Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series • VOLUME 4
Athanasius — Select Works and Letters
SECTION 1
A SELECT LIBRARY
Title: NPNF2-04. Athanasius: Select Works and Letters Creator(s): Athanasius Schaff, Philip (1819-1893) (Editor) Print Basis: New York: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1892 Rights: Public Domain CCEL Subjects: All; Proofed; Early Church; LC Call no: BR60 LC Subjects: Christianity Early Christian Literature. Fathers of the…
2,194 wordsSECTION 2Prolegomena.
Prolegomena. ------------------------ Chapter I. Literature §1. Editions, &c. (A) Before 1601 only Latin translations. The first, at Vicenza, 1482, completed by Barnabas Celsanus after the death of the translator Omnibonus of Lonigo; dedicated to Paul II. Contained a few works only, viz. the two books c. Gentes,' the letter …
2,344 wordsSECTION 3Chapter II.
§5. History of Doctrine. For ancient sources see articles Heresiology and Person of Christ in D.C.B., vols. iii., iv. The modern classics are the works of Petavius, de Trinitate (in vols. ii. and iii. of his De dogmat. Theol.) of Thomassinus, Dogmata Theologica, and of Bull, Defensio fidei Nicænæ (maintaining against Petav. the …
2,274 wordsSECTION 4It is doubtful whether the outbreak of the Arian controversy at Alexandria was directly connected with the previous Christological controver
It is doubtful whether the outbreak of the Arian controversy at Alexandria was directly connected with the previous Christological controversies in the same Church. The great Dionysius some half-century before had been involved in controversy with members of his Church both in Alexandria and in the suffragan dioceses of Libya (i…
2,225 wordsSECTION 5The test formula of Nicæa was the work of two concurrent influences, that of the anti-Origenists of the East, especially Marcellus of Ancyra
The test formula of Nicæa was the work of two concurrent influences, that of the anti-Origenists of the East, especially Marcellus of Ancyra, Eustathius of Antioch, supported by Macarius of Ælia,' Hellanicus of Tripolis, and Asclepas of Gaza, and that of the Western bishops, especially Hosius of Cordova. The latter fact explains…
2,406 wordsSECTION 6Five months after the conclusion of the negotiations, Alexander having now died, the flame of schism broke out afresh (infr. p. 131. Montfau
Five months after the conclusion of the negotiations, Alexander having now died, the flame of schism broke out afresh (infr. p. 131. Montfaucon, in Migne xxv. p. lvii., shews conclusively that the above is the meaning of the menas pente.) On his death-bed, Alexander called for Athanasius. He was away from Alexandria, but the oth…
2,357 wordsSECTION 7We now turn to the Apostles. Here a few brief remarks must suffice. (A suggestive summary in Sanday, What the first Christians thought about
We now turn to the Apostles. Here a few brief remarks must suffice. (A suggestive summary in Sanday, What the first Christians thought about Christ,' Oxford House Papers, First Series.) That S. Paul's summary of the Gospel (1 Cor. xv. 3 sqq.) is given by him as common ground between himself and the older Apostles follows strictl…
2,429 wordsSECTION 8We must now glance at the important period of developed Catholicism marked especially by the names of Irenæus, Tertullian, and Clement, the
We must now glance at the important period of developed Catholicism marked especially by the names of Irenæus, Tertullian, and Clement, the period of a consolidated organisation, a (relatively) fixed Canon of the New Testament, and a catholic rule of faith (see above, and Lumby, Creeds, ch. i.; Heurtley, Harmonia Symbolica, i.-v…
2,507 wordsSECTION 9What account then does Origen give of the beginning and the end of the great Drama of existence? He starts from the end, which is the more c
What account then does Origen give of the beginning and the end of the great Drama of existence? He starts from the end, which is the more clearly revealed; God shall be all in all.' But the end must be like the beginning;' One is the end of all, One is the beginning. From 1 Cor. xv. he works back to Romans viii.: the one is his…
2,236 wordsSECTION 10The Origenist bishops of Syria and Asia Minor had in the years 269-272, after several efforts, succeeded in deposing Paul of Samosata from t
The Origenist bishops of Syria and Asia Minor had in the years 269-272, after several efforts, succeeded in deposing Paul of Samosata from the See of Antioch. This remarkable man was the ablest pre-Nicene representative of Adoptionist Monarchianism. The Man Jesus was inhabited by the Word,' i.e. by an impersonal power of God, di…
2,519 wordsSECTION 11Arianism stepped in with a summary answer. God is one, numerically and absolutely. He is beyond the ken of any created intelligence. Even cr
Arianism stepped in with a summary answer. God is one, numerically and absolutely. He is beyond the ken of any created intelligence. Even creation is too close a relation for Him to enter into with the world. In order to create, he must create an instrument (pp. 360 sqq.), intermediate between Himself and all else. This instrume…
2,554 wordsSECTION 12This brings us to the question in what sense ousia is used in the Nicene definition. We must remember the strong Western and anti-Origenist
This brings us to the question in what sense ousia is used in the Nicene definition. We must remember the strong Western and anti-Origenist influence which prevailed in the council (above, p. xvii.), and the use of hupostasis and ousia as convertible terms in the anathematism (see Excursus A, pp. 77, sqq. below). Now going back …
2,434 wordsSECTION 13(c) Materials for Reaction.
