Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series • VOLUME 1
Eusebius — Church History, Constantine & Oration
SECTION 1
A SELECT LIBRARY
Title: NPNF2-01. Eusebius Pamphilius: Church History, Life of Constantine, Oration in Praise of Constantine Creator(s): Eusebius Pamphilius Schaff, Philip (1819-1893) (Editor) McGiffert, Rev. Arthur Cushman, Ph.D. (Translator) Print Basis: New York: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1890 Rights: Public Domain CCEL Subjects: A…
1,360 wordsSECTION 2Prolegomena.
Prolegomena. The Life and writings of Eusebius of Cæsarea. Chapter I The Life of Eusebius. § 1. Sources and Literature Acacius, the pupil and successor of Eusebius in the bishopric of Cæsarea, wrote a life of the latter (Socr. H. E. II. 4) which is unfortunately lost. He was a man of ability (Sozomen H. E. III. 2, IV. 23) …
2,205 wordsSECTION 3During these years of quiet, before the great persecution of Diocletian, which broke out in 303 a.d., Eusebius' life must have been a very p
During these years of quiet, before the great persecution of Diocletian, which broke out in 303 a.d., Eusebius' life must have been a very pleasant one. Pamphilus' house seems to have been a sort of rendezvous for Christian scholars, perhaps a regular divinity school; for we learn from Eusebius' Martyrs in Palestine (Cureton's e…
2,270 wordsSECTION 4In the fifth year of the persecution Pamphilus was arrested and thrown into prison, where he remained for two years, when he finally, in the
In the fifth year of the persecution Pamphilus was arrested and thrown into prison, where he remained for two years, when he finally, in the seventh year of the persecution, suffered martyrdom with eleven others, some of whom were his disciples and members of his own household. (Pal. Mart. Cureton's ed. p. 36 sq.; H. E. App. cha…
2,507 wordsSECTION 5Socrates (H. E. I. 5 sq.), Sozomen (H. E. I. 15) and Theodoret (H. E. I. 2 sq.), all of whom give accounts of the rise of Arianism, differ a
Socrates (H. E. I. 5 sq.), Sozomen (H. E. I. 15) and Theodoret (H. E. I. 2 sq.), all of whom give accounts of the rise of Arianism, differ as to the immediate occasion of the controversy, but agree that Arius was excommunicated by a council convened at Alexandria, and that both he and the bishop Alexander sent letters to other c…
2,680 wordsSECTION 6When we examine the Cæsarean creed [2] which Eusebius presented to the Council as a fair statement of his belief, we find nothing in it inco
When we examine the Cæsarean creed [2] which Eusebius presented to the Council as a fair statement of his belief, we find nothing in it inconsistent with the acceptance of the kind of Arianism which he defends in his epistle to Alexander, and which he evidently supposed to be practically the Arianism of Arius himself. In his epi…
2,229 wordsSECTION 7It is clear that the dread of Sabellianism was still before the eyes of Eusebius, and was the cause of his hesitation in assenting to the va
It is clear that the dread of Sabellianism was still before the eyes of Eusebius, and was the cause of his hesitation in assenting to the various changes, especially to the use of the word homoousios, which had been a Sabellian word and had been rejected on that account by the Synod of Antioch, at which Paul of Samosata had been…
2,290 wordsSECTION 8Into the other purposes for which the Nicene Council was called,--the settlement of the dispute respecting the time of observing Easter and
Into the other purposes for which the Nicene Council was called,--the settlement of the dispute respecting the time of observing Easter and the healing of the Meletian schism,--it is not necessary to enter here. We have no record of the part which Eusebius took in these transactions. Lightfoot has abundantly shown (p. 313 sq.) t…
2,524 wordsSECTION 9Eusebius has been blamed still more severely for his treatment of Athanasius. But again the facts must be looked at impartially. It is neces
Eusebius has been blamed still more severely for his treatment of Athanasius. But again the facts must be looked at impartially. It is necessary always to remember that Sabellianism was in the beginning and remained throughout his life the heresy which he most dreaded, and which he had perhaps most reason to dread. He must, even…
1,473 wordsSECTION 10Chapter II
