Ecclesiastical History, Vol 1: Books 1-5

Greek Fathers #6

by Eusebius, Kirsopp Lake (translator)

Eusebius of Caesarea, ca. 260-340 CE, born in Palestine, was a student of the presbyter Pamphilus whom he loyally supported during Diocletian's persecution. He was himself imprisoned in Egypt, but became Bishop of Caesarea about 314. At the Council of Nicaea in 325 he sat by the emperor, led a party of moderates, and made the first draft of the famous creed. Of Eusebius's many learned publications we have Martyrs of Palestine; Life of Constantine; several apologetic & polemic works; parts of his commentaries on the Psalms & Isaiah; & the Chronographia, known chiefly in Armenian & Syriac versions of the original Greek. But his chief fame rests on the History of the Christian Church in ten books published in 324-325, the most important ecclesiastical history of ancient times, a treasury of knowledge about the early Church.

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

592 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 324

About the author

Eusebius of Caesarea (c. AD 263 – 339) also called Eusebius Pamphili, was a Roman historian, exegete and Christian polemicist. He became the Bishop of Caesarea in Palestine about the year 314. Together with Pamphilus, he was a scholar of the Biblical canon. He wrote Demonstrations of the Gospel, Preparations for the Gospel, and On Discrepancies between the Gospels, studies of the Biblical text. As "Father of Church History" he produced the Ecclesiastical History, On the Life of Pamphilus, the Chronicle and On the Martyrs.

Information is from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eusebius...

Reviews

[The Esoteric Jungle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of really good information about early Christianity is contained in this including their early migration to Pella in the first persecution even before Nero. We have, nearby Pella, lately uncovered the earliest Christian Church known to archeology (Dura Europa, which seems to have been an eclectic of many culture’s religious traditions concentrated and shows a picture of Mary Magdalene), in confirmation of this work.

This writing shows there were 7 (truly 9) waves of persecution against the Eclectic People of the Way and their Seers (“Esoteric Christianity”) before it became it’s reverse from 320 AD to present.

By it’s reverse I am referring, of course, to Constantinian, Exoteric Christianity that kicks out both the Lion and the innocent dove in one and replaces them with the passive victim bird and the sadist ‘teach you a lessonism’ wolf - but that is another story.

This book is the story of Christianity before it became that.

It is not written by a self initiated one into the Way of esoteric Christianity so it is of limited value, but still very helpful for unravelling just what really happened back then.

[Tom Bradford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this book five stars for content, but I confess it's a difficult read at times. The language is antiquated, Eusebius made assumptions about what we would know (meaning at times understanding his writing requires context he didn't include). To help, I did a summary podcast series on this 450 page whopper. I tried to embed the player for your convenience, but it didn't work, so here is the link, if you'd like to listen. My summary is both entertaining and packed with revelation:

https://www.thebookmatrix.com/2020/01...

[Jason Farley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read, now I'm diving back in to prepare for my talk on Polycarp.

[Kristie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. Eye-opening from a theological perspective.

[Dagmara R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is written by the master Christian historian. An indispensable reference book for any history buff.
Simply excellent!