(c) Materials for Reaction. The victory of Nicæa was rather a surprise than a solid conquest. As it was not the spontaneous and deliberate purpose of the bishops present, but a revolution which a minority had forced through by sheer strength of clearer Christian thought, a reaction was inevitable as soon as the half-convinced c…
2,652 wordsSECTION 14What strikes one throughout the scheme is the intense difficulty caused to Marcellus by the unsolved problem which underlies the whole theol
What strikes one throughout the scheme is the intense difficulty caused to Marcellus by the unsolved problem which underlies the whole theology of the Nicene leaders, the problem of personality. The Manhood of Christ was to Marcellus per se non-personal. The seat of its personality was the indwelling Logos. But in what sense was…
2,207 wordsSECTION 15[33] , pp. 185 to 193, and his notes and excursus embodied in this volume, especially that appended to Epist. Euseb. p. 77; Zahn's Marcellus
[33] , pp. 185 to 193, and his notes and excursus embodied in this volume, especially that appended to Epist. Euseb. p. 77; Zahn's Marcellus, pp. 11-27 (also p. 87), perhaps the best modern discussion; Harnack ii. pp. 228-230, and note 3; Loofs §§32-34; Shedd i. 362-372; and the Introduction to the Tomus and ad Afros in this vol…
2,511 wordsSECTION 16According to the Apology of Athanasius, all this took place some time before the council of Tyre; we cannot fix the date, except that it mus
According to the Apology of Athanasius, all this took place some time before the council of Tyre; we cannot fix the date, except that it must have come after the Easter of 332 (see above). It appears most natural, from the language of Apol. Ar. 71, to fix the exposure of Arsenius not very long before the summoning of the council…
2,398 wordsSECTION 17Of the sojourn of Athanasius at Treveri, the noble home of the Emperors on the banks of the Mosel, we know few details, but his presence the
Of the sojourn of Athanasius at Treveri, the noble home of the Emperors on the banks of the Mosel, we know few details, but his presence there appeals to the historic imagination. (See D.C.B. i. 186a.) He cannot have been there much above a year. He kept the Easter festival, probably of 336, certainly of 337, in the still unfini…
2,207 wordsSECTION 18All was now ready for the blow at Athanasius. It fell in Lent (pp. 94, 503). His position since the arrival of Philagrius had been one of un
All was now ready for the blow at Athanasius. It fell in Lent (pp. 94, 503). His position since the arrival of Philagrius had been one of unrest. In this year again,' says our annalist, there were many tumults. On the xxii Phamenoth (i.e. Sunday, Mar. 18, 339) he was sought after by his persecutors in the night. On the next morn…
2,218 wordsSECTION 19(3.) Athanasius remained in Rome more than three years after his departure from Alexandria (April, 339-May? 342, see p. 239). During the las
(3.) Athanasius remained in Rome more than three years after his departure from Alexandria (April, 339-May? 342, see p. 239). During the last of these years, the dispute connected with him had been referred by Julius to Constans, who had requested his brother to send some Oriental bishops with a statement of their case: this was…
2,218 wordsSECTION 20[54] But they complain, p. 104, §8, of coercion not of Erastianism.