Chapter II The Writings of Eusebius. §1. Eusebius as a Writer Eusebius was one of the most voluminous writers of antiquity, and his labors covered almost every field of theological learning. In the words of Lightfoot he was "historian, apologist, topographer, exegete, critic, preacher, dogmatic writer, in turn." It is as an h…
2,453 wordsSECTION 11There can be no doubt that the shorter form is younger than the longer. The mention of the Life of Pamphilus which is contained in the short
There can be no doubt that the shorter form is younger than the longer. The mention of the Life of Pamphilus which is contained in the shorter, but is not found in the corresponding passage of the longer form would seem to indicate that the former was a remodeling of the latter rather than the latter of the former (see below, p.…
2,206 wordsSECTION 12Eusebius' work has been published by Gaisford: Eusebii Pamph. contra Hieroclem et Marcellum libri, Oxon. 1852; and also in various editions
Eusebius' work has been published by Gaisford: Eusebii Pamph. contra Hieroclem et Marcellum libri, Oxon. 1852; and also in various editions of the works of Philostratus. Migne, Opera IV. 795 sq., reprints it from Olearius' edition of Philostratus' works (Lips. 1709). Against Porphyry (kata Porphurion). Porphyry, the celebrated …
2,555 wordsSECTION 13The Theophania contains much that is found also in other works of Eusebius. Large portions of the first, second, and third books are contain
The Theophania contains much that is found also in other works of Eusebius. Large portions of the first, second, and third books are contained in the Oratio de Laudibus Constantini, nearly the whole of the fifth book is given in the Dem. Evang., while many passages occur in the Præp. Evang. These coincidences assist us in deter…
2,284 wordsSECTION 14MT.
MT. MP. L. IO. e b z i ia d i s ia d i ib ia d i id Thus, opposite a certain passage in John, the reader finds ib (12) written, and beneath it, A (1). He therefore turns to the first canon (A) and finds that sections ia(11) in Matthew, d (4) in Mark, and i(10) in Luke are parallel with ib in John. The advanta…
2,538 wordsSECTION 15On the Nomenclature of the Book of the Prophets (peri tes tou bibliou ton propheton onomasias kai apo merous ti periechei hekastos). This wo
On the Nomenclature of the Book of the Prophets (peri tes tou bibliou ton propheton onomasias kai apo merous ti periechei hekastos). This work contains brief accounts of the several prophets and notes the subjects of their prophecies. It is thus, so far as it goes, a sort of biographical dictionary. It was first published by Cur…
2,191 wordsSECTION 16Chapter III
Chapter III Eusebius' Church History. §1. Date of its Composition The work with which we are especially concerned at this time is the Church History, the original Greek of which is still extant in numerous mss. It consists of ten books, to which is added in most of the mss. the shorter form of the Martyrs of Palestine (see ab…
2,217 wordsSECTION 17But his sources were not confined to literary productions. He had a wide acquaintance with the world, and he was enabled to pick up much fro
But his sources were not confined to literary productions. He had a wide acquaintance with the world, and he was enabled to pick up much from his intercourse with other men and with different peoples that he could not have found upon the shelves of the Cæsarean or of any other library. Moreover, he had access to the archives of …
2,209 wordsSECTION 18In the third place, severe censure must be passed upon our author for his carelessness and inaccuracy in matters of chronology. We should ex
In the third place, severe censure must be passed upon our author for his carelessness and inaccuracy in matters of chronology. We should expect that one who had produced the most extensive chronological work that had ever been given to the world, would be thoroughly at home in that province, but in truth his chronology is the m…
2,363 wordsSECTION 19The original Latin version was made by Rufinus in the early years of the fifth century. He translated only nine books, and added to them two
The original Latin version was made by Rufinus in the early years of the fifth century. He translated only nine books, and added to them two of his own, in which he brought the history down to the death of Theodosius the Great. He allowed himself his customary license in translating, and yet, although his version is by no means …
2,389 wordsSECTION 20From the Emperor's Letter to Eusebius(in Eusebius' Life of Constantine, Book III. chap. 61).
