The Father of Church History: Eusebius
Eusebius: 'The Father of Church History'
Eusebius is known as the 'father of church history' because of his historical accounts of
the formation of early Christendom. Born in Caesarea around 260c.e., he was mentored by Pamphilus,
who had been a student of theologian and christian academy founder, Origen. Eusebius became bishop
of Caesarea and was a signer of the Nicean Creed. As an admirer and self professed confidant of
Constantine, his historical works in The History of the Church reflect his adoration for the Emperor.
Some scholars have questioned whether or not Eusebius exaggerated his relationship with Constantine;
however, one fact remains virtually undisputed: Eusebius' contribution by way of his recording of
historical documents has provided a wealth of information regarding the formation of the early
Christian Church in the Roman Empire.
The History of the Church is the historical record of the church's first 300 years consisting of ten
'books' or sections that begin at the life of Christ and end at the rule of Constantine. Sections eight and
nine focus on the persecution of the church as well as ancient memorandum, edicts, and first hand
accounts of fourth century life for Christian's under Roman rule. Eusebius felt it his duty to document
these events in a scholarly manor for the sake of historical preservation; he penned, “...it is surely a
matter of the highest importance that for the enlightenment of future generations I should set down the
events of my own day, calling as they do for a most careful record ” (256).
Spring 322, Diocletian is in power for nearly two decades; Christians are preparing for Easter
celebrations. Eusebius records
Eusebius is known as the 'father of church history' because of his historical accounts of
the formation of early Christendom. Born in Caesarea around 260c.e., he was mentored by Pamphilus,
who had been a student of theologian and christian academy founder, Origen. Eusebius became bishop
of Caesarea and was a signer of the Nicean Creed. As an admirer and self professed confidant of
Constantine, his historical works in The History of the Church reflect his adoration for the Emperor.
Some scholars have questioned whether or not Eusebius exaggerated his relationship with Constantine;
however, one fact remains virtually undisputed: Eusebius' contribution by way of his recording of
historical documents has provided a wealth of information regarding the formation of the early
Christian Church in the Roman Empire.
The History of the Church is the historical record of the church's first 300 years consisting of ten
'books' or sections that begin at the life of Christ and end at the rule of Constantine. Sections eight and
nine focus on the persecution of the church as well as ancient memorandum, edicts, and first hand
accounts of fourth century life for Christian's under Roman rule. Eusebius felt it his duty to document
these events in a scholarly manor for the sake of historical preservation; he penned, “...it is surely a
matter of the highest importance that for the enlightenment of future generations I should set down the
events of my own day, calling as they do for a most careful record ” (256).
Spring 322, Diocletian is in power for nearly two decades; Christians are preparing for Easter
celebrations. Eusebius records
Cited: Eusebius. The History of the Christian Church from Christ to Constantine Trans. G.A. Williamson London: Penguin, 1965. Louth, Andrew. Introduction. Eusebius ' Life. London: Penguin, 1989. GRADE 87%