Eusebius: The Church History

by Paul L. Maier (Commentary)

Next to Josephus, Eusebius is the most widely-consulted reference work on the early church. Much of our knowledge of the first three centuries of Christianity--the terrible persecutions, the courageous martyrs, and the theological controversies--come from the writings of this first century historian.

The hardcover edition of this new translation includes more than 150 color photographs, maps, and charts.

Genres: History, Religion, Church History, Christian, Christianity, Classics, Nonfiction

416 pages, Hardcover

Published September 28, 2021

About the author

Paul L. Maier was an American historian and novelist. He wrote several works of scholarly and popular non-fiction about Christianity and novels about Christian historians. He was the Russell H. Seibert Professor of Ancient History at Western Michigan University, from which he retired in 2011, retaining the title of professor emeritus in the Department of History. He previously served as Third Vice President of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.

Reviews

[Mystie Winckler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every year I try to read 5 or so history books, and this year I went back to an early historian to kick things off.

It was good to step out of modern priorities and assumptions with Eusebius. When I finished Rise & Fall of the Third Reich at the end of 2022, I had been appalled at the atrocities of the Nazis; Eusebius' stories of the martyrs, especially right before Constantine in the eastern empire, were even more horrific. His account of the fall of Jerusalem was detailed and passionate, but then those terrors were surpassed by all the martyr throng. By the end, I was ready to shout with Eusebius, "Hooray for Constantine!"

Paul Meier's note at the end about Constantine and modern skepticism about his motives and benefit to the church was on point. Eusebius puts him in context, and he emerges as a sudden, providential scourge to evildoers at a point where it looked like persecution was simply going to go on forever. It didn't look like any reprieve was on the horizon, and then - boom! - Constantine takes the side of the church and goes after administrations that continue persecution against orders.

I'm glad I listened to it, but the reader didn't make any distinction in his reading between Eusebius, Eusebius' extensively quoted sources, and Paul Meier's chapter introductions and footnotes. Therefore, I wasn't always positive who was speaking while I was listening. I would still listen again. Meier's notes were worth the narrator confusion.

[Erik Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A readable translation in modern English. The book includes full color pictures and maps along with very helpful commentary from Paul L. Maier.

[Mike & Brittni Holverson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though it took me over a year to finish (not a speed read by any metric), it was definitely a worthwhile experience and I’m glad I did it.

We Americans are so historically illiterate when it comes to the ancient church. They were not just some ragtag group navigating the post-resurrection world completely rudderless and “trying things out” to see what works. They were organized, establishing hierarchical structures of leadership and authority from the start. Hundreds of years before the Scriptures were finally canonized, the church was so grounded in the truth of the Apostles that confronting heresies was done articulately and confidently. They knew what they believed, and many willingly gave their lives as a result. Eusebius lays out all of this and more.

I appreciated Paul Maier’s footnotes throughout and his commentary after each book. I found that it greatly helped put me, a modern reader, into the mind of Eusebius himself and the historical milieu in which he lived. Not sure I would have made it through without Maier, honestly.

Highly recommend. Not for pleasure, but edifying nonetheless.

- M

[Ethan Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glad I got to read this classic text of Church History. It is a fascinating picture of the first three centuries of the Church through the eyes of Eusebius. There are many early Christian texts (some helping illumine aspects of the NT) that we would have no trace of were it not for Eusebius quoting them at length. I would pay a pretty penny to get access to Eusebius' library! I also give this five stars because this edition from Paul Maier is superb. As someone who has never read Eusebius, Paul Maier offers the ideal edition to read him for the first time. The translation is smooth. The footnotes are great. The historical summaries of each chapter are very helpful. I highly recommend this edition.

[Garrett Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are interested in a careful recounting of church history from the time of the apostles until the middle of the fourth century, this book may be the most complete single source that we have. I found it enlightening and the comments from the translator and author were helpful for understanding.

[James Horgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The earliest attempt at writing a history of the church in the time following the apostles up to the reign of Constantine. Eusebius was bishop of Caesarea in Palestine and close to the Emperor. A work which Christians interested in church history will want to read albeit, for the general reader, more modern summaries of the early church will provide as useful a summary, and one that is more coherent.

