δʼ ἄλλοι τὴν ψυχὴν ὑπὸ δειλίας προναρκήσαντες προχείρως οὕτως ἀπὸ πρώτης ἐξησθένησαν προσβολῆς, τῶν δὲ λοιπῶν ἕκαστος εἴδη διάφορα βασάνων ἐνήλλαττεν, ὁ μὲν μάστιξιν αἰκιζόμενος τὸ σῶμα, ὁ δὲ στρεβλώσεσι καὶ ξεσμοῖς ἀνυπομονήτοις τιμωρούμενος, ἐφʼ οἷς ἤδη τινὲς οὐκ αἴσιον ἀπηνέγκαντο τοῦ βίου τέλος. ### English translation (Claude) Then indeed, then, very many rulers of the churches contended eagerly under terrible tortures and displayed histories of great contests; but countless others, their souls numbed beforehand by cowardice, readily grew weak at the very first assault. Of the rest, each underwent different kinds of torture: one had his body mangled with scourges, another was punished with the rack and unendurable scrapings, in which some already met an unhappy end of life. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.3.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/3/1/). ## Church History 8.3.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/3/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:352 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Some were dragged to sacrifice and released as if they had sacrificed; others were falsely reported to have done so; others were thrown out half dead. ### Greek text ἄλλοι δʼ αὖ πάλιν ἄλλως τὸν ἀγῶνα διεξῄεσαν· ὁ μὲν γάρ τις ἑτέρων βίᾳ συνωθούντων καὶ ταῖς παμμιάροις καὶ ἀνάγνοις προσαγόντων θυσίαις ὡς τεθυκὼς ἀπηλλάττετο, καὶ εἰ μὴ τεθυκὼς ἦν, ὁ δὲ μηδʼ ὅλως προσπελάσας, μηδέ τινος ἐναγοῦς ἐφαψάμενος, εἰρηκότων δʼ ἑτέρων ὅτι τεθύκοι, σιωπῇ φέρων τὴν συκοφαντίαν ἀπῄει, ἄλλος ἡμιθανὴς αἰρόμενος ὡσὰν ἤδη νεκρὸς ἐρρίπτετο. ### English translation (Claude) Others, again, went through the contest in other ways. One man, while others forcibly pushed him and brought him to the utterly foul and impure sacrifices, was dismissed as though he had sacrificed, even though he had not; another, who had not come near at all nor touched anything polluted, but others said he had sacrificed, went away bearing the false accusation in silence; another, taken up half dead, was thrown out as if already a corpse. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.3.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/3/2/). ## Church History 8.3.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/3/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:352 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Some were counted as having sacrificed against their will, while others loudly refused and confessed themselves Christians. ### Greek text καί τις αὖ πάλιν ἐπʼ ἐδάφους κείμενος μακρὰν ἐσύρετο τοῖν ποδοῖν, ἐν τεθυκόσιν αὐτοῖς λελογισμένος· ὁ δέ τις ἐβόα, καὶ μεγάλῃ διεμαρτύρετο φωνῇ τῆς θυσίας τὴν ἄρνησιν· καὶ ἄλλος Χριστιανὸς εἶναι ἐκεκράγει, τῇ τοῦ σωτηρίου προσρήματος ὁμολογίᾳ λαμπρυνόμενος· ἕτερος τὸ μὴ τεθυκέναι μήτε θύσειν ποτὲ διετείνετο. ### English translation (Claude) And again, one lying on the ground was dragged a long way by the feet and counted among those who had sacrificed. One cried out and testified with a loud voice that he refused to sacrifice; another shouted that he was a Christian, shining with the confession of the saving name; another insisted that he had not sacrificed and never would. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.3.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/3/3/). ## Church History 8.3.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/3/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:352–353 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Those who confessed were beaten and driven out, for the persecutors cared only to seem successful; but the true martyrs could not be overcome. ### Greek text ὅμως δʼ οὖν καὶ οἵδε πολυχειρίᾳ τῆς ἐπὶ τοῦτο τεταγμένης στρατιωτικῆς παρατάξεως κατὰ στόματος παιόμενοι καὶ κατασιγαζόμενοι, κατά τε προσώπου καὶ παρειῶν τυπτόμενοι μετὰ βίας ἐξωθοῦντο. οὕτως ἐξ ἅπαντος οἱ τῆς θεοσεβείας ἐχθροὶ τὸ δοκεῖν ἠνυκέναι περὶ πολλοῦ ἐτίθεντο. ἀλλʼ οὐ καὶ κατὰ τῶν ἁγίων αὐτοῖς μαρτύρων ταῦτα προυχώρει, ὧν εἰς ἀκριβῆ διήγησιν τίς ἄν ἡμῖν ἐξαρκέσειε λόγος; ### English translation (Claude) Yet these too were struck on the mouth and silenced by the many hands of the troop of soldiers assigned to this, and were beaten on the face and cheeks and thrust out by force. So much did the enemies of piety value appearing, by any means, to have succeeded. But these things did not go their way against the holy martyrs; and what account would suffice us for an exact narration of them? ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.3.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/3/4/). ## Church History 8.4.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/4/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:353 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Countless Christians showed their devotion to God even before the general persecution began. ### Greek text Μυρίους μὲν γὰρ ἱστορήσαι ἄν τις θαυμαστὴν ὑπὲρ εὐσεβείας τοῦ θεοῦ τῶν ὅλων ἐνδεδειγμένους προθυμίαν, οὐκ ἐξότουπερ μόνον ὁ κατὰ πάντων ἀνεκινήθη διωγμὸς, πολὺ πρότερον δὲ, καθʼ ὃν ἔτι τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης συνεκροτεῖτο. ### English translation (Claude) For one could record countless people who showed an admirable zeal for piety toward the God of the universe, not only from the time the persecution against all was stirred up, but long before, while peace still prevailed. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.4.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/4/1/). ## Church History 8.4.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/4/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:353 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: When persecution began quietly in the army, many Christian soldiers gladly left the service rather than deny God. ### Greek text ἄρτι γὰρ ἄρτι πρῶτον ὥσπερ ἀπὸ κάρου βαθέος ὑποκινουμένου τοῦ τὴν ἐξουσίαν εἰληφότος, κρύβδην τε ἔτι καὶ ἀφανῶς μετὰ τὸν ἀπὸ Δεκίου καὶ Οὐαλεριανοῦ μεταξὺ χρόνον ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις ἐπιχειροῦντος, οὐκ ἀθρόως τε τῷ καθʼ ἡμῶν ἐπαποδυομένου πολέμῳ, ἀλλʼ ἔτι τῶν κατὰ τὰ στρατόπεδα μόνων ἀποπειρωμένου — ταύτῃ γὰρ καὶ τοὺς λοιποὺς ἁλῶναι ῥᾳδίως ᾤετο, εἰ πρότερον ἐκείνων καταγωνισάμενος περιγένοιτο —, πλείστους παρῆν τῶν ἐν στρατείαις ὁρᾶν ἀσμενέστατα τὸν ἰδιωτικὸν προασπαζομένους βίον, ὡς ἂν μὴ ἔξαρνοι γένοιντο τῆς περὶ τὸν τῶν ὅλων δημιουργὸν εὐσεβείας. ### English translation (Claude) For when he who had received the authority was only just beginning to stir, as though from a deep stupor, and was attacking the churches still secretly and covertly, in the time after Decius and Valerian, and was not arming himself all at once for the war against us but was still making trial only of those in the camps (for in this way he thought he would easily capture the rest too, if he first overcame and mastered them), one could see very many in the army most gladly embracing private life, so that they might not deny their piety toward the Creator of the universe. ### Translation notes - “He who had received the authority” is not named; probably Galerius or the commander mentioned in 8.4.3. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.4.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/4/2/). ## Church History 8.4.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/4/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:353 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Offered the choice between their rank and their faith, many Christian soldiers chose to confess Christ. ### Greek text ὡς γὰρ ὁ στρατοπεδάρχης, ὅστις ποτὲ ἦν ἐκεῖνος, ἄρτι πρῶτον ἐνεχείρει τῷ κατὰ τῶν στρατευμάτων διωγμῷ, φυλοκρινῶν καὶ διακαθαίρων τοὺς ἐν τοῖς στρατοπέδοις ἀναφερομένους, αἵρεσίν τε διδοὺς ἢ πειθαρχοῦσιν ἧς μετῆν αὐτοῖς ἀπολαύειν τιμῆς, ἢ τοὐναντίον στέρεσθαι ταύτης, εἰ ἀντιτάττοιντο τῷ προστάγματι, πλεῖστοι ὅσοι τῆς Χριστοῦ βασιλείας στρατιῶται τὴν εἰς αὐτὸν ὁμολογίαν, μὴ μελλήσαντες, τῆς δοκούσης δόξης καὶ εὐπραγίας ἧς εἶχον ἀναμφιλόγως προυτίμησαν. ### English translation (Claude) For when the commander of the camps, whoever he was, first undertook the persecution against the troops, sorting out and purging those enrolled in the camps and giving them a choice either to obey and enjoy the rank they held, or else to be deprived of it if they opposed the command, very many soldiers of Christ's kingdom without hesitation unquestionably preferred the confession of him to the seeming glory and prosperity they had. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.4.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/4/3/). ## Church History 8.4.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/4/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:353–354 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: A few soldiers were even put to death, though the persecutor, fearing the number of believers, did not yet dare a general attack. ### Greek text ἤδη δὲ σπανίως τούτων εἷς που καὶ δεύτερος οὐ μόνον τῆς ἀξίας τὴν ἀποβολὴν, ἀλλὰ καὶ θάνατον τῆς εὐσεβοῦς ἐνστάσεως ἀντικατηλλάττοντο, μετρίως πως ἤδη τότε τοῦ τὴν ἐπιβολὴν ἐνεργοῦντος καὶ μέχρις αἵματος ἐπʼ ἐνίων φθάνειν ἐπιτολμῶντος, τοῦ πλήθους, ὡς ἔοικε, τῶν πιστῶν δεδιττομένου τε αὐτὸν ἔτι καὶ ἀποκναίοντος ἐπὶ τὸν κατὰ πάντων ἀθρόως ἐφορμῆσαι πόλεμον. ### English translation (Claude) And already, here and there, one or two of them received in exchange for their pious steadfastness not only the loss of their rank but also death, since the one carrying out the scheme was by then moderately daring to go as far as blood in some cases, the great number of the faithful, it seems, still frightening him and deterring him from rushing all at once into war against all. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.4.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/4/4/). ## Church History 8.4.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/4/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:354 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: When the persecution became open, the martyrs were beyond counting. ### Greek text ὡς δὲ καὶ γυμνότερον ἐπαπεδύετο οὐδʼ ἔστι λόγῳ δυνατὸν ἀφηγήσασθαι, ὅσους καὶ ὁποίους τοῦ θεοῦ μάρτυρας ὀφθαλμοῖς παρῆν ὁρᾶν τοῖς ἀνὰ πάσας τάς τε πόλεις καὶ τὰς χώρας οἰκοῦσιν. ### English translation (Claude) But when he stripped more openly for the attack, it is impossible to describe in words how many and what kind of martyrs of God those who lived throughout all the cities and countries could see with their own eyes. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.4.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/4/5/). ## Church History 8.5.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/5/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:354 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: At Nicomedia a prominent Christian tore down the posted edict in the presence of two emperors and died for it calmly. ### Greek text Αὐτίκα γοῦν τῶν οὐκ ἀσήμων τις, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἄγαν κατὰ τὰς ἐν τῷ βίῳ νενομισμένας ὑπεροχὰς ἐνδοξοτάτων, ἅμα τῷ τὴν κατὰ τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν ἐν τῇ Νικομηδείᾳ προτεθῆναι γραφὴν, ζήλῳ τῷ κατὰ θεὸν ὑποκινηθεὶς, διαπύρῳ τε ἐφορμήσας τῇ πίστει, ἐν προφανεῖ καὶ δημοσίῳ κειμένην ὡς ἀνοσίαν καὶ ἀσεβεστάτην ἀνελὼν σπαράττει, δυοῖν ἐπιπαρόντων κατὰ τὴν αὐτὴν πόλιν βασιλέων, τοῦ τε πρεσβυτάτου τῶν ἄλλων καὶ τοῦ τὸν τέταρτον ἀπὸ τούτου τῆς ἀρχῆς ἐπικρατοῦντος βαθμόν. ἀλλʼ οὗτος μὲν τῶν τηνικάδε πρῶτος τοῦτον διαπρέψας τὸν τρόπον, ἄμα τε τοιαῦτα, οἷα καὶ εἰκὸς ἦν, ὑπομείνας ὡσὰν ἐπὶ τοιούτῳ τολμήματι, τὸ ἄλυπον καὶ ἀτάραχον εἰς αὐτὴν τελευταίαν διετήρησεν ἀναπνοήν. ### English translation (Claude) Immediately, at any rate, as soon as the decree against the churches was posted in Nicomedia, a man not obscure but most highly honored in the eminences of this life, moved by zeal for God and rushing on with burning faith, seized it as it lay posted in a conspicuous public place and tore it to pieces as unholy and most impious, while two emperors were present in the same city, the eldest of them and the one who held the fourth rank of rule after him. This man, the first of those at that time to distinguish himself in this way, after enduring such things as were to be expected for so daring a deed, kept himself free of grief and undisturbed to his very last breath. ### Translation notes - The two emperors are Diocletian and Galerius. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.5.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/5/1/). ## Church History 8.6.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/6/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:354–355 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dorotheus and the Christian servants of the palace preferred suffering for God to honor and luxury; Eusebius tells one of their deaths as an example. ### Greek text Πάντων δὲ, ὅσοι τῶν πώποτε ἀνυμνοῦνται θαυμάσιοι καὶ ἐπʼ ἀνδρείᾳ βεβοημένοι, εἴτε παρʼ Ἕλλησιν εἴτε παρὰ βαρβάροις, θείους ἤνεγκεν ὁ καιρὸς καὶ διαπρεπεῖς μάρτυρας τοὺς ἀμφὶ τὸν Δωρόθεον βασιλικοὺς παῖδας, οἱ καὶ τῆς ἀνωτάτω παρὰ τοῖς δεσπόταις ἠξιωμένοι τιμῆς, γνησίων τε αὐτοῖς διαθέσει τέκνων οὐ λειπόμενοι, μείζονα πλοῦτον ὡς ἀληθῶς ἥγηνται τῆς τοῦ βίου δόξης καὶ τρυφῆς τοὺς ὑπὲρ εὐσεβείας ὀνειδισμούς τε καὶ πόνους, καὶ τοὺς κεκαινουργημένους ἐπʼ αὐτοῖς πολυτρόπους θανάτους, ὧν ἑνός τινος οἵω κέχρηται μνησθέντες τῷ τοῦ βίου τέλει, σκοπεῖν ἐξ αὐτοῦ καὶ τὰ τοῖς ἄλλοις συμβεβηκότα τοῖς ἐντυγχάνουσι καταλείψομεν. ### English translation (Claude) Of all who have ever been celebrated in song as admirable and renowned for courage, whether among Greeks or barbarians, the occasion produced divine and illustrious martyrs in Dorotheus and the imperial servants with him. Though they had been counted worthy of the highest honor by their masters and were loved by them no less than true children, they truly considered the reproaches and toils for piety, and the many kinds of death newly devised against them, greater wealth than the glory and luxury of life. We shall mention how one of them met the end of his life, and leave our readers to judge from it what happened to the others. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.6.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/6/1/). ## Church History 8.6.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/6/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:355 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: One palace servant who refused to sacrifice was hung up naked and scourged. ### Greek text ἤγετό τις εἰς μέσον κατὰ τὴν προειρημένην πόλιν ἐφʼ ὧν δεδηλώκαμεν ἀρχόντων. θύειν δὴ οὖν προσταχθεὶς, ὡς ἐνίστατο, γυμνὸς μετάρσιος ἀρθῆναι κελεύεται, μάστιξί τε τὸ πᾶν σῶμα καταξαίνεσθαι, εἰσότε ἡττηθεὶς κἂν ἄκων τὸ προσταττόμενον ποιήσειεν. ### English translation (Claude) A certain man was brought forward in the city already mentioned, before the rulers we have named. Being ordered to sacrifice, and refusing, he was commanded to be stripped, raised aloft, and have his whole body torn with scourges until, overcome, he would do what was commanded even against his will. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.6.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/6/2/). ## Church History 8.6.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/6/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:355 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Salt and vinegar were poured into his wounds, and he was slowly roasted on a gridiron to force him to yield. ### Greek text ὡς δὲ καὶ ταῦτα πάσχων ἀδιάτρεπτος ἦν, ὄξος λοιπὸν ἤδη τῶν ὀστέων ὑποφαινομένων αὐτοῦ σὺν καὶ ἅλατι φύραντες κατὰ τῶν διασαπέντων τοῦ σώματος μερῶν ἐνέχεον· ὡς δὲ καὶ ταύτας ἐπάτει τὰς ἀλγηδόνας, ἐσχάρα τοὐντεῦθεν καὶ πῦρ εἰς μέσον εἵλκετο, καὶ κρεῶν ἐδωδίμων δίκην τὰ λείψανα αὐτῷ τοῦ σώματος ὑπὸ τοῦ πυρὸς οὐκ εἰς ἄθρουν, ὡς ἂν μὴ συντόμως ἀπαλλαγείη, κατὰ βραχὺ δὲ ἀνηλίσκετο, οὐ πρότερον ἀνεῖναι τῶν ἐπιτιθέντων αὐτὸν τῇ πυρᾷ συγχωρουμένων, πρὶν ἂν καὶ μετὰ τοσαῦτα τοῖς προστασσομένοις ἐπινεύσειεν. ### English translation (Claude) But when he remained unmoved even under these sufferings, they next mixed vinegar with salt and poured it on the mangled parts of his body, where the bones were already showing. And when he scorned these pains too, a gridiron and fire were then brought forward, and the remnants of his body were consumed by the fire like meat for eating, not all at once, so that he might not be released quickly, but little by little; those who laid him on the pyre were not permitted to let him go until, after so much, he should consent to what was commanded. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.6.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/6/3/). ## Church History 8.6.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/6/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:355 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The servant, named Peter (“rock”), died unshaken under torture. ### Greek text ὁ δʼ ἀπρὶξ ἐχόμενος τῆς προθέσεως νικηφόρος ἐν αὐταῖς παρέδωκε τὴν ψυχὴν ταῖς βασάνοις. τοιοῦτον τῶν βασιλικῶν ἑνὸς τὸ μαρτύριον παίδων, ἄξιον ὡς ὄντως καὶ τῆς προσηγορίας· Πέτρος γὰρ ἐκαλεῖτο. ### English translation (Claude) But he, holding fast to his purpose, gave up his soul victorious in the midst of the tortures. Such was the martyrdom of one of the imperial servants, truly worthy of his name: for he was called Peter. ### Translation notes - The play is on Peter, “rock.” ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.6.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/6/4/). ## Church History 8.6.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/6/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:355–356 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dorotheus, Gorgonius, and many others of the imperial household were strangled after many tortures. ### Greek text οὐ χείρονα δὲ καὶ τὰ κατὰ τοὺς λοιποὺς ὄντα, λόγου φειδόμενοι συμμετρίας, παραλείψομεν, τοσοῦτον ἱστορήσαντες, ὡς ὅ τε Δωρόθεος καὶ ὁ Γοργόνιος, ἑτέροις ἅμα πλείοσι τῆς βασιλικῆς οἰκετίας, μετὰ τοὺς πολυτρόπους ἀγῶνας βρόχῳ τὴν ζωὴν μεταλλάξαντες, τῆς ἐνθέου νίκης ἀπηνέγκαντο βραβεῖα. ### English translation (Claude) The deeds of the rest were no less, but, sparing the proportions of our account, we shall pass them over, recording only that Dorotheus and Gorgonius, with many others of the imperial household, after contests of many kinds, departed this life by the noose and carried off the prizes of divine victory. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.6.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/6/5/). ## Church History 8.6.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/6/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:356 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Bishop Anthimus of Nicomedia was beheaded, and after a palace fire was falsely blamed on Christians, many were killed by sword, fire, and drowning. ### Greek text ἐν τούτῳ τῆς κατὰ Νικομήδειαν ἐκκλησίας ὁ τηνικαῦτα προεστὼς Ἄνθιμος διὰ τὴν εἰς Χριστὸν μαρτυρίαν τὴν κεφαλὴν ἀποτέμνεται· τούτῳ δὲ πλῆθος ἄθρουν μαρτύρων προστίθεται, οὐκ οἶδʼ ὅπως ἐν τοῖς κατὰ τὴν Νικομήδειαν βασιλείοις πυρκαϊᾶς ἐν αὐταῖς δὴ ταῖς ἡμέραις ἁφθείσης, ἣν καθʼ ὑπόνοιαν ψευδῆ πρὸς τῶν ἡμετέρων ἐπιχειρηθῆναι λόγου διαδοθέντος, πανγενῆ σωρηδὸν βασιλικῷ νεύματι τῶν τῇδε θεοσεβῶν οἱ μὲν ξίφει κατεσφάττοντο, οἱ δὲ διὰ πυρὸς ἐτελειοῦντο. ὅ τε λόγος ἔχει προθυμίᾳ τινὶ ἀρρήτῳ ἄνδρας ἅμα γυναιξὶν ἐπὶ τὴν πυρὰν καθάλλεσθαι· δήσαντες δὲ οἱ δήμιοι ἄλλο τι πλῆθος ἐπὶ σκάφαις τοῖς θαλαττίοις ἐναπέρριπτον βυθοῖς. ### English translation (Claude) At this time Anthimus, who then presided over the church at Nicomedia, was beheaded for his testimony to Christ. A whole crowd of martyrs was added to him, for in those very days a fire broke out, I do not know how, in the imperial palace at Nicomedia; and when a report spread, on false suspicion, that it had been attempted by our people, by imperial command the godly there were killed in heaps, whole families together, some slaughtered by the sword, others perfected by fire. It is said that men together with women leapt onto the pyre with an indescribable eagerness. The executioners bound another crowd and threw them from boats into the depths of the sea. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.6.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/6/6/). ## Church History 8.6.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/6/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:356 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The emperors had the buried palace martyrs dug up and thrown into the sea so that no one would venerate their graves. ### Greek text τοὺς δέ γε βασιλικοὺς μετὰ θάνατον παῖδας, γῇ μετὰ τῆς προσηκούσης κηδείας παραδοθέντας, αὖθις ἐξ ὑπαρχῆς ἀνορύξαντες ἐναπορρῖψαι θαλάσσῃ καὶ αὐτοὺς ᾤοντο δεῖν οἱ νενομισμένοι δεσπόται, ὡς ἂν μὴ ἐν μνήμασιν ἀποκειμένους προσκυνοῖέν τινες, θεοὺς δὴ αὐτοὺς, ὥς γε ᾤοντο, λογιζόμενοι. καὶ τὰ μὲν ἐπὶ τῆς Νικομηδείας κατὰ τὴν ἀρχὴν ἀποτελεσθέντα τοῦ διωγμοῦ τοιαῦτα. ### English translation (Claude) As for the imperial servants, who after death had been committed to the earth with fitting burial, their reputed masters thought it necessary to dig them up again from the beginning and throw them too into the sea, so that no one might worship them lying in tombs, regarding them, as they supposed, as gods. Such were the things done at Nicomedia at the beginning of the persecution. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.6.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/6/7/). ## Church History 8.6.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/6/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:356 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: After uprisings in Melitene and Syria, an imperial order had church leaders everywhere imprisoned. ### Greek text οὐκ εἰς μακρὸν δὲ ἑτέρων κατὰ τὴν Μελιτηνὴν οὕτω καλουμένην χώραν, καὶ αὖ πάλιν ἄλλων ἀμφὶ τὴν Συρίαν ἐπιφυῆναι τῇ βασιλείᾳ πεπειραμένων, τοὺς πανταχόσε τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν προεστῶτας εἱρκταῖς καὶ δεσμοῖς ἐνεῖραι πρόσταγμα ἐφοίτα βασιλικόν. ### English translation (Claude) Not long afterward, when others in the region called Melitene, and again others in Syria, attempted to seize the empire, an imperial order went out that the presidents of the churches everywhere be put in prisons and chains. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.6.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/6/8/). ## Church History 8.6.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/6/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:356–357 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The prisons filled with bishops, presbyters, deacons, readers, and exorcists until there was no room for criminals. ### Greek text καὶ ἦν ἡ θέα τῶν ἐπὶ τούτοις γινομένων πᾶσαν διήγησιν ὑπεραίρουσα, μυρίου πλήθους ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ καθειργνυμένου, καὶ τὰ πανταχῆ δεσμωτήρια, ἀνδροφόνοις καὶ τυμβωρύχοις πάλαι πρότερον ἐπεσκευασμένα, τότε πληρούντων ἐπισκόπων καὶ πρεσβυτέρων καὶ διακόνων, ἀναγνωστῶν τε καὶ ἐπορκιστῶν, ὡς μηδὲ χώραν ἔτι τοῖς ἐπὶ κακουργίαις κατακρίτοις αὐτόθι λείπεσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) And the spectacle of what happened then surpassed all description: a countless multitude was shut up in every place, and the prisons everywhere, long before prepared for murderers and grave-robbers, were then filled with bishops, presbyters, and deacons, readers and exorcists, so that there was no longer room there for those condemned for crimes. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.6.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/6/9/). ## Church History 8.6.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/6/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:357 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: A further edict freed prisoners who sacrificed and tortured those who refused; the martyrs of Africa, Mauretania, and Egypt were countless. ### Greek text αὖθις δʼ ἑτέρων τὰ πρῶτα γράμματα ἐπικατειληφότων, ἐν οἷς τοὺς κατακλείστους θύσαντας μὲν ἐᾶν βαδίζειν ἐπʼ ἐλευθερίας, ἐνισταμένους δὲ μυρίαις καταξαίνειν προστέτακτο βασάνοις, πῶς ἂν πάλιν ἐνταῦθα τῶν καθʼ ἑκάστην ἐπαρχίαν μαρτύρων ἀριθμήσειέ τις τὸ πλῆθος, καὶ μάλιστα τῶν κατὰ τὴν Ἀφρικὴν καὶ τὸ Μαύρων ἔθνος, Θηβαΐδα τε καὶ κατʼ Αἴγυπτον, ἐξ ἧς καὶ εἰς ἑτέρας ἤδη προελθόντες πόλεις τε καὶ ἐπαρχίας διέπρεψαν τοῖς μαρτυρίοις. ### English translation (Claude) Again, when other letters followed the first, in which it was ordered that the prisoners, if they sacrificed, be allowed to go free, but if they resisted, be torn with countless tortures, how could anyone here again count the number of martyrs in each province, especially those in Africa and among the nation of the Moors, in the Thebaid and throughout Egypt, from which some had already gone to other cities and provinces and became illustrious by their martyrdoms? ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.6.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/6/10/). ## Church History 8.7.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/7/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:357 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius knew the Egyptian martyrs in Palestine and Tyre, who endured scourging and were exposed to leopards, bears, boars, and bulls. ### Greek text Ἴσμεν γοῦν τοὺς ἐξ αὐτῶν διαλάμψαντας ἐν Παλαιστίνῃ, ἴσμεν δὲ καὶ τοὺς ἐν Τύρῳ τῆς Φοινίκης, οὓς τίς ἰδὼν οὐ κατεπλάγη τὰς ἀναριθμήτους μάστιγας, καὶ τὰς ἐν τούτοις τῶν ὡς ἀληθῶς παραδόξων τῆς θεοσεβείας ἀθλητῶν ἐνστάσεις, τόν τε παραχρῆμα μετὰ τὰς μάστιγας ἐν θηρσὶν αἱμοβόροις ἀγῶνα, καὶ τὰς ἐν τούτῳ παρδάλεων καὶ διαφόρων ἄρκτων, συῶν τε ἀγρίων καὶ πυρὶ καὶ σιδήρῳ κεκαυτηριασμένων βοῶν προσβολὰς, καὶ τὰς πρὸς ἕκαστον τῶν θηρίων θαυμασίους τῶν γενναίων ὑπομονάς; ### English translation (Claude) We know, at any rate, those of them who shone in Palestine, and we know also those in Tyre of Phoenicia. Who that saw them was not amazed at the numberless scourgings, and the steadfastness under them of those truly marvelous athletes of godliness; and the contest with bloodthirsty beasts immediately after the scourgings, the attacks of leopards and various bears, wild boars and bulls goaded with fire and iron; and the marvelous endurance of these noble people before each of the beasts? ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.7.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/7/1/). ## Church History 8.7.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/7/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:357–358 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius himself saw the beasts refuse to touch the martyrs, turning instead on those who goaded them. ### Greek text οἷς γινομένοις καὶ αὐτοὶ παρῆμεν, ὁπηνίκα τοῦ μαρτυρουμένου σωτῆρος ἡμῶν αὐτοῦ δὴ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τὴν θείαν δύναμιν ἐπιπαροῦσαν, ἐναργῶς τε αὐτὴν τοῖς μάρτυσιν ἐπιδεικνῦσαν ἱστορήσαμεν, τῶν ἀνθρωποβόρων ἐπὶ πλείονα χρόνον μὴ προσψαύειν μηδὲ πλησιάζειν τοῖς τῶν θεοφιλῶν σώμασιν ἐπιτολμώντων, ἀλλʼ ἐπὶ μὲν τοὺς ἄλλους, ὅσοι δήπουθεν ἔξωθεν ἐρεθισμοῖς παρώρμων αὐτὰ, φερομένων, μόνων δὲ τῶν ἱερῶν ἀθλητῶν γυμνῶν ἑστώτων καὶ ταῖς χερσὶ κατασειόντων, ἐπί τε σφᾶς αὐτοὺς ἐπισπωμένων (τοῦτο γὰρ αὐτοῖς ἐκελεύετο πράττειν) μηδʼ ὅλως ἐφαπτομένων, ἀλλʼ ἔσθʼ ὅπη μὲν καὶ ἐπʼ αὐτοὺς ὁρμώντων, οἷα δὲ πρός τινος θειοτέρας δυνάμεως ἀνακρουομένων καὶ αὖ πάλιν εἰς τοὐπίσω χωρούντων. ### English translation (Claude) We ourselves were present when these things happened, and we observed the divine power of our Savior Jesus Christ himself, to whom they bore witness, present and manifestly displayed in the martyrs. For a long time the man-eating beasts did not dare to touch or even approach the bodies of those dear to God, but rushed at the others, who no doubt were goading them on from outside; while the holy athletes alone stood naked, waving their hands and drawing the beasts toward themselves (for they were ordered to do this), the beasts did not touch them at all, but sometimes rushed at them, and then, as though driven back by some more divine power, retreated again. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.7.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/7/2/). ## Church History 8.7.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/7/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:358 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Because the first beast would not attack, a second and third were sent against the same martyr. ### Greek text ὃ καὶ εἰς μακρὸν γινόμενον θαῦμα παρεῖχεν οὐ σμικρὸν τοῖς θεωμένοις, ὥστε ἤδη διὰ τὸ ἄπρακτον τοῦ πρώτου δεύτερον καὶ τρίτον προσαφίεσθαι ἐνὶ καὶ τῷ αὐτῷ μάρτυρι θηρίον. ### English translation (Claude) This, continuing for a long time, caused no small wonder to the spectators, so that, because the first beast did nothing, a second and a third were let loose against one and the same martyr. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.7.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/7/3/). ## Church History 8.7.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/7/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:358 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: A youth under twenty stood with arms outstretched in the form of a cross, praying calmly, while bears and leopards were held back from him. ### Greek text καταπλαγῆναι δʼ ἦν τὴν ἐπὶ τούτοις ἀπτόητον τῶν ἱερῶν ἐκείνων καρτερίαν, καὶ τὴν ἐν σώμασι νέοις βεβηκυῖαν καὶ ἀδιάτρεπτον ἔνστασιν. ἑώρας γοῦν ἡλικίαν οὐδʼ ὅλων ἐτῶν εἴκοσι δίχα δεσμῶν ἑστῶτος νέου, καὶ τὰς μὲν χεῖρας ἐφαπλοῦντος εἰς σταυροῦ τύπον, ἀκαταπλήκτῳ δὲ καὶ ἀτρεμεῖ διανοίᾳ ταῖς πρὸς τὸ θεῖον σχολαίτατα τεταμένου λιταῖς, μηδʼ ὅλως τε μεθισταμένου μηδʼ ἀποκλίνοντός ποι τοῦ ἔνθα εἱστήκει τόπου, ἄρκτων καὶ παρδάλεων θυμοῦ καὶ θανάτου πνεόντων σχεδὸν αὐτῆς καθαπτομένων αὐτοῦ τῆς σαρκὸς, ἀλλʼ οὐκ οἶδʼ ὅπως θείᾳ καὶ ἀπορρήτῳ δυνάμει μονονουχὶ φραττομένων τὸ στόμα, καὶ αὖθις παλινδρομούντων εἰς τοὐπίσω. καὶ οὗτος μὲν οὖν τοιοῦτός τις ἦν. ### English translation (Claude) One could be astonished at the fearless endurance of those holy men in these circumstances, and at the firm and unmoved steadfastness in young bodies. You might have seen a youth not fully twenty years old standing unbound, stretching out his hands in the form of a cross, and with unterrified and untrembling mind intent on the most unhurried prayers to God, not moving or turning aside at all from the place where he stood, while bears and leopards, breathing fury and death, all but touched his very flesh, yet, I know not how, had their mouths all but stopped by a divine and secret power and ran back again. Such a one was he. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.7.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/7/4/). ## Church History 8.7.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/7/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:358–359 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: A maddened bull gored the attendants but could not approach five martyrs, so other beasts were loosed on them. ### Greek text πάλιν δʼ ἂν ἑτέρους εἶδες, πέντε γὰρ οἱ πάντες ἐτύγχανον, ἠγριωμένῳ ταύρῳ παραβληθέντας, ὃς τοὺς μὲν ἄλλους τῶν ἔξωθεν προσιόντων τοῖς κέρασιν εἰς τὸν ἀέρα ῥίπτων διεσπάραττεν, ἡμιθνῆτας αἴρεσθαι καταλιπὼν, ἐπὶ μόνους δὲ θυμῷ καὶ ἀπειλῇ τοὺς ἱεροὺς ὁρμῶν μάρτυρας οὐδὲ πλησιάζειν αὐτοῖς οἷός τε ἦν, κυρίττων δὲ τοῖς ποσὶ καὶ τοῖς τῇδε κἀκεῖσε χρώμενος καὶ διὰ τοὺς ἀπὸ τῶν καυτήρων ἐρεθισμοὺς θυμοῦ καὶ ἀπειλῆς πνέων εἰς τοὐπίσω πρὸς τῆς ἱερᾶς ἀνθείλκετο προνοίας, ὡς μηδὲ τούτου μηδὲν μηδαμῶς αὐτοὺς ἀδικήσαντος, ἕτερα ἄττα αὐτοῖς ἐπαφίεσθαι θηρία. ### English translation (Claude) Again, you might have seen others (there were five in all) thrown to a maddened bull. With its horns it tossed into the air and tore apart the others who approached from outside, leaving them to be carried off half dead; but when it rushed with fury and threat at the holy martyrs alone, it was not even able to come near them. It pawed the ground with its feet and tossed its horns this way and that, breathing fury and threat because of the goading of the hot irons, yet it was drawn back by holy Providence; so that, since it did them no harm whatever, other beasts were let loose on them. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.7.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/7/5/). ## Church History 8.7.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/7/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:359 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: In the end the martyrs were killed with the sword and their bodies thrown into the sea. ### Greek text τέλος δὴ οὖν μετὰ τὰς δεινὰς καὶ ποικίλας τούτων προσβολὰς ξίφει κατασφαγέντες οἱ πάντες, ἀντὶ γῆς καὶ τάφων τοῖς θαλαττίοις παραδίδονται κύμασι. ### English translation (Claude) At last, after the terrible and varied attacks of these beasts, they were all slaughtered with the sword and, instead of to earth and tombs, were committed to the waves of the sea. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.7.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/7/6/). ## Church History 8.8.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/8/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:359 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: In Egypt itself countless men, women, and children died by fire, drowning, beheading, torture, starvation, and crucifixion, some head downward. ### Greek text Καὶ τοιοῦτος μὲν ὁ ἀγὼν τῶν κατὰ Τυρὸν τοὺς ὑπὲρ εὐσεβείας ἄθλους ἐνδειξαμένων Αἰγυπτίων. θαυμάσειε δʼ ἄν τις αὐτῶν καὶ τοὺς ἐπὶ τῆς οἰκείας γῆς μαρτυρήσαντας, ἔνθα μυρίοι τὸν ἀριθμὸν ἄνδρες ἅμα γυναιξὶ καὶ παισὶν, ὑπὲρ τῆς τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν διδασκαλίας τοῦ προσκαίρου ζῆν καταφρονήσαντες, διαφόρους ὑπέμειναν θανάτους, οἱ μὲν αὐτῶν μετὰ ξεσμοὺς καὶ στρεβλώσεις μάστιγάς τε χαλεπωτάτας καὶ μυρίας ἄλλας ποικίλας καὶ φρικτὰς ἀκοῦσαι βασάνους πυρὶ παραδοθέντες, οἶ δὲ πελάγει καταβροχισθέντες, ἄλλοι δὲ εὐθαρσῶς τοῖς ἀποτέμνουσι τὰς ἑαυτῶν προτείναντες κεφαλὰς, οἶ δὲ καὶ ἐναποθανόντες ταῖς βασάνοις, ἕτεροι δὲ λιμῷ διαφθαρέντες, καὶ ἄλλοι πάλιν ἀνασκολοπισθέντες, οἱ μὲν κατὰ τὸ σύνηθες τοῖς κακούργοις, οἱ δὲ καὶ χειρόνως ἀνάπαλιν κατωκάρα προσηλωθέντες, τηρούμενοί τε ζῶντες, εἰσότε καὶ ἐπʼ αὐτῶν ἰκρίων λιμῷ διαφθαρεῖεν. ### English translation (Claude) Such was the contest of the Egyptians who displayed their struggles for piety at Tyre. But one would admire also those of them who suffered martyrdom in their own land, where countless men, together with women and children, despising this passing life for the sake of our Savior's teaching, endured various deaths. Some of them, after scrapings and racks and most cruel scourgings and countless other varied tortures terrible even to hear of, were committed to the fire; others were drowned in the sea; others boldly stretched out their own heads to those who cut them off; others died under the tortures; others were destroyed by hunger; and others again were crucified, some in the manner usual for criminals, others still more cruelly, nailed the other way round, head downward, and kept alive until they perished of hunger on the very crosses. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.8.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/8/1/). ## Church History 8.9.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/9/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:359–360 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: In the Thebaid martyrs were torn with potsherds, and women were hung naked, head downward, in public view. ### Greek text Πάντα δʼ ὑπεραίρει λόγον καὶ ἃς ὑπέμειναν αἰκίας καὶ ἀλγηδόνας οἱ κατὰ Θηβαίδα μάρτυρες, ὀστράκοις ἀντὶ ὀνύχων ὅλον τὸ σῶμα μέχρις ἀπαλλαγῆς τοῦ βίου καταξαινόμενοι, γύναιά τε τοῖν ποδοῖν ἐξ ἑνὸς ἀποδεσμού μετέωρά τε καὶ διαέρια κάτω κεφαλὴν μαγγάνοις τισὶν εἰς ὕψος ἀνελκόμενα, γυμνοῖς τε παντελῶς καὶ μηδʼ ἐπικεκαλυμμένοις τοῖς σώμασι θέαν ταύτην αἰσχίστην καὶ πάντων ὠμοτάτην καὶ ἀπανθρωποτάτην τοῖς ὁρῶσιν ἅπασι παρεσχημένα. ### English translation (Claude) But all words fall short of the outrages and pains that the martyrs in the Thebaid endured. Their whole bodies were torn with potsherds instead of hooks until they departed this life; women were tied by one foot and hoisted aloft by some machines into the air head downward, their bodies wholly naked and not even covered, presenting to all who looked on this most shameful, cruelest, and most inhuman spectacle. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.9.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/9/1/). ## Church History 8.9.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/9/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:360 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Some were tied between bent branches and torn apart when the branches sprang back. ### Greek text ἄλλοι δʼ αὖ πάλιν δένδρεσι καὶ πρέμνοις ἐναπέθνησκον δεσμούμενοι· τοὺς γὰρ μάλιστα στερροτάτους τῶν κλάδων μηχαναῖς τισιν ἐπὶ ταὐτὸν συνέλκοντες, εἰς ἑκάτερά τε τούτων τὰ τῶν μαρτύρων ἀποτείνοντες σκέλη εἰς τὴν ἑαυτῶν ἠφίεσαν τοὺς κλάδους φέρεσθαι φύσιν, ἄθρουν τῶν μελῶν διασπασμὸν καθʼ ὧν ταῦτʼ ἐνεχείρουν ἐπινοοῦντες. ### English translation (Claude) Others again died bound to trees and trunks. For with machines they drew together the very strongest branches, stretched out the martyrs' legs to each of them, and let the branches spring back to their natural position, devising an instant tearing apart of the limbs of those on whom they practiced this. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.9.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/9/2/). ## Church History 8.9.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/9/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:360 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The killings went on for years, sometimes ten, twenty, thirty, sixty, or even a hundred in a day. ### Greek text καὶ ταῦτά γε πάντα ἐνηργεῖτο οὐκ ἐπʼ ὀλίγας ἡμέρας ἢ χρόνον τινὰ βραχὺν, ἀλλʼ ἐπὶ μακρὸν ὅλων ἐτῶν διάστημα, ὁτὲ μὲν πλειόνων ἢ δέκα, ὁτὲ δὲ ὑπὲρ τοὺς εἴκοσι τὸν ἀριθμὸν ἀναιρουμένων· ἄλλοτε δὲ οὐχ ἧττον καὶ τριάκοντα, ἤδη δὲ ἐγγύς που καὶ ἑξήκοντα, καὶ πάλιν ἄλλοτε ἑκατόν ἐν ἡμέρᾳ μιᾷ ἄνδρες ἅμα κομιδῆ νηπίοις καὶ γυναιξὶν ἐκτείνοντο, ποικίλαις καὶ ἐναλλαττούσαις τιμωρίαις καταδικαζόμενοι. ### English translation (Claude) And all these things were carried out not for a few days or a short time, but over a long space of whole years, sometimes more than ten, sometimes more than twenty being put to death; at other times no fewer than thirty, and again nearly sixty; and at other times a hundred men, together with very young children and women, were killed in a single day, condemned to various and changing punishments. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.9.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/9/3/). ## Church History 8.9.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/9/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:360 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius himself saw so many executed in a day that the swords grew blunt and the executioners took turns. ### Greek text ἱστορήσαμεν δὲ καὶ αὐτοὶ ἐπὶ τῶν τόπων γενόμενοι πλείους ἀθρόως κατὰ μίαν ἡμέραν τοὺς μὲν τῆς κεφαλῆς ἀποτομὴν ὑπομείναντας, τοὺς δὲ τὴν διὰ πυρὸς τιμωρίαν, ὡς ἀμβλύνεσθαι φονεύοντα τὸν σίδηρον, ἀτονοῦντά τε διαθλᾶσθαι, αὐτοὺς δὲ τοὺς ἀναιροῦντας ἀποκάμνοντας ἀμοιβαδὸν ἀλλήλους διαδέχεσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) We ourselves, being on the spot, observed many in a crowd on a single day, some suffering beheading, others punishment by fire, so that the murderous iron was blunted and, weakened, broke in pieces, and the executioners themselves grew weary and relieved one another in turn. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.9.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/9/4/). ## Church History 8.9.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/9/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:360–361 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: As some were condemned, others rushed forward to confess Christ and went to death singing psalms and hymns. ### Greek text ὅτε καὶ θαυμασιωτάτην ὁρμὴν θείαν τε ὡς ἀληθῶς δύναμιν καὶ προθυμίαν τῶν εἰς τὸν Χριστὸν τοῦ θεοῦ πεπιστευκότων συνεωρῶμεν. ἅμα γοῦν τῇ κατὰ τῶν προτέρων ἀποφάσει ἐπεπήδων ἄλλοθεν ἄλλοι τῷ πρὸ τοῦ δικαστοῦ βήματι, χριστιανοὺς σφὰς ὁμολογοῦντες, ἀφροντίστως μὲν πρὸς τὰ δεινὰ καὶ τοὺς τῶν πολυειδῶν βασάνων τρόπους διακείμενοι, ἀκαταπλήκτως δὲ παρρησιαζόμενοι ἐπὶ τῇ εἰς τὸν τῶν ὅλων θεὸν εὐσεβείᾳ, μετά τε χαρᾶς καὶ γέλωτος καὶ εὐφροσύνης τὴν ὑστάτην ἀπόφασιν τοῦ θανάτου καταδεχόμενοι, ὥστε ψάλλειν καὶ ὕμνους καὶ εὐχαριστίας εἰς τὸν τῶν ὅλων θεόν μέχρις αὐτῆς ἐσχάτης ἀναπέμπειν ἀναπνοῆς. ### English translation (Claude) Then too we beheld a most wonderful eagerness, a truly divine power and zeal, in those who had believed in the Christ of God. For as soon as sentence was pronounced on the first, others from one side and another would leap up to the judgment seat before the judge, confessing themselves Christians, unconcerned about the terrors and the kinds of manifold tortures, boldly declaring their piety toward the God of the universe without dismay, and receiving the final sentence of death with joy and laughter and gladness, so that they sang psalms and sent up hymns and thanksgivings to the God of the universe until their very last breath. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.9.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/9/5/). ## Church History 8.9.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/9/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:361 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Even more admirable were martyrs of wealth, rank, and learning who put faith in Christ above everything. ### Greek text θαυμάσιοι μὲν οὖν καὶ οὗτοι, ἐξαιρέτως δὲ ἐκεῖνοι θαυμασιώτεροι, οἱ πλούτῳ μὲν καὶ εὐγενείᾳ καὶ δόξῃ, λόγῳ τε καὶ φιλοσοφίᾳ διαπρέψαντες, πάντα γε μὴν δεύτερα θέμενοι τῆς ἀληθοῦς εὐσεβείας καὶ τῆς εἰς τὸν σωτῆρα καὶ κύριον ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν πίστεως· ### English translation (Claude) These, then, were wonderful; but more wonderful still were those who, though distinguished by wealth, noble birth, and reputation, and by learning and philosophy, put everything second to true piety and faith in our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ; ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.9.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/9/6/). ## Church History 8.9.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/9/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:361 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Examples were Philoromus, a high imperial official at Alexandria, and Phileas, bishop of Thmuis, a learned philosopher. ### Greek text οἷος Φιλόρωμος ἦν, ἀρχήν τινα οὐ τὴν τυχοῦσαν τῆς κατʼ Ἀλεξάνδρειαν βασιλικῆς διοικήσεως ἐγκεχειρισμένος, ὃς μετὰ τοῦ ἀξιώματος καὶ τῆς Ῥωμαϊκῆς τιμῆς ὑπὸ στρατιώταις δορυφορούμενος ἑκάστης ἀνεκρίνετο ἡμέρας· Φιλέας τε τῆς Θμουιτῶν ἐκκλησίας ἐπίσκοπος, διαπρέψας ἀνὴρ ταῖς κατὰ τὴν πατρίδα πολιτείαις τε καὶ λειτουργίαις, ἔν τε τοῖς κατὰ φιλοσοφίαν λόγοις· ### English translation (Claude) such as Philoromus, who had been entrusted with no ordinary office in the imperial administration at Alexandria, and who, with his dignity and Roman honor, attended by a bodyguard of soldiers, was examined every day; and Phileas, bishop of the church of the Thmuites, a man distinguished for his public services and offices in his native city and for his learning in philosophy. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.9.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/9/7/). ## Church History 8.9.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/9/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:361 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Despite the pleas of family, officials, and the judge, Philoromus and Phileas refused to deny Christ and were beheaded. ### Greek text οἱ καὶ μυρίων ὅσων πρὸς αἵματός τε καὶ τῶν ἄλλων φίλων ἀντιβολούντων, ἔτι μὴν τῶν ἐπʼ ἀξίας ἀρχόντων, πρὸς δὲ καὶ αὐτοῦ τοῦ δικαστοῦ παρακαλοῦντος, ὡς ἂν αὐτῶν οἶκτον λάβοιεν, φειδώ τε παίδων καὶ γυναικῶν ποιήσαιντο, οὐδαμῶς πρὸς τῶν τοσούτων ἐπὶ τὸ φιλοζωῆσαι μὲν ἑλέσθαι, καταφρονῆσαι δὲ τῶν περὶ ὁμολογίας καὶ ἀρνήσεως τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν θεσμῶν ὑπήχθησαν, ἀνδρείῳ δὲ λογισμῷ καὶ φιλοσόφῳ, μᾶλλον δὲ εὐσεβεῖ καὶ φιλοθέῳ ψυχῇ, πρὸς πάσας τοῦ δικαστοῦ τάς τε ἀπειλὰς καὶ τὰς ὕβρεις ἐνστάντες, ἄμφω τὰς κεφαλὰς ἀπετμήθησαν. ### English translation (Claude) Though countless relatives and other friends begged them, and also magistrates of rank, and even the judge himself urged them to take pity on themselves and spare their children and wives, they were in no way led by all these to choose love of life and despise the ordinances of our Savior about confession and denial; but, resisting all the judge's threats and insults with a manly and philosophic mind, or rather with a pious and God-loving soul, both were beheaded. ### Scripture references - Matt 10:32–33: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The Savior's “ordinances about confession and denial” allude to Matt 10:32–33. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.9.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/9/8/). ## Church History 8.10.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/10/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:361–362 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius introduces a letter of Phileas describing the martyrdoms at Alexandria. ### Greek text Ἐπεὶ δὲ καὶ τῶν ἔξωθεν μαθημάτων ἕνεκα πολλοῦ λόγου ἄξιον γενέσθαι τὸν Φιλέαν ἔφαμεν, αὐτὸς ἑαυτοῦ παρίτω μάρτυς, ἄμα μὲν ἑαυτὸν ὅστις ποτʼ ἦν ἐπιδείξων, ἅμα δὲ καὶ τὰ κατʼ αὐτὸν ἐν τῇ Ἀλεξανδρείᾳ συμβεβηκότα μαρτύρια ἀκριβέστερον μᾶλλον ἢ ἡμεῖς ἱστορήσων διὰ τούτων τῶν λέξεων ### English translation (Claude) Since we have said that Phileas deserved great esteem for his secular learning as well, let him come forward as his own witness, both to show who he was and to relate, more exactly than we could, the martyrdoms that took place in his time at Alexandria, in these words: ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.10.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/10/1/). ## Church History 8.10.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/10/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:362 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Phileas writes that the martyrs, following the examples of Scripture and the Christ who humbled himself to death, held fast to their calling. ### Greek text τούτων ἁπάντων ὑπο- “δειγμάτων ἡμῖν καὶ ὑπογραμμῶν καὶ καλῶν γνωρι- “σμάτων ἐν ταῖς θείαις καὶ ἱεραῖς γραφαῖς κειμένων,·‘οὐδὲν μελλήσαντες οἱ μακάριοι σὺν ἡμῖν μάρτυρες, “τὸ τῆς ψυχῆς ὄμμα πρὸς τὸν ἐπὶ πάντων θεὸν κα- “θαρῶς τείναντες, καὶ τὸν ἐπʼ εὐσεβείᾳ θάνατον ἐν “νῷ λαβόντες, ἀπρὶξ τῆς κλήσεως εἴχοντο, τὸν μὲν “κύριον ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν εὑρόντες ἐνανθρω- “πήσαντα διʼ ἡμᾶς, ἵνα πᾶσαν μὲν ἁμαρτίαν ἐκκόψῃ, “ἐφόδια δὲ τῆς εἰς τὴν αἰώνιον ζωὴν εἰσόδου ἡμῖν “κατάθηται· οὐ γὰρ ἁρπαγμὸν ἡγήσατο τὸ εἶναι ἴσα “θεῷ, ἀλλʼ ἑαυτὸν ἐκένωσε μορφὴν δούλου λαβὼν, “καὶ σχήματι εὑρεθεὶς ὡς ἄνθρωπος ἑαυτὸν ἐταπεί- ‘νωσεν ἕως θανάτου, θανάτου δὲ σταυροῦ. ### English translation (Claude) [Phileas writes:] “Since all these examples, models, and fine tokens lie before us in the divine and holy Scriptures, the blessed martyrs who were with us did not hesitate, but, directing the eye of the soul purely toward the God over all and taking to mind death for piety, they held fast to their calling. For they found that our Lord Jesus Christ became man for our sakes, so that he might cut off all sin and lay up for us provisions for the entrance into eternal life. ‘For he did not regard being equal with God as something to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself to death, even death on a cross.’ ### Scripture references - Phil 2:6–8: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - From the letter of Phileas of Thmuis to his church, quoted by Eusebius. The quotation is Phil 2:6–8. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.10.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/10/2/). ## Church History 8.10.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/10/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:362 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The martyrs endured repeated tortures and threats without yielding, because perfect love casts out fear. ### Greek text διὸ καὶ “ζηλώσαντες τὰ μείζονα χαρίσματα οἶ Χριστοφόροι “μάρτυρες πάντα μὲν πόνον καὶ παντοίας ἐπινοίας “αἰκισμῶν οὐκ εἰσάπαξ, ἀλλʼ ἤδη καὶ δεύτερόν τινες “ὑπέμειναν, πάσας δὲ ἀπειλὰς οὐ λόγοις μόνον, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἔργοις τῶν δορυφόρων κατʼ αὐτῶν φιλοτιμουμένων, οὐκ ἐνεδίδουν τὴν γνώμην, διὰ τὸ τὴν τελείαν ἀγάπην ἔξω βάλλειν τὸν φόβον. ### English translation (Claude) “Therefore, ‘earnestly desiring the greater gifts,’ the Christ-bearing martyrs endured every pain and every kind of devised torment, some not once only but even a second time; and though the guards vied with one another in every threat against them, not only in words but in deeds, they did not give up their resolve, because ‘perfect love casts out fear.’ ### Scripture references - 1 Cor 12:31: quotation, high confidence - 1 John 4:18: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Phileas continues. The quotations are 1 Cor 12:31 and 1 John 4:18. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.10.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/10/3/). ## Church History 8.10.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/10/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:362 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Anyone who wished could abuse the martyrs, beating them with clubs, rods, whips, and ropes. ### Greek text ὧν καταλέγειν τὴν ἀρετὴν καὶ τὴν ἐφʼ ἑκάστῃ βασάνῳ “ἀνδρείαν, τίς ἂν ἀρκέσειε λόγος; ἀνέσεως γὰρ οὔσης ἅπασι τοῖς βουλομένοις ἐνυβρίζειν, οἱ μὲν “ξύλοις ἔπαιον, ἕτεροι δὲ ῥάβδοις, ἄλλοι δὲ μάστιξιν, ἕτεροι δὲ πάλιν ἱμᾶσιν, ἄλλοι δὲ σχοινίοις. ### English translation (Claude) “What account could suffice to recount their virtue and their courage under each torture? For since anyone who wished was free to abuse them, some beat them with clubs, others with rods, others with scourges, others again with straps, and others with ropes. ### Translation notes - Phileas continues. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.10.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/10/4/). ## Church History 8.10.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/10/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:362–363 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Phileas describes martyrs stretched on the rack, torn all over, hung by one hand, or tied to pillars with their feet off the ground. ### Greek text καὶ “ἦν ἡ θέα τῶν αἰκισμῶν ἐνηλλαγμένη, καὶ πολλὴν “τὴν ἐν αὐτῇ κακίαν ἔχουσα. οἶ μὲν γὰρ ὀπίσω τὼ χεῖρε δεθέντες περὶ τὸ ξύλον ἐξηρτῶντο, καὶ μαγγάνοις τισὶ διετείνοντο πᾶν μέλος, εἶθʼ οὕτως διὰ “παντὸς τοῦ σώματος ἐπῆγον ἐκ κελεύσεως οἶ βασα- “νισταὶ, οὐ καθάπερ τοῖς φονεῦσιν ἐπὶ τῶν πλευρῶν “μόνον, ἀλλὰ καὶ τῆς γαστρὸς καὶ κνημῶν καὶ πα- “ρειῶν τοῖς ἀμυντηρίοις ἐκόλαζον· ἕτεροι δὲ ἀπὸ τῆς “στοᾶς μιᾶς χειρὸς ἐξηρτημένοι ᾐωροῦντο, πάσης “ἀλγηδόνος δεινοτέραν τὴν ἀπὸ τῶν ἄρθρων καὶ με- “λῶν τάσιν ἔχοντες· ἄλλοι δὲ πρὸς τοῖς κίοσιν ἀντι- “πρόσωποι ἐδοῦντο, οὐ βεβηκόσι τοῖς ποσὶ, τῷ δὲ “βάρει τοῦ σώματος βιαζομένων μετὰ τάσεως ἀνελ- “κομένων τῶν δεσμῶν. ### English translation (Claude) “And the spectacle of the outrages was varied and full of great wickedness. For some, with their hands bound behind them, were hung on the stake, and every limb was stretched by certain machines; then the torturers, at command, went over the whole body, punishing them with their instruments not only on the sides, as with murderers, but also on the belly, the legs, and the cheeks. Others were hung aloft from the portico by one hand, suffering from the stretching of their joints and limbs a pain more terrible than any other. Others were bound to the pillars face to face, their feet not touching the ground, and the ropes were drawn tight by the weight of the body pulling against them. ### Translation notes - Phileas continues. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.10.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/10/5/). ## Church History 8.10.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/10/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:363 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The governor kept the martyrs under torture all day, ordering them dragged away when near death. ### Greek text καὶ τοῦθʼ ὑπέμενον, οὐκ “ἐφʼ ὅσον προσδιελέγετο οὐδʼ αὐτοῖς ἐσχόλαζεν ὁ “ἡγεμὼν, ἀλλὰ μονονουχὶ διʼ ὅλης τῆς ἡμέρας. ὅτε “γὰρ καὶ ἐφʼ ἑτέρους μετέβαινε, τοῖς προτέροις κα- “τελίμπανεν ἐφεδρεύειν τοὺς τῇ ἐξουσίᾳ αὐτοῦ ὑπη- “ρετουμένους, εἴ πού τις ἡττηθεὶς τῶν βασάνων ‘ἐνδιδόναι ἐδόκει, ἀφειδῶς δὲ κελεύων καὶ τοῖς ‘δεσμοῖς προσιέναι, καὶ μετὰ ταῦτα ψυχορραγοῦν- “τας αὐτοὺς κατατιθεμένους εἰς τὴν γῆν ἕλκεσθαι· “ ### English translation (Claude) “And they endured this not only while the governor was conversing with them and occupied with them, but almost the whole day long. For when he passed on to others, he left those in the service of his authority to watch the first, in case anyone, overcome by the tortures, seemed to give way; and he ordered them to apply the bonds without mercy, and afterward, when they were at the point of death, to take them down and drag them along the ground. ### Translation notes - Phileas continues. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.10.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/10/6/). ## Church History 8.10.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/10/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:363 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The persecutors treated the Christians as though they no longer existed. ### Greek text οὐ γὰρ εἶναι κἂν μέρος φροντίδος αὐτοῖς περὶ “ἡμῶν, ἀλλʼ οὕτω καὶ διανοεῖσθαι καὶ πράττειν, “ὡς μηκέτʼ ὄντων, ταύτην δευτέραν ἐπὶ ταῖς πληγαῖς τῶν ὑπεναντίων ἐφευρόντων. ### English translation (Claude) “For they said that they had not the least concern for us, but thought and acted as though we no longer existed, our adversaries having invented this second torment on top of the blows. ### Translation notes - Phileas continues. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.10.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/10/7/). ## Church History 8.10.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/10/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:363 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Some martyrs lay in the stocks with their legs stretched apart; others lay on the ground covered with wounds. ### Greek text ἦσαν δὲ οἶ ‘καὶ μετὰ τοὺς αἰκισμοὺς ἐπὶ τοῦ ξύλου κείμενοι διὰ “τῶν τεσσάρων ὀπῶν διατεταμένοι ἄμφω τὼ πόδε, “ὠς καὶ κατʼ ἀνάγκην αὐτοὺς ἐπὶ τοῦ ξύλου ὑπτίους εἶναι, μὴ δυναμένους διὰ τὸ ἔναυλα τὰ τραύματα ἀπὸ τῶν πληγῶν καθʼ ὅλου τοῦ σώματος ἔχειν· ἕτεροι δὲ εἰς τοὔδαφος ῥιφέντες ἔκειντο ὑπὸ τῆς τῶν βασάνων ἀθρόας προσβολῆς, δεινοτέραν τὴν ‘ὄψιν τῆς ἐνεργείας τοῖς ὁρῶσι παρέχοντες, ποικίλας καὶ διαφόρους ἐν τοῖς σώμασι φέροντες τῶν βασάνων τὰς ἐπινοίας. ### English translation (Claude) “There were also some who, after the outrages, lay in the stocks with both feet stretched to the fourth hole, so that they were forced to lie on their backs in the stocks, unable to hold themselves otherwise because of the fresh wounds from the blows over their whole body. Others, thrown to the ground, lay there under the massed assault of the tortures, presenting to those who saw them a sight more terrible than the actual torment, bearing in their bodies the various and different devices of the tortures. ### Translation notes - Phileas continues. “To the fourth hole” renders διὰ τῶν τεσσάρων ὀπῶν, the widest setting of the stocks. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.10.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/10/8/). ## Church History 8.10.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/10/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:363–364 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Some died under torture, some died later in prison, and the survivors grew bolder. ### Greek text τούτων οὕτως ἐχόντων οἱ “μὲν ἐναπέθνησκον ταῖς βασάνοις, τῇ καρτερίᾳ κα- “ταισχύναντες τὸν ἀντίπαλον, οἶ δὲ ἡμιθνῆτες ἐν τῷ δεσμωτηρίῳ συγκλειόμενοι μετʼ οὐ πολλὰς ἡμέρας ταῖς ἀλγηδόσι συνεχόμενοι ἐτελειοῦντο, οἶ δὲ λοιποὶ τῆς ἀπὸ τῆς θεραπείας ἀνακτήσεως τυχόντες τῷ ῾χρόνῳ καὶ τῇ τῆς φυλακῆς διατριβῇ θαρσαλεώτεροι ἐγίνοντο. ### English translation (Claude) “This being so, some died under the tortures, putting the adversary to shame by their endurance; others, shut up half dead in the prison, were perfected after a few days, overcome by their pains; while the rest, recovering through treatment, grew bolder with time and their stay in prison. ### Translation notes - Phileas continues. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.10.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/10/9/). ## Church History 8.10.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/10/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:364 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Offered freedom if they sacrificed or death if they refused, the martyrs gladly chose death, obeying the Scriptures that forbid worshiping other gods. ### Greek text οὕτω γοῦν ἡνίκα προστέτακτο αἱρέσεως κειμένης, ἢ ἐφαψάμενον τῆς ἐναγοῦς θυσίας ἀνενόχλητον εἶναι, τῆς ἐπαράτου ἐλευθερίας παρʼ αὐτῶν “τυχόντα, ἢ μὴ θύοντα τὴν ἐπὶ θανάτῳ δίκην “χεσθαι, οὐδὲν μελλήσαντες ἀσμένως ἐπὶ τὸν θάνα- “τον ἐχώρουν· ᾔδεσαν γὰρ τὰ ὑπὸ τῶν ἱερῶν γρα- “φῶν ἡμῖν προορισθέντα. ὁ γὰρ θυσιάζων, φησὶ “θεοῖς ἑτέροις ἐξολοθρευθήσεται, καί· ὅτι οὐκ ἔσον- “ταί σοι θεοὶ ἕτεροι πλὴν ἐμοῦ.” ### English translation (Claude) “So when it was ordered, the choice being set before them, that whoever touched the polluted sacrifice should be left unmolested, having obtained from them that accursed freedom, but whoever did not sacrifice should undergo the penalty of death, they did not hesitate but went gladly to death. For they knew what had been ordained for us by the holy Scriptures: ‘He who sacrifices to other gods,’ it says, ‘shall be utterly destroyed,’ and, ‘You shall have no other gods besides me.’” ### Scripture references - Exod 22:20 (22:19 LXX): quotation, high confidence - Exod 20:3: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Phileas's letter ends here. The quotations are Exod 22:20 (22:19 LXX) and Exod 20:3. The verb “undergo” is supplied: the digital text reads only “χεσθαι”, part of a word lost at a line break (probably ὑπέχεσθαι). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.10.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/10/10/). ## Church History 8.10.