[54] But they complain, p. 104, §8, of coercion not of Erastianism. [55] The ordinary time for the entry of the Prefect upon his duties seems to have been about the end of the Egyptian Year (end of August). Accordingly the prefectures and years in Fest. Ind. roughly correspond: Philagrius was already Prefect when the Mareotic C…
2,349 wordsSECTION 21Accordingly the murder of Constans in 350 was the harbinger of renewed religious discord. For a time the political future was doubtful. Magn
Accordingly the murder of Constans in 350 was the harbinger of renewed religious discord. For a time the political future was doubtful. Magnentius, knowing what Athanasius had to fear from Constantius, made a bid for the support of Egypt. Clementius and Valens, two members of a deputation to Constantius, came round by way of Egy…
2,419 wordsSECTION 22Meanwhile in Alexandria disorders had continued. The duke' appears to have been either unable for a time, or to have thought it needless, to
Meanwhile in Alexandria disorders had continued. The duke' appears to have been either unable for a time, or to have thought it needless, to take possession of the churches; but we hear of a violent dispersion of worshippers from the neighbourhood of the cemetery on Easter Day (p. 249, cf. the Virgins after Syrianus but before H…
2,344 wordsSECTION 23The difficulty was to find a formula. The test of Nicæa could not be superseded without putting something in its place, which should include
The difficulty was to find a formula. The test of Nicæa could not be superseded without putting something in its place, which should include Arianism as effectually as the other had excluded it. Such a test was eventually (after 357) found in the word homoios [76] . It was a word with a good Catholic history. We find it used fre…
2,681 wordsSECTION 24The lack of inner cohesion in the Homoean ranks was exemplified at the start in the election of a new bishop for Antioch. Eudoxius had vacat
The lack of inner cohesion in the Homoean ranks was exemplified at the start in the election of a new bishop for Antioch. Eudoxius had vacated the see for that of New Rome; Anianus, the nominee of the Homoeusian majority of Seleucia, was out of the question; accordingly at a Council in 361 the Acacians fixed upon Meletius, who h…
2,275 wordsSECTION 25[77] Apparently it began with the quarrel over the election to the bishopric of Antioch, which Eudoxius managed to seize after the death of
[77] Apparently it began with the quarrel over the election to the bishopric of Antioch, which Eudoxius managed to seize after the death of Leontius. George was aggrieved at his rights as an elector being ignored, and may have had hopes of the see for himself. See Soz. iv. 13; but Philost. iv. 5 with much less likelihood puts th…
2,420 wordsSECTION 26Athanasius entered Alexandria secretly and made his way by way of Hierapolis (Sept. 6, Fest. Ind.) to Jovian at Edessa, and returned with hi
Athanasius entered Alexandria secretly and made his way by way of Hierapolis (Sept. 6, Fest. Ind.) to Jovian at Edessa, and returned with him (apparently) to Antioch. On Feb. 14 (or 20, Fest. Index) he returned to Alexandria with imperial letters and took possession of the churches, his fourth exile having lasted fifteen months …
2,207 wordsSECTION 27On Sept. 22, 368, Athanasius began to build a Church in the quarter Mendidium' (perhaps in commemoration of his completion of the 40th year
On Sept. 22, 368, Athanasius began to build a Church in the quarter Mendidium' (perhaps in commemoration of his completion of the 40th year of his Episcopate, see Hist. Aceph. xii.), which was dedicated Aug. 7, 370, and called after his own name. In 368 or the following year we place the Synod at which Athanasius drew up his le…
1,346 wordsSECTION 28Chapter III.
Chapter III. Writings and Personal Characteristics of S. Athanasius §1. It will be attempted to give a complete list of his writings in chronological order; those included in this volume will be marked with an asterisk and enumerated in this place without remark. The figures prefixed indicate the probable date. (1) 318: *Two …
2,249 wordsSECTION 29(47) Fragmenta in Psalmos. Published by Felckmann from the Catena of Nicetas Heracleota, who has used his materials somewhat freely, often c
(47) Fragmenta in Psalmos. Published by Felckmann from the Catena of Nicetas Heracleota, who has used his materials somewhat freely, often combining the comments of more than one Father into a single whole. (48) De Titulis Psalmorum. First published by Antonelli in 1746. This work, consisting of very brief notes on the Psalter …
2,311 wordsSECTION 30Chapter IV.