Paul Maier has produced a superb and easy to read translation, lightly editing some of the more florid passages of Eusebius. Having read many classics in translation I consider he has succeeded in making this work accessible to a wide audience. He has also provided footnotes explaining context and where Eusebius gets his facts confused.

As for the history, it is the only source for many fascinating historical nuggets. It records the deep bravery of many martyrs facing death, of witnesses being converted on the spot and following their brethren to glory.

The work follows the reigns of the emperors of Rome and passes comment on them, paying particular attention to those who instituted persecutions. The so-called 'good emperors' Antonine Dynasty do not come out well from this analysis.

Admittedly Eusebius' style does not produce the most readable work. He loves his lists of bishops, broad-brush and waffly comments and lacks the precision and specificity of someone like John Foxe. There are, regrettably, numerous historical errors, pointed out by Maier. People with similar names get confused. Dates are muddled. Often the reader is left wishing he could untangle the confusions and know just what happened. That will have to wait until Heaven!

He is also focussed on the Eastern church and there are only occasional sections on the West. It does seem that, under Constantius, the West avoided the worst of the persecutions under Diocletian.

He was a follower of Origen and devotes a chapter to his hero. The work concludes describing Constantine's rise to sole power. He is, in my mind, right to see God at work in this delivering his church from terror to triumph over an Empire that had battled it for three hundred years.

[Jacob Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

"To dismiss the first church historian as a mere triumphalist, however, would it be a callous insensitivity to what Christians endured under persecution in the ancient world... In any case, Eusebius saw this as all a plan for divine Destiny -- in this Saga from Christ to Constantine -- and readers and subsequent centuries caught his vision also." P. 335

Excellent and helpful read. We have much to thank Eusebius for because without him, much history is lost. Yes, perhaps he may have made a few errors along the way. He was by no means the kind of critical historian that we have today, and Maier notes that.

But Maier does a good job highligting Eusebius' excellent work given the limitations of what he had access to as well as the experiences of his time -- which included some extreme forms of persecution.

Some interesting things that I need to study further on this would be particularly around the canon of Scripture. Eusebius is clearly a proponent of the canon and has multiple sources proving that a canon exists in the minds of Christians. Yet not every book is as equally certain in his mind. Revelation and 2 Peter and Esther as well as some apocryphal books are on the edge. While I think overall, Eusebius is an encouraging source as it relates to the canon he can also breed some humility in Protestants who sometimes speak simplistically to the way the canon came to be received by the church.

Additionally, he has a very positive take on Origen. Given his geographical and intellectual debts to Origen, this makes sense. But Origen is portrayed as a man of deep learning and love by Eusebius. I would like to think more on that since many of Origen's teachings are condemned in later councils and so I have a more mixed view of Origen after reading Eusebius that needs more study.

All in all, Maier does some excellent work in translating this for us! He does approach condescending a few times in his tone towards Eusebius and that worried me early on. Especially his freedom to note that you could just skip sections like the speech about Constantine showed a near dismissiveness to work that Eusebius obviously thought important, and he admits that he felt free to remove flowery language.

But those tendencies aside, Maier ended up striking a good balance and overall showing how the work of Eusebius is primarily a gift and should be received as such by us. I am grateful to have read this and it made my faith feel more historic and vibrant to have encountered martyrs like Blandina in it, whom I am eager to meet one day!

[Pig Rieke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I only listened to this one on Hoopla.

In the early 4th century, Eusebius engaged in a monumental work, the first (at least surviving) narrative of church history since Luke wrote Acts. While Eusebius’ work plainly differed in regards to errancy, the volumes proved a valuable record and testimony to over two and a half centuries of Christians experiencing often severe persecution. In God’s providence, Eusebius lived and ministered before and durning Constantine’s reign. Thus, the author is able to offer unique insights into the lives of Christians as they went from a oppressed and marginalized group to a state supported people. Any who take up the work will find some things objectionable either for historical or theological reasons which is why Eusebius’ modern counterpart is of such value, namely Paul Maier.

The book features two church historians for the price of one in that Paul Maier’s commentary and accompanying research, criticism, and support allow the reader a faithful guide as one travels through Eusebius’ narrative. Paul Maier’s assistance in this regard cannot be understated.

[Zack Formby · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute historical banger. I’m shocked I had never really heard about this book in my 25 years as a Christian. Besides a few dull sections, this book gave a fascinating history of the church from Christ to Constantine. The attacks of persecution & heresy from within only bolstered the early church to spread further & deeper.