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/10/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:364 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Phileas wrote this letter from prison to his church before his execution, urging them to hold fast. ### Greek text τοιαῦται τοῦ ὡς ἀληθῶς φιλοσόφου τε ὁμοῦ καὶ φιλοθέου μάρτυρος αἶ φωναὶ, ἃς πρὸ τῆς τελευταίας ἀποφάσεως ὑπὸ τὴν δεσμωτικὴν ἔθʼ ὑπάρχων τάξιν τοῖς κατὰ τὴν αὐτοῦ παροικίαν ἀδελφοῖς ἐπεστάλκει, ἄμα μὲν τὰ ἐν οἶς ἦν ἀνατιθέμενος, ἅμα δὲ καὶ παρορμῶν αὐτοὺς ἐπὶ τὸ ἀπρὶξ ἔχεσθαι καὶ μετʼ αὐτὸν ὅσον οὔπω τελειωθησόμενον τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ θεοσεβείας. ### English translation (Claude) Such are the words of the martyr, truly both a philosopher and a lover of God, which he sent to the brothers in his own diocese before the final sentence, while he was still in the condition of a prisoner, at once setting before them his own circumstances and urging them to hold fast to godliness in Christ even after him, who was soon to be perfected. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.10.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/10/11/). ## Church History 8.10.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/10/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:364 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius turns to martyrs who were attacked not by legal process but as in war. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ τί χρὴ πολλὰ λέγειν, καὶ καινοτέρας ἐπὶ καινοτέραις τῶν ἀνὰ τὴν οἰκουμένην θεοπρεπῶν μαρτύρων ἀθλήσεις παρατίθεσθαι, καὶ μάλιστα τῶν οὐκέτι μὲν κοινῷ νόμῳ, πολέμου δὲ τρόπῳ πεπολιορκημένων; ### English translation (Claude) But why must we say much, and set out ever newer contests of the godly martyrs throughout the world, especially of those who were assailed no longer by common law but as in war? ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.10.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/10/12/). ## Church History 8.11.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/11/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:364–365 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: In Phrygia soldiers burned a whole Christian town with its people because all of them, officials included, refused to worship idols. ### Greek text Ἤδη γοῦν ὅλην Χριστιανῶν πολίχνην αὔτανδρον ἀμφὶ τὴν Φρυγίαν ἐν κύκλῳ περιβαλόντες ὁπλῖται, πῦρ τε ὑφάψαντες, κατέφλεξαν αὐτοὺς ἅμα νηπίοις καὶ γυναιξὶ, τὸν ἐπὶ πάντων θεὸν ἐπιβοωμένους· ὅτι δὴ πανδημεὶ πάντες οἱ τὴν πόλιν οἰκοῦντες, λογιστής τε αὐτὸς καὶ στρατηγὸς σὺν τοῖς ἐν τέλει πᾶσι καὶ ὅλῳ δήμῳ, Χριστιανοὺς σφᾶς ὁμολογοῦντες, οὐδʼ ὁπωστιοῦν τοῖς προστάττουσιν εἰδωλολατρεῖν ἐπειθάρχουν. ### English translation (Claude) For instance, soldiers surrounded a whole small town of Christians in Phrygia, with its inhabitants, set fire to it, and burned them up together with young children and women as they called upon the God over all; because all the inhabitants of the city in a body, the curator himself and the chief magistrate with all the officials and the whole people, confessed themselves Christians and would in no way obey those who ordered them to worship idols. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.11.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/11/1/). ## Church History 8.11.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/11/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:365 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Adauctus, a high Roman official of Italian family, was martyred while serving as imperial finance minister. ### Greek text καί τις ἕτερος ῾Ρωμαϊκῆς ἀξίας ἐπειλημμένος, Ἄδαυκτος ὄνομα, γένος τῶν παρʼ Ἰταλοῖς ἐπισήμων, διὰ πάσης διελθὼν ἀνὴρ τῆς παρὰ βασιλεῦσι τιμῆς, ὡς καὶ τὰς καθόλου διοικήσεις τῆς παρʼ αὐτοῖς καλουμένης μαγιστρότητός τε καὶ καθολικότητος ἀμέμπτως διελθεῖν, ἐπὶ πᾶσι τούτοις διαπρέψας τοῖς ἐν θεοσεβείᾳ κατορθώμασι καὶ ταῖς εἰς τὸν Χριστὸν τοῦ θεοῦ ὁμολογίαις, τῷ τοῦ μαρτυρίου διαδήματι κατεκοσμήθη, ἐπʼ αὐτῆς τῆς τοῦ καθολικοῦ πράξεως τὸν ὑπὲρ εὐσεβείας ὑπομείνας ἀγῶνα. ### English translation (Claude) And another, who held Roman rank, Adauctus by name, of a distinguished Italian family, a man who had advanced through every honor under the emperors, so as to have passed blamelessly through the general administrations of what they call the magistracy and the office of finance minister, besides all these being distinguished for his righteous deeds in godliness and for his confessions of the Christ of God, was adorned with the crown of martyrdom, enduring the contest for piety while actually holding the office of finance minister. ### Translation notes - “Finance minister” renders καθολικός (Latin rationalis). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.11.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/11/2/). ## Church History 8.12.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/12/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:365 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius lists tortures in Arabia, Cappadocia, Mesopotamia, and Alexandria: axes, broken legs, suffocation by smoke, and mutilation. ### Greek text Τί με χρὴ νῦν ἐπʼ ὀνόματος τῶν λοιπῶν μνημονεύειν, ἢ τὸ πλῆθος τῶν ἀνδρῶν ἀριθμεῖν, ἢ τὰς πολυτρόπους αἰκίας ἀναζωγραφεῖν τῶν θαυμασίων Χριστοῦ μαρτύρων, τοτὲ μὲν πέλυξιν ἀναιρουμένων, οἷα γέγονε τοῖς ἐπʼ Ἀραβίας, τοτὲ δὲ τὰ σκέλη καταγνυμένων, οἷα τοῖς ἐν Καππαδοκίᾳ συμβέβηκε, καὶ ποτὲ μὲν κατὰ κεφαλῆς ἐκ τοῖν ποδοῖν εἰς ὕψος ἀναρτωμένων, καὶ μαλθακοῦ πυρὸς ὑποκαιομένου τῷ παραπεμπομένῳ καπνῷ τῆς φλεγομένης ὕλης ἀποπνιγομένων, οἷα τοῖς ἐν Μέσῃ τῶν ποταμῶν ἐπήχθη, ποτὲ δὲ ῥῖνας καὶ ὦτα καὶ χεῖρας ἀκρωτηριαζομένων, τά τε λοιπὰ τοῦ σώματος μέλη καὶ μέρη κρεουργουμένων, οἷα τὰ ἐπʼ Ἀλεξανδρείας ἦν; ### English translation (Claude) Why need I now mention the rest by name, or number the multitude of the men, or picture the manifold outrages suffered by the wonderful martyrs of Christ: sometimes slain with axes, as happened to those in Arabia; sometimes having their legs broken, as befell those in Cappadocia; and at times hung up head downward by the feet over a slow fire and suffocated by the smoke rising from the burning wood, as was done to those in Mesopotamia; sometimes having their noses, ears, and hands cut off and the other limbs and parts of the body cut up like meat, as was done at Alexandria? ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.12.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/12/1/). ## Church History 8.12.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/12/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:365–366 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: At Antioch Christians were roasted on gridirons; some put their hands in the fire rather than sacrifice, and some leapt to their deaths to escape capture. ### Greek text τί δεῖ τῶν ἐπʼ Ἀντιοχείας ἀναζωπυρεῖν τὴν μνήμην, ἐσχάραις πυρὸς οὐκ εἰς θάνατον, ἀλλʼ ἐπὶ μακρᾷ τιμωρίᾳ κατοπτωμένων, ἑτέρων τε θᾶττον τὴν δεξιὰν αὐτῶν πυρὶ καθιέντων ἢ τῆς ἐναγοῦς θυσίας ἐφαπτομένων; ὧν τινὲς τὴν πεῖραν φεύγοντες, πρὶν ἁλῶναι καὶ εἰς χεῖρας τῶν ἐπιβούλων ἐλθεῖν, ἄνωθεν ἐξ ὑψηλῶν δωμάτων ἑαυτοὺς κατεκρήμνισαν, τὸν θάνατον ἅρπαγμα θέμενοι τῆς τῶν δυσσεβῶν μοχθηρίας. ### English translation (Claude) Why need we revive the memory of those at Antioch, who were roasted on gridirons, not to death but for prolonged punishment, and of others who thrust their right hands into the fire sooner than touch the polluted sacrifice? Some of them, to escape the trial, before being caught and falling into the hands of those who plotted against them, threw themselves down from high houses, regarding death as a prize snatched from the wickedness of the impious. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.12.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/12/2/). ## Church History 8.12.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/12/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:366 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: A noble Christian woman of Antioch and her two virgin daughters, arrested and threatened with forced prostitution, resolved to escape by death rather than be defiled or deny God. ### Greek text καί τις ἱερὰ καὶ θαυμασία τὴν τῆς ψυχῆς ἀρετὴν, τὸ δὲ σῶμα γυνὴ, καὶ τὰ ἄλλα τῶν ἐπʼ Ἀντιοχείας πλούτω καὶ γένει καὶ εὐδοξίᾳ παρὰ πᾶσι βεβοημένη, παίδων ξυνωρίδα παρθένων, τῇ τοῦ σώματος ὥρᾳ καὶ ἀκμῇ διαπρεπουσῶν, θεσμοῖς εὐσεβείας ἀναθρεψαμένη, ἐπειδὴ πολὺς ὁ περὶ αὐτὰς κινούμενος φθόνος πάντα τρόπον ἀνιχνεύων λανθανούσας περιειργάζετο, εἶτα ἐπʼ ἀλλοδαπῆς αὐτὰς διατρίβειν μαθὼν πεφροντισμένως ἐπὶ τὴν Ἀντιόχειαν ἐκάλει, δικτύων δὲ ἤδη στρατιωτικῶν εἴσω περιβέβληντο, ἐν ἀμηχάνοις ἑαυτήν τε καὶ τὰς παῖδας θεασαμένη, καὶ τὰ μέλλοντα ἐξ ἀνθρώπων δεινὰ τῷ λόγῳ παραθεῖσα, τό τε πάντων δεινῶν ἀφορητότερον, πορνείας ἀπειλὴν, μηδὲ ἄκροις ὠσὶν ὑπομεῖναι δεῖν ἀκοῦσαι, ἑαυτῇ τε καὶ ταῖς κόραις παρακελευσαμένη, ἀλλὰ καὶ τὸ προδοῦναι τὰς ψυχὰς τῇ τῶν δαιμόνων δουλείᾳ πάντων ὑπάρχειν θανάτων καὶ πάσης χεῖρον ἀπωλείας φήσασα, μίαν τούτων ἀπάντων εἶναι λύσιν ὑπετίθετο, τὴν ἐπὶ τὸν κύριον καταφυγήν· ### English translation (Claude) And a certain holy woman, admirable in virtue of soul though a woman in body, and otherwise renowned above all at Antioch for wealth, family, and good reputation, had brought up in the precepts of piety her two daughters, virgins distinguished by the bloom and beauty of their bodies. Since great envy was stirred up against them, searching out in every way where they were hiding, and then, learning that they were staying in a foreign place, deliberately summoned them to Antioch, they were already caught in the soldiers' nets. Seeing herself and her daughters in desperate straits, and setting before them in words the terrible things to be expected from men, and the most unbearable of all terrors, the threat of prostitution, she urged herself and the girls that they must not endure even to hear of it with the tips of their ears; and saying that to surrender their souls to the slavery of demons was worse than all deaths and every destruction, she proposed that there was one release from all these things: flight to the Lord. ### Translation notes - “Prostitution” renders πορνεία, elsewhere “sexual immorality”; here it means the threat of being forced into a brothel. Eusebius presents their choice approvingly; the church later discussed whether such suicides were permissible. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.12.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/12/3/). ## Church History 8.12.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/12/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:366 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: On the road the mother and daughters asked the guards for privacy and threw themselves into a river. ### Greek text κἄπειτα ὁμοῦ τὴν γνώμην συνθέμεναι, τά τε σώματα περιστείλασαι κοσμίως τοῖς περιβλήμασιν, ἐπʼ αὐτῆς μέσης γενόμεναι τῆς ὁδοῦ, βραχύ τι τοὺς φύλακας εἰς ἀναχώρησιν ὑποπαραιτησάμεναι, ἐπὶ παραρρέοντα ποταμὸν ἑαυτὰς ἠκόντισαν. ### English translation (Claude) And then, all agreeing in their resolve and decently wrapping their bodies in their garments, when they were in the middle of the road, they asked the guards for a little time to withdraw and threw themselves into the river flowing by. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.12.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/12/4/). ## Church History 8.12.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/12/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:366–367 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Two virgin sisters of Antioch, noble and devout, were thrown into the sea. ### Greek text αἵδε μὲν οὖν ἑαυτάς· ἄλλην δʼ ἐπʼ αὐτῆς Ἀντιοχείας ξυνωρίδα παρθένων τὰ πάντα θεοπρεπῶν καὶ ἀληθῶς ἀδελφῶν, ἐπιδόξων μὲν τὸ γένος, λαμπρῶν δὲ τὸν βίον, νέων τοὺς χρόνους, ὡραίων τὸ σῶμα, σεμνῶν τὴν ψυχὴν, εὐσεβῶν τὸν τρόπον, θαυμαστῶν τὴν σπουδὴν, ὡς ἂν μὴ φερούσης τῆς γῆς τὰ τοιαῦτα βαστάζειν, θαλάττῃ ῥίπτειν ἐκέλευον οἱ τῶν δαιμόνων θεραπευταί. ταῦτα μὲν οὖν παρὰ τοῖσδε. ### English translation (Claude) These, then, did it themselves. But another pair of virgins at Antioch itself, godly in every way and truly sisters, illustrious in family, splendid in life, young in years, fair in body, grave in soul, pious in conduct, admirable in zeal, the servants of demons ordered thrown into the sea, as though the earth could not bear to carry such. So much for these. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.12.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/12/5/). ## Church History 8.12.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/12/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:367 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: In Pontus martyrs had reeds driven under their nails and molten lead poured over them. ### Greek text τὰ φρικτὰ δὲ ἀκοαῖς κατὰ τὸν Πόντον ἔπασχον ἕτεροι, καλάμοις ὀξέσι τοῖν χεροῖν ἐξ ἄκρων ὀνύχων τοὺς δακτύλους διαπειρόμενοι, καὶ ἄλλοι πυρὶ μολίβδου διατακέντος βρασσούσῃ καὶ πεπυρακτωμένῃ τῇ ὕλῃ τὰ νῶτα καταχεόμενοι, καὶ τὰ μάλιστα ἀναγκαιότατα τοῦ σώματος κατοπτώμενοι· ### English translation (Claude) Others in Pontus suffered things horrible to hear: their fingers were pierced with sharp reeds under the tips of the nails; others had molten lead, bubbling and red-hot, poured over their backs, and the most vital parts of the body roasted; ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.12.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/12/6/). ## Church History 8.12.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/12/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:367 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Judges competed to invent new and unspeakable tortures of the private parts. ### Greek text διά τε τῶν ἀπορρήτων ἕτεροι μελῶν τε καὶ σπλάγχνων αἰσχρὰς καὶ ἀσυμπαθεῖς καὶ οὐδὲ λόγῳ ῥητὰς ὑπέμενον πάθας, ἃς οἶ γενναῖοι καὶ νόμιμοι δικασταὶ, τὴν σφῶν ἐπιδεικνύμενοι δεινότητα, ὥσπερ τινὰ σοφίας ἀρετὴν φιλοτιμότερον ἐπενόουν, ἀεὶ ταῖς καινότερον ἐφευρισκομέναις αἰκίαις, ὡσπερεὶ ἐν ἀγῶνος βραβείοις, ἀλλήλους ὑπερεξάγειν διαμιλλώμενοι. ### English translation (Claude) others endured, in their private parts and bowels, shameful, pitiless, and unspeakable sufferings, which the noble and law-abiding judges, displaying their own cleverness, devised with rivalry as if it were some virtue of wisdom, always striving to outdo one another with newly invented outrages, as though for prizes in a contest. ### Translation notes - “Noble and law-abiding” is ironic. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.12.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/12/7/). ## Church History 8.12.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/12/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:367 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: At last, tired of killing, the persecutors turned to what they called kindness. ### Greek text τὰ δʼ οὖν τῶν συμφορῶν ἔσχατα, ὅτε δὴ λοιπὸν ἀπειρηκότες ἐπὶ τῇ τῶν κακῶν ὑπερβολῇ καὶ πρὸς τὸ κτείνειν ἀποκαμόντες, πλησμονήν τε καὶ κόρον τῆς τῶν αἱμάτων ἐκχύσεως ἐσχηκότες, ἐπὶ τὸ νομιζόμενον αὐτοῖς χρηστὸν καὶ φιλάνθρωπον ἐτρέποντο, ὡς μηδὲν μὲν ἔτι δοκεῖν δεινὸν καθʼ ἡμῶν περιεργάζεσθαι· ### English translation (Claude) The last of these calamities came when, at length, worn out by the excess of evils and weary of killing, and having had their fill and surfeit of shedding blood, they turned to what they considered kindness and humanity, so that they seemed no longer to be doing anything terrible against us. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.12.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/12/8/). ## Church History 8.12.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/12/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:367–368 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The authorities announced that, out of imperial humanity, Christians would no longer be put to death. ### Greek text μὴ γὰρ καθήκειν φασὶν αἵμασιν ἐμφυλίοις μιαίνειν τὰς πόλεις, μηδʼ ἐπʼ ὠμότητι τῇ ἀνωτάτω διαβάλλειν τὴν τῶν κρατούντων ἀρχὴν, εὐμενῆ τοῖς πᾶσιν ὑπάρχουσαν καὶ πραεῖαν, δεῖν δὲ μᾶλλον τῆς φιλανθρώπου καὶ βασιλικῆς ἐξουσίας εἰς πάντας ἐκτείνεσθαι τὴν εὐεργεσίαν, μηκέτι θανάτῳ κολαζομένους· λελύσθαι γὰρ αὐτῶν καθʼ ἡμῶν ταύτην τὴν τιμωρίαν, διὰ τὴν τῶν κρατούντων φιλανθρωπίαν. ### English translation (Claude) For they said it was not fitting to defile the cities with the blood of their own people, nor to bring the government of the rulers, which was kindly and gentle to all, into disrepute for extreme cruelty; rather, the benevolence of the humane imperial authority should extend to all, and they should no longer be punished with death: for this punishment of theirs against us had been abolished because of the humanity of the rulers. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.12.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/12/9/). ## Church History 8.12.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/12/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:368 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The “humane” penalty was to put out an eye, cripple a foot, and send Christians to the copper mines. ### Greek text τηνικαῦτα ὀφθαλμοὺς ἐξορύττεσθαι καὶ τοῖν σκελοῖν πηροῦσθαι θάτερον προσετάττετο. ταῦτα γὰρ ἦν αὐτοῖς τὰ φιλάνθρωπα, καὶ τῶν καθʼ ἡμῶν τιμωριῶν τὰ κουφότατα, ὥστε ἤδη ταύτης ἕνεκα τῆς τῶν ἀσεβῶν φιλανθρωπίας οὐκέτʼ εἶναι δυνατὸν ἐξειπεῖν τὸ πλῆθος τῶν ὑπὲρ πάντα λόγον τοὺς μὲν δεξιοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς ξίφει πρότερον ἐκκοπτομένων, καὶ μετὰ τὴν ἐκκέντησιν τούτους πυρὶ καυτηριαζομένων, τοὺς δὲ λαιοὺς πόδας κατὰ τῶν ἀγκυλῶν αὖθις καυτῆρσιν ἀχρειουμένων, μετά τε ταῦτα τοῖς κατʼ ἐπαρχίαν χαλκοῦ μετάλλοις οὐχ ὑπηρεσίας τοσοῦτον, ὅσον κακώσεως καὶ ταλαιπωρίας ἕνεκεν καταδικαζομένων, πρὸς ἅπασί τε τούτοις ἄλλων ἄλλοις ἀγῶσιν, οὓς μηδὲ καταλέγειν δυνατόν, (νικᾷ γὰρ πάντα λόγον τὰ κατʼ αὐτοὺς ἀνδραγαθήματα), περιπεπτωκότων. ### English translation (Claude) Then it was ordered that their eyes be gouged out and one of their legs be maimed. For this was their humanity, and the lightest of their punishments against us; so that because of this humanity of the impious it is no longer possible to tell the number, beyond all words, of those whose right eyes were first cut out with the sword and then cauterized with fire, and whose left feet were then disabled at the joints by branding irons, and who after this were condemned to the copper mines in the provinces, not so much for service as for ill-treatment and misery; and besides all these, of those who fell into various other contests, which it is not even possible to list (for their brave deeds surpass all words). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.12.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/12/10/). ## Church History 8.12.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/12/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:368 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The martyrs' courage amazed onlookers everywhere and showed the divine power of Christ; to name them all is impossible. ### Greek text ἐν δὴ τούτοις ἐφʼ ὅλης τῆς οἰκουμένης διαλάμψαντες οἱ μεγαλοπρεπεῖς τοῦ Χριστοῦ μάρτυρες τοὺς μὲν ἁπανταχοῦ τῆς ἀνδρείας αὐτῶν ἐπόπτας εἰκότως κατεπλήξαντο, τῆς δὲ τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν θείας ὡς ἀληθῶς καὶ ἀπορρήτου δυνάμεως ἐμφανῆ διʼ ἑαυτῶν τὰ τεκμήρια παρεστήσαντο. ἑκάστου μὲν οὖν ἐπʼ ὀνόματος μνημονεύειν μακρὸν ἂν εἴη, μή τί γε τῶν ἀδυνάτων, ### English translation (Claude) In these, then, the magnificent martyrs of Christ, shining throughout the whole world, naturally astonished those everywhere who witnessed their courage, and through themselves presented manifest proofs of the truly divine and ineffable power of our Savior. To mention each by name would be a long task, not to say an impossible one, ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.12.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/12/11/). ## Church History 8.13.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/13/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:368 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Among martyred bishops of the great cities, the first is Anthimus of Nicomedia, who was beheaded. ### Greek text τῶν δὲ κατὰ τὰς ἐπισήμους πόλεις μαρτυρησάντων ἐκκλησιαστικῶν ἀρχόντων πρῶτος ἡμῖν ἐν εὐσεβῶν στήλαις τῆς Χριστοῦ βασιλείας ἀναγορευέσθω μάρτυς ἐπίσκοπος τῆς Νικομηδέων πόλεως, τὴν κεφαλὴν ἀποτμηθεὶς, Ἄνθιμος. ### English translation (Claude) but of the church rulers who suffered martyrdom in the illustrious cities, let the first proclaimed by us on the monuments of the pious as a martyr of the kingdom of Christ be the bishop of the city of the Nicomedians, Anthimus, who was beheaded. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.13.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/13/1/). ## Church History 8.13.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/13/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:368–369 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Lucian, presbyter of Antioch, made a defense before the emperor at Nicomedia and died a martyr. ### Greek text τῶν δʼ ἐπʼ Ἀντιοχείας μαρτύρων τὸν πάντα βίον ἄριστος πρεσβύτερος τῆς αὐτόθι παροικίας Λουκιανὸς, ἐν τῇ Νικομηδείᾳ καὶ αὐτὸς, βασιλέως ἐπιπαρόντος, τὴν οὐράνιον τοῦ Χριστοῦ βασιλείαν λόγῳ πρότερον διʼ ἀπολογίας, εἶτα δὲ καὶ ἔργοις ἀνακηρύξας. ### English translation (Claude) Of the martyrs of Antioch, Lucian, a presbyter of that diocese, excellent throughout his life, who at Nicomedia too, in the presence of the emperor, proclaimed the heavenly kingdom of Christ, first in word through an apology and then also in deeds. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.13.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/13/2/). ## Church History 8.13.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/13/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:369 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The most famous martyrs of Phoenicia were Bishop Tyrannion of Tyre, the presbyter Zenobius of Sidon, and Bishop Silvanus of Emesa. ### Greek text τῶν δʼ ἐπὶ Φοινίκης μαρτύρων γένοιντʼ ἂν ἐπισημότατοι τὰ πάντα θεοφιλεῖς τῶν λογικῶν Χριστοῦ θρεμμάτων ποιμένες, Τυραννίων ἐπίσκοπος τῆς κατὰ Τυρὸν ἐκκλησίας, πρεσβύτερός τε τῆς κατὰ Σιδῶνα Ζηνόβιος, καὶ ἔτι Σιλβανὸς τῶν ἀμφὶ τὴν Ἔμισαν ἐκκλησιῶν ἐπίσκοπος. ### English translation (Claude) Of the martyrs in Phoenicia, the most distinguished would be those shepherds of Christ's rational flocks, dear to God in every way: Tyrannion, bishop of the church at Tyre; Zenobius, a presbyter of the church at Sidon; and also Silvanus, bishop of the churches around Emesa. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.13.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/13/3/). ## Church History 8.13.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/13/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:369 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Silvanus was thrown to beasts at Emesa; at Antioch Tyrannion was drowned and the physician Zenobius died under torture. ### Greek text ἀλλʼ οὗτος μὲν θηρίων βορὰ μεθʼ ἑτέρων ἐπʼ αὐτῆς Ἐμίσης γενόμενος χοροῖς ἀνελήφθη μαρτύρων, τῶν δʼ ἐπʼ Ἀντιοχείας ἄμφω τὸν τοῦ θεοῦ λόγον διὰ τῆς εἰς θάνατον ὑπομονῆς ἐδοξασάτην, ὁ μὲν θαλαττίοις παραδοθεὶς βυθοῖς, ὁ ἐπίσκοπος, ὁ δὲ ἰατρῶν ἄριστος Ζηνόβιος ταῖς κατὰ τῶν πλευρῶν ἐπιτεθείσαις αὐτῷ καρτερῶς ἐναποθανὼν βασάνοις. ### English translation (Claude) Silvanus became food for wild beasts with others at Emesa itself and was received into the choirs of martyrs; the other two glorified the word of God at Antioch by their endurance unto death: the bishop was given over to the depths of the sea, while Zenobius, the most excellent of physicians, died bravely under the tortures applied to his sides. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.13.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/13/4/). ## Church History 8.13.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/13/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:369 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: In Palestine Bishop Silvanus of Gaza was beheaded with thirty-nine others at the Phaeno mines, and the Egyptian bishops Peleus and Nilus were burned. ### Greek text τῶν δʼ ἐπὶ Παλαιστίνης μαρτύρων Σιλβανὸς, ἐπίσκοπος τῶν ἀμφὶ τὴν Γάζαν ἐκκλησιῶν, κατὰ τὰ ἐν Φαίνοι χαλκοῦ μέταλλα σὺν ἑτέροις ἑνὸς δέουσι τὸν ἀριθμὸν τεσσαράκοντα τὴν κεφαλὴν ἀποτέμνεται, Αἰγύπτιοί τε αὐτόθι Πήλευς καὶ Νεῖλος ἐπίσκοποι μεθʼ ἑτέρων τὴν διὰ πυρὸς ὑπέμειναν τελευτήν. ### English translation (Claude) Of the martyrs in Palestine, Silvanus, bishop of the churches around Gaza, was beheaded at the copper mines of Phaeno with others, thirty-nine in number; and the Egyptian bishops Peleus and Nilus, with others, endured death by fire there. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.13.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/13/5/). ## Church History 8.13.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/13/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:369 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius remembers his teacher Pamphilus, presbyter of Caesarea, whose deeds he recorded elsewhere. ### Greek text καὶ τὸ μέγα δὲ κλέος τῆς Καισαρέων παροικίας ἐν τούτοις ἡμῖν μνημονευέσθω Πάμφιλος πρεσβύτερος, τῶν καθʼ ἡμᾶς θαυμασιώτατος, οὗ τῶν ἀνδραγαθημάτων τὴν ἀρετὴν κατὰ τὸν δέοντα καιρὸν ἀνεγράψαμεν. ### English translation (Claude) And among these let us also remember the great glory of the church of Caesarea, Pamphilus the presbyter, the most wonderful man of our time, the excellence of whose brave deeds we have recorded at the proper place. ### Translation notes - Eusebius wrote a Life of Pamphilus (lost) and describes his martyrdom in the Martyrs of Palestine 11. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.13.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/13/6/). ## Church History 8.13.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/13/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:369–370 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius names Peter of Alexandria and other Egyptian martyrs, leaves the full record to eyewitnesses, and promises a separate work on the martyrs he saw himself. ### Greek text τῶν δʼ ἐπʼ Ἀλεξανδρείας καθʼ ὅλης τε Αἰγύπτου καὶ Θηβαΐδος διαπρεπῶς τελειωθέντων πρῶτος Πέτρος, αὐτῆς Ἀλεξανδρείας ἐπίσκοπος, θεῖόν τι χρῆμα διδασκάλων τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ θεοσεβείας, ἀναγεγράφθω, καὶ τῶν σὺν αὐτῷ πρεσβυτέρων Φαῦστος καὶ Δῖος καὶ Ἀμμώνιος, τέλειοι Χριστοῦ μάρτυρες, Φιλέας τε καὶ Ἡσύχιος καὶ Παχύμιος καὶ Θεόδωρος, τῶν ἀμφὶ τὴν Αἴγυπτον ἐκκλησιῶν ἐπίσκοποι, μυρίοι τε ἐπὶ τούτοις ἄλλοι διαφανεῖς, οἱ πρὸς τῶν κατὰ χώραν καὶ τόπον παροικιῶν μνημονεύονται, ὧν ἀνὰ τὴν πᾶσαν οἰκουμένην ὑπὲρ τῆς εἰς τὸ θεῖον εὐσεβείας ἠγωνισμένων γραφῇ παραδιδόναι τοὺς ἄθλους, ἐπʼ ἀκριβές τε ἕκαστα τῶν περὶ αὐτοὺς συμβεβηκότων ἱστορεῖν, οὐχ ἡμέτερον, τῶν δʼ ὄψει τὰ πράγματα παρειληφότων ἴδιον ἂν γένοιτο. οἷς γε μὴν αὐτὸς παρεγενόμην, τούτους καὶ τοῖς μεθʼ ἡμᾶς γνωρίμους διʼ ἑτέρας ποιήσομαι γραφής. ### English translation (Claude) Of those who were gloriously perfected at Alexandria and throughout all Egypt and the Thebaid, let first be recorded Peter, bishop of Alexandria itself, a divine example among teachers of godliness in Christ, and of the presbyters with him Faustus, Dius, and Ammonius, perfect martyrs of Christ; and Phileas, Hesychius, Pachymius, and Theodore, bishops of the churches in Egypt; and besides these countless other illustrious men, who are remembered by the churches of their own country and region. To commit to writing the contests of those who strove throughout the whole world for piety toward God, and to relate accurately each thing that befell them, would not be our task but the proper work of those who saw the events with their own eyes. Those, however, at whose trials I was myself present I shall make known to those after us in another writing. ### Translation notes - The other writing is Eusebius's Martyrs of Palestine. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.13.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/13/7/). ## Church History 8.13.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/13/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:370 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius announces that he will next tell of the rulers' recantation and the course of the persecution. ### Greek text κατά γε μὴν τὸν παρόντα λόγον τὴν παλινῳδίαν τῶν περὶ ἡμὰς εἰργασμένων τοῖς εἰρημένοις ἐπισυνάψω, τά τε ἐξ ἀρχῆς τοῦ διωγμοῦ συμβεβηκότα, χρησιμώτατα τυγχάνοντα τοῖς ἐντευξομένοις. ### English translation (Claude) In the present account, however, I shall add to what has been said the recantation of what was done against us, and the things that happened from the beginning of the persecution, which will be most useful to those who read them. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.13.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/13/8/). ## Church History 8.13.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/13/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:370 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Before the persecution the empire prospered in peace, and the emperors celebrated their ten- and twenty-year jubilees in festivity. ### Greek text τὰ μὲν οὖν πρὸ τοῦ καθʼ ἡμῶν πολέμου τῆς Ῥωμαίων ἡγεμονίας, ἐν ὅσοις δὴ χρόνοις τὰ τῶν ἀρχόντων φίλιά τε ἡμῖν ἦν καὶ εἰρηναῖα, ὁπόσης ἀγαθῶν εὐφορίας καὶ εὐετηρίας ἠξίωτο, τίς ἂν ἐξαρκέσειε λόγος διηγήσασθαι; ὁπότε καὶ οἱ μάλιστα τῆς καθόλου κρατοῦντες ἀρχῆς, δεκαετηρίδας καὶ εἰκοσαετηρίδας τῆς βασιλείας ἐκπλήσαντες, ἐν ἑορταῖς καὶ πανηγύρεσι, φαιδροτάταις τε θαλίαις καὶ εὐφροσύναις μετὰ πάσης εὐσταθοῦς διετέλουν εἰρήνης. ### English translation (Claude) What account could suffice to describe the abundance of good things and prosperity that the Roman government enjoyed before the war against us, in all the time that the rulers were friendly and peaceful toward us? Then even those who held supreme power over the whole empire completed their tenth and twentieth years of reign in festivals and public celebrations, in brilliant feasts and rejoicings, with complete and settled peace. ### Translation notes - The twentieth anniversary (vicennalia) of Diocletian and Maximian was celebrated in 303. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.13.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/13/9/). ## Church History 8.13.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/13/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:370 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: At the height of their power the emperors suddenly made war on the Christians, and within two years the government itself was overturned. ### Greek text οὕτω δʼ αὐτοῖς ἀπαραποδίστως αὐξούσης καὶ ἐπὶ μέγα ὁσημέραι προιούσης τῆς ἐξουσίας, ἀθρόως τῆς πρὸς ἡμὰς εἰρήνης μεταθέμενοι, πόλεμον ἄσπονδον ἐγείρουσιν, οὔπω δʼ αὐτοῖς τῆς τοιασδὶ κινήσεως δεύτερον ἔτος πεπλήρωτο, καί τι περὶ τὴν ὅλην ἀρχὴν νεώτερον γεγονὸς τὰ πάντα πράγματα ἀνατρέπει. ### English translation (Claude) But while their power was thus growing without hindrance and advancing greatly day by day, they suddenly changed their peaceful attitude toward us and stirred up a war without truce. Yet the second year of this movement was not yet complete when something new happened in the whole government and overturned everything. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.13.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/13/10/). ## Church History 8.13.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/13/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:370–371 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Diocletian fell ill, lost his reason, and abdicated with Maximian, after which the empire was divided in two. ### Greek text νόσου γὰρ οὐκ αἰσίας τῷ πρωτοστάτῃ τῶν εἰρημένων ἐπισκηψάσης, ὑφʼ ἧς δὴ καὶ τὰ τῆς διανοίας εἰς ἔκστασιν αὐτῷ παρήγετο, σὺν τῷ μετʼ αὐτὸν δευτερείοις τετιμημένῳ τὸν δημώδη καὶ ἰδιωτικὸν ἀπολαμβάνει βίον· οὔπω δὲ ταὐτʼ αὐτῷ οὕτω πέπρακτο, καὶ διχῆ τὰ πάντα τῆς ἀρχῆς διαιρεῖται, πρᾶγμα μηδʼ ἄλλοτέ πω πάλαι γεγονὸς μνήμῃ παραδεδομένον. ### English translation (Claude) For an ill-omened sickness fell upon the chief of those we have mentioned, by which his mind too was driven to derangement, and together with the one honored with the second place after him he took up the ordinary life of a private citizen. Scarcely had he done this when the whole empire was divided in two, a thing never recorded to have happened before. ### Translation notes - The chief emperor is Diocletian, the second Maximian; both abdicated on 1 May 305. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.13.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/13/11/). ## Church History 8.13.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/13/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:371 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Constantius, a gentle ruler friendly to Christians, died and left his son Constantine as emperor, and was deified by the pagans. ### Greek text χρόνου δʼ οὐ πλείστου μεταξὺ γενομένου βασιλεὺς Κωνστάντιος, τὸν πάντα βίον πραότατα καὶ τοῖς ὑπηκόοις εὐνοικώτατα, τῷ τε θείῳ λόγῳ προσφιλέστατα διαθέμενος, παῖδα γνήσιον Κωνσταντῖνον αὐτοκράτορα καὶ σεβαστὸν ἀνθʼ ἑαυτοῦ καταλιπὼν, κοινῷ φύσεως νόμῳ τελευτᾷ τὸν βίον, πρῶτός τε ἐν θεοῖς ἀνηγορεύετο παρʼ αὐτοῖς, ἁπάσης μετὰ θάνατον, ὅση βασιλεῖ τις ἂν ὠφείλετο, τιμῆς ἠξιωμένος, χρηστότατος καὶ ἠπιώτατος βασιλέων, ### English translation (Claude) Not long afterward the emperor Constantius, who throughout his life had been most gentle, most kindly toward his subjects, and most friendly to the divine word, died by the common law of nature, leaving his own son Constantine as emperor and Augustus in his place. He was the first to be proclaimed among the gods by them, being granted after death every honor that could be owed to an emperor, the kindest and mildest of emperors, ### Translation notes - Constantius Chlorus died at York in 306. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.13.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/13/12/). ## Church History 8.13.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/13/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:371 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Constantius alone ruled worthily, did not persecute or tear down churches, and died honored with his son succeeding him. ### Greek text ὃς δὴ καὶ μόνος τῶν καθʼ ἡμᾶς ἐπαξίως τῆς ἡγεμονίας τὸν πάντα τῆς ἀρχῆς διατελέσας χρόνον, καὶ τἄλλα τοῖς πᾶσι δεξιώτατον καὶ εὐεργετικώτατον παρασχὼν ἑαυτὸν, τοῦ δὲ καθʼ ἡμῶν πολέμου μηδαμῶς ἐπικοινωνήσας, ἀλλὰ καὶ τοὺς ὑπʼ αὐτὸν θεοσεβεῖς ἀβλαβεῖς καὶ ἀνεπηρεάστους φυλάξας, καὶ μήτε τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν τοὺς οἴκους καθελὼν, μήθʼ ἕτερόν τι καθʼ ἡμῶν καινουργήσας, τέλος εὐδόκιμον καὶ τρισμακάριον ἀπείληφε τοῦ βίου, μόνος ἐπὶ τῆς αὐτοῦ βασιλείας εὐμενῶς καὶ ἐπιδόξως ἐπὶ διαδόχῳ γνησίῳ παιδὶ, πάντα σωφρονεστάτῳ τε καὶ εὐσεβεστάτῳ, τελευτήσας. ### English translation (Claude) who alone of those in our time spent the whole period of his rule worthily of his office. In all else he showed himself most gracious and beneficent to all; he took no part at all in the war against us, but kept the godly under him unharmed and unmolested, neither pulling down the church buildings nor contriving anything else new against us. He received a glorious and thrice-blessed end of life, being the only one who died in his own reign in favor and honor, with a true-born son, in all things most prudent and most pious, as his successor. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.13.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/13/13/). ## Church History 8.13.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/13/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:371–372 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Constantine, proclaimed by the army and by God, followed his father's piety, and Licinius was then made emperor by common vote. ### Greek text τούτου παῖς Κωνσταντῖνος εὐθὺς ἀρχόμενος, βασιλεὺς τελεώτατος καὶ σεβαστός πρὸς τῶν στρατοπέδων, καὶ ἔτι πολὺ τούτων πρότερον πρὸς αὐτοῦ τοῦ παμβασιλέως θεοῦ ἀναγορευθεὶς, ζηλωτὴν ἑαυτὸν τῆς πατρικῆς περὶ τὸν ἡμέτερον λόγον εὐσεβείας κατεστήσατο. καὶ οὗτος μὲν τοιοῦτος. Λικίννιος δὲ ἐπὶ τούτοις ὑπὸ κοινῆς ψήφου τῶν κρατούντων αὐτοκράτωρ καὶ σεβαστὸς ἀναπέφηνε. ### English translation (Claude) His son Constantine, from the very beginning proclaimed most perfect emperor and Augustus by the armies, and long before this by God himself, the King of all, made himself an imitator of his father's piety toward our faith. Such was he. After these, Licinius was declared emperor and Augustus by common vote of the rulers. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.13.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/13/14/). ## Church History 8.13.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/13/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:372 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Maximin made himself Augustus, and Maximian, caught plotting against Constantine, died shamefully and his statues were destroyed. ### Greek text ταῦτα Μαξιμῖνον δεινῶς ἐλύπει, μόνον Καίσαρα παρὰ πάντας εἰσέτι τότε χρηματίζοντα, ὃς δὴ οὖν τὰ μάλιστα τυραννικὸς ὢν, παραρπάσας ἑαυτῷ τὴν ἀξίαν, σεβαστὸς ἦν, αὐτὸς ὑφʼ ἑαυτοῦ γεγονώς· ἐντούτῳ δὲ Κωνσταντίνῳ μηχανὴν θανάτου συρράπτων ἁλοὺς ὁ μετὰ τὴν ἀπόθεσιν ἐπανῃρῆσθαι δεδηλωμένος, αἰσχίστῳ καταστρέφει θανάτῳ. πρώτου δὲ τούτου τὰς ἐπὶ τιμῇ γραφὰς, ἀνδριάντας τε καὶ ὅσα τοιαῦτα ἐπʼ ἀναθέσει νενόμισται, ὡς ἀνοσίου καὶ δυσσεβεστάτου καθῄρουν. ### English translation (Claude) This grieved Maximin terribly, since up to that time he alone was still styled Caesar by all. Being therefore extremely tyrannical, he seized the dignity for himself and became Augustus, made so by himself. Meanwhile, the man who, as we have shown, had resumed office after his abdication was caught contriving a plot for Constantine's death and perished by a most shameful death. He was the first whose honorific inscriptions, statues, and all such things customarily set up in dedication were pulled down, as belonging to an impious and most ungodly man. ### Translation notes - The man who resumed office after abdicating is Maximian (d. 310). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.13.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/13/15/). ## Church History 8.14.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:372 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Maxentius, tyrant at Rome, at first pretended favor to the Christian faith and halted persecution to win popularity. ### Greek text Τούτου παῖς Μαξέντιος, ὁ τὴν ἐπὶ Ῥῴμης τυραννίδα συστησάμενος, ἀρχόμενος μὲν τὴν καθʼ ἡμᾶς πίστιν ἐπʼ ἀρεσκείᾳ καὶ κολακείᾳ τοῦ δήμου Ῥωμαίων καθυπεκρίνατο, ταύτῃ τε τοῖς ὑπηκόοις τὸν κατὰ Χριστιανῶν ἀνεῖναι προστάττει διωγμὸν, εὐσέβειαν ἐπιμορφάζων, ὡς ἂν δεξιὸς καὶ πολὺ πρᾶος παρὰ τοὺς προτέρους φανείη· ### English translation (Claude) His son Maxentius, who established the tyranny at Rome, at first feigned our faith to please and flatter the Roman people. Accordingly he ordered his subjects to relax the persecution against the Christians, putting on a show of piety so that he might appear gracious and far milder than his predecessors. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.14.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/1/). ## Church History 8.14.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:372 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Maxentius turned to every vice, taking senators' wives from their husbands, abusing them, and sending them back. ### Greek text οὐ μὴν οἶος ἔσεσθαι ἠλπίσθη, τοιοῦτος ἔργοις ἀναπέφηνεν, εἰς πάσας δʼ ἀνοσιουργίας ὀκείλας οὐδὲν ὅ τι μιαρίας ἔργον καὶ ἀκολασίας παραλέλοιπε, μοιχείας τε καὶ παντοίας ἐπιτελῶν φθοράς· διαζευγνύς γε τοι τῶν ἀνδρῶν τὰς κατὰ νόμον γαμετὰς, ταύτας ἐνυβρίζων, ἀτιμότατα τοῖς ἀνδράσιν αὖθις ἀπέπεμπε, καὶ ταῦτʼ οὐκ ἀσήμοις οὐδʼ ἀφανέσιν ἐγχειρῶν ἐπετήδευεν, ἀλλʼ αὐτῶν δὴ μάλιστα τῶν τὰ πρῶτα τῆς Ῥωμαίων συγκλήτου ἀπενηνεγμένων ἐμπαροινῶν τοῖς ἐξοχωτάτοις. ### English translation (Claude) Yet in his deeds he did not prove to be such as he was hoped to be. Running aground into every kind of impiety, he left no deed of foulness and licentiousness undone, committing adulteries and every sort of corruption. He would separate lawful wives from their husbands, outrage them, and send them back to their husbands in the deepest dishonor; and he practiced this not on obscure or unknown persons but insulted above all the most eminent of those who held the first rank in the Roman senate. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.14.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/2/). ## Church History 8.14.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:372–373 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Maxentius terrorized Rome and once had his guards massacre great numbers of Roman citizens in the city. ### Greek text οἱ πάντες δʼ αὐτὸν ὑποπεπτηχότες δῆμοι καὶ ἄρχοντες, ἔνδοξοί τε καὶ ἄδοξοι, δεινῇ κατετρύχοντο τυραννίδι. καὶ οὐδʼ ἠρεμούντων καὶ τὴν πικρὰν φερόντων δουλείαν, ἀπαλλαγή τις ὅμως ἦν τῆς τοῦ τυράννου φονώσης ὠμότητος· ἐπὶ σμικρᾷ γοῦν ἤδη ποτὲ προφάσει τὸν δῆμον εἰς φόνον τοῖς ἀμφʼ αὐτὸν δορυφόροις ἐκδίδωσι, καὶ ἐκτείνετο μυρία τοῦ δήμου Ῥωμαίων πλήθη ἐπὶ μέσης τῆς πόλεως, οὐ Σκυθῶν οὐδὲ βαρβάρων, ἀλλʼ αὐτῶν τῶν οἰκείων δόρασι καὶ πανοπλίαις. ### English translation (Claude) All the people and magistrates, noble and common, cowered before him and were worn down by the terrible tyranny. Even when they kept quiet and bore the bitter slavery, there was still no release from the tyrant's murderous cruelty: once, on a trivial pretext, he gave the people over to slaughter by his bodyguards, and countless numbers of the Roman people were killed in the middle of the city, not by the spears and arms of Scythians or barbarians but by those of their own countrymen. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.14.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/3/). ## Church History 8.14.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:373 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: He killed innumerable senators on false charges to seize their wealth. ### Greek text συγκλητικῶν γε μὴν φόνος ὁπόσος διʼ ἐπιβουλὴν ἐνηργεῖτο τῆς οὐσίας οὐδʼ ἐξαριθμήσασθαι δυνατὸν ἄλλοτε ἄλλαις πεπλασμέναις αἰτίαις μυρίων ἀναιρουμένων. ### English translation (Claude) As for the slaughter of senators carried out to get their property, it is impossible even to count it, since countless were put to death on one invented charge or another. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.14.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/4/). ## Church History 8.14.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:373 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Maxentius practiced cruel magic, including the murder of pregnant women and infants, hoping to win victory by it. ### Greek text ἡ δὲ τῶν κακῶν τῷ τυράννῳ κορωνὶς ἐπὶ γοητείαν ἤλαυνε, μαγικαῖς ἐπινοίαις τοτὲ μὲν γυναῖκας ἐγκύμονας ἀνασχίζοντος, τοτὲ δὲ νεογνῶν σπλάγχνα βρεφῶν διερευνωμένου, λέοντάς τε κατασφάττοντος, καί τινας ἀρρητοποιίας ἐπὶ δαιμόνων προκλήσεις καὶ ἀποτροπιασμὸν τοῦ πολέμου συνισταμένου· διὰ τούτων γὰρ αὐτῷ τὰ τῆς νίκης κατορθωθήσεσθαι ἡ πᾶσα ἐτύγχανεν ἐλπίς. ### English translation (Claude) The crowning point of the tyrant's evils drove him to sorcery: by magical devices he would now rip open pregnant women, now search the entrails of newborn infants; he slaughtered lions and performed certain unspeakable rites to invoke demons and to avert the war. For his whole hope was that by these means victory would be secured for him. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.14.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/5/). ## Church History 8.14.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:373 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: His tyranny brought Rome to an unprecedented famine. ### Greek text οὗτος μὲν οὖν ἐπὶ Ῥώμης τυραννῶν οὐδʼ ἔστιν εἰπεῖν οἷα δρῶν τοὺς ὑπηκόους κατεδουλοῦτο, ὡς ἤδη καὶ τῶν ἀναγκαίων τροφῶν ἐν ἐσχάτῃ σπάνει καὶ ἀπορίᾳ καταστῆναι, ὅσην ἐπὶ Ῥώμης οὐδʼ ἄλλοτε οἶ καθʼ ἡμᾶς γενέσθαι μνημονεύουσιν. ### English translation (Claude) It is not possible to say what this tyrant at Rome did to enslave his subjects, so that they were reduced to the most extreme scarcity and want even of necessary food, such as our contemporaries remember never having happened at Rome at any other time. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.14.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/6/). ## Church History 8.14.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:373 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Maximin in the East secretly allied himself with Maxentius and was later punished for it. ### Greek text ὁ δʼ ἐπʼ ἀνατολῆς τύραννος Μαξιμῖνος, ὡσὰν πρὸς ἀδελφὸν τὴν κακίαν πρὸς τὸν ἐπὶ Ῥώμης φιλίαν κρύβδην σπενδόμενος, ἐπὶ πλεῖστον χρόνον λανθάνειν ἐφρόντιζε, φωραθείς γέ τοι ὕστερον δίκην τίννυσι τὴν ἀξίαν. ### English translation (Claude) The tyrant in the East, Maximin, secretly made a pact of friendship with the one at Rome, as with a brother in wickedness, and took care for a very long time to keep it hidden; but when he was later found out, he paid the just penalty. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.14.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/7/). ## Church History 8.14.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:373–374 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Maximin outdid Maxentius in wickedness, honoring magicians and doing nothing without oracles. ### Greek text ἦν δὲ θαυμάσαι ὅπως καὶ οὗτος τὰ συγγενῆ καὶ ἀδελφὰ μᾶλλον δὲ κακίας τὰ πρῶτα καὶ τὰ νικητήρια τῆς τοῦ κατὰ Ῥώμην τυράννου κακοτροπίας ἀπενηνεγμένος. γοήτων τε γὰρ καὶ μάγων οἱ πρῶτοι τῆς ἀνωτάτω παρʼ αὐτῷ τιμῆς ἠξίωντο, ψοφοδεοῦς εἰς τὰ μάλιστα καὶ δεισιδαιμονεστάτου καθεστῶτος, τήν τε περὶ τὰ εἴδωλα καὶ τοὺς δαίμονας περὶ πολλοῦ τιθεμένου πλάνην. μαντειῶν γοῦν δίχα καὶ χρησμῶν οὐδὲ μέχρις ὄνυχος, ὡς εἰπεῖν, τολμᾶν τι κινεῖν οἷός τε ἦν. ### English translation (Claude) It was astonishing how he too carried off the things akin and brotherly to, or rather the first prizes and trophies of, the wickedness of the tyrant at Rome. For the leading sorcerers and magicians were thought worthy by him of the highest honor, since he was extremely timid and most superstitious and set great store by the error concerning idols and demons. Indeed without soothsaying and oracles he dared not move so much as a fingernail, so to speak. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.14.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/8/). ## Church History 8.14.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:374 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Maximin persecuted more harshly, rebuilt temples, organized a pagan priesthood with provincial high priests, and rewarded sorcerers. ### Greek text οὗ χάριν καὶ τῷ καθʼ ἡμῶν σφοδρότερον ἤ οἱ πρόσθεν καὶ πυκνότερον ἐπετίθετο διωγμῷ, νεὼς κατὰ πάσαν πόλιν ἐγείρειν, καὶ τὰ χρόνου μήκει καθῃρημένα τεμένη διὰ σπουδῆς ἀνανεοῦσθαι προστάττων, ἱερέας τε εἰδώλων κατὰ πάντα τόπον καὶ πόλιν· καὶ ἐπὶ τούτων ἑκάστης ἐπαρχίας ἀρχιερέα, τῶν ἐν πολιτείαις ἕνα γέ τινα τὸν μάλιστα ἐμφανῶς διὰ πάσης ἐμπρέψαντα λειτουργίας, μετὰ στρατιωτικοῦ στίφους καὶ δορυφορίας ἐκτάσσων, ἀνέδην τε πάσι γόησιν, ὡσὰν εὐσεβέσι καὶ θεῶν προσφιλέσιν, ἡγεμονίας καὶ τὰς μεγίστας προνομίας δωρούμενος. ### English translation (Claude) For this reason he pressed the persecution against us more violently and more continuously than those before him. He ordered temples to be raised in every city and the sacred precincts destroyed by length of time to be speedily restored, and he appointed priests of idols in every place and city, and over them in each province a high priest, one of those in public life who had been especially distinguished in every public office, with a military escort and bodyguard; and he freely granted governorships and the greatest privileges to all sorcerers, as though they were pious and dear to the gods. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.14.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/9/). ## Church History 8.14.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:374 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: He crushed the provinces with exactions and confiscations and gave the proceeds to his flatterers. ### Greek text ἐκ δὴ τούτων ὁρμώμενος πόλιν μὲν οὐ μίαν οὐδὲ χώραν, ὅλας δὲ ἄρδην τὰς ὑπʼ αὐτὸν ἐπαρχίας χρυσοῦ καὶ ἀργύρου καὶ χρημάτων ἀμυθήτων εἰσπράξεσιν, ἐπισκήψεσί τε βαρυτάταις καὶ ἄλλοτε ἄλλαις καταδίκαις ἠνία καὶ κατεπίεζε. τῶν γε μὴν εὐπόρων τὰς ἐκ προγόνων περιποιηθείσας οὐσίας ἀφαιρούμενος, πλούτους ἀθρόως καὶ σωροὺς χρημάτων τοῖς ἀμφʼ αὐτὸν κόλαξιν ἐδωρεῖτο. ### English translation (Claude) Setting out from these measures, he harassed and oppressed not one city or region but all the provinces under him entirely, with exactions of gold and silver and untold sums of money, with the heaviest levies and with one penalty after another. Taking from the wealthy the property acquired from their ancestors, he presented riches and heaps of money all at once to the flatterers around him. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.14.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/10/). ## Church History 8.14.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:374–375 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Maximin's drunkenness and debauchery corrupted his army and officials, whom he encouraged to plunder their subjects. ### Greek text παροινίας γε μὴν καὶ μέθης εἰς τοσαύτην ἠνέχθη φορὰν ὡς ἐν τοῖς πότοις παρακόπτειν καὶ τῶν φρενῶν παρεξίστασθαι, τοιαῦτά τε μεθύοντα προστάττειν οἷα ἀνανήψαντα αὐτὸν τῇ ὑστεραίᾳ εἰς μετάμελον ἄγειν· κραιπάλης δὲ καὶ ἀσωτίας μηδενὶ καταλιπὼν ὑπερβολὴν, κακίας διδάσκαλον τοῖς ἀμφʼ αὐτὸν ἄρχουσί τε καὶ ἀρχομένοις ἑαυτὸν καθίστη, θρύπτεσθαι μὲν τὸ στρατιωτικὸν διὰ πάσης τρυφῆς τε καὶ ἀκολασίας ἐνάγων, ἡγεμόνας δὲ καὶ στρατοπεδάρχας διʼ ἁρπαγῶν καὶ πλεονεξίας χωρεῖν κατὰ τῶν ὑπηκόων, μονονουχὶ συντυραννοῦντας αὐτῷ, προκαλούμενος. ### English translation (Claude) He was carried to such excess of drunken violence and intoxication that at his drinking bouts he became deranged and out of his mind, and when drunk gave orders that he repented of the next day when sober. Leaving to no one any possibility of surpassing him in debauchery and profligacy, he made himself a teacher of wickedness to rulers and subjects alike around him: he led the army to grow soft through every luxury and licentiousness, and he encouraged governors and generals to proceed against their subjects with plunder and greed, as almost fellow tyrants with him. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.14.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/11/). ## Church History 8.14.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:375 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Maximin seduced women and carried off virgins in every city he passed through. ### Greek text τί δεῖ τὰς ἐμπαθεῖς τἀνδρὸς αἰσχρουργίας μνημονεύειν; ἢ τῶν πρὸς αὐτοῦ μεμοιχευμένων ἀπαριθμεῖσθαι τὴν πληθύν; οὐκ ἦν γέ τοι πόλιν αὐτὸν παρελθεῖν, μὴ οὐχὶ ἐκ παντὸς φθορὰς γυναικῶν παρθένων τε ἁρπαγὰς εἰργασμένον. ### English translation (Claude) Why need we mention the man's shameful passions, or count the multitude of those with whom he committed adultery? He could not pass through a city without everywhere seducing wives and carrying off virgins. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.14.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/12/). ## Church History 8.14.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:375 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Only the Christians resisted Maximin: the men endured every torture rather than trade God's worship for idols. ### Greek text κατὰ πάντων γέ τοι αὐτῷ ταῦτα προυχώρει, μὴ ὅτι μόνων Χριστιανῶν, οἴ θανάτου καταφρονήσαντες παρʼ οὐδὲν αὐτοῦ τὴν τοσαύτην ἔθεντο τυραννίδα. οἱ μὲν γὰρ ἄνδρες ἀνατλάντες πῦρ καὶ σίδηρον καὶ προσηλώσεις, θῆράς τε ἀγρίους καὶ θαλάττης βυθοὺς, ἀποτομάς τε μελῶν καὶ καυτῆρας, καὶ ὀφθαλμῶν κεντήσεις τε καὶ ἐξορύξεις, καὶ τοῦ παντὸς σώματος ἀκρωτηριασμοὺς, λιμόν τε ἐπὶ τούτοις καὶ μέταλλα καὶ δεσμὰ, ἐπὶ πάντων μᾶλλον ὑπομονὴν τὴν ὑπὲρ εὐσεβείας ἐνεδείξαντο ἢ τὸ σέβας τὸ εἰς θεὸν εἰδώλοις ἀντικατηλλάξαντο. ### English translation (Claude) In all this he succeeded against everyone except the Christians alone, who, despising death, set his great tyranny at nothing. For the men endured fire and sword and nailing, wild beasts and the depths of the sea, the cutting off of limbs and branding, the pricking and gouging out of eyes and the mutilation of the whole body, and besides these hunger, mines, and chains; in all things they showed endurance for the sake of piety rather than exchange the worship of God for idols. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.14.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/13/). ## Church History 8.14.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:375 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christian women, strengthened by God's word, endured the same trials as men, and some chose death over rape. ### Greek text αἶ δʼ αὖ γυναῖκες οὐχ ἧττον τῶν ἀνδρῶν ὑπὸ τῆς τοῦ θείου λόγου διδασκαλίας ἠρρενωμέναι, αἶ μὲν τοὺς αὐτοὺς τοῖς ἀνδράσιν ἀγῶνας ὑποστᾶσαι ἴσα τῆς Ἀρετῆς ἀπηνέγκαντο βραβεῖα, αἱ δὲ ἐπὶ φθορὰν ἑλκόμεναι θᾶττον τὴν ψυχὴν θανάτῳ ἢ τὸ σῶμα τῇ φθορᾷ παραδεδώκασι. ### English translation (Claude) And the women, no less than the men, were made manly by the teaching of the divine word: some underwent the same contests as the men and carried off equal prizes of virtue, while others, when they were being dragged away to be defiled, gave up their souls to death rather than their bodies to defilement. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.14.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/14/). ## Church History 8.14.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:375–376 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: A noble Christian woman of Alexandria resisted Maximin's advances; unwilling to kill her, he exiled her and seized her property. ### Greek text μόνη γοῦν τῶν ἄλλων ὑπὸ τοῦ τυράννου μεμοιχευμένων Χριστιανὴ τῶν ἐπʼ Ἀλεξανδρείας ἐπισημοτάτη τε καὶ λαμπροτάτη τὴν ἐμπαθῆ καὶ ἀκόλαστον Μαξιμίνου ψυχὴν διʼ ἀνδρειοτάτου παραστήματος ὑπερεξενίκησεν, ἔνδοξος μὲν τἄλλα πλούτῳ τε καὶ γένει καὶ παιδείᾳ, πάντα γε μὴν δεύτερα σωφροσύνης τεθειμένη, ἣν καὶ πολλὰ λιπαρήσας κτεῖναι μὲν ἑτοίμως θνήσκειν ἔχουσαν οὐχ οἷός τε ἦν, τῆς ἐπιθυμίας μᾶλλον τοῦ θυμοῦ κατακρατούσης αὐτοῦ, φυγῇ δὲ ζημιώσας πάσης ἀφείλετο τῆς οὐσίας. ### English translation (Claude) Of the others whom the tyrant tried to seduce, one Christian woman alone, among the most distinguished and illustrious women of Alexandria, overcame the passionate and licentious soul of Maximin by a most courageous steadfastness. She was renowned in other respects for wealth, family, and education, but she placed everything second to chastity. Though he pressed her often, he could not bring himself to kill her, ready as she was to die, for his lust overpowered his anger; so he punished her with exile and took away all her property. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.14.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/15/). ## Church History 8.14.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/16/ - Source: Dindorf 4:376 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Many women endured torture rather than be violated, but the most admirable was a noble woman at Rome whom Maxentius tried to abuse. ### Greek text μυρίαι δʼ ἄλλαι πρὸς τῶν κατʼ ἔθνος ἀρχόντων πορνείας ἀπειλὴν μηδʼ ἀκοῦσαι δεδυνημέναι πᾶν εἶδος βασάνων καὶ στρεβλώσεων καὶ θανατηφόρου κολάσεως ὑπέστησαν. θαυμασταὶ μὲν οὖν καὶ αὗται, ὑπερφυῶς γε μὴν θαυμασιωτάτη ἡ ἐπὶ Ῥώμης εὐγενεστάτη τῷ ὄντι καὶ σωφρονεστάτη γυνὴ πασῶν, αἷς ἐμπαροινεῖν ὁ ἐκεῖσε τύραννος Μαξέντιος τὰ ὅμοια Μαξιμίνῳ δρῶν ἐπειρᾶτο. ### English translation (Claude) Countless other women, unable even to hear a threat of sexual violation from the provincial governors, underwent every kind of torture, racking, and deadly punishment. These too are admirable; but most surpassingly admirable was the woman at Rome, truly the noblest and most chaste of all those whom Maxentius, the tyrant there, acting like Maximin, attempted to abuse. ### Translation notes - πορνεία here means the forced violation threatened by the governors. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.14.16 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/16/). ## Church History 8.14.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/17/ - Source: Dindorf 4:376 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Roman woman, whose husband the prefect let the tyrant's agents take her, killed herself with a sword rather than submit. ### Greek text ὡς γὰρ ἐπιστάντας τῷ οἴκῳ τοὺς τὰ τοιαῦτα τῷ τυράννῳ διακονουμένους ἐπύθετο, Χριστιανὴ δὲ καὶ αὕτη ἦν), τόν τε ἄνδρα τὸν αὐτῆς, καὶ ταῦτα Ῥωμαίων ὄντα ἔπαρχον, τοῦ δέους ἕνεκα λαβόντας ἄγειν αὐτὴν ἐπιτρέψαντα, εἰς βραχὺν ὑποπαραιτησαμένη, ὡς ἂν δὴ κατακοσμηθείη τὸ σῶμα, εἴσεισιν ἐπὶ τοῦ ταμιείου, καὶ μονωθεῖσα ξίφος καθʼ ἑαυτῆς πήγνυσι, θανοῦσά τε παραχρῆμα τὸν μὲν νεκρὸν τοῖς προαγωγοῖς καταλιμπάνει, ἔργοις δʼ αὐτοῖς ἁπάσης φωνῆς γεγωνοτέροις, ὅτι μόνον χρημάτων ἀήττητόν τε καὶ ἀνώλεθρον ἡ παρὰ Χριστιανοῖς ἀρετὴ πέφυκεν, εἰς πάντας ἀνθρώπους τούς τε νῦν ὄντας καὶ τοὺς μετὰ ταῦτα γενησομένους ἐξέφηνε. ### English translation (Claude) For when she learned that those who served the tyrant in such matters were at the house (she too was a Christian), and that her husband, though he was prefect of Rome, had allowed them out of fear to take her and lead her away, she asked to be excused for a short time, as if to adorn her body, went into her chamber, and, alone, drove a sword into herself. Dying at once, she left her corpse to the procurers; but by deeds louder than any voice she showed to all people, both those now living and those yet to be, that the virtue found among Christians is the only thing unconquerable and indestructible. ### Translation notes - The digital text lacks the opening parenthesis before “she too was a Christian”. Eusebius praises her act as courage; he does not discuss the morality of suicide. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.14.17 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/17/). ## Church History 8.14.