Like most men of great power, he had a real sense of humour (Stanley, p. 231, sq., ed. 1883). Even in his youthful works we trace it (infr. p. 2), and it is always present, though very rarely employed with purpose. But the exposure of the Arsenius calumny at Tyre, the smile with which he answered the importunate catechising of a…
2,267 wordsSECTION 31Now Athanasius does not totally ignore any one of these conceptions, unless it be that of a transaction with the devil, which he scarcely to
Now Athanasius does not totally ignore any one of these conceptions, unless it be that of a transaction with the devil, which he scarcely touches even in Orat. ii. 52 (see note there). Of the forensic view he is indeed almost clear. His reference to the debt' (to opheilomenon, Incar. 20, Orat. ii. 66) which had to be paid is con…
2,562 wordsSECTION 32That God is beyond all essence huperekeina pases ousias (c. Gent. 2. 2, 40. 2, 35. I genetes ousias) is a thought common to Origen and the P
That God is beyond all essence huperekeina pases ousias (c. Gent. 2. 2, 40. 2, 35. I genetes ousias) is a thought common to Origen and the Platonists, but adopted by Athanasius with a difference, marked by the addition of genetes. That God created all things out of pure bounty of being (c. Gent. §2. 2, §41. 2, de Incarn. §3. 3, …
2,323 wordsSECTION 33(a) Synods. Synods as a part of the machinery of the Church grew up spontaneously. The meeting of the Apostles and Elders' at Jerusalem (Act
(a) Synods. Synods as a part of the machinery of the Church grew up spontaneously. The meeting of the Apostles and Elders' at Jerusalem (Acts xv.) exemplifies the only way in which a practical resolution on a matter affecting a number of persons with independent rights can possibly be arrived at, viz., by mutual discussion and a…
2,594 wordsSECTION 34Lastly, it must again be insisted that in his polemic against Arianism Athanasius is centrally soteriological. It is unnecessary to collect
Lastly, it must again be insisted that in his polemic against Arianism Athanasius is centrally soteriological. It is unnecessary to collect passages in support of what will be fully appreciated only after a thorough study of the controversial treatises. The essence of his position is comprised in his paraphrase of St. Peter's ad…
2,202 wordsSECTION 35Chapter V.
On the Christian ministry again there is little direct teaching. The ordinations by the presbyter Colluthus (Apol. Ar. 11, 12) are treated as null. The letter (49) to Dracontius contains vigorous and beautiful passages on the responsibility of the Ministry. On the principles of Christian conduct there is much to be gathered from…
2,333 wordsSECTION 36(d) Council of Sardica and death of Gregory. The confusion into which the whole chronology of the surrounding events was thrown by the suppo
(d) Council of Sardica and death of Gregory. The confusion into which the whole chronology of the surrounding events was thrown by the supposition (which was naturally taken without question upon the authority of Socrates and Sozomen) that the Sardican council met in 347, is reflected in the careful digest of opinions made by Ne…
2,311 wordsSECTION 37(k) Exile under Valens. The date of this is discussed by Tillem. (note 96) and Montf. Vit. who, on the unstable basis of a computation of Th
(k) Exile under Valens. The date of this is discussed by Tillem. (note 96) and Montf. Vit. who, on the unstable basis of a computation of Theophanes (about 800 a.d.) and of the vague and loose sequences of events in Socr. and Sozom., tentatively refer the exile to the year 367. The only show of solid support for this date was th…
831 wordsSECTION 38Letter of Alexander of Alexandria to his namesake of Byzantium.
Letter of Alexander of Alexandria to his namesake of Byzantium. Sept. 18. Final defeat of Licinius. Constantine sole Emperor. 324. First intervention of Constantine in Arian question. Hosius at Alexandria. Council there. 325. Summer. Council of NicÆA. 327. November Entire Meletian Episcopate collected at Alexandria, a…
708 wordsSECTION 39Council of Lampsacus.
Council of Lampsacus. 365. Spring. Valens at Antioch. Renewal of Arian persecutions. May 5. Rescript arrives at Alexandria for expulsion of Athanasius. Oct. 5. Athanasius retires to his country house. Sep. 28. Revolt of Procopius at CP. 366. Feb. 1. Athanasius officially restored. May 21. Defeat of Procopius. July…
1,993 wordsSECTION 40Introduction to the Treatise
Introduction to the Treatise Contra Gentes ------------------------ This treatise and that which follows it form in reality two parts of a single work. Jerome (De Script. Eccl.) refers to them as Adversus Gentes Libri Duo.' They are, however, more commonly distinguished by the titles given them in the present volume. Both boo…
1,390 wordsPage 1 of 8Next →
Source & rights
Historical text source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. The downloaded text itself records Public Domain.