Eusebius must’ve spent his whole life poring over documents; writing and rewriting, translating, and copying. I think any Christian ought to read this, to know what it was like to be an early Christian, and how our faith spread to where it has eventually reached today.

[Camden Garrett]

Hard to rate this one because it’s Eusebius’s compilation of the first three centuries of church history rather than a novel or exegetical work to really have an opinion on. Fascinating to read the traditions spread about the apostles in the earliest centuries. Sobering to read the accounts of persecution Christians were met with. I appreciated the translator’s comments after each of Eusebius’s books on the reliability and sources used. I still have questions about how reliable Eusebius’s history is. If you find the Roman Empire even remotely fascinating then you will enjoy this book! Just random thoughts!

[Allison Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for Christians!

[Dries Van Den Elzen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I disliked this book very much. Eusebius’ endless martyrdom stories, written in the same formulaic language every time, get very annoying.

What i did like was the contextualization and scholarship of Paul L Maier.

[Bellamy Oughton · Rating 5 out of 5]

An invaluable read for any Christian desiring a better understanding of their roots.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sure, reading a history book like this when you dry it times. He recites primary sources word for word, and lists a lot of names and places.
But make no mistake, this is a unique and essential book, a one-of-a-kind account of the early church that has preserved so much information for us.

Not only does the author tell the story of how the church emerged from a time of persecution to become legal in the Roman empire, but he tells stories of individual Christians, martyrs, and rulers, essentially carrying on the book of Acts for a few centuries further.

Like anyone, he might have biases and blind spots. But he obviously makes a great attempt at accuracy and thoroughness in his coverage of this time period.

If anything, I noticed more of a bias in the modern translator, whose notations reflect a critical attitude toward martyrdom and the supernatural. But his work has made an important historical source accessible to us today.

[Richard Littel · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be fair, to enjoy this book you do have to be interested in the subject. I personally appreciated that unlike many translations of ancient classics I’ve seen, this one was printed in modern font on bright paper making it a far easier read. If you do have interest in early Christian history, it is an excellent work written roughly 1,600 years ago.

[Arnold hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of The following is from the back cover of the book: Eusebius of Caesarea (c .A.D.260-339) wrote ten books that preserve the early history of the brave martyrs, the dauntless defenders of the faith, and even those who renounced their faith in the face of persecution. For decades, however, his crucial work has been shackled to stilted and outdated translations that obscured the rich legacy of the early church.

Renowned historian Dr. Paul I. Maier has created a new dynamic, contemporary English translation that remains faithful to the original Greek text but liberates Eusebius's work from its literary chains, creating an accessible resource for anyone, lay or professional. who is interested in the early history of Christianity.
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I enjoyed reading the early church's history and the knowledge gained from this reading—the persecution and martyrdom of the early Christians. I think this is a good book for all Christians and non-Christians interested in the history of the early church. It is a book that is filled with the history of that era which I found very interesting.

[Michael Kenan Baldwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eusebius of Caesarea is such a fascinating figure. The first ever documentary historian! Our first eye-witness account of the Council of Nicaea & the amazing transformation of the Roman Empire as it officially turned to Christianity under Constantine & moved its capital to Constantinople. Eusebius doesn't only refer to sources but provides long extracts of countless documents, many of which are no longer extant making this book our only source.
Of course his Christology is problematic, yet he's willing to call the Son 'God' & from God's essence (he signed the Nicene creed after all). A surprising theological insight was into the spiritual character of Jesus' anointing and Messiahship, and thus of CHRISTians (anointed ones) who despite their name have never been anointed with oil.
The character who looms largest in Eusebius' church history is Origen, yet the average Christian knows nothing about him; the next such character is Dionysius of Alexander, about which most theologians barely know a thing either! Finally, of course, Eusebius loves a good martyr story, of which there are many here to challenge & inspire.

[John Engelman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The History of the Church from Christ to Constantine by Eusebius is the second great history of Christianity after the New Testament Book of Acts. Much of this book consists of gruesome accounts of Roman persecution of Christians.

This persecution was not constant, but it requires more of an explanation than it is usually given. By the first century of the Christian Era most well educated and prominent Romans had adopted an attitude of polite skepticism about the Greco Roman deities. Mount Olympus had been climbed. Those who made it to the top discovered none of the deities Homer and Hesiod said lived there.