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/18/ - Source: Dindorf 4:376–377 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius traces the evils of the two tyrants to the persecution, which ended only when the Christians regained their freedom. ### Greek text τοσαύτη δῆτα κακίας φορὰ ὑφʼ ἔνα καὶ τὸν αὐτὸν συνηνέχθη καιρὸν, πρὸς τῶν δύο τυράννων ἀνατολὴν καὶ δύσιν διειληφότων κατεργασθεῖσα. τίς δʼ ἂν τὴν τῶν τοσούτων διερευνώμενος αἰτίαν διστάξαι μὴ οὐχὶ τὸν καθʼ ἡμῶν διωγμὸν ἀποφήνασθαι; ὅτε γε ἁλιστὰ οὐ πρότερον τὰ τῆς τοσῆσδε πέπαυτο συγχύσεως ἢ Χριστιανοὺς τὰ τῆς παρρησίας ἀπολαβεῖν. ### English translation (Claude) Such a flood of wickedness, then, came together at one and the same time, wrought by the two tyrants who had divided East and West between them. Who, searching for the cause of such things, would hesitate to declare it to be the persecution against us? For indeed this great confusion did not cease until the Christians had recovered their freedom. ### Translation notes - ἁλιστὰ in the digital text is probably a corruption (perhaps of μάλιστα); translated “indeed”. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.14.18 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/14/18/). ## Church History 8.15.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/15/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:377 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: During the ten years of persecution the rulers fought each other; seafarers were tortured as suspected spies and killed. ### Greek text Διὰ παντός γέ τοι τοῦ κατὰ τὸν διωγμὸν δεκαέτους χρόνου τῶν εἰς ἐπιβουλὴν καὶ πόλεμον τὸν κατʼ ἀλλήλων οὐδὲν αὐτοὺς διαλέλοιπεν. ἄπλωτα μὲν γὰρ τὰ κατὰ θάλατταν ἦν, οὐδʼ ἐξῆν ποθὲν καταπλεύσαντας μὴ οὐχὶ πάσαις αἰκίαις ὑπάγεσθαι, στρεβλουμένους καὶ τὰς πλευρὰς καταξαινομένους, βασάνοις τε παντοίαις, μὴ ἄρα παρὰ τῶν διʼ ἐναντίας ἐχθρῶν ἥκοιεν, ἀνακρινομένους, καὶ τέλος σταυροῖς ἢ τῇ διὰ πυρὸς ὑπαγομένους κολάσει. ### English translation (Claude) Throughout the whole ten years of the persecution they never stopped plotting and making war against one another. The sea could not be sailed, and those who put in from anywhere could not escape every kind of abuse: they were racked, their sides were torn, they were examined under all sorts of tortures in case they had come from the enemy on the other side, and finally they were subjected to crucifixion or punishment by fire. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.15.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/15/1/). ## Church History 8.15.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/15/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:377 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Everywhere arms were being prepared for war, and later famine and plague struck as well. ### Greek text ἀσπίδων ἐπὶ τούτοις καὶ θωράκων παρασκευαὶ, βελῶν τε καὶ δοράτων καὶ τῆς ἄλλης πολεμικῆς παρατάξεως ἑτοιμασίαι, τριήρων τε καὶ τῶν κατὰ ναυμαχίαν ὅπλων, κατὰ πάντα συνεκροτοῦντο τόπον, οὐδʼ ἦν ἄλλο τι παντί τῳ προσδοκᾶν ἢ πολεμίων κατὰ πᾶσαν ἔφοδον ἡμέραν. τούτοις καὶ ὁ μετὰ ταῦτα λιμός τε καὶ λοιμὸς ἐγκατασκήπτει, περὶ ὧν κατὰ καιρὸν ἱστορήσομεν τὰ δέοντα. ### English translation (Claude) Besides this, preparations of shields and breastplates, provisions of arrows and spears and all other warlike equipment, of triremes and arms for sea battles, were being assembled everywhere, and no one could expect anything but an attack of enemies every day. After this famine and plague also fell upon them, about which we shall relate what is needed at the proper time. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.15.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/15/2/). ## Church History 8.16.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/16/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:377 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The persecution eased after eight years and ended in the tenth, when the rulers reversed themselves by kindly edicts. ### Greek text Τοιαῦτʼ ἦν τὰ διὰ παντὸς τοῦ διωγμοῦ παρατετακότα, δεκάτῳ μὲν ἔτει σὺν θεοῦ χάριτι παντελῶς πεπαυμένου, λωφᾶν γε μὴν μετʼ ὄγδοον ἔτος ἐναρξαμένου. ὡς γὰρ τὴν εἰς ἡμᾶς ἐπισκοπὴν εὐμενῆ καὶ ἵλεων ἡ θεία καὶ οὐράνιος χάρις ἐνεδείκνυτο, τότε δὴ καὶ οἱ καθʼ ἡμᾶς ἄρχοντες, αὐτοὶ δὴ ἐκεῖνοι διʼ ὧν πάλαι τὰ τῶν καθʼ ἡμᾶς ἐνηργεῖτο πολέμων, παραδοξότατα μεταθέμενοι τὴν γνώμην παλινῳδίαν ᾖδον, χρηστοῖς περὶ ἡμῶν προγράμμασι καὶ διατάγμασιν ἡμερωτάτοις τὴν ἐπὶ μέγα ἁφθεῖσαν τοῦ διωγμοῦ πυρκαϊὰν σβεννύντες. ### English translation (Claude) Such were the things that continued throughout the whole persecution. By the grace of God it ceased entirely in the tenth year, but it had begun to slacken after the eighth. For when divine and heavenly grace showed its kind and gracious oversight of us, then indeed our rulers, the very men through whom the wars against us had long been waged, most unexpectedly changed their minds and sang a recantation, quenching the fire of persecution that had been kindled so high by favorable proclamations and most humane edicts concerning us. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.16.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/16/1/). ## Church History 8.16.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/16/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:377–378 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Not the rulers' mercy but divine providence ended the persecution, reconciled to God's people and angry at its chief author. ### Greek text οὐκ ἀνθρώπινον δέ τι τούτου κατέστη αἴτιον, οὐδʼ οἶκτος, ὡς ἂν φαίη τις, ἤ φιλανθρωπία τῶν ἀρχόντων· πολλοῦ δεῖ· πλείω γὰρ ὁσημέραι καὶ χαλεπώτερα ἀρχῆθεν εἰς ἐκεῖνο τοῦ καιροῦ τὰ καθʼ ἡμῶν αὐτοῖς ἐπενοεῖτο, ποικιλωτέραις μηχαναῖς ἄλλοτε ἄλλως τὰς καθʼ ἡμῶν αἰκίας ἐπικαινουργούντων· ἀλλʼ αὐτῆς γε τῆς θείας προνοίας ἐμφανὴς ἡ ἐπίσκεψις, τῷ μὲν αὐτῆς καταλλαττομένης λαῷ, τῷ δʼ αὐθέντῃ τῶν κακῶν ἐπεξιούσης καὶ πρωτοστάτῃ τῆς τοῦ παντὸς διωγμοῦ κακίας ἐπιχολουμένης. ### English translation (Claude) Nothing human was the cause of this, nor pity, as one might say, or the humanity of the rulers; far from it. For from the beginning up to that time they devised more and harsher measures against us every day, inventing new tortures against us with ever more varied contrivances. But plainly it was the visitation of divine providence itself, reconciled to its own people, but attacking the author of the evils and angry at the ringleader of the whole wickedness of the persecution. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.16.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/16/2/). ## Church History 8.16.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/16/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:378 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Though persecution came by God's judgment, woe fell on its author: divine punishment seized Galerius in body and soul. ### Greek text καὶ γὰρ εἴ τι ταῦτʼ ἐχρῆν κατὰ θείαν γενέσθαι κρίσιν, ἀλλὰ οὐαὶ, φησὶν ὁ λόγος, διʼ οὗ τὸ σκάνδαλον ἔρχεται. μέτεισι γοῦν αὐτὸν θεήλατος κόλασις, ἐξ αὐτῆς αὐτοῦ καταρξαμένη σαρκὸς, καὶ μέχρι τῆς ψυχῆς προελθοῦσα. ### English translation (Claude) For even if these things had to happen by divine judgment, yet, as the word says, “woe to him through whom the offense comes.” So a punishment sent by God pursued him, beginning in his very flesh and advancing even to his soul. ### Scripture references - Matt 18:7: quotation, high confidence - Luke 17:1: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Matt 18:7 (compare Luke 17:1). The ringleader is Galerius. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.16.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/16/3/). ## Church History 8.16.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/16/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:378 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Galerius was struck with a rotting, worm-filled ulcer in his genitals that made his obese body horrible to see. ### Greek text ἀθρόα μὲν γὰρ περὶ τὰ μέσα τῶν ἀπορρήτων τοῦ σώματος ἀπόστασις γίνεται αὐτῷ, εἶθʼ ἕλκος ἐν βάθει συριγγῶδες, καὶ τούτων ἀνίατος νομὴ κατὰ τῶν ἐνδοτάτω σπλάγχνων, ἀφʼ ὧν ἄλεκτόν τι πλῆθος σκωλήκων βρύειν, θανατώδη τε ὀδμὴν ἀποπνέειν, τοῦ παντὸς ὄγκου τῶν σωμάτων ἐκ πολυτροφίας αὐτῷ καὶ πρὸ τῆς νόσου εἰς ὑπερβολὴν πλήθους πιμελῆς μεταβεβληκότος, ἣν τότε κατασαπεῖσαν ἀφόρητον καὶ φρικτοτάτην τοῖς πλησιάζουσι παρέχειν τὴν θέαν. ### English translation (Claude) For suddenly an abscess appeared in the middle of his secret parts, then a deep fistulous ulcer, and from these an incurable spreading into his innermost bowels, from which an unspeakable multitude of worms swarmed and a deadly stench was given off; for even before the illness the whole bulk of his body had turned, through gluttony, into an excessive mass of fat, which then putrefied and presented a sight unbearable and most horrible to those who came near. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.16.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/16/4/). ## Church History 8.16.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/16/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:378 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Physicians who could not bear the stench or could not cure him were put to death. ### Greek text ἰατρῶν δʼ οὖν οἱ μὲν οὐδʼ ὅλως ὑπομεῖναι τὴν τοῦ δυσώδους ὑπερβάλλουσαν ἀτοπίαν οἷοί τε κατεσφάττοντο, οἱ δὲ διῳδηκότος τοῦ παντὸς ὄγκου καὶ εἰς ἀνέλπιστον σωτηρίας ἀποπεπτωκότος μηδὲν ἐπικουρεῖν δυνάμενοι ἀνηλεῶς ἐκτείνοντο. ### English translation (Claude) Of the physicians, some, wholly unable to bear the surpassing foulness of the stench, were put to death; others, since the whole mass had swollen and fallen into a state beyond hope of recovery, and they could give no help, were killed without mercy. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.16.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/16/5/). ## Church History 8.17.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/17/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:378–379 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: In his agony Galerius confessed to God and ordered the persecution stopped and the Christians allowed to rebuild churches and pray for the emperor. ### Greek text τοσούτοις παλαίων κακοῖς συναίσθησιν τῶν κατὰ τῶν θεοσεβῶν αὐτῷ τετολμημένων ἴσχει. συναγαγὼν δʼ οὖν εἰς ἑαυτὸν τὴν διάνοιαν πρῶτα μὲν ἀνθωμολογεῖτο τῷ τῶν ὅλων θεῷ, εἶτα τοὺς ἀμφʼ αὐτὸν ἀνακαλέσας, μηδὲν ὑπερθεμένους τὸν κατὰ ἀποπαῦσαι διωγμὸν, νόμῳ τε καὶ δόγματι βασιλικῷ τὰς ἐκκλησίας αὐτῶν οἰκοδομεῖν ἐπισπέρχειν τε καὶ τὰ συνήθη διαπράττεσθαι, εὐχὰς ὑπὲρ τοῦ βασιλείου ποιουμένους, προστάττει. ### English translation (Claude) Wrestling with such evils, he came to a sense of what he had dared against the godly. Collecting his thoughts, he first made confession to the God of the universe, then called those around him and ordered them without delay to stop the persecution against the Christians, and by law and imperial decree to urge them on to build their churches and to perform their customary rites, offering prayers for the emperor. ### Translation notes - The digital text reads τὸν κατὰ ἀποπαῦσαι διωγμόν, which lacks a word after κατά (presumably “the Christians”). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.17.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/17/1/). ## Church History 8.17.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/17/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:379 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Imperial edicts reversing the persecution were published in the cities, as follows. ### Greek text αὐτίκα γοῦν ἔργου τῷ λόγῳ παρηκολουθηκότος ἥπλωτο κατὰ πόλεις βασιλικὰ διατάγματα, τὴν παλινῳδίαν τῶν καθʼ ἡμᾶς τοῦτον περιέχοντα τὸν τρόπον· “ ### English translation (Claude) Immediately, deed following word, imperial edicts were published in the cities, containing the recantation concerning us in the following manner: ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.17.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/17/2/). ## Church History 8.17.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/17/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:379 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The edict opens with the titles of the emperor Galerius. ### Greek text Αὐτοκράτωρ Καῖσαρ Γαλέριος Οὐαλέριος Μαξιμῖνος, ἀνίκητος, σεβαστὸς, ἀρχιερεὺς μέγιστος, Γερμανικὸς μέγιστος, Αἰγυπτιακὸς μέγιστος, Θηβαι·κὸς μέγιστος, Σαρματι- “κὸς μέγιστος πεντάκις, Περσῶν μέγιστος δὶς, Καρ- “πῶν μέγιστος ἑξάκις, Ἀρμενίων μέγιστος, Μηδῶν μέγιστος, Ἀδιαβηνῶν μέγιστος, δημαρχικῆς ἐξου- “σίας τὸ εἰκοστὸν, αὐτοκράτωρ τὸ ἐννεακαιδέκατον “ὕπατος τὸ ὄγδοον, πατὴρ πατρίδος, ἀνθύπατος· “ ### English translation (Claude) [Edict of Galerius:] “The Emperor Caesar Galerius Valerius Maximinus, Invincible, Augustus, Pontifex Maximus, greatest conqueror of the Germans, greatest conqueror of the Egyptians, greatest conqueror of the Thebans, five times greatest conqueror of the Sarmatians, twice greatest conqueror of the Persians, six times greatest conqueror of the Carpi, greatest conqueror of the Armenians, greatest conqueror of the Medes, greatest conqueror of the Adiabenians, holding the tribunician power for the twentieth time, acclaimed imperator for the nineteenth time, consul for the eighth time, father of the fatherland, proconsul; ### Extrabiblical texts - Lactantius, Mort. 34 (On the Deaths of the Persecutors): echo, high confidence ### Translation notes - The edict of toleration was issued by Galerius in April 311; Eusebius gives a Greek translation of the Latin (compare Lactantius, On the Deaths of the Persecutors 34). The name Maximinus in this text stands for Galerius's name Maximianus. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.17.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/17/3/). ## Church History 8.17.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/17/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:379 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The edict continues with the titles of Constantine. ### Greek text καὶ αὐτοκράτωρ Καῖσαρ Φλάουιος Κωνσταντῖνος, εὐσεβὴς, εὐτυχὴς, ἀνίκητος, σεβαστὸς, ἀρχιερεὺς μέγιστος, δημαρχικῆς ἐξουσίας “τὸ πέμπτον, αὐτοκράτωρ τὸ πέμπτον, ὕπατος, πατὴρ ‘πατρίδος, ἀνθύπατος· ### English translation (Claude) and the Emperor Caesar Flavius Constantinus, Pious, Fortunate, Invincible, Augustus, Pontifex Maximus, holding the tribunician power for the fifth time, acclaimed imperator for the fifth time, consul, father of the fatherland, proconsul; ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.17.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/17/4/). ## Church History 8.17.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/17/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:379 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The edict continues with the titles of Licinius and greets the provincials. ### Greek text καὶ αὐτοκράτωρ Καῖσαρ “Οὐαλέριος Λικιννιανὸς, εὐσεβὴς, εὐτυχὴς, ἀνίκη- “τος, σεβαστὸς, ἀρχιερεὺς μέγιστος, δημαρχικῆς ἐξου- “σίας τὸ τέταρτον, αὐτοκράτωρ τὸ τρίτον, ὕπατος, ‘πατὴρ πατρίδος, ἀνθύπατος, ἐπαρχιώταις ἰδίοις “χαίρειν. ### English translation (Claude) and the Emperor Caesar Valerius Licinianus, Pious, Fortunate, Invincible, Augustus, Pontifex Maximus, holding the tribunician power for the fourth time, acclaimed imperator for the third time, consul, father of the fatherland, proconsul: to the people of their provinces, greeting. ### Translation notes - Maximin Daia's name is absent from the heading as preserved here; Eusebius probably removed it after his fall. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.17.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/17/5/). ## Church History 8.17.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/17/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:379–380 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The edict explains that the emperors had wished to restore the ancient Roman order and bring the Christians back to their ancestors' ways. ### Greek text μεταξὺ τῶν λοιπῶν, ἅπερ ὑπὲρ τοῦ “χρησίμου καὶ λυσιτελοῦς τοῖς δημοσίοις διατυπού- “μεθα, ἡμεῖς μὲν βεβουλήμεθα πρότερον κατὰ τοὺς “ἀρχαίους νόμους καὶ τὴν δημοσίαν ἐπιστήμην τὴν “τῶν ἅπαντα ἐπανορθώσασθαι, καὶ τού- “του πρόνοιαν ποιήσασθαι, ἵνα καὶ οἱ Χριστιανοὶ, “οἵτινες τῶν γονέων τῶν ἑαυτῶν καταλελοίπασι τὴν “αἵρεσιν, εἰς ἀγαθὴν πρόθεσιν ἐπανέλθοιεν· ### English translation (Claude) “Among the other measures that we are enacting for the advantage and profit of the public, we had earlier wished to set everything right in accordance with the ancient laws and the public discipline of the Romans, and to make provision that the Christians too, who had abandoned the way of their own ancestors, should return to a good disposition. ### Translation notes - A word (presumably “of the Romans”) seems to be missing after τὴν τῶν in the digital text; supplied in the translation from the sense. αἵρεσις here means “way” or “sect” in a neutral sense. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.17.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/17/6/). ## Church History 8.17.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/17/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:380 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Christians, the edict says, had willfully abandoned ancestral institutions and made their own laws and assemblies. ### Greek text ἐπεί- “περ τινὶ λογισμῷ τοσαύτη αὐτοὺς πλεονεξία κατε- “σχήκει καὶ ἄνοια κατειλήφει ὡς μὴ ἕπεσθαι τοῖς “ὑπὸ τῶν πάλαι καταδειχθεῖσιν, ἅπερ ἴσως πρότερον “καὶ οἶ γονεῖς αὐτῶν ἦσαν καταστήσαντες, ἀλλὰ “κατὰ τὴν αὐτῶν πρόθεσιν καὶ ὡς ἕκαστος ἐβού- “λετο, οὕτως ἑαυτοῖς καὶ νόμους ποιῆσαι, καὶ τού- “τους παραφυλάττειν, καὶ ἐν διαφόροις διάφορα “πλήθη συνάγειν. ### English translation (Claude) For by some reasoning such self-will had seized them and such folly had taken hold of them that they did not follow what had been instituted by the ancients, which perhaps their own ancestors had first established, but according to their own purpose and as each wished, so they made laws for themselves and observed them, and gathered various multitudes in various places. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.17.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/17/7/). ## Church History 8.17.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/17/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:380 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: When ordered back to the old religion, many Christians were endangered and suffered death. ### Greek text τοιγαροῦν τοιούτου ὑφʼ ἡμῶν “προστάγματος παρακολουθήσαντος, ὥστε ἐπὶ τὰ “ὑπὸ τῶν ἀρχαίων κατασταθέντα ἑαυτοὺς μεταστήσαιεν, πλεῖστοι μὲν κινδύνῳ ὑποβληθέντες, πλεῖ- “στοι δὲ ταραχθέντες παντοίους θανάτους ὑπέφερον· “ ### English translation (Claude) Accordingly, when such an order had been issued by us, that they should return to what had been established by the ancients, very many were subjected to danger, and very many, being harassed, endured every kind of death. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.17.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/17/8/). ## Church History 8.17.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/17/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:380 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Since the Christians still would not worship the gods, the emperors pardon them, allowing them to be Christians and rebuild their meeting houses, provided they keep order. ### Greek text καὶ ἐπειδὴ τῶν πολλῶν τῇ αὐτῇ ἀπονοίᾳ διαμε- “νόντων ἑωρῶμεν μήτε τοῖς θεοῖς τοῖς ἐπουρανίοις “τὴν ὀφειλομένην θρησκείαν προσάγειν αὐτοὺς, μήτε “τῷ τῶν Χριστιανῶν προσέχειν, ἀφορῶντες εἰς τὴν ‘ἡμετέραν φιλανθρωπίαν καὶ τὴν διηνεκῆ συνήθειαν, “διʼ ἧς εἰώθαμεν ἅπασιν ἀνθρώποις συγγνώμην “ἀπονέμειν, προθυμότατα καὶ ἐν τούτῳ τὴν συγχώ- “ρησιν τὴν ἡμετέραν ἐπεκτεῖναι δεῖν ἐνομίσαμεν, ἵνα “αὖθις ὦσι Χριστιανοὶ, καὶ τοὺς οἴκους, ἐν οἷς συν- “ήγοντο, συνθῶσιν οὕτως ὥστε μηδὲν ὑπεναντίον τῆς ἐπιστήμης αὐτοὺς πράττειν· διʼ ἑτέρας δὲ ἐπι- “στολῆς τοῖς δικασταῖς δηλώσομεν τί αὐτοὺς παρα- “φυλάξασθαι δεήσει. ### English translation (Claude) And since, as most persisted in the same madness, we saw that they neither offered the worship owed to the heavenly gods nor gave heed to the God of the Christians, looking to our own humanity and our constant custom, by which we are accustomed to grant pardon to all people, we thought that in this case too we ought most readily to extend our indulgence, so that they may be Christians again and may put together the houses in which they used to assemble, on condition that they do nothing contrary to discipline. By another letter we shall make known to the judges what they will have to observe. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.17.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/17/9/). ## Church History 8.17.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/17/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:380–381 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The edict ends by asking the Christians to pray to their God for the emperors, the state, and themselves. ### Greek text ὅθεν κατὰ ταύτην τὴν “συγχώρησιν τὴν ἡμετέραν ὀφείλουσι τὸν ἑαυτῶν “θεὸν ἱκετεύειν περὶ τῆς σωτηρίας τῆς ἡμετέρας καὶ “τῶν δημοσίων καὶ τῆς ἑαυτῶν, ἵνα κατὰ πάντα τρόπον καὶ τὰ δημόσια παρασχεθῇ ὑγιῆ, καὶ ἀμέ- “ριμνοι ζῆν ἐν τῇ ἑαυτῶν ἑστίᾳ δυνηθῶσι.” ### English translation (Claude) “Wherefore, in accordance with this our indulgence, they ought to entreat their own God for our safety and that of the public and their own, so that in every way the public welfare may be preserved unharmed and they may be able to live without anxiety in their own homes.” ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.17.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/17/10/). ## Church History 8.17.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/17/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:381 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius notes that he has translated the edict from Latin and turns to what followed. ### Greek text ταῦτα κατὰ τὴν τῶν Ῥωμαιων φωνὴν ἐπὶ τὴν Ἑλλάδα γλῶτταν κατὰ τὸ δυνατὸν μεταληφθέντα τοῦτον ἔχει τὸν τρόπον. τί δὴ οὖν ἐπὶ τούτοις γίνεται ἐπιθεωρῆσαι καιρός. ### English translation (Claude) Such is this edict, translated as well as possible from the language of the Romans into the Greek tongue. It is time now to consider what happened after these things. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.17.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/8/17/11/). ## Church History 9.1.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/1/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:382 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Maximin suppressed Galerius's edict in his territories but orally ordered his governors to ease the persecution. ### Greek text Τὰ μὲν δὴ τῆς παλινῳδίας τοῦ προτεθέντος βασιλικοῦ νεύματος ἥπλωτο τῆς Ἀσίας πάντη καὶ πανταχοῦ, κατά τε τὰς ἀμφὶ ταύτην ἐπαρχίας· ὧν τοῦτον ἐπιτελεσθέντων τὸν τρόπον Μαξιμῖνος ὁ ἐπʼ ἀνατολῆς τύραννος, δυσσεβέστατος εἰ καί τις ἄλλος, καὶ τῆς εἰς τὸν τῶν ὅλων θεὸν εὐσεβείας πολεμιώτατος γεγονὼς, οὐδαμῶς τοῖς γραφεῖσιν ἀρεσθεὶς, ἀντὶ τοῦ προτεθέντος γράμματος λόγῳ προστάττει τοῖς ὑπʼ αὐτὸν ἄρχουσι τὸν καθʼ ἡμῶν ἀνεῖναι πόλεμον. ἐπεὶ γὰρ αὐτῷ μὴ ἐξῆν ἄλλως τῇ τῶν κρειττόνων ἀντιλέγειν κρίσει, τὸν προεκτεθέντα νόμον ἐν παραβύστῳ θεὶς, καὶ ὅπως ἐν τοῖς ὑπʼ αὐτὸν μέρεσι μὴ εἰς προὖπτον ἀχθείη φροντίσας, ἀγράφῳ προστάγματι τοῖς ὑπʼ αὐτὸν ἄρχουσι τὸν καθʼ ἡμῶν διωγμὸν ἀνεῖναι προστάττει. οἱ δὲ τὰ τῆς παρακελεύσεως ἀλλήλοις διὰ γραφῆς ὑποσημαίνουσιν. ### English translation (Claude) The recantation contained in the imperial decree set out above was published everywhere throughout Asia and in the provinces around it. When this had been done in this way, Maximin, the tyrant in the East, the most impious of men if ever there was one and the bitterest enemy of piety toward the God of the universe, being in no way pleased with what had been written, instead of publishing the document gave an oral order to the governors under him to relax the war against us. Since he could not otherwise contradict the judgment of his superiors, he put the law set out above out of sight, and, taking care that it should not come to light in the regions under him, by an unwritten order he commanded the governors under him to relax the persecution against us. They communicated the instruction to one another in writing. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.1.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/1/1/). ## Church History 9.1.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/1/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:382 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The prefect Sabinus conveyed the emperor's will to the governors in a letter, translated as follows. ### Greek text ὁ γοῦν παρʼ αὐτοῖς τῷ τῶν ἐξοχωτάτων ἐπάρχων ἀξιώματι τετιμημένος Σαβῖνος πρὸς τοὺς κατʼ ἔθνος ἡγουμένους τὴν βασιλέως ἐμφαίνει γνώμην διὰ Ῥωμαϊκῆς ἐπιστολῆς, ἧς καὶ αὐτῆς ἡ ἑρμηνεία τοῦτον περιέχει τὸν τρόπον ### English translation (Claude) Sabinus, for example, who among them was honored with the rank of the most eminent prefects, made the emperor's will known to the provincial governors by a Latin letter, whose translation runs as follows: ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.1.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/1/2/). ## Church History 9.1.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/1/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:382 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Sabinus's letter says the emperors had sought to lead all, including those of foreign custom, to worship the gods. ### Greek text ‟Λιπαρωτάτῃ καὶ καθωσιωμένῃ σπουδῇ ἡ θειότης τῶν δεσποτῶν ἡμῶν θειοτάτων αὐτοκρατόρων πάντων τῶν ἀνθρώπων τὰς διανοίας πρὸς τὴν ὁσίαν καὶ ὀρθὴν τοῦ ζῆν ὁδὸν περιαγαγεῖν ἔτι πάλαι ὥρισεν, ὅπως καὶ οἶ ἀλλοτρίᾳ Ῥωμαίων συνηθείᾳ ἀκολουθεῖν δοκοῦντες τὰς ὀφειλομένας θρησκείας τοῖς ἀθανάτοις θεοῖς ἐπιτελοῖεν. ### English translation (Claude) [Letter of Sabinus:] “With most earnest and devoted zeal the divinity of our masters, the most divine emperors, long ago determined to lead the minds of all people to the holy and right way of life, so that even those who seemed to follow a custom foreign to the Romans should perform the worship due to the immortal gods. ### Translation notes - Sabinus was Maximin's praetorian prefect; the letter dates from 311. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.1.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/1/3/). ## Church History 9.1.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/1/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:382–420 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Some, the letter says, would neither be persuaded nor frightened from their purpose. ### Greek text ἀλλʼ ἡ τινῶν ἔνστασις καὶ τραχυτάτη βουλὴ εἰς τοσοῦτον περιέστη ὡς μήτε λογισμῷ δικαίῳ τῆς κελεύσεως δύνα- ‟σθαι ἐκ τῆς ἰδίας προθέσεως ἀναχωρεῖν, μήτε τὴν ‟ἐπικειμένην τιμωρίαν αὐτοὺς ἐκφοβεῖν. ### English translation (Claude) But the obstinacy and most stubborn resolve of some went so far that they could neither be drawn back from their own purpose by the just reasoning of the command nor be frightened by the punishment that threatened them. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.1.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/1/4/). ## Church History 9.1.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/1/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:420 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The emperors now order that Christians practicing their religion are not to be harassed or punished, since they cannot be persuaded. ### Greek text ἐπειδὴ “τοίνυν συνέβαινεν ἐκ τοῦ τοιούτου τρόπου πολλοὺς ‟εἰς κίνδυνον ἑαυτοὺς περιβάλλειν, κατὰ τὴν προσ- ‟οῦσαν εὐγένειαν τῆς εὐσεβείας ἡ θειότης τῶν δε- ‟σποτῶν ἡμῶν τῶν δυνατωτάτων αὐτοκρατόρων, ‟ἀλλότριον εἶναι τῆς προθέσεως τῆς θειοτάτης τῆς ‟ἰδίας δοκιμάζουσα τὸ ἐκ τῆς τοιαύτης αἰτίας εῖς ‟τοσοῦτον κίνδυνον τοὺς ἀνθρώπους περιβάλλειν, ‟ἐκέλευσε διὰ τῆς ἐμῆς καθοσιώσεως τῇ σῇ ἀγχινοίᾳ διαχαράξαι, ἵνʼ εἴ τις τῶν Χριστιανῶν τοῦ ἰδίου ‟ἔθνους τὴν θρησκείαν μετιὼν εὑρεθείη, τῆς κατʼ αὐτοῦ ἐνοχλήσεως καὶ τοῦ κινδύνου αὐτὸν ἀποστήσειας, καὶ μή τινα ἐκ ταύτης τῆς προφάσεως τιμω- ‟ρίᾳ κολαστέον νομίσειας, ὁπότε τῇ τοσούτου χρόνου ‟συνελεύσει συνέστη, αὐτοὺς μηδενὶ τρόπῳ πεπεῖσθαι ‟δεδυνῆσθαι, ὅπως ἀπὸ τῶν τοιούτων ἐνστάσεων ‟ἀναχωρήσαιεν. ### English translation (Claude) Since, therefore, it happened that in this way many were bringing themselves into danger, the divinity of our masters, the most mighty emperors, in accordance with the nobility of piety that belongs to them, judging it foreign to their own most divine purpose that people should be brought into such danger for such a cause, has commanded me in my devotion to write to your wisdom that, if any Christian be found practicing the worship of his own people, you should remove him from molestation and danger, and should not think that anyone is to be punished on this pretext, since it has been established in so long a time that they could in no way be persuaded to depart from such obstinacy. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.1.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/1/5/). ## Church History 9.1.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/1/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:420 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The governors are to tell local officials to take no further action against Christians. ### Greek text ἐγγράψαι τοιγαροῦν πρὸς τοὺς ‟λογιστὰς καὶ τοὺς στρατηγοὺς καὶ τοὺς πραιπωσί- ‟τους τοῦ πάγου ἑκάστης πόλεως ἡ σὴ ἐπιστρέφεια “ὀφείλει, ἵνα γνοῖεν περαιτέρω αὐτοῖς τούτου γράμματος φροντίδα ποιεῖσθαι μὴ προσήκειν.” ### English translation (Claude) Your diligence ought therefore to write to the curators, the magistrates, and the overseers of the district of each city, so that they may know that it is not fitting for them to take further concern about this matter.” ### Translation notes - The officials are the curatores, the duoviri or magistrates (στρατηγοί), and the praepositi pagi. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.1.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/1/6/). ## Church History 9.1.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/1/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:420–421 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The governors, believing the order sincere, freed imprisoned confessors and those condemned to the mines. ### Greek text ἐπὶ τούτοις οἱ κατʼ ἐπαρχίαν, τὴν τῶν γραφέντων αὐτοῖς ἐπαληθεύειν προαίρεσιν νενομικότες, λογισταῖς καὶ στρατηγοῖς καὶ τοῖς κατʼ ἀγροὺς ἐπιτεταγμένοις τὴν βασιλικὴν διὰ γραμμάτων ἐμφανῆ καθιστῶσι γνώμην· οὐ μόνον δʼ αὐτοῖς διὰ γραφῆς ταῦτα προυχώρει, καὶ ἔργοις δὲ πολὺ πρότερον, ὡσὰν νεῦμα βασιλικὸν εἰς πέρας ἄγοντες, οὑς εἶχον ἐν δεσμωτηρίοις καθειργμένους διὰ τὴν εἰς τὸ θεῖον ὁμολογίαν, εἰς φανερὸν προάγοντες ἠλευθέρουν, ἀνιέντες τούτων δὴ αὐτῶν τοὺς ἐν μετάλλοις ἐπὶ τιμωρίᾳ δεδομένους· τοῦτο γὰρ ἐπʼ ἀληθείας βασιλεῖ δοκεῖν ὑπειλήφασιν ἠπατημένοι. ### English translation (Claude) Thereupon the provincial governors, thinking that the intention of what had been written to them was sincere, made the imperial will known by letters to the curators, magistrates, and those in charge of the country districts. Nor did they proceed in this only by writing, but much earlier by deeds, as though carrying an imperial decree into effect: those whom they held shut up in prisons for their confession of the divine, they brought out into the open and set free, releasing also those among them who had been sent to the mines as punishment. For they supposed, deceived as they were, that this was truly the emperor's will. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.1.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/1/7/). ## Church History 9.1.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/1/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:421 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Churches reassembled everywhere, and astonished pagans hailed the Christians' God as great and alone true. ### Greek text καὶ δὴ τούτων οὕτως ἐπιτελεσθέντων, ἀθρόως οἷόν τι φῶς ἐκ ζοφερᾶς νυκτὸς ἐκλάμψαν κατὰ πᾶσαν πόλιν συγκροτουμένας παρῆν ὁρᾶν ἐκκλησίας, συνόδους τε παμπληθεῖς, καὶ τὰς ἐπὶ τούτων ἐξ ἔθους ἐπιτελουμένας συναγωγὰς, καταπέπληκτο δʼ ἐπὶ τούτοις οὐ σμικρῶς πᾶς τις τῶν ἀπίστων ἐθνῶν, τῆς τοσαύτης μεταβολῆς τὸ παράδοξον ἀποθαυμάζων, μέγαν τε καὶ μόνον ἀληθῆ τὸν Χριστιανῶν θεὸν ἐπιβοώμενος. ### English translation (Claude) When this had been done, suddenly, like a light shining out of a dark night, one could see churches being assembled in every city, crowded gatherings, and the meetings customarily held in them. And every one of the unbelieving Gentiles was not a little astonished at these things, marveling at the unexpectedness of so great a change and proclaiming the God of the Christians great and alone true. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.1.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/1/8/). ## Church History 9.1.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/1/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:421 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Faithful confessors regained their freedom, while those who had lapsed sought healing, begging the steadfast for help and God for mercy. ### Greek text τῶν δʼ ἡμετέρων οἱ μὲν τὸν τῶν διωγμῶν ἀγῶνα πιστῶς καὶ ἀνδρείως διηθληκότες τὴν πρὸς ἅπαντας αὖθις ἀπελάμβανον παρρησίαν, ὅσοι δὲ τὰ τῆς πίστεως νενοσηκότες τὰς ψυχὰς ἐτύγχανον κεχειμασμένοι, ἀσμένως περὶ τὴν σφῶν θεραπείαν ἔσπευδον, ἀντιβολοῦντες καὶ σωτηρίας δεξιὰν τοὺς ἐρρωμένους αἰτούμενοι, τόν τε θεὸν ἐλέων αὐτοῖς γενέσθαι καθικετεύοντες. ### English translation (Claude) Of our own people, those who had fought the contest of the persecutions faithfully and bravely received back their freedom of speech before all; but those who had been sick in faith and whose souls had been storm-tossed eagerly hastened to their own healing, pleading and begging the strong for a hand of salvation, and entreating God to be merciful to them. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.1.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/1/9/). ## Church History 9.1.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/1/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:421 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Freed confessors returned home from the mines through the cities with great joy. ### Greek text εἶτα δὲ καὶ οἱ γενναῖοι τῆς θεοσεβείας ἀθληταὶ, τῆς εἰς τὰ μέταλλα κακοπαθείας ἐλευθερούμενοι, ἐπὶ τὰς ἑαυτῶν ἐστέλλοντο, γαῦροι καὶ φαιδροὶ διὰ πάσης ἰόντες πόλεως, εὐφροσύνης τε ἀλέκτου καὶ ἣν οὐδὲ λόγῳ δυνατὸν ἑρμηνεῦσαι παρρησίας ἔμπλεοι. ### English translation (Claude) Then the noble athletes of godliness, set free from their hardships in the mines, set out for their own homes, going through every city proud and radiant, full of unspeakable joy and of a boldness that no words can express. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.1.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/1/10/). ## Church History 9.1.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/1/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:421 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Crowds sang psalms in the streets, exiles returned joyfully, and even former persecutors rejoiced with them. ### Greek text στίφη δʼ οὖν πολυάνθρωπα κατὰ μέσας λεωφόρους καὶ ἀγορὰς, ᾠδαῖς καὶ ψαλμοῖς τὸν θεὸν ἀνυμνοῦντα, τὰ τῆς πορείας ἤνυε. καὶ τοὺς μετὰ τιμωρίας ἀπηνεστάτης μικρῷ πρόσθεν δεσμίους τῶν πατρίδων ἀπεληλαμένους εἶδες ἂν ἱλαροῖς καὶ γεγηθόσι προσώποις τὰς αὐτῶν ἑστίας ἀπολαμβάνοντας, ὡς καὶ τοὺς πρότερον καθʼ ἡμῶν φονῶντας, τὸ θαῦμα παρὰ πᾶσαν ὁρῶντας ἐλπίδα, συγχαίρειν τοῖς γεγενημένοις. ### English translation (Claude) Great crowds made their way along the middle of the highways and marketplaces, praising God with odes and psalms. And you would have seen those who a little before had been driven in chains from their homelands under most cruel punishment receiving back their own hearths with bright and joyful faces, so that even those who had formerly thirsted for our blood, seeing the wonder beyond all hope, rejoiced with them at what had happened. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.1.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/1/11/). ## Church History 9.2.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/2/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:421–422 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Within six months Maximin undermined the peace, banning meetings in cemeteries and prompting Antioch, led by Theotecnus, to petition for the Christians' expulsion. ### Greek text Ταῦτα δʼ οὐκέτι οἷός τε φέρειν ὁ τύραννος, μισόκαλος ἐς τὰ μάλιστα καὶ πάντων ἀγαθῶν ἐπίβουλος ὑπάρχων, ὃν ἔφαμεν τῶν ἐπʼ ἀνατολῆς ἄρχειν μερῶν, οὐδʼ ὅλους ἐπὶ μῆνας ἓξ τοῦτον ἐπιτελεῖσθαι τὸν τρόπον ἠνέσχετο· ὅσα δʼ οὖν πρὸς ἀνατροπὴν τῆς εἰρήνης μηχανώμενος πρῶτον μὲν εἴργειν ἡμᾶς τῆς ἐν τοῖς κοιμητηρίοις συνόδου διὰ προφάσεως πειρᾶται, εἶτα διά τινων πονηρῶν ἀνδρῶν αὐτὸς ἑαυτῷ καθʼ ἡμῶν πρεσβεύεται, τοὺς Ἀντιοχέων πολίτας παρορμήσας ἐπὶ τὸ μηδαμῶς τινα Χριστιανῶν τὴν αὐτῶν οἰκεῖν ἐπιτρέπεσθαι πατρίδα ὡς ἐν μεγίστῃ δωρεᾷ παρʼ αὐτοῦ τυχεῖν ἀξιῶσαι, καὶ ἑτέρους δὲ ταὐτὸ ὑποβαλεῖν διαπράξασθαι· ὧν πάντων ἀρχηγὸς ἐπʼ αὐτῆς Ἀντιοχείας ἐπιφύεται Θεότεκνος, δεινὸς καὶ γόης καὶ πονηρὸς ἀνὴρ, καὶ τῆς προσωνυμίας ἀλλότριος· ἐδόκει δὲ λογιστεύειν τὰ κατὰ τὴν πόλιν. ### English translation (Claude) But the tyrant, who, as we said, ruled the eastern regions, being a hater of good in the highest degree and a plotter against everything good, could no longer bear this, and did not allow things to go on in this way for even six whole months. Devising every means to overthrow the peace, he first tried on some pretext to keep us from meeting in the cemeteries; then through certain wicked men he sent embassies to himself against us, urging the citizens of Antioch to ask of him as a very great favor that no Christian at all be permitted to live in their city, and arranging for others to make the same suggestion. The ringleader of all these sprang up at Antioch itself: Theotecnus, a violent man, a sorcerer and a scoundrel, and a stranger to his name; he appeared to hold the office of curator of the city. ### Translation notes - The name Theotecnus means “child of God”. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.2.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/2/1/). ## Church History 9.3.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/3/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:422–423 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Theotecnus set up a cult image of Zeus Philios at Antioch and claimed its oracle ordered the Christians expelled. ### Greek text Πλεῖστα δʼ οὗτος καθʼ ἡμῶν στρατευσάμενος, καὶ πάντα τρόπον τοὺς ἡμετέρους, ὥσπερ τινὰς φῶρας ἀνοσίους, ἐκ μυχῶν θηρεῦσαι διὰ σπουδῆς πεποιημένος, πάντα τε ἐπὶ διαβολῇ καὶ κατηγορίᾳ τῇ καθʼ ἡμῶν μεμηχανημένος, καὶ θανάτου αἴτιος μυρίοις ὅσοις γεγονὼς τελευτῶν εἴδωλόν τι Διὸς φιλίου μαγγανείαις τισὶ καὶ γοητείαις ἱδρύεται, τελετάς τε ἀνάγνους αὐτῷ καὶ μυήσεις ἀκαλλιερήτους, ἐξαγίστους τε καθαρμοὺς ἐπινοήσας, μέχρι καὶ βασιλέως τὴν τερατείαν διʼ ὧν ἐδόκει χρησμῶν ἐκτελεῖν ἐπεδείκνυτο· καὶ δὴ καὶ οὗτος κολακείᾳ τῇ καθʼ ἡδονὴν τοῦ κρατοῦντος ἐπεγείρει κατὰ Χριστιανῶν τὸν δαίμονα, καὶ τὸν θεὸν δὴ κελεῦσαί φησιν, ὑπερορίους τῆς πόλεως καὶ τῶν ἀμφὶ τὴν πόλιν ἀγρῶν ὡσὰν ἐχθροὺς αὐτῷ Χριστιανοὺς ἀπελάσαι. ### English translation (Claude) This man, having waged war against us in every possible way and zealously hunted our people out of their hiding places like unholy thieves, and having contrived everything for slander and accusation against us, and having caused the death of countless people, at last set up by certain tricks and sorceries an image of Zeus the Friend. He devised impure rites for it, ill-omened initiations, and abominable purifications, and displayed his wonder-working even to the emperor by oracles that he pretended to deliver. This man too, flattering the ruler's pleasure, stirred up the demon against the Christians, and said that the god had ordered the Christians to be driven out beyond the borders of the city and its surrounding country, as being his enemies. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.3.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/3/1/). ## Church History 9.4.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/4/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:423 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Other cities, prompted by the governors, followed Antioch in petitioning against the Christians. ### Greek text Τούτῳ δὲ πρώτῳ κατὰ γνώμην πράξαντι πάντες οἶ λοιποὶ τῶν ἐν τέλει τὰς ὑπὸ τὴν αὐτὴν ἀρχὴν πόλεις οἰκοῦντες τὴν ὁμοίαν ὡρμῶντο ψῆφον ποιήσασθαι, προσφιλὲς δʼ εἶναι τοῦτο βασιλεῖ τῶν κατʼ ἐπαρχίαν ἡγεμόνων συνεωρακότων, καὶ τοῦτʼ αὐτὸ διαπράξασθαι τοῖς ὑπηκόοις ὑποβεβληκότων. ### English translation (Claude) Since this man had been the first to act as he wished, all the other officials living in the cities under the same government hastened to pass a similar resolution, the provincial governors having perceived that this was pleasing to the emperor and having suggested to their subjects that they do this very thing. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.4.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/4/1/). ## Church History 9.4.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/4/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:423 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Maximin approved the petitions, renewed persecution, and appointed prominent men as pagan priests and high priests. ### Greek text ὧν δὴ καὶ αὐτῶν τοῖς ψηφίσμασι διʼ ἀντιγραφῆς ἀσμενέστατα ἐπινεύσαντος τοῦ τυράννου, αὖθις ἐξ ὑπαρχῆς ὁ καθʼ ἡμῶν ἀνεφλέγετο διωγμός. ἱερεῖς δῆτα κατὰ πόλιν τῶν ξοάνων, καὶ ἐπὶ τούτοις ἀρχιερεῖς πρὸς αὐτοῦ Μαξιμίνου οἱ μάλιστα ταῖς πολιτείαις διαπρέψαντες καὶ διὰ πασῶν ἔνδοξοι γενόμενοι καθίσταντο, οἷς καὶ πολλή τις εἰσήγετο σπουδὴ περὶ τὴν τῶν θεραπευομένων πρὸς αὐτῶν θρησκείαν. ### English translation (Claude) When the tyrant very gladly approved their resolutions by rescript, the persecution against us was kindled again from the beginning. Priests of the images were appointed in each city, and over them high priests, by Maximin himself, men who had been especially distinguished in public life and had become famous in every office; and these brought great zeal to the worship of the gods they served. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.4.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/4/2/). ## Church History 9.4.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/4/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:423 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: To win Maximin's favor, officials and subjects vied in cruelty toward the Christians. ### Greek text ἡ γοῦν ἔκτοπος τοῦ κρατοῦντος δεισιδαιμονία, συνελόντι φάναι, πάντας τοὺς ὗπʼ αὐτὸν ἄρχοντάς τε καὶ ἀρχομένους εἰς τὴν αὐτοῦ χάριν πάντα πράττειν καθʼ ἡμῶν ἐνῆγε, ταύτην αὐτῷ χάριν μεγίστην ἀνθʼ ὧν ἐνόμιζον πρὸς αὐτοῦ τεύξεσθαι εὐεργεσιῶν ἀντιδωρουμένων, τὸ καθʼ ἡμῶν φονᾶν καί τινας εἰς ἡμᾶς καινοτέρας κακοηθείας ἐνδείκνυσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) In short, the ruler's extraordinary superstition led all those under him, rulers and subjects alike, to do everything against us to please him, repaying him with this, the greatest favor, in return for the benefits they expected to receive from him: to thirst for our blood and to display some new malice against us. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.4.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/4/3/). ## Church History 9.5.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/5/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:423 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Forged, blasphemous Acts of Pilate were published everywhere and made required memorization in schools. ### Greek text Πλασάμενοι δῆτα Πιλάτου καὶ τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν ὑπομνήματα, πάσης ἔμπλεα κατὰ τοῦ Χριστοῦ βλασφημίας, γνώμῃ τοῦ μείζονος ἐπὶ πᾶσαν διαπέμπονται τὴν ὑπʼ αὐτὸν ἀρχὴν, διὰ γραμμάτων παρακελευόμενοι, κατὰ πάντα τόπον, ἀγρούς τε καὶ πόλεις, ἐν ἐκφανεῖ ταῦτα τοῖς πᾶσιν ἐκθεῖναι, τοῖς τε παισὶ τοὺς γραμματοδιδασκάλους ἀντὶ μαθημάτων ταῦτα μελετᾶν καὶ διὰ μνήμης κατέχειν παραδιδόναι. ### English translation (Claude) They forged Acts of Pilate and of our Savior, full of every blasphemy against Christ, and with the approval of their chief sent them throughout his whole dominion, ordering by letters that they be displayed openly for all in every place, country and city, and that the schoolmasters give them to the children to study and learn by heart instead of their lessons. ### Translation notes - These pagan Acts of Pilate are distinct from the later Christian work of the same name; compare 1.9.3 and 1.11.9. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.5.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/5/1/). ## Church History 9.5.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/5/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:423–424 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: At Damascus a military commander forced prostitutes to testify falsely to Christian immorality, and the testimony was published everywhere. ### Greek text ὧν τοῦτον ἐπιτελουμένων τὸν τρόπον ἕτερος στρατοπεδάρχης, ὃν δοῦκα Ῥωμαῖοι προσαγορεύουσιν, ἀνὰ τὴν Δαμασκὸν τῆς Φοινίκης ἐπίρρητά τινα γυναικάρια ἐξ ἀγορᾶς ἀνάρπαστα ποιήσας, βασάνους αὐταῖς ἐπιθήσειν ἠπείλει, λέγειν ἐγγράφως ἐπαναγκάζων, ὡς δὴ εἴησάν ποτε χριστιαναὶ, συνειδεῖέν τε αὐτοῖς ἀθεμιτουργίας, ἐν αὐτοῖς τε τοῖς κυριακοῖς πράττειν αὐτοὺς τὰ ἀκόλαστα, καὶ ὅσα ἄλλα λέγειν αὐτὰς ἐπὶ διαβολῇ τοῦ δόγματος ἤθελεν· ὧν καὶ οὗτος ἐν ὑπομνήμασι τὰς φωνὰς ἐντεθείσας βασιλεῖ κοινοῦται. καὶ δὴ προστάξαντος εἰς πάντα τόπον καὶ πόλιν καὶ ταῦτα δημοσιοῦται τὰ γράμματα. ### English translation (Claude) While this was being done in this way, another commander, whom the Romans call a dux, at Damascus in Phoenicia had certain notorious women snatched from the marketplace and threatened to torture them, compelling them to state in writing that they had once been Christians and knew of unlawful deeds among them, and that the Christians committed licentious acts in the very churches, and whatever else he wished them to say to slander the faith. He recorded their words in official minutes and communicated them to the emperor, and at his command these documents too were published in every place and city. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.5.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/5/2/). ## Church History 9.6.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/6/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:424 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The commander killed himself, but persecution resumed; at Emesa the aged bishop Silvanus and two others were thrown to beasts. ### Greek text Ἀλλʼ ὁ μὲν οὐκ εἰς μακρὸν αὐτόχειρ ἑαυτοῦ γεγονὼς ὁ στρατοπεδάρχης δίκην τίννυσι τῆς κακοτροπίας. ἡμῶν δʼ αὖ φυγαὶ πάλιν ἀνεκινοῦντο καὶ διωγμοὶ χαλεποὶ, τῶν τε κατὰ πάσας ἐπαρχίας ἡγουμένων αὖθις δειναὶ καθʼ ἡμῶν ἐπαναστάσεις, ὡς καί τινας ἁλόντας τῶν περὶ τὸν θεῖον λόγον ἐπιφανῶν ἀπαραίτητον τὴν ἐπὶ θανάτῳ ψῆφον καταδέξασθαι, ὧν τρεῖς ἐν Ἐμίσῃ τῇ πόλει τῆς Φοινίκης, Χριστιανοὺς σφας ὁμολογήσαντες, θηρίων βορᾷ παραδίδονται· ἐπίσκοπος ἦν ἐν τούτοις Σιλβανὸς, τὴν ἡλικίαν ὑπέργηρως, ἐν ὅλοις ἔτεσι τεσσαράκοντα τὴν λειτουργίαν διηνυκώς. ### English translation (Claude) But not long afterward the commander became his own executioner and paid the penalty for his wickedness. For us, however, banishments and severe persecutions were stirred up again, and once more the governors in all the provinces rose terribly against us, so that some who were prominent in the divine word were seized and received the inexorable sentence of death. Of these, three in Emesa, a city of Phoenicia, confessed themselves Christians and were given as food to wild beasts. Among them was a bishop, Silvanus, very old, who had fulfilled his ministry for forty full years. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.6.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/6/1/). ## Church History 9.6.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/6/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:424 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Bishop Peter of Alexandria was suddenly seized and beheaded, with many other Egyptian bishops. ### Greek text κατὰ δὲ τὸν αὐτὸν χρόνον καὶ Πέτρος τῶν κατʼ Ἀλεξάνδρειαν παροικιῶν προστὰς ἐπιφανέστατα, θεῖον ἐπισκόπων χρῆμα, βίου τε ἀρετῆς ἕνεκα καὶ τῆς τῶν ἱερῶν λόγων συνασκήσεως, ἐξ οὐδεμιᾶς ἀνάρπαστος γεγονὼς αἰτίας, μηδεμιᾶς προλαβούσης προσδοκίας, ἀθρόως οὕτω καὶ ἀλόγως, ὡσὰν Μαξιμίνου τὴν κεφαλὴν ἀποτέμνεται, σὺν αὐτῷ δὲ καὶ τῶν κατʼ Αἴγυπτον ἐπισκόπων ἄλλοι πλείους ταὐτὸν ὑπομένουσι· ### English translation (Claude) At the same time Peter too, who presided most illustriously over the churches of Alexandria, a divine example among bishops for the excellence of his life and his study of the sacred Scriptures, was seized for no cause at all and without any expectation beforehand, and so, suddenly and without reason, as if on Maximin's order, he was beheaded; and with him many other bishops of Egypt suffered the same. ### Translation notes - The digital text reads ὡσὰν Μαξιμίνου with no verb; “as if on Maximin's order” is supplied from the sense. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.6.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/6/2/). ## Church History 9.6.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/6/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:424–425 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Lucian, a learned presbyter of Antioch, defended the faith at Nicomedia and was killed in prison. ### Greek text Λουκιανός τε, ἀνὴρ τὰ πάντα ἄριστος, βίῳ τε ἐγκρατὴς καὶ τοῖς ἱεροῖς μαθήμασι συγκεκροτημένος, τῆς κατʼ Ἀντιόχειαν παροικίας πρεσβύτερος, ἀχθεὶς ἐπὶ τῆς Νικομηδέων πόλεως, ἔνθα τηνικαῦτα βασιλεὺς διατρίβων ἐτύγχανε, παρασχών τε ἐπὶ τοῦ ἄρχοντος τὴν ὑπὲρ ἧς προΐστατο διδασκαλίας ἀπολογίαν, δεσμωτηρίῳ παραδοθεὶς κτίννυται. ### English translation (Claude) And Lucian, a man excellent in all things, self-controlled in life and well trained in sacred learning, presbyter of the church at Antioch, was brought to the city of Nicomedia, where the emperor happened to be staying at the time; and after making before the ruler a defense of the teaching he championed, he was committed to prison and put to death. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.6.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/6/3/). ## Church History 9.6.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/6/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:425 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Maximin's renewed persecution seemed worse than the first. ### Greek text τοσαῦτα δῆτα ἐν βραχεῖ τῷ μισοκάλῳ Μαξιμίνῳ καθʼ ἡμῶν συνεσκεύαστο, ὡς τοῦ προτέρου δοκεῖν πολλῷ χαλεπώτερον τοῦτον ἡμῖν ἐπεγηγέρθαι διωγμόν. ### English translation (Claude) So much, then, was contrived against us in a short time by Maximin, the hater of good, that this persecution stirred up against us seemed far harsher than the earlier one. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.6.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/6/4/). ## Church History 9.7.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/7/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:425 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Petitions and imperial replies against Christians were engraved on bronze in the cities; Eusebius copies Maximin's rescript from the tablet at Tyre. ### Greek text Ἀνὰ μέσας γέ τοι τὰς πόλεις, ὃ μηδὲ ἄλλοτέ ποτε, ψηφίσματα πόλεων καθʼ ἡμῶν καὶ βασιλικῶν πρὸς ταῦτα διατάξεων ἀντιγραφαὶ στήλαις ἐντετυπωμένα χαλκαῖς ἀνωρθοῦντο, οἵ τε παῖδες ἀνὰ τὰ διδασκαλεῖα Ἰησοῦν καὶ Πιλάτον καὶ τὰ ἐφʼ ὕβρει πλασθέντα ὑπομνήματα διὰ στόματος κατὰ πᾶσαν ἔφερον ἡμέραν. ἐνταῦθά μοι ἀναγκαῖον εἶναι φαίνεται αὐτὴν δὴ ταύτην τὴν ἐν στήλαις ἀνατεθεῖσαν τοῦ Μαξιμίνου γραφὴν ἐντάξαι (ἵνʼ ὁμοῦ τῆς τε τοῦ ἀνδρὸς θεομισείας ἡ ἀλαζὼν καὶ ὑπερήφανος αὐθάδεια φανερὰ κατασταίη, καὶ τῆς παρὰ πόδας αὐτʼ ὂν μετελθούσης ἱερᾶς δίκης ἡ ἄυπνος κατὰ τῶν ἀσεβῶν μισοπονηρία, πρὸς ἧς ἐλαθεὶς οὐκ εἰς μακρὸν τἀναντία περὶ ἡμῶν ἐβουλεύσατό τε καὶ διʼ ἐγγράφων νόμων ἐδογμάτισε), τοῦτον ἐπʼ αὐτῶν λέξεων ἔχουσαν τὸν τρόπον· Ἀντίγραφον ἑρμηνείας τῆς Μαξιμίνου πρὸς τὰ καθʼ ἡμῶν ψηφίσματα ἀντιγραφῆς, ἀπὸ τῆς ἐν Τυρῷ στήλης μεταληφθείσης. ### English translation (Claude) In the middle of the cities, a thing never done before, petitions of the cities against us and copies of the imperial rescripts in reply were set up engraved on bronze tablets, and the children in the schools had Jesus and Pilate and the Acts forged to insult us on their lips every day. Here it seems necessary to me to insert this very document of Maximin set up on the tablets (so that at once the boastful and arrogant presumption of the man's hatred of God may be made plain, and the sleepless hatred of evil against the ungodly shown by the sacred justice that followed hard on his heels, driven by which not long afterward he both planned the opposite concerning us and decreed it by written laws). It runs in these very words: Copy of a translation of Maximin's rescript in reply to the petitions against us, taken from the tablet at Tyre. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.7.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/7/1/). ## Church History 9.7.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/7/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:425–426 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Maximin's rescript praises Tyre for recognizing, after long error, that the world is governed by the immortal gods. ### Greek text “Ἤδη ποτὲ ἡ ἀσθενὴς θρασύτης τῆς ἀνθρωπίνης διανοίας ἴσχυσε, πᾶσαν πλάνης ἀμαυρότητα καὶ ὀμίχλην ἀποσεισαμένη καὶ ἀνασκεδάσασα, ἥτις “πρὸ τούτου οὐ τοσοῦτον τῶν ἀσεβῶν ὅσον τῶν “ἀθλίων ἀνθρώπων τὰς αἰσθήσεις ὀλεθρίῳ ἀγνοίας “σκότῳ ἐνειληθείσας ἐπολιόρκει, ἐπιγνῶναι ὡς τῇ “τῶν ἀθανάτων θεῶν φιλαγάθῳ προνοίᾳ διοικεῖται καὶ σταθεροποιεῖται· ### English translation (Claude) [Rescript of Maximin to Tyre:] “At last the feeble boldness of the human mind has prevailed, shaking off and scattering all the darkness and mist of error, which before this besieged the senses of men not so much impious as wretched, wrapped in the deadly darkness of ignorance, so as to recognize that it is governed and made stable by the benevolent providence of the immortal gods. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.7.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/7/2/). ## Church History 9.7.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/7/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:426 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The emperor is delighted by this proof of the city's piety. ### Greek text ὅπερ πρᾶγμα ἄπιστόν ἐστιν “εἰπεῖν, ὅπως κεχαρισμένον, ὅπως τε ἥδιστον καὶ “προσφιλὲς ἡμῖν γέγονεν, ὡς μέγιστον δεῖγμα τῆς “θεοφιλοῦς ὑμῶν προαιρέσεως δεδωκέναι· ### English translation (Claude) It is incredible to say how grateful, how most pleasing and welcome to us this has been, that you have given the greatest proof of your God-loving disposition. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.7.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/7/3/). ## Church History 9.7.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/7/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:426 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Tyre's devotion to the gods was already well known from its deeds. ### Greek text ὁπότε καὶ “πρὸ τούτου οὐδενὶ ἄγνωστον ἦν, ὁποίας παρατηρήσεως “καὶ θεοσεβείας πρὸς τοὺς ἀθανάτους θεοὺς “ἐτυγχάνετε ὄντες, οἶς οὐ ψιλῶν καὶ ὑποκένων· ῥημάτων “πίστις, ἀλλὰ συνεχῆ καὶ παράδοξα ἔργων “ἐπισήμων γνωρίζεται. ### English translation (Claude) Even before this it was unknown to no one with what observance and reverence you stood toward the immortal gods, whose faith is known not by bare and empty words but by continual and remarkable deeds. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.7.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/7/4/). ## Church History 9.7.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/7/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:426 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Tyre deserves to be called a dwelling of the gods. ### Greek text διόπερ ἐπαξίως ἡ ὑμετέρα “πόλις θεῶν ἀθανάτων ἵδρυμά τε καὶ οἰκητήριον ἂν “ἐπικαλοῖτο· πολλοῖς γοῦν παραδείγμασι καταφαίνεται “τῇ τῶν οὐρανίων θεῶν αὐτὴν ἐπιδημίᾳ ἀνθεῖν. ### English translation (Claude) Therefore your city might worthily be called a seat and dwelling place of the immortal gods; at any rate, by many examples it appears that it flourishes through the presence of the heavenly gods. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.7.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/7/5/). ## Church History 9.7.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/7/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:426 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Tyre, seeing the Christians spreading again like a rekindled fire, turned at once to the emperor for help. ### Greek text ἰδοὺ τοίνυν ἡ ὑμετέρα πόλις, πάντων τῶν ἰδίᾳ “διαφερόντων αὐτῆς ἀμελήσασα, καὶ τὰς πρότερον “τῶν ὑπὲρ αὐτῆς πραγμάτων δεήσεις παριδοῦσα, ὅτε “πάλιν ᾔσθετο τοὺς τῆς ἐπαράτου ματαιότητος γεγονότας “ἕρπειν ἄρχεσθαι, καὶ ὥσπερ ἀμεληθεῖσαν “καὶ κεκοιμημένην πυρὰν ἀναζωπυρουμένων τῶν “πυρσῶν μεγίστας πυρκαιὰς ἀναπληροῦσαν, εὐθέως “πρὸς τὴν ἡμετέραν εὐσέβειαν, ὥσπερ πρὸς μητρόπολιν “πασῶν θεοσεβειῶν, χωρίς τινος μελλήσεως “κατέφυγεν, ἴασίν τινα καὶ βοήθειαν ἀπαιτοῦσα· ### English translation (Claude) See, then, your city, neglecting all its own private interests and passing over its former petitions about its own affairs, when it perceived again that the adherents of that accursed vanity were beginning to creep about, and like a neglected and smoldering pyre whose brands are rekindled, were making the greatest conflagrations, at once without any delay took refuge with our piety as with the mother city of all religion, asking for some cure and help. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.7.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/7/6/). ## Church History 9.7.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/7/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:426–427 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The emperor says Zeus, Tyre's protector, inspired the city's request and showed the value of worshiping the gods. ### Greek text ἥντινα διάνοιαν σωτηριώδη διὰ τὴν πίστιν τῆς “ὑμετέρας θεοσεβείας τοὺς θεοὺς ὑμῖν ἐμβεβληκέναι “δῆλόν ἐστιν· ἐκεῖνος τοιγαροῦν ἐκεῖνος ὁ ὕψιστος “καὶ μέγιστος Ζεὺς, ὁ προκαθήμενος τῆς λαμπροτάτης “ὑμῶν πόλεως, ὁ τοὺς πατρῴους ὑμῶν θεοὺς “καὶ γυναῖκας καὶ τέκνα καὶ ἑστίαν καὶ οἴκους ἀπὸ πάσης ὀλεθρίου φθορᾶς ῥυόμενος, ταῖς ὑμετέραις “ψυχαῖς τὸ σωτήριον ἐνέπνευσε βούλημα, ἐπιδεικνὺς καὶ ἐμφαίνων ὅπως ἐξαίρετόν ἐστι καὶ λαμπρὸν καὶ σωτηριῶδες μετὰ τοῦ ὀφειλομένου σεβάσματος τῇ θρησκείᾳ καὶ ταῖς ἱεροθρησκείαις τῶν ἀθανάτων θεῶν προσιέναι. ### English translation (Claude) It is clear that the gods have put this saving thought into you because of the faith of your reverence. That one, then, that most high and most great Zeus, who presides over your most splendid city, who protects your ancestral gods, your wives and children, hearth and homes from every destructive ruin, breathed into your souls this saving wish, showing and making plain how excellent, splendid, and salutary it is to approach the worship and sacred rites of the immortal gods with due reverence. