Eusebius of Caesarea was an early church historian and Bishop of Caesarea in Palestine. He lived from around AD 260 to 339. Eusebius is most well known for his extensive writings on church history, particularly his Ecclesiastical History which chronicles the history of the early Christian church from the apostolic period until his own time. His writings provide invaluable insight into the first few centuries of Christianity.
Some key facts about Eusebius of Caesarea:
- He was born around AD 260 in Palestine.
- He was mentored by Pamphilus, a scholar and martyr, which is why Eusebius is sometimes referred to as Eusebius Pamphili.
- He was elected as Bishop of Caesarea around AD 314.
- He had close connections with the Emperor Constantine and was present at the Council of Nicaea in 325.
- He was a prolific writer, producing apologetic, exegetical, historical, and doctrinal works.
- His most famous work is the Ecclesiastical History, written in ten books between AD 313-323.
- The Ecclesiastical History documents the history of Christianity from the apostolic period up to AD 323, drawing from many sources.
- He also wrote the Life of Constantine, a biography of Constantine the Great.
- Other writings include commentaries on scripture, works against heresies, and theological treatises.
- His writings provide one of the main sources on the early church up to the 4th century.
- He died around AD 339 in Caesarea.
Early Life and Education
Eusebius was born around AD 260, probably in Caesarea, though some sources suggest he was born in Palestine more broadly. He was born into a Christian family and seemed to have a Christian education from a young age. As a young man, Eusebius was mentored by Pamphilus, a scholar and founder of an extensive library at Caesarea containing biblical manuscripts and Christian literature. Pamphilus was a well-respected apologist for orthodox Christianity and defender of the faith against heresies. Under his tutelage, Eusebius was educated in biblical studies, theology, and Christian history and literature. Eusebius later took the surname “Pamphili” meaning “friend of Pamphilus” out of admiration for his late teacher. Pamphilus was martyred in AD 309 during a period of persecution, and Eusebius wrote a biography of him as well as defense of the his mentor’s orthodoxy. This training and education under Pamphilus prepared Eusebius for his future prolific work as a Christian scholar and apologist.
Bishop of Caesarea
In AD 314, Eusebius was elected to serve as Bishop of Caesarea. The position had been left vacant due to the persecutions under Emperor Diocletian. As bishop, Eusebius shepherded the church in Caesarea but also continued his extensive scholarly work. His reputation for learning grew, and he became well known throughout the Christian world. He corresponded and built relationships with prominent figures in the church of his day such as Alexander of Alexandria and Arius, playing a role in the growing theological debates of the early 4th century. When theological controversy erupted that led to Emperor Constantine calling for the Council of Nicaea in 325, Eusebius was invited to attend given his stature. At the Council of Nicaea, Eusebius advocated for the “biblical” position against Arianism but was sympathetic toward Arius himself and reluctant to condemn him. Eusebius’ theology and Christology proved somewhat controversial, and some questioned his full orthodoxy. Still, he was an influential voice at the Council of Nicaea and continued on as Bishop of Caesarea until his death around AD 339.
Relationship with Constantine
A significant aspect of Eusebius’ career was his relationship with the first Christian emperor, Constantine I. Eusebius seems to have become acquainted with Constantine around AD 312. When Constantine defeated Licinius to become the sole emperor of the Roman Empire in 323, Eusebius wrote a panegyric in the emperor’s honor titled Tricennial Orations. This work praised Constantine highly as a godly and victorious emperor. Between this encomium and Constantine’s respect for Eusebius’ learning, a friendship developed between the emperor and the bishop. Eusebius was selected to give the address when Constantine’s completed his tricennial celebrations. This special occasion further cemented the relationship between the two. Eusebius became something of a theological advisor to Constantine, maintaining correspondence and counsel for the emperor. In return, Constantine showed favor to Eusebius, granting funds for churches and theological education in Caesarea and elsewhere. Eusebius clearly admired the emperor, regarding him as divinely appointed. The relationship allowed Eusebius privileged access to the imperial court and contacts throughout the empire as he researched and wrote works of history.
Major Works
Eusebius was an extremely prolific writer across a variety of genres. He composed apologetic, exegetical, historical, and theological works. His three most significant works are his Ecclesiastical History, Chronicle, and Life of Constantine.
Ecclesiastical History
Eusebius’ most famous work is the Ecclesiastical History. This monumental history consists of ten books written between approximately AD 313-323. The first seven cover the history of Christianity from the apostolic period until the early 4th century. The last three are devoted to the 4th century controversies during Eusebius’ own lifetime. For the earliest period of the church, Eusebius had access to a range of Christian writings that no longer survive which he meticulously cites and references. Eusebius sifted carefully through his sources and the manuscript evidence available in the library at Caesarea. While not unbiased, the Ecclesiastical History represents one of the most thorough early histories of the first three centuries of Christianity and remains an invaluable resource.
Chronicle
In his Chronicle, Eusebius created a timeline of world history beginning with Abraham and stretching into the early 4th century. The Chronicle synchronized biblical history, secular rulers, and major world events in chronological order with dates. Though his dating system was imperfect, the Chronicle demonstrated Eusebius’ interests in history, chronology, and harmonizing biblical and secular sources. The work only survives fully in a later Latin translation, though fragments of the original Greek remain.
Life of Constantine
Eusebius also wrote a biography of Constantine the Great around AD 337-339 titled Life of Constantine. This work idolizes the emperor portraying him as a virtuous, divinely chosen, ideal Christian monarch. While biased and exaggerated at points, the Life of Constantine provides a window into Constantine himself and the nature of imperial Christianity in the 4th century. As a friend and confidant of Constantine, Eusebius was in a privileged position to relate details of the emperor’s life and character.
Other Notable Works
Among Eusebius’ many other works are extensive commentaries on the Psalms and Isaiah as well as an influential letter collection. Against Marcellus and Theophania defend orthodox theology concerning the Trinity. Preparation for the Gospel and Proof of the Gospel serve apologetic purposes, arguing for Christianity from historical evidence and pagan philosophical sources. Eusebius was a tireless scholar who contributed volumes of important writings across disciplines to the early Christian church.
Historical Issues and Criticisms
Eusebius is lauded for his groundbreaking history of the early church, but his work is not without its limitations and has elicited criticism. Some key issues historians note regarding Eusebius’ writings include:
- Favors orthodoxy: Eusebius focuses on those he regarded as orthodox and omits or attacks those deemed heretical. His sympathies shape his portrayal of persons and events.
- Use of sources: His use of sources is at places unclear or even misleading. He likely cited some passages incorrectly or out of context.
- Credulity regarding legends: At points he accepts legends and oral traditions uncritically.
- Pro-Constantine bias: His alliance with Constantine results in an exaggeratedly positive portrait in Life of Constantine.
- Anti-Jewish sentiment: He often attacks Jews and portrays events negatively from their perspective.
- Contradictions: There are inconsistencies at points between his major historical works.
While his works have weaknesses, Eusebius remains one of the most important sources available for the early church. Historians recognize both his incredible contributions but also analyze his writings critically.
Death and Legacy
Eusebius died around AD 339 in Caesarea where he served as bishop for over twenty years. A number of succeeding church historians continued recording where Eusebius left off, but few matched his prolific scholarship. His expansive writings were so significant that he was often simply referred to as “the historian of the church.” His works were widely copied and disseminated, greatly influencing many future generations of theologians and historians. Eusebius helped establish a model for ecclesiastical history that would be followed for centuries. He provided invaluable documentation covering the early church up through his own 4th century context. Eusebius’ legacy lives on through his diverse writings which remain a treasure trove of information on early Christianity and the ancient world.