Lucian was a writer in the Greek language who lived from about 125 to 180 A.D. He made a name for himself writing satires that ridiculed the Greco Roman deities. He was not persecuted. He won for himself a brilliant literary career doing what brought many Christians to painful executions.

I suspect lower class bigotry against Christians was constant among many Roman commoners. Some Roman emperors exploited this bigotry. Other Roman emperors suppressed it until Emperor Constantine ended it forever.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an amazing translation of Eusebius’s Church History, by Dr.Paul L. Maier. It begins with Jesus of Nazareth and ends with Constantine the Great. It was fascinating to read the persecutions and triumphs of the early church.
Eusebius was a Bishop of Caesarea in Roman Palestine. He was one of the first church historians. It pretty much starts where the New Testament ends. He was an eyewitness to many of the accounts recorded here. Both the stories of the martyrs and the destructive heretics who troubled the church with distorted doctrines and heresies.
This was so well written that I could pretty easily follow the story although there are a lot of Roman Emperors and I wouldn’t want to take a test on who was in charge when.
I’d like to know how his writings were preserved through the years and when they were found if they were ever lost. A little research of my own yet to do. But this is an engrossing read for anyone wanting to know more church history and it’s colorful personalities
Highly recommend.

[Grayson Zaragoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's an absolutely transporting experience to read the accounts of individuals who were present for such important moments in history. Eusebius documents early church history following Christ's ascension through numerous Christian and secular corroborating sources, as well as his own eye witness accounts as the narrative reaches the timeframe in which he lived. The translation by Maier is clear on what is Eusebius' own writings and which have been added for clarity in the present day. This translation is clear and easily understood with rich context and anecdotes to support a grand story of how Christianity withstood some of its most terrible years of persecution. He also provides historical and political context to further complete the narrative. I encourage every Christian or every person interested in early history to read this. It brings the facts and ancient figures to life and separates reality from legend and myth. Skimmed a few sections since I was reading this for research purposes, but an absolutely fascinating and moving read all the same.

[Jim Gulley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eusebius was the first church historian and chronicled the early church from the apostolic age to Constantine's reign in the early fourth century. His work is scholarly and draws upon primary sources like Imperial edicts, eyewitness accounts, and oral histories. He also cites the secular historian Josephus in his history.

Eusebius paints a vivid picture of the persecution of Christians during the early Patristic Period of the Roman Empire. He provided gruesome details of the manner in which Christians were martyred and the Roman leaders most responsible. Typical of his description of the martyrs is this quote from page 269: “he faced his ordeal and was adorned with the crown of martyrdom.” His descriptions of martyrdom help us understand the nature of the backlash against the lapsed during the lulls in persecution.

His work introduces us to many of the early church fathers like Irenaeus, Origin, and Pamphilus. Eusebius’ “The Church History” is a seminal resource for anyone interested in the history of Christianity.

[MG · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed hearing from the fourth century historian and was curious how he would approach the topic. I felt an apologetic slant to the work with the primary focus being the persecution of Christians with many examples of noble martyrs as well as on a constant battle with new heresies. Eusebius often went for the jugular against some heretics, arguing that they practiced debauchery of every kind. With some, though, the leaders seemed to be able to be open to reason and debate, though these were in the minority. Despite the threat of persecution with each new emperor, the tone is very much "law and order" Christianity, expecting the government to have good character unless they are influenced in evil ways. I wish there was more detail about historical events; most of we get is a quick summary of events with some commentary. Maier's notes were very helpful. If the goal is to learn about early church history, I think there are better sources.

[LMS · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic translation. It’s much more enjoyable with Paul Maier walking with you along the way, editing where needed, footnoting and correcting historical inaccuracies and explaining things, and the end of chapter summaries were immensely helpful.

Eusebius writes with fervor about the early church, recent history to him, and I found his takes on historical events to be quite compelling. Particularly I appreciated his passionate retelling of the stories of the martyrs, and how they were always “achieving the crown” instead of “dying.” There is a real tenderness to it, especially in book 8 where he describes martyrdom to which he was an eyewitness. This personal historical record is a very valuable part of our Christian legacy.

This is also one of those rare books for school that I was required to read all the way through, so it can finally count towards my 2023 reading challenge!

[Éowyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eusebius: the church history

If I had to select a book that every Christian must read besides the Bible, this would be the one. From the death of Christ to the reign of Constantine, Eusebius retells the formation of the Church in detail. Little did I know how dark Rome was before the light of Christ shone through that great man, our first Christian emperor.

Favourites: I loved how the swing between revival and oppression so obviously corresponded with unity and schisms. Many divisions and cults are explained and harshly refuted, and it was a great comfort for an ignorant person like me to know that the Church has weathered darker storms.
Another tidbit I really enjoyed was the emphasis that good historian put on prayer, saying that when Christians stopped praying for the pagan emperors, things went ill with the empire. Prayer, according to this history, is of the utmost importance in our lives.

Readers, read and be edified.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book. I wish I would have read this book many years before. It gives so much insight to the apostles and their martyrdom. It explains the church history up until Constantine. It also touches on the creation of the Scriptural canon. I also found it interesting that many of the heretical teachings that invade the Church today were present even in the earliest centuries after the life of Christ. Truly nothing is new under the sun. Finally, this book is humbling, reading stories of how the Church suffered and many were martyred in the most horrific ways. I walk away with a deep appreciation and thankfulness for those before us in the Church who deeply and truly loved our Lord and Savior putting their faith in Him dying to share His Testimony.

Final note: Dr. Paul Maier gives very helpful notes and commentary in this edition. I hope to own my own copy soon.

[BigGuyJawny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eusebius takes the reader on a survey of the battles, victories, and sufferings of Christ’s children - showing us how God sustained the martyrs, maintained theological purity, and secured a safe future for all Christ-worshippers in the first 300 years of the Church’s existence.

Five Reasons Why I Gave it Five Stars:
+ The chapter on Constantine’s defeating the last Roman persecutor of Christians is a tremendous insight into the importance of his reign for Christianity.
+ Eusebius’ combination of intimate passion for the subject and surprising level of accuracy is great.
+ Paul Maier’s edition is helpful, with concise commentary and good supporting visuals.
+ This book makes you appreciate the wonderful sacrifice of God’s people.
+ Christian historiography hinges on this work, its value to Christian history buffs is enormous.

[Andrew Hoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for everyone interested in church history. Eusebius masterfully recounts of the drama of Church leaders and martyrs, Church persecutors and heretics in the early church. Under constant threat from without and within, the Church persevered through many trials by God's good grace. While Eusebius may be a bit hyperbolic and hagiographic at times, he provides vivid accounts and compelling insights into many events that he recounts.

While large portions of his book are compilations of historical accounts that were extant in his time, it is a great blessing since they otherwise would not be available today.

*This translation is particularly accessible and loaded with helpful notes, maps, and images.

[Elizabeth Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic edition of a classic church history text! Paul Maier has done a tremendous job of both translating and editing this volume, making it so readable and accessible to even the non-academic person who might be curious about the first few centuries of Christianity. His notes and end-of-chapter commentaries are invaluable additions to the text, as there are some errors in names and dates, along with other reports that are likely less than factual. Plus there's full-page color pictures and maps, which greatly add to the content. Definitely a must-read for anyone interested in early Christianity and church history!

[Jeremiah Batson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eusebius was the first systematic Church Historian. "Church History" was likely published around 325 A.D. and covers the history of Christians from Christ himself to the reign of Emperor Constatine the Great. Eusebius is invaluable as a resource both, as one who faithfully quoted and credited older sources and provided eyewitness accounts under the Great Persecution propagated by Romans Emperors such as Diocletian and Maximinun. Paul L. Maier's translation is superb, making Eusebius's Greek intelligible to modern English readers. His commentary is also helpful and much needed for English-speakers that are two thousand to 1700 years removed from the events in question.

[Richard Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an important work on the history of the early church. There is some valuable information here that isn't available from any other source, but Eusebius has many axes to grind and a lot of space is taken up with endless lists of bishops, persecutions followed by more persecutions, and many many fights against long forgotten heresies. It gets a bit tiresome. There is interesting information about the apostles and early church fathers and about the coming together of the canonical books of the New Testament, though much of it isn't entirely accurate. I wish there had been more about the personalities of the people and the parts of their lives outside of the church. And I would have liked to know more about the development of church rituals.