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.7.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/7/7/). ## Church History 9.7.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/7/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:427 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The rescript credits the gods with good harvests and protection from war, plague, storm, and earthquake, which it says often struck before. ### Greek text τίς γὰρ οὕτως ἀνόητος ἢ νοῦ παντὸς ἀλλότριος εὑρεθῆναι δύναται ὃς οὐκ “αἴσθεται τῇ φιλαγάθῳ τῶν θεῶν σπουδῇ συμβαίνειν μήτε τὴν γῆν τὰ παραδιδόμενα αὐτῇ σπέρματα ἀρνεῖσθαι, τὴν τῶν γεωργῶν ἐλπίδα κενῇ “προσδοκίᾳ σφάλλουσαν, μηδʼ αὖ ἀσεβοῦς πολέμου “πρόσοψιν ἀνεπικωλύτως ἐπὶ γῆς στηρίζεσθαι, καὶ “φθαρείσης τῆς τοῦ οὐρανοῦ εὐκρασίας αὐχμῶντα “τὰ σώματα εἰς θάνατον κατασύρεσθαι, μηδὲ “ἀμέτρων ἀνέμων πνεύμασι τὴν θάλασσαν κυμαίνου- “σαν κορυφοῦσθαι, μηδέ γε καταιγίδας ἀπροσδοκή “τους καταρρηγνυμένας ὀλέθριον χειμῶνα “ ρειν, ‘ρειν, ἔτι τοίνυν μήτε τὴν τροφὸν “μητέρα γῆν, ἀπὸ τῶν κατωτάτω λαγόνων ἑαυτῆς “ἐν φοβερῷ τρόμῳ καταδυομένην, μηδέ γε τὰ ἐπι- “κείμενα ὄρη χασμάτων γινομένων καταδύεσθαι, “ἅπερ πάντα καὶ τούτων ἔτι χαλεπώτερα κακὰ “τούτου πολλάκις γεγονέναι οὐδεὶς ἀγνοεῖ. ### English translation (Claude) For who can be found so foolish or so devoid of all sense as not to perceive that it is by the benevolent care of the gods that the earth does not refuse the seeds entrusted to it, disappointing the farmers' hope with empty expectation; that the sight of impious war is not planted on the earth unhindered, and that bodies are not dragged down to death, parched, when the good balance of the sky is corrupted; that the sea is not swollen and heaved up by the blasts of immoderate winds; that unexpected hurricanes do not burst forth and bring destructive storms; and further that the earth, our nurse and mother, does not sink from her lowest depths in fearful trembling, nor the mountains upon her sink into opening chasms? No one is unaware that all these evils, and others still worse, have often happened before this. ### Translation notes - The digital text is defective at “bring destructive storms” (“ ρειν, ‘ρειν, probably ἐπιφέρειν); translated from the sense. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.7.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/7/8/). ## Church History 9.7.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/7/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:427 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The rescript blames these disasters on the Christians' error. ### Greek text καὶ “ταῦτα σύμπαντα διὰ τὴν ὀλέθριον πλάνην τῆς ὑπο- “κένου ματαιότητος τῶν ἀθεμίτων ἐκείνων ἀνθρώ- “ πων ἐγίνετο, ἡνίκα κατὰ τὰς ψυχὰς αὐτῶν ἐπεπό- “λαζε καὶ σχεδὸν εἰπεῖν τὰ πανταχοῦ ‘αἰσχύναις ἐπίεζε.” ### English translation (Claude) And all these things happened because of the destructive error of the empty vanity of those lawless men, when it took possession of their souls and, one might almost say, oppressed the whole world with shame.” ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.7.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/7/9/). ## Church History 9.7.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/7/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:427–428 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The rescript points to flourishing crops and mild weather as signs of the gods' favor. ### Greek text τούτοις μεθʼ ἕτερα ἐπιλέγει “ ἐφοράτωσαν ἐν τοῖς πλατέσιν ἤδη πεδίοις ἀνθοῦντα “τὰ λήϊα καὶ τοῖς ἀστάχυσιν ἐπικυμαίνοντα, καὶ τοὺς “λειμῶνας διʼ εὐομβρίαν φυτοῖς καὶ ἄνθεσι λαμπο- ‘μένους, καὶ τὴν τοῦ ἀέρος κατάστασιν εὔκρατον “καὶ πραοτάτην ἀποδοθεῖσαν· ### English translation (Claude) After other things he adds: “Let them look at the crops already flourishing in the broad fields and waving with ears of grain, and the meadows gleaming with plants and flowers through abundant rain, and the state of the air restored to temperate and most mild. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.7.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/7/10/). ## Church History 9.7.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/7/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:428 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: All are to rejoice in the peace secured by honoring Ares, and converts from Christianity most of all, as men rescued from a storm. ### Greek text χαιρέτωσαν “πὸν ἅπαντες διὰ τῆς ἡμετέρας εὐσεβείας, “γίας τε καὶ τιμῆς τῆς τοῦ δυνατωτάτου καὶ “τατοῦ Ἄρεως δυνάμεως ἐξευμενισθείσης, καὶ διὰ “τοῦτο τῆς εὐδιεινοτάτης εἰρήνης βεβαίως μεθʼ ‘χίας ἀπολαύοντες ἡδυνέσθωσαν· καὶ ὅσοι τῆς τυφλῆς ἐκείνης πλάνης καὶ περιόδου παντάπασιν ἀποστάντες εἰς ὀρθὴν καὶ καλλίστην διάνοιαν ἐπα- “νῆλθον, μειζόνως μὲν οὖν χαιρέτωσαν, ὡσὰν “χειμῶνος ἀπροσδοκήτου ἢ νόσου βαρείας σθέντες, καὶ ἡδεῖαν εἰς τοὐπιὸν ζωῆς ἀπόλαυσιν “καρπωσάμενοι. ### English translation (Claude) Let all rejoice henceforth that through our piety, sacrifices, and veneration the power of most mighty and most steadfast Ares has been propitiated, and therefore let them enjoy with gladness the most serene peace firmly and in quiet. And let those who have wholly abandoned that blind error and wandering and have returned to a right and most excellent mind rejoice all the more, as men rescued from an unexpected storm or a grievous sickness, who will reap sweet enjoyment of life for the future. ### Translation notes - Several words are defective in the digital text (λοιπὸν, ἱερουργίας, στερροτάτου, ἡσυχίας, ῥυσθέντες or the like); they are translated from the evident sense. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.7.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/7/11/). ## Church History 9.7.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/7/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:428 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christians who persist are to be expelled from Tyre and its territory, as the city asked. ### Greek text εἰ δὲ τῇ ἐπαράτῳ αὐτῶν μα- “ταιότητι ἐπιμένοιεν, ἐν πολλῷ πόρρωθεν τῆς ὑμε- “τέρας πόλεως καὶ περιχώρου, καθὼς ἠξιώσατε, “ἀποχωρισθέντες ἐξελαθήτωσαν, ἵνʼ οὕτως, κατʼ ἀκολουθίαν τῆς ἀξιεπαίνου ὑμῶν περὶ τοῦτο σπου- “δῆς, παντὸς μιάσματος καὶ ἀσεβείας ἡ ὑμετέρα πόλις κατὰ τὴν ἔμφυτον αὐτῇ πρόθεσιν ‘μετὰ τοῦ ὀφειλομένου σεβάσματος ταῖς τῶν ἀθανά- “των θεῶν ἱερουργίαις ὑπακούοι. ### English translation (Claude) But if they persist in their accursed vanity, let them be separated and driven far away from your city and its territory, as you have asked, so that in this way, in keeping with your praiseworthy zeal in this matter, your city, freed from all pollution and impiety, may, according to its innate disposition, attend with due reverence to the sacred rites of the immortal gods. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.7.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/7/12/). ## Church History 9.7.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/7/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:428 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The emperor invites Tyre to ask any gift it wants as a reward. ### Greek text ἵνα δὲ εἰδῆτε ὅσῳ προσφιλὴς ἡμῖν γέγονεν ἡ περὶ τούτου ἀξίωσις ὑμῶν, καὶ χωρὶς ψηφισμάτων καὶ χωρὶς δεήσεως αὐθαιρέτῳ βουλήσει ἡ ἡμετέρα προθυμοτάτη φιλα- “γαθίαις ψυχὴ, ἐπιτρέπομεν τῇ ὑμετέρᾳ “ὁποίαν δʼ ἂν βουληθῆτε μεγαλοδωρεὰν, ἀντὶ ταύ- της ὑμῶν τῆς φιλοθέου προθέσεως αἰτῆσαι. ### English translation (Claude) And so that you may know how welcome your request about this has been to us, and how most ready of its own free will, without petitions and without entreaty, our soul is for acts of kindness, we permit your devotion to ask whatever great gift you wish in return for this your God-loving purpose. ### Translation notes - A word (probably καθοσιώσει, “devotion”) is missing after τῇ ὑμετέρᾳ in the digital text. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.7.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/7/13/). ## Church History 9.7.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/7/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:428–429 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The gift, granted at once, will testify forever to Tyre's piety and the emperor's generosity. ### Greek text καὶ “ ἤδη μὲν τοῦτο ποιεῖν καὶ λαβεῖν ἀξιώσατε· τεύξεσθε γὰρ αὐτῆς χωρίς τινος ὑπερθέσεως· ἥτις παρασχεθεῖσα τῇ ὑμετέρᾳ πόλει εἰς ἅπαντα τὸν “αἰῶνα τῆς περὶ τοὺς ἀθανάτους θεοὺς φιλοθέου εὐσεβείας παρέξει μαρτυρίαν, τοῦ δὲ ὑμὰς ἀξίων ἐπάθλων τετυχηκέναι παρὰ τῆς ἡμετέρας φιλαγα- “θίας, ταύτης ὑμῶν ἕνεκεν τῆς τοῦ βίου “ σεως. υἱοῖς τε καὶ ἐκγόνοις ὑμετέροις ἐπιδειχθήσεται.” ### English translation (Claude) And now resolve to do this and to receive it; for you will obtain it without any delay. Granted to your city, it will for all time bear witness to your God-loving piety toward the immortal gods, and it will show to your sons and descendants that you obtained worthy rewards from our benevolence for this purpose of your life.” ### Translation notes - The word before υἱοῖς is defective in the digital text (probably προαιρέσεως, “purpose”). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.7.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/7/14/). ## Church History 9.7.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/7/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:429 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: These decrees, posted everywhere, cut off all human hope, so that even the elect might have fallen away. ### Greek text ταῦτα δὴ καθʼ ἡμῶν κατὰ πάσαν ἀνεστηλίτευτο, πάσης ἐλπίδος, τὸ γοῦν ἐπʼ ἀνθρώποις, ἀγαθῆς τὰ καθʼ ἡμᾶς ἀποκλείοντα· ὡς, κατʼ αὐτὸ δὴ τὸ θεῖον ἐκεῖνο λόγιον, εἰ δυνατὸν, ἐπὶ τούτοις καὶ τοὺς ἐκλεκτοὺς αὐτοὺς σκανδαλίζεσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) These things were set up against us in every province, shutting off from us every good hope, at least as far as human beings were concerned; so that, according to that divine saying, even the elect themselves, if possible, might be caused to stumble by these things. ### Scripture references - Matt 24:24: allusion, high confidence - Mark 13:22: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The saying is Matt 24:24 (compare Mark 13:22). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.7.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/7/15/). ## Church History 9.7.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/7/16/ - Source: Dindorf 4:429 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Just as hope was failing, God intervened to silence the tyrant's boasts. ### Greek text ἤδη γέ τοι σχεδὸν τῆς παρὰ τοῖς πλείστοις ἀποψυχούσης προσδοκίας, ἀθρόως καθʼ ὁδὸν ἔτι σχεδὸν τὴν πορείαν ἔν τισι χώραις διανυόντων τῶν τὴν προκειμένην γραφὴν καθʼ ἡμῶν διακονουμένων, ὁ τῆς ἰδίας ἐκκλησίας ὑπέρμαχος θεὸς, μονονουχὶ τὴν τοῦ τυράννου καθʼ ἡμῶν ἐπιστομίζων μεγαλαυχίαν, τὴν ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν οὐράνιον αὐτοῦ συμμαχίαν ἐπεδείκνυτο. ### English translation (Claude) But when hope had almost died out among most, suddenly, while those charged with the document against us had scarcely finished their journey in some regions, God, the champion of his own church, as if stopping the tyrant's boasting against us, showed his heavenly alliance on our behalf. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.7.16 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/7/16/). ## Church History 9.8.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/8/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:429 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Drought, famine, plague, and a blinding disease called the carbuncle struck Maximin's realm. ### Greek text Οἱ μὲν οὖν ἐξ ἔθους ὄμβροι τε καὶ ὑετοὶ χειμαδίου τῆς ὥρας ὑπαρχούσης τὴν ἐπὶ γῆς ἀνεῖχον συνήθη φορὰν, λιμὸς δʼ ἀδόκητος ἐπισκήπτει, καὶ λοιμὸς ἐπὶ τούτῳ, καί τινος ἑτέρου νοσήματος — ἕλκος δὲ ἦν φερωνύμως τοῦ πυρώδους ἕνεκεν· ἄνθραξ προσαγορευόμενον — ἐπιφορὰ, ὃ καθʼ ὅλων μὲν ἕρπον τῶν σωμάτων σφαλεροὺς ἐνεποίει τοῖς πεπονθόσι κινδύνους, οὐ μὴν ἀλλὰ καὶ κατὰ τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν διαφερόντως ἐπὶ πλεῖστον γινόμενον μυρίους ὅσους ἄνδρας ἅμα γυναιξὶ καὶ παισὶ πηροὺς ἀπειργάζετο. ### English translation (Claude) The customary showers and rains of the winter season withheld their usual fall upon the earth, and an unexpected famine struck, and after it a plague, and an outbreak of another disease, an ulcer called a carbuncle from its fiery nature. This spread over the whole body and brought grave danger to the sufferers, and above all it attacked the eyes, blinding countless men along with women and children. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.8.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/8/1/). ## Church History 9.8.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/8/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:429–430 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Maximin also provoked war with the Christian Armenians, old Roman allies, by trying to force them to sacrifice. ### Greek text τούτοις προσεπανίσταται τῷ τυράννῳ ὁ πρὸς Ἀρμενίους πόλεμος, ἄνδρας ἐξ ἀρχαίου φίλους τε καὶ συμμάχους Ῥωμαίων, οὓς καὶ αὐτοὺς Χριστιανοὺς ὄντας τὴν εἰς τὸ θεῖον εὐσέβειαν διὰ σπουδῆς ποιουμένους ὁ θεομισὴς εἰδώλοις θύειν καὶ δαίμοσιν ἐπαναγκάσαι πεπειραμένος ἐχθροὺς ἀντὶ φίλων καὶ πολεμίους ἀντὶ συμμάχων κατεστήσατο. ### English translation (Claude) In addition to these, the war against the Armenians rose up against the tyrant, men who had been friends and allies of the Romans from of old. Since they too were Christians and zealous in their piety toward God, the God-hater tried to compel them to sacrifice to idols and demons, and so made enemies of friends and foes of allies. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.8.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/8/2/). ## Church History 9.8.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/8/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:430 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: These disasters exposed Maximin's boast that his idolatry had spared his reign from famine, plague, and war, and foreshadowed his fall. ### Greek text ἀθρόως δὴ ταῦτα πάντα ὑφʼ ἕνα καὶ τὸν αὐτὸν συρρεύσαντα καιρὸν τῆς τοῦ τυράννου θρασύτητος τὴν κατὰ τοῦ θείου μεγαλαυχίαν διήλεγξεν, ὅτι δὴ τῆς περὶ τὰ εἴδωλα αὐτοῦ σπουδῆς καὶ τῆς καθʼ ἡμῶν ἕνεκα πολιορκίας μὴ λιμὸν μηδὲ λοιμὸν μηδὲ μὴν πόλεμον ἐπὶ τῶν αὐτοῦ συμβῆναι καιρῶν ἐθρασύνετο. ταῦτα δʼ οὖν ὁμοῦ καὶ κατὰ τὸ αὐτὸ ἐπελθόντα καὶ τῆς αὐτοῦ καταστροφῆς περιειλήφει τὰ προοίμια. ### English translation (Claude) All these things flowing together suddenly at one and the same time refuted the tyrant's boldness and his boasting against the divine, for he had boasted that because of his zeal for the idols and his assault on us neither famine nor plague nor war had occurred in his times. These things, coming all together and at once, formed the prelude of his downfall. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.8.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/8/3/). ## Church History 9.8.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/8/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:430 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: While Maximin fought the Armenians, famine and plague drove the price of a measure of wheat to 2,500 drachmas. ### Greek text αὐτὸς μὲν οὖν περὶ τὸν πρὸς Ἀρμενίους πόλεμον ἅμα τοῖς αὐτοῦ στρατοπέδοις κατεπονεῖτο, τοὺς δὲ λοιποὺς τῶν τὰς ὑπʼ αὐτὸν πόλεις οἰκούντων δεινῶς ὁ λιμός τε ἅμα καὶ λοιμὸς κατετρυχέτην, ὡς ἑνὸς μέτρου πυρῶν δισχιλίας καὶ πεντακοσίας Ἀττικὰς ἀντικαταλλάττεσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) He himself, then, together with his armies, was worn out by the war against the Armenians, while famine and plague together terribly afflicted the rest of those who lived in the cities under him, so that a single measure of wheat was sold for two thousand five hundred Attic drachmas. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.8.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/8/4/). ## Church History 9.8.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/8/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:430 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Countless died in cities and even more in the countryside, nearly emptying the rural census rolls. ### Greek text μυρίοι μὲν οὖν ἐτύγχανον οἱ κατὰ πόλεις θνήσκοντες, πλείους δὲ τούτων οἱ κατʼ ἀγρούς τε καὶ κώμας, ὡς ἤδη καὶ τὰς πάλαι τῶν ἀγροίκων πολυάνδρους ἀπογραφὰς μικροῦ δεῖν παντελῆ παθεῖν ἐξάλειψιν, ἀθρόως σχεδὸν ἁπάντων ἐνδείᾳ τροφῆς καὶ λοιμώδει νόσῳ διεφθαρμένων. ### English translation (Claude) Countless were those who died in the cities, and still more those in the fields and villages, so that the census lists of the country people, once full of names, suffered almost complete erasure, nearly all of them being destroyed at once by lack of food and by the pestilence. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.8.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/8/5/). ## Church History 9.8.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/8/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:430 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: People sold their children for food, sold all they had, or ate grass and poisonous plants and died. ### Greek text τινὲς μὲν οὖν τὰ ἑαυτῶν φίλτατα βραχυτάτης τροφῆς τοῖς εὐπορωτέροις ἀπεμπολᾶν ἠξίουν, ἄλλοι δὲ τὰς κτήσεις κατὰ βραχὺ διαπιπράσκοντες εἰς ἐσχάτην ἐνδείας ἀπορίαν ἤλαυνον· ἤδη δέ τινες σμικρὰ χόρτου διαμασώμενοι σπαράγματα, καί τινας ἀνέδην φθοροποιοὺς ἐσθίοντες πόας, τὴν τῶν σωμάτων ἔξιν λυμαινόμενοι διώλλυντο. ### English translation (Claude) Some thought fit to sell their dearest ones to the wealthier for the smallest scrap of food; others, selling off their possessions little by little, were driven to the extreme of want; and some, chewing small wisps of hay and recklessly eating certain harmful plants, ruined their bodily health and perished. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.8.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/8/6/). ## Church History 9.8.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/8/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:430–431 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Even noblewomen were forced to beg in the marketplaces, still showing their breeding. ### Greek text καὶ γυναίων δὲ τῶν κατὰ πόλεις εὐγενίδων τινὲς, εἰς ἀναίσχυντον ἀνάγκην πρὸς τῆς ἀπορίας ἐλαθεῖσαι, μεταιτεῖν ἐπὶ τῶν ἀγορῶν προεληλύθεσαν, τῆς πάλαι ἐλευθερίου ὑπόδειγμα διὰ τῆς περὶ τὸ πρόσωπον αἰδοῦς καὶ τῆς ἀμφὶ τὴν περιβολὴν κοσμιότητος ὑποφαίνουσαι. ### English translation (Claude) And some well-born women of the cities, driven by want to shameless necessity, came out to beg in the marketplaces, showing a trace of their former liberal upbringing by the modesty of their faces and the decency of their dress. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.8.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/8/7/). ## Church History 9.8.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/8/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:431 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The starving collapsed in the streets, begging for a crumb of bread with their last breath. ### Greek text καὶ οἱ μὲν ἀπεσκληκότες ὥσπερ εἴδωλα νεκρὰ ὧδε κἀκεῖσε ψυχορραγοῦντες, ἐνσειόμενοί τε καὶ περιολισθαίνοντες ὑπʼ ἀδυναμίας τοῦ στῆναι, κατέπιπτον ἐν μέσαις ταῖς πλατείαις, πρηνεῖς δʼ ἡπλωμένοι ὀρέξαι σφίσι μικρὸν τρύφος ἄρτου κατηντιβόλουν, καὶ τὴν ψυχὴν πρὸς ἐσχάταις ἔχοντες ἀναπνοαῖς πεινῆν ἐπεβόων, πρὸς μόνην ταύτην τὴν ὀδυνηροτάτην φωνὴν εὐσθενεῖς καθιστάμενοι· ### English translation (Claude) Some, withered like corpses and gasping out their lives here and there, stumbling and slipping about from inability to stand, fell down in the middle of the streets; stretched out on their faces they begged to be given a little morsel of bread, and with their souls at their last breath they cried out that they were hungry, having strength only for this most painful cry. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.8.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/8/8/). ## Church History 9.8.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/8/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:431 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The rich, fearing the same fate, stopped giving, and naked corpses lay unburied in the streets for days. ### Greek text οἱ δὲ τὴν πληθὺν τῶν αἰτούντων καταπληττόμενοι, ὅσοι τῶν εὐπορωτέρων ἐδόκουν εἶναι, μετὰ τὸ μυρία παρασχεῖν εἰς ἀπηνῆ λοιπὸν καὶ ἄτεγκτον ἐχώρουν διάθεσιν, τὰ αὐτὰ τοῖς αἰτοῦσιν ὅσον οὔπω καὶ αὐτοὶ πείσεσθαι προσδοκῶντες, ὥστʼ ἤδη κατὰ μέσας ἀγορὰς καὶ στενωποὺς νεκρὰ καὶ γυμνὰ σώματα ἐφʼ ἡμέραις πλείοσιν ἄταφα διερριμμένα θέαν τοῖς ὁρῶσιν οἰκτροτάτην παρέχεσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) Others, those who seemed to be among the wealthier, astonished at the multitude of beggars, after giving a great deal turned at last to a hard and unrelenting attitude, expecting that they themselves would soon suffer the same as the beggars; so that now in the middle of the marketplaces and lanes dead and naked bodies lay scattered unburied for many days, presenting a most pitiable sight to those who saw them. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.8.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/8/9/). ## Church History 9.8.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/8/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:431 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Dogs ate the dead, so people killed the dogs for fear they would attack the living. ### Greek text ἤδη γέ τοι καὶ κυνῶν τινὲς ἐγίνοντο βορὰ, διʼ ἣν μάλιστα αἰτίαν οἶ ζῶντες ἐπὶ τὴν κυνοκτονίαν ἐτράποντο, δέει τοῦ μὴ λυσσήσαντας ἀνθρωποφαγίαν ἐργάσασθαι. ### English translation (Claude) Some even became food for dogs, for which reason above all the living turned to killing dogs, for fear that the dogs would go mad and begin to devour people. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.8.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/8/10/). ## Church History 9.8.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/8/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:431 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The plague killed the wealthy whom famine had spared, and the whole city was filled with mourning. ### Greek text οὐχ ἥκιστα δὲ καὶ ὁ λοιμὸς πάντας οἴκους καὶ γενεὰς ἐπεβόσκετο, μάλιστα δʼ οὓς ὁ λιμὸς διὰ τὸ εὐπορεῖν τροφῶν οὐχ οἷός τε ἦν ἐκτρῖψαι. οἱ γοῦν ἐν περιουσίαις, ἄρχοντες καὶ ἡγεμόνες καὶ μυρίοι τῶν ἐν τέλει, ὥσπερ ἐπίτηδες τῇ λοιμώδει νόσῳ πρὸς τοῦ λιμοῦ καταλελειμμένοι, ὀξεῖαν καὶ ὠκυτάτην ὑπέμενον τελευτήν· πάντα δʼ οὖν οἰμωγῶν ἦν ἀνάπλεα, κατὰ πάντας τε στενωποὺς, ἀγοράς τε καὶ πλατείας οὐδʼ ἦν ἄλλο τι θεωρεῖν ἢ θρήνους μετὰ τῶν συνήθων αὐτοῖς αὐλῶν τε καὶ κτύπων. ### English translation (Claude) Not least, the plague too devoured whole houses and families, especially those whom the famine could not wipe out because they had plenty of food. The wealthy, rulers, governors, and countless officials, as if deliberately left by the famine for the pestilence, suffered a swift and most sudden death. Everything was full of wailing, and in all the lanes, marketplaces, and streets nothing else was to be seen but lamentations with their customary flutes and beating of breasts. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.8.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/8/11/). ## Church History 9.8.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/8/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:431–432 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Famine and plague wiped out whole families, and two or three bodies were carried out together. ### Greek text τοῦτον δὴ τὸν τρόπον δυσὶν ὅπλοις τοῖς προδεδηλωμένοις λοιμοῦ τε ὁμοῦ καὶ λιμοῦ στρατεύσας ὁ θάνατος ὅλας ἐν ὀλίγῳ γενεὰς ἐνεμήθη, ὡς ὁρᾶν ἤδη δυεῖν καὶ τριῶν σώματα νεκρῶν ὑπὸ μίαν ἐκφορὰν προκομιζόμενα. ### English translation (Claude) In this way death, campaigning with the two weapons already mentioned, pestilence and famine together, devoured whole families in a short time, so that one could see the bodies of two or three dead carried out in a single funeral procession. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.8.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/8/12/). ## Church History 9.8.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/8/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:432 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: These disasters repaid Maximin's boasts, and the Christians' goodness became evident to all. ### Greek text τοιαῦτα τῆς Μαξιμίνου μεγαλαυχίας καὶ τῶν κατὰ πόλεις καθʼ ἡμῶν ψηφισμάτων τἀπίχειρα ἦν, ὅτε καὶ τῆς Χριστιανῶν περὶ πάντα σπουδῆς τε καὶ εὐσεβείας πᾶσιν ἔθνεσιν διάδηλα κατέστη τὰ τεκμήρια. ### English translation (Claude) Such were the rewards of Maximin's boasting and of the cities' resolutions against us, when the proofs of the Christians' zeal and piety in all things became plain to all the Gentiles. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.8.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/8/13/). ## Church History 9.8.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/8/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:432 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Only the Christians cared for the sick, buried the dead, and fed the hungry, so that pagans praised their God. ### Greek text μόνοι γοῦν ἐν τηλικαύτῃ κακῶν περιστάσει τὸ συμπαθὲς καὶ φιλάνθρωπον ἔργοις αὐτοῖς ἐπιδεικνύμενοι, διὰ πάσης ἡμέρας οἱ μὲν τῇ τῶν θνησκόντων μυριάδες δʼ ἦσαν οἷς οὔτις ἦν ὁ ἐπιμελησόμενος) κηδείᾳ τε καὶ ταφῇ προσεκαρτέρουν, οἶ δὲ τῶν ἀνὰ πᾶσαν τὴν πόλιν πρὸς τοῦ λιμοῦ κατατρυχομένων τὴν πληθὺν ὑπὸ μίαν σύνοψιν ἀθροίζοντες ἄρτους διένεμον τοῖς πᾶσιν, ὡς περιβόητον εἰς πάντας ἀνθρώπους καταστῆναι τὸ πρᾶγμα, θεόν τε τῶν Χριστιανῶν δοξάζειν, εὐσεβεῖς τε καὶ μόνους θεοσεβεῖς τούτους ἀληθῶς, πρὸς αὐτῶν ἐλεγχθέντας τῶν πραγμάτων, ὁμολογεῖν. ### English translation (Claude) For they alone, in such a calamity, showed sympathy and humanity by their very deeds. All day long some of them persevered in caring for and burying the dying (for there were tens of thousands who had no one to care for them), while others gathered in one place the multitude of those throughout the whole city who were wasting away from hunger and distributed bread to them all. So the deed became famous among all people, and they glorified the God of the Christians and confessed that these alone were truly pious and God-fearing, convinced by the facts themselves. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.8.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/8/14/). ## Church History 9.8.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/8/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:432–433 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Having shown his anger at the persecutors, God again gave the Christians peace, showing that he disciplines his people and then shows mercy. ### Greek text ἐφʼ οἷς τοῦτον ἐπιτελουμένοις τὸν τρόπον ὁ μέγας καὶ οὐράνιος Χριστιανῶν ὑπέρμαχος θεὸς τὴν κατὰ πάντων ἀνθρώπων διὰ τῶν δεδηλωμένων ἐπιδειξάμενος ἀπειλὴν καὶ ἀγανάκτησιν ἀνθʼ ὧν εἰς ἡμὰς ὑπερβαλλόντως ἐνεδείξαντο, τὴν εὐμενῆ καὶ φαιδρὰν τῆς αὐτοῦ περὶ ἡμᾶς προνοίας αὖθις ἡμῖν αὐγὴν ἀπεδίδου, ὡς ἐν βαθεῖ σκότῳ παραδοξότατα φῶς ἡμῖν ἐξ αὐτοῦ καταλάμπων εἰρήνης, ἐκφανές τε τοῖς πᾶσι καθιστὰς, θεὸν αὐτὸν τῶν καθʼ ἡμᾶς ἐπίσκοπον διὰ παντὸς γεγονέναι πραγμάτων, μαστίζοντα μὲν καὶ διὰ τῶν περιστάσεων κατὰ καιρὸν ἐπιστρέφοντα τὸν αὐτοῦ λαὸν, πάλιν δʼ αὖ μετὰ τὴν αὐτάρκη παιδείαν ἵλεων καὶ εὐμενῆ τοῖς εἰς αὐτὸν τὰς ἐλπίδας ἔχουσιν ἀναφαινομενον. ### English translation (Claude) When these things had been done in this way, God, the great and heavenly champion of the Christians, having shown through what has been described his threat and indignation against all people for what they had done to us beyond measure, restored to us again the kind and bright radiance of his providence toward us. Most unexpectedly he shone on us the light of peace from himself, as in deep darkness, and made it plain to all that God himself had been the overseer of our affairs throughout, scourging his people and turning them back by afflictions from time to time, but again, after sufficient discipline, showing himself merciful and kind to those who put their hope in him. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.8.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/8/15/). ## Church History 9.9.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:433 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: God raised up Constantine and Licinius against the two tyrants: Maxentius fell to Constantine at Rome, and Maximin soon after to Licinius. ### Greek text . Οὕτω δὴ ὃν βασιλέα ἐκ βασιλέως, εὐσεβῆ τε ἐξ εὐσεβεστάτου καὶ πάντα σωφρονεστάτου γεγονέναι προειρήκαμεν, Λικιννίου ἴου τε τοῦ μετʼ αὐτὸν, συνέσει καὶ εὐσεβείᾳ τετιμημένων, πρὸς τοῦ παμβασιλέως θεοῦ τε τῶν ὅλων καὶ σωτῆρος δύο θεοφιλῶν κατὰ τῶν δύο δυσσεβεστάτων τυράννων ἀνεγηγερμένων, πολέμου τε νόμῳ παραταξαμένων, θεοῦ συμμαχοῦντος αὐτοῖς, παραδοξότατα πίπτει μὲν ἐπὶ Ῥώμης ὑπὸ Κωνσταντίνου Μαξέντιος, ὁ δʼ ἐπʼ ἀνατολῆς οὐ πολὺν ἐπιζήσας ἐκείνῳ χρόνον αἰσχίστῳ καὶ αὐτὸς ὑπὸ Λικιννίου, οὔπω μανέντος τότε, καταστρέφει θανάτῳ. ### English translation (Claude) Thus, when Constantine, whom we have already described as an emperor born of an emperor, a pious son of a most pious and in all things most prudent father, and Licinius after him, both honored for understanding and piety, two men dear to God, had been raised up by God, the King of all and Savior of the universe, against the two most impious tyrants, and had drawn up for war according to the law of war with God as their ally, Maxentius fell at Rome at the hands of Constantine in a most extraordinary way, and the tyrant of the East, surviving him not long, himself also perished by a most shameful death at the hands of Licinius, who had not yet gone mad. ### Translation notes - The digital text lacks Constantine's name here and has a stray ἴου after Λικιννίου; the sense is clear from the context. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.9.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/1/). ## Church History 9.9.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:433 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Constantine, praying to God and Christ for help, marched on Rome to free it. ### Greek text πρότερός γε μὴν ὁ καὶ τιμῇ καὶ τάξει τῆς βασιλείας πρῶτος Κωνσταντῖνος, τῶν ἐπὶ Ῥώμης κατατυραννουμένων φειδὼ λαβὼν, θεὸν τὸν οὐράνιον, τόν τε τούτου λόγον, αὐτὸν δὴ τὸν πάντων σωτῆρα Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν σύμμαχον διʼ εὐχῶν ἐπικαλεσάμενος, πρόεισι πανστρατιᾷ, Ῥωμαίοις τὰ τῆς ἐκ προγόνων ἐλευθερίας προμνώμενος. ### English translation (Claude) First, Constantine, who was first in both honor and rank of empire, taking pity on those oppressed by the tyrant at Rome, and calling upon God in heaven and his Word, Jesus Christ himself, the Savior of all, as his ally in prayer, advanced with his whole army, seeking to restore to the Romans their ancestral freedom. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.9.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/2/). ## Church History 9.9.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:433–434 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Maxentius hid in Rome relying on sorcery, while Constantine defeated his armies and approached the city. ### Greek text Μαξεντίου δῆτα μᾶλλον ταῖς κατὰ γοητείαν μηχαναῖς ἢ τῇ τῶν ὑπηκόων ἐπιθαρσοῦντος εὐνοίᾳ, προελθεῖν γε μὴν οὐδʼ ὅσον πυλῶν τοῦ ἄστεος ἐπιτολμῶντος, ὁπλιτῶν δʼ ἀνηρίθμῳ πλήθει καὶ στρατοπέδων λόχοις μυρίοις πάντα τόπον καὶ χώραν καὶ πόλιν, ὅση τις ἐν κύκλῳ τῆς Ῥωμαίων καὶ Ἰταλίας ἀπάσης ὑπʼ αὐτῷ δεδούλωτο, φραξαμένου, ὁ τῆς ἐκ θεοῦ συμμαχίας ἀνημμένος βασιλεὺς ἐπιὼν πρώτῃ καὶ δευτέρᾳ καὶ τρίτῃ τοῦ τυράννου παρατάξει, εὖ μάλα τε πάσας ἑλὼν, πρόεισιν ἐπὶ πλεῖστον ὅσον τῆς Ἰταλίας, ἤδη τε αὐτῆς Ῥώμης ἄγχιστα ἦν· ### English translation (Claude) Maxentius trusted rather in the devices of sorcery than in the loyalty of his subjects, and did not dare to go even a little way beyond the gates of the city, but fortified every place, region, and city around Rome and all Italy that he had enslaved with a countless multitude of soldiers and innumerable companies of troops. The emperor, relying on the alliance of God, attacked the tyrant's first, second, and third battle lines, took them all with ease, advanced over the greater part of Italy, and was already very close to Rome itself. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.9.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/3/). ## Church History 9.9.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:434 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: God drew Maxentius out of the city, confirming before all eyes the biblical stories of God's judgment on the wicked. ### Greek text εἷθʼ ὡς μὴ τοῦ τυράννου χάριν Ῥωμαίοις πολεμεῖν ἀναγκάζοιτο, θεὸς αὐτὸς δεσμοῖς τισιν ὥσπερ τὸν τύραννον πορρωτάτω πυλῶν ἐξέλκει, καὶ τὰ πάλαι δὴ κατὰ ἀσεβῶν ὡς ἐν μύθου λόγῳ παρὰ τοῖς πλείστοις ἀπιστούμενα, πιστά γε μὴν πιστοῖς ἐν ἱεραῖς βίβλοις ἐστηλιτευμένα, αὐτῇ ἐναργείᾳ πᾶσιν ἁπλῶς εἰπεῖν πιστοῖς καὶ ἀπίστοις, ὀφθαλμοῖς τὰ παράδοξα παρειληφόσιν ἐπιστώσατο. ### English translation (Claude) Then, so that he might not be forced to make war on the Romans because of the tyrant, God himself drew the tyrant, as if by chains, very far out from the gates, and confirmed by clear sight to all, believers and unbelievers alike, whose eyes witnessed the marvels, what had been recorded long ago against the ungodly in the sacred books, which most people disbelieved as a myth but which the faithful believed. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.9.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/4/). ## Church History 9.9.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:434 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Like Pharaoh's army in the Red Sea, Maxentius and his troops sank in the river on the bridge of boats he had made. ### Greek text ὥσπερ οὑν ἐπʼ αὐτοῦ Μωυσέως καὶ τοῦ πάλαι θεοσεβοῦς Ἑβραίων γένους “ἅρματα Φαραὼ καὶ τὴν δύναμιν αὐτοῦ ἔρριψεν θάλασσαν, ἐπιλέκτους ἀναβάτας τριστάτας κατεπόντισεν ἐν θαλάσσῃ ἐρυθρᾷ, πόντῳ ἐκάλυψεν αὐτούς”, κατὰ τὰ αὐτὰ δὴ καὶ Μαξέντιος οἵ τε ἀμφʼ αὐτὸν ὁπλῖται καὶ δορυφόροι “ἔδυσαν εἰς βυθὸν ὡσεὶ λίθος”, ὁπηνίκα νῶτα δοὺς τῇ ἐκ θεοῦ μετὰ Κωνσταντίνου δυνάμει τὸν πρὸ τῆς πορείας διῄει ποταμὸν, ὃν αὐτὸς σκάφεσι ζεύξας καὶ εὖ μάλα γεφυρώσας μηχανὴν ὀλέθρου καθʼ ἑαυτοῦ συνεστήσατο. ### English translation (Claude) For as in the time of Moses himself and the ancient godly race of the Hebrews, “Pharaoh's chariots and his army he cast into the sea; his chosen horsemen, his captains, he drowned in the Red Sea; he covered them with the deep,” in the same way Maxentius and the soldiers and guards around him “sank into the depth like a stone,” when, turning his back before the power that came from God with Constantine, he crossed the river in his way, which he himself had bridged with boats, and so had built an engine of destruction against himself. ### Scripture references - Exod 15:4–5: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotations are Exod 15:4–5. The river is the Tiber at the Milvian Bridge (312). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.9.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/5/). ## Church History 9.9.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:434 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The psalm about the wicked falling into their own pit fits Maxentius. ### Greek text ἐφʼ ᾧ ἦν ἂν εἰπεῖν “λάκκον ὤρυξε καὶ ἀνέσκαψεν αὐτὸν, καὶ ἐμπεσεῖται εἰς βόθρον ὃν εἰργάσατο. ἐπιστρέψει ὁ πόνος αὐτοῦ εἰς κεφαλὴν αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐπὶ κορυφὴν αὐτοῦ ἡ ἀδικία αὐτοῦ καταβήσεται.” ### English translation (Claude) Of him one could say: “He dug a pit and hollowed it out, and he will fall into the hole that he made. His labor will return on his own head, and his injustice will come down on his own crown.” ### Scripture references - Ps 7:15–16 (7:16-Ps LXX): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Ps 7:15–16 (7:16–17 LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.9.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/6/). ## Church History 9.9.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:434 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The bridge collapsed, and Maxentius and his guards sank like lead. ### Greek text ταύτῃ δῆτα τοῦ ἐπὶ τοῦ ποταμοῦ ζεύγματος διαλυθέντος ὑφιζάνει μὲν ἡ διάβασις, χωρεῖ δʼ ἀθρόως αὔτανδρα κατὰ τοῦ βυθοῦ τὰ σκάφη, καὶ αὐτός γε πρῶτος ὁ δυσσεβέστατος, εἶτα δὲ καὶ οἶ ἀμφʼ αὐτὸν ὑπασπισταὶ, ᾗ τὰ θεῖα προαναφωνεῖ λόγια ‘ἔδυσαν ὡσεὶ μόλυβδος ἐν ὕδατι σφοδρῷ· ” ### English translation (Claude) So when the bridge over the river broke apart, the crossing gave way, and the boats with their men went down all at once into the depth: first that most impious man himself, then the shield-bearers around him, as the divine oracles foretell, “sank like lead in the mighty water.” ### Scripture references - Exod 15:10: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Exod 15:10. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.9.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/7/). ## Church History 9.9.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:434–435 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The victors could rightly sing the Song of Moses over the drowned tyrant. ### Greek text ὥστε εἰκότως εἰ μὴ λόγοις, ἔργοις δʼ οὖν ὁμοίως τοῖς ἀμφὶ τὸν μέγαν θεράποντα Μωυσέα, τοὺς παρὰ θεοῦ τὴν νίκην ἀραμένους αὐτὰ δὴ τὰ κατὰ τοῦ πάλαι δυσσεβοῦς τυράννου ὧδέ πως ἀνυμνεῖν καὶ λέγειν “ᾄσωμεν τῷ κυρίῳ, ἐνδόξως γὰρ δεδόξασται. ἵππον καὶ ἀναβάτην ἔρριψεν εἰς θάλασσαν· βοηθὸς καὶ σκεπαστής μου κύριος ἐγένετό μοι εἰς σωτηρίαν·’ καὶ “τίς ὅμοιός σοι ἐν θεοῖς, κύριε, τίς ὅμοιός σοι; ἐν ἁγίοις, θαυμαστὸς ἐν δόξαις, ποιῶν τέρατα.” ### English translation (Claude) So that those who had won the victory from God might fittingly, if not in words then in deeds, like those with Moses the great servant, sing in some such way the very words spoken against the ungodly tyrant of old: “Let us sing to the Lord, for he has been gloriously glorified; horse and rider he has cast into the sea. The Lord has become my helper and protector, for salvation”; and “Who is like you among the gods, O Lord, who is like you? Glorious among the holy ones, wonderful in glories, doing wonders.” ### Scripture references - Exod 15:1–2: quotation, high confidence - Exod 15:11: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotations are Exod 15:1–2 and 15:11. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.9.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/8/). ## Church History 9.9.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:435 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Constantine entered Rome in triumph and was welcomed by all as savior and benefactor. ### Greek text ταῦτά τε καὶ ὅσα τούτοις ἀδελφά τε καὶ ἐμφερῆ Κωνσταντῖνος τῷ πανηγεμόνι καὶ τῆς νίκης αἰτίῳ θεῷ αὐτοῖς ἔργοις ἀνυμνήσας, ἐπὶ Ῥώμης μετʼ ἐπινικίων εἰσήλαυνε, πάντων ἀθρόως αὐτὸν ἅμα κομιδῆ νηπίοις καὶ γυναιξὶ, τῶν τε ἀπὸ τῆς συγκλήτου βουλῆς καὶ τῶν ἄλλων διασημοτάτων σὺν παντὶ δήμῳ Ῥωμαίων φαιδροῖς ὄμμασιν, αὐταῖς ψυχαῖς, οἶα λυτρωτὴν, σωτῆρά τε καὶ εὐεργέτην μετʼ εὐφημιῶν καὶ ἀπλήστου χαρᾶς ὑποδεχομένων. ### English translation (Claude) Having praised in his very deeds God, the ruler of all and author of the victory, with these and similar hymns, Constantine rode into Rome in triumph. All together, with infants and women, members of the senate and other most distinguished men, with the whole Roman people, received him with shining eyes and with their whole souls as a redeemer, savior, and benefactor, with acclamations and unbounded joy. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.9.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/9/). ## Church History 9.9.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:435 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Unmoved by praise, Constantine had his statue in Rome hold the cross and ordered an inscription. ### Greek text ὁ δʼ ὥσπερ ἔμφυτον τὴν εἰς θεὸν εὐσέβειαν κεκτημένος, μηδʼ ὅλως ἐπὶ ταῖς βοαῖς ὑποσαλευόμενος, μηδʼ ἐπαιρόμενος τοῖς ἐπαίνοις, εὖ μάλα τῆς ἐκ θεοῦ συναισθόμενος βοηθείας, αὐτίκα τοῦ σωτηρίου τρόπαιον πάθους ὑπὸ χεῖρα ἰδίας εἰκόνος ἀνατεθῆναι προστάττει· καὶ δὴ τὸ σωτήριον τοῦ σταυροῦ σημεῖον ἐπὶ τῇ δεξιᾷ κατέχοντα αὐτὸν ἐν τῷ μάλιστα τῶν ἐπὶ Ῥώμης δεδημοσιευμένῳ τόπῳ στήσαντες, αὐτὴν δὴ ταύτην ὑπογραφὴν ἐντάξαι ῥήμασιν αὐτοῖς τῇ Ῥωμαίων ἐγκελεύεται φωνῇ· ### English translation (Claude) But he, having piety toward God as if inborn, was not at all shaken by the shouts nor lifted up by the praises, but was well aware of the help that had come from God, and at once ordered a trophy of the saving passion to be set up in the hand of his own statue. And when they set him up holding the saving sign of the cross in his right hand in the most public place in Rome, he commanded that this very inscription be engraved in these words in the language of the Romans: ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.9.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/10/). ## Church History 9.9.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:435–436 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The inscription credits the saving sign with freeing Rome, the senate, and the people. ### Greek text “τούτῳ τῷ σωτηριώδει σημείῳ, τῷ ἀληθινῷ ἐλέγχῳ τῆς ἀνδρείας, τὴν πόλιν ὑμῶν ἀπὸ ζυγοῦ τοῦ τυράννου διασωθεῖσαν ἠλευθέρωσα· ἔτι μὴν καὶ τὴν σύγκλητον καὶ τὸν δῆμον Ῥωμαίων τῇ ἀρχαίᾳ ἐπιφανείᾳ καὶ τῇ λαμπρότητι ἐλευθερώσας ἀποκατέστησα.” ### English translation (Claude) “By this saving sign, the true proof of courage, I have saved your city and freed it from the yoke of the tyrant; and moreover I have set free the senate and the Roman people and restored them to their ancient distinction and splendor.” ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.9.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/11/). ## Church History 9.9.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:436 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Constantine and Licinius issued a full law for the Christians and sent it, with news of the victory, to Maximin. ### Greek text καὶ δὴ ἐπὶ τούτοις αὐτός τε Κωνσταντῖνος καὶ σὺν αὐτῷ βασιλεὺς Λικίννιος (οὔπω τότε ἐφʼ ἣν ὕστερον ἐκπέπτωκε μανίαν τὴν διάνοιαν ἐκτραπεὶς) θεὸν τὸν τῶν ἀγαθῶν αὐτοῖς αἴτιον εὐμενίσαντες ἄμφω μιᾷ βουλῇ καὶ γνώμῃ νόμον ὑπὲρ Χριστιανῶν τελεώτατον πληρέστατα διατυποῦνται, καὶ τῶν πεπραγμένων εἰς αὐτοὺς ἐκ θεοῦ τὰ παράδοξα, τά τε τῆς κατὰ τοῦ τυράννου νίκης, καὶ τὸν νόμον αὐτὸν Μαξιμίνῳ τῶν ἐπʼ ἀνατολῆς ἐθνῶν ἔτι δυναστεύοντι, φιλίαν τε πρὸς αὐτοὺς ὑποκοριζομένῳ, διαπέμπονται. ### English translation (Claude) After this Constantine himself, and with him the emperor Licinius (whose mind had not yet turned to the madness into which he later fell), having propitiated God, the author of all their blessings, both with one will and purpose drew up a most perfect and complete law on behalf of the Christians, and sent an account of the wonderful things done for them by God and of the victory over the tyrant, together with the law itself, to Maximin, who still ruled the nations of the East and pretended friendship toward them. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.9.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/12/). ## Church History 9.9.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:436 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Maximin, unwilling to appear to yield, issued a letter for the Christians as if on his own authority, full of falsehoods. ### Greek text ὁ δʼ οἶα τύραννος περιαλγὴς ἐφʼ οἶς ἔγνω γεγενημένος, εἶτα μὴ δοκεῖν ἑτέροις εἶξαι βουλόμενος, μηδʼ αὖ παρεκθέσθαι τὸ κελευσθὲν δέει τῶν προστεταχότων, ὡσὰν ἐξ ἰδίας αὐθεντίας τοῖς ὑπʼ αὐτὸν ἡγεμόσι τοῦτο πρῶτον ὑπὲρ Χριστιανῶν ἐπάναγκες διαχαράττει τὸ γράμμα, τὰ μηδέπω ποτὲ πρὸς αὐτοῦ πεπραγμένα ἐπιπλάστως αὐτὸς καθʼ ἑαυτοῦ ψευδόμενος. Ἀντίγραφον ἑρμηνείας ἐπιστολῆς τοῦ τυράννου Μαξιμίνου. “ ### English translation (Claude) He, being a tyrant, was deeply pained at what he learned; then, not wishing to seem to yield to others, nor again to suppress what had been ordered, for fear of those who had commanded it, as though on his own authority he wrote, under compulsion, this first letter on behalf of the Christians to the governors under him, falsely inventing against himself things he had never done. Copy of a translation of the letter of the tyrant Maximin. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.9.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/13/). ## Church History 9.9.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:436–437 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Maximin's letter recalls that Diocletian and Maximian had ordered those who had left the gods for Christianity to be forced back by punishment. ### Greek text Ἰόβιος Μαξιμῖνος σεβαστὸς Σαβίνῳ. καὶ “παρὰ τῇ σῇ στιβαρότητι καὶ παρὰ πᾶσιν ἀνθρώ- “ποις φανερὸν εἶναι πέποιθα τοὺς δεσπότας ἡμῶν ‘Διοκλητιανὸν καὶ Μαξιμιανὸν, τοὺς ἡμετέρους “πατέρας, ἡνίκα συνεῖδον σχεδὸν ἅπαντας ἀνθρώπους, “καταλειφθείσης τῆς τῶν θεῶν θρησκείας, τῷ ἔθνει “τῶν Χριστιανῶν ἑαυτοὺς συμμεμιχότας, “διατεταχέναι, πάντας ἀνθρώπους τοὺς ἀπὸ “τῶν αὐτῶν θεῶν τῶν ἀθανάτων θρησκείας “χωρήσαντας προδήλῳ κολάσει καὶ τιμωρίᾳ εἰς τὴν “θρησκείαν τῶν θεῶν ἀνακληθῆναι. ### English translation (Claude) [Letter of Maximin to Sabinus:] “Jovius Maximinus Augustus to Sabinus. I am confident that it is evident both to your firmness and to all people that our masters Diocletian and Maximian, our fathers, when they saw that almost all people had abandoned the worship of the gods and joined themselves to the nation of the Christians, rightly ordered that all people who had departed from the worship of their immortal gods should be recalled to the worship of the gods by open chastisement and punishment. ### Translation notes - The letter dates from late 312. The digital text is defective in several words; a word such as “rightly” seems to be lost before διατεταχέναι. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.9.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/14/). ## Church History 9.9.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:437 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Maximin claims that on arriving in the East he ordered judges to stop banishing people and to win them back to the gods by persuasion. ### Greek text ἀλλʼ ὅτε “ἐγὼ εὐτυχῶς τὸ πρῶτον εἰς τὴν ἀνατολὴν παρεγε- ‘νόμην, καὶ ἔγνων εἴς τινας τόπους πλείστους ἀνθρώπων τὰ δημόσια ὠφελεῖν δυναμένους ὑπὸ τῶν δικαστῶν διὰ τὴν προειρημένην αἰτίαν ἐξορίζεσθαι, ἑκάστῳ τῶν δικαστῶν ἐντολὰς δέδωκα, ὥστε μηδένα τούτων τοῦ λοιποῦ προσφέρεσθαι τοῖς “ἐπαρχιώταις ἀπηνῶς, ἀλλὰ μᾶλλον κολακείᾳ καὶ “προτροπαῖς πρὸς τὴν τῶν θεῶν θρησκείαν αὐτοὺς ἀνακαλεῖν. ### English translation (Claude) But when I first came happily to the East and learned that in some places very many people who were able to serve the public good were being banished by the judges for the reason stated, I gave orders to each of the judges that henceforth none of them should treat the provincials harshly, but should rather recall them to the worship of the gods by flattery and exhortation. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.9.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/15/). ## Church History 9.9.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/16/ - Source: Dindorf 4:437 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: He claims that under his orders no one was banished or abused, and many returned to the gods. ### Greek text τηνικαῦτα οὖν ὅτε ἀκολούθως τῇ κελεύσει τῇ ἐμῇ ὑπὸ τῶν δικαστῶν ἐφυλάττετο τὰ “προστεταγμένα, συνέβαινε μηδένα ἐκ τῶν τῆς ἀνα- “τολῆς μερῶν μήτε ἐξόριστον μήτε ἐνύβριστον “σθαι, ἀλλὰ μᾶλλον ἐκ τοῦ μὴ βαρέως κατʼ “τι γίνεσθαι εἰς τὴν τῶν θεῶν θρησκείαν ἀνακεκλῆ- ‘σκθαι. ### English translation (Claude) Then, while what I had commanded was observed by the judges in accordance with my order, it came about that no one in the regions of the East was banished or insulted, but rather, since nothing harsh was done against them, they were recalled to the worship of the gods. ### Translation notes - Several words are defective in the digital text here; the sense is clear. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.9.16 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/16/). ## Church History 9.9.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/17/ - Source: Dindorf 4:437 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: At Nicomedia citizens came with their gods' images asking that Christians not be allowed to live in their city. ### Greek text μετὰ δὲ ταῦτα, ὅτε τῷ παρελθόντι “ἐνιαυτῷ εὐτυχῶς ἐπέβην εἰς τὴν Νικομήδειαν κἀκεῖ ‘διετέλουν, παρεγένοντο πολῖται τῆς αὐτῆς πόλεως “πρός με ἅμα μετὰ τῶν ξοάνων τῶν θεῶν, μειζόνως “δεόμενοι, ἵνα παντὶ τρόπῳ τὸ τοιοῦτον ἔθνος μη- “δαμῶς ἐπιτρέποιτο ἐν τῇ αὐτῶν πατρίδι οἰκεῖν. ‘ ### English translation (Claude) After this, when last year I happily went up to Nicomedia and was staying there, citizens of that city came to me together with the images of the gods, earnestly asking that such a nation should by no means be permitted to live in their city. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.9.17 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/17/). ## Church History 9.9.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/18/ - Source: Dindorf 4:437 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Maximin says he thanked Nicomedia but left each person free, since not all had asked it. ### Greek text ἀλλʼ ὅτε ἔγνων πλείστους τῆς αὐτῆς ἄνδρας ἐν αὐτοῖς τοῖς μέρεσιν οἰκεῖν, οὕτως αὐτοῖς τὰς ἀποκρίσεις ἀπένεμον, ὅτι τῇ μὲν αἰτήσει αὐτῶν ἀσμένως χάριν ἔσχηκα, ἀλλʼ οὐ παρὰ πάντων ‘τοῦτο αἰτηθὲν κατεῖδον· εἰ μὲν οὖν τινὲς εἶεν τῇ “αὐτῇ δεισιδαιμονίᾳ διαμένοντες, οὕτως ἔνα ἕκαστον ‘ἐν τῇ ἰδίᾳ προαιρέσει τὴν βούλησιν ἔχειν, καὶ εἰ βούλοιντο τὴν τῶν θεῶν θρησκείαν ἐπιγινώσκειν. “ ### English translation (Claude) But when I learned that very many men of that religion lived in those very parts, I gave them this answer: that I gladly thanked them for their request, but saw that it was not asked by all; if, therefore, there were some who persisted in the same superstition, each should have the choice in his own free will, even if they wished to acknowledge the worship of the gods. ### Translation notes - The last clause is obscure in the digital text; translated literally. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.9.18 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/18/). ## Church History 9.9.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/19/ - Source: Dindorf 4:437–438 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Still, he says, he had to grant the cities' requests to expel Christians, as the gods and former emperors approved. ### Greek text ὅμως καὶ τοῖς τῆς αὐτῆς πόλεως “καὶ ταῖς λοιπαῖς πόλεσιν, αἱ καὶ αὐταὶ εἰς τοσοῦτον τὴν ὁμοίαν αἴτησιν περισπουδάστως πρός με “πεποιήκασιν, δηλονότι ἵνα μηδὲ εἷς τῶν Χριστια- “νῶν ταῖς πόλεσιν ἐνοικοίη, ἀνάγκην ἔσχον ἀποκρίνασθαι, ὅτι δὴ αὐτὸ τοῦτο καὶ οἶ ἀρ- “χαῖοι αὐτοκράτορες πάντες διεφύλαξαν, καὶ “τοῖς θεοῖς, διʼ οὓς πάντες ἄνθρωποι καὶ αὐτὴ ἡ “τῶν δημοσίων διοίκησις συνίσταται, ἤρεσεν ‘ὥστε τὴν τοσαύτην αἴτησιν, ἣν ὑπὲρ τῆς θρησκείας “τοῦ θείου αὐτῶν ἀναφέρουσι, βεβαιώσαιμι. ### English translation (Claude) Nevertheless, to the people of that city and to the other cities, which also made the same request to me with such great earnestness, namely that no Christian should live in their cities, I was obliged to reply favorably, because all the emperors of old had observed this very practice, and it pleased the gods, through whom all people and the administration of the state itself subsist, that I should confirm such a request, which they were making on behalf of the worship of their deity. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.9.19 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/19/). ## Church History 9.9.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/20/ - Source: Dindorf 4:438 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: He reminds Sabinus that Christians are to be treated gently and protected from abuse by officials, and won over by persuasion. ### Greek text “γαροῦν εἰ καὶ τὰ μάλιστα καὶ τῇ σῇ “πρὸ τούτου τοῦ χρόνου διὰ γραμμάτων ἐπέσταλται, “καὶ διʼ ἐντολῶν ὁμοίως κεκέλευσται, ἵνα μὴ “τῶν ἐπαρχιωτῶν τὸ τοιοῦτον ἔθνος ἐπιμεληθέντων μηδὲν τραχέως, ἀλλὰ ἀνεξικάκως “καὶ συμμέτρως συμπεριφέροιντο αὐτοῖς, ὅμως “μήτε ὑπὸ τῶν βενεφικιαλίων μήτε ὑπʼ ἄλλων “τυχόντων ὕβρεις μηδὲ σεισμοὺς ὑπομένοιεν, ἀκό- “λουθον ἐνόμισα καὶ τούτοις τοῖς γράμμασι τὴν σὴν “στιβαρότητα ὑπομνῆσαι, ὅπως ταῖς κολακείαις ‘ταῖς προτροπαῖς μᾶλλον τὴν τῶν θεῶν τοὺς ἡμετέρους ἐπαρχιώτας ποιήσειας ἐπιγινώσκειν. “ ### English translation (Claude) Therefore, although before this time it has been written to your devotion by letters and likewise commanded by instructions that no harsh measures be taken against those of the provincials who wish to follow such a way of life, but that they be dealt with patiently and moderately, nevertheless, so that they may suffer no insults or extortions from the beneficiarii or from anyone else, I thought it fitting to remind your firmness by this letter also that you should rather make our provincials acknowledge the worship of the gods by flattery and exhortations. ### Translation notes - The digital text is defective in several words here (e.g. τοιγαροῦν, “worship” after τὴν τῶν θεῶν); translated from the evident sense. Beneficiarii were soldiers on special duty used as police. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.9.20 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/20/). ## Church History 9.9.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/21/ - Source: Dindorf 4:438 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Converts to paganism should be welcomed, but those who keep their religion should be left free. ### Greek text ὅθεν εἴ τις τῇ αὑτοῦ προαιρέσει τὴν “τῶν θεῶν ἐπιγνωστέον προσλάβοι, τούτους “δέξασθαι προσήκει, εἰ δέ τινες τῇ ἰδίᾳ θρησκείᾳ “ἀκολουθεῖν βούλοιντο, ἐν τῇ αὐτῶν ἐξουσίᾳ κατα- “λίποις. ### English translation (Claude) Hence, if anyone by his own choice should decide to adopt the worship of the gods, it is proper to welcome them; but if some wish to follow their own religion, you should leave them in their own power. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.9.21 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/21/). ## Church History 9.9.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/22/ - Source: Dindorf 4:438–439 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Sabinus is to prevent abuses and publish the order by edict. ### Greek text διόπερ ἡ σὴ καθοσίωσις τὸ ἐπιτραπέν ‘σοι διαφυλάττειν ὀφείλει, καὶ μηδενὶ ἐξουσία δοθῇ “ὥστε τοὺς ἡμετέρους ἐπαρχιώτας ὕβρεσι καὶ σει- “σμοῖς ἐπιτρῖψαι, ὁπότε, ὥσπερ προγέγραπται, προτροπαῖς μᾶλλον καὶ ταῖς κολακείαις πρὸς τὴν “τῶν θεῶν θρησκείαν τοὺς ἡμετέρους προσήκει ἀνακαλεῖν. ἵνα δὲ αὕτη ἡμῶν ἡ κέλευσις “εἰς γνῶσιν πάντων τῶν ἐπαρχιωτῶν τῶν “ἔλθη, διατάγματι ὑπὸ σοῦ προτεθέντι τὸ κεκε- “λευσμένον ὀφείλεις δηλῶσαι.” ### English translation (Claude) Wherefore your devotion ought to observe what has been entrusted to you, and no one is to be given power to oppress our provincials with insults and extortions, since, as has been written above, it is proper rather to recall our people to the worship of the gods by exhortations and flatteries. And so that this our command may come to the knowledge of all our provincials, you ought to make known what has been commanded by an edict published by you.” ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.9.22 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/22/). ## Church History 9.9.23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/23/ - Source: Dindorf 4:439 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Because Maximin acted under compulsion and had broken faith before, no one trusted him. ### Greek text ταῦθʼ ὑπὸ τῆς ἀνάγκης ἐκβεβιασμένος, ἀλλʼ οὐ κατὰ γνώμην τὴν αὑτοῦ διακελευσαμένος, οὐκέτʼ ἀληθὴς οὐδʼ ἀξιόπιστος παρὰ τοῖς πᾶσιν ἦν, τῆς πρόσθεν ἤδη μετὰ τὴν ὁμοίαν συγχώρησιν παλιμβόλου καὶ διεψευσμένης αὐτοῦ γνώμης ἕνεκα. ### English translation (Claude) Since he issued these orders forced by necessity and not according to his own will, he was no longer considered truthful or trustworthy by anyone, because his mind had already proved changeable and false after the similar concession before. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.9.23 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/23/). ## Church History 9.9.24 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/24/ - Source: Dindorf 4:439 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christians still did not dare to assemble, since the letter gave only freedom from harassment, not freedom to meet or build churches. ### Greek text οὔκουν ἐτόλμα τις τῶν ἡμετέρων σύνοδον συγκροτεῖν, οὐδʼ ἑαυτὸν ἐν φανερῷ καταστήσασθαι, ὅτι μηδὲ τοῦτʼ ἤθελεν αὐτῷ τὸ γράμμα, αὐτὸ μόνον τὸ ἀνεπηρέαστον ἡμῖν ἐπιτρέπον φυλάττεσθαι, οὐ μὴν συνόδους ἐπικελεῦον ποιεῖσθαι, οὐδʼ οἴκους ἐκκλησιῶν οἰκοδομεῖν, οὐδʼ ἄλλο τι τῶν συνήθων ἡμῖν διαπράττεσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) So none of our people dared to hold an assembly or even to show himself in public, because the letter did not intend even this, permitting only that we be kept from molestation, but not ordering that we hold assemblies, or build church buildings, or do any other of our customary things. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.9.24 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/24/). ## Church History 9.9.25 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/25/ - Source: Dindorf 4:439 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Though Constantine and Licinius had granted full freedom, Maximin yielded only when forced by divine justice. ### Greek text καίτοι γε ταῦθʼ οἱ τῆς εἰρήνης καὶ εὐσεβείας προήγοροι ἐπεστάλκεσαν καὶ Λικίννιος αὐτῷ τε ἐπιτρέπειν ἐπεστάλκεσαν καὶ τοῖς ὑπʼ αὐτοὺς ἅπασι διὰ προγραμμάτων καὶ νόμων συγκεχωρήκεσαν. οὐ μὴν ὁ δυσσεβέστατος ταύτῃ ἐνδοῦναι προῄρητο, εἰ μὴ ὅτε πρὸς τῆς θείας συνελαθεὶς δίκης ὕστατόν γε ἄκων ἐπὶ τοῦτʼ ἤχθη. ### English translation (Claude) And yet the champions of peace and piety had written to him to permit these things, and had granted them to all their own subjects by proclamations and laws. But the most impious man did not choose to yield in this way, until, driven by divine justice, he was at last brought to it against his will. ### Translation notes - The digital text repeats ἐπεστάλκεσαν and has καὶ Λικίννιος oddly placed; translated from the sense. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.9.25 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/9/25/). ## Church History 9.10.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/10/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:439 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Maximin, unfit for rule and swollen with pride, began to claim first place over his far better colleagues. ### Greek text Ἐκπεριῆλθε δʼ αὐτὸν τοιαύτη τις αἰτία· τὸ μέγεθος τῆς οὐ κατʼ ἀξίαν ἐπιτραπείσης ἡγεμονίας αὐτῷ μηκέθʼ οἷός τε φέρειν, ἀλλὰ διʼ ἀπειρίαν σώφρονος καὶ βασιλικοῦ λογισμοῦ ἀπειροκάλως τοῖς πράγμασιν ἐγχειρῶν, ἐπὶ πᾶσί τε ὑπερηφανίας μεγαλαυχίᾳ τὴν ψυχὴν ἀλόγως ἀρθεὶς, ἤδη καὶ κατὰ τῶν τῆς βασιλείας κοινωνῶν, τὰ πάντα αὐτοῦ διαφερόντων γένει καὶ τροφῇ καὶ παιδείᾳ, ἀξιώματί τε καὶ συνέσει, καὶ τῷ γε πάντων κορυφαιοτάτῳ, σωφροσύνῃ καὶ τῇ περὶ τὸν ἀληθῆ θεὸν εὐσεβείᾳ, τολμᾶν ὥρμητο θρασύνεσθαι, καὶ πρῶτον ἑαυτὸν ταῖς τιμαῖς ἀναγορεύειν. ### English translation (Claude) The following cause overtook him. No longer able to bear the greatness of the government unworthily entrusted to him, but handling affairs tastelessly for lack of a prudent and royal mind, and senselessly lifted up in soul by the boastfulness of arrogance in all things, he now set out to act insolently even against his partners in the empire, who surpassed him in everything, in family, upbringing, education, rank, and intelligence, and in what is chief of all, self-control and piety toward the true God, and to proclaim himself first in honors. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.10.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/10/1/). ## Church History 9.10.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/10/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:439–440 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Maximin broke his treaty with Licinius and marched to war trusting in demons and his huge army. ### Greek text ἐπιτείνας δὲ εἰς ἀπόνοιαν τὰ τῆς μανίας, συνθήκας ἃς πρὸς Λικίννιον πεποίητο παρασπονδήσας, πόλεμον ἄσπονδον αἴρεται· εἶτʼ ἐν βραχεῖ τὰ πάντα κυκήσας, πᾶσάν τε πόλιν ἐκταράξας, καὶ πᾶν στρατόπεδον μυριάδων τὸ πλῆθος ἀνηρίθμων συναγαγὼν, ἔξεισιν εἰς μάχην αὐτῷ παραταξάμενος, δαιμόνων ἐλπίσιν ὧν δὴ ᾤετο θεῶν καὶ ταῖς τῶν ὁπλιτῶν μυριάσι τὴν ψυχὴν ἐπηρμένος. ### English translation (Claude) Pushing his madness to folly, he broke the treaty he had made with Licinius and began a war without truce. Then, having thrown everything into confusion in a short time, disturbed every city, and gathered his whole army of countless tens of thousands, he went out to battle drawn up against him, his soul lifted up by hopes in demons whom he thought gods and by his myriads of soldiers. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.10.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/10/2/). ## Church History 9.10.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/10/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:440 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: In battle God abandoned Maximin and gave Licinius the victory. ### Greek text καὶ δὴ συμβαλὼν εἰς χεῖρας ἔρημος τῆς ἐκ θεοῦ καθίσταται ἐπισκοπῆς, Λικιννίῳ τῆς νίκης ἐξ αὐτοῦ τοῦ πάντων ἑνὸς καὶ μόνου θεοῦ πρυτανευθείσης. ### English translation (Claude) And when he joined battle he found himself bereft of God's oversight, the victory being granted to Licinius by the one and only God of all. ### Translation notes - The battle was fought near Adrianople in 313. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.10.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/10/3/). ## Church History 9.10.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/10/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:440 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Maximin's army was destroyed; he threw off his imperial robes, fled in disguise, and hid in the countryside. ### Greek text ἀπόλλυσι δὴ πρῶτον τὸ ἐφʼ ᾧ πεποίθει ὁπλιτικὸν, τῶν τε ἀμφʼ αὐτὸν δορυφόρων γυμνὸν καὶ πάντων ἔρημον αὐτὸν καταλελοιπότων, καὶ τῷ τότε κρατοῦντι προσπεφευγότων, ὑπεκδὺς ὁ δείλαιος ὡς τάχιστα τὸν οὐ πρέποντα αὐτῷ βασιλικὸν κόσμον, δειλῶς καὶ δυσγενῶς καὶ ἀνάνδρως ὑποδύνει τὸ πλῆθος, κἄπειτα διαδιδράσκει, κρυπταζόμενός τε ἀνὰ τοὺς ἀγροὺς καὶ τὰς κώμας μόλις τῶν πολεμίων τὰς χεῖρας, τὰ τῆς σωτηρίας αὐτῷ προνοούμενος, διέξεισιν, ἔργοις αὐτοῖς εὖ μάλα πιστοὺς καὶ ἀληθεῖς τοὺς θείους ἀποφήνας χρησμοὺς, ἐν οἶς εἴρηται· ### English translation (Claude) First the army in which he had trusted was destroyed; and when his bodyguards left him naked and deserted by all and fled to the victor, the wretch stripped off as quickly as possible the imperial dress that did not befit him, slipped cowardly, ignobly, and unmanfully into the crowd, and then ran away. Hiding in the fields and villages, he barely escaped the hands of his enemies while looking after his own safety, proving by his very deeds that the divine oracles are entirely faithful and true, in which it is said: ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.10.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/10/4/). ## Church History 9.10.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/10/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:440 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The psalm says kings and warriors are not saved by strength, but God rescues those who fear him. ### Greek text “οὐ σώζεται βασιλεὺς διὰ δύναμιν, καὶ γίγας οὐ σωθήσεται ἐν πλήθει ἰσχύος αὐτοῦ· ψευδὴς ἵππος εἰς σωτηρίαν, ἐν δὲ πλήθει δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ οὐ σωθήσεται. ἰδοὺ οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ κυρίου ἐπὶ τοὺς φοβουμένους αὐτὸν, τοὺς ἐλπίζοντας ἐπὶ τὸ ἔλεος αὐτοῦ, ῥύσασθαι ἐκ θανάτου τὰς ψυχὰς αὐτῶν.” ### English translation (Claude) “A king is not saved by his power, and a giant will not be saved by the greatness of his strength; a horse is a false hope for salvation, and by the greatness of its power it will not be saved. Behold, the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, who hope in his mercy, to deliver their souls from death.” ### Scripture references - Ps 33:16–19 (32:16-Ps LXX): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Ps 33:16–19 (32:16–19 LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.10.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/10/5/). ## Church History 9.10.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/10/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:440–441 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Back home, Maximin killed his priests and prophets, gave glory to the Christians' God, issued a law granting them freedom, and soon died painfully. ### Greek text οὕτω δῆτα αἰσχύνης ἔμπλεως ὁ τύραννος ἐπὶ τὰ καθʼ ἑαυτὸν ἐλθὼν μέρη, πρῶτον μὲν ἐμμανεῖ θυμῷ πολλοὺς ἱερεῖς καὶ προφήτας τῶν πάλαι θαυμαζομένων αὐτῷ θεῶν, ὧν δὴ τοῖς χρησμοῖς ἀναρριπισθεὶς τὸν πόλεμον ἤρατο, ὡσὰν γόητας καὶ ἀπατεῶνας καὶ ἐπὶ πᾶσι προδότας τῆς αὐτοῦ γενομένους σωτηρίας ἀναιρεῖ, εἶτα δὴ δοὺς δόξαν τῷ τῶν Χριστιανῶν θεῷ, νόμον τε τὸν ὑπὲρ ἐλευθερίας αὐτῶν τελεώτατα καὶ πληρέστατα διαταξάμενος, δυσθανατήσας αὐτίκα, μηδεμιᾶς αὐτῷ χρόνου δοθείσης προθεσμίας τελευτᾷ τὸν βίον. ὁ δὲ καταπεμφθεὶς ὑπʼ αὐτοῦ νόμος τοιοῦτος ἦν· Ἀντίγραφον ἑρμηνείας τῆς τοῦ τυράννου ὑπὲρ Χριστιανῶν διατάξεως, ἐκ Ῥωμαϊκῆς γλώττης εἰς τὴν ἑλλάδα μεταληφθείσης. ### English translation (Claude) So the tyrant, full of shame, came to his own region, and first in raging anger put to death many priests and prophets of the gods he had formerly admired, by whose oracles he had been stirred up to begin the war, as sorcerers and deceivers and, above all, betrayers of his safety. Then, giving glory to the God of the Christians and enacting a most perfect and complete law for their freedom, he at once died a painful death, no time of respite being granted him. The law he sent out was as follows: Copy of a translation of the tyrant's ordinance on behalf of the Christians, translated from the Latin language into Greek. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.10.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/10/6/). ## Church History 9.10.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/10/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:441 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Maximin's final edict opens by claiming he has always sought his provincials' welfare. ### Greek text “Αὐτοκράτωρ Καῖσαρ Γάιος Οὐαλέριος Μα- “ξιμῖνος, Γερμανικὸς, Σαρματικὸς, εὐσεβὴς, εὐτυ- “χὴς, ἀνίκητος, σεβαστός. κατὰ πάντα τρόπον ἡμὰς “διηνεκῶς τῶν ἐπαρχιωτῶν τῶν ἡμετέρων τοῦ χρη— “σίμου προνοεῖσθαι, καὶ ταῦτα αὐτοῖς βούλεσθαι “παρέχειν, οἷς τὰ λυσιτελῆ πάντων μάλιστα κατορ- ‘θοῦται, καὶ ὅσα τῆς λυσιτελείας καὶ τῆς χρησιμό- ‘τητός ἐστι τῆς κοινῆς αὐτῶν, καὶ ὁποῖα πρὸς τὴν ‘δημοσίαν λυσιτέλειαν ἁρμόζει, καὶ ταῖς ἑκάστων ‘διανοίαις προσφιλῆ τυγχάνει, οὐδένα ἀγνοεῖν, ἀλλʼ ἕκαστον ἀνατρέχειν ἐπʼ αὐτῷ τὸ γινόμενον, γινώ- ‘σκειν τε ἕκαστον τόν ἀνθρώπων καὶ ἔχειν ἐν ἑαυτῷ, “δῆλον εἶναι πιστεύομεν. ### English translation (Claude) [Edict of Maximin:] “The Emperor Caesar Gaius Valerius Maximinus, Germanicus, Sarmaticus, Pious, Fortunate, Invincible, Augustus. We believe it is plain that no one is unaware, but that each one, recalling what has happened, knows and holds it in mind, that we have continually taken thought in every way for the advantage of our provincials, and have wished to provide them with those things by which the welfare of all is best secured, and whatever belongs to their common benefit and advantage, and whatever suits the public good and is agreeable to the minds of each. ### Translation notes - The edict dates from 313. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.10.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/10/7/). ## Church History 9.10.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/10/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:441–442 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Maximin says that, seeing officials abuse the old ban on Christian meetings, he had already decreed that anyone could practice this religion freely. ### Greek text ὁπότε τοίνυν πρὸ τούτου δῆλον γέγονε τῇ γνώσει τῇ ἡμετέρᾳ ἐκ ταύτης τῆς προφάσεως, ἐξ ἧς κεκελευσμένον ἦν ὑπὸ τῶν θειοτάτων Διοκλητιανοῦ καὶ Μαξιμιανοῦ τῶν γονέων τῶν ἡμετέρων τὰς συνόδους τῶν Χριστιανῶν “ἐξῃρῆσθαι, πολλοὺς σεισμοὺς καὶ ἀποστερήσεις ὑπὸ τῶν ὀφφικιαλίων γεγενῆσθαι, καὶ εἰς τοὐπιὸν δὲ τοῦτο προχωρεῖν κατὰ τῶν ἐπαρχιωτῶν τῶν “ἡμετέρων, ὧν μάλιστα πρόνοιαν τὴν προσήκουσαν “γίνεσθαι σπουδάζομεν, τῶν οὐσιῶν τῶν ἰδίων αὐ- “τῶν κατατριβομένων, δοθέντων γραμμάτων πρὸς “τοὺς ἡγεμόνας ἑκάστης ἐπαρχίας τῷ παρελθόντι “ἐνιαυτῷ ἐνομοθετήσαμεν, ἵνʼ ἐάν τις βούλοιτο τῷ “τοιούτῳ ἔθει ἢ τῇ αὐτῇ φυλακῇ τῆς αὐτῆς θρη- “σκείας ἕπεσθαι, τοῦτον ἀνεμποδίστως ἔχεσθαι τῆς προθέσεως τῆς ἑαυτοῦ, καὶ ὑπὸ μηδενὸς ἐμποδί- “ζεσθαι μηδὲ κωλύεσθαι, καὶ εἶναι αὐτοῖς εὐχέρειαν, “ἄνευ τινὸς φόβου καὶ ὑποψίας τοῦθʼ ὅπερ ἑκάστῳ “ἀρέσκει ποιεῖν. ### English translation (Claude) Since, then, it had previously become clear to our knowledge that, under the pretext by which our fathers, the most divine Diocletian and Maximian, had ordered the meetings of the Christians to be abolished, many extortions and robberies were committed by the officials, and that this was going on further against our provincials, for whom we are especially eager that due care be taken, their own property being wasted away, we issued a law last year by letters sent to the governors of each province that if anyone wished to follow such a custom or the same observance of this religion, he should hold to his purpose without hindrance, and should be hindered or prevented by no one, and that they should have freedom to do, without any fear or suspicion, whatever pleases each one. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.10.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/10/8/). ## Church History 9.10.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/10/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:442 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Some judges, he complains, misread his orders and made people afraid to practice their religion. ### Greek text πλὴν οὐδὲ νῦν λαθεῖν ἡμᾶς “ἐδυνήθη, ὅτι τινὲς τῶν δικαστῶν παρενεθυμοῦντο “τὰς ἡμετέρας κελεύσεις, καὶ διστάζειν τοὺς ἡμετέ- “ρους ἀνθρώπους περὶ τὰ προστάγματα τὰ ἡμέτερα “παρεσκεύασαν, καὶ ὀκνηρότερον προσιέναι ταύταις “ταῖς θρησκείαις, αἷς ἦν ἀρεστὸν αὐτοῖς, ἐποίησαν. “ ### English translation (Claude) Yet even now it could not escape us that some of the judges misunderstood our commands and caused our people to hesitate about our ordinances and made them more reluctant to approach those forms of worship that pleased them. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.10.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/10/9/). ## Church History 9.10.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/10/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:442 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The edict grants everyone freedom to practice the Christian religion and to build churches. ### Greek text ἵνα τοίνυν εἰς τὸ ἐξῆς πάσα ὑποψία ἀμφιβολίας “τοῦ φόβου περιαιρεθῇ, τοῦτο τὸ διάταγμα προτε- “θῇναι ἐνομοθετήσαμεν, ἵνα πᾶσι δῆλον γένηται “ἐξεῖναι τούτοις, οἵτινες ταύτην τὴν αἵρεσιν καὶ τὴν “ θρησκείαν μετιέναι βούλονται, ἐκ ταύτης τῆς δω- “ρεᾶς τῆς ἡμετέρας, καθὼς ἕκαστος βούλεται ἢ ἡδέα “αὐτῷ ἐστιν, οὕτως προσιέναι τῇ θρησκείᾳ ταύτῃ, “ἣν ἐξ ἔθους θρησκεύειν εἴλετο· καὶ τὰ κυριακὰ δὲ τὰ οἰ- “κεῖα ὅπως κατασκευάζοιεν, συγχωρεῖται. ### English translation (Claude) In order, therefore, that for the future every suspicion of doubt arising from fear may be removed, we have decreed that this edict be published, so that it may be plain to all that those who wish to follow this sect and worship are permitted by this our gift to approach this worship, which they have chosen by custom to practice, as each wishes or as is pleasing to him; and it is also granted that they may build their own Lord's houses. ### Translation notes - κυριακά, “the Lord's (houses)”, is the usual word for church buildings. αἵρεσις here is neutral, “sect”. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.10.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/10/10/). ## Church History 9.10.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/10/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:442–443 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Confiscated Christian houses and lands are to be restored to them. ### Greek text ἵνα μέν- “τοι καὶ μείζων γένηται ἡ ἡμετέρα δωρεὰ, καὶ τοῦτο νο- “μοθετῆσαι κατηξιώσαμεν, ἵνʼ εἴ τινες οἰκίαι καὶ χωρία “τοῦ δικαίου τῶν Χριστιανῶν πρὸ τούτου ἐτύγχανον “ὄντα, ἐκ τῆς κελεύσεως τῶν γονέων τῶν ἡμετέρων “εἰς τὸ δίκαιον μετέπεσε τοῦ φίσκου, ἢ ὑπό τινος “κατελήφθη πόλεως, εἴτε διάπρασις τούτων γεγένη- ‘ται, εἴτε εἰς χάρισμα δέδοταί τινι, ταῦτα πάντα εἰς “τὸ ἀρχαῖον δίκαιον τῶν Χριστιανῶν ἀνακληθῆναι “ἐκελεύσαμεν, ἵνα καὶ ἐν τούτῳ τῆς ἡμετέρας εὐσε- “βείας καὶ τῆς προνοίας αἴσθησιν πάντες λάβωσιν.” ### English translation (Claude) And so that our gift may be even greater, we have also thought fit to decree this: if any houses and lands which formerly belonged by right to the Christians have by the command of our fathers passed into the ownership of the treasury, or have been seized by any city, whether they have been sold or given to anyone as a gift, we have ordered all these to be restored to the former right of the Christians, so that in this too all may perceive our piety and forethought.” ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.10.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/10/11/). ## Church History 9.10.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/10/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:443 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Within a year the same tyrant who had outlawed and killed Christians acknowledged their religion and restored their rights. ### Greek text αὗται τοῦ τυράννου φωναὶ, οὐδʼ ὅλον ἐνιαυτὸν τῶν κατὰ Χριστιανῶν ἐν στήλαις ἀνατεθειμένων αὐτῷ διαταγμάτων ὑστερίσασαι. καὶ παρʼ ᾧ γε μικρῷ πρόσθεν δυσσεβεῖς ἐδοκοῦμεν καὶ ἄθεοι καὶ παντὸς ὄλεθροι τοῦ βίου, ὡς μὴ ὅτι γε πόλιν, ἀλλʼ οὐδὲ χώραν οὐδʼ ἐρημίαν οἰκεῖν ἐπιτρέπεσθαι, παρὰ τούτῳ διατάξεις ὑπὲρ Χριστιανῶν καὶ νομοθεσίαι συνετάττοντο, καὶ οἱ πρὸ βραχέος πυρὶ καὶ σιδήρῳ, θηρίων τε καὶ οἰωνῶν βορᾷ πρὸ ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτοῦ τοῦ τυράννου διαφθειρόμενοι, καὶ πᾶν εἶδος κολάσεως καὶ τιμωρίας, ἀπαλλαγῆς τε βίου οἰκτρότατα ὡσὰν ἄθεοι καὶ δυσσεβεῖς ὑπομένοντες, οὗτοι νῦν πρὸς αὐτοῦ καὶ θρησκεύειν ὁμολογοῦνται θρησκείαν, καὶ ἐπισκευάζειν κυριακὰ ἐπιτρέπονται, καὶ δικαίων τινῶν αὐτοῖς μετεῖναι αὐτὸς ὁ τύραννος μαρτυρεῖ καὶ ὁμολογεῖ. ### English translation (Claude) These are the words of the tyrant, coming not even a full year after the decrees against the Christians set up by him on tablets. And the very man in whose eyes, a little before, we seemed impious and godless and a pestilence to all life, so that we were not permitted to live, not to say in a city, but not even in the countryside or the desert, now drew up ordinances and laws on behalf of the Christians. Those who shortly before were being destroyed by fire and sword, and as food for beasts and birds, before the eyes of the tyrant himself, and who endured every kind of punishment and chastisement and the most pitiable departure from life as godless and impious, are now acknowledged by him to practice a religion, are permitted to rebuild their Lord's houses, and the tyrant himself testifies and confesses that they have some rights. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.10.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/10/12/). ## Church History 9.10.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/10/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:443 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: After this confession Maximin was struck by God and died during the second phase of the war. ### Greek text καὶ δὴ τοιαῦτα ἐξομολογησάμενος, ὥσπερ τινὸς τυχὼν εὐεργεσίας, τούτων δὴ αὐτῶν ἕνεκα ἧττον ἢ παθεῖν αὐτὸν ἐχρῆν δήπου παθὼν, ἀθρόᾳ θεοῦ πληγεὶς μάστιγι ἐν δευτέρᾳ τοῦ πολέμου συμβολῇ καταστρέφει. ### English translation (Claude) And having made such a confession, as though he had received some benefit for it, he suffered, surely, less than he ought to have suffered, and, struck by a sudden scourge of God, he perished in the second encounter of the war. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.10.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/10/13/). ## Church History 9.10.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/10/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:443–444 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Hiding at home, Maximin was struck by a wasting disease that burned away his flesh and left him a living skeleton. ### Greek text γίνεται δʼ αὐτῷ τὰ τῆς καταστροφῆς οὐχ οἷα στρατηγοῖς πολεμάρχαις, ὑπὲρ ἀρετῆς καὶ γνωρίμων πολλάκις ἀνδριζομένοις ἐν πολέμῳ, τὴν εὐκλεῆ τελευτὴν εὐθαρσῶς ὑπομεῖναι συνέβη, ἀλλὰ γὰρ ἅτε τις δυσσεβὴς καὶ θεομάχος, τῆς παρατάξεως ἔτʼ αὐτῷ πρὸ τοῦ πεδίου συνεστώσης, οἴκοι μένων αὐτὸς καὶ κρυπταζόμενος τὴν προσήκουσαν τιμωρίαν ὑπέχει, ἀθρόᾳ θεοῦ πληγεὶς καθʼ ὅλου τοῦ σώματος μάστιγι, ὡς ἀλγηδόσι δειναῖς καὶ περιωδυνίαις ἐλαυνόμενον πρηνῆ καταπεσεῖν λιμῷ φθειρόμενον, τάς τε σάρκας ὅλας ἀοράτῳ καὶ θεηλάτῳ πυρὶ τηκόμενον ὡς διαρρεύσαντα τὸ μὲν πὰν εἶδος τῆς παλαιάς μορφῆς ἀφανισθῆναι, ξηρῶν δʼ αὐτὸ μόνον ὀστέων οἶόν τι μακρῷ χρόνῳ κατεσκελετευμένον εἴδωλον ὑπολειφθῆναι· ὡς μηδʼ ἄλλο τι νομίζειν τοὺς παρόντας ἢ τάφον αὐτῷ τῆς ψυχῆς γεγονέναι τὸ σῶμα, ἐν ἤδη νεκρῷ καὶ παντελῶς ἀπορρεύσαντι κατορωρυγμένης. ### English translation (Claude) His end was not like that of generals and commanders who often fight bravely in war for virtue and friends and courageously meet a glorious death. Rather, as an impious enemy of God, while his army was still drawn up in the field, he stayed at home in hiding and received the punishment he deserved. Struck suddenly by a scourge of God over his whole body, driven by terrible pains and torments, he fell on his face wasting with hunger, while all his flesh was consumed by an invisible fire sent by God, so that, dissolving, every trace of his former shape vanished, and only a sort of image of dry bones, like a skeleton wasted by long time, was left. Those present thought nothing else than that his body had become a tomb of his soul, which was buried in something already dead and wholly wasted away. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.10.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/10/14/). ## Church History 9.10.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/10/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:444 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The fever grew so fierce that his eyes fell out and he was blinded. ### Greek text σφοδρότερον δʼ ἔτι μᾶλλον τῆς θέρμης αὐτὸν ἐκ βάθους μυελῶν καταφλεγούσης προπηδῶσι μὲν αὐτῷ τὰ ὄμματα, καὶ τῆς ἰδίας λήξεως ἀποπεσόντα πηρὸν αὐτὸν ἀφίησιν. ### English translation (Claude) And as the heat burned him still more violently from the depths of his marrow, his eyes sprang out and, falling from their sockets, left him blind. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.10.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/10/15/). ## Church History 9.10.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/10/16/ - Source: Dindorf 4:444 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Before dying, Maximin confessed that he suffered justly for his attacks on Christ. ### Greek text ὁ δʼ ἐπὶ τούτοις ἔτι ἐμπνέων, ἀνθομολογούμενος τῷ κυρίῳ, θάνατον ἐπεκαλεῖτο, καὶ τὸ πανύστατον ἐνδίκως ταῦτα τῆς κατὰ τοῦ Χριστοῦ παροινίας χάριν ὁμολογήσας παθεῖν τὴν ψυχὴν ἀφίησιν. ### English translation (Claude) Still breathing after this, he made confession to the Lord and called for death; and at the very last, having confessed that he suffered these things justly because of his violence against Christ, he gave up his soul. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.10.16 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/10/16/). ## Church History 9.11.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/11/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:444 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: With Maximin gone, the churches were rebuilt and the gospel enjoyed greater freedom than ever. ### Greek text Οὕτω δῆτα Μαξιμίνου ἐκποδὼν γενομένου, ὃς μόνος ἔτι λείπων τῶν τῆς θεοσεβείας ἐχθρῶν, ἁπάντων χείριστος ἀναπέφηνε, τὰ μὲν τῆς τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν ἀνανεώσεως ἐκ θεμελίων χάριτι θεοῦ τοῦ παντοκράτορος ἠγείρετο, ὅ τε Χριστοῦ λόγος εἰς δόξαν τοῦ τῶν ὅλων θεοῦ διαλάμπων, μείζονα τῆς πρόσθεν ἀπελάμβανε παρρησίαν, τὰ δετῆς δυσσεβείας τῶν τῆς θεοσεβείας ἐχθρῶν αἰσχύνης ἐσχάτης καὶ ἀτιμίας ἐνεπίμπλατο. ### English translation (Claude) So when Maximin, who alone was still left of the enemies of godliness and proved the worst of all, had been removed, the renewal of the churches from their foundations was raised up by the grace of God the Almighty, and the word of Christ, shining forth to the glory of the God of the universe, received greater freedom than before, while the impiety of the enemies of godliness was filled with the utmost shame and dishonor. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.11.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/11/1/). ## Church History 9.11.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/11/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:444–445 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Maximin was publicly condemned, and his portraits and statues were smashed or defaced. ### Greek text πρῶτός τε γὰρ αὐτὸς ἐκεῖνος Μαξιμῖνος, ἁπάντων πολεμιώτατος ὑπὸ τῶν κρατούντων ἀναγορευθεὶς, δυσσεβέστατος καὶ δυσωνυμώτατος καὶ θεομισέστατος τύραννος διὰ προγραμμάτων δημοσίων ἀνεστηλίτευτο, γραφαί τε ὅσαι εἰς τιμὴν αὐτοῦ καὶ τῶν αὐτοῦ παίδων κατὰ πᾶσαν ἀνέκειντο πόλιν, αἱ μὲν ἐξ ὕψους εἰς ἔδαφος ῥιπτούμεναι συνετρίβοντο, αἶ δὲ τὰς προσόψεις ἠχρειοῦντο, σκοτεινῷ χρώματι καταμελανούμεναι, ἀνδριάντων τε ὁμοίως ὁπόσοι εἰς τὴν αὐτοῦ τιμὴν διανεστήκεσαν, ὡσαύτως ῥιπτούμενοι συνετρίβοντο, γέλως καὶ παιδιὰ τοῖς ἐνυβρίζειν καὶ ἐμπαροινεῖν ἐθέλουσιν ἐκκείμενοι. ### English translation (Claude) For first Maximin himself, proclaimed by the rulers the worst enemy of all, was publicly denounced in public proclamations as a most impious, most infamous, and most God-hated tyrant. Of the portraits set up in every city in honor of him and his children, some were thrown down from on high and smashed, others had their faces obliterated by being daubed with dark paint; and likewise all the statues that had been set up in his honor were thrown down and broken in the same way, lying exposed as a laughingstock and plaything to those who wished to insult and abuse them. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.11.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/11/2/). ## Church History 9.11.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/11/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:445 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Maximin's supporters, especially officials who had persecuted Christians, were stripped of honors and executed. ### Greek text εἶτα δὲ καὶ τῶν ἄλλων τῆς θεοσεβείας ἐχθρῶν πᾶσαι αἶ τιμαὶ περιῃροῦντο, ἐκτείνοντο δὲ καὶ πάντες οἶ τὰ Μαξιμίνου φρονοῦντες, ὅσοι μάλιστα τῶν ἐν ἀρχικοῖς ἀξιώμασιν ὑπʼ αὐτοῦ τετιμημένοι τῇ πρὸς αὐτὸν κολακείᾳ σοβαρῶς ἐνεπαρῴνησαν τῷ καθʼ ἡμὰς λόγῳ· ### English translation (Claude) Then all the honors of the other enemies of godliness were also taken away, and all who shared Maximin's views were put to death, especially those who had been honored by him with high offices and in flattery of him had insolently raged against our teaching; ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.11.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/11/3/). ## Church History 9.11.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/11/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:445 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Among them were Peucetius, his finance minister, and Culcianus, who had shed much Christian blood in Egypt. ### Greek text οἷος ἦν ὁ παρὰ πάντας αὐτῷ τιμιώτατος καὶ αἰδεσιμώτατος, ἑταίρων τε γνησιώτατος Πευκέτιος, δισύπατος καὶ τρισύπατος, καὶ τῶν καθόλου λόγων ἔπαρχος πρὸς αὐτοῦ καθεσταμένος, Κουλκιανός τε ὡσαύτως διὰ πάσης ἀρχικῆς προελθὼν ἐξουσίας, ὁ καὶ αὐτὸς μυρίοις τοῖς κατʼ Αἴγυπτον Χριστιανῶν ἐλλαμπρυνόμενος αἵμασιν, ἄλλοι τε ἐπὶ τούτοις οὐκ ὀλίγοι, διʼ ὧν μάλιστα τὰ τῆς Μαξιμίνου τυραννίδος ἐκραταιοῦτό τε καὶ ηὔξετο. ### English translation (Claude) such as Peucetius, the most honored and revered of all by him and the most intimate of his companions, twice and three times consul and appointed by him prefect of the general finances; and Culcianus likewise, who had advanced through every office of government and who had also gloried in the blood of countless Christians in Egypt; and besides these not a few others, through whom above all Maximin's tyranny had been strengthened and increased. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.11.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/11/4/). ## Church History 9.11.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/11/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:445 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Justice also caught up with Theotecnus, whom Maximin had rewarded with a governorship. ### Greek text ἐκάλει δὲ ἄρα καὶ Θεότεκνον ἡ δίκη, οὐδαμῶς τὰ κατὰ Χριστιανῶν αὐτῷ πεπραγμένα λήθῃ παραδιδοῦσα. ἐπὶ μὲν γὰρ τῷ κατʼ Ἀντιόχειαν ἱδρυθέντι πρὸς αὐτοῦ ξοάνῳ δόξας εὐημερεῖν, ἤδη καὶ ἡγεμονίας ἠξίωτο παρὰ Μαξιμίνου. ### English translation (Claude) Justice also summoned Theotecnus, in no way consigning to oblivion what he had done against the Christians. For after he seemed to prosper through the image set up by him at Antioch, he had even been honored with a governorship by Maximin. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.11.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/11/5/). ## Church History 9.11.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/11/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:445–446 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Licinius had the priests of Theotecnus's idol tortured, exposed the oracle as a fraud, and executed Theotecnus and his accomplices. ### Greek text Λικίννιος δʼ ἐπιβὰς τῆς Ἀντιοχέων πόλεως, φοράν τε γοήτων ποιησάμενος, τοὺς τοῦ νεοπαγοῦς ξοάνου προφήτας καὶ ἱερεῖς βασάνοις ᾐκίζετο, τίνι λόγῳ τὴν ἀπάτην καθυπεκρίνοντο πυνθανόμενος. ὡς δʼ ἐπικρύπτεσθαι αὐτοῖς πρὸς τῶν βασάνων συνελαυνομένοις ἀδύνατον ἦν, ἐδήλουν δὲ τὸ πᾶν μυστήριον ἀπάτην τυγχάνειν τέχνῃ τῇ Θεοτέκνου μεμηχανημένην, τοῖς πᾶσι τὴν ἀξίαν ἐπιθεὶς δίκην, πρῶτον αὐτὸν Θεότεκνον, εἶτα δὲ καὶ τοὺς τῆς γοητείας κοινωνοὺς μετὰ πλείστας ὅσας αἰκίας θανάτῳ παραδίδωσι. ### English translation (Claude) But Licinius, coming to the city of Antioch, made a search for sorcerers and tortured the prophets and priests of the newly made image, inquiring by what means they had carried out the deception. When, under the pressure of torture, they could no longer conceal it and revealed that the whole mystery was a deception contrived by Theotecnus's art, he inflicted the just penalty on them all: first Theotecnus himself, then his partners in the sorcery, he put to death after very many tortures. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.11.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/11/6/). ## Church History 9.11.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/11/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:446 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Maximin's children and relatives were also killed in disgrace, having ignored Scripture's warning. ### Greek text τούτοις ἅπασι προσετίθεντο καὶ οἶ Μαξιμίνου παῖδες, οὓς ἤδη καὶ τῆς βασιλικῆς τιμῆς, τῆς τε ἐν πίναξι καὶ γραφαῖς ἀναθέσεως πεποίητο κοινωνούς· καὶ οἱ συγγενεῖς δὲ τοῦ τυράννου, τὸ πρὶν αὐχοῦντες καὶ πάντας ἀνθρώπους καταδυναστεύειν ἐπηρμένοι, τὰ αὐτὰ τοῖς προδεδηλωμένοις μετὰ τῆς ἐσχάτης ἀτιμίας ἔπασχον, ἐπεὶ μὴ ἐδέξαντο παιδείαν, μηδὲ ἔγνωσαν μηδὲ συνῆκαν τὴν φάσκουσαν ἐν ἱεροῖς λόγοις παρακέλευσιν ### English translation (Claude) To all these were added also the children of Maximin, whom he had already made sharers in the imperial honor and in the display of portraits and pictures. And the tyrant's relatives, who formerly boasted and were puffed up to lord it over all people, suffered the same as those already mentioned, with the utmost dishonor, since they had not received instruction, nor known or understood the exhortation that says in the sacred words: ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.11.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/11/7/). ## Church History 9.11.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/11/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:446 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The psalm warns not to trust in rulers, whose plans perish with them. ### Greek text “μὴ πεποίθετε ἐπʼ ἄρχοντας, ἐπὶ υἱοὺς ἀνθρώπων, οἶς οὐκ ἔστι σωτηρία· ἐξελεύσεται τὸ πνεῦμα αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀποστρέψει εἰς τὴν γῆν αὐτοῦ· ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἀπολοῦνται πάντες οἱ διαλογισμοὶ αὐτῶν.’’ ### English translation (Claude) “Do not trust in rulers, in the sons of men, in whom there is no salvation. His spirit will go forth and he will return to his earth; in that day all their thoughts will perish.” ### Scripture references - Ps 146:3–4 (145:3-Ps LXX): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Ps 146:3–4 (145:3–4 LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.11.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/11/8/). ## Church History 9.11.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/11/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:446 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: With the persecutors gone, Constantine and Licinius alone ruled and showed their piety by laws favoring the Christians. ### Greek text οὕτω δῆτα τῶν δυσσεβῶν ἐκκαθαρθέντων, μόνοις ἐφυλάττετο τὰ τῆς προσηκούσης βασιλείας βέβαιά τε καὶ ἀνεπίφθονα Κωνσταντίνῳ καὶ Λικιννίῳ· οἱ τὸ πρόσθεν ἁπάντων ἐκκαθάραντες τοῦ βίου τὴν θεοεχθρίαν, τῶν ἐκ θεοῦ πρυτανευθέντων ἀγαθῶν αὐτοῖς ᾐσθημένοι, τὸ φιλάρετον καὶ θεοφιλὲς, τό τε πρὸς τὸ θεῖον εὐσεβὲς καὶ εὐχάριστον διὰ τῆς ὑπὲρ Χριστιανῶν ἐνεδείξαντο νομοθεσίας. ### English translation (Claude) So, the impious having been cleared away, the rule that belonged to them was preserved firm and unchallenged for Constantine and Licinius alone. Having first of all cleansed the world of enmity toward God, and being aware of the good things granted them by God, they showed their love of virtue and of God, and their piety and gratitude toward the divine, by their legislation on behalf of the Christians. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 9.11.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/9/11/9/). ## Church History 10.1.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/1/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:446–447 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius begins Book 10 by thanking God and Christ and praying that peace may last. ### Greek text Θεῷ δὴ χάρις ἐπὶ πᾶσι τῷ παντοκράτορι καὶ βασιλεῖ τῶν ὅλων, πλείστη δὲ καὶ τῷ σωτῆρι καὶ λυτρωτῇ τῶν ψυχῶν ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ, διʼ οὗ τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης ἔκ τε τῶν ἔξωθεν ὀχληρῶν καὶ τῶν κατὰ διάνοιαν βέβαια καὶ ἀσάλευτα φυλάττεσθαι ἡμῖν διὰ παντὸς εὐχόμεθα. ### English translation (Claude) Thanks be to God, the Almighty and King of the universe, for all things, and the greatest thanks also to Jesus Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of our souls, through whom we pray that peace, both from troubles without and from those of the mind, may be kept for us always firm and unshaken. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.1.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/1/1/). ## Church History 10.1.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/1/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:447 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius dedicates the tenth book to Paulinus, bishop of Tyre. ### Greek text ἅμα δὲ σαῖς εὐχαῖς καὶ τὸν δέκατον ἐν τούτῳ τοῖς προδιεξοδευθεῖσι τῆς ἐκκλησιαστικῆς ἱστορίας ἐπιθέντες τόμον, σοὶ τοῦτον ἐπιγράψωμεν, ἱερώτατέ μοι Παυλῖνε, ὥσπερ ἐπισφράγισμά σε τῆς ὅλης ὑποθέσεως ἀναβοώμενοι. ### English translation (Claude) And together with your prayers, adding now this tenth book of the Church History to those already completed, let us dedicate it to you, my most holy Paulinus, hailing you as the seal of the whole work. ### Translation notes - Paulinus was bishop of Tyre. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.1.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/1/2/). ## Church History 10.1.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/1/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:447 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The tenth book, a perfect number, will celebrate the churches' renewal, as the psalm calls for a new song. ### Greek text εἰκότως δʼ ἐν ἀριθμῷ τελείῳ τὸν τέλειον ἐνταῦθα καὶ πανηγυρικὸν τῆς τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν ἀνανεώσεως λόγον κατατάξομεν, θείῳ πνεύματι πειθαρχοῦντες, ὧδέ πως ἐγκελευομένῳ “ᾄσατε τῷ κυρίῳ ᾆσμα καινὸν, ὅτι θαυμαστὰ ἐποίησεν. ἔσωσεν αὐτὸν ἡ δεξιὰ αὐτοῦ καὶ ὁ βραχίων ὁ ἅγιος αὐτοῦ· ἐγνώρισε κύριος τὸ σωτήριον αὐτοῦ, ἐναντίον τῶν ἐθνῶν ἀπεκάλυψε τὴν δικαιοσύνην αὐτοῦ·’’ ### English translation (Claude) Fittingly, in a perfect number we shall place here the perfect and festive account of the renewal of the churches, obeying the divine Spirit, who exhorts us thus: “Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have saved him; the Lord has made known his salvation, before the nations he has revealed his righteousness.” ### Scripture references - Ps 98:1–2 (97:1-Ps LXX): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Ps 98:1–2 (97:1–2 LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.1.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/1/3/). ## Church History 10.1.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/1/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:447 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius rejoices that his generation sees the peace that earlier martyrs longed for but did not see. ### Greek text καὶ δὴ τῷ λογίῳ προστάττοντι τὸ καινὸν ᾆσμα διὰ τοῦδε νῦν ἀκολούθως ἐπιφωνῶμεν, ὅτι δὴ μετὰ τὰς δεινὰς καὶ σκοτεινὰς ἐκείνας ὄψεις τε καὶ διηγήσεις τοιαῦτα νῦν ὁρᾶν καὶ τοιαῦτα πανηγυρίζειν ἠξιώθημεν οἷα τῶν πρὸ ἡμῶν πολλοὶ τῷ ὄντι δίκαιοι καὶ θεοῦ μάρτυρες ἐπεθύμησαν ἐπὶ γῆς ἰδεῖν, καὶ οὐκ εἶδον, καὶ ἀκοῦσαι, καὶ οὐκ ἥκουσαν. ### English translation (Claude) And indeed, as the oracle commands, let us now in this book sing out the new song, since after those terrible and dark sights and narratives we have now been thought worthy to see and to celebrate such things as many truly righteous men and martyrs of God before us desired to see on earth and did not see, and to hear and did not hear. ### Scripture references - Matt 13:17: allusion, high confidence - Luke 10:24: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The words echo Matt 13:17 (compare Luke 10:24). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.1.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/1/4/). ## Church History 10.1.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/1/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:447–448 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The martyrs gained heaven; the living, amazed at God's generosity, confirm the truth of the prophecies. ### Greek text ἀλλʼ οἶ μὲν ᾗ τάχος σπεύσαντες τῶν πολὺ κρειττόνων ἔτυχον, ἔν τʼ αὐτοῖς οὐρανοῖς καὶ παραδείσῳ τῆς ἐνθέου τρυφῆς ἀναρπασθέντες, ἡμεῖς δὲ καὶ τάδε μείζονα ἢ καθʼ ἡμᾶς ὑπάρχειν ὁμολογοῦντες ὑπερεκπεπλήγμεθα μὲν τῆς τοῦ αἰτίου μεγαλοδωρεᾶς τὴν χάριν, θαυμάζομεν δὲ εἰκότως ὅλης ψυχῆς δυνάμει σέβοντες, καὶ ταῖς ἀναγράπτοις προρρήσεσιν ἀλήθειαν ἐπιμαρτυροῦντες διʼ ὧν εἴρηται ### English translation (Claude) But they, hastening as quickly as possible, obtained far better things, being caught up into heaven itself and the paradise of divine delight; while we, acknowledging that even these present things are greater than we deserve, are utterly amazed at the grace of the munificence of the one who caused them, and rightly wonder at it, worshiping with all the strength of our soul, and bearing witness to the truth of the written prophecies, in which it is said: ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.1.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/1/5/). ## Church History 10.1.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/1/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:448 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The psalm's promise that God ends wars has been fulfilled. ### Greek text “δεῦτε καὶ ἴδετε τὰ ἔργα τοῦ κυρίου, ἃ ἔθετο τέρατα ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, ἀνταναιρῶν πολέμους μέχρι τῶν περάτων τῆς οἰκουμένης· τόξον συντρίψει καὶ συνθλάσει ὅπλον, καὶ θυρεοὺς κατακαύσει ἐν πυρί·’’ ἐφʼ οἶς εἰς ἡμᾶς ἐναργῶς πεπληρωμένοις χαίροντες τὸν ἐφεξῆς συνείρωμεν λόγον. ### English translation (Claude) “Come and see the works of the Lord, what wonders he has done on the earth, taking away wars to the ends of the world; he will break the bow and shatter the weapon, and burn the shields with fire.” Rejoicing that these things have been clearly fulfilled for us, let us continue our account in order. ### Scripture references - Ps 46:8–9 (45:9-Ps LXX): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Ps 46:8–9 (45:9–10 LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.1.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/1/6/). ## Church History 10.1.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/1/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:448 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The persecutors vanished completely, as the psalm says of the wicked. ### Greek text ἠφάνιστο μὲν δὴ καθʼ ὅν δεδήλωται τρόπον πᾶν τὸ τῶν θεομισῶν γένος, καὶ τῆς ἀνθρώπων ἀθρόως ὄψεως οὕτως ἐξαλήλειπτο ὡς πάλιν ῥῆμα θεῖον τέλος ἔχειν τὸ λέγον “εἶδον ἀσεβῆ ὑπερυψούμενον καὶ ἐπαιρόμενον ὡς τὰς κέδρους τοῦ Λιβάνου· καὶ παρῆλθον, καὶ ἰδοὺ οὐκ ἦν, καὶ ἐζήτησα τὸν τόπον αὐτοῦ, καὶ οὐχ εὑρέθη·” ### English translation (Claude) The whole race of the God-haters had been destroyed in the manner described, and so suddenly blotted out from human sight that again a divine saying was fulfilled, which says: “I saw the ungodly exalted and lifted up like the cedars of Lebanon; and I passed by, and behold, he was not; and I sought his place, and it was not found.” ### Scripture references - Ps 37:35–36 (36:35-Ps LXX): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Ps 37:35–36 (36:35–36 LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.1.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/1/7/). ## Church History 10.1.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/1/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:448 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: A clear day of peace dawned for the churches everywhere, and even outsiders shared in its blessings. ### Greek text ἡμέρα δὲ λοιπὸν ἤδη φαιδρὰ καὶ διαυγὴς, μηδενὸς νέφους αὐτὴν ἐπισκιάζοντος, φωτὸς οὐρανίου βολαῖς ἀνὰ τὴν οἰκουμένην ἅπασαν ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις τοῦ Χριστοῦ κατηύγαζεν, οὐδέ τις ἦν καὶ τοῖς ἔξωθεν τοῦ καθʼ ἡμᾶς θιάσου φθόνος, συναπολαύειν εἰ μὴ τῶν ἴσʼ ὢν, ἀπορροῆς δʼ οὖν ὅμως καὶ μετουσίας τῶν θεόθεν ἡμῖν πρυτανευθέντων. ### English translation (Claude) From now on a bright and clear day, overshadowed by no cloud, shone with rays of heavenly light on the churches of Christ throughout the whole world; nor was there any grudging even toward those outside our fellowship sharing, if not equally, still in some overflow and participation of the good things granted us by God. ### Translation notes - The phrase εἰ μὴ τῶν ἴσʼ ὢν is corrupt in the digital text; translated from the sense (“if not equally”). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.1.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/1/8/). ## Church History 10.2.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/2/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:448–449 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: All rejoiced in freedom, and Christians above all, seeing ruined places revive and churches rise more splendid than before. ### Greek text Πᾶσι μὲν οὖν ἀνθρώποις τὰ ἐκ τῆς τῶν τυράννων καταδυναστείας ἐλεύθερα ἦν, καὶ τῶν προτέρων ἀπηλλαγμένοι κακῶν ἄλλος ἄλλως μόνον ἀληθῆ θεὸν τὸν τῶν εὐσεβῶν ὑπέρμαχον ὡμολόγει, μάλιστα δʼ ἡμῖν τοῖς ἐπὶ τόν Χριστὸν τοῦ θεοῦ τὰς ἐλπίδας ἀνηρτημένοις ἄλεκτος παρῆν εὐφροσύνη, καί τις ἔνθεος ἅπασιν ἐπήνθει χαρὰ, πάντα τόπον τὸν πρὸ μικροῦ ταῖς τῶν τυράννων δυσσεβείαις ἠρειπωμένον ὥσπερ ἐκ μακρᾶς καὶ θανατηφόρου λύμης ἀναβιώσκοντα θεωμένοις, νεός τε αὖθις ἐκ βάθρων εἰς ὕψος ἄπειρον ἐγειρομένους, καὶ πολὺ κρείττονα τὴν ἀγλαίαν τῶν πάλαι πεπολιορκημένων ἀπολαμβάνοντας. ### English translation (Claude) All people, then, were free from the oppression of the tyrants, and released from their former evils, each in his own way confessed as the only true God the champion of the godly. But above all for us who had fixed our hopes on the Christ of God there was unspeakable gladness, and a divine joy blossomed in all, as they saw every place that a little before had been ruined by the tyrants' impieties reviving as if from a long and deadly devastation, and temples rising again from their foundations to an immense height and receiving a splendor far greater than that of the ones formerly destroyed. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.2.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/2/1/). ## Church History 10.2.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/2/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:449 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The emperors kept passing laws favoring Christians and wrote to bishops with honors and money; Eusebius will record these letters. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ καὶ βασιλεῖς οἶ ἀνωτάτω συνεχέσι ταῖς ὑπὲρ Χριστιανῶν νομοθεσίαις τὰ τῆς ἐκ θεοῦ μεγαλοδωρεᾶς ἡμῖν εἰς μακρὸν ἔτι καὶ μεῖζον ἐκράτυνον, ἐφοίτα δὲ καὶ εἰς πρόσωπον ἐπισκόποις βασιλέως γράμματα, καὶ τιμαὶ καὶ χρημάτων δόσεις· ὧν οὐκ ἀπὸ τρόπου γένοιτʼ ἂν κατὰ τὸν προσήκοντα καιρὸν τοῦ λόγου, ὥσπερ ἐν ἱερᾷ στήλῃ, τῇδε τῇ βίβλῳ τὰς φωνὰς ἐκ τῆς Ῥωμαίων ἐπὶ τὴν Ἑλλάδα γλῶσσαν μεταληφθείσας ἐγχαράξαι, ὡς ἂν καὶ τοῖς μεθʼ ἡμὰς ἅπασι φέροιντο διὰ μνήμης. ### English translation (Claude) Moreover the supreme emperors, by continual laws on behalf of the Christians, confirmed to us still further and more greatly the munificence of God; and letters of the emperor were also sent personally to bishops, with honors and gifts of money. It would not be out of place, at the proper point of our account, to engrave in this book as on a sacred monument their words, translated from the Latin into the Greek tongue, so that they may also be remembered by all who come after us. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.2.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/2/2/). ## Church History 10.3.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/3/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:449 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Church dedication festivals were held everywhere, with bishops and believers from far and near gathering in unity. ### Greek text ἐπὶ δὲ τούτοις τὸ πᾶσιν εὐκταῖον ἡμῖν καὶ ποθούμενον συνεκροτεῖτο θέαμα, ἐγκαινίων ἑορταὶ κατὰ πόλεις, καὶ τῶν ἄρτι νεοπαγῶν προσευκτηρίων ἀφιερώσεις ἐπισκόπων τε ἐπὶ ταὐτὸ συνηλύσεις, τῶν πόρρωθεν ἐξ ἀλλοδαπῆς συνδρομαὶ, λαῶν εἰς λαοὺς φιλοφρονήσεις, τῶν Χριστοῦ σώματος μελῶν εἰς μίαν συνιόντων ἁρμονίαν ἕνωσις. ### English translation (Claude) After this, the spectacle for which we had all prayed and longed was brought about: festivals of dedication in the cities and consecrations of the newly built houses of prayer, gatherings of bishops in one place, concourses of those from far off and foreign lands, mutual kindnesses of people to people, the union of the members of Christ's body coming together into one harmony. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.3.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/3/1/). ## Church History 10.3.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/3/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:449 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The gathering fulfilled Ezekiel's vision of bone coming to bone. ### Greek text συνήγετο δʼ οὖν ἀκολούθως προρρήσει προφητικῇ μυστικῶς τὸ μέλλον προσημαινούσῃ “ὀστέον πρὸς ὀστέον καὶ ἁρμονία πρὸς ἁρμονίαν, ’’ καὶ ὅσα θεσπίζων ὁ λόγος διʼ αἰνιγμάτων ἀψευδῶς προανετείνετο. ### English translation (Claude) They came together in accordance with the prophetic prediction that mystically foretold what was to come, “bone to bone and joint to joint,” and whatever else the word truly foretold in its oracles through riddles. ### Scripture references - Ezek 37:7: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Ezek 37:7. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.3.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/3/2/). ## Church History 10.3.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/3/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:449–450 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: One Spirit united the church in faith and worship: psalms, Scripture reading, and the celebration of the sacred mysteries of Christ's passion. ### Greek text μία τε ἦν θείου πνεύματος διὰ πάντων τῶν μελῶν χωροῦσα δύναμις, καὶ ψυχὴ τῶν πάντων μία, καὶ προθυμία πίστεως ἡ αὐτὴ, καὶ εἷς ἐξ ἁπάντων θεολογίας ὕμνος· ναὶ μὴν καὶ τῶν προηγουμένων ἐντελεῖς θρησκεῖαι, ἱερουργίαι τε τῶν ἱερωμένων, καὶ θεοπρεπεῖς ἐκκλησίας θεσμοὶ, ὧδε μὲν ψαλμῳδίαις καὶ ταῖς λοιπαῖς τῶν θεόθεν ἡμῖν παραδοθεισῶν φωνῶν ἀκροάσεσιν, ὧδε δὲ θείαις καὶ μυστικαῖς ἐπιτελουμέναις διακονίαις· σωτήριον τε ἦν πάθους ἀπόρρητα σύμβολα. ### English translation (Claude) There was one power of the divine Spirit passing through all the members, and one soul of all, and the same eagerness of faith, and one hymn of praise to God from all. Yes, and there were perfect services of the leaders, sacred rites of the priests, and the godly ordinances of the church, here with the singing of psalms and the hearing of the other words delivered to us from God, there with the performance of divine and mystical ministries; and there were the ineffable symbols of the saving passion. ### Translation notes - The “ineffable symbols of the saving passion” refers to the Eucharist. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.3.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/3/3/). ## Church History 10.3.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/3/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:450 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: People of every age and sex praised God, and the bishops present gave festive speeches. ### Greek text ὁμοῦ δὲ πᾶν γένος ἡλικίας ἄρρενός τε καὶ θήλεος φύσεως ὅλῃ διανοίας ἰσχύι· διʼ εὐχῶν καὶ εὐχαριστίας γεγηθότι νῷ καὶ ψυχῇ τὸν τῶν ἀγαθῶν παραίτιον θεὸν ἐγέραιρον. ἐκίνει δὲ καὶ λόγους ἅπας τῶν παρόντων ἀρχόντων πανηγυρικοὺς, ὡς ἑκάστῳ παρῆν δυνάμεως, θειάζων τὴν πανήγυριν. ### English translation (Claude) And together every age, male and female, with all the strength of their minds, with prayers and thanksgiving, with glad mind and soul, honored God, the author of these blessings. And every one of the leaders present delivered festive orations, as each had ability, adding divine luster to the assembly. ### Translation notes - The “leaders” (ἄρχοντες) are the bishops present. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.3.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/3/4/). ## Church History 10.4.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:450 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: A speaker (Eusebius himself) delivered a panegyric at the dedication of Paulinus's new church at Tyre. ### Greek text Καί τις ἐν μέσῳ παρελθὼν τῶν μετρίως ἐπιεικῶν, λόγου σύνταξιν πεποιημένος, ὡς ἐν ἐκκλησίας ἀθροίσματι πλείστων ἐπιπαρόντων ποιμένων, ἐν ἡσυχίᾳ καὶ κόσμῳ τὴν ἀκρόασιν παρεχομένων, ἑνὸς εἰς πρόσωπον τὰ πάντα ἀρίστου καὶ θεοφιλοῦς ἐπισκόπου, οὗ διὰ σπουδῆς ὁ μάλιστα τῶν ἀμφὶ τὸ Φοινίκων ἔθνος διαπρέπων ἐν Τυρῷ νεὼς φιλοτίμως ἐπεσκεύαστο, τοιόνδε παρέσχε λόγον. Πανηγυρικὸς ἐπὶ τῇ τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν οἰκοδομῇ, Παυλίνῳ Τυρίων ἐπισκόπῳ προσπεφωνημένος. ### English translation (Claude) And one of those of moderate ability came forward in the midst, having composed a speech, in the presence of very many pastors gathered as in an assembly of the church, who gave their attention in quiet and order, and addressed it to one bishop, excellent in all things and dear to God, through whose zeal the temple at Tyre, by far the most distinguished in Phoenicia, had been generously built; and he delivered the following speech. Panegyric on the building of the churches, addressed to Paulinus, bishop of the Tyrians. ### Translation notes - The modest speaker is Eusebius. The oration dates from about 315. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/1/). ## Church History 10.4.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:450–451 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The panegyric opens by addressing the assembled clergy and Paulinus, who built God's house for Christ and his bride, the church. ### Greek text Ὦ φίλοι θεοῦ καὶ ἱερεῖς, οἱ τὸν ἄγιον ποδήρη καὶ τὸν οὐράνιον τῆς δόξης στέφανον τό τε χρῖσμα τὸ ἔνθεον καὶ τὴν ἱερατικὴν τοῦ ἁγίου πνεύματος στολὴν περιβεβλημένοι, σύ τε, ὦ νέου ἁγίου νεὼ θεοῦ σεμνολόγημα, γεραρᾷ μὲν φρονήσει παρὰ θεοῦ τετιμημένε, νέας δὲ καὶ ἀκμαζούσης ἀρετῆς ἔργα πολυτελῆ καὶ πράξεις ἐπιδεδειγμένε, ᾧ τὸν ἐπὶ γῆς οἶκον αὐτὸς ὁ τὸν σύμπαντα κόσμον περιέχων θεὸς δείμασθαι καὶ ἀνανεοῦν Χριστῷ τῷ μονογενεῖ καὶ πρωτογενεῖ αὐτοῦ λόγῳ, τῇ τε ἁγίᾳ καὶ θεοπρεπεῖ τούτου νύμφῃ, γέρας ἐξαίρετον δεδώρηται· ### English translation (Claude) [Eusebius's panegyric at Tyre:] “Friends of God and priests, you who are clothed in the holy robe reaching to the feet, the heavenly crown of glory, the divine anointing, and the priestly garment of the Holy Spirit; and you, the pride of God's new holy temple, honored by God with the wisdom of age, yet showing forth the costly works and deeds of youthful and flourishing virtue, to whom God himself, who encompasses the whole world, has granted the special honor of building and renewing the house on earth for Christ, his only-begotten and first-born Word, and for his holy and godly bride; ### Scripture references - Exod 28:4: echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - The robe reaching to the feet recalls the high priest's robe (Exod 28:4). The bride is the church. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/2/). ## Church History 10.4.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:451 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Paulinus is compared to Bezalel, Solomon, and Zerubbabel as builder of God's house. ### Greek text εἴτε τις νέον σε Βεσελεὴλ, θείας ἀρχιτέκτονα σκηνῆς ἐθέλοι καλεῖν, εἴτε Σολομῶνα, καινῆς καὶ πολὺ κρείττονος Ἱερουσαλὴμ βασιλέα, εἴτε καὶ νέον Ζοροβάβελ, τὴν πολὺ κρείττονα δόξαν τῆς προτέρας τῷ νεῷ τοῦ θεοῦ περιτιθέντα· ### English translation (Claude) whether one should wish to call you a new Bezalel, the architect of a divine tabernacle, or a Solomon, king of a new and far better Jerusalem, or a new Zerubbabel, adding to the temple of God a glory far greater than the former; ### Scripture references - Exod 31:2–5: allusion, medium confidence - Hag 2:9: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The allusions are to Exod 31:2–5, 1 Kgs 6, and Hag 2:9. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/3/). ## Church History 10.4.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:451 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The speaker also addresses the congregation as Christ's flock. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ καὶ ὑμεῖς, ὦ τῆς ἱερᾶς ἀγέλης Χριστοῦ θρέμματα, λόγων ἀγαθῶν ἑστία, σωφροσύνης παιδευτήριον, καὶ θεοσεβείας σεμνὸν καὶ θεοφιλὲς ἀκροατήριον· ### English translation (Claude) and you too, nurslings of Christ's sacred flock, home of good words, school of self-control, and reverent and God-loving audience of godliness: ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/4/). ## Church History 10.4.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:451 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Formerly believers only heard of God's wonders in Scripture and praised him for what their fathers told them. ### Greek text πάλαι μὲν ἡμῖν τὰς παραδόξους θεοσημίας καὶ τόν τοῦ κυρίου θαυμάτων τὰς εἰς ἀνθρώπους εὐεργεσίας διὰ θείων ἀναγνωσμάτων ἀκοῇ παραδεχομένοις ὕμνους εἰς θεὸν καὶ ᾠδὰς ἀναπέμπειν ἐξῆν, λέγειν παιδευομένοις “ὁ θεὸς, ἐν τοῖς ὠσὶν ἡμῶν ἠκούσαμεν, οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν ἀνήγγειλαν ἡμῖν ἔργον ὅ εἰργάσω ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις αὐτῶν, ἐν ἡμέραις ἀρχαίαις.’’ ### English translation (Claude) Long ago, when we received by hearing through the divine readings the extraordinary signs of God and the benefits of the Lord's wonders toward men, it was ours to send up hymns and songs to God, being taught to say: “O God, we have heard with our ears; our fathers have told us the work that you did in their days, in the days of old.” ### Scripture references - Ps 44:1 (43:2 LXX): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Ps 44:1 (43:2 LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/5/). ## Church History 10.4.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:451 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Now believers see God's power with their own eyes and can sing that what they heard, they have seen. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ νῦν γε οὐκέτʼ ἀκοαῖς οὐδὲ λόγων φήμαις τὸν βραχίονα τὸν ὑψηλὸν, τήν τε οὐράνιον δεξιὰν τοῦ παναγάθου καὶ παμβασιλέως ἡμῶν θεοῦ παραλαμβάνουσιν, ἔργοις δʼ ὡς ἔπος εἰπεῖν καὶ αὐτοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς τὰ πάλαι μνήμῃ παραδεδομένα πιστὰ καὶ ἀληθῆ καθορωμένοις, δεύτερον ὕμνον ἐπινίκιον πάρεστιν ἀναμέλπειν, ἐναργῶς τε ἀναφωνεῖν καὶ λέγειν “καθάπερ ἠκούσαμεν, οὕτως καὶ εἴδομεν, ἐν πόλει κυρίου τῶν δυνάμεων, έν πόλει τοῦ θεοῦ ἡμῶν.’’ ### English translation (Claude) But now, no longer by hearsay or report of words do we learn of the uplifted arm and the heavenly right hand of our all-good God and King of all, but by deeds, so to speak, and seeing with our very eyes that what was handed down long ago in memory is faithful and true, it is ours to sing a second hymn of victory, and to cry out clearly and say: “As we have heard, so have we seen, in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God.” ### Scripture references - Ps 48:8 (47:9 LXX): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Ps 48:8 (47:9 LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/6/). ## Church History 10.4.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:451–452 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The city of God is the church, the pillar of truth; each believer should sing the psalms of joy in God's house. ### Greek text ποίᾳ δὲ πόλει; ἢ τῇδε τῇ νεοπαγεῖ καὶ θεοτεύκτῳ; ἥτις ἐστὶν ἐκκλησία θεοῦ ζῶντος, στῦλος καὶ ἑδραίωμα τῆς ἀληθείας, περὶ ἧς καὶ ἄλλο τι θεῖον λόγιον ὧδέ πως εὐαγγελίζεται “δεδοξασμένα ἐλαλήθη περὶ σοῦ, ἡ πόλις τοῦ θεοῦ, ” ἐφʼ ἣν τοῦ παναγάθου συγκροτήσαντος ἡμάς θεοῦ διὰ τῆς τοῦ μονογενοῦς αὐτοῦ χάριτος, τῶν ἀνακεκλημένων ἕκαστος ὑμνείτω μονονουχὶ βοῶν καὶ λέγων “εὐφράνθην ἐπὶ τοῖς εἰρηκόσι μοι· εἰς οἶκον κυρίου πορευσόμεθα, ’’ καὶ “κύριε, ἠγάπησα εὐπρέπειαν οἴκου σου, καὶ τόπον σκηνώματος δόξης σου.’’ ### English translation (Claude) In what city? Is it not this newly built city, made by God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth, concerning which another divine saying also proclaims good news thus: “Glorious things have been spoken of you, city of God”? Since the all-good God has gathered us together into it through the grace of his only-begotten, let each of those who have been called sing, all but crying aloud and saying: “I was glad when they said to me, We will go to the house of the Lord,” and “Lord, I have loved the beauty of your house and the place where your glory dwells.” ### Scripture references - 1 Tim 3:15: quotation, high confidence - Ps 87:3 (86:3 LXX): quotation, high confidence - Ps 122:1 (121:1 LXX): quotation, high confidence - Ps 26:8 (25:8 LXX): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotations are 1 Tim 3:15, Ps 87:3 (86:3 LXX), Ps 122:1 (121:1 LXX), and Ps 26:8 (25:8 LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/7/). ## Church History 10.4.