From the Emperor's Letter to Eusebius(in Eusebius' Life of Constantine, Book III. chap. 61). "I have most carefully perused your letter, and perceive that you have strictly conformed to the rule enjoined by the discipline of the Church. Now to abide by that which appears at the same time pleasing to God, and accordant with apos…
2,245 wordsSECTION 21Jerome on the first chapter of Matthew.
Jerome on the first chapter of Matthew. "This [chapter] also Africanus, a writer of chronology, and Eusebius of Cæsarea, in his books on the Discrepancies of the Gospels, have discussed more fully." Rufinus in his Epistle to the Bishop Chromatius. "You charge me to translate into Latin the Ecclesiastical History, which the ve…
2,277 wordsSECTION 22Pope Gelasius in his Decree concerning the Apocryphal Books.
Pope Gelasius in his Decree concerning the Apocryphal Books. "Likewise as to the Chronicles of Eusebius and the books of his Ecclesiastical History, although in the first book of his narration he has grown cold, and has afterwards written one book in praise and in defense of Origen the schismatic, yet on account of his singular…
2,240 wordsSECTION 23From the Miscellanies of Theodore Metochita (chap. 19)
From the Miscellanies of Theodore Metochita (chap. 19) "Eusebius Pamphili was also a Palestinian by birth, but as he himself says, he sojourned for quite a long time in Egypt. He was a very learned man, and it is evident indeed that he published many books, and that he used language thus." [6] The following Testimonies of the …
2,950 wordsSECTION 24Photius, in his 144th Epistle to Constantine.
Photius, in his 144th Epistle to Constantine. "That Eusebius (whether slave or friend of Pamphilus I know not) was carried off by Arianism, his books loudly proclaim. And he, feeling repentance as he pretends, and against his will, confesses to his infirmity; although by his repentance he rather shows that he has not repented. …
1,661 wordsSECTION 25Book I.
Book I. Chapter I.--The Plan of the Work. 1. It is my purpose to write an account of the successions of the holy apostles, as well as of the times which have elapsed from the days of our Saviour to our own; and to relate the many important events which are said to have occurred in the history of the Church; and to mention thos…
1,276 wordsSECTION 26Chapter II.--Summary View of the Pre-existence and Divinity of Our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ.
Chapter II.--Summary View of the Pre-existence and Divinity of Our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ. 1. Since in Christ there is a twofold nature, and the one--in so far as he is thought of as God--resembles the head of the body, while the other may be compared with the feet,--in so far as he, for the sake of our salvation, put on…
2,225 wordsSECTION 2724. For instance, Daniel the prophet, under the influence of the divine Spirit, seeing his kingdom at the end of time, [49] was inspired thu
24. For instance, Daniel the prophet, under the influence of the divine Spirit, seeing his kingdom at the end of time, [49] was inspired thus to describe the divine vision in language fitted to human comprehension: "For I beheld," he says, "until thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days did sit, whose garment was white as sn…
1,249 wordsSECTION 28Chapter III.--The Name Jesus and also the Name Christ were known from the Beginning, and were honored by the Inspired Prophets.
Chapter III.--The Name Jesus and also the Name Christ were known from the Beginning, and were honored by the Inspired Prophets. 1. It is now the proper place to show that the very name Jesus and also the name Christ were honored by the ancient prophets beloved of God. 2. Moses was the first to make known the name of Christ as …
1,943 wordsSECTION 29Chapter IV.--The Religion Proclaimed by Him to All Nations Was Neither New Nor Strange.
Chapter IV.--The Religion Proclaimed by Him to All Nations Was Neither New Nor Strange. 1. But that no one may suppose that his doctrine is new and strange, as if it were framed by a man of recent origin, differing in no respect from other men, let us now briefly consider this point also. 2. It is admitted that when in recent …
1,091 wordsSECTION 30Chapter V.--The Time of his Appearance among Men.