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:452 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: All together should praise God's greatness in the words of the psalms, Job, Daniel, and Mary's song, for he topples rulers and lifts up the lowly. ### Greek text καὶ μὴ μόνον γε ὁ καθεῖς, ἀλλὰ καὶ οἷ πάντες ἀθρόως ἐνὶ πνεύματι καὶ μιᾷ ψυχῇ γεραίροντες ἀνευφημῶμεν, “μέγας κύριος, ’’ ἐπιλέγοντες, “καὶ αἰνετὸς σφόδρα, ἐν πόλει τοῦ θεοῦ ἡμῶν, ἐν ὄρει ἁγίῳ αὐτοῦ. καὶ γὰρ οὖν μέγας ὡς ἀληθῶς, καὶ μέγας ὁ οἶκος αὐτοῦ, ὑψηλὸς καὶ ἐπιμήκης, καὶ ὡραῖος κάλλει παρὰ τοὺς υἱοὺς τῶν ἀνθρώπων· μέγας ὁ κύριος ὁ ποιῶν θαυμάσια μόνος· μέγας ὁ ποιῶν μεγάλα καὶ ἀνεξιχνίαστα, ἔνδοξά τε καὶ ἐξαίσια, ὧν οὐκ ἔστιν ἀριθμός· μέγας ὁ ἀλλοιῶν καιροὺς καὶ χρόνους, μεθιστῶν βασιλεῖς καὶ καθιστῶν, ἐγείρων ἀπὸ γῆς πτωχὸν, καὶ ἀπὸ κοπρίας ἀνιστῶν πένητα. καθεῖλε δυνάστας ἀπὸ θρόνων, καὶ ὕψωσε ταπεινοὺς ἀπὸ γῆς, πεινῶντας ἐνέπλησεν ἀγαθῶν, καὶ βραχίονας ὑπερηφάνων συνέτριψεν, ’’ ### English translation (Claude) And not only each one singly, but all together, with one spirit and one soul, let us honor and praise him, saying: “Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised, in the city of our God, in his holy mountain.” For he is truly great, and great is his house, lofty and long, and “fair in beauty beyond the sons of men.” Great is the Lord “who alone does wonders”; great is he who does “great and unsearchable things, glorious and marvelous, of which there is no number”; great is he who “changes times and seasons, removes kings and sets them up,” “raising the poor from the earth and lifting the needy from the dunghill.” “He has brought down rulers from their thrones and exalted the lowly from the earth; he has filled the hungry with good things and broken the arms of the proud,” ### Scripture references - Ps 48:1 (47:2 LXX): quotation, high confidence - Ps 45:2 (44:3 LXX): quotation, medium confidence - Ps 136:4 (135:4 LXX): quotation, high confidence - Job 9:10: quotation, high confidence - Dan 2:21: quotation, high confidence - Ps 113:7 (112:7 LXX): quotation, high confidence - 1 Sam 2:8: echo, medium confidence - Luke 1:51–53: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotations are Ps 48:1 (47:2 LXX), Ps 45:2 (44:3 LXX), Ps 136:4 (135:4 LXX), Job 9:10, Dan 2:21, Ps 113:7 (112:7 LXX; compare 1 Sam 2:8), and Luke 1:51–53, freely combined. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/8/). ## Church History 10.4.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:452–453 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: God has made the old stories credible even to unbelievers; the church sings Psalm 136 of the God who strikes down kings and redeems his people. ### Greek text οὐ πιστοῖς μόνον, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἀπίστοις τῶν παλαιῶν διηγημάτων τὴν μνήμην πιστωσάμενος, ὁ θαυματουργὸς, ὁ μεγαλουργὸς, ὁ τῶν ὅλων δεσπότης, ὁ τοῦ σύμπαντος κόσμου δημιουργὸς, ὁ παντοκράτωρ, ὁ πανάγαθος, ὁ εἷς καὶ μόνος θεὸς, ᾧ τὸ καινὸν ᾆσμα μέλπωμεν, προσυπακούοντες τῷ ποιοῦντι θαυμάσια μόνῳ, ὅτι εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα τὸ ἔλεος αὐτοῦ, τῷ πατάξαντι βασιλεῖς μεγάλους καὶ ἀποκτείναντι βασιλεῖς κραταιοὺς, ὅτι εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα τὸ ἔλεος αὐτοῦ, ὅτι ἐν τῇ ταπεινώσει ἡμῶν ἐμνήσθη ἡμῶν ὁ κύριος, καὶ ἐλυτρώσατο ἡμᾶς ἐκ τῶν ἐχθρῶν ἡμῶν. ### English translation (Claude) having confirmed the memory of the ancient narratives not only to believers but also to unbelievers: the wonder-worker, the doer of great deeds, the Master of all, the Creator of the whole world, the Almighty, the all-good, the one and only God, to whom let us sing the new song, responding to him “who alone does wonders, for his mercy endures forever; who struck great kings and slew mighty kings, for his mercy endures forever; for in our humiliation the Lord remembered us and redeemed us from our enemies.” ### Scripture references - Ps 136:4 (135:4 LXX): quotation, high confidence - Ps 136:17–18 (135:17-Ps LXX): quotation, high confidence - Ps 136:23–24 (135:23-Ps LXX): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotations are Ps 136:4, 17–18, 23–24 (135 LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/9/). ## Church History 10.4.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:453 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Besides the Father, the church should praise Jesus, the second cause of its blessings, teacher, destroyer of tyrants, and Savior. ### Greek text καὶ τὸν μὲν τῶν ὅλων πατέρα τούτοις ἀνευφημοῦντες μή ποτε διαλίποιμεν· τὸν δὲ τῶν ἀγαθῶν ἡμῖν δεύτερον αἴτιον, τὸν τῆς θεογνωσίας εἰσηγητὴν, τὸν τῆς ἀληθοῦς θεοσεβείας διδάσκαλον, τὸν τῶν ἀσεβῶν ὀλετῆρα, τὸν τυραννοκτόνον, τὸν τοῦ βίου διορθωτὴν, τὸν ἡμῶν τῶν ἀπεγνωσμένων σωτῆρα Ἰησοῦν ἀνὰ στόμα φέροντες γεραίρωμεν, ### English translation (Claude) And let us never cease to praise the Father of all with these words; and let us honor, bearing his name on our lips, the second cause of our blessings, the one who brought in the knowledge of God, the teacher of true godliness, the destroyer of the ungodly, the slayer of tyrants, the reformer of life, the Savior of us who were in despair, Jesus, ### Translation notes - Eusebius calls the Son the “second cause” (δεύτερον αἴτιον) of our blessings, after the Father; how this language relates to later Nicene formulations is discussed by historians of doctrine. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/10/). ## Church History 10.4.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:453 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christ, the only good Son, took on human nature like a devoted physician and rescued humanity even from death, as no heavenly being could. ### Greek text ὅτι δὴ μόνος οἷα παναγάθου πατρὸς μονώτατος ὑπάρχων πανάγαθος παῖς, γνώμῃ τῆς πατρικῆς φιλανθρωπίας τῶν ἐν φθορᾷ κάτω που κειμένων ἡμῶν εὖ μάλα προθύμως ὑποδὺς τὴν φύσιν, οἶά τις ἰατρῶν ἄριστος τῆς τῶν καμνόντων ἕνεκεν σωτηρίας ὁρῇ μὲν δεινὰ, θιγγάνει δʼ ἀηδέων, ἐπʼ ἀλλοτρίῃσί τε ξυμφορῇσιν ἰδίας καρποῦται λύπας, οὐ νοσοῦντας αὐτὸ μόνον, οὐδʼ ἕλκεσι δεινοῖς καὶ σεσηπόσιν ἤδη τραύμασι πιεζομένους, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἐν νεκροῖς κειμένους ἡμᾶς ἐξ αὐτῶν τῶν μυχῶν τοῦ θανάτου αὐτὸς ἑαυτῷ διεσώσατο, ὅτι μηδὲ ἄλλῳ τῳ τῶν κατʼ οὐρανὸν τοσοῦτον παρῆν ἰσχύος, ὡς τῇ τῶν τοσούτων ἀβλαβῶς διακονήσασθαι σωτηρίᾳ. ### English translation (Claude) because he alone, as the only all-good Son of an all-good Father, in accordance with the will of the Father's love for mankind, most willingly put on the nature of us who lay somewhere below in corruption, and like an excellent physician, who for the sake of saving the sick “sees terrible things, touches what is unpleasant, and reaps griefs of his own from the misfortunes of others,” he saved us for himself, not only when we were sick or oppressed with terrible ulcers and wounds already festering, but even when we lay among the dead, from the very recesses of death; for no other being in heaven had so much strength as to minister unharmed to the salvation of so many. ### Extrabiblical texts - Hippocrates, Flat. 1 (Hippocrates, Hippocratic Corpus): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The words about the physician quote Hippocrates, On Breaths 1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/11/). ## Church History 10.4.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:453–454 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christ alone bore our sufferings and penalties, raised us from spiritual death, and shares with us the Father's good gifts. ### Greek text μόνος δʼ οὖν καὶ τῆς ἡμῶν αὐτῶν βαρυπαθοῦς φθορᾶς ἐφαψάμενος, μόνος τοὺς ἡμετέρους ἀνατλὰς πόνους, μόνος τὰ πρόστιμα τῶν ἡμετέρων ἀσεβημάτων περιθέμενος, οὐχ ἡμιθνῆτας, ἀλλὰ καὶ πάμπαν ἐν μνήμασι καὶ τάφοις μυσαροὺς ἤδη καὶ ὀδωδότας ἀναλαβὼν, πάλαι τε καὶ νῦν σπουδῇ τῇ φιλανθρώπῳ, παρὰ πᾶσαν τὴν οὑτινοσοῦν ἡμῶν τε αὐτῶν ἐλπίδα, σώζει τε καὶ τῶν τοῦ πατρὸς ἀγαθῶν ἀφθονίαν μεταδίδωσιν, ὁ ζωοποιὸς, ὁ φωταγωγὸς, ὁ μέγας ἡμῶν ἰατρὸς καὶ βασιλεὺς καὶ κύριος, ὁ Χριστὸς τοῦ θεοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) He alone, then, laid hold of our grievous corruption; he alone bore our sufferings; he alone took upon himself the penalties of our impieties; and taking us up, not half dead but already wholly foul and stinking in tombs and graves, he saves us, both of old and now, by his loving zeal, beyond all hope of anyone, even of ourselves, and imparts to us abundantly the good things of the Father: the life-giver, the giver of light, our great physician, king, and Lord, the Christ of God. ### Scripture references - Isa 53:4–5: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The language echoes Isa 53:4–5. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/12/). ## Church History 10.4.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:454 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: At his first coming Christ's light dissolved the bonds of sin in which demons held humanity. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ τότε μὲν ἅπαξ ἐν νυκτὶ ζοφερᾷ καὶ σκότῳ βαθεῖ, δαιμόνων ἀλιτηρίων πλάναις καὶ θεομισῶν πνευμάτων ἐνεργείαις πᾶν τὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων γένος κατορωρυγμένον, αὐτὸ μόνον ἐπιφανεὶς, ὡσὰν κηροῦ διατακέντος ταῖς αὐτοῦ βολαῖς τοῦ φωτὸς τὰς πολυδέτους τῶν ἀσεβημάτων ἡμῶν σειρὰς διελύσατο. ### English translation (Claude) But at that time, once for all, when the whole human race lay buried in a gloomy night and deep darkness by the deceptions of accursed demons and the workings of God-hating spirits, by merely appearing he loosed, as wax is melted, the many-knotted cords of our impieties with the rays of his light. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/13/). ## Church History 10.4.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:454 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The devil, enraged at Christ's grace, attacked the church like a mad dog, tearing down church buildings, issuing threats through tyrants, and poisoning souls with idolatry. ### Greek text νῦν δʼ ἐπὶ τῇ τοσαύτῃ χάριτι καὶ εὐεργεσίᾳ τοῦ μισοκάλου φθόνου καὶ φιλοπονήρου δαίμονος μονονουχὶ διαρρηγνυμένου, καὶ πάσας αὐτοῦ τὰς θανατοποιοὺς καθʼ ἡμῶν ἐπιστρατεύοντος δυνάμεις, καὶ τὰ μὲν πρῶτα κυνὸς δίκην λυττῶντος, τοὺς ὀδόντας ἐπὶ τοὺς ἀφιεμένους κατʼ αὐτοῦ λίθους προσαράττοντος, καὶ τὸν κατὰ τῶν ἀμυνομένων θυμὸν ἐπὶ τὰ ἄψυχα βλήματα καθιέντος, τοῖς τῶν προσευκτηρίων λίθοις καὶ ταῖς τῶν οἴκων ἀψύχοις ὕλαις τὴν θηριώδη μανίαν ἐπερείσαντος, ἐρημίαν τε, ὥς γε δὴ αὐτὸς ἑαυτῷ ᾤετο, τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν ἀπεργασαμένου, εἶτα δὲ δεινὰ συρίγματα καὶ τὰς ὀφιώδεις αὐτοῦ φωνὰς, τοτὲ μὲν ἀσεβῶν τυράννων ἀπειλαῖς, τοτὲ δὲ βλασφήμοις δυσσεβῶν ἀρχόντων διατάξεσιν ἀφιέντος, καὶ προσέτι τὸν αὐτοῦ θάνατον ἐξερευγομένου, καὶ τοῖς ἰώδεσι καὶ ψυχοφθόροις δηλητηρίοις τὰς ἁλισκομένας πρὸς αὐτοῦ ψυχὰς φαρμάττοντος, καὶ μονονουχὶ νεκροῦντος ταῖς τῶν νεκρῶν εἰδώλων νεκροποιοῖς θυσίαις, πάντα τε ἀνθρωπόμορφον θῆρα καὶ πάντα τρόπον ἄγριον καθʼ ἡμῶν ὑποσαλεύοντος, ### English translation (Claude) But now, when at so great a grace and benefit the envy that hates good and the demon that loves evil was all but bursting with rage, and was marshaling all his death-dealing powers against us; at first, like a mad dog, gnashing his teeth at the stones thrown at him and venting his fury against those who drive him off upon the lifeless missiles, he vented his bestial madness upon the stones of the houses of prayer and the lifeless materials of the buildings, and made the churches desolate, as he himself thought; then he sent forth terrible hissings and his serpent-like voices, now through threats of impious tyrants, now through blasphemous ordinances of ungodly rulers; and besides he vomited forth his own death and poisoned with his venomous and soul-destroying drugs the souls captured by him, and all but killed them with the deadly sacrifices to dead idols, and stirred up against us every beast in human form and every kind of savage; ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/14/). ## Church History 10.4.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:454–455 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christ, the Angel of Great Counsel and God's commander, suddenly destroyed the persecutors and glorified his faithful before heaven and earth. ### Greek text αὖθις ἐξ ὑπαρχῆς ὁ τῆς μεγάλης βουλῆς ἄγγελος, ὁ μέγας ἀρχιστράτηγος τοῦ θεοῦ, μετὰ τὴν αὐτάρκη διαγυμνασίαν, ἣν οἶ μέγιστοι τῆς αὐτοῦ βασιλείας στρατιῶται διὰ τῆς πρὸς ἅπαντα ὑπομονῆς καὶ καρτερίας ἐνεδείξαντο, ἀθρόως οὕτως φανεὶς τὰ μὲν ἐχθρὰ καὶ πολέμια εἰς ἀφανὲς καὶ τὸ μηδὲν κατεστήσατο, ὡς μηδὲ πώποτε ὠνομάσθαι δοκεῖν, τὰ δʼ αὐτῷ φίλα καὶ οἰκεῖα δόξης ἐπέκεινα παρὰ πᾶσιν οὐκ ἀνθρώποις μόνον, ἀλλʼ ἤδη καὶ δυνάμεσιν οὐρανίοις, ἡλίῳ τε καὶ σελήνῃ καὶ ἄστροις καὶ τῷ σύμπαντι οὐρανῷ τε καὶ κόσμῳ προήγαγεν, ### English translation (Claude) then once again the Angel of Great Counsel, the great Commander-in-chief of God, after the sufficient training that the greatest soldiers of his kingdom had shown by their endurance and steadfastness in all things, appeared suddenly and reduced his enemies and foes to nothing and oblivion, so that they seemed never to have been named, while those who were his friends and his own he raised beyond glory before all, not only men but also the heavenly powers, sun and moon and stars and the whole heaven and world, ### Scripture references - Isa 9:6 (9:5 LXX): allusion, high confidence - Josh 5:14: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - “Angel of Great Counsel” is Isa 9:6 (9:5 LXX); “Commander-in-chief” recalls Josh 5:14. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/15/). ## Church History 10.4.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/16/ - Source: Dindorf 4:455 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The emperors now reject idols, confess Christ as King and Savior on public monuments, and worship him as the true Son of God. ### Greek text ὥστε ἤδη, ὃ μηδὲ ἄλλοτέ πω, τοὺς πάντων ἀνωτάτω βασιλέας, ἧς λελόγχασι παρʼ αὐτοῦ τιμῆς συνῃσθημένους, νεκρῶν μὲν εἰδώλων καταπτύειν προσώποις, πατεῖν δʼ ἄθεσμα δαιμόνων θέσμια, καὶ παλαιᾶς ἀπάτης πατροπαραδότου κατεγγελᾶν, ἕνα δὲ αὐτὸν μόνον θεὸν τὸν κοινὸν ἀπάντων καὶ ἑαυτῶν εὐεργέτην γνωρίζειν, Χριστόν τε τοῦ θεοῦ παῖδα παμβασιλέα τῶν ὅλων ὁμολογεῖν, σωτῆρά τε αὐτὸν ἐν στήλαις ἀναγορεύειν, ἀνεξαλείπτῳ μνήμῃ τὰ κατορθώματα καὶ τὰς κατὰ τῶν ἀσεβῶν αὐτοῦ νίκας μέση τῇ βασιλευούσῃ τῶν ἐπὶ γῆς πόλει βασιλικοῖς χαρακτῆρσι προσεγγράφοντας, ὥστε μόνον τῶν ἐξ αἰῶνος Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν τὸν ἡμῶν σωτῆρα καὶ πρὸς αὐτῶν τῶν ἐπὶ γῆς ἀνωτάτω οὐχ οἶα κοινὸν ἐξ ἀνθρώπων βασιλέα γενόμενον ὁμολογεῖσθαι, ἀλλʼ οἷα τοῦ καθόλου θεοῦ παῖδα γνήσιον καὶ αὐτόθεον προσκυνεῖσθαι, καὶ εἰκότως. ### English translation (Claude) so that now, as never before, the supreme emperors of all, conscious of the honor they have received from him, spit on the faces of dead idols, trample on the unholy rites of demons, laugh at the old deceit handed down from their fathers, and acknowledge him alone as the one God, the common benefactor of all and of themselves. They confess Christ, the Son of God, as King of all, and proclaim him Savior on monuments, engraving in imperial letters, in indelible memory, his achievements and his victories over the ungodly in the midst of the city that rules over the earth; so that Jesus Christ our Savior alone of all from eternity is confessed even by the highest on earth, not as an ordinary king born among men, but is worshiped as the true Son of the God of the universe and as God himself, and rightly so. ### Translation notes - αὐτόθεον, “God himself”, is Eusebius's term; its precise sense in his theology is debated. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.16 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/16/). ## Church History 10.4.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/17/ - Source: Dindorf 4:455 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: No king but Christ has had his name and laws spread to all the earth. ### Greek text τίς γὰρ τῶν πώποτε βασιλέων τοσοῦτον ἀρετῆς ἠνέγκατο ὡς πάντων τῶν ἐπὶ γῆς ἀνθρώπων ἀκοὴν καὶ γλῶτταν ἐμπλῆσαι τῆς αὐτοῦ προσηγορίας; τίς βασιλεὺς νόμους εὐσεβεῖς οὕτω καὶ σώφρονας διαταξάμενος, ἀπὸ περάτων γῆς καὶ εἰς ἄκρα τῆς ὅλης οἰκουμένης εἰς ἐπήκοον ἅπασιν ἀνθρώποις ἀναγινώσκεσθαι διαρκῶς ἐκράτυνεν; ### English translation (Claude) For what king ever attained such excellence as to fill the ears and tongues of all people on earth with his name? What king, having enacted laws so pious and wise, has made them strong enough to be read continually in the hearing of all people from the ends of the earth to the limits of the whole world? ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.17 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/17/). ## Church History 10.4.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/18/ - Source: Dindorf 4:455–456 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christ alone tamed savage nations by his gentle laws and keeps flourishing despite constant attack. ### Greek text τίς ἀνημέρων ἐθνῶν ἔθη βάρβαρα καὶ ἀνήμερα τοῖς ἡμέροις αὐτοῦ καὶ φιλανθρωποτάτοις παρέλυσε νόμοις; τίς αἰῶσιν ὅλοις ὑπὸ πάντων πολεμούμενος τὴν ὑπὲρ ἄνθρωπον ἀρετὴν ἐπεδείξατο, ὡς ἀνθεῖν ὁσημέραι καὶ νεάζειν διὰ παντὸς τοῦ βίου; ### English translation (Claude) Who has abolished the barbarous and savage customs of savage nations by his own gentle and most humane laws? Who, attacked by all for whole ages, has shown a virtue beyond human, so as to flourish and be renewed every day throughout his whole life? ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.18 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/18/). ## Church History 10.4.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/19/ - Source: Dindorf 4:456 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christ founded a new nation throughout the world and armed his soldiers with piety stronger than steel. ### Greek text τίς ἔθνος τὸ μηδʼ ἀκουσθὲν ἐξ αἰῶνος, οὐκ ἐν γωνίᾳ ποι γῆς λεληθὸς, ἀλλὰ καθʼ ὅλης τῆς ὑφʼ ἡλίῳ ἱδρύσατο; τίς εὐσεβείας ὅπλοις οὕτως ἐφράξατο τοὺς στρατιώτας ὡς ἀδάμαντος τὰς ψυχὰς κραταιοτέρους ἐν τοῖς πρὸς τοὺς ἀντιπάλους ἀγῶσι διαφαίνεσθαι; ### English translation (Claude) Who has founded a nation never heard of from eternity, not hidden in some corner of the earth, but over the whole earth under the sun? Who has so armed his soldiers with the weapons of piety that their souls have proved stronger than adamant in their contests with their adversaries? ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.19 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/19/). ## Church History 10.4.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/20/ - Source: Dindorf 4:456 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christ reigns even after death, filling the world with his churches, which he creates by his word, like this splendid church. ### Greek text τίς βασιλέων εἰς τοσοῦτον κρατεῖ καὶ στρατηγεῖ γε μετὰ θάνατον, καὶ τρόπαια κατʼ ἐχθρῶν ἵστησι, καὶ πάντα τόπον καὶ χώραν καὶ πόλιν, Ἑλλάδα τε καὶ βάρβαρον, βασιλικῶν οἴκων αὐτοῦ πληροῖ, καὶ θείων ναῶν ἀφιερώμασιν, οἷα τάδε τὰ τοῦδε τοῦ νεὼ περικαλλῆ κοσμήματά τε καὶ ἀναθήματα, ἃ καὶ αὐτὰ σεμνὰ μὲν ὡς ἀληθῶς καὶ μεγάλα, ἐκπλήξεώς τε καὶ θαύματος ἄξια, καὶ οἷα τῆς τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν βασιλείας ἐναργῆ δείγματα, ὅτι καὶ νῦν αὐτὸς εἶπε καὶ ἐγενήθησαν, αὐτὸς ἐνετείλατο καὶ ἐκτίσθησαν, — τί γὰρ καὶ ἔμελλε τοῦ παμβασιλέως καὶ πανηγεμόνος καὶ αὐτοῦ θεοῦ λόγου ἐνστήσεσθαι τῷ νεύματι; — σχολῆς τε λόγων οἰκείας εἰς ἀκριβῆ θεωρίαν τε καὶ ἑρμηνείαν τυγχάνει δεόμενα· ### English translation (Claude) What king prevails to such a degree and commands his army even after death, sets up trophies over his enemies, and fills every place, country, and city, Greek and barbarian, with his royal houses and the dedications of divine temples, such as these most beautiful ornaments and offerings of this temple? They too are truly majestic and great, worthy of amazement and wonder, and clear proofs of the kingship of our Savior; for even now “he spoke and they came to be, he commanded and they were created” (for what could withstand the nod of the Word of God himself, the King and Ruler of all?); and they require a discourse of their own for their accurate study and explanation. ### Scripture references - Ps 148:5: quotation, high confidence - Ps 33:9 (32:9 LXX): echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Ps 148:5 (compare Ps 33:9). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.20 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/20/). ## Church History 10.4.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/21/ - Source: Dindorf 4:456–457 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: God looks rather on the living temple of believers built on the apostles and prophets, with Christ as cornerstone, whom the builders rejected. ### Greek text οὐ μὴν ὅσα καὶ οἷα τὰ τῆς τῶν πεπονηκότων προθυμίας κέκριται παρʼ αὐτῷ τῷ θεολογουμένῳ, τὸν ἔμψυχον πάντων ἡμῶν καθορῶντι ναὸν, καὶ τὸν ἐκ ζώντων λίθων καὶ βεβηκότων οἶκον ἐποπτεύοντι, εὖ καὶ ἀσφαλῶς ἱδρυμένων ἐπὶ τῷ θεμελίῳ τῶν ἀποστόλων καὶ προφητῶν, ὄντος ἀκρογωνιαίου λίθου αὐτοῦ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ὃν ἀπεδοκίμασαν μὲν οὐχ οἱ τῆς παλαιᾶς καὶ μηκέτʼ οὔσης ἐκείνης μόνον, ἀλλὰ καὶ τῆς εἰσέτι νῦν τῶν πολλῶν ἀνθρώπων οἰκοδομῆς κακοὶ κακῶν ὄντες ἀρχιτέκτονες, δοκιμάσας δὲ ὁ πατὴρ καὶ τότε καὶ νῦν εἰς κεφαλὴν γωνίας τῆσδε τῆς κοινῆς ἡμῶν ἐκκλησίας ἱδρύσατο. ### English translation (Claude) And such a discourse would be needed no less to tell how great and of what kind the zeal of those who labored has been judged to be by him who is himself proclaimed God, who looks upon the living temple of all of us and surveys the house of living and firm stones, well and securely founded on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, the cornerstone being Jesus Christ himself, whom the builders rejected, evil architects of evil things, not only of that old building which no longer exists, but also of the building of the majority of men that still exists now; but the Father, having approved him, both then and now set him as the head of the corner of this our common church. ### Scripture references - 1 Pet 2:4–5: allusion, high confidence - Eph 2:20: allusion, high confidence - Ps 118:22 (117:22 LXX): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The allusions are 1 Pet 2:4–5, Eph 2:20, and Ps 118:22 (117:22 LXX). The opening clause (οὐ μὴν …) is elliptical and continues the thought of 10.4.20 (“they require a discourse of their own”); “him who is proclaimed God” (τῷ θεολογουμένῳ) is Christ. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.21 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/21/). ## Church History 10.4.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/22/ - Source: Dindorf 4:457 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The true temple is the believers themselves; only Christ, the great High Priest, can see into its inner sanctuary, the soul. ### Greek text τοῦτον δὴ οὑν τὸν ἐξ ὑμῶν αὐτῶν ἐπεσκευασμένον ζῶντος θεοῦ ζῶντα ναὸν — τὸ μέγιστον καὶ ἀληθεῖ λόγῳ θεοπρεπὲς ἱερεῖόν φημι, οὗ τὰ ἐνδοτάτω ἄδυτα τοῖς πολλοῖς ἀθεώρητα καὶ ὄντως ἅγια καὶ τῶν ἁγίων ἅγια — τίς ἂν ἐποπτεύσας ἐξειπεῖν τολμήσειε; τίς δὲ κἂν εἰσκῦψαι περιβόλων ἱερῶν εἴσω δυνατὸς, ὅτι μὴ μόνος ὁ μέγας τῶν ὅλων ἀρχιερεὺς, ᾧ μόνῳ θέμις πάσης λογικῆς ψυχῆς τὰ ἀπόρρητα διερευνᾶσθαι; ### English translation (Claude) This living temple of the living God, then, built out of you yourselves (I mean the greatest sanctuary, truly worthy of God, whose innermost shrines are invisible to the many and are truly holy and a holy of holies), who that has beheld it would dare to describe? Who could even peer within its sacred enclosures, except only the great High Priest of all, to whom alone it is permitted to search the secrets of every rational soul? ### Scripture references - 2 Cor 6:16: allusion, medium confidence - Heb 4:14: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The allusions are 2 Cor 6:16 and Heb 4:14. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.22 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/22/). ## Church History 10.4.23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/23/ - Source: Dindorf 4:457 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Second after Christ is Bishop Paulinus, appointed shepherd of this flock, a new Aaron or Melchizedek made like the Son of God. ### Greek text τάχα δὲ καὶ ἄλλῳ δευτερεύειν μετὰ τοῦτον ἐνὶ μόνῳ τῶν ἴσων ἐφικτὸν, τῷδε τῷ προκαθημένῳ τῆσδε τῆς στρατιᾶς ἡγεμόνι, ὅν αὐτὸς ὁ πρῶτος καὶ μέγας ἀρχιερεὺς δευτερείοις τῶν τῇδε ἱερείων τιμήσας, ποιμένα τῆς ὑμετέρας ἐνθέου ποίμνης, κλήρῳ καὶ κρίσει τοῦ πατρὸς τὸν ὑμέτερον λαχόντα λαὸν, ὡσὰν θεραπευτὴν καὶ ὑποφήτην αὐτὸς ἑαυτοῦ κατετάξατο, τὸν νέον Ἀαρὼν ἢ Μελχισεδὲκ, ἀφωμοιωμένον τῷ υἱῷ τοῦ θεοῦ, μένοντά τε καὶ πρὸς αὐτοῦ τηρούμενον εἰς τὸ διηνεκὲς ταῖς κοιναῖς ἁπάντων ὑμῶν εὐχαῖς. ### English translation (Claude) But perhaps it is also possible for another, one alone among equals, to hold second place after him: this commander who presides over this army, whom the first and great High Priest himself has honored with the second place in the priesthood here, and has appointed as shepherd of your divine flock, who received your people by the Father's lot and judgment, as his own servant and interpreter, the new Aaron or Melchizedek, made like the Son of God, remaining and kept by him forever through the common prayers of you all. ### Scripture references - Heb 7:3: allusion, high confidence - Ps 110:4 (109:4 LXX): echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The allusions are Heb 7:3 and Ps 110:4 (109:4 LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.23 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/23/). ## Church History 10.4.24 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/24/ - Source: Dindorf 4:457 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Paulinus, having long known and taught his people, is best able to see into their souls and to describe his own work. ### Greek text τούτῳ δὴ οὖν ἐξέστω μόνῳ μετὰ τὸν πρῶτον καὶ μέγιστον ἀρχιερέα, εἰ μὴ τὰ πρῶτα, τὰ δεύτερα γοῦν ὅμως ὁρᾶν τε καὶ ἐπισκοπεῖν τῆς ἐνδοτάτω τῶν ὑμετέρων ψυχῶν θεωρίας, πείρα μὲν καὶ χρόνου μήκει ἕκαστον ἀκριβῶς ἐξητακότι, σπουδῇ τε τῇ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐπιμελείᾳ τοὺς πάντας ὑμᾶς ἐν κόσμῳ καὶ λόγῳ τῷ κατʼ εὐσέβειαν διατεθειμένῳ, δυνατῷ τε ὄντι μᾶλλον ἀπάντων, ὧν αὐτὸς σὺν θείᾳ δυνάμει κατηρτίσατο, τούτων τοῖς ἔργοις ἐφαμίλλως ἀποδοῦναι τοὺς λόγους. ### English translation (Claude) To him alone, then, after the first and greatest High Priest, let it be permitted, if not the first place, then at least the second, to see and oversee the inmost vision of your souls, since by experience and length of time he has examined each one accurately, and by his zeal and care has set you all in order and in the teaching that accords with piety, and since he is more able than all to give an account in words that matches the works which he himself, with divine power, has accomplished. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.24 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/24/). ## Church History 10.4.25 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/25/ - Source: Dindorf 4:457–458 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: As the Son does what he sees the Father do, so Paulinus copies Christ's work, like Bezalel who built the tabernacle after heavenly patterns. ### Greek text ὁ μὲν οὖν πρῶτος καὶ μέγας ἡμῶν ἀρχιερεὺς, ὅσα βλέπει τὸν πατέρα ποιοῦντα, ταῦτα, φησὶν, ὁμοίως καὶ ὁ υἱὸς ποιεῖ· ὁ δὲ καὶ αὐτὸς ὡσὰν ἐπὶ διδάσκαλον τὸν πρῶτον καθαροῖς νοὸς ὄμμασιν ἀφορῶν, ὅσα βλέπει ποιοῦντα, ὡσὰν ἀρχετύποις χρώμενος παραδείγμασι, τούτων τὰς εἰκόνας, ὡς ἔνι μάλιστα δυνατὸν, εἰς τὸ ὁμοιότατον δημιουργῶν ἀπειργάσατο, οὐδὲν ἐκείνῳ καταλιπὼν τῷ Βεσελεὴλ, ὃν αὐτὸς ὁ θεὸς πνεύματος ἐμπλήσας σοφίας καὶ συνέσεως καὶ τῆς ἄλλης ἐντέχνου καὶ ἐπιστημονικῆς γνώσεως, τῆς τῶν οὐρανίων τύπων διὰ συμβόλων ναοῦ κατασκευῆς δημιουργὸν ἀνακέκληται. ### English translation (Claude) Our first and great High Priest, then, says that whatever he sees the Father doing, these things the Son also does likewise. And this man too, looking with the pure eyes of the mind to the first as to a teacher, has made whatever he sees him doing, using them as archetypal patterns, and has fashioned their images as closely as possible to the likeness, falling in no way short of that Bezalel whom God himself filled with the spirit of wisdom and understanding and of all other skill and knowledge, and called to be the maker of the temple's construction as symbols of heavenly patterns. ### Scripture references - John 5:19: allusion, high confidence - Exod 31:2–3: allusion, high confidence - Heb 8:5: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The allusions are John 5:19, Exod 31:2–3, and Heb 8:5. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.25 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/25/). ## Church History 10.4.26 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/26/ - Source: Dindorf 4:458 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Paulinus, bearing Christ's image, built this church with the people's generous help, choosing to restore the defiled old site rather than build elsewhere. ### Greek text ταύτῃ δʼ οὖν καὶ ὅδε Χριστὸν ὅλον, τὸν λόγον, τὴν σοφίαν, τὸ φῶς, ἐν τῇ αὐτὸς αὑτοῦ ἀγαλματοφορῶν ψυχῇ, οὐδʼ ἔστιν εἰπεῖν οἵᾳ σὺν μεγαλοφροσύνῃ, πλουσίᾳ τε καὶ ἀπλήστῳ διανοίας χειρὶ, καὶ σὺν οἵᾳ πάντων ὑμῶν φιλοτιμίᾳ, τῇ τῶν εἰσφορῶν μεγαλοψυχίᾳ, τῆς αὐτῆς αὐτῷ προθέσεως κατὰ μηδένα τρόπον ἀπολειφθῆναι φιλονεικότερον μεγαλοφρονουμένων, τὸν μεγαλοπρεπῆ τόνδε θεοῦ τοῦ ὑψίστου νεὼν, τῷ τοῦ κρείττονος παραδείγματι ὡσὰν ὁρώμενον μὴ ὁρωμένου, τὴν φύσιν ἐμφερῆ συνεστήσατο, χῶρον μὲν τόνδε, ὅτι καὶ ἄξιον εἰπεῖν πρῶτον ἁπάντων, πάσης οὐ καθαρᾶς ὕλης ἐχθρῶν ἐπιβουλαῖς παραχωρήσας νον οὐ παριδὼν, οὐδὲ τῇ τῶν αἰτίων παραχωρήσας κακίᾳ, ἐξὸν ἐφʼ ἕτερον ἐλθόντα, μυρίων ἄλλων εὐπορουμένων τῇ πόλει, ῥᾳστώνην εὕρασθαι τοῦ πόνου καὶ πραγμάτων ἀπηλλάχθαι. ### English translation (Claude) In this way, then, this man too, bearing in his own soul the image of the whole Christ, the Word, the Wisdom, the Light, has built this magnificent temple of God the Most High, similar in nature to the pattern of the better, as the visible is to the invisible; with what greatness of soul, with what rich and unstinting hand of mind, and with what generosity of you all, who in the largeness of your contributions strove not to fall short of his purpose in any way, it is not possible to say. And first of all, which is worth saying first of all, he did not neglect this place, though it was covered by the plots of enemies with every kind of impure rubbish, nor did he give way to the wickedness of those responsible, though he could have gone to another site, since the city had countless others available, and so found relief from toil and freed himself of trouble. ### Scripture references - 1 Cor 1:24: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The digital text is garbled at παραχωρήσας νον (a word such as κεχωσμένον, “covered”, is intended); translated from the sense. “Word, Wisdom, Light” echo John 1:1–9 and 1 Cor 1:24. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.26 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/26/). ## Church History 10.4.27 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/27/ - Source: Dindorf 4:458–459 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Paulinus rallied the people so that the church that had suffered persecution might share in God's generosity. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ πρῶτον αὐτὸν ἐπὶ τὸ ἔργον ἐγείρας, εἶτα δὲ τὸν σύμπαντα λαὸν προθυμίᾳ ῥώσας καὶ μίαν ἐξ ἁπάντων μεγάλην χεῖρα συναγαγὼν, πρῶτον ἆθλον ἠγωνίζετο, αὐτὴν δὴ μάλιστα τὴν ὑπὸ τῶν ἐχθρῶν πεπολιορκημένην, αὐτὴν τὴν προπονήσασαν, καὶ τοὺς αὐτοὺς ἡμῖν καὶ πρὸ ἡμῶν διωγμοὺς ὑπομείνασαν, τὴν μητρὸς δίκην τῶν τέκνων ἐρημωθεῖσαν ἐκκλησίαν συναπολαῦσαι δεῖν οἰόμενος τῆς τοῦ παναγάθου μεγαλοδωρεᾶς. ### English translation (Claude) But he first roused himself to the work, then strengthened the whole people with eagerness and gathered all into one great hand, and so fought the first contest, thinking that the very church which had been besieged by the enemy, which had labored before and endured the same persecutions with us and before us, which like a mother had been bereaved of her children, ought to share in the enjoyment of the munificence of the all-good God. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.27 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/27/). ## Church History 10.4.28 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/28/ - Source: Dindorf 4:459 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christ the Shepherd, having driven off the persecutors, gathered his flock again and rebuilt its fold to shame his enemies. ### Greek text ἐπειδὴ γὰρ τοὺς παῖδας αὖθις ὁ μέγας ποιμὴν, τοὺς θῆρας καὶ τοὺς λύκους καὶ πᾶν ἀπηνὲς καὶ ἄγριον γένος ἀποσοβήσας, καὶ τὰς μύλας τῶν λεόντων, ᾗ φησι τὰ θεῖα λόγια, συντρίψας, ἐπὶ ταὐτὸν αὖθις συνελθεῖν ἠξίωσε, δικαιότατα καὶ τῆς ποίμνης τὴν μάνδραν ἀνίστη, τοῦ καταισχῦναι ἐχθρὸν καὶ ἐκδικητὴν, καὶ ὡς ἂν ἔλεγχον ταῖς θεομάχοις τῶν ἀσεβῶν προαγάγοι τόλμαις. ### English translation (Claude) For when the great Shepherd, having driven off the wild beasts and the wolves and every cruel and savage kind, and having broken “the jaws of the lions,” as the divine oracles say, deemed it right that his children should come together again in one place, he most justly also raised up the fold of the flock, “to put to shame the enemy and avenger,” and that he might bring forth a refutation of the God-fighting audacities of the ungodly. ### Scripture references - Ps 58:6 (57:7 LXX): quotation, high confidence - Ps 8:2 (8:3 LXX): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotations are Ps 58:6 (57:7 LXX) and Ps 8:2 (8:3 LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.28 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/28/). ## Church History 10.4.29 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/29/ - Source: Dindorf 4:459 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The persecutors have vanished, destroyed with their families, confirming Scripture's predictions. ### Greek text καὶ νῦν οἱ μὲν οὐκ εἰσὶν, οἱ θεομισεῖς, ὅτι μηδὲ ἦσαν· εἰς βραχὺ δὲ ταράξαντες καὶ ταραχθέντες, εὖθʼ ὑποσχόντες τιμωρίαν οὐ μεμπτὴν τῇ δίκῃ, ἑαυτοὺς καὶ φίλους καὶ οἴκους ἄρδην ἀναστάτους κατέστησαν, ὡς τὰς πάλαι στήλαις ἱεραῖς καταγραφείσας προρρήσεις ἔργοις πιστὰς ὁμολογεῖσθαι, διʼ ὧν τά τε ἄλλα ὁ θεῖος ἐπαληθεύει λόγος, ἀτὰρ καὶ τάδε περὶ αὐτῶν ἀποφαινόμενος· ### English translation (Claude) And now they, the God-haters, are not, as if they had never been. After causing trouble for a short time and being troubled, they paid a penalty not to be faulted by justice, and brought themselves, their friends, and their houses to utter ruin, so that the predictions inscribed long ago on sacred tablets are confessed by the facts to be trustworthy, through which the divine word proves true in other things and also declares this concerning them: ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.29 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/29/). ## Church History 10.4.30 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/30/ - Source: Dindorf 4:459–460 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The psalms foretold that the wicked would perish by their own sword, their names be blotted out, and their images be destroyed, as has now happened. ### Greek text “ῥομφαίαν ἐσπάσαντο οἱ ἁμαρτωλοὶ, ἐνέτειναν τόξον αὐτῶν, τοῦ καταβαλεῖν πτωχὸν καὶ πένητα, τοῦ σφάξαι τοὺς εὐθεῖς τῇ καρδίᾳ· ἡ ῥομφαία αὐτῶν εἰσέλθοι εἰς καρδίαν αὐτῶν, καὶ τὰ τόξα αὐτῶν συντριβείη.” καὶ πάλιν “ἀπώλετο τὸ μνημόσυνον αὐτῶν μετʼ ἤχου, καὶ τὸ ὄνομα αὐτῶν ἐξήλειψας εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα, καὶ εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα τοῦ αἰῶνος· ὅτι δὴ καὶ ἐν κακοῖς γενόμενοι ἐκέκραξαν, καὶ οὐκ ἦν ὁ σώζων, πρὸς κύριον, καὶ οὐκ εἰσήκουσεν αὐτῶν. ἀλλʼ οἶ μὲν συνεποδίσθησαν καὶ ἔπεσον, ἡμεῖς δὲ ἀνέστημεν καὶ ἀνωρθώθημεν.’’ καὶ τό γε ἐν τούτοις προαναφωνοῦν ‘κύριε, ἐν τῇ πόλει σου τὴν εἰκόνα αὐτῶν ἐξουδενώσειςʼ’ ἀληθὲς ὑπʼ ὀφθαλμοῖς πάντων ἀναπέφανται. ### English translation (Claude) “The sinners have drawn the sword, they have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, to slay the upright in heart; let their sword enter into their own heart, and let their bows be broken.” And again: “Their memory has perished with a noise, and you have blotted out their name forever and ever; for when they were in trouble they cried out, and there was none to save, to the Lord, and he did not hear them. They were bound and fell, but we have risen and stand upright.” And what was foretold in these, “Lord, in your city you will bring their image to nothing,” has been shown true before the eyes of all. ### Scripture references - Ps 37:14–15 (36:14-Ps LXX): quotation, high confidence - Ps 9:5–6 (9:6-Ps LXX): quotation, high confidence - Ps 18:41 (17:42 LXX): quotation, high confidence - Ps 20:8 (19:9 LXX): quotation, high confidence - Ps 73:20 (72:20 LXX): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotations are Ps 37:14–15 (36:14–15 LXX), Ps 9:5–6 (9:6–7 LXX), Ps 18:41 (17:42 LXX), Ps 20:8 (19:9 LXX), and Ps 73:20 (72:20 LXX), combined. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.30 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/30/). ## Church History 10.4.31 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/31/ - Source: Dindorf 4:460 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The persecutors fell like the giants who fought the gods, while the despised church's endurance is rewarded, as Isaiah foretold. ### Greek text ἀλλʼ οἶ μὲν γιγάντων τρόπον θεομαχίαν ἐνστησάμενοι τοιαύτην εἰλήχασι τὴν τοῦ βίου καταστροφήν· τῆς δʼ ἐρήμου καὶ παρʼ ἀνθρώποις ἀπεγνωσμένης τοιαῦτα οἷα τὰ ὁρώμενα τῆς κατὰ θεὸν ὑπομονῆς τὰ τέλη, ὡς ἀναφωνεῖν αὐτῇ τὴν προφητείαν Ἠσαίου ταῦτα ### English translation (Claude) They, then, having waged war against God like the giants, met such an end of life. But of the church that was deserted and despaired of by men, the results of her endurance for God's sake are such as are now seen, so that Isaiah's prophecy cries out to her these words: ### Translation notes - The giants' war against the gods is a Greek myth. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.31 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/31/). ## Church History 10.4.32 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/32/ - Source: Dindorf 4:460 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Isaiah calls the desert to rejoice and blossom, the weak to take courage, for God will save and make water spring up in the wilderness. ### Greek text “εὐφράνθητι ἔρημος διψῶσα, ἀγαλλιάσθω ἔρημος, καὶ ἀνθείτω ὡς κρίνον· καὶ ἐξανθήσει καὶ ἀγαλλιάσεται τὰ ἔρημα. ἰσχύσατε χεῖρες ἀνειμέναι καὶ γόνατα παραλελυμένα· παρακαλέσατε, ὀλιγόψυχοι τῇ διανοίᾳ, ἰσχύσατε, μὴ φοβεῖσθε. ἰδοὺ ὁ θεὸς ἡμῶν κρίσιν ἀνταποδίδωσι καὶ ἀνταποδώσει, αὐτὸς ἥξει καὶ σώσει ἡμᾶς· ὅτι, φησὶν, ἐρράγη ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ ὕδωρ, καὶ φάραγξ ἐν γῇ διψώσῃ, καὶ ἡ ἄνυδρος ἔσται εἰς ἕλη, καὶ εἰς τὴν διψῶσαν γῆν πηγὴ ὕδατος ἔσται.’’ ### English translation (Claude) “Rejoice, thirsty desert; let the desert be glad and blossom like a lily, and the desert places shall blossom and be glad. Be strong, you weak hands and feeble knees; be comforted, you faint of heart; be strong, do not fear. Behold, our God repays judgment and will repay; he himself will come and save us. For,” he says, “water has broken out in the desert, and a stream in a thirsty land; and the dry ground shall become marshes, and in the thirsty land there shall be a spring of water.” ### Scripture references - Isa 35:1–7: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Isa 35:1–2, 3–4, 6–7 (LXX), abridged. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.32 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/32/). ## Church History 10.4.33 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/33/ - Source: Dindorf 4:460–461 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The church, ravaged like the vineyard and sanctuary of the psalms, with her books burned and gates hewn down, has by Christ's power blossomed again, for God disciplines those he loves. ### Greek text καὶ τάδε μὲν λόγοις πάλαι προθεσπισθέντα βίβλοις ἱεραῖς καταβέβλητο· τά γε μὴν ἔργα οὐκέτʼ ἀκοαῖς, ἀλλʼ ἔργοις ἡμῖν παραδέδοται. ἡ ἔρημος ἥδε, ἡ ἄνυδρος, ἡ χήρα καὶ ἀπερίστατος, ἧς ὡς ἐν δρυμῷ ξύλων ἀξίναις ἐξέκοψαν τὰς πύλας ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ, ἐν πέλυκι καὶ λαξευτηρίῳ συντρίψαντες αὐτὴν, ἧς καὶ τὰς βίβλους διαφθείραντες, ἐνεπύρισαν ἐν πυρὶ τὸ ἁγιαστήριον τοῦ θεοῦ, εἰς τὴν γῆν ἐβεβήλωσαν τὸ σκήνωμα τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ, ἣν ἐτρύγησαν πάντες οἶ παραπορευόμενοι τὴν ὁδὸν, προκαθελόντες αὐτῆς τοὺς φραγμοὺς, ἣν ἐλυμήνατο ὗς ἐκ δρυμοῦ, καὶ μονιὸς ἄγριος κατενεμήσατο, Χριστοῦ δυνάμει παραδόξῳ νῦν, ὅτε θέλει αὐτὸς, γέγονεν ὡς κρίνον· ἐπεὶ καὶ τότε αὐτοῦ νεύματι, ὡσὰν προκηδομένου πατρὸς, ἐπαιδεύετο· ὃν γὰρ ἀγαπᾷ κύριος, παιδεύει, μαστιγοῖ δὲ πάντα υἱὸν ὃν παραδέχεται. ### English translation (Claude) These things were foretold long ago in words and set down in sacred books; but the facts have been handed down to us no longer by hearing but in deeds. This desert, this waterless one, this widowed and forsaken one, whose gates they cut down with axes as in a forest of trees, breaking her down with hatchet and hammer; whose books they destroyed; who set fire to the sanctuary of God and profaned to the ground the dwelling of his name; whom all who passed along the way plucked, having first torn down her hedges; whom the boar out of the wood ravaged and the solitary wild beast fed upon: she now, by the wonderful power of Christ, when he himself wills, has become like a lily. For even then she was being disciplined at his nod, as by a father who cares for her: “for whom the Lord loves he disciplines, and he scourges every son whom he receives.” ### Scripture references - Ps 74:5–7 (73:5-Ps LXX): allusion, high confidence - Ps 80:12–13 (79:13-Ps LXX): allusion, high confidence - Isa 35:1: allusion, high confidence - Heb 12:6: quotation, high confidence - Prov 3:12: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The allusions are Ps 74:5–7 (73:5–7 LXX), Ps 80:12–13 (79:13–14 LXX), Isa 35:1, and Heb 12:6 (Prov 3:12). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.33 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/33/). ## Church History 10.4.34 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/34/ - Source: Dindorf 4:461 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The church blossoms again: the water in the desert is the saving washing of baptism, and the weak have been strengthened to walk in the knowledge of God. ### Greek text μέτρῳ δῆτα κατὰ τὸ δέον ἐπιστραφεῖσα, αὖθις ἄνωθεν ἐξ ὑπαρχῆς ἀγαλλιᾶν προστάττεται, ἐξανθεῖ τε ὡς κρίνον, καὶ τῆς ἐνθέου εὐωδίας εἰς πάντας ἀποπνεῖ ἀνθρώπους· ὅτι, φησὶν, ἐρράγη ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ ὕδωρ, τὸ νᾶμα τῆς θείας τοῦ σωτηρίου λουτροῦ παλιγγενεσίας· καὶ νῦν γέγονεν ἡ πρὸ μικροῦ ἔρημος εἰς ἕλη, καὶ εἰς τὴν διψῶσαν γῆν ἔβρυσε πηγὴ ὕδατος ζῶντος· ἴσχυσάν τε ὡς ἀληθῶς χεῖρες αἱ τὸ πρὶν ἀνειμέναι, καὶ τῆς τῶν χειρῶν ἰσχύος ἔργα τάδε τὰ μεγάλα καὶ ἐναργῆ δείγματα· ἀλλὰ καὶ τὰ πάλαι σεσαθρωμένα καὶ παρειμένα γόνατα τὰς οἰκείας ἀπολαβόντα βάσεις, τὴν ὁδὸν τῆς θεογνωσίας εὐθυποροῦντα βαδίζει, ἐπὶ τὴν οἰκείαν ποίμνην τοῦ παναγάθου ποιμένος σπεύδοντα. ### English translation (Claude) Having been turned back in due measure, she is now commanded to rejoice anew once more, and she blossoms like a lily and breathes forth her divine fragrance to all people. For, he says, “water has broken out in the desert,” the stream of the divine regeneration of the saving washing; and now what was a little before a desert has become marshes, and in the thirsty land a spring of living water has gushed forth; and the hands that were formerly weak have truly become strong, and these great works are clear proofs of the strength of those hands. And the knees that were long rotten and feeble, having recovered their proper footing, walk straight on the road of the knowledge of God, hastening to their own flock of the all-good Shepherd. ### Scripture references - Isa 35:6: quotation, high confidence - Isa 35:3: allusion, high confidence - Titus 3:5: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The allusions are Isa 35:1–3, 6–7 and Titus 3:5 (“washing of regeneration”). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.34 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/34/). ## Church History 10.4.35 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/35/ - Source: Dindorf 4:461 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christ does not neglect those who faltered under persecution but heals and comforts them. ### Greek text εἰ δὲ καὶ ταῖς τῶν τυράννων ἀπειλαῖς τὰς ψυχάς τινες ἀπενάρκησαν, οὐδὲ τούτους ὁ σωτήριος ἀθεραπεύτους παρορᾷ λόγος· εὖ μάλα δὲ καὶ αὐτοὺς ἰώμενος εἰς τὴν τοῦ θείου παράκλησιν παρορμᾷ λέγων· ### English translation (Claude) And if some had their souls numbed by the threats of the tyrants, the saving Word does not pass them by uncured either, but healing them too, he urges them to divine comfort, saying: ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.35 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/35/). ## Church History 10.4.36 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/36/ - Source: Dindorf 4:461–462 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Paulinus, a new Zerubbabel, after the desolation prayed for God's mercy and with Christ's help raised the fallen church to a glory greater than before. ### Greek text “παρακαλέσατε, οἶ ὀλιγόψυχοι τῇ διανοίᾳ, ἰσχύσατε, μὴ φοβεῖσθε.” τούτων δεῖν ἀπολαῦσαι τὴν διὰ θεὸν γενομένην ἔρημον, τοῦ λόγου προαγορεύοντος ἐπακούσας ὀξείᾳ διανοίας ἀκοῇ οὗτος ὁ νέος ἡμῶν καὶ καλὸς Ζοροβάβελ, μετὰ τὴν πικρὰν ἐκείνην αἰχμαλωσίαν καὶ τὸ βδέλυγμα τῆς ἐρημώσεως οὐ παριδὼν τὸ πτῶμα νεκρὸν, πρώτιστα πάντων παρακλήσεσι καὶ λιταῖς ἵλεων τὸν πατέρα μετὰ τῆς κοινῆς ὑμῶν ἁπάντων ὁμοφροσύνης καταστησάμενος, καὶ τὸν μόνον νεκρῶν ζωοποιὸν σύμμαχον παραλαβὼν καὶ συνεργὸν, τὴν πεσοῦσαν ἐξήγειρε, προαποκαθάρας καὶ προθεραπεύσας τῶν κακῶν· καὶ στολὴν οὐ τὴν ἐξ ἀρχαίου παλαιὰν αὐτῇ περιτέθεικεν, ἀλλʼ ὁποίαν αὖθις παρὰ τῶν θείων χρησμῶν ἐξεπαιδεύετο, σαφῶς ὧδε λεγόντων “καὶ ἔσται ἡ δόξα τοῦ οἴκου τούτου ἡ ἐσχάτη, ὑπὲρ τὴν προτέραν.” ### English translation (Claude) “Be comforted, you faint of heart; be strong, do not fear.” Hearing with the keen ear of the mind the Word, who foretold that she who had become a desert for God's sake ought to enjoy these things, this our new and good Zerubbabel, after that bitter captivity and the abomination of desolation, did not neglect the dead corpse, but first of all by entreaties and supplications made the Father merciful, together with the common accord of you all, and taking as his ally and fellow worker him who alone gives life to the dead, raised up her that had fallen, having first cleansed and healed her of her ills. And he has clothed her not in her ancient garment of old, but in such a one as he learned again from the divine oracles, which clearly say: “And the latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former.” ### Scripture references - Isa 35:4: quotation, high confidence - Hag 2:9: quotation, high confidence - Dan 9:27: echo, medium confidence - Matt 24:15: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The quotations are Isa 35:4 and Hag 2:9; “the abomination of desolation” is from Dan 9:27 and Matt 24:15. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.36 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/36/). ## Church History 10.4.37 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/37/ - Source: Dindorf 4:462 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Paulinus enlarged the site and surrounded it with a strong wall. ### Greek text ταύτῃ δʼ οὖν πολὺ μείζονα τὸν χῶρον ἅπαντα περιλαβὼν, τὸν μὲν ἔξωθεν ὠχυροῦτο περίβολον τῷ τοῦ παντὸς περιτειχίσματι, ὡς ἂν ἀσφαλέστατον εἴη τοῦ παντὸς ἕρκος. ### English translation (Claude) So, taking in a much larger area altogether, he fortified the outer enclosure with a wall surrounding the whole, so that it might be a most secure bulwark for the whole. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.37 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/37/). ## Church History 10.4.38 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/38/ - Source: Dindorf 4:462 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: A great east-facing gateway lets passers-by, even unbelievers, see inside and be moved to enter. ### Greek text πρόπυλον δὲ μέγα καὶ εἰς ὕψος ἐπηρμένον πρὸς αὐτὰς ἀνίσχοντος ἡλίου ἀκτῖνας ἀναπετάσας, ἤδη καὶ τοῖς μακρὰν περιβόλων ἔξω ἱερῶν ἑστῶσι τῆς τῶν ἔνδον παρέσχεν ἀφθονίαν θέας, μονονουχὶ καὶ τῶν ἀλλοτρίων τῆς πίστεως ἐπὶ τὰς πρώτας εἰσόδους ἐπιστρέφων τὰς ὄψεις, ὡς ἂν μὴ παρατρέχοι τις, ὅτι μὴ τὴν ψυχὴν κατανυγεὶς πρότερον μνήμῃ τῆς τε πρὶν ἐρημίας, καὶ τῆς νῦν παραδόξου θαυματουργίας, ὑφʼ ἧς τάχα καὶ ἑλκυσθήσεσθαι κατανυγέντα, καὶ πρὸς αὐτῆς τῆς ὄψεως ἐπὶ τὴν εἴσοδον προτραπήσεσθαι ἤλπισεν. ### English translation (Claude) He opened a great gateway, raised high, toward the very rays of the rising sun, and so gave even those standing far outside the sacred enclosures an abundant view of what is within, all but turning the eyes even of those who are strangers to the faith toward the first entrances, so that no one might pass by without first having his soul pierced by the memory of the former desolation and of the present marvelous work; by which he hoped that such a person, being pierced, might perhaps be drawn and moved by the very sight to enter. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.38 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/38/). ## Church History 10.4.39 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/39/ - Source: Dindorf 4:462 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Inside the gate lies a square courtyard (atrium) surrounded by colonnades with lattice screens, open to the sky. ### Greek text εἴσω δὲ παρελθόντι πυλῶν, οὐκ εὐθὺς ἐφῆκεν ἀνάγνοις καὶ ἀνίπτοις ποσὶ τῶν ἔνδον ἐπιβαίνειν ἁγίων, διαλαβὼν δὲ πλεῖστον ὅσον τὸ μεταξὺ τοῦ τε νεὼ καὶ τῶν πρώτων εἰσόδων, τέτταρσι μὲν πέριξ ἐγκαρσίοις κατεκόσμησε στοαῖς, εἰς τετράγωνόν τι σχῆμα περιφράξας τὸν τόπον, κίοσι πανταχόθεν ἐπαιρομέναις, ὧν τὰ μέσα διαφράγμασι τοῖς ἀπὸ ξύλου δικτυωτοῖς ἐς τὸ σύμμετρον ἥκουσι μήκους περικλείσας, μέσον αἴθριον ἠφίει εἰς τὴν τοῦ οὐρανοῦ κάτοψιν, λαμπρὸν καὶ ταῖς τοῦ φωτὸς ἀκτῖσιν ἀνειμένον ἀέρα παρέχον. ### English translation (Claude) But for the one who has passed within the gates he did not permit him at once to tread upon the holy places within with impure and unwashed feet, but leaving a very large space between the temple and the first entrances, he adorned it all around with four transverse colonnades, enclosing the place in a sort of square figure, with pillars rising on every side; the spaces between them he closed with wooden lattice screens of suitable height, and he left an open court in the middle for the sight of the sky, providing air bright and open to the rays of light. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.39 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/39/). ## Church History 10.4.40 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/40/ - Source: Dindorf 4:462–463 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Fountains in the courtyard offer symbolic cleansing, and the court serves as a place for those still receiving first instruction. ### Greek text ἱερῶν δʼ ἐνταῦθα καθαρσίων ἐτίθει σύμβολα, κρήνας ἄντικρυς εἰς πρόσωπον ἐπισκευάζων τοῦ νεὼ, πολλῷ τῷ χεύματι τοῦ νάματος τοῖς περιβόλων ἱερῶν ἐπὶ τὰ ἔσω προιοῦσι τὴν ἀπόρρυψιν παρεχομένας. καὶ πρώτη μὲν εἰσιόντων αὕτη διατριβὴ, κόσμον ὁμοῦ καὶ ἀγλαίαν τῷ παντὶ, τοῖς τε τῶν πρώτων εἰσαγωγῶν ἔτι δεομένοις κατάλληλον τὴν μονὴν παρεχομένη. ### English translation (Claude) Here he placed symbols of sacred purifications, setting up fountains directly opposite the temple, which with their abundant flow of water provided cleansing for those advancing into the interior of the sacred enclosures. And this is the first halting place of those who enter, providing at once beauty and splendor for the whole, and a fitting place of stay for those who still need their first instructions. ### Translation notes - Those needing “first instructions” are probably catechumens. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.40 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/40/). ## Church History 10.4.41 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/41/ - Source: Dindorf 4:463 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Three doors lead into the church on the east side, the central one taller and adorned with bronze reliefs. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ γὰρ καὶ τὴν τούτων θέαν παραμειψάμενος, πλείοσιν ἔτι μᾶλλον τοῖς ἐνδοτάτω προπύλοις τὰς ἐπὶ τὸν νεὼν παρόδους ἀναπεπταμένας ἐποίει, ὑπὸ μὲν ταῖς ἡλίου βολαῖς αὖθις τρεῖς πύλας ὑφʼ ἒν καταθεὶς πλευρὸν, ὧν τὸ πολὺ τὰς παρʼ ἑκάτερα μεγέθει τε καὶ πλάτει πλεονεκτεῖν τῇ μέσῃ χαρισάμενος, παραπήγμασί τε χαλκοῦ σιδηροδέτοις καὶ ποικίλμασιν ἀναγλύφοις διαφερόντως αὐτὴν φαιδρύνας, ὡσὰν βασιλίδι ταύτῃ τοὺς δορυφόρους ὑπέζευξε. ### English translation (Claude) But passing by this sight too, he made open passages to the temple by still more numerous inner gateways, again placing three doors on one side under the rays of the sun. The middle one he endowed with far greater height and breadth than those on either side, and adorned it especially with bronze plates bound with iron and with relief work, and yoked the others to it as bodyguards to a queen. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.41 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/41/). ## Church History 10.4.42 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/42/ - Source: Dindorf 4:463 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The side aisles have matching doors and upper windows with carved woodwork, and the main hall (basilica) is built of rich materials. ### Greek text τὸν αὐτὸν δὲ τρόπον καὶ ταῖς παρʼ ἑκάτερα τοῦ παντὸς νεὼ στοαῖς τὸν τῶν προπύλων ἀριθμὸν διατάξας, ἄνωθεν ἐπὶ ταύταις ἄλλῳ πλείονι φωτὶ διαφόρους τὰς ἐπὶ τὸν οἶκον εἰσβολὰς ἐπενόει, ταῖς ἀπὸ ξύλου λεπτουργίαις καὶ τὸν περὶ αὐτὰς κόσμον καταποικίλλων. τὸν δὲ βασίλειον οἶκον πλουσιωτέραις ἤδη καὶ δαψιλέσι ταῖς ὕλαις ὠχύρου, ἀφθόνῳ φιλοτιμίᾳ τῶν ἀναλωμάτων χρώμενος. ### English translation (Claude) In the same way he arranged the number of gateways for the aisles on either side of the whole temple, and above them contrived various openings into the building for more light, decorating them with fine wood carving. The royal house he built of richer and more abundant materials, using unstinting generosity in the expenses. ### Translation notes - The “royal house” (βασίλειος οἶκος) is the basilica, the main hall of the church. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.42 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/42/). ## Church History 10.4.43 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/43/ - Source: Dindorf 4:463–464 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius will not describe the building's dimensions and splendor in detail, including its cedar roof, which recalls the psalm about the cedars of Lebanon. ### Greek text ἔνθα μοι δοκῶ περιττὸν εἶναι τοῦ δομήματος μήκη τε καὶ πλάτη καταγράφειν, τὰ φαιδρὰ ταῦτα κάλλη, καὶ τὰ λόγου κρείττονα μεγέθη, τήν τε τῶν ἔργων ἀποστίλβουσαν ὄψιν τῷ λόγῳ διεξιόντι, ὕψη τε τὰ οὐρανομήκη, καὶ τὰς τούτων ὑπερκειμένας πολυτελεῖς τοῦ Λιβάνου κέδρους, ὧν οὐδὲ τὸ θεῖον λόγιον τὴν μνήμην ἀπεσιώπησιν· “εὐφρανθήσεταιʼ’ φάσκον “τὰ ξύλα τοῦ κυρίου, καὶ αἱ κέδροι τοῦ Λιβάνου ἃς ἐφύτευσε.” ### English translation (Claude) Here it seems to me superfluous to write down the length and breadth of the building, to describe in words these bright beauties and magnitudes beyond words, the gleaming appearance of the work, the heights reaching to heaven, and the costly cedars of Lebanon above them, which the divine oracle too has not passed over in silence, saying: “The trees of the Lord shall rejoice, and the cedars of Lebanon which he planted.” ### Scripture references - Ps 104:16 (103:16 LXX): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Ps 104:16 (103:16 LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.43 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/43/). ## Church History 10.4.44 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/44/ - Source: Dindorf 4:464 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The church has high thrones for the clergy, benches for all, and in the center the altar, enclosed by a finely carved wooden screen. ### Greek text τί με δεῖ νῦν τῆς πανσόφου καὶ ἀρχιτεκτονικῆς διατάξεως καὶ τοῦ κάλλους τῆς ἐφʼ ἑκάστου μέρους ὑπερβολῆς ἀκριβολογεῖσθαι τὴν ὑφήγησιν, ὅτε τῆς ὄψεως τὴν διὰ τῶν ὤτων ἀποκλείει μάθησιν ἡ μαρτυρία; ἀλλὰ γὰρ ὧδε καὶ τὸν νεὼν ἐπιτελέσας, θρόνοις τε τοῖς ἀνωτάτω εἰς τὴν τῶν προέδρων τιμὴν, καὶ προσέτι βάθροις ἐν τάξει τοῖς καθʼ ὅλου κατὰ τὸ πρέπον κοσμήσας, ἐφʼἅπασί τε τὸ τῶν ἁγίων ἅγιον θυσιαστήριον ἐν μέσῳ θεὶς, αὖθις καὶ τάδε, ὡς ἂν εἴη τοῖς πολλοῖς ἄβατα, τοῖς ἀπὸ ξύλου περιέφραττε δικτύοις, εἰς ἄκρον ἐντέχνου λεπτουργίας ἐξησκημένοις, ὡς θαυμάσιον τοῖς ὁρῶσι παρέχειν τὴν θέαν. ### English translation (Claude) Why need I now give a detailed account of the all-wise architectural arrangement and the surpassing beauty of each part, when the testimony of sight excludes learning through the ears? Having thus completed the temple, he adorned it with thrones placed very high in honor of the presiding clergy, and also with benches in order throughout the whole, as was fitting; and in the midst of all he placed the altar, the holy of holies, and again, so that it might be inaccessible to the many, he fenced it about with wooden latticework, wrought to the height of skilled fine workmanship, so as to present a wonderful sight to those who see it. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.44 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/44/). ## Church History 10.4.45 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/45/ - Source: Dindorf 4:464 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Paulinus paved the floor with marble and built side halls for those still preparing for baptism, fulfilling the prophecy in deed. ### Greek text ἀλλʼ οὐδὲ τοὔδαφος ἄρα εἰς ἀμελὲς ἔκειτο αὐτῷ· καὶ τόδε γοῦν λίθῳ μαρμάρῳ εὖ μάλα κόσμῳ παντὶ λαμπρύνας, ἤδη λοιπὸν καὶ ἐπὶ τὰ ἐκτὸς τοῦ νεὼ μετῄει, ἐξέδρας καὶ οἴκους τοὺς παρʼ ἑκάτερα μεγίστους ἐπισκευάζων εὐτέχνως, ἐπὶ ταυτὸν εἰς πλευρὰ τῷ βασιλείῳ συνεζευγμένους καὶ ταῖς ἐπὶ μέσον οἶκον εἰσβολαῖς ἡνωμένους· ἃ καὶ αὐτὰ τοῖς ἔτι καθάρσεως καὶ περιρραντηρίων τῶν διὰ ὕδατος καὶ ἁγίου πνεύματος ἐγχρῄζουσιν ὁ εἰρηνικώτατος ἡμῶν Σολομῶν ὁ τὸν νεὼν τοῦ θεοῦ δειμάμενος ἀπειργάζετο, ὡς μηκέτι λόγον, ἀλλʼ ἔργον γεγονέναι τὴν ἄνω λεχθεῖσαν προφητείαν. ### English translation (Claude) Nor did he leave the floor neglected, but made it bright with marble in every kind of beauty. Then at last he went on to the parts outside the temple, skillfully building on either side very large exedrae and halls, joined together along the sides of the royal house and united with the entrances into the central hall. These too our most peaceful Solomon, who built the temple of God, prepared for those who still need cleansing and sprinkling by water and the Holy Spirit, so that the prophecy spoken above has become no longer a word but a deed. ### Scripture references - John 3:5: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - “Most peaceful Solomon” plays on Solomon's name (peace). The side halls were probably for catechumens and baptism; compare John 3:5. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.45 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/45/). ## Church History 10.4.46 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/46/ - Source: Dindorf 4:464–465 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: As Christ passed from death to glorified, incorruptible flesh, so the church shares his renewal and longs for the resurrection and the kingdom of heaven. ### Greek text Γέγονε γὰρ καὶ νῦν, ὡς ἀληθῶς ἐστὶν ἡ δόξα τοῦ οἴκου τούτου ἡ ἐσχάτη ὑπὲρ τὴν προτέραν. ἔδει γὰρ καὶ ἀκόλουθον ἦν, τοῦ ποιμένος αὐτῆς καὶ δεσπότου ἅπαξ τὸν ὑπὲρ αὐτῆς θάνατον καταδεξαμένου, καὶ μετὰ τὸ πάθος ὃ χάριν αὐτῆς ῥυποῦν ἐνεδύσατο σῶμα, ἐπὶ τὸ λαμπρὸν καὶ ἔνδοξον μεταβεβληκότος, αὐτήν τε σάρκα τὴν λυθεῖσαν ἐκ φθορᾶς εἰς ἀφθαρσίαν ἀγαγόντος, καὶ τήνδε ὁμοίως τῶν τοῦ σωτῆρος οἰκονομιῶν ἐπαύρασθαι· ὅτι δὴ καὶ τούτων πολὺ κρείττονα λαβοῦσα παρʼ αὐτοῦ τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν, τὴν πολὺ μείζονα δόξαν τῆς παλιγγενεσίας ἐν ἀφθάρτου σώματος ἀναστάσει μετὰ φωτὸς ἀγγέλων χορείας ἐν τοῖς οὐρανῶν ἐπέκεινα τοῦ θεοῦ βασιλείοις σὺν αὐτῷ Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ τῷ πανευεργέτῃ καὶ σωτῆρι διαρκῶς ἐπὶ τοὺς ἐξῆς αἰῶνας ἀπολαβεῖν ποθεῖ. ### English translation (Claude) For now truly the latter glory of this house has become greater than the former. For it was fitting and consistent that, since her Shepherd and Lord had once for all accepted death on her behalf, and after his passion had changed the soiled body he put on for her sake into a bright and glorious one, and had brought the very flesh that had been dissolved from corruption to incorruption, she too should likewise enjoy the saving dispensations of the Savior. For having received from him the promise of things far better than these, she longs to receive the far greater glory of regeneration in the resurrection of an incorruptible body, with the choir of angels of light, in the kingdom of God beyond the heavens, with Christ Jesus himself, the benefactor of all and Savior, continually for the ages to come. ### Scripture references - Hag 2:9: allusion, high confidence - 1 Cor 15:42: echo, medium confidence - Phil 3:21: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The allusions are Hag 2:9, 1 Cor 15:42, and Phil 3:21. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.46 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/46/). ## Church History 10.4.47 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/47/ - Source: Dindorf 4:465 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The once-widowed church, now dressed as a bride, sings her thanksgiving in Isaiah's words. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ γὰρ τέως ἐπὶ τοῦ παρόντος τούτοις ἡ πάλαι χήρα καὶ ἔρημος θεοῦ χάριτι περιβληθεῖσα τοῖς ἄνθεσι γέγονεν ἀληθῶς ὡς κρίνον, ᾗ φησιν ἡ προφητεία, καὶ τὴν νυμφικὴν ἀναλαβοῦσα στολὴν, τόν τε τῆς εὐπρεπείας περιθεμένη στέφανον, οἶα χορεύειν διὰ Ἡσαΐου παιδεύεται, τὰ χαριστήρια τῷ βασιλεῖ θεῷ φωναῖς εὐφήμοις γεραίρουσα, αὐτῆς λεγούσης ἐπακούσωμεν ### English translation (Claude) But meanwhile, for the present, she who was long widowed and desolate, clothed by the grace of God with these flowers, has truly become like a lily, as the prophecy says; and having put on her bridal robe and set on her head the crown of beauty, as she is taught through Isaiah to dance, honoring God the King with words of praise for her thanksgiving, let us hear her saying: ### Scripture references - Isa 35:1: allusion, medium confidence - Isa 61:10: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The allusions are Isa 35:1 and Isa 61:10. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.47 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/47/). ## Church History 10.4.48 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/48/ - Source: Dindorf 4:465 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The church rejoices that God has clothed her with salvation like a bride. ### Greek text “ἀγαλλιάσθω ἡ ψυχή μου ἐπὶ τῷ κυρίῳ· ἐνέδυσε γάρ με ἱμάτιον σωτηρίου καὶ χιτῶνα εὐφροσύνης· περιέθηκέ μοι ὡς νυμφίῳ μίτραν, καὶ ὡς νύμφην κατεκόσμησέ με κόσμῳ, καὶ ὡς γῆν αὔξουσαν τὸ ἄνθος αὐτῆς· καὶ ὡς κῆπος τὰ σπέρματα αὐτοῦ ἀνατελεῖ, οὕτως κύριος κύριος ἀνέτειλε δικαιοσύνην καὶ ἀγαλλίαμα ἐνώπιον πάντων τῶν ἐθνῶν.” ### English translation (Claude) “Let my soul rejoice in the Lord; for he has clothed me with a garment of salvation and a tunic of gladness; he has put a headdress on me as on a bridegroom, and adorned me with ornaments as a bride, and as the earth that makes its flower grow; and as a garden makes its seeds spring up, so the Lord, the Lord, has made righteousness and exultation spring up before all the nations.” ### Scripture references - Isa 61:10–11: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Isa 61:10–11 (LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.48 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/48/). ## Church History 10.4.49 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/49/ - Source: Dindorf 4:465–466 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christ the Bridegroom answers the church with Isaiah's words: God forsook her only briefly and will show her everlasting mercy. ### Greek text τούτοις μὲν οὖν αὕτη χορεύει· οἴοις δὲ καὶ ὁ νυμφίος λόγος ὁ οὐράνιος, αὐτὸς Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς αὐτὴν ἀμείβεται, ἄκουε λέγοντος κυρίου “μὴ φοβοῦ ὅτι κατῃσχύνθης, μηδὲ ἐντραπῇς ὅτι ὠνειδίσθης· ὅτι αἰσχύνην αἰώνιον ἐπιλήσῃ, καὶ ὄνειδος τῆς χηρείας σου οὐ μὴ μνησθήσῃ. οὐχ ὡς γυναῖκα ἐγκαταλελειμμένην καὶ ὀλιγόψυχον κέκληκέ σε κύριος, οὐδʼ ὡς γυναῖκα ἐκ νεότητος μεμισημένην, εἶπεν ὁ θεός σου. χρόνον μικρὸν ἐγκατέλιπόν σε, καὶ ἐν ἐλέῳ μεγάλῳ ἐλεήσω σε· ἐν θυμῷ μικρῷ ἀπέστρεψα τὸ πρόσωπόν μου ἀπὸ σοῦ, καὶ ἐν ἐλέῳ αἰωνίῳ ἐλεήσω σε, εἶπεν ὁ ῥυσάμενός σε κύριος. ### English translation (Claude) With these words she dances. And with what words the Bridegroom, the heavenly Word, Jesus Christ himself, answers her, hear the Lord saying: “Do not fear because you were put to shame, nor be confounded because you were reproached; for you will forget your everlasting shame, and you will no longer remember the reproach of your widowhood. The Lord has not called you as a woman forsaken and faint-hearted, nor as a wife hated from her youth, says your God. For a little while I forsook you, and with great mercy I will have mercy on you; in a little wrath I turned my face from you, and with everlasting mercy I will have mercy on you, says the Lord who delivered you. ### Scripture references - Isa 54:4–8: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Isa 54:4–8 (LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.49 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/49/). ## Church History 10.4.50 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/50/ - Source: Dindorf 4:466 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: God tells the church he has taken from her the cup of his wrath and will give it to her oppressors. ### Greek text ἐξεγείρου, ἐξεγείρου ἡ πιοῦσα ἐκ χειρὸς κυρίου τὸ ποτήριον τοῦ θυμοῦ αὐτοῦ· ποτήριον γὰρ τῆς πτώσεως, τὸ κόνδυ τοῦ θυμοῦ μου, ἐξέπιες καὶ ἐξεκένωσας. καὶ οὐκ ἦν ὁ παρακαλῶν σε ἀπὸ πάντων τῶν τέκνων σου ὧν ἔτεκες, καὶ οὐκ ἦν ὁ ἀντιλαμβανόμενος τῆς χειρός σου. ἰδοὺ εἴληφα ἐκ τῆς χειρός σου τὸ ποτήριον τῆς πτώσεως, τὸ κόνδυ τοῦ θυμοῦ μου, καὶ οὐ προσθήσεις ἔτι πιεῖν αὐτό· καὶ δώσω αὐτὸ εἰς τὰς χεῖρας τῶν ἀδικησάντων σε καὶ τῶν ταπεινωσάντων σε. ### English translation (Claude) Awake, awake, you who have drunk from the hand of the Lord the cup of his wrath; for you have drunk and drained the cup of falling, the bowl of my wrath. And there was none to comfort you of all the children you bore, and none to take you by the hand. Behold, I have taken from your hand the cup of falling, the bowl of my wrath, and you shall drink it no more; and I will put it into the hands of those who wronged you and humbled you. ### Scripture references - Isa 51:17–18: quotation, high confidence - Isa 51:22–23: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Isa 51:17–18, 22–23 (LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.50 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/50/). ## Church History 10.4.51 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/51/ - Source: Dindorf 4:466 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: God calls the church to rise, shake off the dust, and see her children gathering until she is too small for them. ### Greek text ἐξεγείρου, ἐξεγείρου, ἔνδυσαι τὴν ἰσχὺν, ἔνδυσαι τὴν δόξαν σου. ἐκτίναξαι τὸν χοῦν καὶ ἀνάστηθι. κάθισον, ἔκλυσαι τὸν δεσμὸν τοῦ τραχήλου σου. ἄρον κύκλῳ τοὺς ὀφθαλμούς σου καὶ ἴδε συνηγμένα τὰ τέκνα σου· ἰδοὺ συνήχθησαν καὶ ἦλθον πρός σε· ζῶ ἐγὼ, λέγει κύριος, ὅτι πάντας αὐτοὺς ὡς κόσμον ἐνδύσῃ καὶ περιθήσῃ αὐτοὺς ὡς κόσμον νύμφης, ὅτι τὰ ἔρημά σου καὶ τὰ διεφθαρμένα καὶ τὰ καταπεπτωκότα νῦν στενοχωρήσει ἀπὸ τῶν κατοικούντων σε· καὶ μακρυνθήσονται ἀπὸ σοῦ οἶ καταπίνοντές σε. ### English translation (Claude) Awake, awake, put on strength, put on your glory. Shake off the dust and arise. Sit down, loose the bond from your neck. Lift up your eyes round about and see your children gathered; behold, they have gathered and come to you. As I live, says the Lord, you shall put them all on as an ornament and clothe yourself with them as a bride's ornament; for your desolate and ruined and fallen places will now be too narrow for your inhabitants, and those who devoured you will be far from you. ### Scripture references - Isa 52:1–2: quotation, high confidence - Isa 49:18–19: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation combines Isa 52:1–2 and 49:18–19 (LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.51 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/51/). ## Church History 10.4.52 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/52/ - Source: Dindorf 4:466 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The church will marvel at the children who have come to her after her bereavement. ### Greek text ἐροῦσι γὰρ εἰς τὰ ὦτά σου οἶ υἱοί σου οὓς ἀπολώλεκας, στενός μοι ὁ τόπος, ποίησόν μοι τόπον ἵνα κατοικήσω. καὶ ἐρεῖς ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ σου, τίς ἐγέννησέ μοι τούτους; ἐγὼ δὲ ἄτεκνος καὶ χήρα, τούτους δὲ τίς ἐξέθρεψέ μοι; ἐγὼ δὲ κατελείφθην μόνη, οὗτοι δέ μοι ποῦ ἦσαν;” ### English translation (Claude) For your sons whom you had lost will say in your ears: The place is too narrow for me; make room for me to dwell. And you will say in your heart: Who has borne me these? I was childless and a widow; and who has brought up these for me? I was left alone; and where were these?” ### Scripture references - Isa 49:20–21: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Isa 49:20–21 (LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.52 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/52/). ## Church History 10.4.53 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/53/ - Source: Dindorf 4:466–467 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Isaiah's prophecies about the church have now been proved true by events. ### Greek text ταῦτα Ἡσαΐας προεθέσπισε, ταῦτα πρόπαλαι περὶ ἡμῶν ἐν ἱεραῖς βίβλοις καταβέβλητο, ἐχρῆν δέ που τούτων τὴν ἀψεύδειαν ἤδη ποτὲ ἔργοις παραλαβεῖν. ### English translation (Claude) These things Isaiah foretold; these things were set down about us long ago in sacred books; and it was necessary that we should at some time learn their truthfulness by the facts. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.53 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/53/). ## Church History 10.4.54 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/54/ - Source: Dindorf 4:467 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Paulinus, as the bride's attendant, with the people's prayers and by Christ's power, raised the fallen church as Scripture describes. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ γὰρ τοιαῦτα τοῦ νυμφίου λόγου πρὸς τὴν ἑαυτοῦ νύμφην τὴν ἱερὰν καὶ ἁγίαν ἐκκλησίαν ἐπιφωνοῦντος, εἰκότως ὁ νυμφοστόλος ὅδε αὐτὴν τὴν ἔρημον, τὴν πτῶμα κειμένην, τὴν παρὰ ἀνθρώποις ἀνέλπιδα, ταῖς κοιναῖς ἁπάντων ὑμῶν εὐχαῖς, χεῖρας τὰς ὑμῶν αὐτῶν ὀρέξας, ἐξήγειρε καὶ ἐξανέστησε, θεοῦ τοῦ παμβασιλέως νεύματι καὶ τῆς Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ δυνάμεως ἐπιφανείᾳ, τοιαύτην τε ἀναστήσας κατεστήσατο, οἵαν ἐκ τῆς τῶν ἱερῶν χρησμῶν καταγραφῆς ἐδιδάσκετο. ### English translation (Claude) Since the Bridegroom, the Word, speaks such things to his own bride, the sacred and holy church, fittingly this man, the bride's attendant, stretching out your hands with the common prayers of you all, raised up and set on her feet the desolate one, lying fallen, without hope among men, by the will of God the King of all and the manifestation of the power of Jesus Christ; and having raised her, he established her such as he was taught from the written record of the sacred oracles. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.54 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/54/). ## Church History 10.4.55 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/55/ - Source: Dindorf 4:467 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: More wonderful than the visible church is its spiritual pattern, the rebuilding of the soul. ### Greek text θαῦμα μὲν οὑν μέγιστον τοῦτο καὶ πέρα πάσης ἐκπλήξεως, μάλιστα τοῖς ἐπὶ μόνῃ τῇ τῶν ἔξωθεν φαντασίᾳ τὸν νοῦν προσανέχουσι. θαυμάτων δὲ θαυμασιώτερα τά τε ἀρχέτυπα, καὶ τούτων τὰ πρωτότυπα νοητὰ καὶ θεοπρεπῆ παραδείγματα, τῆς ἐνθέου φημὶ καὶ λογικῆς ἐν ψυχαῖς οἰκοδομῆς ἀνανεώματα· ### English translation (Claude) This is indeed a very great wonder, beyond all amazement, especially to those who attend only to the appearance of outward things. But more wonderful than wonders are the archetypes, and their intelligible and divine prototypes and patterns, I mean the renewals of the divine and rational building in souls, ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.55 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/55/). ## Church History 10.4.56 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/56/ - Source: Dindorf 4:467 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Son created the soul in his own image, rational and incorruptible, to be his bride and the temple of the Father and himself. ### Greek text ἣν αὐτὸς ὁ θεόπαις κατʼ εἰκόνα τὴν αὐτὸς αὐτοῦ δημιουργήσας, πάντῃ τε καὶ κατὰ πάντα τὸ θεοείκελον δεδωρημένος, ἄφθαρτον φύσιν, ἀσώματον, λογικὴν, πάσης γεώδους ὕλης ἀλλοτρίαν, αὐτονοερὰν οὐσίαν, ἅπαξ τὸ πρῶτον ἐκ τοῦ μὴ ὄντος εἰς τὸ εἶναι συστησάμενος, νύμφην ἁγίαν καὶ νεὼν πανίερον ἑαυτῷ τε καὶ τῷ πατρὶ κατειργάσατο. ὃ καὶ σαφῶς αὐτὸς ὁμολογῶν ἐκφαίνει, λέγων “ἐνοικήσω ἐν αὐτοῖς καὶ ἐμπεριπατήσω, καὶ ἔσομαι αὐτῶν θεὸς, καὶ αὐτοὶ ἔσονταί μοι λαός.’’ καὶ τοιαύτη μὲν ἡ τελεία καὶ κεκαθαρμένη ψυχὴ, ἀρχῆθεν οὕτω γεγενημένη, οἵα τὸν οὐράνιον λόγον ἀγαλματοφορεῖν. ### English translation (Claude) which the Son of God himself created in his own image, granting it in every way and in all respects likeness to God: an incorruptible nature, incorporeal, rational, foreign to all earthly matter, an essentially intelligent being. Having once at the first brought it from non-being into being, he made it a holy bride and an all-holy temple for himself and the Father. This he himself clearly confesses and declares, saying: “I will dwell in them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” Such is the perfect and purified soul, made from the beginning so as to bear the image of the heavenly Word. ### Scripture references - 2 Cor 6:16: quotation, high confidence - Lev 26:12: echo, medium confidence - Gen 1:26–27: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is 2 Cor 6:16 (from Lev 26:12); the language of image recalls Gen 1:26–27. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.56 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/56/). ## Church History 10.4.57 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/57/ - Source: Dindorf 4:467–468 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Through the devil's envy and its own free choice the soul fell into sin, lost God's protection, and lay spiritually dead, without knowledge of God. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ γὰρ φθόνῳ καὶ ζήλῳ τοῦ φιλοπονήρου δαίμονος φιλοπαθὴς καὶ φιλοπόνηρος ἐξ αὐτεξουσίου αἱρέσεως γενομένη, ὑπαναχωρήσαντος αὐτῆς τοῦ θείου ὡσὰν ἔρημος προστάτου, εὐάλωτος καὶ εἰς ἐπιβουλὴν εὐχερὴς τοῖς ἐκ μακροῦ διαφθονουμένοις ἀπελήλεγκται, ταῖς τε τῶν ἀοράτων ἐχθρῶν καὶ νοητῶν πολεμίων ἑλεπόλεσι καὶ μηχαναῖς καταβληθεῖσα, πτῶμα ἐξαίσιον καταπέπτωκεν, εἰς ὅσον οὐδʼ ἐπὶ λίθῳ λίθον τῆς ἀρετῆς ἑστῶτα ἐν αὐτῇ διαμεῖναι, ὅλην δὲ διόλου χαμαὶ κεῖσθαι νεκρὰν, τῶν περὶ θεοῦ φυσικῶν ἐννοιῶν πάμπαν ἀπεστερημένην. ### English translation (Claude) But through the envy and jealousy of the evil-loving demon, it became, by its own free choice, a lover of passion and of evil; and when the Divine withdrew from it, it was left, as it were, without a protector, and proved easy to capture and ready prey to the plots of those who had long envied it. Overthrown by the siege engines and devices of invisible enemies and spiritual foes, it fell a mighty fall, so that not one stone of virtue remained standing on another in it, but it lay wholly dead on the ground, utterly deprived of its natural ideas about God. ### Scripture references - Matt 24:2: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - “Not one stone on another” echoes Matt 24:2. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.57 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/57/). ## Church History 10.4.58 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/58/ - Source: Dindorf 4:468 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Demons ravaged the fallen soul like the boar of the psalm, burned God's sanctuary within it with the passions, and buried it in hopelessness. ### Greek text πεπτωκυῖαν δὴ ταύτην ἐκείνην τὴν κατʼ εἰκόνα θεοῦ κατασκευασθεῖσαν ἐλυμήνατο οὐχ ὗς οὗτος ὁ ἐκ δρυμοῦ τοῦ παρʼ ἡμῖν ὁρατοῦ, ἀλλά τις φθοροποιὸς δαίμων, καὶ θῆρες ἄγριοι νοητοὶ, οἱ καὶ τοῖς πάθεσιν οἷα πεπυρακτωμένοις τῆς σφῶν κακίας βέλεσιν αὐτὴν ἐξυφάψαντες, ἐνεπύρισαν ἐν πυρὶ τὸ θεῖον ὄντως ἁγιαστήριον τοῦ θεοῦ, εἰς τὴν γῆν τε ἐβεβήλωσαν τὸ σκήνωμα τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ· εἶτα πολλῷ τῷ προσχώματι τὴν ἀθλίαν κατορύξαντες, εἰς ἀνέλπιστον πάσης περιέτρεψαν σωτηρίας. ### English translation (Claude) When it had fallen, that soul which was made in the image of God was ravaged not by the boar from the forest visible among us, but by a destructive demon and by spiritual wild beasts, who, kindling it with the passions as with the fiery darts of their own wickedness, set fire to the truly divine sanctuary of God and profaned to the ground the dwelling of his name; then, burying the wretched soul under a great heap of earth, they reduced it to despair of all salvation. ### Scripture references - Ps 80:13 (79:14 LXX): allusion, high confidence - Ps 74:7 (73:7 LXX): allusion, high confidence - Eph 6:16: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The allusions are Ps 80:13 (79:14 LXX), Ps 74:7 (73:7 LXX), and Eph 6:16. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.58 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/58/). ## Church History 10.4.59 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/59/ - Source: Dindorf 4:468 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: After the soul had been punished for its sins, the saving Word, obeying the Father's love, restored it. ### Greek text ἀλλʼ ὅ γε κηδεμὼν αὐτῆς λόγος, ὁ θεοφεγγὴς καὶ σωτήριος, τὴν κατʼ ἀξίαν δίκην τῶν ἁμαρτημάτων ὑποσχοῦσαν αὖθις ἐξ ὑπαρχῆς ἀνελάμβανε, πατρὸς παναγάθου φιλανθρωπίᾳ πειθόμενος. ### English translation (Claude) But the Word who cared for her, the divinely radiant and saving Word, after she had paid the just penalty for her sins, took her up again anew, obeying the love for mankind of the all-good Father. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.59 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/59/). ## Church History 10.4.60 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/60/ - Source: Dindorf 4:468–469 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christ used the emperors to purge the world of tyrants, then brought forth his hidden servants, the clergy, to cleanse souls by teaching. ### Greek text αὐτὰς δὴ οὖν πρώτας τὰς τῶν ἀνωτάτω βασιλευόντων ψυχὰς προελόμενος, τῶν μὲν δυσσεβῶν καὶ ὀλεθρίων πάντων, αὐτῶν τε τῶν δεινῶν καὶ θεομισῶν τυράννων τὴν οἰκουμένην ἅπασαν διʼ αὐτῶν τῶν θεοφιλεστάτων ἐκαθήρατο· εἶτα δὲ τοὺς αὐτῷ γνωρίμους ἄνδρας, τοὺς πάλαι διὰ βίου ἱερωμένους αὐτῷ, κρύβδην γε μὴν ὡς ἐν κακῶν χειμῶνι πρὸς τῆς αὐτοῦ σκέπης καλυπτομένους, εἰς φανερὸν ἀγαγὼν, καὶ ταῖς τοῦ πνεύματος μεγαλοδωρεαῖς ἐπαξίως τιμήσας, αὖθις καὶ διὰ τούτων τὰς μικρῷ πρόσθεν ἐρρυπωμένας ψυχὰς, ὕλης τε παντοίας καὶ χώματος ἀσεβῶν ἐπιταγμάτων συμπεφορημένας, ὄρυξι καὶ δικέλλαις ταῖς πληκτικαῖς τῶν μαθημάτων διδασκαλίαις ἐξεκάθηρέ τε καὶ ἀπέσμηξε· ### English translation (Claude) Choosing first the very souls of the supreme emperors, he cleansed the whole world through these men most dear to God of all impious and destructive men, and of the terrible and God-hated tyrants themselves. Then he brought out into the open the men known to him, who had long been consecrated to him through their lives but had been hidden, as in a storm of evils, under his shelter, and honored them worthily with the great gifts of the Spirit; and again through them he cleansed and scoured out, with the picks and mattocks of the searching teachings of instruction, the souls which a little before had been defiled and heaped up with every kind of rubbish and the dust of impious decrees. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.60 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/60/). ## Church History 10.4.61 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/61/ - Source: Dindorf 4:469 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christ entrusted the cleansed souls to Bishop Paulinus, who builds them up with gold, silver, and precious stones, as the prophecy says. ### Greek text λαμπρόν τε καὶ διαυγῆ τῆς πάντων ὑμῶν διανοίας τὸν χῶρον ἀπειργασμένος, ἐνταῦθα λοιπὸν τῷ πανσόφῳ καὶ θεοφιλεῖ τῷδε παραδέδωκεν ἡγεμόνι, ὃς τά τε ἄλλα κριτικὸς καὶ ἐπιλογιστικὸς τυγχάνων, τὴν τῶν αὐτῷ κεκληρωμένων ψυχῶν εὖ διαγινώσκων καὶ φυλοκρινῶν διάνοιαν, ἐκ πρώτης ὡς εἰπεῖν ἡμέρας οἰκοδομῶν οὔπω καὶ εἰς δεῦρο πέπαυται, τοτὲ μὲν διαυγῆ τὸν χρυσὸν, τοτὲ δὲ δόκιμον καὶ καθαρὸν τὸ ἀργύριον καὶ τοὺς τιμίους καὶ πολυτελεῖς λίθους ἐν πᾶσιν ὑμῖν ἁρμόττων, ὡς ἱερὰν αὖθις καὶ μυστικὴν ἔργοις τοῖς εἰς ὑμᾶς ἀποπληροῦν προφητείαν, διʼ ἧς εἴρηται ### English translation (Claude) And having made bright and clear the ground of the minds of you all, he then handed it over to this all-wise and God-beloved leader, who, being in other respects discerning and judicious, well recognizing and distinguishing the mind of the souls allotted to him, has not ceased building from the first day, so to speak, until now: fitting in among you all now the gleaming gold, now the tested and pure silver and the precious and costly stones, so that he fulfills again in deeds toward you a sacred and mystical prophecy, in which it is said: ### Scripture references - 1 Cor 3:12: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The building materials recall 1 Cor 3:12. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.61 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/61/). ## Church History 10.4.62 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/62/ - Source: Dindorf 4:469 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Isaiah promises that the city will be built of precious stones and her children taught by God. ### Greek text “ἰδοὺ ἐγὼ ἑτοιμάζω σοι ἄνθρακα τὸν λίθον σου, καὶ τὰ θεμέλιά σου σάπφειρον, καὶ τὰς ἐπάλξεις σου ἴασπιν, καὶ τὰς πύλας σου λίθους κρυστάλλου, καὶ τὸν περίβολόν σου λίθους ἐκλεκτοὺς, καὶ πάντας τοὺς υἱούς σου διδακτοὺς θεοῦ, καὶ ἐν πολλῇ εἰρήνη τὰ τέκνα σου· καὶ ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ οἰκοδομηθήσῃ.” ### English translation (Claude) “Behold, I am preparing for you carbuncle as your stone, and sapphire as your foundations, and jasper as your battlements, and your gates of crystal stones, and your wall of choice stones; and all your sons taught of God, and your children in great peace; and in righteousness you shall be built.” ### Scripture references - Isa 54:11–14: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Isa 54:11–14 (LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.62 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/62/). ## Church History 10.4.63 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/63/ - Source: Dindorf 4:469–470 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Paulinus arranged his people like parts of the church building: the simple faithful as the wall, door-keepers at the entrances, beginners learning the Gospels, and catechumens near the inner hall. ### Greek text δικαιοσύνῃ δῆτα οἰκοδομῶν κατʼ ἀξίαν τοῦ παντὸς λαοῦ διῄρει τὰς δυνάμεις, οἷς μὲν τὸν ἔξωθεν αὐτὸ μόνον περιφράττων περίβολον, τὴν ἀπλανῆ πίστιν περιτειχίσας, πολὺς δὲ ὁ τοιοῦτος καὶ μέγας λεὼς, οὐδὲν κρεῖττον φέρειν οἰκοδόμημα διαρκῶν), οἷς δὲ τὰς ἐπὶ τὸν οἶκον ἐπιτρέπων εἰσόδους, θυραυλεῖν καὶ ποδηγεῖν τοὺς εἰσιόντας κατατάττων, οὐκ ἀπεικότως τοῦ νεὼ πρόπυλα νενομισμένους, ἄλλους δὲ πρώτοις τοῖς ἔξωθεν ἀμφὶ τὴν αὐλὴν ἐκ τετραγώνου κίοσιν ὑπεστήριζε, ταῖς πρώταις τῶν τεττάρων εὐαγγελίων τοῦ γράμματος προβολαῖς ἐμβιβάζων, τοὺς δʼ ἤδη ἀμφὶ τὸν βασίλειον οἶκον ἑκατέρωθεν παραζεύγνυσιν, ἔτι μὲν κατηχουμένους καὶ ἐν αὔξῃ καὶ προκοπῇ καθεστῶτας, οὐ μὴν πόρρω που καὶ μακρὰν τῆς τῶν ἐνδοτάτω θεοπτίας τῶν πιστῶν διεζευγμένους· ### English translation (Claude) Building, then, in righteousness, he divided the whole people according to their capacities. With some he fenced only the outer enclosure, walling them about with unerring faith (such people are a great multitude, able to bear no better building); to others he entrusted the entrances to the house, appointing them to keep the doors and to guide those who enter, who are not unfittingly regarded as the gateways of the temple; others he supported with the first outer pillars around the four-sided court, introducing them to the first elements of the letter of the four Gospels; and others he joins to the royal house on either side, those still catechumens and in growth and progress, yet not far or widely separated from the divine vision of the faithful within. ### Translation notes - An opening parenthesis is missing in the digital text before πολὺς δέ; the translation restores it. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.63 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/63/). ## Church History 10.4.64 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/64/ - Source: Dindorf 4:470 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The baptized he strengthens with the deeper teachings of Scripture and enlightens. ### Greek text ἐκ δὴ τούτων τὰς ἀκηράτους ψυχὰς θείῳ λουτρῷ χρυσοῦ δίκην ἀποσμηχθείσας παραλαβὼν, κἀνταῦθα τοὺς μὲν κίοσι τῶν ἐξωτάτω πολὺ κρείττοσιν ἐκ τῶν ἐνδοτάτω μυστικῶν τῆς γραφής δογμάτων ὑποστηρίζει, τοὺς δὲ τοῖς πρὸς τὸ φῶς ἀνοίγμασι καταυγάζει. ### English translation (Claude) From these he takes the pure souls, washed like gold by the divine washing, and here he supports some with pillars far better than the outermost, from the innermost mystical doctrines of Scripture, and illumines others with the openings toward the light. ### Scripture references - Titus 3:5: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The “divine washing” is baptism; compare Titus 3:5. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.64 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/64/). ## Church History 10.4.65 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/65/ - Source: Dindorf 4:470 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The central doorway stands for the one God, the side doors for Christ and the Holy Spirit; from living stones Paulinus builds a house bright in soul and body. ### Greek text προπύλῳ μὲν ἐνὶ μεγίστῳ τῆς τοῦ παμβασιλέως ἑνὸς καὶ μόνου θεοῦ δοξολογίας τὸν πάντα νεὼν κατακοσμῶν, Χριστοῦ δὲ καὶ τοῦ ἁγίου πνεύματος παρʼ ἑκάτερα τῆς τοῦ πατρὸς αὐθεντίας τὰς δευτέρας αὐγὰς τοῦ φωτὸς παρασχόμενος, τῶν τε λοιπῶν διὰ τοῦ παντὸς οἴκου ἄφθονον καὶ πολὺ διάφορον τῆς καθʼ ἕκαστον ἀληθείας τὸ σαφὲς καὶ φωτεινὸν ἐνδεικνύμενος, πάντη δὲ καὶ πανταχόθεν τοὺς ζῶντας καὶ βεβηκότας καὶ εὐπαγεῖς τῶν ψυχῶν λίθους ἐγκρίνας, τὸν μέγαν καὶ βασιλικὸν ἐξ ἁπάντων οἶκον ἐπισκευάζεται, λαμπρὸν καὶ φωτὸς ἔμπλεω τά τε ἔνδοθεν καὶ τὰ ἐκτὸς, ὅτι μὴ ψυχὴ μόνον καὶ διάνοια, καὶ τὸ σῶμα δὲ αὐτοῖς ἁγνείας καὶ σωφροσύνης πολυανθεῖ κόσμῳ κατηγλάϊστο. ### English translation (Claude) He adorns the whole temple with one very great gateway, the glorification of the one and only God, the King of all, and on either side of the Father's supreme authority provides the second rays of light, of Christ and of the Holy Spirit; and throughout the whole house he shows abundantly and in great variety the clearness and brightness of the truth in each of the rest. Everywhere and on every side he selects the living and firm and well-fitted stones of souls, and so builds up out of all the great and royal house, bright and full of light both within and without, since not only their soul and mind but also their body has been made glorious with the many-flowered adornment of purity and self-control. ### Scripture references - 1 Pet 2:5: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Eusebius here places Christ and the Spirit on either side of the Father's “supreme authority” (αὐθεντία) as “second rays of light”; how this image relates to later Nicene formulations is discussed by historians of doctrine. “Living stones” is from 1 Pet 2:5. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.65 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/65/). ## Church History 10.4.66 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/66/ - Source: Dindorf 4:470–471 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The seats in the spiritual church are the souls on which the Spirit's gifts rest, as on the apostles at Pentecost. ### Greek text ἔνεισι δʼ ἐν τῷδε τῷ ἱερῷ καὶ θρόνοι βάθρα τε μυρία καὶ καθιστήρια, ἐν ὅσαις ψυχαῖς τὰ τοῦ θείου πνεύματος ἐφιζάνει δωρήματα, οἷα καὶ πάλαι ὤφθη τοῖς ἀμφὶ τοὺς ἱεροὺς ἀποστόλους, οἷς ἐφάνησαν διαμεριζόμεναι γλῶσσαι ὡσεὶ πυρὸς, ἐκάθισάν τε ἐφʼ ἔνα ἕκαστον αὐτῶν. ### English translation (Claude) There are also in this sanctuary thrones, and countless benches and seats, in all the souls on which the gifts of the divine Spirit rest, such as were seen long ago by the holy apostles and those with them, to whom there appeared tongues distributed as of fire, and sat upon each one of them. ### Scripture references - Acts 2:3: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The allusion is Acts 2:3. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.66 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/66/). ## Church History 10.4.67 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/67/ - Source: Dindorf 4:471 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christ dwells fully in the bishop and proportionately in the other clergy; angels given for guidance are like the benches. ### Greek text ἀλλʼ ἐν μὲν τῷ πάντων ἄρχοντι ἴσως αὐτὸς ὅλος ἐγκάθηται Χριστὸς, ἐν δὲ τοῖς μετʼ αὐτὸν δευτερεύουσιν ἀναλόγως, καθʼ ὅσον ἕκαστος χωρεῖ Χριστοῦ δυνάμεως καὶ πνεύματος ἁγίου μερισμούς. βάθρα δʼ ἂν εἷεν καὶ ἀγγέλων καὶ αἵ τινων ψυχαὶ, τῶν εἰς παιδαγωγίαν καὶ φρουρὰν ἑκάστῳ παραδεδομένων. ### English translation (Claude) But in the ruler of all perhaps Christ himself sits entire, and in those who hold second place after him proportionately, as each has room for the portions of the power of Christ and of the Holy Spirit. And the benches may be the souls of angels and of certain others, those appointed to each for instruction and guarding. ### Scripture references - Matt 18:10: echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - The guardian angels recall Matt 18:10. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.67 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/67/). ## Church History 10.4.68 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/68/ - Source: Dindorf 4:471 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The true altar is the pure soul of the priest; Christ the High Priest receives the people's prayers as bloodless sacrifices and offers them to the Father. ### Greek text σεμνὸν δὲ καὶ μέγα καὶ μονογενὲς θυσιαστήριον ποῖον ἂν εἴη ἢ τῆς τοῦ κοινοῦ πάντων ἱερέως τῆς ψυχῆς τὸ εἰλικρινὲς καὶ ἁγίων ἅγιον; ᾧ παρεστὼς ἐπὶ δεξιᾷ ὁ μέγας τῶν ὅλων ἀρχιερεὺς αὐτὸς Ἰησοῦς, ὁ μονογενὴς τοῦ θεοῦ, τὸ παρὰ πάντων εὐῶδες θυμίαμα καὶ τὰς διʼ εὐχῶν ἀναίμους καὶ ἀύλους θυσίας φαιδρῷ τῷ βλέμματι καὶ ὑπτίαις ὑποδεχόμενος χερσὶ, τῷ κατʼ οὐρανὸν πατρὶ καὶ θεῷ τῶν ὅλων παραπέμπεται, πρῶτος αὐτὸς προσκυνῶν, καὶ μόνος τῷ πατρὶ τὸ κατʼ ἀξίαν ἀπονέμων σέβας, εἶτα δὲ καὶ πᾶσιν ἡμῖν εὐμενῆ διαμένειν καὶ δεξιὸν εἰς ἀεὶ παραιτούμενος. ### English translation (Claude) And what would the majestic, great, and unique altar be but the pure holy of holies of the soul of the common priest of all? Standing at its right hand, the great High Priest of all, Jesus himself, the only-begotten of God, receives with bright gaze and upturned hands the sweet-smelling incense from all and the bloodless and immaterial sacrifices offered through prayers, and sends them on to the heavenly Father and God of the universe, himself first worshiping and alone rendering to the Father the reverence due to him, and then asking that he remain always kind and favorable to us all. ### Scripture references - Heb 4:14: allusion, medium confidence - Rom 8:34: echo, medium confidence - Rev 8:3–4: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The allusions are Heb 4:14, Rom 8:34, and Rev 8:3–4. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.68 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/68/). ## Church History 10.4.69 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/69/ - Source: Dindorf 4:471 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The Word has built this spiritual temple throughout the world as an earthly image of heaven, so that the Father may be worshiped. ### Greek text τοιοῦτος ὁ μέγας νεὼς, ὃν καθʼ ὅλης τῆς ὑφʼ ἥλιον οἰκουμένης ὁ μέγας τῶν ὅλων δημιουργὸς λόγος συνεστήσατο, τῶν ἐπέκεινα οὐρανίων ἁψίδων πάλιν καὶ αὐτὸς νοερὰν ταύτην ἐπὶ γῆς εἰκόνα κατεργασάμενος, ὡς ἂν διὰ πάσης τῆς κτίσεως τῶν τε ἐπὶ γῆς λογικῶν ζῴων ὁ πατὴρ αὐτῷ τιμῷτό τε καὶ σέβοιτο. ### English translation (Claude) Such is the great temple which the great Creator of the universe, the Word, has built throughout the whole world under the sun, having himself made this intelligible image on earth of the vaults beyond the heavens, so that through the whole creation and the rational beings on earth the Father might be honored and worshiped by him. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.69 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/69/). ## Church History 10.4.70 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/70/ - Source: Dindorf 4:471–472 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: No mortal can worthily praise the heavenly Jerusalem where angels and the firstborn worship God, for it surpasses all human sight and thought. ### Greek text τὸν δʼ ὑπερουράνιον χῶρον καὶ τὰ ἐκεῖσε τῶν τῇδε παραδείγματα, τήν τε ἄνω λεγομένην Ἱερουσαλὴμ καὶ τὸ Σιῶν ὅρος τὸ ἐπουράνιον, καὶ τὴν ὑπερκόσμιον πόλιν τοῦ ζῶντος θεοῦ, ἐν ᾗ μυριάδες ἀγγέλων πανηγύρεις καὶ ἐκκλησία πρωτοτόκων ἀπογεγραμμένων ἐν οὐρανοῖς ταῖς ἀρρήτοις καὶ ἀνεπιλογίστοις ἡμῖν θεολογίαις τὸν σφῶν ποιητὴν καὶ πανηγεμόνα τῶν ὅλων γεραίρουσιν, οὔτις θνητὸς οἶός τε κατʼ ἀξίαν ὑμνῆσαι, ὅτι δὴ ὀφθαλμὸς οὐκ εἶδε καὶ οὖς οὐκ ἤκουσε, καὶ ἐπὶ καρδίαν ἀνθρώπου οὐκ ἀνέβη, αὐτὰ δὴ ταῦτα ἃ ἡτοίμασεν ὁ θεὸς τοῖς ἀγαπῶσιν αὐτόν. ### English translation (Claude) But the region above the heavens and the patterns there of the things here, the Jerusalem that is called above, the heavenly Mount Zion, and the supramundane city of the living God, in which innumerable festal gatherings of angels and the church of the firstborn enrolled in heaven honor their Maker and the Ruler of all with praises ineffable and incomprehensible to us, no mortal is able to hymn worthily, since “eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man, the things that God has prepared for those who love him.” ### Scripture references - Gal 4:26: allusion, high confidence - Heb 12:22–23: allusion, high confidence - 1 Cor 2:9: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The allusions are Gal 4:26 and Heb 12:22–23; the quotation is 1 Cor 2:9. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.70 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/70/). ## Church History 10.4.71 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/71/ - Source: Dindorf 4:472 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: All should praise God, who forgives, heals, redeems, and pities those who fear him, as Psalm 103 says. ### Greek text ὧν ἤδη ἐν μέρει καταξιωθέντες ἄνδρες ἅμα παισὶ καὶ γυναιξὶ, μικροὶ καὶ μεγάλοι, πάντες ἀθρόως ἐν ἐνὶ πνεύματι καὶ μιᾷ ψυχῇ μὴ διαλίπωμεν ἐξομολογούμενοι, καὶ τὸν τῶν τοσούτων ἡμῖν ἀγαθῶν παραίτιον ἀνευφημοῦντες, “τὸν εὐιλατεύοντα πάσαις ταῖς ἀνομίαις ἡμῶν, τὸν ἰώμενον πάσας τὰς νόσους ἡμῶν, τὸν λυτρούμενον ἐκ φθορᾶς τὴν ζωὴν ἡμῶν, τὸν στεφανοῦντα ἡμάς ἐν ἐλέει καὶ οἰκτιρμοῖς, τὸν ἐμπιμπλῶντα ἐν ἀγαθοῖς τὴν ἐπιθυμίαν ἡμῶν, ὅτι οὐ κατὰ τὰς ἁμαρτίας ἡμῶν ἐποίησεν ἡμῖν, οὐδὲ κατὰ τὰς ἀνομίας ἡμῶν ἀνταπέδωκεν ἡμῖν, ὅτι καθʼ ὅσον ἀπέχουσιν ἀνατολαὶ ἀπὸ δυσμῶν, ἐμάκρυνεν ἀφʼ ἡμῶν τὰς ἀνομίας ἡμῶν· καθὼς οἰκτείρει πατὴρ υἱοὺς αὐτοῦ, ᾠκτείρησε κύριος τοὺς φοβουμένους αὐτόν.’’ ### English translation (Claude) Having already been counted worthy of these things in part, men together with children and women, small and great, let us all together with one spirit and one soul never cease confessing and praising the author of such great blessings to us, “who is gracious to all our iniquities, who heals all our diseases, who redeems our life from corruption, who crowns us with mercy and compassion, who satisfies our desire with good things; for he has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor repaid us according to our iniquities; for as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our iniquities from us; as a father pities his sons, so the Lord has pitied those who fear him.” ### Scripture references - Ps 103:3–5 (102:3-Ps LXX): quotation, high confidence - Ps 103:10–13 (102:10-Ps LXX): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The quotation is Ps 103:3–5, 10, 12–13 (102 LXX). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.71 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/71/). ## Church History 10.4.72 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/72/ - Source: Dindorf 4:472–473 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The panegyric ends with a prayer that God keep the church in his fold and grant eternal peace through Christ. ### Greek text ταῦτα καὶ νῦν καὶ εἰς τοὺς ἐξῆς ἅπαντας χρόνους ταῖς μνήμαις ἀναζωπυροῦντες, ἀτὰρ καὶ τῆς παρούσης πανηγύρεως καὶ τῆς φαιδρᾶς ταύτης καὶ λαμπροτάτης ἡμέρας τὸν αἴτιον καὶ πανηγυριάρχην νύκτωρ καὶ μεθʼ ἡμέραν διὰ πάσης ὥρας καὶ διʼ ὅλης, ὡς εἰπεῖν, ἀναπνοῆς ἐν νῷ προορώμενοι, στέργοντες καὶ σέβοντες ψυχῆς ὅλῃ δυνάμει, καὶ νῦν ἀναστάντες, μεγάλῃ διαθέσεως φωνῇ καθικετεύσωμεν, ὡς ἂν ὑπὸ τὴν αὐτοῦ μάνδραν εἰς τέλος ἡμᾶς σκεπάζων διασώζοιτο, τὴν παρʼ αὐτοῦ βραβεύων ἀρραγῆ καὶ ἄσειστον αἰωνίαν εἰρήνην, ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ τῷ σωτῆρι ἡμῶν, διʼ οὗ αὐτῷ ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς σύμπαντας αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀμήν. ### English translation (Claude) Rekindling these things in our memories now and for all time to come, and also keeping before our minds night and day, every hour and, so to speak, with every breath, the author and leader of the present festival and of this bright and most splendid day, loving and worshiping him with all the power of our soul, let us now rise and with a loud voice of devotion beseech him to shelter and preserve us to the end in his fold, granting us his unbroken and unshaken eternal peace, in Christ Jesus our Savior, through whom be glory to him for all the ages of ages. Amen.” ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.4.72 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/4/72/). ## Church History 10.5.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:473 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Eusebius introduces Greek translations of the laws of Constantine and Licinius. ### Greek text Φέρε δὴ λοιπὸν καὶ τῶν βασιλικῶν διατάξεων Κωνσταντίνου καὶ Λικιννίου τὰς ἐκ τῆς Ῥωμαίων φωνῆς μεταληφθείσας ἑρμηνείας παραθώμεθα. Ἀντίγραφον βασιλικῶν διατάξεων ἐκ Ῥωμαϊκῆς γλώσσης μεταληφθεισῶν. ### English translation (Claude) Come now, let us also set out the translations from the Latin language of the imperial ordinances of Constantine and Licinius. Copy of imperial ordinances translated from the Latin tongue. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.5.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/1/). ## Church History 10.5.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:473 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The emperors state that they had already allowed everyone, including Christians, to keep their own religion. ### Greek text “Ἤδη μὲν πάλαι σκοποῦντες τὴν ἐλευθερίαν τῆς θρησκείας οὐκ ἀρνητέαν εἶναι, ἀλλʼ ἑνὸς ἑκάστου τῇ διανοίᾳ καὶ βουλήσει ἐξουσίαν δοτέον τοῦ τὰ θεῖα πράγματα τημελεῖν κατὰ τὴν αὐτοῦ προαίρεσιν, ἕκαστον κεκελεύκειμεν, τοῖς τε Χριστιανοῖς, τῆς αἱρέσεως καὶ τῆς θρησκείας τῆς ἑαυτῶν τὴν πίστιν φυλάττειν. ### English translation (Claude) [Edict of Constantine and Licinius (the “Edict of Milan”):] “Having long since perceived that freedom of religion ought not to be denied, but that to the mind and will of each one power should be given to attend to divine matters according to his own choice, we had commanded everyone, the Christians included, to keep the faith of their own sect and religion. ### Translation notes - This is the rescript of Licinius issued in 313 after the agreement at Milan. Lactantius, On the Deaths of the Persecutors 48.2–12, gives the Latin of the same letter as posted at Nicomedia; it begins at 10.5.4 (“When I, Constantine Augustus …”), so 10.5.2–3 has no parallel there. The two texts are parallel copies, not a quotation of one by the other. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.5.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/2/). ## Church History 10.5.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:473 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Because the earlier rescript had many restrictive conditions, some Christians had been deterred. ### Greek text ἀλλʼ ἐπειδὴ πολλαὶ καὶ διάφοροι αἱρέσεις ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἀντιγραφῇ, ἐν ᾗ τοῖς αὐτοῖς συνεχωρήθη ἡ τοιαύτη ἐξουσία, ἐδόκουν προστεθεῖσθαι σαφῶς, τυχὸν ἴσως τινὲς αὐτῶν μετʼ ὀλίγον ἀπὸ τῆς τοιαύτης παραφυλάξεως ἀνεκρούοντο. ### English translation (Claude) But since in that rescript, in which such permission was granted to them, many and various conditions seemed to have been clearly added, perhaps some of them shortly afterward were deterred from such observance. ### Translation notes - αἱρέσεις here seems to mean “conditions” or “clauses” (the Latin has condiciones); the sense is disputed. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.5.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/3/). ## Church History 10.5.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:473 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Meeting at Milan, Constantine and Licinius decided to give Christians and everyone freedom to follow the religion of their choice. ### Greek text ὁπότε εὐτυχῶς ἐγὼ Κωνσταντῖνος ὁ Αὔγουστος κἀγὼ Λικίννιος ὁ Αὔγουστος ἐν τῇ Μεδιολάνῳ ἐληλύθειμεν, καὶ πάντα ὅσα πρὸς τὸ λυσιτελὲς καὶ τὸ χρήσιμον τῷ κοινῷ διέφερεν, ἐν ζητήσει ἔσχομεν, ταῦτα μεταξὺ τῶν λοιπῶν, ἅτινα ἐδόκει ἐν πολλοῖς ἅπασιν ἐπωφελῆ εἶναι, μᾶλλον δὲ ἐν πρώτοις διατάξαι ἐδογματίσαμεν, οἷς ἡ πρὸς τὸ θεῖον αἰδώς τε καὶ τὸ σέβας ἐνείχετο, τοῦτʼ ἔστιν, ὅπως δῶμεν καὶ τοῖς Χριστιανοῖς καὶ πᾶσιν ἐλευθέραν αἵρεσιν τοῦ ἀκολουθεῖν τῇ θρησκείᾳ, ᾗ δʼ ἂν βουληθῶσιν· ὅπως, ὅ τί ποτέ ἐστι θειότης καὶ οὐρανίου πράγματος, ἡμῖν καὶ πᾶσι τοῖς ὑπὸ τὴν ἡμετέραν ἐξουσίαν διάγουσιν εὐμενὲς εἶναι δυνηθῇ. ### English translation (Claude) When I, Constantine Augustus, and I, Licinius Augustus, happily met at Milan and considered everything that concerned the advantage and benefit of the public, among the other things that seemed beneficial to all in many respects, we resolved first of all to decree those things by which reverence and worship of the divine were secured: that is, to grant both to the Christians and to all free choice to follow whatever religion they wish, so that whatever divinity and heavenly power there is may be favorable to us and to all who live under our authority. ### Extrabiblical texts - Lactantius, Mort. 48.2 (On the Deaths of the Persecutors): echo, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.5.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/4/). ## Church History 10.5.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:473–474 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: No one is to be denied the freedom to choose Christianity or any religion he thinks fitting. ### Greek text τοίνυν ταύτην τὴν βούλησιν τὴν ἡμετέραν ὑγιεινῷ καὶ ὀρθοτάτῳ λογισμῷ ἐδογματίσαμεν, ὅπως μηδενὶ παντελῶς ἐξουσία ἀρνητέα ᾖ τοῦ ἀκολουθεῖν καὶ αἱρεῖσθαι τὴν τῶν Χριστιανῶν παραφύλαξιν ἢ θρησκείαν, ἑκάστῳ τε ἐξουσία δοθείη τοῦ διδόναι ἑαυτοῦ τὴν διάνοιαν ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ θρησκείᾳ, ἣν αὐτὸς ἑαυτῷ ἁρμόζειν νομίζῃ, ὅπως ἡμῖν δυνηθῇ τὸ θεῖον ἐν πᾶσι τὴν ἔθιμον σπουδὴν καὶ καλοκἀγαθίαν παρέχειν. ### English translation (Claude) We have therefore decreed this our will by sound and most right reasoning, that no one at all should be denied the freedom to follow and choose the observance or religion of the Christians, and that each should be given freedom to devote his mind to that religion which he himself thinks suitable for himself, so that the Divinity may be able to show us in all things its accustomed care and goodness. ### Extrabiblical texts - Lactantius, Mort. 48.3 (On the Deaths of the Persecutors): echo, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.5.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/5/). ## Church History 10.5.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:474 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The harsh conditions of earlier letters are withdrawn, and Christians may practice freely. ### Greek text ἅτινα οὕτως ἀρέσκειν ἡμῖν ἀντιγράψαι ἀκόλουθον ἦν, ἵνʼ ἀφαιρεθεισῶν παντελῶς τῶν αἱρέσεων, αἵτινες τοῖς προτέροις ἡμῶν γράμμασι τοῖς πρὸς τὴν σὴν καθοσίωσιν ἀποσταλεῖσι περὶ τῶν Χριστιανῶν ἐνείχοντο, καὶ ἅτινα πάνυ σκαιὰ καὶ τῆς ἡμετέρας πραότητος ἀλλότρια εἶναι ἐδόκει, ταῦτα ὑφαιρεθῇ, καὶ νῦν ἐλευθέρως τε καὶ ἀπλανῶς ἕκαστος τῶν τὴν αὐτὴν προαίρεσιν ἐσχηκότων τοῦ φυλάττειν τὴν τῶν Χριστιανῶν θρησκείαν ἄνευ τινὸς ὀχλήσεως τοῦτο αὐτὸ παραφυλάττοι. ### English translation (Claude) It was fitting to write that this is our pleasure, so that, the conditions contained in our former letters sent to your devotion concerning the Christians being entirely removed, those things which seemed very harsh and foreign to our clemency may be withdrawn, and now each one of those who have the same purpose of keeping the religion of the Christians may observe it freely and without hindrance, without any molestation. ### Extrabiblical texts - Lactantius, Mort. 48.4 (On the Deaths of the Persecutors): echo, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.5.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/6/). ## Church History 10.5.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:474 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The governor is informed that the Christians have full freedom of worship. ### Greek text ἅτινα τῇ σῇ ἐπιμελείᾳ πληρέστατα δηλῶσαι ἐδογματίσαμεν, ὅπως εἰδείης ἡμᾶς ἐλευθέραν καὶ ἀπολελυμένην ἐξουσίαν τοῦ τημελεῖν τὴν ἑαυτῶν θρησκείαν τοῖς αὐτοῖς Χριστιανοῖς, δεδωκέναι. ### English translation (Claude) We have resolved to make these things known most fully to your care, so that you may know that we have given to these same Christians free and unrestricted power to attend to their own religion. ### Extrabiblical texts - Lactantius, Mort. 48.5 (On the Deaths of the Persecutors): echo, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.5.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/7/). ## Church History 10.5.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:474 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The same freedom is given to all others, so that no religion is diminished. ### Greek text ὅπερ ἐπειδὴ ἀπολελυμένως αὐτοῖς ὑφʼ ἡμῶν δεδωρῆσθαι, θεωρεῖ ἡ σὴ καθοσίωσις, καὶ ἑτέροις δεδόσθαι ἐξουσίαν τοῖς βουλομένοις τοῦ μετέρχεσθαι τὴν παρατήρησιν καὶ θρησκείαν ἑαυτῶν· ὅπερ ἀκολούθως τῇ ἡσυχίᾳ τῶν ἡμετέρων καιρῶν γίνεσθαι φανερόν ἐστιν, ὅπως ἐξουσίαν ἕκαστος ἔχη τοῦ αἱρεῖσθαι καὶ τημελεῖν ὁποῖον δʼ ἂν βούληται θεῖον. τοῦτο δὲ ὑφʼ ἡμῶν γέγονεν, ὅπως μηδεμιᾷ τιμῇ μηδὲ θρησκείᾳ τινὶ μεμειῶσθαί τι ὑφʼ ἡμῶν δοκοίη. ### English translation (Claude) And since your devotion sees that this has been granted to them by us without restriction, it perceives that power has also been given to others who wish to follow their own observance and religion; which clearly accords with the tranquility of our times, so that each may have freedom to choose and worship whatever deity he wishes. This has been done by us so that we may not seem to have diminished any honor or any religion. ### Extrabiblical texts - Lactantius, Mort. 48.6 (On the Deaths of the Persecutors): echo, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.5.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/8/). ## Church History 10.5.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:474–475 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christian meeting places, whether bought from the treasury or others or received as gifts, are to be returned to the Christians without payment. ### Greek text καὶ τοῦτο δὲ πρὸς τοῖς λοιποῖς εἰς τὸ πρόσωπον τῶν Χριστιανῶν δογματίζομεν, ἵνα τοὺς τόπους αὐτῶν, εἰς οὓς τὸ πρότερον συνέρχεσθαι ἔθος ἦν αὐτοῖς, περὶ ὧν καὶ τοῖς πρότερον δοθεῖσι πρὸς τὴν σὴν καθοσίωσιν γράμμασι τύπος ἕτερος ἦν ὡρισμένος τῷ προτέρῳ χρόνῳ, ἵνʼ, εἴ τινες ἢ παρὰ τοῦ ταμείου τοῦ ἡμετέρου, ἢ παρά τινος ἑτέρου φαίνοιντο ἠγορακότες τούτους, τοῖς αὐτοῖς Χριστιανοῖς ἄνευ ἀργυρίου καὶ ἄνευ τινὸς ἀπαιτήσεως τῆς τιμῆς ὑπερτεθείσης, δίχα πάσης ἀμελείας καὶ ἀμφιβολίας, ἀποκαταστήσωσι· καὶ εἴ τινες κατὰ δῶρον τυγχάνουσιν εἰληφότες τοὺς αὐτοὺς τόπους, ὅπως τοῖς αὐτοῖς Χριστιανοῖς τὴν ταχίστην ἀποκαταστήσωσιν· ### English translation (Claude) And this too, in addition to the rest, we decree in regard to the Christians: that their places, in which they formerly used to assemble, and concerning which a different rule had been laid down in the letters previously sent to your devotion, if any appear to have bought them either from our treasury or from anyone else, they shall restore them to these same Christians without payment and without any demand for the price, setting aside all negligence and hesitation; and if any happen to have received the same places as a gift, they shall restore them as quickly as possible to these same Christians; ### Extrabiblical texts - Lactantius, Mort. 48.7 (On the Deaths of the Persecutors): echo, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.5.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/9/). ## Church History 10.5.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:475 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Those who lose property may seek compensation from the emperor through the local prefect, but the property must be returned at once. ### Greek text οὕτως εἰ ἢ οἱ ἠγορακότες τοὺς αὐτοὺς τόπους, ἢ οἶ κατὰ δωρεὰν εἰληφότες αἰτῶσί τι παρὰ τῆς ἡμετέρας καλοκἀγαθίας, προσέλθωσι τῷ ἐπὶ τόπων ἐπάρχῳ δικάζοντι, ὅπως καὶ αὐτῶν διὰ τῆς ἡμετέρας χρηστότητος πρόνοια γένηται. ἅτινα πάντα τῷ σώματι τῷ τῶν Χριστιανῶν παρʼ αὐτὰ διὰ τῆς σῆς σπουδῆς ἄνευ τινὸς παρολκῆς παραδίδοσθαι δεήσει. ### English translation (Claude) on this condition, that if either those who bought the same places or those who received them as a gift ask anything of our benevolence, they may apply to the prefect who judges in the district, so that provision may be made for them too through our kindness. All these things must be handed over at once, through your zeal and without any delay, to the body of the Christians. ### Extrabiblical texts - Lactantius, Mort. 48.8 (On the Deaths of the Persecutors): echo, high confidence ### Translation notes - Lactantius's Latin (48.8) has vicarium, the vicar of the diocese, where the Greek has “the prefect who judges in the district”. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.5.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/10/). ## Church History 10.5.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:475 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Other property owned by the Christian community as a body must also be returned, with compensation from the emperor for those who give it back. ### Greek text καὶ ἐπειδὴ οἶ αὐτοὶ Χριστιανοὶ οὐ μόνον ἐκείνους, εἰς οὓς συνέρχεσθαι ἔθος εἶχον, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἑτέρους τόπους ἐσχηκέναι γινώσκονται, διαφέροντας οὐ πρὸς ἕκαστον αὐτῶν, ἀλλὰ πρὸς τὸ δίκαιον τοῦ αὐτῶν σώματος, τοῦτʼ ἔστι τῶν Χριστιανῶν, ταῦτα πάντα ἐπὶ τῷ νόμῳ, ὃν προειρήκαμεν, δίχα παντελοῦς τινος ἀμφισβητήσεως τοῖς αὐτοῖς Χριστιανοῖς, τοῦτʼ ἔστι τῷ σώματι αὐτῶν καὶ τῇ συνόδῳ, ἑκάστῳ αὐτῶν ἀποκαταστῆναι κελεύσεις, τοῦ προειρημένου λογισμοῦ δηλαδὴ φυλαχθέντος, ὅπως αὐτοὶ οἵτινες τοὺς αὐτοὺς ἄνευ τιμῆς, καθὼς προειρήκαμεν, ἀποκαθιστῶσι, τὸ ἀζήμιον τὸ ἑαυτῶν παρὰ τῆς ἡμετέρας καλοκἀγαθίας ἐλπίζοιεν. ### English translation (Claude) And since these same Christians are known to have possessed not only the places where they were accustomed to assemble but also other places belonging not to individuals among them but to the right of their body, that is, of the Christians, you will order all these, under the law we have stated above, without any dispute whatever, to be restored to these same Christians, that is, to their body and assembly, to each of them, the principle stated above being clearly observed, that those who restore them without price, as we have said, may hope for indemnity from our benevolence. ### Extrabiblical texts - Lactantius, Mort. 48.9 (On the Deaths of the Persecutors): echo, high confidence ### Translation notes - “Body” (σῶμα, Latin corpus) is the legal term for the Christian community as a corporation. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.5.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/11/). ## Church History 10.5.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:475–476 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The governor must carry out the order quickly for the sake of public peace. ### Greek text ἐν οἶς πᾶσι τῷ προειρημένῳ σώματι τῶν Χριστιανῶν τὴν σπουδὴν δυνατώτατα παρασχεῖν ὀφείλεις, ὅπως τὸ ἡμέτερον κέλευσμα τὴν ταχίστην παραπληρωθῇ, ὅπως καὶ ἐν τούτῳ διὰ τῆς ἡμετέρας χρηστότητος πρόνοια γένηται τῆς κοινῆς καὶ δημοσίας ἡσυχίας. ### English translation (Claude) In all these matters you ought to show the utmost zeal on behalf of the aforesaid body of the Christians, so that our command may be carried out as quickly as possible, and so that in this too provision may be made through our kindness for the common and public tranquility. ### Extrabiblical texts - Lactantius, Mort. 48.10 (On the Deaths of the Persecutors): echo, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.5.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/12/). ## Church History 10.5.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:476 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: In this way God's favor toward the emperors will continue. ### Greek text τούτῳ γὰρ τῷ λογισμῷ, καθὼς καὶ προείρηται, ἡ θεία σπουδὴ περὶ ἡμᾶς, ἧς ἐν πολλοῖς ἤδη πράγμασιν ἀπεπειράθημεν, διὰ παντὸς τοῦ χρόνου βεβαίως διαμενεῖ. ### English translation (Claude) For by this means, as has been said before, the divine favor toward us, which we have already experienced in many matters, will remain firmly for all time. ### Extrabiblical texts - Lactantius, Mort. 48.11 (On the Deaths of the Persecutors): echo, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.5.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/13/). ## Church History 10.5.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:476 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The edict is to be published everywhere so that everyone knows of it. ### Greek text ἵνα δὲ ταύτης τῆς ἡμετέρας νομοθεσίας καὶ τῆς καλοκἀγαθίας ὅρος πρὸς γνῶσιν πάντων ἐνεχθῆναι δυνηθῇ, ταῦτα τὰ ὑφʼ ἡμῶν γραφέντα πανταχοῦ προθεῖναι καὶ εἰς γνῶσιν πάντων ἀγαγεῖν ἀκόλουθόν ἐστιν, ὅπως ταύτης τῆς ἡμετέρας καλοκἀγαθίας ἡ νομοθεσία μηδένα λαθεῖν δυνηθῇ.” ### English translation (Claude) And so that the terms of this our legislation and benevolence may be brought to the knowledge of all, it is fitting that what we have written be posted everywhere and brought to the knowledge of all, so that the legislation of this our benevolence may escape no one.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Lactantius, Mort. 48.12 (On the Deaths of the Persecutors): echo, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.5.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/14/). ## Church History 10.5.