Chapter V.--The Time of his Appearance among Men. 1. And now, after this necessary introduction to our proposed history of the Church, we can enter, so to speak, upon our journey, beginning with the appearance of our Saviour in the flesh. And we invoke God, the Father of the Word, and him, of whom we have been speaking, Jesus C…
2,245 wordsSECTION 3110. The same writer shows [104] that Herod was the first that locked up the sacred garment of the high priest under his own seal and refused
10. The same writer shows [104] that Herod was the first that locked up the sacred garment of the high priest under his own seal and refused to permit the high priests to keep it for themselves. The same course was followed by Archelaus after him, and after Archelaus by the Romans. 11. These things have been recorded by us in o…
1,293 wordsSECTION 32Chapter VII.--The Alleged Discrepancy in the Gospels in regard to the Genealogy of Christ.
Chapter VII.--The Alleged Discrepancy in the Gospels in regard to the Genealogy of Christ. 1. Matthew and Luke in their gospels have given us the genealogy of Christ differently, and many suppose that they are at variance with one another. Since as a consequence every believer, in ignorance of the truth, has been zealous to inv…
2,232 wordsSECTION 33[117] kata logon. These words have caused translators and commentators great difficulty, and most of them seem to have missed their signific
[117] kata logon. These words have caused translators and commentators great difficulty, and most of them seem to have missed their significance entirely. Spitta proposes to alter by reading kat?logon, but the emendation is unnecessary. The remarks which he makes (p. 89 sqq.) upon the relation between this sentence and the next …
2,396 wordsSECTION 34Chapter VIII.--The Cruelty of Herod toward the Infants, and the Manner of his Death.
[140] Compare note 3, above. Africanus' direct statement shows clearly enough that he does not rest his interpretation of the genealogies (an interpretation which is purely a result of Biblical study) upon the testimony of the relatives of the Saviour. Their testimony is invoked with quite a different purpose, namely, in confirm…
2,201 wordsSECTION 35Chapter IX.--The Times of Pilate.
[160] See Matt. ii. 19, 20. [161] Matt. ii. 22. Chapter IX.--The Times of Pilate. 1. The historian already mentioned agrees with the evangelist in regard to the fact that Archelaus [162] succeeded to the government after Herod. He records the manner in which he received the kingdom of the Jews by the will of his father Herod …
1,122 wordsSECTION 36Chapter X.--The High Priests of the Jews under whom Christ taught.
Chapter X.--The High Priests of the Jews under whom Christ taught. 1. It was in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius, [172] according to the evangelist, and in the fourth year of the governorship of Pontius Pilate, [173] while Herod and Lysanias and Philip were ruling the rest of Judea, [174] that our Saviour and Lord, J…
1,311 wordsSECTION 37Chapter XI.--Testimonies in Regard to John the Baptist and Christ.
Chapter XI.--Testimonies in Regard to John the Baptist and Christ. 1. Not long after this John the Baptist was beheaded by the younger Herod, [187] as is stated in the Gospels. [188] Josephus also records the same fact, [189] making mention of Herodias [190] by name, and stating that, although she was the wife of his brother, H…
1,584 wordsSECTION 38Chapter XII.--The Disciples of our Saviour.
Chapter XII.--The Disciples of our Saviour. 1. The names of the apostles of our Saviour are known to every one from the Gospels. [199] But there exists no catalogue of the seventy disciples. [200] Barnabas, indeed, is said to have been one of them, of whom the Acts of the apostles makes mention in various places, [201] and espe…
1,901 wordsSECTION 39Chapter XIII.--Narrative concerning the Prince of the Edessenes.
Chapter XIII.--Narrative concerning the Prince of the Edessenes. 1. The divinity of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ being noised abroad among all men on account of his wonder-working power, he attracted countless numbers from foreign countries lying far away from Judea, who had the hope of being cured of their diseases and of…
2,280 wordsSECTION 40[221] The expression "Son of God" could not be used by a heathen prince as it is used here.
[221] The expression "Son of God" could not be used by a heathen prince as it is used here. [222] Compare John xx. 29. [223] gegraptai, as used by Christ and his disciples, always referred to the Old Testament. The passage quoted here does not occur in the Old Testament; but compare Isa. vi. 9, Jer. v. 21, and Ezek. xii. 2; an…
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Historical text source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. The downloaded text itself records Public Domain.