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:476 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: A further imperial letter to Anulinus restricts the grant to the catholic church and says the emperor wishes property restored to its rightful owners. ### Greek text Ἀντίγραφον ἑτέρας βασιλικῆς διατάξεως, ἣν αὖθις πεποίηνται, μόνῃ τῇ καθολικῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ τὴν δωρεὰν δεδόσθαι ὑποσημηνάμενοι. “Χαῖρε Ἀνυλῖνε, τιμιώτατε ἡμῖν. ἔστιν ὁ τρόπος οὗτος τῆς φιλαγαθίας τῆς ἡμετέρας, ὥστε ἐκεῖνα ἅπερ δικαίῳ ἀλλοτρίῳ προσήκει, μὴ μόνον μὴ ἐνοχλεῖσθαι, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἀποκαθιστᾶν βούλεσθαι ἡμᾶς, Ἀνυλῖνε τιμιώτατε. ### English translation (Claude) Copy of another imperial ordinance which they issued afterward, indicating that the grant was given to the catholic church alone. [Letter of Constantine to Anulinus:] “Greetings, Anulinus, our most honored. It is the custom of our benevolence, most honored Anulinus, to wish that those things which belong by right to another should not only not be disturbed but also be restored. ### Translation notes - Anulinus was proconsul of Africa (313). “Catholic church” is the church in communion with Caecilian of Carthage, as opposed to the Donatist party. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.5.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/15/). ## Church History 10.5.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/16/ - Source: Dindorf 4:476 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Anulinus is to restore at once to the catholic churches whatever property of theirs is held by others. ### Greek text ὅθεν βουλόμεθα ἵνʼ, ὁπόταν ταῦτα τὰ γράμματα κομίσῃ, εἴ τινα ἐκ τούτων τῶν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ τῇ καθολικῇ τῶν Χριστιανῶν ἐν ἑκάσταις πόλεσιν ἢ καὶ ἄλλοις τόποις διέφερον, καὶ κατέχοιντο νῦν ἢ ὑπὸ πολιτῶν ἢ ὑπό τινων ἄλλων, ταῦτα ἀποκατασταθῆναι παραχρῆμα ταῖς αὐτῶν ἐκκλησίαις ποιήσῃς, ἐπειδήπερ προῃρήμεθα, ταῦτα ἅπερ αἶ αὐταὶ ἐκκλησίαι πρότερον ἐσχήκεσαν, τῷ δικαίῳ αὐτῶν ἀποκατασταθῆναι. ### English translation (Claude) Wherefore we wish that, when you receive this letter, if any of the things that belonged to the catholic church of the Christians in each city or in other places are now held either by citizens or by any others, you cause them to be restored at once to these churches, since we have resolved that what these churches formerly possessed shall be restored to their right. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.5.16 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/16/). ## Church History 10.5.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/17/ - Source: Dindorf 4:476–477 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Gardens, houses, and all other church property are to be restored quickly. ### Greek text ὁπότε τοίνυν συνορᾷ ἡ καθοσίωσις ἡ σὴ, ταύτης ἡμῶν τῆς κελεύσεως σαφέστατον εἶναι τὸ πρόσταγμα, σπούδασον, εἴτε κῆποι, εἴτε οἰκίαι, εἶθʼ ὁτιουνδήποτε τῷ δικαίῳ τῶν αὐτῶν ἐκκλησιῶν διέφερον, σύμπαντα αὐταῖς ἀποκατασταθῆναι ὡς τάχιστα, ὅπως τούτῳ ἡμῶν τῷ προστάγματι ἐπιμελεστάτην σε πειθάρχησιν παρεσχηκέναι καταμάθοιμεν. ἔρρωσο, Ἀνυλῖνε, τιμιώτατε καὶ ποθεινότατε ἡμῖν.” ### English translation (Claude) Since, then, your devotion perceives that the order of this our command is most clear, hasten to restore to them as quickly as possible everything that belonged by right to these churches, whether gardens or houses or anything else whatever, so that we may learn that you have rendered most careful obedience to this our order. Farewell, Anulinus, our most honored and most beloved.” ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.5.17 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/17/). ## Church History 10.5.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/18/ - Source: Dindorf 4:477 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Constantine writes to Bishop Miltiades of Rome about the accusations against Caecilian of Carthage and the resulting division among African bishops and people. ### Greek text Ἀντίγραφον βασιλικῆς ἐπιστολῆς διʼ ἧς σύνοδον ἐπισκόπων ἐπὶ ῾Ρώμης κελεύει γενέσθαι ὑπὲρ τῆς τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν ἑνώσεως τε καὶ ὁμονοίας. “Κωνσταντῖνος Σεβαστὸς Μιλτιάδῃ ἐπισκόπῳ ῾Ρωμαίων καὶ Μάρκῳ. ἐπειδὴ τοιοῦτοι χάρται παρὰ Ἀνυλίνου τοῦ λαμπροτάτου ἀνθυπάτου τῆς Ἀφρικῆς πρός με πλείους ἀπεστάλησαν, ἐν οἷς ἐμφέρεται, Καικιλιανὸν τὸν ἐπίσκοπον τῆς Καρταγεννησίων πόλεως παρά τινων κολλήγων αὐτοῦ τῶν κατὰ τὴν Ἀφρικὴν καθεστώτων ἐν πολλοῖς πράγμασιν εὐθύνεσθαι, καὶ τοῦτό μοι βαρὺ σφόδρα δοκεῖ, τὸ ἐν ταύταις ταῖς ἐπαρχίαις, ἃς τῇ ἐμῇ καθοσιώσει αὐθαίρετος ἡ θεία πρόνοια ἐνεχείρισε, (κἀκεῖσε πολὺ πλῆθος λαοῦ), ὄχλον ἐπὶ τὸ φαυλότερον ἐπιμένοντα εὑρίσκεσθαι ὡσανεὶ διχοστατοῦντα, καὶ μεταξὺ ἐπισκόπους διαφορὰς ἔχειν, ### English translation (Claude) Copy of an imperial letter in which he orders a council of bishops to be held at Rome for the unity and concord of the churches. [Letter of Constantine to Miltiades:] “Constantine Augustus to Miltiades, bishop of the Romans, and to Mark. Since several documents of this kind have been sent to me by Anulinus, the most illustrious proconsul of Africa, in which it is stated that Caecilian, bishop of the city of the Carthaginians, is being called to account on many matters by some of his colleagues established in Africa; and since it seems to me very grievous that in these provinces, which divine providence has of its own accord entrusted to my devotion, and where there is a great multitude of people, the populace should be found persisting in the worse course, as though divided in two, and bishops should be at variance among themselves: ### Translation notes - This concerns the beginning of the Donatist schism (313). The identity of Mark is uncertain. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.5.18 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/18/). ## Church History 10.5.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/19/ - Source: Dindorf 4:477 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Caecilian and ten bishops from each side are to come to Rome and be heard before Miltiades and three Gallic bishops. ### Greek text ἔδοξέ μοι, ἵνʼ αὐτὸς ὁ Καικιλιανὸς μετὰ δέκα ἐπισκόπων, τῶν αὐτὸν εὐθύνειν δοκούντων, καὶ δέκα ἑτέρων οὓς αὐτὸς τῇ ἑαυτοῦ δίκῃ ἀναγκαίους ὑπολάβοι, εἰς τὴν ῾Ρώμην πλῷ ἀπιέναι μὴ ἀναβάλοιτο, ἵνʼ ἐκεῖσε ὑμῶν παρόντων, ἀλλὰ μὴν καὶ ῾Ρετεκίου καὶ Ματέρνου καὶ Μαρίνου, τῶν κολλήγων ὑμῶν, οὓς τούτου ἕνεκεν εἰς τὴν ῾Ρώμην προσέταξα ἐπισπεῦσαι, δυνηθῇ ἀκουσθῆναι, ὡς ἂν καταμάθοιτε τῷ σεβασμιωτάτῳ νόμῳ ἁρμόττειν. ### English translation (Claude) it seemed good to me that Caecilian himself, with ten of the bishops who appear to accuse him and ten others whom he himself considers necessary for his case, should without delay sail to Rome, so that there, in the presence of yourselves and also of Reticius, Maternus, and Marinus, your colleagues, whom I have ordered to hasten to Rome for this purpose, he may be heard, as you may understand to be in accordance with the most sacred law. ### Translation notes - Reticius of Autun, Maternus of Cologne, and Marinus of Arles were bishops in Gaul. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.5.19 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/19/). ## Church History 10.5.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/20/ - Source: Dindorf 4:477–478 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Constantine encloses the documents and urges the bishops to settle the case justly, since he wants no schism anywhere in the catholic church. ### Greek text ἵνα μέντοι καὶ περὶ πάντων αὐτῶν τούτων πληρεστάτην δυνηθῆτε ἔχειν γνῶσιν, τὰ ἀντίτυπα τῶν ἐγγράφων τῶν πρός με παρὰ Ἀνυλίνου ἀποσταλέντων, γράμμασιν ἐμοῖς ὑποτάξας, πρὸς τοὺς προειρημένους κολλήγας ὑμῶν ἐξέπεμψα, οἶς ἐντυχοῦσα ἡ ὑμετέρα στερρότης δοκιμάσει, ὅντινα χρὴ τρόπον τὴν προειρημένην δίκην ἐπιμελέστατα διευκρινῆσαι, καὶ κατὰ τὸ δίκαιον τερματίσαι, ὁπότε μηδὲ τὴν ὑμετέραν ἐπιμέλειαν λανθάνει, τοσαύτην με αἰδῶ τῇ ἐνθέσμῳ καθολικῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ ἀπονέμειν, ὡς μηδὲν καθόλου σχίσμα ἢ διχοστασίαν ἔν τινι τόπῳ βούλεσθαί με ὑμᾶς καταλιπεῖν. ἡ θειότης ὑμᾶς τοῦ μεγάλου θεοῦ διαφυλάξοι πολλοῖς ἔτεσι, τιμιώτατε. ### English translation (Claude) And so that you may have the fullest knowledge about all these things, I have appended to my letter copies of the documents sent to me by Anulinus and sent them to your aforesaid colleagues. When your firmness has read them, you will judge in what way this case should be most carefully examined and brought to a just end; since it does not escape your care that I pay such respect to the lawful catholic church that I do not wish you to leave any schism or division whatever in any place. May the divinity of the great God preserve you for many years, most honored.” ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.5.20 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/20/). ## Church History 10.5.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/21/ - Source: Dindorf 4:478 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Constantine reminds Bishop Chrestus of Syracuse that he had earlier summoned bishops from Gaul and Africa to Rome to settle the dispute. ### Greek text Ἀντίγραφον βασιλικῆς ἐπιστολῆς, διʼ ἧς προστάττει δευτέραν γενέσθαι σύνοδον ὑπὲρ τοῦ πᾶσαν τῶν ἐπισκόπων περιελεῖν διχοστασίαν. “ Κωνσταντῖνος σεβαστὸς Χρήστῳ ἐπισκόπῳ Συρακουσίων. ἤδη μὲν πρότερον, ὅτε φαύλως καὶ ἐνδιαστρόφως τινὲς περὶ θρησκείας τῆς ἁγίας καὶ ἐπουρανίου δυνάμεως καὶ τῆς αἱρέσεως τῆς καθολικῆς ἀποδιίστασθαι ἤρξαντο, ἐπιτέμνεσθαι βουληθεὶς τὰς τοιαύτας αὐτῶν φιλονεικίας, οὕτω διετετυπώκειν ὥστε ἀποσταλέντων ἀπὸ τῆς Γαλλίας τινῶν ἐπισκόπων, ἀλλὰ μὴν καὶ τούτων κληθέντων ἀπὸ τῆς Ἀφρικῆς τῶν ἐξ ἐναντίας μοίρας καταλλήλως ἐνστατικῶς καὶ ἐπιμόνως διαγωνιζομένων, παρόντος τε καὶ τοῦ τῆς Ῥώμης ἐπισκόπου, τοῦτο, ὅπερ ἐδόκει κεκινῆσθαι, δυνηθῇ ὑπὸ τῆς παρουσίας αὐτῶν μετὰ πάσης ἐπιμελοῦς διακρίσεως κατορθώσεως τυχεῖν. ### English translation (Claude) Copy of an imperial letter in which he orders a second council to be held to remove all division among the bishops. [Letter of Constantine to Chrestus:] “Constantine Augustus to Chrestus, bishop of the Syracusans. Already earlier, when some began wickedly and perversely to depart from the religion of the holy and heavenly power and from the catholic faith, wishing to cut short such contentions of theirs, I had arranged that certain bishops should be sent from Gaul, and that those of the opposing parties who were contending obstinately and persistently against each other should be summoned from Africa, and that, the bishop of Rome also being present, the matter that seemed to have been raised might through their presence be settled with all careful examination. ### Translation notes - αἵρεσις here is neutral, “faith” or “sect” (the catholic body), not “heresy”. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.5.21 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/21/). ## Church History 10.5.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/22/ - Source: Dindorf 4:478–479 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Because some rejected the Roman judgment as hasty and made by too few, causing scandal, Constantine resolved to end the dispute before a larger gathering. ### Greek text ἀλλʼ ἐπειδὴ, ὡς συμβαίνει, ἐπιλαθόμενοί τινες καὶ τῆς σωτηρίας τῆς ἰδίας καὶ τοῦ σεβάσματος τοῦ ὀφειλομένου τῇ ἁγιωτάτῃ αἱρέσει, ἔτι καὶ νῦν τὰς ἰδίας ἔχθρας παρατείνειν οὐ παύονται, μὴ βουλόμενοι τῇ ἤδη ἐξενεχθείσῃ κρίσει συντίθεσθαι, καὶ διοριζόμενοι, ὅτι δὴ ἄρα ὀλίγοι τινὲς τὰς γνώμας καὶ τὰς ἀποφάσεις ἑαυτῶν ἐξήνεγκαν, ἢ καὶ μὴ πρότερον ἁπάντων τῶν ὀφειλόντων ζητηθῆναι ἀκριβῶς ἐξετασθέντων πρὸς τὸ τὴν κρίσιν ἐξενέγκαι πάνυ ταχέως καὶ ὀξέως ἔσπευσαν, ἔκ τε τούτων ἁπάντων ἐκεῖνα συμβαίνει γενέσθαι, τὸ καὶ τούτους αὐτοὺς ἀδελφικὴν καὶ ὁμόφρονα ὀφείλοντας ἔχειν ὁμοψυχίαν αἰσχρῶς, μᾶλλον δὲ μυσαρῶς ἀλλήλων ἀποδιεστάναι, καὶ τοῖς ἀνθρώποις τοῖς ἀλλοτρίας ἔχουσι τὰς ψυχὰς ἀπὸ τῆς ἁγιωτάτης θρησκείας ταύτης πρόφασιν χλεύης διδόναι, — ὅθεν προνοητέον μοι ἐγένετο, ὅπως τοῦτο, ὅπερ ἐχρῆν μετὰ τὴν ἐξενεχθεῖσαν ἤδη κρίσιν αὐθαιρέτῳ συγκαταθέσει πεπαῦσθαι, κἂν νῦν ποτὲ δυνηθῇ πολλῶν παρόντων τέλους τυχεῖν. ### English translation (Claude) But since, as happens, some, forgetting both their own salvation and the reverence owed to the most holy faith, even now do not cease to prolong their own enmities, not wishing to accept the judgment already given, and asserting that only a few gave their opinions and decisions, or that they hastened very quickly and sharply to give judgment before everything that ought to have been inquired into had been accurately examined; and since from all this it comes about that those very people who ought to have brotherly and harmonious unity of soul are shamefully, or rather abominably, separated from one another, and give occasion for mockery to men whose souls are strangers to this most holy religion, it became my concern to provide that this matter, which ought to have ceased by voluntary agreement after the judgment already given, might now at last be brought to an end in the presence of many. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.5.22 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/22/). ## Church History 10.5.23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/23/ - Source: Dindorf 4:479 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Chrestus is to travel to the Council of Arles by 1 August with two clergy and three servants, using the public post. ### Greek text ἐπειδὴ τοίνυν πλείστους ἐκ διαφόρων καὶ ἀμυθήτων τόπων ἐπισκόπους εἰς τὴν Ἀρελατησίων πόλιν εἴσω Καλανδῶν Αὐγούστων συνελθεῖν ἐκελεύσαμεν, καὶ σοὶ γράψαι ἐνομίσαμεν, ἵνα λαβὼν παρὰ τοῦ λαμπροτάτου Λατρωνιανοῦ τοῦ κορρήκτορος Σικελίας δημόσιον ὄχημα, συζεύξας σεαυτῷ καὶ δύο γέ τινας τῶν ἐκ τοῦ δευτέρου θρόνου, οὓς ἂν σὺ αὐτὸς ἐπιλέξασθαι κρίνῃς, ἀλλὰ μὴν καὶ τρεῖς παῖδας τοὺς δυνησομένους ὑμῖν κατὰ τὴν ὁδὸν ὑπηρετήσασθαι παραλαβὼν, εἴσω τῆς αὐτῆς ἡμέρας ἐπὶ τῷ προειρημένῳ τόπῳ ἀπάντησον, ### English translation (Claude) Since, therefore, we have commanded very many bishops from various and countless places to assemble in the city of Arles before the Kalends of August, we have thought it right to write to you also, that you should obtain a public vehicle from the most illustrious Latronianus, corrector of Sicily, take with you two others of the second rank whom you yourself may choose, and also three servants who will be able to attend you on the way, and meet at the aforesaid place by that same day, ### Translation notes - The Council of Arles met in 314. “Those of the second rank” are presumably presbyters. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.5.23 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/23/). ## Church History 10.5.24 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/24/ - Source: Dindorf 4:479–480 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Constantine hopes the council will restore unity after hearing both sides; Eusebius then introduces a letter granting money to the churches. ### Greek text ὡς ἂν διά τε τῆς σῆς στερρότητος καὶ διὰ τῆς λοιπῆς τῶν συνιόντων ὁμοψύχου καὶ ὁμόφρονος συνέσεως καὶ τοῦτο, ὅπερ ἄχρι τοῦ δεῦρο φαύλως διʼ αἰσχράς τινας ζυγομαχίας παραμεμένηκεν, ἀκουσθέντων πάντων τῶν μελλόντων λεχθήσεσθαι παρὰ τῶν νῦν ἀπʼ ἀλλήλων διεστώτων, οὕσπερ ὁμοίως παρεῖναι ἐκελεύσαμεν, δυνηθῇ εἰς τὴν ὀφειλομένην θρησκείαν καὶ πίστιν, ἀδελφικήν τε ὁμόνοιαν κἄν βραδέως ἀνακληθῆναι. ὑγιαίνοντά σε ὁ θεὸς ὁ παντοκράτωρ διαφυλάξαι ἐπὶ πολλοῖς ἔτεσιν.” Ἀντίγραφον βασιλικῆς ἐπιστολῆς, διʼ ἧς χρήματα ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις δωρεῖται. ### English translation (Claude) so that through your firmness and the harmonious and like-minded understanding of the rest who assemble, this matter too, which has continued wickedly until now through certain shameful quarrels, may, after all that is to be said by those now at variance with one another (whom we have likewise commanded to be present) has been heard, be recalled, even if slowly, to the religion and faith that are owed, and to brotherly concord. May God Almighty keep you in health for many years.” Copy of an imperial letter in which he grants money to the churches. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.5.24 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/5/24/). ## Church History 10.6.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/6/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:480 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Constantine tells Caecilian that he has ordered the finance officer of Africa to pay him 3,000 folles for the clergy of the catholic church. ### Greek text “Κωνσταντῖνος Αὔγουστος Καικιλιανῷ ἐπισκόπῳ Καρταγένης. ἐπειδήπερ ἤρεσε, κατὰ πάσας ἐπαρχίας, τάς τε Ἀφρικὰς καὶ τὰς Νουμιδίας καὶ τὰς Μαυριτανίας, ῥητοῖς τισι τῶν ὑπηρετῶν τῆς ἐνθέσμου καὶ τῆς ἁγιωτάτης καθολικῆς θρησκείας εἰς ἀναλώματα ἐπιχορηγηθῆναί τι, ἔδωκα γράμματα πρὸς Οὖρσον τὸν διασημότατον καθολικὸν τῆς Ἀφρικῆς, καὶ ἐδήλωσα αὐτῷ, ὅπως τρισχιλίους φόλλεις τῇ σῇ στερρότητι ἀπαριθμῆσαι φροντίσῃ. ### English translation (Claude) [Letter of Constantine to Caecilian:] “Constantine Augustus to Caecilian, bishop of Carthage. Since it has pleased us that in all the provinces, the Africas, the Numidias, and the Mauretanias, something should be supplied for expenses to certain specified ministers of the lawful and most holy catholic religion, I have given letters to Ursus, the most distinguished finance officer of Africa, and have instructed him to take care to pay to your firmness three thousand folles. ### Translation notes - καθολικός here is the title of the imperial finance officer (rationalis). The value of 3,000 folles is uncertain. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.6.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/6/1/). ## Church History 10.6.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/6/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:480 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Caecilian is to distribute the money according to a list sent by Hosius. ### Greek text σὺ τοίνυν, ἡνίκα τὴν προδηλουμένην ποσότητα τῶν χρημάτων ὑποδεχθῆναι ποιήσεις, ἅπασι τοῖς προειρημένοις κατὰ τὸ βρέουιον τὸ πρὸς σὲ παρὰ Ὁσίου ἀποσταλὲν ταῦτα τὰ χρήματα διαδοθῆναι κέλευσον. ### English translation (Claude) You, therefore, when you have received the aforesaid sum of money, order this money to be distributed to all those mentioned above according to the list sent to you by Hosius. ### Translation notes - Hosius (Ossius) was bishop of Córdoba and Constantine's adviser. βρέουιον transliterates the Latin breve, “list”. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.6.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/6/2/). ## Church History 10.6.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/6/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:480 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: If more is needed, Caecilian may ask the procurator Heraclides, who has been ordered to pay. ### Greek text εἰ δʼ ἄρα πρὸς τὸ συμπληρωθῆναί μου τὴν εἰς τοῦτο περὶ ἅπαντας αὐτοὺς προαίρεσιν ἐνδεῖν τι καταμάθοις, παρὰ Ἡρακλείδα τοῦ ἐπιτρόπου τῶν ἡμετέρων κτημάτων ἀναμφιλίκτως ὅπερ ἀναγκαῖον εἶναι καταμάθοις αἰτῆσαι ὀφείλεις. καὶ γὰρ παρόντι αὐτῷ προσέταξα, ἵνʼ εἴ τι ἄν χρημάτων παρ αὐτοῦ ἡ σὴ στερρότης αἰτήσῃ, ἄνευ δισταγμοῦ τινὸς ἀπαριθμῆσαι φροντίσῃ. ### English translation (Claude) But if you find that anything is lacking for the fulfillment of my purpose in this toward all of them, you ought to ask without hesitation from Heraclides, the procurator of our estates, whatever you find to be necessary. For I have commanded him in person that, if your firmness asks any money of him, he should take care to pay it without any hesitation. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.6.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/6/3/). ## Church History 10.6.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/6/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:480–481 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Constantine has ordered the proconsul Anulinus and the vicar Patricius to stop those trying to lead the catholic people astray. ### Greek text καὶ ἐπειδὴ ἐπυθόμην τινὰς μὴ καθεστώσης διανοίας τυγχάνοντας ἀνθρώπους τὸν λαὸν τῆς ἁγιωτάτης καὶ καθολικῆς ἐκκλησίας φαύλῃ τινὶ ὑπονοθεύσει βούλεσθαι διαστρέφειν, γίνωσκέ με Ἀνυλίνῳ ἀνθυπάτῳ, ἀλλὰ μὴν καὶ Πατρικίῳ τῷ οὐικαρίῳ τῶν ἐπάρχων παροῦσι τοιαύτας ἐντολὰς δεδωκέναι, ἵνʼ ἐν τοῖς λοιποῖς ἅπασι καὶ τούτου μάλιστα τὴν προσήκουσαν φροντίδα ποιήσωνται, καὶ μὴ ἀνάσχωνται περιορᾶν τοιοῦτο γινόμενον. ### English translation (Claude) And since I have learned that certain persons of unsettled mind wish to turn aside the people of the most holy and catholic church by some wicked corruption, know that I have given such commands in person to Anulinus the proconsul and also to Patricius the vicar of the prefects, that among all other things they should give due attention especially to this, and should not allow such a thing to be overlooked. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.6.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/6/4/). ## Church History 10.6.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/6/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:481 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Caecilian is to report any who persist in the schism to the magistrates for correction. ### Greek text διόπερ εἴ τινας τοιούτους ἀνθρώπους ἐν αὐτῇ τῇ μανίᾳ ἐπιμένειν κατίδοις, ἄνευ τινὸς ἀμφιβολίας τοῖς προειρημένοις δικασταῖς πρόσελθε, καὶ αὐτὸ τοῦτο προσανένεγκε, ὅπως αὐτοὺς ἐκεῖνοι, καθάπερ αὐτοῖς παροῦσιν ἐκέλευσα, ἐπιστρέψωσιν. ἡ θειότης τοῦ μεγάλου θεοῦ σε διαφυλάξοι ἐπὶ πολλοῖς ἔτεσιν.” ### English translation (Claude) Wherefore, if you see any such persons persisting in this madness, go without any hesitation to the aforesaid judges and report this very matter to them, so that they may correct them, as I commanded them in person. May the divinity of the great God preserve you for many years.” ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.6.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/6/5/). ## Church History 10.7.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/7/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:481 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Constantine explains that since true religion brings the empire prosperity, its ministers should be rewarded. ### Greek text Ἀντίγραφον βασιλικῆς ἐπιστολῆς, διʼ ἧς τοὺς προεστῶτας τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν πάσης ἀπολελύσθαι τῆς περὶ τὰ πολιτικὰ λειτουργίας προστάττει. “Χαῖρε, Ἀνυλῖνε, τιμιώτατε ἡμῖν ἐπειδὴ ἐκ πλειόνων πραγμάτων φαίνεται, παρεξουθενηθεῖσαν τὴν θρησκείαν, ἐν ᾗ ἡ κορυφαία τῆς ἁγιωτάτης ἐπουρανίου αἰδὼς φυλάττεται, μεγάλους κινδύνους ἐνηνοχέναι τοῖς δημοσίοις πράγμασιν, αὐτήν τε ταύτην ἐνθέσμως ἀναληφθεῖσαν καὶ φυλαττομένην μεγίστην εὐτυχίαν τῷ Ῥωμαϊκῷ ὀνόματι, καὶ σύμπασι τοῖς τῶν ἀνθρώπων πράγμασιν ἐξαίρετον εὐδαιμονίαν παρεσχηκέναι, τῶν θείων εὐεργεσιῶν τοῦτο παρεχουσῶν, ἔδοξεν ἐκείνους τοὺς ἄνδρας τοὺς τῇ ὀφειλομένη ἁγιότητι καὶ τῇ τοῦ νόμου τούτου παρεδρίᾳ τὰς ὑπηρεσίας τὰς ἐξ ἑαυτῶν τῇ τῆς θείας θρησκείας θεραπείᾳ παρέχοντας, τῶν καμάτων τῶν ἰδίων τὰ ἔπαθλα κομίσασθαι, Ἀνυλῖνε τιμιώτατε. ### English translation (Claude) Copy of an imperial letter in which he orders the presidents of the churches to be released from all civic public services. [Letter of Constantine to Anulinus:] “Greetings, Anulinus, our most honored. Since it appears from many circumstances that when the religion in which the highest reverence for the most holy heavenly power is preserved was despised, great dangers came upon public affairs, and that when it was lawfully taken up and preserved it brought the greatest good fortune to the Roman name and exceptional prosperity to all human affairs, the divine benefits granting this, it has seemed good, most honored Anulinus, that those men who, with due holiness and devotion to this law, give their own services to the ministry of the divine religion should receive the rewards of their own labors. ### Translation notes - The “civic public services” (λειτουργίαι, Latin munera) were compulsory duties and costs imposed on town councillors. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.7.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/7/1/). ## Church History 10.7.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/7/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:481–482 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: The clergy of Caecilian's catholic church are exempted from all civic duties so that they may devote themselves to worship, which benefits the state. ### Greek text διόπερ ἐκείνους τοὺς εἴσω τῆς ἐπαρχίας τῆς σοι πεπιστευμένης ἐν τῇ καθολικῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ, ᾗ Καικιλιανὸς ἐφέστηκε, τὴν ἐξ ἑαυτῶν ὑπηρεσίαν τῇ ἁγίᾳ ταύτῃ θρησκείᾳ παρέχοντας, οὕσπερ κληρικοὺς ἐπονομάζειν εἰώθασιν, ἀπὸ πάντων ἁπαξαπλῶς τῶν λειτουργιῶν βούλομαι ἀλειτουργήτους διαφυλαχθῆναι, ὅπως μὴ διά τινος πλάνης ἢ ἐξολισθήσεως ἱεροσύλου ἀπὸ τῆς θεραπείας τῆς τῇ θειότητι ὀφειλομένης ἀφέλκωνται, ἀλλὰ μᾶλλον ἄνευ τινὸς ἐνοχλήσεως τῷ ἰδίῳ νόμῳ ἐξυπηρετῶνται, ὧνπερ μεγίστην περὶ τὸ θεῖον λατρείαν ποιουμένων πλεῖστον ὅσον τοῖς κοινοῖς πράγμασι συνοίσειν δοκεῖ. ἔρρωσο, Ἀνυλῖνε, τιμιώτατε καὶ ποθεινότατε ἡμῖν.” ### English translation (Claude) Wherefore it is my will that those within the province entrusted to you, in the catholic church over which Caecilian presides, who give their own service to this holy religion, whom they are accustomed to call clergy, be kept wholly free from all public services, so that they may not be drawn away by any error or sacrilegious lapse from the worship owed to the Divinity, but may rather serve their own law without any disturbance; for their rendering the greatest worship to the Divinity will, it seems, bring the greatest benefit to the common welfare. Farewell, Anulinus, our most honored and most beloved.” ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.7.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/7/2/). ## Church History 10.8.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:482 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Through Christ's grace the church enjoyed peace and celebration. ### Greek text Τοιαῦτα μὲν οὖν ἡμῖν ἡ θεία καὶ οὐράνιος τῆς τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν ἐπιφανείας ἐδωρεῖτο χάρις, τοσαύτη τε ἅπασιν ἀνθρώποις ἀγαθῶν ἀφθονία διὰ τῆς ἡμετέρας ἐπρυτανεύετο εἰρήνης. καὶ ὧδε μὲν τὰ καθʼ ἡμᾶς ἐν εὐφροσύναις καὶ πανηγύρεσιν ἐτελεῖτο. ### English translation (Claude) Such were the gifts that the divine and heavenly grace of our Savior's appearing bestowed on us, and such was the abundance of good things granted to all people through our peace. And so our affairs were carried on in rejoicing and festivals. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.8.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/1/). ## Church History 10.8.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:482 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Envious of the church's peace, the devil found an instrument in Licinius, who, despite his honors and marriage into Constantine's family, imitated the fallen tyrants. ### Greek text οὐκ ἦν δὲ ἄρα τῷ μισοκάλῳ φθόνῳ, τῷ τε φιλοπονήρῳ δαίμονι φορητὸς ἡ τῶν ὁρωμένων θέα, ὥσπερ οὖν οὐδὲ Λικιννίῳ πρὸς σώφρονα λογισμὸν ἐτύγχανεν αὐτάρκη τὰ τοῖς πρόσθεν δεδηλωμένοις τυράννοις συμβεβηκότα· ὃς εὖ φερομένης τῆς ἀρχῆς αὐτῷ, βασιλέως τε μεγάλου Κωνσταντίνου δευτερείων τιμῆς, ἐπιγαμβρίας τε καὶ συγγενείας τῆς ἀνωτάτω ἠξιωμένος, μιμήσεως μὲν τῆς τῶν καλῶν ἀπελιμπάνετο, τῆς δὲ τῶν ἀσεβῶν τυράννων μοχθηρίας ἐζήλου τὴν κακοτροπίαν, καὶ ὧν τοῦ βίου τὴν καταστροφὴν ἐπεῖδεν αὐτοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς, τούτων ἕπεσθαι τῇ γνώμη μᾶλλον ἢ τῇ τοῦ κρείττονος ἐμμένειν φιλίᾳ τε καὶ διαθέσει ᾑρεῖτο. ### English translation (Claude) But the sight of these things was not bearable to envy, the hater of good, and to the evil-loving demon; just as what had happened to the tyrants already described was not enough to bring Licinius to a sound mind. Though his rule prospered, and he had been honored with the second rank after the great emperor Constantine and with marriage into his family and the highest kinship, he fell short in imitating what was good and emulated the wickedness of the impious tyrants, and chose to follow the mind of those whose end he had seen with his own eyes rather than to remain in the friendship and goodwill of his superior. ### Translation notes - Licinius married Constantine's half-sister Constantia in 313. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.8.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/2/). ## Church History 10.8.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:482 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Out of envy Licinius made war on Constantine, disregarding kinship, oaths, and treaties. ### Greek text διαφθονηθείς γέ τοι τῷ πανευεργέτῃ πόλεμον δυσαγῆ καὶ δεινότατον πρὸς αὐτὸν ἐκφέρει, οὐ φύσεως νόμων φεισάμενος, οὐχ ὁρκωμοσιῶν, οὐχ αἵματος, οὐ συνθηκῶν μνήμην ἐν διανοίᾳ λαβών. ### English translation (Claude) Envying, then, his universal benefactor, he waged an accursed and most terrible war against him, sparing neither the laws of nature, nor oaths, nor blood, nor giving any thought to treaties. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.8.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/3/). ## Church History 10.8.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:482–483 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Constantine had generously given Licinius his sister in marriage and a large share of the empire. ### Greek text ὁ μὲν γὰρ αὐτῷ οἷα πανάγαθος βασιλεὺς, εὐνοίας παρέχων ἀληθοῦς σύμβολα, συγγενείας τῆς πρὸς αὐτὸν οὐκ ἐφθόνησε, γάμων τε λαμπρῶν ἀδελφῆς μετουσίαν οὐκ ἀπηρνήσατο, ἀλλὰ καὶ τῆς ἐκ πατέρων εὐγενείας, βασιλικοῦ τε ἀνέκαθεν αἵματος κοινωνὸν γενέσθαι ἠξίωσε, τῆς τε κατὰ πάντων ἀπολαύειν ἀρχῆς οἷα κηδεστῇ καὶ συμβασιλεῖ παρεῖχε τὴν ἐξουσίαν, οὐκ ἔλαττον μέρος τῶν ὑπὸ Ῥωμαίους ἐθνῶν διέπειν αὐτῷ καὶ διοικεῖν κεχαρισμένος. ### English translation (Claude) For Constantine, as an all-good emperor, giving tokens of true goodwill, had not grudged him kinship with himself, nor refused him a share in the splendid marriage of his sister; he even thought him worthy to become a partner in his ancestral nobility and in the imperial blood from of old, and gave him power to share in the rule over all as a brother-in-law and fellow emperor, granting him to govern and administer no smaller part of the nations under the Romans. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.8.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/4/). ## Church History 10.8.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:483 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Licinius repaid Constantine with secret plots while pretending friendship. ### Greek text ὁ δʼ ἔμπαλιν τούτοις τἀναντία διεπράττετο, παντοίας ὁσημέραι κατὰ τοῦ κρείττονος μηχανὰς ἐπιτεχνώμενος, πάντας τε ἐπινοῶν ἐπιβουλῆς τρόπους, ὡς ἂν κακοῖς τὸν εὐεργέτην ἀμείψοιτο. τὰ μὲν οὖν πρῶτα πειρώμενος τὴν συσκευὴν ἐπικρύπτειν, φίλος εἶναι προσεποιεῖτο, δόλῳ τε καὶ ἀπάτῃ πλειστάκις ἐπιθέμενος ῥᾷστα ἂν τυχεῖν τοῦ προσδοκωμένου ἤλπισε. ### English translation (Claude) But he, on the contrary, did the opposite, devising every day all kinds of schemes against his superior and inventing every sort of plot to repay his benefactor with evils. At first he tried to hide his conspiracy and pretended to be a friend, and by attacking again and again with guile and deceit he hoped very easily to obtain what he expected. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.8.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/5/). ## Church History 10.8.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:483 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: God exposed Licinius's plots, and Constantine, armed with godliness, escaped them. ### Greek text τῷ δὲ ἄρα ὁ θεὸς ἦν φίλος, κηδεμών τε καὶ φύλαξ, ὃς αὐτῷ τὰς ἐν ἀπορρήτῳ καὶ σκότει μηχανωμένας ἐπιβουλὰς εἰς φῶς ἄγων διήλεγχε. τοσοῦτον ἀρετῆς τὸ μέγα τῆς θεοσεβείας ὅπλον πρὸς ἄμυναν μὲν ἐχθρῶν, οἰκείας δὲ φυλακὴν σωτηρίας ἰσχύει ᾧ δὴ πεφραγμένος ὁ θεοφιλέστατος ἡμῶν βασιλεὺς τὰς τοῦ δυσωνύμου πολυπλόκους ἐπιβουλὰς διεδίδρασκεν. ### English translation (Claude) But God was Constantine's friend, protector, and guardian, who brought to light and exposed the plots contrived in secret and darkness. So great is the power of the great weapon of godliness for the defense against enemies and the safeguarding of one's own safety; fortified by it, our most God-beloved emperor escaped the many-woven plots of the infamous man. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.8.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/6/). ## Church History 10.8.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:483 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: His schemes exposed, Licinius declared open war. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ τὴν λαθραίαν συσκευὴν ὡς οὐδαμῶς ἐώρα κατὰ γνώμην αὐτῷ χωροῦσαν, τοῦ θεοῦ πάντα δόλον τε καὶ ῥᾳδιουργίαν τῷ θεοφιλεῖ βασιλεῖ κατάφωρα ποιοῦντος, οὐκέθʼ οἷός τε ὢν ἐπικρύπτεσθαι προφανῆ πόλεμον αἴρεται. ### English translation (Claude) When Licinius saw that his secret conspiracy was in no way going as he wished, since God was making every deceit and villainy plain to the God-beloved emperor, being no longer able to hide it, he took up open war. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.8.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/7/). ## Church History 10.8.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:483–484 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Warring against Constantine meant warring against his God, so Licinius began quietly to attack the Christians in his realm. ### Greek text ὁμόσε δῆτα Κωνσταντίνῳ πολεμεῖν διαγνοὺς, ἤδη καὶ κατὰ τοῦ θεοῦ τῶν ὅλων, ὃν ἠπίστατο σέβειν αὐτὸν, παρατάττεσθαι ὡρμᾶτο, κἄπειτα τοὺς ὑπʼ αὐτῷ θεοσεβεῖς, μηδὲν μηδʼ ὅλως πώποτε τὴν ἀρχὴν αὐτοῦ λυπηρὸν διαθεμένους, ἠρέμα τέως καὶ ἡσυχῆ πολιορκεῖν ἐπεβάλλετο· καὶ τοῦτʼ ἔπραττε, δεινῶς ἀβλεπτεῖν ὑπὸ τῆς ἐμφύτου κακίας ἠναγκασμένος. ### English translation (Claude) Having decided to make war on Constantine at close quarters, he was already setting out to array himself also against the God of the universe, whom he knew Constantine worshiped. Then he began, quietly at first and silently, to attack the godly under him, who had never at all done anything to trouble his rule. And he did this because he was compelled by his inborn wickedness to be terribly blind. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.8.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/8/). ## Church History 10.8.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:484 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Forgetting the persecutors' fate, which he himself had inflicted, Licinius madly chose to fight God, Constantine's helper. ### Greek text οὔτʼ οὖν τὴν μνήμην τῶν πρὸ αὐτοῦ Χριστιανοὺς ἐκδιωξάντων πρὸ ὀφθαλμῶν ἔθετο, οὐδʼ ὧν αὐτὸς ὀλετὴρ καὶ τιμωρὸς διʼ ἃς μετῆλθον ἀσεβείας κατέστη. ἀλλὰ γὰρ τοῦ σώφρονος ἐκτραπεὶς λογισμοῦ, διαρρήδην δὲ μανεὶς τὰς φρένας, τὸν θεὸν αὐτὸν, οἷα δὴ Κωνσταντίνου βοηθὸν, ἀντὶ τοῦ βοηθουμένου πολεμεῖν ἐγνώκει. ### English translation (Claude) He did not keep before his eyes the memory of those who had persecuted the Christians before him, nor of those whose destroyer and punisher he himself had been for the impieties they pursued. But turning away from sound reasoning and going plainly mad in his mind, he decided to make war on God himself, as Constantine's helper, instead of on the one being helped. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.8.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/9/). ## Church History 10.8.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/10/ - Source: Dindorf 4:484 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Licinius expelled Christians from his household, depriving himself of their prayers, and dismissed Christian soldiers who would not sacrifice. ### Greek text καὶ πρῶτα μὲν τῆς οἰκίας τῆς αὐτοῦ πάντα Χριστιανὸν ἀπελαύνει, ἔρημον αὐτὸς αὑτὸν ὁ δείλαιος τῆς τούτων καθιστὰς ὑπὲρ αὐτοῦ πρὸς τὸν θεὸν εὐχῆς, ἣν ὑπὲρ ἀπάντων αὐτοῖς ποιεῖσθαι πάτριον μάθημα τυγχάνει· εἶτα δὲ τοὺς κατὰ πόλιν στρατιώτας ἐκκρίνεσθαι καὶ ἀποβάλλεσθαι τοῦ τῆς τιμῆς ἀξιώματος, εἰ μὴ τοῖς δαίμοσι θύειν αἱροῖντο, παρακελεύεται. καὶ ἔτι γε ταῦτα ἦν μικρὰ, τῇ τῶν μειζόνων συγκρινόμενα παραθέσει. ### English translation (Claude) First he drove every Christian out of his own household, the wretch thus depriving himself of their prayer to God on his behalf, which it is their ancestral teaching to make on behalf of all. Then he ordered that the soldiers in the cities be cashiered and deprived of the honor of their rank unless they chose to sacrifice to the demons. And these were still small things compared with greater ones. ### Scripture references - 1 Tim 2:1–2: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Christian prayer for rulers is taught in 1 Tim 2:1–2. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.8.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/10/). ## Church History 10.8.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/11/ - Source: Dindorf 4:484 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Licinius forbade anyone to feed or pity prisoners, on pain of sharing their punishment. ### Greek text τί δεῖ τούτων τὰ καθέκαστα καὶ κατὰ μέρος τῷ θεομισεῖ πεπραγμένα μνημονεύειν, ὅπως τε νόμους ἀνόμους ὁ παρανομώτατος ἐξηῦρε; τούς γέ τοι ἐν ταῖς εἱρκταῖς ταλαιπωρουμένους ἐνομοθέτει μηδένα μεταδόσει τροφῆς φιλανθρωπεύεσθαι, μηδʼ ἐλεεῖν τοὺς ἐν δεσμοῖς λιμῷ διαφθειρομένους, μηδʼ ἁπλῶς ἀγαθὸν εἶναι μηδένα, μηδʼ ἀγαθόν τι πράττειν τοὺς καὶ πρὸς αὐτῆς τῆς φύσεως ἐπὶ τὸ συμπαθὲς τῶν πέλας ἑλκομένους. καὶ ἦν γε νόμων οὗτος ἄντικρυς ἀναιδὴς καὶ ἀπηνέστατος, πᾶσαν ἥμερον ὑπερεξάγων φύσιν, ἐφʼ ᾧ καὶ τιμωρία προσέκειτο, τοὺς ἐλεοῦντας τὰ ἴσα πάσχειν τοῖς ἐλεουμένοις, δεσμοῖς τε καὶ φυλακαῖς καθείργνυσθαι, τὴν ἴσην τοῖς καταπονουμένοις ὑπομένοντας τιμωρίαν, τοὺς τὰ φιλάνθρωπα διακονουμένους. ### English translation (Claude) Why need we mention in detail and one by one what the God-hater did, and how the most lawless man invented lawless laws? He decreed that no one should show kindness to those suffering in prison by giving them food, nor pity those in chains perishing of hunger; that no one should be good at all, nor do any good, even those drawn by nature itself to sympathy with their neighbors. And this law was openly shameless and most cruel, exceeding every gentle nature, and a penalty was attached to it: those who showed pity were to suffer the same as those they pitied, and those who performed acts of kindness were to be shut up in chains and prisons, undergoing the same punishment as the sufferers. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.8.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/11/). ## Church History 10.8.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/12/ - Source: Dindorf 4:484–485 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Licinius also overturned Roman laws on marriage and inheritance and burdened his subjects with taxes, land surveys, and levies even on the dead. ### Greek text τοιαῦται αἶ Λικιννίου διατάξεις. τί χρὴ τὰς περὶ γάμων καινοτομίας ἀπαριθμεῖσθαι, ἢ τοὺς ἐπὶ τοῖς τὸν βίον μεταλλάττουσι νεωτερισμοὺς αὐτοῦ, διʼ ὧν τοὺς παλαιοὺς ῾Ρωμαίων εὖ καὶ σοφῶς κειμένους νόμους περιγράψαι τολμήσας, βαρβάρους τινὰς καὶ ἀνημέρους ἀντεισῆγε νόμους, ἀνόμους ὡς ἀληθῶς καὶ παρανόμους; ἐπισκήψεις τε μυρίας κατὰ τῶν ὑποχειρίων ἐθνῶν ἐπενόει, χρυσοῦ τε καὶ ἀργύρου παντοίας εἰσπράξεις, ἀναμετρήσεις τε γῆς, καὶ τῶν κατʼ ἀγροὺς μηκέτʼ ὄντων ἀνθρώπων, πρόπαλαι δὲ κατοιχομένων, ἐπιζήμιον κέρδος. ### English translation (Claude) Such were the ordinances of Licinius. Why should one list his innovations concerning marriage, or his novelties concerning those departing this life, by which he dared to set aside the ancient laws of the Romans, well and wisely established, and to introduce in their place certain barbarous and savage laws, truly lawless and unlawful? He also devised countless levies against the nations under him, all sorts of exactions of gold and silver, new surveys of land, and a profitable fine on account of people in the country who were no longer alive but had long since died. ### Translation notes - Eusebius does not specify Licinius's laws on marriage and wills. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.8.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/12/). ## Church History 10.8.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/13/ - Source: Dindorf 4:485 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Licinius exiled the innocent, gave nobles' wives to slaves to be abused, and himself violated women, but his last crimes were worse still. ### Greek text οἵους δʼ ἐφηῦρεν ἐπὶ τούτοις ὁ μισάνθρωπος κατὰ μηδὲν ἠδικηκότων ἐξορισμοὺς, οἵας εὐπατριδῶν καὶ ἀξιολόγων ἀνδρῶν ἀπαγωγὰς, ὧν δὴ τὰς κουριδίας ἀποζευγνὺς γαμετὰς μιαροῖς τισὶν οἰκέταις ἐφʼ ὕβρει πράξεως αἰσχρᾶς παρεδίδου, ὅσαις δὲ αὐτὸς ὁ ἐσχατόγηρως γυναιξὶν ὑπάνδροις, παρθένοις τε κόραις ἐμπαροινῶν, τὴν ἀκόλαστον τῆς αὐτοῦ ψυχῆς ἐπιθυμίαν ἐπλήρου — τί χρὴ ταῦτα μηκύνειν, τῆς τῶν ἐσχάτων αὐτοῦ πράξεων ὑπερβολῆς μικρὰ τὰ πρῶτα καὶ τὸ μηδὲν εἶναι διελεγχούσης; ### English translation (Claude) And what banishments did the man-hater devise besides these against those who had done no wrong, what arrests of well-born and notable men, whose wedded wives he separated from them and handed over to certain vile slaves for shameful outrage; and to how many married women and young virgins did he himself, in extreme old age, do violence, satisfying the licentious desire of his soul! Why should one dwell on these things, when the excess of his last deeds shows the first to be small and nothing? ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.8.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/13/). ## Church History 10.8.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/14/ - Source: Dindorf 4:485 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Licinius finally turned against the bishops, secretly having the most respected of them killed through his governors in unheard-of ways. ### Greek text τὸ γοῦν τέλος αὐτῷ τῆς μανίας ἐπὶ τοὺς ἐπισκόπους ἐχώρει. ἤδη τε τούτους, ὡσὰν τοῦ ἐπὶ πάντων θεοῦ θεράποντας, ἐναντίους ὑπάρχειν οἷς ἔδρα ἡγούμενος, οὔπω μὲν ἐκ τοῦ φανεροῦ διὰ τὸν ἀπὸ τοῦ κρείττονος φόβον, λάθρα δὲ αὖθις καὶ δολίως συνεσκευάζετο, ἀνῄρει τε τούτων διʼ ἐπιβουλῆς τῶν ἡγεμόνων τοὺς δοκιμωτάτους. καὶ ὁ τρόπος δὲ τοῦ κατʼ αὐτῶν φόνου ξένος τις ἦν, καὶ οἷος οὐδεπώποτε ἠκούσθη. ### English translation (Claude) The end of his madness, then, went so far as to attack the bishops. Thinking them, as servants of the God over all, to be opposed to what he was doing, he plotted against them, not yet openly, for fear of his superior, but again secretly and deceitfully, and he put to death the most esteemed of them through the plots of the governors. And the manner of their murder was strange and such as had never been heard of before. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.8.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/14/). ## Church History 10.8.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/15/ - Source: Dindorf 4:485–486 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: At Amasea and elsewhere in Pontus churches were demolished or closed to prevent worship. ### Greek text τὰ γοῦν ἀμφὶ τὴν Ἀμάσειαν καὶ τὰς λοιπὰς τοῦ Πόντου πόλεις κατεργασθέντα πᾶσαν ὑπερβολὴν ὠμότητος ὑπερηκόντισεν, ἔνθα τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν τοῦ θεοῦ αἱ μὲν ἐξ ὕψους εἰς ἔδαφος αὖθις κατερρίπτοντο, τὰς δὲ ἀπέκλειον, ὡς ἂν μὴ συνάγοιτό τις τῶν εἰωθότων, μηδὲ τῷ θεῷ τὰς ἐποφειλομένας ἀποδιδῷ λατρείας. ### English translation (Claude) What was done at Amasea and the other cities of Pontus surpassed every extreme of cruelty. There some of the churches of God were again thrown down from top to bottom, while others they shut up, so that none of those who were accustomed to meet might assemble or render to God the worship owed him. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.8.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/15/). ## Church History 10.8.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/16/ - Source: Dindorf 4:486 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Licinius, with a bad conscience, believed Christians prayed only for Constantine and so turned his anger on them. ### Greek text συντελεῖσθαι γὰρ οὐχ ἡγεῖτο ὑπὲρ αὐτοῦ τὰς εὐχὰς, συνειδότι φαύλῳ τοῦτο λογιζόμενος, ἀλλʼ ὑπὲρ τοῦ θεοφιλοῦς βασιλέως πάντα πράττειν ἡμάς καὶ τὸν θεὸν ἱλεοῦσθαι πέπειστο· ἔνθεν ὡρμᾶτο καθʼ ἡμῶν τὸν θυμὸν ἐπισκήπτειν. ### English translation (Claude) For he did not think that the prayers were offered on his behalf, reasoning so from a bad conscience, but was convinced that we did everything and propitiated God on behalf of the God-beloved emperor; hence he set out to vent his anger on us. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.8.16 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/16/). ## Church History 10.8.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/17/ - Source: Dindorf 4:486 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Governors punished bishops as criminals; some were hacked to pieces and thrown into the sea. ### Greek text καὶ δῆτα τῶν ἡγεμόνων οἶ κόλακες, τὰ φίλα πράττειν τῷ δυσαγεῖ πεπεισμένοι, τῶν ἐπισκόπων τοὺς μὲν συνήθως ταῖς τῶν κακούργων ἀνδρῶν περιέβαλλον τιμωρίαις, ἀπήγοντό τε καὶ ἐκολάζοντο ἀπροφασίστως τοῖς μιαιφόνοις ὁμοίως οἶ μηδὲν ἠδικηκότες· ἤδη δέ τινες καινοτέραν ὑπέμενον τελευτὴν, ξίφει τὸ σῶμα εἰς πολλὰ τμήματα κατακρεουργούμενοι, καὶ μετὰ τὴν ἀπηνῆ ταύτην καὶ φρικτοτάτην θέαν τοῖς τῆς θαλάσσης βυθοῖς ἰχθύσι εἰς βορὰν ῥιπτούμενοι. ### English translation (Claude) And indeed the flatterers among the governors, persuaded that they were doing what pleased the accursed man, subjected some of the bishops to the punishments customary for criminals, and men who had done no wrong were led away and punished without pretext like murderers. Some even suffered a more novel death, their bodies cut into many pieces with the sword, and after this cruel and most horrible spectacle thrown into the depths of the sea as food for the fish. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.8.17 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/17/). ## Church History 10.8.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/18/ - Source: Dindorf 4:486 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Christians again fled to the countryside and mountains, and Licinius planned a general persecution. ### Greek text φυγαὶ δὴ αὖθις ἐπὶ τούτοις τῶν θεοσεβῶν ἐγίνοντο ἀνδρῶν, καὶ πάλιν ἀγροὶ, καὶ πάλιν ἐρημίαι, νάπαι τε καὶ ὄρη τοὺς Χριστοῦ θεράποντας ὑπεδέχοντο. ἐπεὶ δὲ καὶ ταῦτα τοῦτον προυχώρει τῷ δυσσεβεῖ τὸν τρόπον, λοιπὸν καὶ τὸν κατὰ πάντων ἀνακινεῖν διωγμὸν ἐπὶ διάνοιαν ἐβάλλετο. ### English translation (Claude) Once again, therefore, there were flights of godly men, and again the fields, again the deserts, glens, and mountains received the servants of Christ. And when these things too went in this way for the impious man, he then set his mind on stirring up the persecution against all. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.8.18 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/18/). ## Church History 10.8.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/19/ - Source: Dindorf 4:486 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Before Licinius could carry out a general persecution, God sent Constantine like a great light to save his people. ### Greek text ἐκράτει τε γνώμης καὶ οὐδὲν ἐμποδὼν ἦν αὐτῷ μὴ οὐχὶ ἐν ἔργῳ χωρεῖν, εἰ μὴ τάχιστα τὸ μέλλον ἔσεσθαι προλαβὼν ὁ τῶν οἰκείων ψυχῶν ὑπέρμαχος θεὸς ὡς ἐν βαθεῖ σκότῳ καὶ νυκτὶ ζοφωδεστάτῃ φωστῆρα μέγαν ἀθρόως καὶ σωτῆρα τοῖς πᾶσιν ἐξέλαμψε, τὸν αὐτοῦ θεράποντα Κωνσταντῖνον ὑψηλῷ βραχίονι ἐπὶ τὰ τῇδε χειραγωγήσας. ### English translation (Claude) He was carrying out his intention, and nothing hindered him from putting it into effect, had not God, the champion of the souls that are his own, very quickly anticipated what was about to happen and, as in deep darkness and gloomiest night, suddenly made a great light and savior shine forth for all, leading his servant Constantine there with a high arm. ### Scripture references - Exod 6:6: echo, low confidence - Deut 5:15: echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - “With a high arm” echoes the Exodus language (e.g. Exod 6:6; Deut 5:15). ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.8.19 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/8/19/). ## Church History 10.9.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/9/1/ - Source: Dindorf 4:486–487 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: God gave Constantine victory and cast Licinius and his supporters at his feet. ### Greek text Τούτῳ μὲν οὖν ἄνωθεν ἐξ οὐρανοῦ καρπὸν εὐσεβείας ἐπάξιον, τὰ τρόπαια τῆς κατὰ τῶν ἀσεβῶν παρεῖχε νίκης, τὸν δʼ ἀλιτήριον, αὐτοῖς συμβούλοις ἅπασι καὶ φίλοις, ὑπὸ τοῖς Κωνσταντίνου ποσὶ πρηνῆ κατέβαλεν. ### English translation (Claude) To him, then, God granted from heaven above the fruit worthy of his piety, the trophies of victory over the impious; and the guilty one, together with all his counselors and friends, he cast down headlong at Constantine's feet. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.9.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/9/1/). ## Church History 10.9.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/9/2/ - Source: Dindorf 4:487 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Constantine, judging Licinius's madness intolerable, set out with justice and mercy to rescue his oppressed subjects. ### Greek text ὡς γὰρ εἰς ἔσχατα μανίας τὰ κατʼ αὐτὸν ἤλαυνεν, οὐκέτʼ ἀνεκτὸν εἶναι λογισάμενος βασιλεὺς ὁ τῷ θεῷ φίλος, τὸν σώφρονα συναγαγὼν λογισμὸν, καὶ τὸν στερρὸν τοῦ δικαίου τρόπον φιλανθρωπίᾳ κερασάμενος, ἄσμενος ἐπαμῦναι κρίνει τοῖς ὑπὸ τῷ τυράννῳ ταλαιπωρουμένοις, καὶ τό γε πλεῖστον ἀνθρώπων γένος, βραχεῖς λυμεῶνας ἐκποδὼν ποιησάμενος, ἀνασώσασθαι ὁρμᾶται. ### English translation (Claude) For when Licinius had driven his affairs to the utmost madness, the emperor, the friend of God, judging it no longer tolerable, gathered his sound judgment, and tempering the firm character of justice with humanity, gladly decided to come to the aid of those who were being afflicted under the tyrant, and set out to save the greater part of the human race by removing a few destroyers. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.9.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/9/2/). ## Church History 10.9.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/9/3/ - Source: Dindorf 4:487 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Constantine's earlier leniency had only made Licinius crueler and left his subjects without hope. ### Greek text μόνῃ γὰρ αὐτῷ χρωμένῳ φιλανθρωπίᾳ τὸν πρὸ τούτου χρόνον, καὶ τὸν οὐ συμπαθείας ἄξιον ἐλεοῦντι, τῷ μὲν οὐδὲν ἐγίνετο πλέον, τῆς κακίας οὐκ ἀπαλλαττομένῳ, αὔξοντι δὲ μᾶλλον τὴν κατὰ τῶν ὑποχειρίων ἐθνῶν λύτταν, τοῖς δὲ κακουμένοις οὔτις ἐλείπετο σωτηρίας ἐλπὶς, ὑπὸ δεινῷ θηρίῳ καταπονουμένοις. ### English translation (Claude) For when he had used humanity alone in the time before this and had pitied one unworthy of sympathy, it did the man no good, since he did not give up his wickedness but rather increased his fury against the nations under him, while for the oppressed no hope of salvation was left, being crushed by a terrible wild beast. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.9.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/9/3/). ## Church History 10.9.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/9/4/ - Source: Dindorf 4:487 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Constantine and his son Crispus, with God and Christ as allies, easily defeated Licinius. ### Greek text διὸ δὴ τῷ φιλαγάθῳ μίξας τὸ μισοπόνηρον ὁ τῶν ἀγαθῶν ἀρωγὸς, πρόεισιν ἅμα παιδὶ Κρίσπῳ βασιλεῖ φιλανθρωποτάτῳ, σωτήριον δεξιὰν ἅπασι τοῖς ἀπολλυμένοις ἐκτείνας· εἶθʼ οἷα παμβασιλεῖ θεῷ, θεοῦ παιδὶ σωτῆρι ἁπάντων ποδηγῷ καὶ συμμάχῳ χρώμενοι, πατὴρ ἅμα καὶ υἱὸς, ἄμφω κύκλῳ διελόντες τὴν κατὰ τῶν θεομισῶν παράταξιν, ῥᾳδίαν τὴν νίκην ἀποφέρονται, τῶν κατὰ τὴν συμβολὴν πάντων ἐξευμαρισθέντων αὐτοῖς ὑπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ κατὰ γνώμην. ### English translation (Claude) Therefore the helper of the good, mixing hatred of evil with love of good, went forth with his son Crispus, a most humane emperor, stretching out a saving right hand to all who were perishing. Then, as having God the King of all and the Son of God, the Savior of all, as their guide and ally, father and son together, dividing their battle line around the enemies of God, easily won the victory, everything in the encounter having been made easy for them by God according to their wish. ### Translation notes - The war ended with Licinius's defeat in 324. Crispus was executed in 326; later editions of the History remove his name. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.9.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/9/4/). ## Church History 10.9.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/9/5/ - Source: Dindorf 4:487–488 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Licinius and his men vanished at once, their honors disgraced; ignoring the lesson of earlier tyrants, he shared their fate. ### Greek text ἀθρόως δῆτα καὶ λόγου θάττον οἱ μὲν χθὲς καὶ πρὸ ἡμέρας θανάτου πνέοντες καὶ ἀπειλῆς οὐκέτʼ ἦσαν, οὐδὲ μέχρις ὀνόματος μνημονευόμενοι· γραφαί τε αὐτῶν καὶ τιμαὶ τὴν ἀξίαν αἰσχύνην ἀπελάμβανον. καὶ ἃ τοῖς πάλαι δυσσεβέσι τυράννοις ἐνεῖδεν αὐτοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς Λικίννιος, ταῦτα ὁμοίως καὶ αὐτὸς ἔπασχεν, ὅτι μηδʼ αὐτὸς ἐδέξατο παιδείαν, μηδὲ ταῖς τῶν πέλας ἐσωφρονίσθη μάστιξι, τὴν ὁμοίαν δʼ ἐκείνοις τῆς ἀσεβείας μετελθὼν ὁδὸν, ἐπὶ τὸν ἴσον αὐτοῖς ἐνδίκως περιηνέχθη κρημνόν. ### English translation (Claude) Suddenly, and quicker than words, those who yesterday and the day before were breathing death and threats were no more, not even remembered by name; their portraits and honors received the disgrace they deserved. And what Licinius had seen with his own eyes happen to the impious tyrants of old, he likewise suffered himself, because he too did not receive instruction nor learn prudence from the scourges of his neighbors, but, following the same path of impiety as they, he was justly carried to the same precipice. ### Scripture references - Acts 9:1: echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - “Breathing death and threats” echoes Acts 9:1. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.9.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/9/5/). ## Church History 10.9.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/9/6/ - Source: Dindorf 4:488 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Constantine and Crispus reunited the whole Roman Empire, East and West, under their peace. ### Greek text ἀλλʼ οὗτος μὲν ταύτῃ πη βεβλημένος ἔκειτο, ὁ δʼ ἀρετῇ πάσῃ θεοσεβείας ἐκπρέπων μέγιστος νικητὴς Κωνσταντῖνος σὺν παιδὶ Κρίσπῳ βασιλεῖ θεοφιλεστάτῳ καὶ κατὰ πάντα τοῦ πατρὸς ὁμοίῳ τὴν οἰκείαν ἑῴαν ἀπελάμβανον, καὶ μίαν ἡνωμένην τὴν Ῥωμαίων κατὰ τὸ παλαιὸν παρεῖχον ἀρχὴν, τὴν ἀπʼ ἀνίσχοντος ἡλίου πᾶσαν ἐν κύκλῳ κατὰ θάτερα τῆς οἰκουμένης, ἄρκτον τε ὁμοῦ καὶ μεσημβρίαν, εἰς ἔσχατα δυομένης ἡμέρας ὑπὸ τὴν αὐτῶν ἄγοντες εἰρήνην. ### English translation (Claude) So he lay thus cast down. But Constantine, the most mighty victor, distinguished by every virtue of godliness, with his son Crispus, an emperor most dear to God and in all things like his father, recovered the East that was his own, and made the empire of the Romans one and united as of old, bringing under their peace the whole world round about, from the rising sun to the other part of the world, north and south alike, to the farthest limits of the declining day. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.9.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/9/6/). ## Church History 10.9.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/9/7/ - Source: Dindorf 4:488 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Freed from fear, people everywhere celebrated with dances and hymns, praising God first and then the emperor and his sons. ### Greek text ἀφῄρητο δʼ οὖν ἐξ ἀνθρώπων πᾶν δέος τῶν πρὶν αὐτοὺς πιεζόντων, λαμπρὰς δʼ ἐτέλουν καὶ πανηγυρικὰς ἑορτῶν ἡμέρας· ἦν δὲ φωτὸς ἔμπλεα πάντα, καὶ μειδιῶσι προσώποις, ὄμμασί τε φαιδροῖς οἱ πρὶν κατηφεῖς ἀλλήλους ἔβλεπον, χορεῖαι δʼ αὐτοῖς καὶ ὕμνοι κατὰ πόλεις ὁμοῦ καὶ ἀγρούς· τὸν παμβασιλέα θεὸν πρώτιστα πάντων, ὅτι δὴ τοῦτʼ ἐδιδάχθησαν, κἄπειτα τὸν εὐσεβῆ βασιλέα παισὶν ἅμα θεοφιλέσιν ἐγέραιρον. ### English translation (Claude) All fear of those who had formerly oppressed them was taken away from people, and they celebrated brilliant and festive days of feasting. Everything was full of light, and those who before were downcast looked at one another with smiling faces and bright eyes; with dances and hymns, in cities and countryside alike, they honored first of all God the King of all, since they had been taught to do so, and then the pious emperor with his sons dear to God. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.9.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/9/7/). ## Church History 10.9.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/9/8/ - Source: Dindorf 4:488 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: Past evils were forgotten, and Constantine's humane and pious laws were published everywhere. ### Greek text κακῶν δʼ ἀμνηστία παλαιῶν ἦν, καὶ λήθη πάσης δυσσεβείας, παρόντων δʼ ἀγαθῶν ἀπόλαυσις, καὶ προσέτι μελλόντων προσδοκίαι. ἥπλωντο δʼ οὖν κατὰ πάντα τόπον τοῦ νικητοῦ βασιλέως φιλανθρωπίας ἔμπλεοι διατάξεις, νόμοι τε μεγαλοδωρεᾶς καὶ ἀληθοῦς εὐσεβείας γνωρίσματα περιέχοντες. ### English translation (Claude) There was forgetfulness of old evils and oblivion of all impiety, enjoyment of present good things, and besides, expectation of those to come. Ordinances of the victorious emperor full of humanity were published everywhere, and laws that bore the marks of munificence and true piety. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.9.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/9/8/). ## Church History 10.9.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/9/9/ - Source: Dindorf 4:488 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27 Summary: With tyranny ended, Constantine and his sons ruled securely and showed their piety and gratitude to God openly before all. ### Greek text οὕτω δῆτα πάσης τυραννίδος ἐκκαθαρθείσης, μόνοις ἐφυλάττετο τὰ τῆς προσηκούσης βασιλείας βέβαιά τε καὶ ἀνεπίφθονα Κωνσταντίνῳ καὶ τοῖς αὐτοῦ παισὶν, οἳ τῶν πρόσθεν πάντων ἀποσμήξαντες τὴν θεοστυγίαν τοῦ βίου, τῶν ἐκ θεοῦ πρυτανευθέντων ἀγαθῶν αὐτοῖς ᾐσθημένοι, τὸ φιλάρετον καὶ θεοφιλὲς τό τε πρὸς τὸ θεῖον εὐσεβὲς καὶ εὐχάριστον διʼ ὧν εἰς προῦπτον ἅπασιν ἀνθρώποις παρέσχον ὁρᾶν ἐπεδείξαντο. ### English translation (Claude) Thus, all tyranny having been purged away, the rule that belonged to them was preserved firm and unchallenged for Constantine and his sons alone. Having wiped out from the world the hatred of God of those before them, and being aware of the good things granted them by God, they showed their love of virtue and of God, and their piety and gratitude toward the divine, by the deeds they set before the eyes of all people. ### Citation (SBL) Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.9.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/10/9/9/).